Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An Order of St. John group of four awarded to Miss Gwladys M. C. Richards, Cardiff Central Priory for Wales, St. John Ambulance Brigade

The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Dame of Grace set of insignia, comprising neck badge, silver and enamel, with heraldic beasts in angles; Star, silver and enamel, heraldic beasts in angles, with gold retaining pin; Defence Medal; Coronation 1953; St. John Service Medal, with Five Additional Award Bars (14793. L/County Off. G. M. C. Richards. City of Cardiff Cen. Priory for Wales. S.J.A.B. 1936.) mounted court style as worn, good very fine (5) £240-280

Order of St. John, Dame London Gazette 29 June 1956.

Miss Gwladys Mary Charlotte Richards was born on 27 December 1897, the daughter of District Chief Superintendent Taliesin Richards, and joined the St. John Ambulance Brigade on 22 July 1922. Created a Serving Sister of the Order of St. John on 1 January 1932, she became Cardiff County Superintendent (Nursing) on 1 July 1940, and effectively ran Cardiff nursing during the Second World War. Advanced to an Officer of the Order of St. John on 23 June 1942, and a Commander on 23 June 1950, she was one of only 32 recipients of the 1953 Coronation medal awarded to members of the Priory for Wales, and was advanced to Dame of Grace of the Order on 29 June 1956. She received her St. John Service Medal on 1 June 1937, and then additional Award Bars every five years, the last being issued to her in April 1963. She died on 23 January 1986.

Sold together with the related miniature awards, the Order of St. John insignia in gilt and enamel, and the St. John Service Medal lacking the additional award bars; and copied research.