Baldwin & Sons
Auction 98 3 May 2016
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MILITARY MEDALS, Awards for Gallantry and Distinguished Service, The Ulster Special Constabulary Police Force George Cross and Great War Military Medal Group of 8 awarded to 1466 Special Head Constable Samuel Orr, comprising George Cross (S.1466 Constable Samuel Orr, Ulster Special Constabulary, 23rd June 1924); Military Medal G.V.R. (A-7937 Sjt. S. Orr. 18/High L.I.); 1914 Star with Aug-Nov clasp (A7937 Pte. S. Orr. 2/High L.I.); 1914-1920 British War and Victory Medals (7937 Sjt. S. Orr High L.I.); 1939-45 Defence Medal, un-named as issued; Coronation Medal 1953, un-named as issued; Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal E.II.R. (Sergt. Samuel Orr). Toned, contact marks to Military Medal, otherwise very fine, mounted for wear. (8)
George Cross – Empire Gallantry Medal Exchange - London Gazette 3 June 1924
Exchanged 25 November 1941
Military Medal London Gazette, 13 March 1919
Private Orr Landed in France with the 2nd Battalion High Land Light Infantry on 21 September 1914
Head Constable Orr was originally recommended for the Constabulary Medal the recommendation reading as follows:
No 1466 Special Head Constable Orr Samuel No 20 Platoon
At about 7.15pm on 9 July 1922 Head Constable Orr was on the premises of Mr John Mc.Cardle Restaurateur of No. 17 Commercial Court off Donegall Street, Belfast. He was speaking to the proprietor when two men entered and asked for Cigarettes the Proprietor turned round to supply them when the two men drew Revolvers and shouted "Hands Up".
Head Constable Orr, although unarmed fainted and then grappled with one of the men and one shot was fired which grazed the Head Constable's chin. Then the second man fired severely wounding the Head Constable, the bullet entering under the left shoulder blade and coming out of the front portion of the left breast.
The gallantry displayed by an unarmed men faced with two loaded revolvers at two yards range I consider is worthy of the Constabulary Medal.
Head Constable Orr has always displayed a high courage and has always been a splendid example to men under circumstances which have called for resource and initiative. He is already in possession of the Military Medal.
Signed E.B.C. Dickinson. Captain. Officer Commanding No. 20 Platoon
Sold with the Royal Mint case of issue for the George Cross, original Constabulary Medal Recommendation Original Correspondence from 10 Downing Street regarding the award of the Empire Gallantry Medal, Original Central Chancery receipt for the return of the Empire Gallantry Medal, Original Central Chancery Invitation to George Cross investiture, newspaper cutting, correspondence from the Royal Society of St George and an original photograph of Samuel Orr in Police uniform.
Estimate: £12,000-15,000
George Cross – Empire Gallantry Medal Exchange - London Gazette 3 June 1924
Exchanged 25 November 1941
Military Medal London Gazette, 13 March 1919
Private Orr Landed in France with the 2nd Battalion High Land Light Infantry on 21 September 1914
Head Constable Orr was originally recommended for the Constabulary Medal the recommendation reading as follows:
No 1466 Special Head Constable Orr Samuel No 20 Platoon
At about 7.15pm on 9 July 1922 Head Constable Orr was on the premises of Mr John Mc.Cardle Restaurateur of No. 17 Commercial Court off Donegall Street, Belfast. He was speaking to the proprietor when two men entered and asked for Cigarettes the Proprietor turned round to supply them when the two men drew Revolvers and shouted "Hands Up".
Head Constable Orr, although unarmed fainted and then grappled with one of the men and one shot was fired which grazed the Head Constable's chin. Then the second man fired severely wounding the Head Constable, the bullet entering under the left shoulder blade and coming out of the front portion of the left breast.
The gallantry displayed by an unarmed men faced with two loaded revolvers at two yards range I consider is worthy of the Constabulary Medal.
Head Constable Orr has always displayed a high courage and has always been a splendid example to men under circumstances which have called for resource and initiative. He is already in possession of the Military Medal.
Signed E.B.C. Dickinson. Captain. Officer Commanding No. 20 Platoon
Sold with the Royal Mint case of issue for the George Cross, original Constabulary Medal Recommendation Original Correspondence from 10 Downing Street regarding the award of the Empire Gallantry Medal, Original Central Chancery receipt for the return of the Empire Gallantry Medal, Original Central Chancery Invitation to George Cross investiture, newspaper cutting, correspondence from the Royal Society of St George and an original photograph of Samuel Orr in Police uniform.
Estimate: £12,000-15,000