A Collection of Medals to Members of the Special and Airborne Forces

A post-war M.B.E., Second World War North Africa operations M.C. group of six attributed to Major G. L. W. Street, Parachute Regiment and Army Air Corps, late Grenadier Guards

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, in its Royal Mint case of issue; Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1943’ and privately inscribed, ‘Lieut. G. L. W. Street, 3rd Batt. Parachute Regt., Jebel Alliliga, Feb. 26th.’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Defence and War Medals, mounted as worn except where stated, generally good very fine or better (6) £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Members of the Special and Airborne Forces.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1952.

M.C. London Gazette 22 April 1943. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 26 February Ragouret El Araan, Bou Arada, Tunisia. This officer saw a section moving across the rear of his H.Q. at 0615 hours and, thinking it was his own rear section moving into its alternative position, he went over to give them orders. It was still practically dark and as a result he walked straight into a German section and was taken prisoner. He was taken back to the platoon and ordered in French to lead them through the wire and keep away from British positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Street led the platoon straight to the wire of the nearest section post where they were heavily fired upon. The platoon dispersed and Lieutenant Street was left with one man to guard him. This man kept a pistol pressed into his back. Choosing his moment, this officer knocked his guard out with his fist, disarmed him and ran back to his own H.Q. He then led one of his sections in a charge on the enemy platoon whose positions he had noted. The German platoon was destroyed and 15 prisoners and an M.G. were taken. By his initiative, coolness and bravery this officer was an inspiration to all ranks.’

George Lewis William “Pat” Street was born at Mill Hill, London in March 1920 and was originally commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Grenadier Guards in November 1940. Advanced to Lieutenant in May 1942, he transferred to the Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps that August, and was serving in the 3rd Battalion at the time of winning his M.C. in Tunisia. Having then been wounded in the same theatre of war, he was advanced to Captain at the end of 1944 and was permitted to retain the honorary rank of Major in February 1947. Street was awarded his M.B.E. for services as a Press Officer in the Festival of Britain Office and died in a car acciedent in March 1979; sold with a file of research including an original Second Army Thanksgiving Service Programme, May 1945.