Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Coronation Honours B.E.M. group of five to Warrant Officer Class 2 D. Comrie, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (2979203 W./O. Cl.2, A. & S.H.); Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (2979203 Sgt., A. & S.H.); Army L.S.& G.C., G.VI.R., Regular Army (2979203 Sjt., A. & S.H.) minor contact marks, very fine and better (5) £180-220

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 June 1953. The original recommendation states:

‘In February 1951 as a result of non-availability of a relief for an officer S.S.M. Comrie took over command of Division I of this Office (Records Office, Nigeria District, Lagos, Nigeria), a post which is regarded in all Record Offices as requiring a very high degree of initiative and administrative ability. The work for which he is responsible includes the detailed control of postings and promotions in the 60 units in the District, the ministering and distribution of tradesmen in 94 trades, the control of potential tradesmen and filling trade course vacancies, and the maintenance and production of all African statistical information and related returns. He has been untiring in his efforts to improve the efficiency of his Division, and as a result of extremely hard work and the exercise of initiative far beyond that to be expected of his rank, he has organised his command to an extent where it is vastly more efficient than when it was commanded by an Officer, and has himself acquired a knowledge of procedures which is a great asset to the District. Whilst carrying out these clerical duties he has always maintained a correct and soldierly bearing, and although he has suffered misfortunes in his private life, he has never let the slightest reflection of these troubles appear in his work. His wholehearted absorption in his work and the ability and high sense of responsibility which he has displayed have been far beyond the call of duty, and his service and example are worthy of recognition.’