Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 649

A Civil O.B.E. and Great War M.C. pair attributed to Captain H. J. Green, Royal Engineers

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Civil Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, 2nd Type, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R., both awards in cases of issue, extremely fine (2)

M.C. London Gazette 26 September 1917.

When laying a track his party was subjected to heavy enemy shell fire. He displayed the greatest energy, and disregard of personal danger and kept the work in progress under the most adverse conditions inspiring his men by his fine example.

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 February 1944 .

Henry John Green was born at Tisbury, Wiltshire on 10 October 1883 and was educated at Tisbury School and Winchester Training College, and after working in Harrow as an Assistant Master from 1905 to 1908, he began his career in civil engineering when he was engaged in 1908 on a survey of the route for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway through the Rocky Mountain Division, where he was also responsible for instrumental field work.

From 1910-14 Green was Engineer-in-Charge of mountain survey and reconnaissance for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, where he was also responsible for the construction of 60 miles of the railway, costing £800,000, in the Mountain Division. For a time preceding the outbreak of World War I, he was Survey and Construction Engineer when the war began and enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers (No.6893). He first entered the war in France on 14 November 1915 and is entitled to a 1914-15 Star Trio. In 1916, however, he was commissioned in the Royal Engineers, when he commanded the 10th Railway Company and 259 Railway Company, both engaged in railway construction in the forward areas of France and Belgium. His service took him through the Ypres, Arras, and Somme battles and he was awarded the Military Cross in 1917.

In 1919, Green became Chief Construction Engineer in France and Belgium for F. N. Pickett et Fils, where up to 1922 he was concerned with railways and other works worth £250,000, and in 1923 he was Resident Engineer for the Train Ferry Berth, Harwich. In 1924 that Mr Green entered the services of the Metropolitan Railway Company as Assistant to the Chief Engineer. He was then responsible for the execution of various engineering works in progress at that time, and in 1926 was appointed Maintenance Assistant to the Chief Engineer, becoming Assistant Chief Engineer in 1931.

Two years later he became Acting Chief Civil Engineer, Metropolitan Railway, and in 1940 was appointed Chief Engineer (Civil) to the London Passenger Transport Board. When intensive air raids began, he organized and supervised the whole of the work of repairing damage to underground railways and tram tracks. He relinquished this post for health reasons towards the end of 1943 and died on 18 July, 1958.

Sold together with the following:

i)
Miniature medals comprising M.B.E., M.C., 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals.

ii)
Uniform riband bar.

iii)
The citation for the Military Cross cut out of a newspaper with a section of Military Cross riband, both items housed in a small frame for display.

iv)
Buckingham Palace Investiture Tickets.
v)
Letter from 10 Downing Street informing him of the recommendation of the O.B.E. dated 11 December 1942.

vi)
Letter from the Central Chancery relating to his investiture on 16 February 1943.

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

Sold for
£480

Starting price
£320