A Second World War C.B.E. group of eight awarded to Captain E. G. Jeffery, Chief of Staff of Vice-Admiral Sir James Somerville, commanding Force ‘H’, previously mentioned in despatches for the Bismarck action

The Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) 2nd type, neck badge in case of issue, enamel damaged on one arm; British War Medal (S.Lt., R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, generally good very fine (8) £350-450

C.B.E. London Gazette 25 November 1941, for Operations Substance and Style (Gibraltar to Malta Convoy, 21 July - 4 August 1941). Originally put forward for a mention in despatches, it was subsequently proposed that he be given the D.S.O., but resulted in the award of the C.B.E. The following recommendation is taken from Admiralty records: ‘Captain Eric Gordon Jeffery, R.N., Chief of Staff of Vice-Admiral Somerville. F.O. Force ‘H’ particularly brings to notice the name of his Chief of Staff, Captain E. G. Jeffery. He states: “This officer was responsible for the preparation of detailed plans to deal with the complicated and tightly adjusted programmes required for these operations, in which secrecy had to be maintained to the fullest degree. The smoothness and precision with which the refuelling of all units and the embarkation of stores and personnel were carried out bear witness to his admirable judgement and foresight which I have previously had occasion to commend to their Lordships in connection with other successful operations.” It will be recollected that F.O. Force ‘H’ strongly recommended Captain Jeffery for recognition in connection with the Bismarck operation. I think this strong recommendation now received entitles this most able officer to the award of a D.S.O.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 14 October 1941 (Bismarck action). Admiral Somerville, Flag Officer Force “H”, originally put Jeffery forward for the D.S.O. for this action, a recommendation that was reinforced when submitting awards for Operations Substance and Style.

M.I.D. London Gazette 6 January 1942 (Operation Halberd - Gibraltar to Malta Convoy, 24-28 September 1941).

One evening in October 1941, Captain Eric Gordon Jeffery, after appearing quite normal and cheerful in the Wardroom of the flagship Rodney, retired to the bathroom and was later found to have hanged himself. The group is sold with copies from Admiralty records covering all three awards, and Admiral Somerville’s 11-page report on the part played by Force “H” in the destruction of the Bismarck.