Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Family Group:

A Second War M.B.E. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class I J. E. Eames, Royal Sussex Regiment, late Hampshire Regiment, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War near Amiens on 20 May 1940 - escaping, he was recaptured 24 hours later, and held in captivity for the rest of the War
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; British War and Victory Medals (24603 Sjt. J. E. Eames. Hamps. R.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, Regular Army (5485467 W.O. Cl. II J. E. Eames. Hamps. R.) generally very fine and better

Coronation 1911, County and Borough Police (P.C. Joseph Eames Winchester City Police) good very fine (7) £600-£800

M.B.E. London Gazette 29 November 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Field.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Regimental Sergeant Major Eames, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, served with the Battalion from its inception at the outbreak of War. This Warrant Officer was invaluable in helping lay the foundation of general discipline and in training and building up a healthy structure of non-commissioned officers, in spite of the almost complete lack of any real experience amongst those from whom he had to draw. His assistance in training young officers was also of great importance.
He set a fine example to all and his deportment and patience at all times went far in guiding the numbers of young recruits onto the right lines. This example was carried out in full, when, on the weekend of 18-20 May 1940 the Battalion, entirely alone in a French Sector (just west of Amiens) was attacked by General Rommel’s Panzer Division. A very great deal is owing to this fine old soldier (who had been a pensioner and was 52 years old at the time) for the manner in which all ranks carried out their orders and held their ground until he and other survivors had not alternative to being taken Prisoner. After being taken Prisoner he escaped with some others on the same evening (20 May 1940), but they were overtaken by Armoured Cars 24 hours later. I recommend that this Warrant Officer be awarded the M.B.E.’

Joseph Edward Eames was born in 1889, the son of Police Constable Joseph Eames, Winchester City Police, and served during the latter stages of the Great War with the Hampshire Regiment. Advanced Company Sergeant Major, he proceed to Guernsey on 19 December 1924 for posting to the Permanent Staff, 1st Battalion, Royal Guernsey Light Infantry, and served on the island for a number of years. Returning to his parent unit, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in April 1933.

Eames subsequently transferred to the Royal Sussex Regiment, and served with the 7th Battalion as part of the British Expeditionary Force during the Second World War. He was captures and taken Prisoner of War on 21 May 1940 (see M.B.E. Recommendation), and held in captivity for the rest of the War. For his services leading up to his capture he was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire. He died at Ryde, Isle of Wight, on 10 September 1949.

Sold with a postcard photograph of the recipient, and copied research.