The Collection of Second World War and Modern Gallantry Awards formed by the late William Oakley

A rare Second World War mine disposal operations G.M. awarded to Chief Petty Officer A. Holme, Royal Navy

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (C.P.O. Arthur Holme, C/J. 4782), together with M.I.D. oak leaf, extremely fine
£2500-3000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Second World War and Modern Gallantry Awards formed by the late William Oakley.

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G.M. London Gazette 8 July 1941:

‘For gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty.’


Arthur Holme, a native of Tunbridge Wells, Kent and a veteran of 21 years in the senior service, including the Great War, was recalled in March 1940 and was serving at the Dover base H.M.S. Lynx at the time of receiving his G.M. for mine disposal work at sea and on the beaches of Eastern England in the period August 1940 to March 1941.

Three other members of Lynx were similarly decorated on the same occasion, namely Lieutenant Nelson Smith, R.N.V.R., and Chief Petty Officers Reuben Guile and John Prior, while fellow team members numbered Lieutenant G. G. Turner, G.C., G.M., R.N.V.R.

Holme, who had earlier been mentioned in despatches for similar work (London Gazette 2 August 1940 refers), received his G.M. at a Buckingham Palace investiture held on 28 October 1941.

Sold with a wartime photographs album, containing around 35 images of Holme’s mine disposal team at work, several of them of a spectacular nature, together with inserted newspaper cuttings, etc., and his original Royal Society of St. George membership certificate, dated 12 November 1941.