Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War M.B.E. group of four awarded to Commandant C. H. Wilkinson, Grimsby Auxiliary Fire Service, late Royal Engineers

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; British War and Victory Medals (168833 Cpl. C. H. Wilkinson. R.E.); Defence Medal, mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £180-£220

M.B.E. London Gazette 18 April 1941.

The Recommendation states: ‘On several occasion the Grimsby Auxiliary Fire Service under the leadership of Commandant Wilkinson has rendered valuable assistance in the salvage of ships. When a trawler was in danger of foundering, Commandant Wilkinson and his men embarked in a tug and despite the darkness, heavy seas, and a strong wind, they succeeded in boarding the damaged vessel and got the water under control. Commandant Wilkinson is a courageous leader and has set a fine example to his men.’

Charles Henry Wilkinson ‘left school at the age of 12 to start work as an errand-boy, before joining the railways at the age of 17. He was elected to Grimsby Town Council in 1920 and served as Mayor in 1940-41. As Chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee in the late 1930s, he took a keen interest in the organisation of the first Auxiliary Fire Service, and became A.F.S. Commandant for Grimsby. His outstanding work, especially in going to the aid of damaged ships - he was in charge of the first team of firemen to “put to sea” during the War, when they brought in a distressed trawler and saved 31 lives - earned him an M.B.E.
At one time Wilkinson was in charge of 1,000 firemen and 33 fire stations, in an area which included seven aerodromes. Appointed a magistrate in Grimsby in 1928, he became chairman of the bench in 1961. In 1957 he was made an honorary freeman of Grimsby, and in 1962 his native town gave him the only remaining honour it could offer, when he was appointed to the purely honorary post of High Steward. He died on 23 January 1964, aged 76.’ (Grimsby Evening Telegraph refers).

Sold with copied newspaper extracts, including a photograph of the recipient.