The Collection of Second World War and Modern Gallantry Awards formed by the late William Oakley

A post-war B.E.M. awarded to Lance-Sergeant J. J. Sheridan, Irish Guards

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (24521857 L./Cpl. James J. Sheridan, I.G.), in its Royal Mint case of issue, good very fine £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Second World War and Modern Gallantry Awards formed by the late William Oakley.

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B.E.M. London Gazette 31 December 1986. The original recommendation states:

‘Lance-Sergeant Sheridan has been the House Sergeant at Flagstaff House Belize for the past twenty months. This is a task which requires considerable patience, devotion to duty and maintenance of high standards at all times; it is also well outside the parameters which an infantryman of his age and seniority could expect to work. The working hours are long and often anti-social as they have depended upon the busy programmes of the many senior officers, officials and even members of the Royal Family who have been visitors to Belize. It is most unusual for a single soldier to spend more than six months on an unaccompanied tour but Sheridan has maintained high standards throughout what would in effect be four tours.

Sheridan is a Guardsman as is very apparent from his immaculate turnout which has been an example to other servicemen in the camp. In a quiet, confident but firm way, he has managed to exert his influence in a surprising number of ways, contributing to the well being of many members of British Forces; indeed the Prime Minister of Belize requested his assistance for a luncheon at which he hosted Her Majesty the Queen.

But he has not confined his activities to the domesticities in Flagstaff House and he has also been an important member of the team meeting senior Guatemalan officers and also he volunteered to help in Mexico City following the earthquake late last year.

Lance-Sergeant Sheridan is a splendid example of a young serviceman. His devotion to duty, noted by many Senior Officers of all three Services, is well worthy of recognition of an award.’