Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private C. Urch, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who died at home on 21 June 1944
Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Clifford Urch) very fine

Imperial Service Medal (2), G.V.R., Circular issue, 1st ‘coinage head’ issue (Alexander McLaren.); E.II.R., 2nd issue (Miss Edith Joan McLaren); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal (3), G.V.R., 2nd issue, 2 clasps, Long Service 1941, Long Service 1944 (Peter McLaren); G.V.R., 2nd issue (Percy W. Blackmore); G.VI.R., 1st issue (Edgar P. H. Small) very fine (7) £100-£140

Clifford Urch, a Public Health and Drainage Inspector, was born in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, in 1902. A Police Special Constable, he attested into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in November 1942, for service during the Second World War and served at Home. He died of cancer, aged 42, on 21 June 1944 and is buried in Weston-super-Mare Cemetery, Somerset.

Alexander McLaren was born in Comrie, Perthshire, in 1868. In 1885 he commenced employment as a letter carrier with the General Post Office, and was, by 1901, head postman at Glasgow Post Office. Research suggests that in 1915 he attested into the Army Service Corps for service during the Great War, and served as a Sergeant with 722nd Labour Corps. He was discharged “Class Z’ on 20 March 1919 and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in October 1919 (London Gazette 16 October 1919). Returning to the G.P.O., he retired after 40 years’ service in August 1928 and was awarded his Imperial Service Medal (London Gazette 17 August 1928). He died in 1930.

Edith Joan McLaren served as a Warehouse Assistant for Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, and was awarded the Imperial Service Medal upon her retirement (London Gazette 27 September 1977).

Peter McLaren joined the Special Constabulary in 1917. His father was appointed High Constable of Perth in 1930.

Sold with a Somerset Special Constabulary lapel badge; a General Post Office badge; and copied research.