Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Civil Division’ B.E.M. awarded to Boatswain W. Humphries, S.S. Mauretania; he had earlier rendered assistance to Eamon de Valera and helped smuggle him from New York to Liverpool on board the S.S. Celtic

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (William Humphries) good very fine £200-£240

B.E.M. London Gazette 3 January 1945: ‘Boatswain, S.S. Mauretania (Cunard White Star Ltd.)’

M.I.D. London Gazette 25 August 1942.

William Humphries was employed initially by the White Star Line, and rendered particular assistance to Eamon de Valera on board the Celtic, in which ship he was smuggled from New York to Liverpool, and thence to Dublin - his exploits are mentioned specifically in the book ‘Four Glorious Years’ by David Hogan.

Sold with original M.I.D. certificate; Cunard letter of congratulations on the award of the B.E.M. and investiture ticket; a photographic image of the recipient outside Buckingham Palace having received his B.E.M.; two copied letters from Eamon de Valera; and other research.