The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, M.B.E.; 1914-15 Star (M.4937 G.W. BIRD. E.R.A.3, R.N.); British War Medal (M.4937 G.W. BIRD. E.R.A.3. R.N.); Victory Medal (M.4937 G.W. BIRD. E.R.A.3. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee Medal 1935 - unnamed as awarded with a wealth of original material including a photograph album and sporting medals.
George William Bird was born in Deal in 1890. He attested for the Royal Navy on 7 August 1912 as an Acting Engine Room Artificer (4th Class.) At the outbreak of WWI he was serving aboard HMS Doon and was present during the German battle cruiser raid on Hartlepool in December 1914 when the Doon was badly damaged by enemy fire. In August 1917 he joined the armoured cruiser, Bacchante Comm serving aboard her until January 1919.
He was commissioned (Engineer) in 1935 and just before the outbreak of WWII was serving aboard HMS Dainty and, as war broke, he was at the Mechanical Training Establishment based at Chatham. He joined HMS Jersey on 16 January 1940 and, although retired, rejoined her between 7 September 1940 and 8 January 1941. During this period the ship saw action under Lord Louis Mountbatten when HMS Javelin was almost sunk by enemy fire. Mountbatten commented warmly on Lt Bird's conduct when he left the ship in January 1941.
Bird was awarded the MBE in 1943 (copy of warrant included), receiving this from the King in recognition of his work maintaining convoy escorts in the battle of the Atlantic. In 1944 he was promoted to Lt Commander (Engineering.) Retiring in 1947 he was admitted to a RN hospital in 1958 for medical treatment. He passed away on 15 April 1979 at the age of 88.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with research.
