A Collection of Awards for the 1939-45 War

A Second World War M.B.E. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer Class I F. G. Ellis, Army Fire Service, Pioneer Corps, who was decorated for his gallant deeds following the Bari Docks explosion in April 1945

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, in its case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, extremely fine (5) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards for the 1939-45 War.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 9 November 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘Regimental Sergeant-Major Ellis was in charge of No. 58 First Class Fire Brigade when the explosion occurred at Bari Docks on 9 April 1945. He immediately turned out his Fire Brigade and was on the scene within a few minutes. The quayside was a mass of flame from burning petrol cans, and many stores and warehouses were also on fire. Ammunition was exploding in all directions, and there was a great liklihood of a further major explosion. In the absence of his officer, R.S.M. Ellis took charge of all fire fighting operations and with complete disregard for his personal safety made a survey of the devastated area, commenced fire fighting operations and set up a fire control point which enabled further fire fighting operations to be mobilised in the quickest possible time. Through R.S.M. Ellis’ initiative and devotion to duty, the situation was minimised to the greatest possible extent.’

Frank Gordon Ellis enlisted in the Royal Artillery in April 1934 and served with the B.E.F. between September 1939 and June 1940, prior to transferring to the Pioneer Corps and being embarked for the Middle East in May 1943. And as verified by accompanying documentation, he won a commendation for gallant deeds as a member of 58 First Class Fire Brigade at Bari in December of the same year, as per the following endorsement on his conduct sheet:

‘During a sharp raid at Bari on the night of 2-3 December 1943, the above mentioned soldiers, at grave risk to themselves, carried out their duties in the neighbourhood of falling bombs and exploding ships with a coolness and courage which was deserving of commendation. The G.O.C. directs that an entry be made on the Conduct Sheets of the above named O.Rs in accordance with paragraphs 1713 and 1718 (b) King’s Regulations, 1940.’

Adding the M.B.E. to his accolades for the above cited deeds in April 1945 - on which occasion three G.Ms were among the subsequent awards - Ellis returned to the U.K. in October 1945 and was demobilised in April 1946; sold with a quantity of original documentation, including M.B.E. warrant and related Buckingham Palace forwarding letter; his Regular Army Certificate of Service, Soldier’s Release Book, and Certificate of Transfer to the Army Reserve, and a South Eastern Electricity Board ‘25 Years Service’ certificate, dated 31 August 1971.