British Empire Medal (Military). GVI 1st Issue (1488352 Sgt. Frederick R.G. Herniman)

The unique Jamaica Colony Second World War BEM awarded to Sergeant Frederick Robert George Herniman for his service with the the Jamaica Militia Artillery

This unique award was published in the London Gazette of 01/01/44 - where the recipients unit is shown as 'Jamaica Military (sic) Artillery' - the official recommendation of award (shown below) shows the recipients unit as the Jamaica Militia Artillery:

Quote,

This N.C.O. has shown outstanding diligence and extreme efficiency during his service with the Jamaica Militia Artillery. The standard maintained by him in these respects is in my opinion such that the unit efficiency as a whole has been enhanced by his efforts and his example. I strongly recommend this N.C.O. for award of the B.E.M.

Unquote

The recommendation was signed by the Colonel, Commander, North Caribbean  Area

Medals Verification: Medal rolls for Second World War campaign medal awarded to the British Army are not in the public domain as of 2026. However the B.E.M. and all 3 x campaign medals are confirmed as entitled per the below following cited official sournces:

- British Empire Medal (Military). GVI 1st issue: Published in London Gazette 01/01/1944
- The 1939-1945 Star. No clasp: For France 1939-40. British Army WWII Medal Index Card refers
- Defence Medal: British Army WWII Medal Index Card refers. Medals issued 10/02/1950
- War Medal: British Army WWII Medal Index Card refers. Medals issued 10/02/1950

The recipient took his discharge from the British Army on 25 March 1946, and his WWII campaign medals were sent to him on 10/02/1950, to the below address:

36 Woodville Road
Exeter
Devon
England

Frederick Robert George Herniman, the eldest child and only son of Richard Herniman (described as a Grocery Manager in 1939) and Frances Isabella Herniman (nee Northcutt), was a native of Dorset, England, where he was born on 5 April 1914. Wile a serving Gunner with the Royal Regiment of Artillery on leave from the British Expeditionary Force, Frederick married Nellie Rabbage at the Mint Methodist Church, Exeter, Devon, England, on, 16 March 1940. Shortly after the fall of France in June 1940, Frederick was transferred to the West Indies where he was stationed at Jamaica Colony, where he served with the Jamaica Militia Artillery, for the remainder of the Second World War on coastal and port defence duties. Post-War Frederick is recorded embarking on the S.S. Collister, at Port St. Antonio, Jamaica, for the first-leg of his return voyage to the United Kingdom, via Grand Cayman, for Miami, FL, USA, which US port he landed on 8 October 1945. Frederick and Nell Hernimand had one son, Andrew Herniman (1959-1994), who later became a Chief Inspector with the Royal Hong Kong Police. Frederick & Nell Herniman are recorded to have died in Spain on 18 April 1991

The BEM retaining the original silk riband with silvered investiture mounting pin with reverse fittings and as originally issued

Important: The sale does not include the cigarette cards, which have only here been included as props for illustrative purposes

An extremely rare - and unique - medal issue of Jamaica Colony Second World War interest

Condition: About EF

Code: 26183