Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A post-War O.B.E. group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel R. E. Lampen, Liverpool Regiment, late Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Royal Navy The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; British War and Victory Medals (Mid. R. E. Lampen. R.N.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Waziristan 1921-24 (Lieut. R. E. Lampen. R.W. Fus.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, good very fine and better (6) £300-£400 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1948. The original Recommendation states: ‘Lieutenant-Colonel Lampen, who was prevented by a serious service accident from combatant duty in the war, has been A.M.S. of both Northern and Southern Scottish Commands. His work has been particularly arduous during this post-war period of reconstruction, and the re-forming of the T.A. He has never spared himself and has continuously worked very long hours to ensure the timely dealing with appointments. His handling of the many personal difficulties of officers arising out of the aftermath of war has shown he possesses an exceptionally tactful and sympathetic nature, which is blended with directness when necessary. His unselfishness and devotion to duty have been quite exceptional.’ Robert Eric Lampen was born was born on 20 February 1900 and was educated at Cheltenham College. In June 1918 he joined the Royal Navy as a Midshipman, serving in H.M.S. Hercules and H.M.S. Emperor of India. The following year, to avoid an entrance exam for Dartmouth, he transferred to the Army, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Loyal Regiment on 15 August 1919, before transferring to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on promotion to Lieutenant on 15 August 1921, and served with them in Waziristan. He transferred again in 1925, this time to the Liverpool Regiment, and was promoted Captain on 29 October 1933. In December 1933 Lampen was seriously injured in a road traffic accident, fracturing his skull. Confined to desk jobs, he was promoted Major on 25 February 1940 and served during the Second World War at the Small Arms School and later at H.Q. Northern Ireland, as Assistant Military Secretary. He retired in 1947, being granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1948 New Year’s Honours’ List. Sold with copied research including a group photographic image featuring the recipient.