A Second World War Portsmouth Blitz B.E.M. group of three awarded to A. W. Campbell, a Caretaker for the Portsmouth and Gosport Gas Company, late Leicestershire Regiment

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Alfred William Campbell); British War and Victory Medals (238016 Pte. A. Thomas, Leic. R.), generally good very fine (3) £250-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Leicester Regiment and Yeomanry formed by the late Trevor Harris.

View
Collection

B.E.M. London Gazette 14 February 1941.

An accompanying wartime newspaper cutting states:

‘Alfred William Campbell, 51 years of age, of 36 Wymering Road, Portsmouth, who is awarded the British Empire Medal, personally put out fires caused by incendiary bombs and also burning material which was blown from intense fires raging at adjacent buildings. At one time he was advised to leave the building owing to the danger of fire, but he resolutely refused to leave. Had he done so the building would have been destroyed. He not only assisted in saving offices and valuable records, but went out of his way to climb on to the roofs of adjoining buildings and, at great risk to himself, put out the fires which had taken hold by reason of sparks dropping on to dry felt and other inflammable material. Mr. Campbell has 32 years’ service with the Portsmouth and Gosport Gas Company.’


Alfred William Campbell is believed to have changed his surname from Thomas when his mother remarried.

Sold with several related wartime newspaper cuttings (one of which states that the recipient was taken P.O.W. in the Great War), together with Buckingham Palace investiture letter, dated 10 March 1941 and admittance ticket, dated 22 March 1941.