Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War Middle East ‘mining operations’ M.B.E. group of six awarded to Flight Lieutenant R. W. Lamb, Royal Air Force

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Flt. Lt. R. W. Lamb. R.A.F.) mounted court-style for display purposes, light contact marks, nearly extremely fine (6) £400-500

M.B.E. London Gazette 2 June 1943.

The Recommendation states: ‘Pilot Officer Lamb, as officer in charge of armourers, has prepared mines for all mining operations in the Middle East. he has displayed intense energy and keenness and accomplishes equally as much skilled work as his armourers. He has prepared over 350 mines and five hundred 1,000lb bombs since August 1942. He possesses valuable experience gained as a Warrant Officer in a fighter squadron. His untiring enthusiasm has set a fine example.’

Rupert William Lamb was born on 16 June 1916 and served with the Royal Air Force throughout the Second World War, receiving an emergency commission as a Pilot Officer on 5 August 1942, having previously served in a Fighter Squadron. He went to the Middle East where he was based at R.A.F. Shallufa, and was promoted Flight Lieutenant on 5 February 1943. Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 1 January 1945), he was subsequently granted a permanent commission in the Royal Air Force, and served in Malaya, before retiring due to ill-health on 11 August 1958.

Sold together with the recipient’s cap badge.