A fine ‘Home Service’ 1940 B.E.M. awarded to Private J. T. Doran, South Lancashire Regiment, late Royal Navy

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (No. D/29808 Pte. John Thomas Doran, S. Lan. R.) nearly extremely fine £200-£240

B.E.M. London Gazette 11 March 1941:
‘For gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.’

The original recommendation states: ‘On the night of the 28th/29th August, 1940, a soldier in Private Doran’s Company ran amok and was firing his rifle indiscriminately. Without any regard for his own personal safety, Private Doran was of invaluable assistance to his Company Commander in disarming the man. His action was most commendable.’

John Thomas Doran was born in Birkenhead on 15 June 1899 and served during the Great War as Boy 1st Class aboard the battlecruiser H.M.S. Indomitable from 15 February 1916. Present at the Battle of Jutland, he witnessed Indomitable land three strikes on Derfflinger and a further hit on the Seydlitz, before watching the magazines of her sister ship Invincible explode, killing 1026 officers and men. Transferred to Valiant and Highflyer, Doran was discharged from the Royal Navy in July 1920, his conduct and character described as ‘fair’ following a number of later misdemeanours.

Taking employment as a general labourer, Doran later worked as a bricklayer’s labourer before serving with the 6th South Lancashire Regiment on Home Defence duties during the Second World War, protecting vulnerable sites in the area of the Mersey Estuary. It was at around this time that he carried out the brave deed which greatly assisted Lieutenant-Colonel G. W. Morriss, D.S.O., and resulted in the award of the B.E.M.

Sold with copied research.