Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War B.E.M. group of four awarded to Captain N. Priestley, Royal Army Ordnance Corps

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (10596505 A/W.O. Cl.2. Norman Priestley, R.A.O.C.); War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (10596505 W.O. Cl.2. N. Priestley. R.A.O.C.); General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, South Arabia (Capt. N. Priestley. B.E.M. RAOC.) mounted as worn; together with the recipient’s riband bar; and the related miniature awards for the first three medals, these similarly mounted, good very fine (4) £300-£400

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1955.

The original Recommendation, dated 7 July 1954, states: ‘At the end of 1953, expansion of the Ammunition Repair Factory’s activities caused a progressive increase in the production of repaired ammunition to the extent that the Repair Factory was no longer self-sufficient in the supply of serviceable packages. It became necessary to set up a separate organisation to satisfy this requirement and it was decided that a “Package Renovation Centre” should be created at a depot road transit area. Speed and efficiency of improvisation were essential pending the study and implementation of Works Services in order to maintain production. Early in 1954, a non commissioned officer was available to undertake the task of creating this special department, Warrant Officer Priestley being detailed to carry out the work under broad terms of reference, and in addition to his normal duties as an Ammunition Examiner.

The task was formidable. The predicted delays in making provision for and obtaining equipment, and in planning and organising work and documentation procedures, foretold various interruption in the flow of serviceable ammunition. This was prevented, however, by the capable and energetic way in which Warrant Officer Priestley tackled the problem. He displayed admirable efficiency and with much determination, ingenuity, and pride of achievement, he brought about the start of production sufficiently early to alleviate a bottleneck in the flow of serviceable ammunition from the Repair Factory. Today the “Package Renovation Centre” is a smoothly-working and self-accounting sub-department. Works Services are not yet completed, but improvisation and self-help under the continued supervision of Warrant Officer Priestley have ensured continuity in the interim. It is anticipated that the “Package Renovation Centre” will supply all the needs of the Repair Factory, thus releasing the present Repair Factory packages facilities and labour for repair of ammunition.’

Norman Priestley was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps on 31 August 1964. He was promoted Lieutenant on 21 July 1966, and Captain on 31 August 1966, and retired on 31 March 1972.

Sold with the original named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the B.E.M.; and three letters of congratulations on the award, from General Sir Ouvry L. Roberts; Major-General W. W. Richards; and Major-General G. A. N. Swiney.