Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A post-War ‘military division’ C.B.E. group of seven awarded to Brigadier E. R. Ash, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, late Royal Army Ordnance Corps and Royal Artillery The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 2nd type, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, in D. Shackman & Sons case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. E. R. Ash.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (2. Lieut. E. R. Ash. R.A.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, breast awards mounted for wear, very fine (7) £300-£400 --- C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1951. The original recommendation states: ‘Since he was transferred from the RAOC to REME in 1942, Brigadier Ash has adopted his new corps with the most wholehearted enthusiasm and has held a series of responsible appointments at home and abroad. As D.D.M.E. to Southern Command he has devoted himself unsparingly, during the past 2 ½ years, to improving the organisation and efficiency of his Corps. His vitality and pride in his work have proved a great inspiration to all those working under him, and his cooperativeness and efficiency have earned the complete confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. Brigaider Ash sets a very high standard for his officers and does not suffer mediocrity gladly. The loyalty he has given to his superiors and the active support he has given to his subordinates have been a great contribution to the morale of his corps. In a comparatively new arm he has, of necessity, had much pioneer work to do, which has involved frequent changes of appointment. Such changes are liable to prejudice an officer’s chances of obtaining full recognition of his service, and it is felt that this may well have been so in Brigadier Ash’s case. It is therefore most strongly recommended that this officer’s past and present outstanding service should now receive recognition by the award of a C.B.E.’ Edwin Raymond Ash was born in May 1897, and served during the Great War with the Trench Mortar Battery & Fire Command, Royal Garrison Artillery in the French theatre of war from 10 February 1918. He advanced to Lieutenant in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in September 1923, and advanced to Lieutenant Colonel in August 1941. Ash served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during the Second War, and advanced to Brigadier in June 1942. He served as ADC to the King, 1950-52, and in the same capacity to the Queen, 1952-54. Brigadier Ash retired in June 1954, and died three years later.