The Medal of the Order of British Empire (BEM)

The Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service was instituted by George V in 1917. It was intended to reward large numbers of workers, especially those employed in the munitions industries.

The award of the British Empire Medal entitles the recipients to place the letters “BEM” after their names.

Although a military version of the medal was instituted in 1918, it was little used by War Office. The medal was intended for 'acts of courage and self-sacrifice or specially distinguished service' rendered during war.

In 1922, the medal was divided into the Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for GALLANTRY (known as the Empire Gallantry Medal (EGM)) and the Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service (BEM.). The EGM was superceded by the George Cross in September 1940.

In 1957 it was decreed that appointments to and promotions in the Order of the British Empire and awards of the British Empire Medal, when granted for gallantry, should be distinguished by the wearing of an Emblem on the riband in crossed oak leaves, and in the announcement by an additional description “for gallantry”. Gallantry awards in the Order continued until 19 June 1974, when The Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM) was instituted.

The British Empire Medal ceased being awarded in the United Kingdom in 1992, but is still awarded by some Commonwealth Countries.

 

Worcestershire Regiment men who were awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal)

The rank show in the table below is that which was held at the time the Order was awarded.

British Empire Medal

 

Worcestershire Regiment men who were awarded the BEM in World War 1

Surname

Forename/s

Number

Rank

Gazette Date

Bird

John Robert

59148

Sergeant

23/01/1920

Courtney

James

49877

Private

23/01/1920

English

Thomas Bartlett

38700

Sergeant

23/01/1920

Ginder

Edward Francis

39855

Sergeant

23/01/1920

Jones

H. E.

5241057

Private

23/01/1920

Stoke

E. W.

45450

Sergeant

23/01/1920

Tait

D. F.

39488

Staff Sergeant

23/01/1920

Notes:
Private James Courtney was previously with the 2nd Battalion Irish Guards (6593) and had been awarded the M.M. in 1916 (London Gazette 27/10/1916).
Acting Sergeant Thomas Bartlett English was previously with the Royal Berkshire Regiment (2655) with the rank of Lance-Corporal.

CQMS Edward Francis Ginder his number on the Medal Card Index is quoted as 38955 but in the London Gazette as 39855.

 

Worcestershire Regiment men who were awarded the BEM in World War 2

Surname

Forename/s

Number

Rank

Gazette Date

Andrews

Ernest Francis

5253069

Sergeant

01/01/1945

Goldwhite

Jack Woolf

5115487

Corporal

18/04/1946

Ryal

Patrick Thomas

6340681

C.S.M.

06/01/1944

Stupple

Edward

6284291

Corporal (Lance Sergeant)

08/06/1944

Sterry

Ebor

5239051

C.Q.M.S.

01/01/1945

Note:

Sergeant Ernest Francis Andrews (5253069) was awarded the BEM posthumously "For exceptional leadership, drive and initiative............ This N.C.O., by his leadership and personal example inspired the men under his command at all times and under the most adverse conditions".
His parents Mr. & Mrs. E. J. Andrews journeyed to London on the 25th July 1949 to receive from the King their late sons award.

 

Worcestershire Regiment men who were awarded the BEM at other times

Surname

Forename/s

Number

Rank

Gazette (date)

Tanner

George Alfred

5249919

Sergeant

07/06/1951

Easter

George

14441378

Colour Sergeant

01/01/1957


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