Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War O.B.E. pair awarded to Commandant May Burke, Eastbourne Division, British Red Cross

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 1st type, lady’s shoulder badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1918, on lady’s bow riband; Voluntary Medical Services Medal, silver, with one Additional Award Bar (May Burke.) the gilding worn to first, otherwise very fine (2) £160-£200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Norman Gooding Collection.

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O.B.E. London Gazette 7 January 1918:
‘Mrs. May Burke. Commandant, Urmston and Fairfield Auxiliary Hospitals, Eastbourne.’

May Burke joined the British Red Cross in December 1910 and served during the Great War as Commandant of Sussex No.2 (Eastbourne) division. In 1918 she left her home at Compton Lodge in Eastbourne and moved to Edensor House in Bakewell, Derbyshire, reprising her role as Commandant with Derbyshire No. 26 (Bakewell) division.

Sold with a photograph of the recipient in uniform and a letter from the British Red Cross dated 20 March 1992, confirming the above details, adding that the recipient was awarded a Mention in Despatches in 1917. This remains unconfirmed.