A good Second War 1945 ‘Fire Service’ O.B.E., Q.S.F.M. medal group of seven awarded to Chief Officer G. Drury, City of Plymouth Fire Brigade, National Fire Service, a Flight Sergeant Mechanic with the Royal Air During the Great War, he was recognised for his bravery with the award of the M.B.E. whilst serving as Regional Fire Brigades Inspector, South Western Civil Defence H.Q., Bristol, during the Bristol Blitz, 1940-41

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Queen’s Fire Service Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue, for Distinguished Service (George Drury. O.B.E. Ch. Offr. Plymouth Fire Bde.) this in Royal Mint case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (50039. Cpl. G. Drury. R.A.F.); Defence Medal; Coronation 1953; Fire Brigade Long Service Medal, E.II.R. (George Drury Chief Officer) non Fire Brigade medals mounted as originally worn, generally very fine (7) £600-£800

O.B.E. London Gazette 15 June 1945.

M.B.E. London Gazette 4 March 1941:
‘During heavy air raids on Bristol, Mr Drury displayed operational efficiency of a high order, involving ability in organisation, ingenuity and resourcefulness. In addition he has shown high courage and endurance. He attended, personally, a number of large fires, arranged water supplies, organised additional assistance and, with the co-operation of the authorities, evolved an extremely effective fire fighting organisation.’

Queen’s Fire Service Medal, for Distinguished Service London Gazette 1 January 1957.

George Drury was the son of J. Drury of Kingston-on-Thames. He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps as an Air Mechanic 2nd Class, 2 November 1916, advanced to Corporal 1 January 1918, and served in the French theatre of war from 2 January 1917. Drury advanced to Flight Sergeant Mechanic in December 1918.

Prior to the Great War, Drury’s employment was listed as Cycle Maker, Engineer and Fireman. He served with the National Fire Service, and initially served during the Second War as Regional Fire Brigades Inspector, South Western Civil Defence H.Q., Bristol (M.B.E.). Drury was subsequently appointed the Fire Force Commander of No. 19 (Plymouth) Fire Force later in the war (O.B.E). Drury became the Chief Fire Officer of the newly formed City of Plymouth Fire Brigade, 1 April 1948.

For the recipient’s related miniature awards, see Lot 1234.