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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 247

The K.B.E., R.R.C. group of eight awarded to Brigadier Dame H. S. Gillespie, Matron-in-Chief of Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps from 1952-56 and Honorary Nursing Sister to The Queen

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, D.B.E. (Military) Dame Commander’s 2nd type set of Insignia, comprising Lady’s Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; breast Star, silver, silver-gilt and enamel; Royal Red Cross, 1st Class, reverse officially dated '1943'; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals; Coronation 1953, mounted as worn where applicable, good very fine (8)

D.B.E. London Gazette 10 June 1954. The recommendation states:

'Brigadier Gillespie has been Matron-in-Chief and Director of Army Nursing Services since 23rd July 1952. During this time she has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership which have ensured the smooth and efficient working of the Army Nursing Services.

Her enthusiasm, drive and personality have been instrumental in knitting all ranks of the newly formed Q.A.R.A.N.C. into one harmonious whole. Her work has been beyond praise, and she is confidently recommended for the honour of D.B.E.

This is the third occasion her name have been put forward for the D.B.E.'

R.R.C. 1st Class London Gazette 2 June 1947.

[M.B.E.] London Gazette 13 September 1945. The recommendation states:

'As Principle Matron of this Medical Directorate of A.L.F.S.E.A. she has worked in operational areas during the period under review.

She has been a conspicuous success in organising the Nursing Services of this Command prior to the arrival of the Chief Principal Matron, and in helping her since that time.

By her cheerfulness; tact and personal initiative she has produced a satisfactory organisation of the Nursing Services.'

Helen Shiels Gillespie was born on 26 March 1898 at Edinburgh, Scotland and was educated at George Watsons' Ladies' College and the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, 1921-25. She joined Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service and saw long periods of service in India. During the Second World War she saw service in the Middle East and South East Asia and was at the War Office and with the British Army of the Rhine after the War. Gillespie served as Matron-in-Chief of Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps from 1952 and succeeded Dame Anne Thomson as Nursing Sister to The Queen from 25 June 1952. She died on 25 August 1974.

Sold together with a comprehensive archive of original material comprising:

(i) Corresponding miniature awards.

(ii) British Forces in Egypt Identification Card, dated 8 July 1940.

(iii) Bestowal Documents for D.B.E. and M.B.E.

(iv) Programme of Visits in Far East Land Forces by Brigadier Gillespie, 15 February-12 March 1955, including all maps, details of visits and appointments, marked 'SECRET'.

(v) 1953 Coronation Certificate.

(vi) A number of official inviatations, including to the wedding of Princess Margaret 1960.

(vii) Original photographs and newspaper cuttings.

(viii) Hand written lecture and biography notes.

(ix) A quantity of cloth and metal insignia, besides other cuttings, articles and research.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£2,400

Starting price
£1800