A Second World War B.E.M. group of five awarded to Electrical Artificer 3rd Class B. J. Humphrey, Royal Navy, who died on 6 December 1946

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Elec. Art. 3 Cl. Bertram J. Humphrey, P/MX.78684 R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed, last four mounted for wear, very fine and better (5) £200-250

B.E.M. London Gazette 26 June 1945. ‘... for bravery, determination and great devotion to duty, whilst serving in H.M.S. Affleck, when an explosion caused the whole of the ship to be penetrated by chlorsulphonic acid fumes. In spite of the appalling conditions the ship was brought back to safety.’

The frigate H.M.S. Affleck, an ex-American destroyer-escort, transferred, lend/lease to the Royal Navy in 1943, was damaged by a torpedo from the U-486 off Cherbourg on 27 December 1944. Humphrey was awarded the B.E.M. (military) for his efforts in saving the vessel. However, probably as a result of the poisonous fumes released into the vessel, he died on 6 December 1946, aged 25 years. He was buried in the Chipping Barnet Burial Ground. He was the son of Bertie John and Eleanor Humphrey and husband of Eliza Jane Hollywood Humphrey of Belfast, Northern Ireland. With copied research.