Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An unusual Great War Medal of the Order of the British Empire pair awarded to Skilled Workman B. Tallis, General Post Office, late Royal Engineers

Medal of the Order of the British Empire, (Civil), unnamed as issued, in its John Pinches, London case of issue; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (6862 Sapr. B. Tallis, R.E.), one or two edge bruises, otherwise very fine and better (2) £500-600

Medal of the Order of the British Empire London Gazette 15 January 1919:

‘For highly meritorious performance of duty, entailing work of a dangerous and trying character.’

Benjamin Tallis was born in Smitherfield, Warwickshire, and enlisted in the Royal Engineers in October 1900, aged 19 years, stating that he had prior service in the 5th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Having then witnessed active service with the 2nd Division Telegraph Battalion in Somaliland from July 1903 (Medal & clasp), he was transferred to the Army Reserve in October 1908 and discharged in October 1912.

Tallis re-enlisted in the R.E. on 8 October 1914, aged 32 years, but was quickly discharged on 23 November as ‘not being likely to become an efficient soldier’. Notwithstanding this disappointing military viewpoint, he enrolled in the General Post Office’s Engineering Department and was employed at the Docks Post Office, Southampton, in which capacity he was awarded the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for his performance of duty in dangerous and trying circumstances.

An accompanying congratulatory letter from his Section Head in the Post Office Engineering Department states: ‘Hearty congratulations on your further honour. This one comes first of the branch. It is some little compensation for the wet feet and gas fumes on the brig. I am very pleased indeed to know that such willing service as yours has been rewarded.’

Tallis duly received his award from the hands of the Lord Lieutenant at a special ceremony held at Portsmouth Town Hall on 31 May 1919.

Sold with a selection of original documentation, including the recipient’s “Small Book”, the outer linen cover inscribed, ‘Benjamin Tallis, No. 6862, Royal Engineers’, and a quantity of faded photographs from his time in Somaliland 1903-04 (approximately 18 images); together with a number of letters in respect of his British Empire award (8), among them Home Office letter of notification, the above quoted letter from his Section Head, and four further congratulatory letters, mainly from senior G.P.O. staff, and two communications from the Lord Lieutenant’s office in respect of his investiture.