Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Medal of the Order of the British Empire awarded to J. H. Brelsford, a munitions worker who was decorated for his gallant rescue work following the disastrous explosion at Ashton-under-Lyne in June 1917

Medal of the Order of the British Empire (Civil) (J. H. Brelsford, April 20th 1918), privately engraved naming, in its John Pinches fitted case of issue, together with a related Oldham & District Master Bakers’ & Confectioners’ Association Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, the reverse engraved, ‘J. H. Brelsford’, complete with neck cravat bearing a silver-gilt clasp engraved, ‘Past President 1934-1935’, in its Whittakers, Oldham fitted case of issue, good very fine (2) £180-220

Medal of the Order of the British Empire London Gazette 8 January 1918:

‘For courage in assisting, though severely injured, to rescue fellow workers and to extinguish a fire that resulted in a very serious explosion.’

The following article appeared in the Oldham Evening Standard on 22 April 1918:

‘An oldhamer who distinguished himself by a plucky attempt to rescue his fellow workers on the occasion of the disastrous explosion at a munitions works in Ashton-under-Lyne, when many lives were lost, received a decoration for his gallantry on Saturday. He is Mr. J. H. Brelsford, and he lives at 78 Fisher Street, in the town, and is at present employed at the Glen Mill. The award made to Mr. Brelsford is that of the Medal of the Order of the British Empire and it was presented to him on Saturday by the Lord Lieutenant of the County (Lord Shuttleworth) acting for H.M. the King. The presentation took place at Preston in the presence of a distinguished company. At the same time other medals - the Edward Medal, the King’s Police Medal, etc. - were also presented by his Lordship. Among those who witnessed the ceremony were the Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham (Councillor and Mrs. Buckley) and the Mayor of Ashton.’

Sold with an old portrait photograph depicting the recipient in military uniform.