A post-War ‘Civil Division’ M.B.E. group of four awarded to Sergeant W. G. Row, Royal Air Force, who served as Mayor of Dartmouth during the Second World War

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver, with Royal Mint case of issue, in outer card box; British War and Victory Medals (213398 Sgt. W. G. Rowe [sic]. R.A.F.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Supr. W. G. Row.) mounted for wear; together with the related miniature awards, these similarly mounted, contact marks, good very fine (4) £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 12 June 1947: Alderman William George Row, J.P.
‘For public services in Dartmouth.’

William George Row was born in Dartmouth in 1880. Employed in his family-run building business he was engaged in the Royal Navy for the duration of the War from 28 April 1916 as First Class Air Mechanic, Royal Naval Air Service. Serving in the Mediterranean he transferred to the newly formed Royal Air Force as Corporal Mechanic in April 1918, he was discharged on 30 April 1920. Elected to Dartmouth Town Council in 1931 and elected Alderman in 1938 he served as Mayor of Dartmouth from 1939 to 1945. As Mayor he greeted their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Dartmouth on 8 May 1942. He is reported as assisting with digging to rescue survivors following the bombing of Dartmouth on 13 February 1943 and later being instrumental in leading the fight to save Butterwalk, Dartmouth (even today well known and a much appreciated historic building) following war damage. Contemporary newspaper reports record that the award of his M.B.E. was in recognition of his wartime service as Mayor of Dartmouth. He retired from Dartmouth Town Council in 1965 and from Devon County Council in 1967. He died on 23 February 1968 aged 87.

Sold with a photographic image of the recipient, and extensive copied research including a copy of ‘Memories of War’ published by Dartmouth History Research Group Paper 16

Note: As the wartime Mayor of Dartmouth it may be assumed he was privy to much secret and highly sensitive information regarding the activities of the Free French Units operating at the time from the river Dart at Kingswear and Dartmouth.