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

An post-war civil M.B.E. group of four to W. R. Harrison, late Sergeant Drummer, Scots Guards

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; 1914-15 Star (5413 Sjt., S. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (95413 Sjt., S. Gds.) good very fine and better (4) £140-180

M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1951. William Reginald Harrison Esq., Senior Executive Officer, Ministry of Supply.

William Reginald Harrison was born in London and attested for service in the Scots Guards in 1904, aged 14 years. A note with his records states that his ‘father was bandsman in Scots Guards. 5 years ago transferred to a line regiment. Shortly after absconded with money trusted to him and has not been heard of since’. With the Scots Guards Harrison entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 4 September 1915 but was discharged as medically unfit (Trench Nephritis) on 8 November 1917, for which he was awarded the Silver War Badge. A copied letter of recommendation dated 1918 reads, ‘William R. Harrison served in the Scots Guards from 6th May 1904 to 8th November 1917 and for the last three years and three months of his service held the appointment of Sergeant Drummer. He is fully qualified to instruct boys in music and to maintain discipline. He is in possession of a certificate and medalion for proficiency in Life Saving and has passed an Ambulance Class Test.’ Sold with copied research details.