A Collection of Awards to the Army Service Corps

A military B.E.M. group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 J. F. Wren, Royal Army Service Corps

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (T/91617 A/W/O. 2 John F. Wren, R.A.S.C.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, unnamed; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Arabian Peninsula (T/91617 W.O. Cl. 2, B.E.M., R.A.S.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (T/91617 Sgt., B.E.M., R.A.S.C.) mounted as worn, some contact marks, very fine (7) £260-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Army Service Corps.

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B.E.M. London Gazette 13 June 1957.

Warrant Officer Class 2 John Frederick Wren was decorated for his services as a C.S.M. at No. 1 Training Battalion R.A.S.C. Recommendation reads: ‘C.S.M. Wren’s duties have included the constant supervision over NCO’s and men of the Permanent Staff and Enlisted Boys; the maintenance of discipline and turnout; the supervision of training; maintenance of rosters of Company duties; the upkeep of records relating to training and discipline and the general supervision over the cleanliness of the Barracks.

In short, the normal duties of a Company Serjeant Major, but with this difference. Supervision must be by day and night, involving abnormally long hours. Boys must be handled differently from men - friendliness in order to gain their confidence is essential, but must not prejudice firmness in the interests of respect and discipline.

C.S.M. Wren has worked uncomplainingly towards these ends. He has maintained the strictest discipline amongst Permanent Staff and Boys and has won their respect and admiration. Boys turn to him first when they are in trouble, knowing they will receive sympathetic hearing and sound advice.

The task of the C.S.M. of a Boys’ Company is complex, responsible and exacting and the achievement of success in such an appointment demands exceptional selflessness and devotion to duty. These qualities C.S.M. Wren has brought to his task in a very full measure and although only a substantive Serjeant he has filled the appointment of a WO II with outstanding success. His loyalty, integrity and strength of character are beyond question and to him must go a large share of the credit for the excellent spirit that pervades the whole company.

He has been an inspiration to the permanent staff and has set the highest possible example to the boys.’

With copied recommendation and gazette extracts.