Beschreibung:

Sold by Order of a Direct Descendant 'Those who worked with him [at the Board of Trade] felt that he did more than any other man on the home front to contribute to the winning of the war. All the most significant controls over civilian goods other than food were invented and set out by him … Before the war was over his were the plans for winning the peace - such things as the Monopolies Commission and the Development Areas. Short, bright-eyed, confidential voice, utterly un-pompous, with no vestige of the expected Civil Service aura of public school, university and club, Wattie had that essential of true leader - the capacity to inspire affection in all his staff and to make them all, cleaners and messengers upwards, feel themselves to be essential - and in that sense equal - parts of the job in hand.' A glowing tribute sent by Sir Francis Meynell to The Times , 28 March 1974, refers. A fine K.B.E., Second World War C.B., Great War M.C. and Bar group of seven awarded to Sir Laurence 'Wattie' Watkinson, who won high praise for his determined and courageous leadership at the Board of Trade in the last war: he then helped 'win the peace' as Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Fuel and Power in the bleak and challenging years of 1947-55 As a young officer in the Great War he had displayed similar qualities in abundance, so much so that he won a brace of M.C.s in the space of three weeks in France in October 1918. Regimental records of 1/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, refer to swathes of enemy ranks falling to - or being taken prisoner by - his platoon or company. Thus 14 who were taken out in a hand-to-hand encounter during a trench raid and a pair of German officers who had the misfortune to run into him outside Pommereuil in October 1918: they 'put up a good fight but were killed' The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.), Military Division, Knight Commander's 2nd type set of insignia, comprising neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, and breast star, silver and enamel, in its Garrard, London case of issue; The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.), Civil Division, Companion's neck badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1941, in its Garrard, London case of issue; Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued, with its case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. G. L. Watkinson); Coronation 1953; Italy, Altipiani Medal, on original silk riband, mounted as worn where applicable, generally good very fine or better (8) K.B.E. London Gazette 9 June 1949. C.B. London Gazette 1 January 1944. M.C. London Gazette 8 March 1919. Regimental records state: 'In the attack on Beaurevoir on 5 October 1918, he was in command of one of the leading companies, and by conspicuous gallantry and skilful leadership he gained his objectives and captured about 100 prisoners and two machine-guns. The commanders of the left and support companies being casualties, he took command of the situation and organised the defence of the east side of the village, at the same time regaining touch on both flanks.' Bar to M.C. London Gazette 2 April 1919. Regimental records state: 'During operations on 23-24 October 1918, he showed great initiative and gallantry in commanding his company. He got through the enemy defences and arrived on the outskirts of Pommereuil, got into touch with a tank and successfully cleared part of the village, capturing a large number of prisoners. He then proceeded to his position near Bois L'Eveque and consolidated, capturing more prisoners. During operations on 24 October, he again did good work.' (George) Laurence 'Wattie' Watkinson was born on 29 January 1896, the son of G. L. Watkinson of Battenhall, Worcestershire and was educated at Worcester Royal Grammar School. Soldier Having found employment as a civil servant at the War Office, he applied for a commission and was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the 12th (Reserve) Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment in May 1915. He subsequently joine