Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A civil C.B.E., Great War M.C. group of five awarded to Captain H. Brierley, Rifle Brigade, afterwards House Governor of the London Hospital

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Civil) Commander’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, in Collingwood, London, case of issue; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. Brierley); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (Lieut. H. Brierley), a little polished, very fine or better (5) £1,200-£1,400

C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1960.

M.C. London Gazette 26 September 1917; citation published 9 January 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took charge of his company and led them with great skill and gallantry under the most difficult circumstances. His prompt action undoubtedly prevented serious confusion.’

Henry Brierley was born in August 1897, the son of James and Zoe Brierley of Rochdale, and was educated at Shrewsbury. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade in November 1916, he joined the 3rd Battalion in France in January 1917, in which capacity he won his M.C.

He subsequently served in the 1st Battalion during the Iraq operations of December 1919 to November 1920, when it formed part of 55 Brigade, 18th Division (Medal & clasp), and as the unit’s Adjutant 1921-24; he was also Adjutant to the London Rifle Brigade 1925-29, prior to retiring from the army to pursue a career as an administrator at The London Hospital. He was appointed Secretary in 1938 and House Governor in 1939, in which latter capacity he was awarded the O.B.E. for services to Civil Defence (London Gazette 4 January 1943, refers). Having then been elevated to C.B.E., he retired in 1962 and settled at Stile House, Mark Cross, Crowborough, Sussex.

A Joint Master to the Eridge Foxhounds 1962-68, Brierley died in March 1981.