A Second War ‘North West Europe’ O.B.E. group of eight awarded to Colonel J. Marshall, Royal Engineers (Territorial Army), late Manchester Regiment

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. J. Marshall. Manch. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. J. Marshall.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, polished and lacquered, generally very fine (8) £240-£280

O.B.E. London Gazette 29 March 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North-West Europe.’

The original recommendation states: ‘This Territorial Army Officer served four and a half years during the last War (1914-18) and, during the last three years of this War, he has been a Regimental Commander for more than two years. After training the 62 LAA Regiment to a very high state of efficiency prior to its conversion, he was appointed to command 124 LAA Regiment. His keenness and devotion to duty was particularly noticeable in the enthusiastic way in which he once again tackled the training problem.
He raised his regiment to a point of proficiency which gave excellent results both when engaged for two months against flying bombs on the South Coast of England and during the past two months since the regiment landed in North West Europe. Although an official application was made for his released to return to industry, he determined to bring his unit to the theatre of war and refused to revert to his civil occupation.
I have the greatest confidence in his powers of command and initiative. He never spares himself in is constant attention to the care of his men and his equipment. His services are most worthy of recognition. The good work performed by 124 LAA Regiment during the last 6 months is undoubtedly attributable to this officer’s fine leadership and sound organisation.’

James Marshall was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment on 24 December 1914, and served with the 1st/7th Battalion during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre of War from 18 May 1915. He was promoted Major, Royal Artillery (Territorial Army) on 5 August 1939, and served throughout the Second World War, being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1945.