An exceptional M.B.E., M.C. and two Bar group of five awarded to Captain E. V. Hardaker, 10th Battalion Essex Regiment
The Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) 2nd type, in its Royal Mint case of issue; Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second and Third Award Bars, contained in its case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (Capt) in their named card boxes of issue, official corrections to the Victory Medal ; Defence Medal, with transmission slip in its named card box of issue, together with a companion set of miniature dress medals, extremely fine (10)

M.B.E. Warrant dated 31 December, 1960.
M.C. London Gazette 18 October, 1917, details London Gazette 7 March, 1918: T./2nd Lt., Essex R.
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as Signalling Officer. In spite of very heavy and continuous shell fire he went out and established communication by wire and afterwards by visual to the forward companies. Although these wires were broken again and again, this officer never hesitated to go out and see that they were repaired at once. He showed a very fine example of coolness and courage under heavy fire, which helped his signallers and linesmen immensely.’ (South East of Ypres, 10th/11th August, 1917).
Bar to M.C. London Gazette 16 September, 1918: T./Lt., M.C., Essex R.
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as intelligence and signalling officer combined. He carried out his duties under most difficult circumstances under heavy machine-gun and shell fire. He also organised the headquarters’ personnel and led them in a successful counter-attack. By his courage and cheerfulness he set a fine example to all.’ (Nr. Rouez Camp, 21st to 28th March, 1918).
Second Bar to M.C. London Gazette 2 April, 1919, details London Gazette 10 December, 1919: T./Lt., M.C., 10th Bn., Essex R.
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the evening of 22nd October, 1918, the battalion formed up in front of the railway cutting near Le Cateau under heavy shell fire. He was largely responsible for keeping the companies together and getting them into position for the attack. Immediately after the attack he pushed forward and reorganised the line. In the attacks on the 26th October and 4th November he carried out daring reconnaissances and rendered valuable service.’
Ernest Victor Hardaker was born in Leeds, 8 September, 1895, son of a Railway Engine Driver. During the Great War he served in France with the 10th battalion, Essex Regiment and was twice wounded. After the war he attended Leeds University and graduated in 1922, after which he spent nine years with A. Reyrolle & Co. at Hebburn before joining the technical department of the Central Electricity Board at Birmingham. He was appointed the divisional technical engineer of the Midlands Division of the British Electricity Authority in 1948, and at the time of his retirement was the divisional electrical engineer. During the Second World War he served with the 42nd Warwickshire (Birmingham) Battalion Home Guard. His was the only M.C. with two bars won by an officer of the Essex Regiment during the Great War.
The group is sold with the following original documents:
(i) Warrant of Appointment as M.B.E., in its original envelope from Buckingham Palace. (ii) Illuminated Army Order-General Sir H. S. Rawlinson, Bart., G.C.V.O., K.C.B., K.C.M.G., Commanding Fourth Army, listing the immediate award of a bar to the M.C. (iii) Message of congratulation from General Rawlinson on the award of bar to M.C. (iv) A similar message of congratulation on the award of the second bar to M.C. (v) Commission as 2nd Lieutenant, 7 September, 1917. (vi) Certificate of Service with the Home Guard from 1 June, 1940, to 31 December, 1944. (vii) 42nd Warwickshire Battalion Home Guard Souvenir 1940-44, including named group photograph of the officers. (viii) Menu for “Stand-Down” Supper of the Home Guard, signed by all the officers. (ix) Twenty-one photographs relating to H.G. service, mostly of a parade in Birmingham; together with further research.