Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. group of six awarded to Captain O. Behrendt, Royal Engineers

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (106284 Cpl. O. Behrendt. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. O. Behrendt.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (6) £700-900

M.C. London Gazette 24 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy advance. He was sent forward on a motor bicycle in the direction of two villages to obtain accurate information of the enemy, which he successfully did. Later in the day he was sent forward again, and found both villages one after the other occupied by the enemy, who fired upon him with machine guns and rifles. Before returning, however, he completed his reconnaissance and brought back valuable information.’

Otto Behrendt attested for the Bedfordshire Regiment and, transferring to the Royal Engineers, served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 2 August 1915; as a Sergeant in 15 Section, 187 Company at Loos, he took part in the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt on 13 October 1915. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 26 February 1916, he was promoted temporary Lieutenant on 27 August 1917, and the following year was awarded the Military Cross.

Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Behrendt was granted an Emergency commission as a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 1 September 1940, being promoted Captain and temporary Major on 31 January 1943, and serving as a Staff Officer, Eastern Command, from 13 December 1944.

Sold with a photograph of the recipient, housed in a small oval gilt frame.