Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Korean War M.B.E. group of six awarded to Colonel A. T. J. Heyden, C.B.E., Royal Engineers

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Capt. A. T. J. Heyden. R.E.); Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (Major A. T. J. Heyden. M.B.E. R.E.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, good very fine (6) £300-£400

C.B.E. London Gazette 10 June 1961.

The original Recommendation states: ‘Colonel Arthur Thomas John Heyden underwent training as an architect in civilian life before he was commissioned into the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1943 so that the functions of movements, to which he has devoted his service, were strange and new to him. With complete dedication he has mastered the intricacies of all sides of movements, has acquitted himself with distinction in Post War operations in Korea and Suez and has risen by outstanding merit to the temporary rank of Colonel.
Since assuming his present appointment in the war office over three years ago he has completely controlled and dominated by his personality, the movement of freight worldwide with all the intricate processes of finance and civil practice involved. By foresight, organisation, planning and common sense he has enabled the annual expenditure on freight movement to be reduced while still maintaining a high standard of service to and from overseas theatres.
During the latter part of this period his work has been bedevilled by strikes, the seamans, the tally clerks and the Belgian strike. The tally clerks strike virtually brought the port of London to a standstill at a time when it was essential to build up “Force Cameroons”. By his sagacity and foresight he managed to switch cargoes to other ports and to keep essential freight moving, both to the Cameroons and later to BAOR when the Belgian strike could well have produced very serious consequences.
His ability and sound reasoning has enabled him to play an outstanding part in matters requiring negotiation with other service and civil ministries with which his work is inevitably related. He has in all, by his ability and devotion to his task, carried responsibility far above that normally expected of an officer of his substantive rank and service and he is strongly recommended for appointment to C.B.E.’

M.B.E. London Gazette 1 June 1953:
‘In recognition of non-operational services in Japan in connection with operations in Korea.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Britcom Korean Base, Japan, for the period 15 January 1952 to 3 February 1953, employed as Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General. Captain (temp Major) Heyden as DADMG(M) British Commonwealth Movement Control Group has shown outstanding devotion to duty. Without thought to himself he has carried out long and arduous hours of work. Major Heyden has been responsible for the planning of the movement of personnel and stores for the support of the British Commonwealth Division in the field. That this has been successful is due to his determination and resource. within the integrated Commonwealth Movement Control Group, Major Heyden has set an example of harmony and mutual understanding that has been an inspiration to all.’

Arthur Thomas John Heyden was born in West Ham on 13 May 1911 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 12 March 1943. He was promoted Lieutenant on 1 September 1946, and Captain on 29 March 1949. He proceeded to Japan in 1951 as a Temporary Major, and was confirmed in the rank of Major on 12 March 1956. He relinquished his commission on completion of service on 1 January 1963, and was granted the Honorary rank of Colonel. He died in Colchester in 1997.