Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, O.B.E.; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Coronation Medal 1953; Territorial Decoration EIIR reverse dated 1953 - unnamed as awarded. Sold with two Lt. Colonel epaulettes and an Intelligence Corps cap badge.
Eustace William Frend was born on 27 March 1911 at Hurstpierpoint in Sussex. A Gunner with the 16th L.A.A. Regiment, R.A., he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery from the the Officers Training Corps, Haileybury College Contingent on 12 October 1939.
Friend had a long and distinguished career with the Territorials. He served in Italy in WWII and, after his release on 13 October 1945, joined the 516 (M) L.A.A. S/L Regiment. He was Second in Command with the rank of Major in 1952 when he succeeded to the command of the regiment. It was noted that as a keen motorist, he had taken part in two Monte Carlo Rallies.
His WWII medals were posted to him at "Lissington", Hurstpierpoint, Sussex. As the OC he selected an additional six members of his regiment to attend the 1953 Coronation ceremony. He also earned the Territorial Decoration in that year.
He transferred to the Intelligence Corps and was awarded the OBE whilst with them in 1963, for which the citation read:
"Lt Colonel Frend joined the Territorial Army in 1947 and transferred to the Intelligence Corps in 1959. He was first given command of an Intelligence Corps TA unit in 1957. On the reorganisation of the Intelligence Corps TA, he assumed command of the Joint Services Interrogation Unit. This unit consists of linguists trained in interrogation duties. Its headquarters are at Marsfield and members of the unit are drawn from all over the United Kingdom.
There is no doubt whatsoever that this is an extremely efficient unit, ready for its wartime role now. The credit for this very satisfactory state of affairs must go mainly to Colonel Frend for his enthusiasm and leadership. Members of the unit attend his training with remarkable consistency. His exercises are invariably well thought out and of great value. Through his own efforts he has established a very close liaison with the Dutch School of Military Intelligence and annual exercises take place in conjunction with Dutch military interrogators. The value of such exercises, conducted entirely in Russian, is too obvious to need emphasis.
Colonel Frend has now, after five years, given up command of Intelligence Corps TA units. His work and keenness on behalf of the Territorial Army is beyond praise and merits reward."
Frend passed away in Maidstone, Kent on 11 February 1982.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with some research.
