A post-War M.B.E. group of six awarded to Major T. B. Morris, Royal Artillery

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Capt. T. B. Morris. M.B.E. R.A.) mounted court-style as worn, light contact marks, good very fine (6) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

View
Collection

M.B.E. London Gazette 7 January 1949:
‘In recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a brave manner.’

The original Recommendation states ‘Major Morris was in command of 2 Light Battery when serious rioting broke out in Accra on Saturday 28 February 1948. At extremely short notice he formed two troops from such men as were available in the Battery lines on that Saturday evening. He accompanied one troop which was sent to the main Police barracks. By the time of his arrival these barracks were the centre of very large and quite uncontrolled crowds of rioters and looters, many inflamed with looted spirits. Through these crowds he had to force his way. During that evening and night and for the next two days and nights he and his troops were constantly and continuously on duty assisting the now completely exhausted Police by clearing the immediate neighbourhood of rioters and stopping the looting of shops in the main shopping thoroughfares close by. Major Morris found it necessary to open fire on several occasion but in spite of grave provocation and difficulties, the manner in which he carried out his task was most praiseworthy, great determination being combined with minimum force.
During the early part of March 1948 Major Morris and his Battery, organised as an Infantry Company, were sent to assist the maintenance of order in both Koforidua and Kumasi. In each case moves took place by night and at short notice. The alacrity with which his unit responded to these orders, the cheerful and willing manner in which all ranks carried out their tasks, and the general efficiency of the unit, were very largely due to Major Morris's leadership and personal example.
His invaluable services had a marked effect on the speedy restoration of law and order in the Colony generally, and undoubtedly were a source of inspiration and an example to soldiers of other units and to the Police.’

Temple Bagot Morris was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery on 15 December 1944 and was promoted Lieutenant on 15 June 1946; Captain on 15 December 1950; and Major on 15 December 1957. He retired with the rank of Major on 28 December 1964.