Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War B.E.M. awarded to Mr. A. E. White, Kent Constabulary, who served as Chauffeur to five successive Chief Constables over a 32 year period

British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Albert Edward White) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £200-£240

B.E.M. London Gazette 8 January 1980: Albert Edward White, Chief Constable’s Chauffeur, Kent Constabulary.

Albert Edward White ‘joined the Kent County Constabulary on 3 November 1958, as the first civilian chauffeur to the Chief Constable, Colonel White (no relation). Bert had already served as Colonel White’s chauffeur for ten years whilst in the Warwickshire Constabulary. Bert continued in employment as the Chief Constable’s chauffeur, and, following Colonel White, he went onto serve Sir Dawnay Lemon, Mr. Barry Paine, Mr. Frank Jordan, and the present Chief Constable, Mr. Paul Condon. For his “loyal and valued service”, Bert White was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 1980 New Years’ Honours’ List. Bert is a very loyal and private person. I’m sure that after serving in the Navy during the War and driving for the Police Service for 42 years he has many tales to tell, but “his lips are sealed”. Bert retired from the Force on 18 August 1990.’ (the recipient’s retirement notice refers).

White was presented with his British Empire Medal by Lord Astor of Hever, H.M. Lord Lieutenant of Kent, at a private ceremony at Hever Castle on 9 May 1980.

Sold with letter of Notification of the award from the Prime Minister’s Office, dated 27 November 1979; two letters from Lord Astor of Hever regarding the presentation of the B.E.M.; various other letters of congratulations to the recipient on the award of his B.E.M.; and a photographic image of the recipient receiving his B.E.M. from Lord Astor of Hever.