Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Falklands B.E.M. group of three to Staff Sergeant S. T. McComiskey, Royal Artillery
British Empire Medal, E.II.R., Military (24015437 S./Sgt. Samuel T. McComiskey, R.A.); General Service Medal 1962, 3 clasps, Borneo, Malay Peninsula, Northern Ireland (24015437 Gnr., R.A.); South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (24015437 S.Sgt., R.A.), all with single edge bruise, good very fine or better (3) £500-550

B.E.M. recommendation states ‘Staff Sergeant (Battery Quarter Master Sergeant) S. T. McComiskey joined the army in 1964 and has served in 97 Field Battery (Lawson’s Company) since 1973. He has shown exceptional loyalty and devotion to his battery throughout. Over the years he has developed into a most respected and popular member of the Regiment whose wise and caring counsel, and unceasing efforts in the cause of welfare and morale have made him something of a legend.

He has served on operations in Borneo, The Malay Peninsula , Northern Ireland and more recently took part in the liberation of the Falkland Islands. His actions throughout the period of hostilities were well up to the traditions of the Royal Artillery and typify his all round excellent military performance. It was however his selfless dedication to the well being of the battery after the cessation of hostilities that stands as an example of his efforts above and beyond the call of duty. For seven weeks the battery lived in very poor conditions with only the bare essentials of any form of logistic support. There were no fresh rations, showers, laundry or recreational facilities. Staff Sergeant McComiskey set out single handed to overcome this lack of facilities and to do everything in his power to obtain them for all ranks of the battery. By an extraordinary display of determination, drive, enthusiasm and sheer hard work often against impossible obstacles he went a long way towards obtaining all of the missing facilities. He continued the quest throughout the seven week period often working up to twenty hours a day for seven days a week.

His efforts in the Falklands epitomize his general attitude. He is never prepared to sit back and wait for solutions to appear nor is he prepared to accept negative answers to his requests. He never ceases in his attempts to promote and maintain morale within his battery.’