British Empire Medal up for Auction

Another piece of Murch history is coming up for auction. This time WW2 medals for Derrick C Murch.

This is a British Empire Medal (Mily), awarded to S/Sgt D. C. Murch R.E.M.E. attached to the Royal Artillery R.E.M.E

The medal, on a brooch pin is to be sold with 27 original documents, his AB64, Soldiers Release Book (Army Book X801 and two original photographs. The London Gazette 6th April 1945 wrote 'The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division), in recognition of Meritorious Services'.

Derrick Clifford Murch (note the incorrect spelling of his name in places) was born 4th August 1920. His trade on enlistment was Electrician for Walthamstow Borough Council. Called up in 1939 for the R.A.O.C., he wrote to the Army asking to be transferred to the R.E.M.E. His request was granted in December 1940 and he reported for the ‘Duration of the Present Emergency’ at Woolwich Barracks on the 17th May 1941. After passing an Electrical Trade Test he was re-mustered to the R.E.M.E. and proposed for a Commission. He served in the ranks until 1946 rising to the rank of WOII employed by R.E.M.E., attached to the Anti-Aircraft Arm of the Royal Artillery, as an Armament Artillery Electrician, finishing the War at Agra, India.

After his award was posted in the London Gazette of the 10th April 1946, he received congratulations from General Sir A.F. Pile Bt., G.C.B., D.S.O., M.C., R.A., Commanding Anti-Aircraft Command, writing: ‘Dear Sgt Murch, I was delighted to see in the London Gazette that you have been awarded the B.E.M. by His Majesty The King. Please accept my heartiest congratulations. Yours sincerely F.A. Pile’

Derrick was discharged on the 3rd September 1946 to class ‘Z’ Reserve being recalled on the 5th September 1951 for a medical, then he reported for training at the Anti-Aircraft Command School of Technical Instruction, Lydd, Kent on the 1st December 1951.

The sale is taking place at The Cavendish Hotel in Jermyn Street, London on the 27th November.