A rare O.B.E., K.P.M. for Gallantry and Bar group of five awarded to P. Norton-Jones, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Calcutta

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Serving Brother’s breast badge, silver and enamel, unnamed, on ‘Associate’s’ ribbon; King’s Police Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue, with Second Award Bar (Philip N. Jones, Supt. of Police, Midnapur) on ‘Gallantry’ ribbon; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, these unnamed, mounted court style for wear, good very fine (5) £1400-1600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An outstanding Collection of Awards relating to the Order of St John.

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O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1944. ‘Philip Norton-Jones Esq., Indian Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Calcutta, Bengal.’

K.P.M. London Gazette 27 October 1933. ‘.... to Philip Norton Jones, Additional Superintendent of Police, Midnapur and Charles Oliver Smith, Inspector of Police, Midnapur, in recognition of their conspicuous gallantry in attacking the assailants of the late Mr B. E. J. Burge, I.C.S., District Magistrate of Midnapur.’

Recommendation reads: ‘.... On 2nd September two Bengali youths shot Mr Burge, District Magistrate of Midnapur, when he was about to play football. Mr Jones and Mr Smith were about ten yards from Mr Burge and as soon as he was shot dashed at his two assailants taking one man each and held on until assistance arrived. Both officers were in football kit and unarmed and showed completely disregard of personal danger. One assassin actually pointed his pistol at Mr Jones but the latter was able to knock it downwards and [the] bullet passed between his legs. ...’

Bar to K.P.M. London Gazette 12 November 1946. ‘Philip Norton-Jones, O.B.E., Indian Police, Deputy Commissioner, Headquarters, Calcutta Police, Bengal.’

With copied gazette and India Office papers.