Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce post-War B.E.M. awarded to Sefu Hemedi, a Messenger of Native Authority in Tanganyika, who successfully captured a dangerous criminal, despite suffering four knife wounds in the process

British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Sefu Hemedi) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £140-£180

B.E.M. London Gazette 27 September 1955, Sefu Hemedi, Messenger of Native Authority, Handeni, Tanganyika:

‘Sefu Hemedi was sent out to arrest a man who had been on the wanted list for some time for housebreaking and escape from lawful custody and who was known to be a dangerous character. He tracked him down to an isolated hut and called upon the man to come out and give himself up. The man came out armed with a long knife and without hesitation Sefu tackled him and during the course of the struggle received four slashes from the knife which severed the muscle tendons of his left wrist. Despite these wounds he continued his efforts until the criminal was overpowered.’