Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War Burma operations O.B.E. group of six attributed to Lieutenant-Colonel J. H. E. Nash, 13th Frontier Force Rifles, Indian Army, who served as Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster General of the XII Army in the lead-up to the Japanese surrender and the period immediately following - including having a key role in ‘sending immediate succour to prisoners and internees in Japanese hands... as well the mounting and despatch of troops to Japanese occupation zones’

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. Oak Leaf; India Service Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, with six related miniature awards, also mounted, all house in a Gieves Ltd leather case, the lid embossed in gold letters ‘J. H. E. N.’, good very fine (lot) £300-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards for Burma Operations during the Second World War.

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O.B.E. London Gazette 6 June 1946:

‘16th May to 15th August 1945. During the past few months the administrative staffs have borne a very heavy burden. Col. Nash has performed the duties of Col ‘Q’ - as well as officiating DA & QMG Twelfth Army for six weeks - during the busiest time preceding the Japanese surrender, and immediately following.

The arrangements for sending immediate succour to prisoners and internees in Japanese hands fell upon Col. Nash to a great extent, as well as the mounting and despatch of troops to Japanese occupation zones.

The co-ordination of the work of ‘Q’ Staff and services of Civil Affairs Staff (Burma) has been carried out by Col. Nash, which has required great tact and careful planning now that the return of the Civil Government in Burma is imminent.

By his tireless efforts and skilful planning he achieved marked success and displayed an initiative well worthy of emulation by his juniors.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 December 1942:

‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period November, 1941, to April, 1942.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 5 April 1945:

‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma and on the Eastern Frontier of India.’

Joseph Hastings Elwin Nash was born in May 1903, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant, Indian Army in August 1923. He was posted to the 4th Hazara Pioneers in October 1924, and advanced to Captain in August 1932. Nash initially served as a Major with 13th Frontier Force Rifles during the Second War, before being placed on the Unattached List, and taking up various key administrative appointments including as Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster General of XII Army. He was particularly involved as part of the Civil Affairs Staff (Burma). Nash was gazetted Major (Honorary Brigadier), Royal West Kents in January 1950, having retired Lieutenant-Colonel (Honorary Brigadier) in January of the previous year.

Sold with named Buckingham Palace O.B.E. enclosure slip, and Second War campaign medal enclosure slip.