Original WWII Medal Pair — George E. H. Bilney, Kent
Second World War Defence Medal and War Medal 1939–45, complete with original Air Ministry OHMS postal box, ribbons and historical research relating to the named recipient.
An interesting and researchable British wartime medal group with excellent provenance.
Medals included
● Defence Medal 1939–1945
● War Medal 1939–1945
● Both corresponding medal ribbons
● Original OHMS Air Ministry box of issue addressed to G. E. H. Bilney Esq., 308 Largo Avenue, Welling, Kent
● Copies of historical research records relating to the recipient
Recipient history
The original wartime medal issue box identifies the recipient as G. E. H. Bilney of Welling, Kent.
Research identifies a George E. H. Bilney, born on 9 July 1914, who married Lettice E. Deares in the Dartford registration district in 1939.
The 1939 Register records him living at 261 Craymond Avenue, Bexley, Kent, employed as a greengrocer’s salesman and serving as a Special Constable.
His documented Special Constabulary role is particularly interesting given the considerable demands placed upon police and emergency services during the Second World War.
The original medal box bears Air Ministry return details, suggesting a possible RAF or Air Ministry association, although his precise military service has not been established.
Condition
Both medals show age-related surface toning and signs of storage, as photographed.
The original cardboard box survives with its typed recipient’s address label, OHMS markings and Air Ministry return instructions. The box displays age-related wear, staining and minor damage consistent with its age.
The original-style ribbons are included as photographed.
Historical interest
A named and traceable Second World War medal group with original government issue packaging and accompanying genealogical research.
Of particular interest to collectors of British WWII medals, Royal Air Force history, wartime policing, the Home Front and Kent local history.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.
The medals themselves are officially unnamed, as was normal for most British WWII campaign medals. Attribution is through the accompanying named box and research.
An appealing original wartime group with scope for further research.
