Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War Medal of the Order of the British Empire group of three awarded to Forewoman Bertha Bentley, Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps

Medal of the Order of the British Empire, (Military), unnamed as issued, in John Pinches fitted case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (11074 Fwn. B. Bentley. Q.M.A.A.C.) edge bruise to BWM, nearly very fine and better (3) £240-£280

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

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Medal of the Order of the British Empire London Gazette 23 January 1920:
‘For services in connection with the war.’

Bertha Bentley served as one of the original members of the Women’s Legion which was created to substitute for Army cooks at home stations. Alongside 6,000 other members of the Women’s Legion she transferred to the Q.M.A.A.C. in September 1917, and later witnessed service in France from 23 October 1918 to 26 November 1919.

Sold with an original letter from Eastern Command to Miss B. Bentley, Broom Hill, Esher, Surrey, dated 12 August 1920, discussing the forwarding of the decoration, and a fine original photograph of the recipient in uniform.