Excellent condition, scarce WW2 El Alamein M. Group awarded to Sgt/ Warrant Officer Norman W E Smith 11th Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps & Special Operations Executive S. Station “X”, Weapons development (from 1943 confirmed, the inspiration for James Bonds “Q” branch of MI6), 1939-45 Star, Africa Star 8th Army bar, British war & Defence medal 1939-45, some history and copy medal rolls for GSM, LS&GC and MBE verified, may have been entitled to French WW2 decorations including Croix de Guerre, LS & GC official impressed name, GSM much later issue with unofficial impressed name (in past group split / missing original GSM), MBE and WW2 medals unnamed as issued, interesting story for further research, excellent condition. MBE WW2 medals GSM Palestine LS GC Africa Star El Alamein SOE Station X Weapons. Station “X”, Weapons development (from 1943 confirmed, The original James Bonds “Q” branch of MI6), Interwar GSM “Palestine” Clasp, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star 8th Army bar, British war & Defence medal 1939-45 and LG & GC medal, some history and copy medal rolls for GSM, LS&GC and MBE verified, (may have been entitled to French WW2 decorations including Croix de Guerre), LS & GC official impressed name 550009 W. “, GSM “Palestine” is a replacement/copy, much later issue with unofficial impressed name ” 550009 SJT. Smith 11-H (in past group split / missing original GSM), MBE and WW2 medals unnamed as issued, mounted for display, interesting story for further research, excellent condition El Alemain 1942 M. London Gazette 14 October 1943: In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East The original Recommendation states: Since September 1942 this W. Has been employed as R. To the 11th Hussars. During the advance from El Alamein to Tripoli this Regiment was in constant touch with the enemy necessitating almost daily moves of the Echelon and for 2 months of this period, in the absence of the Quartermaster, R. The fact that he was able to keep the Regiment supplied under the most difficult conditions reflects the very greatest credit on his powers of organisation. His tireless energy and devotion to duty at all times set a great example to all who came in contact with him. Has served continuously with the 11th Hussars in the Western Desert since hostilities commenced in June 1940 as Troop Leader, SQMS, S. I recommend he be awarded the M. El Alamein 1942 – Afrika Corps Germans in Panzer IV surrender to British Tommies Norman William Ernest Smith was born in Bath on 28 March 1910. He joined the 11th Hussars in December 1929, and was promoted to Lance-Corporal in March 1931; Corporal in August 1932; Lance-Sergeant in October 1934; and Sergeant in June 1937. He served with the Regiment in pre-War Palestine, and was promoted to Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant in March 1941 and Warrant Officer Class II in March 1942. Recommended for the M. In April 1943, he was promoted to Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant in June 1943, and was awarded the M. For his services in North Africa during push from El Alamein to Tripoli. According to his service record he served in the I. (Inter Services Research Bureau) from 1942 to 1945, also known as Station X, which was a secret British Special Operations Executive factory making special weapons and equipment during the War, very “Hush Hush”. Ian Flemming’s inspiration for MI5 “Q” Branch in James Bond stories. InStation “X” tools of the Spy trade WW2 This S. Factory produced important espionage equipment ranging from the Welbike (Motorised mini-bike in kit form) used by Paratroopers to the Welrod pistols (Agents silenced pistol). On Smiths gravestone there is reference to C. (Croix De Guerre) and D. Being placed after his name which may suggest he earned French awards for the War. Station “X” developed the “WELBIKE” for Paras – drop in tube and assemble motorbike in minutes!! Smith re-engaged in the army October 1950 to complete 2 more years to serve total 22 years with the colours and get his full pension? And was dismissed from service by general cout martial in October 1952, automatic discharge possibly due to breaking civil law and not military law, “serving penal servitude” needs further research, “Cause of discharge “Para 390 (xii) (B) QR 1940 he was allowed to keep his medals as he did not break military law. He died in May 1980 in hospital, Sutton, South London, (heart problem) comes with a quantity of research, various letters, copy records, birth, marriage, death certificates and picture of soldier etc, very interesting story for further research. Auctiva gets you noticed! Track Page Views With. Auctiva’s FREE Counter. The item “MBE WW2 medals GSM Palestine LS GC Africa Star El Alamein SOE Station X Weapons” is in sale since Thursday, December 26, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\World War I (1914-1918)\Other World War I Militaria”. The seller is “theonlineauctionsale” and is located in Leamington Spa. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
- Country/ Organization: Great Britain
- Issued/ Not-Issued: Issued
- Type: Medals & Ribbons
- Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)
- Service: Army
- Era: 1914-1945
