Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 664

The well-documented '1944' O.B.E. group of six awarded to Lieutenant Colonel H. L. W. Sixsmith, Royal Army Medical Corps

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Service Medal of the Order of St John (Dr. H. L. W. Sixsmith), light pitting, very fine (6)

O.B.E. London Gazette 23 March 1944, the original recommendation states:

'This officer has been DADMS Eighth Army throughout the period under review. In addition to performing his normal duties in an outstanding manner, he has particularly been responsible for the distribution of Medical Stores and Blood for transfusion purposes, and has carried out the detailed organisation of Air evacuation of casualties in conjunction with the RAD and "Q". His work in these particular connections has been outstanding in that on no occasion has he over or under estimated the possibilities, and has never failed to carry out the services that had been arranged with lower formations.

On 28 June, 1942, Major Sixsmith went forward to supervise the evacuation of the Medical Stores of 11 Indian General Hospital from Bagush. He found that the enemy had advanced further than had been anticipated, and that transport and labour arrangements had broken down, as they had been diverted to urgent work in connection with ammunition and supplies for the troops engaged in action fighting.
Major Sixsmith, assisted by his driver and a few remaining IHC personnel, succeeded in loading all the valuable equipment in small quantities at a time on to passing vehicles, and remained carrying out this work until after the enemy had begun to shell the position, only leaving when all the stores that would be difficult to replaced had been loaded. Not only was a very considerable amount of valuable medical equipment saved, but Major Sixsmith's action while a Headquarters' Officer also set a magnificent example to others and had a most beneficial effect on morale.'

M.B.E. London Gazette 18 February 1943, the original recommendation states:

'As my deputy and operational Staff Officer the brunt of the preparation for this campaign has fallen upon him. His skilful and untiring detailed planning has resulted in the success of the difficult medical operations concerned with the landings, and the subsequent operations which resulted in driving the enemy out of Sicily. His foresight and quick action in rapidly changing situations has relieved me of much work at a very harassing time. I have confidentially left much in his hands, knowing full well that it would be efficiently performed. His coolness in adversity and his cordial relations with all the staff have enabled everything to work smoothly.

He has never hesitated to undertake journeys by air, land and sea, at a moments notice to "tie up" all arrangements; while as a Staff Officer he has been a tower of strength, and when things have looked their blackest he has always cheerfully shouldered the heaviest responsibility.
The success of the Medical administration of the Eighth Army in Sicily is undoubtedly due to his skill and energetic handling of many difficult situation. I could not have wishes for a better Staff Officer and cannot praise his work too highly.'

Hugh Leonard William Sixsmith was born at Cardiff, Glamorgan in July 1911 and educated at the Welsh National School of Medicine, qualifying on 7 October 1930. He was commissioned Lieutenant on 19 January 1940, passing a course at the Army Gas School two months later. He served in the Desert with the 8th Army, being advanced Captain and later Major with which rank he entered the war in Sicily as Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services. Moving on into Italy he continued in that role as Major, Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel as Assistant Director of Medical Services. Returning to Britain on leave in March 1945 he was given command of 177 Field Ambulance at Slindon, Sussex; sold together with copied research and a large archive comprising:

i)
Two framed M.B.E. and O.B.E. Warrants, named to the recipient.

ii)
Four newspaper articles related to the exploits of 8th Army.

iii)
A copy of Middle East General Orders 144, marked 'Personal for ADMS from DMS, relating to the recipients award of the M.B.E.

iv)
A certificate for the completion of a training course at the Army Gas School.

v)
Several items of Correspondence relating to the recipient's career including letters of posting, memos on the exchange of stage officers and confidential reports.

vi)
Two I.D. cards.

vii)
A large quantity of photographs relating to the recipient's career including a number of him, some dated or annotated to the reverse.

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

Sold for
£380

Starting price
£140