A Second War O.B.E. group of nine awarded to Brigadier G. P. Henderson, Canadian Forces, who played an active role in the planning of Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid, being present in H.M.S. Fernie while it supported the landings, 19 August 1942

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, both Canadian issues in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Canada, the reverse engraved ‘Col G P Henderson, OBE’; Netherlands, Kingdom, Order of Orange Nassay, Military Division, Commander’s neck badge, with crossed swords, silver-gilt and enamel, unmarked, with neck riband, in damaged case of issue, the group mounted court-style for wear in this order; together with the related miniature awards, these mounted as worn in the correct order, good very fine and better (9) £800-£1,000

O.B.E. London Gazette 22 September 1945.
The original Recommendation states: ‘This officer has performed outstanding service as Colonel Executive and Colonel Military Government during the trying period under review, during which the work of Civil Affairs/ Military Government has become extremely active. During this period, the reorganisation of an inexperienced civilian administration in liberated Holland, as well as the preparation for the more detailed supervision and ground work necessary in all branches of Military Government in Germany has required the increase in Civil Affairs/ Military Government staff at Army by nearly three times. The training of these officers in their individual capacity and the organisation of the staff which has worked very smoothly and obtained excellent results is due greatly to the staff experience and organisational abilities of Colonel Henderson. During the whole period he has shown a devotion to duty and loyalty worthy of the highest praise.’

M.B.E. London Gazette 2 June 1943.
The original Recommendation states: ‘Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson has taken an active interest in the Canadian Militia since 1931. At the beginning of this war he commanded a company on Internal Security duties subsequently holding various staff appointments before proceeding overseas in August 1940 in command of 5 Canadian Infantry Brigade Anti-tank Company. After being Staff Captain of 5 Canadian Infantry Brigade he attended a War Staff Course in Canada and was selected as an instructor for the subsequent course. He returned to Canadian Army Overseas in December 1941 as General Staff Officer II, 2nd Canadian Division, and became General Staff Officer I Intelligence, First Canadian Army upon its formation in April 1942. During the summer he was loaned to 1 Canadian Corps and 2 Canadian Division to assist in the planning and carrying out of the Dieppe operation, after which he continued in the Canadian Planning Staff in London. In January he reassumed his appointment as General Staff Officer 1 Intelligence, First Canadian Army.
Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson has demonstrated his ability and outstanding soldierly qualities throughout his service in this war. During his special employment since June 1942 he has contributed importantly to the development of First Canadian Army not only by his part in the planning and execution of the Dieppe operation, but subsequently by his untiring and efficient work as a member of the Canadian Planning Staff. It is for his performance of these two inter-related tasks that he is recommended for the award of the Order of the British Empire 5th Class (M.B.E.)’

Gavin Peterson Henderson was born in Livorno, Italy, on 2 June 1904, where his Scottish family had operated a shipping business. Educated in Italy, Edinburgh, and Switzerland, he emigrated to Canada in the 1920s, joining the Royal Highlanders of Canada (Black Watch) in 1931. After seeing service during the Second World War, predominately on the Staff as described in the recommendations for both his M.B.E. and O.B.E., he subsequently served in the Civil Affairs and Military Government from March 1945.

Post-War Henderson was employed on the Staff of Headquarters Military Government Canadian Army. He then served as Commander of the Shleswig-Holstein Provincial Detachment of the Military Government. His responsibilities covered all aspects of administration, railways, posts, telegraphs, industry and trade, public utilities &c., as well as many extraneous matters dealing with Prisoners of War and Displaced Persons. He further served a Chief Control Officer from 19 February 1947 to 4 August 1948. He retired in 1948 and subsequently went to work and live in Kenya. He died at Malindi on 23 September 1979.

Sold with the Bestowal Documents for the O.B.E., the M.B.E., and the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau, these all mounted on card; a letter confirming the award of the Commander of Orange Nassau, dated 18 December 1946; letters of recommendation from Lieutenant General Sir E. H. Barker; Air Vice Marshal H. V. Champion de Crespigny; and Major General G. W. R. Templer; various letters and photographs; a place card signed by Field Marshal B. L. Montgomery; and copied research.