Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War B.E.M. (Military) group of five awarded to Electrical Artificer 3rd Class B. J. Humphrey, Royal Navy, who died on 6 December 1946

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Elec. Art. 3 Cl. Bertram J. Humphrey P/Mx78684 R.N.);1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals, these four mounted for wear and unnamed, very fine and better (5) £350-450

B.E.M. London Gazette 26 June 1945.

Recommendation reads: ‘For bravery, determination and great devotion to duty, whilst serving in H.M.S. Affleck, when an explosion caused the whole ship to be penetrated by chlorosulphonic acid fumes. In spite of the appalling conditions the ship was brought back to safety.’

The frigate H.M.S. Affleck, was originally the U.S.S. Oswald, was transferred by Land/Lease to the Royal Navy in 1943. She was badly damaged by a torpedo from the U.486 off Cherbourg on 27 December 1944. Humphrey was awarded the B.E.M. for his efforts in saving the vessel (one of 2 M.B.E’s. and 3 B.E.M’s. for the action). However, probably because of the poisonous fumes released into the vessel, he died on 6 December 1946, aged 25 years. He was buried in the Chipping Barnet Burial Ground. He was the son of Bertie John and Eleanor Humphrey and husband of Eliza Jane Hollywood Humphrey, of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

With copied research.