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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 324

A 1951 O.B.E. group of eight awarded to Major P. J. B. Knight, South Staffordshire Regiment, the recipient of a rare Korea Medal named to his unit

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd Type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Malaya, Cyprus (Major P. J. B. Knight. S. Staffords.), 2nd clasp loose upon riband; Korea 1950-53 (Major P. J. B. Knight. O.B.E. S. Staffords.); U.N. Korea 1950-54; Efficiency Medal, Territorial, G.VI.R. (Capt. P. J. B. Knight. S. Staffords.), mounted court-style as worn by Spink & Son, traces of lacquer, minor official correction to unit on sixth, very fine (8)

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1951:

'...in recognition of non-operational services in Japan in connection with operations in Korea.'

The original recommendation from Air Vice-Marshal C. A. Bouchier, Senior British Liaison Officer, covering the period 25 August-16 November 1950 states:

'Early in August 1950 the British 27th Brigade was ordered to move from Hong Kong direct to Korea for active service. At the same time GHQ FARELF appointed and sent Major Knight from Singapore to act as DAAG of FARELF Advance Liaison Detachment in Tokyo. The British Brigade was logistically supported throughout by American GHQ, Far East Command located in Tokyo.

From the moment this Officer arrived in Tokyo he set about organising his office and his staff to serve the interests and to watch over the administrative welfare and well being of the British Brigade in Korea. In co-operation with the American authorities he organised all pay, postal and hospital arrangements as also all military movements by sea, land and air for troop reinforcements coming into Japan and Korea for the Brigade including the evacuation of the sick and wounded back to Hong Kong.

This Officer has been a tower of strength to me in his selfless devotion and untiring efforts, without a break of any kind, to meet not every Service need and official requirement in respect of the Brigade but, indeed, to provide also the daily needs and necessities of life for all Officers and men of the British Brigade fighting under the primitive conditions in Korea. Particularly his work, personal visits, thought and care for the financial, physical and mental well being of our sick and wounded in the various American hospitals in Japan has been beyond praise.

Major Knight repeatedly visited the Brigade in the front line in Korea with the object of speeding up the reporting of British casualties and improving administration generally. His visits were always greatly welcomed by the Brigade for from the outset it was quite obvious that this Officer had but one purpose - how best he could serve them. I most strongly recommend of this Officer the O.B.E.'

Paul James Banks Knight was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 5 July 1941 and was awarded his E.M. in May 1950. Given his unit did not serve in the Korean War, this would be very rare to an Officer; sold together with various relevant buttons and cloth badges, including five 'South Stafford' airborne cloth badges.

For his miniature dress medals, please see Lot 445.

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Estimate
£500 to £700

Starting price
£400