Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War O.B.E. Medal group of seven awarded to Gunner F. W. May, Royal Field Artillery, who later served as a Chief Steward in the Merchant Navy and died aboard the S.S. Brittany in October 1942

Medal of the Order of the British Empire, (Civil), unnamed as issued in its John Pinches case of issue; 1914-15 Star (989193 Gnr. F. W. May, R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (989193 Gnr. F. W. May. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal, extremely fine (7) £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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Medal of the Order of the British Empire London Gazette 7 July 1920. The Ministry of Munitions recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous courage in connection with very dangerous experimental work in a poisonous atmosphere, often causing great physical discomfort and ill-health.’

Francis William May served as a Gunner with the Royal Field Artillery in France from 19 September 1915, and was latterly employed by the Ministry of Munitions. He served as a Chief Steward in the Merchant Navy during the Second War and died aboard the S.S. Brittany on 30 October 1942, aged 52. He is commemorated by name on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Sold with correspondence and invitation relating to the investiture, news cutting announcing the award and contemporary copy of the recommendation; together with Ministry of Transport named condolence slip (Francis William May) and letter forwarding campaign stars and medal addressed to his widow.