Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An O.B.E. group of five to Lieutenant J. M. Mackenzie, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Scottish Rugby International 1909-11 and President of the Scottish Rugby Union 1948-49

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut., R.N.V.R.); Defence; Coronation 1953, mounted as worn, good very fine (5) £320-360

James Moir Mackenzie was born in Sunderland on 17 October 1886 and educated at Fettes College and Edinburgh University. In his youth he gained prominence as a Rugby Union forward, firstly with Fettes College and Edinburgh University and then with the Scottish national team, winning eleven caps for Scotland during the years 1909-11. His interest in the game was lifelong and he was President of the Scottish Rugby Union during 1948-49. Pre-war he was employed as a writer to the Signet. During the Great War he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, becoming a Temporary Sub-Lieutenant in 1914, Temporary Lieutenant in January 1915, Sub-Lieutenant in March 1916 and Lieutenant in February 1917. With the R.N.V.R. he served the Harwich Destroyer Force and took part in the Zeebrugge-Ostend Raid. Post war he was with the Federation of British Industry and was in charge its overseas work and worked especially to improve and expand the trade within the Commonwealth of Nations. Latterly he was Deputy Director of the Federation. During the Second World War he was a member of the British Government Purchasing Mission to Canada. For his services to industry he was created an O.B.E. in 1935, C.M.G. in 1937 and advanced to K.B.E. in 1951. In later years he was a member of the Queen’s Bodyguard in Scotland - the Royal Company of Archers. Sir (James) Moir Mackenzie died on 22 January 1963. Sold with folder of copied biographical details, including team lists and reports of his international rugby matches.