Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 667

(x) The Post-War 'Edinburgh Territorial Camp' M.B.E. awarded to Major H. Hall, Black Watch, who received a wartime commission in Palestine and was later 'mentioned' whilst serving there

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, silver; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps Palestine, Palestine 1945-48 (2744995 Pte. H. Hall. Black Watch.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaves; Coronation 1953; Army L.S. & G.C., Regular Army, G.VI.R. (2744995 Pte. H. Hall. Black Watch.), mounted court-style for wear, minor contact wear, very fine (8)

M.B.E. London Gazette 5 June 1952, the original recommendation states:

'Major Hall has now completed 3 years as Camp Commandant in Edinburgh Castle He has proved himself quite outstanding as a Camp Commandant, possessing administrative capacity to a degree not normally found in officers of his standing.

In addition to his ordinary duties, which he has always performed with exemplary efficiency, he has shown particular keenness in organising dances and outings both for civilian and military personnel which has done much to weld the Headquarters into a happy and contented team.

He is continually faced with tasks peculiar to a Capital City where ceremonial functions are paramount. The large number of foreign and other visitors to Edinburgh Castle has increased considerable.

Once more this autumn Major Hall has been heavily involved in the less glamorous side of the Military Tattoo at the Castle during the height of the Festival of Britain.

As a man he possesses high ideals and the standard of discipline and conduct that he has set is most noticeable reflected in the exemplary conduct of the troops under his command.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 7 January 1949.

Harold Hall was serving in Palestine when he was commissioned on 2nd Lieutenant on 25 February 1943 with Palestine Section. That same year he is listed as serving as Camp Commandant for the Sub Area, Sinai. Moved on to the 21 Area Gaza in 1945 still as Commandant and later the South Palestine District in 1946.

He was promoted Lieutenant on 1 January 1947 and further advanced Captain on 24 May, being appoint Camp Commandant at Headquarters Palestine and Transjordan that same year. Joining the S.S. Commission as Captain on 25 February 1949 it was around this time that he was 'mentioned', while still serving in Palestine. Returning to Scotland Hall was appointed a Camp Commandant with Scottish Command on 1 October 1948 serving in the rank of Major at the time.

Sold together with an original Air Raid Precautions card named to a Mrs Doris Hall, appointing her an Air Raid Warden at Salford, further sold with copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£500

Starting price
£180