Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A ‘Korea’ M.B.E. group of nine awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major and Quartermaster, later Major and Quartermaster, L. W. ‘Uncle Len’ Green, 5th (Royal Inniskilling) Dragoon Guards

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type, breast badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (7883963 W.O. Cl. 2. L. W. Green. 5 D.G.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, South Arabia (Major L. W. Green. M.B.E. 5 Innis. DG.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (7885963 W.O. Cl. 2. L. W. Green, M.B.E. 5 D.G.) mounted as originally worn, housed in a leather Spink & Son Ltd case, remnants of lacquer, generally very fine (9) £400-£500

M.B.E. London Gazette 24 April 1953:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1952.’

The original recommendation states: ‘This Warrant Officer has served as RQMS for three years the last one of which has been in Korea. The high reputation achieved by the Regiment has been due in great part to the work of this Warrant Officer. At no time during the service of the Regiment in the Commonwealth Division has any man gone short of equipment or necessary which it is the Quartermaster’s responsibility to provide.
His skill and enthusiasm have been outstanding and his personal example of hard work has been reflected in the efficiency of his department.
He is an exceptionally loyal man and under all circumstances and conditions he has always placed his duty beyond any thought of personal discomfort or hardship. Throughout his service with the Regiment he has always maintained the highest standards of military conduct and efficiency and he has made a big contribution in preparing the administrative staff of the Regiment for war and on active service in maintaining it as far as is in his power at full operational efficiency.’

Leonard William Green was born in October 1916, and ‘was known throughout the Regiment as Uncle Len and particularly for his geniality. Many owe him a debt of gratitude for his ability to sort out a loss or for arranging with a local contractor to supply such luxury items as soft bread rolls! These were items on the troops’ menu never seen in any past years. He joined the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Tank Corps in 1937 and rapidly established himself as an outstanding boxer, footballer, basketball and rugger player. He became the Light Heavyweight Champion of the Army by 1939.

Throughout the war he served wit a TA Tank Regiment in Europe with the 79th Armoured Division, (Hobbarts Funnies). At the end of hostility in Europe, all TA Regiments were disbanded and regular soldiers with time to serve were transferred to a regular regiment. It was to the benefit of the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards that he was posted as SQMS to our A Squadron, then in York Barracks, Münster, for the first time. By 1949 he had been promoted to RQMS and formed a very highly professional sporting duo with the Quartermaster, the late Major Maurice Peters. Together they organised our athletics team to win the BAOR Championship in 1950. Len served as RQMS in Paderborn, Korea and Egypt and was awarded the M.B.E. for those services. In 1954 when the Regiment took up the Training Regiment Role in Catterick he was promoted RSM and Quartermaster in 1957. Throughout his career he was always to the fore of football and held the appointment of OIC Football until he retired in 1967. Perhaps his ability to organise Regiment social events will remain as another of his outstanding services. He was a perfectionist, demanding the highest standard of decoration and buffet and there had always to be a theme. He was the ‘Len will fix it’, of the Regiment. After service in Benghazi he retired but was soon back in Germany as Housing Commandant of the Soest Garrison...’ (Regimental Journal refers)

Green served 12 years and 49 days in the ranks. He was commissioned Lieutenant and Quartermaster in January 1957, and advanced to Major and Quartermaster in November 1965. Green retired in March 1968, and died in October 2005.

Sold with a copy of 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, Change and Challenge 1928-1978, in which the recipient is mentioned and photographed.

1 of 3 M.B.E.’s awarded to the Regiment for service in Korea.