Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

An extremely rare Second World War P.O.W’s M.B.E., fall of Singapore M.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 L. W. D. Bradstreet, Royal Artillery

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1060988 W.O. Cl. 2 L. W. Bradstreet, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine and better (5) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the collection of Angela and the late Douglas Bertram.

View
Collection

M.B.E. London Gazette 12 September 1946:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services while prisoners of war.’

M.M. London Gazette 1 August 1946:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya in 1942.’

The original recommendation - for a D.C.M. - states:

‘This Warrant Officer showed a consistently high standard of courage and devotion to duty throughout the campaign [in Malaya 8 December 1941 to 15 February 1942], and has been highly praised by all officers in his Battery.

On numerous occasions when under fire from the enemy and during aerial bombing attacks, his conduct has been a fine example to all ranks.

To quote two instances, on 9 February when a position at Jurong [on Singapore island] was under constant fire from artillery and infantry, as well as subjection to air attacks, Bradstreet maintained the supply of ammunition, etc., and with total disregard for his own safety, instilled the same spirit into the men.

Again on 14 February 1942 [the day before Singapore fell] he and a party loaded 4000 rounds of 25-pounder ammunition on to lorries while under S.A. mortar and artillery fire.

His complete disregard for enemy fire set a fine example to his men and enabled the supply of ammunition to be maintained at a very critical period.’

Lionel Walter David Bradstreet was serving in 137th (A.) Field Regiment, R.A., part of 11 Indian Division, 111 Indian Corps, at the time of the above related deeds.