Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Burma operations’ O.B.E. group of four awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel W. Eversden, Indian Army Ordnance Corps
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, in a damaged Garrard & Co. 1st type case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, these last three in their original card forwarding box addressed to ‘Lt. Col. W. Eversden, O.B.E., 262 Manley Road, Chorlton Cum Hardy, Manchester’, with Army Council forwarding slip, extremely fine (4) £400-£500

O.B.E. London Gazette 15 November 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’

The recommendation states: ‘Arakan/Burma. Lt. Col. W. Eversden has been A.D.O.S. of this Division since 5 October 43. He has been indefatigable in his work, and in his determination to ensure that the Division has been properly equipped and clothed. He has worked with great zeal and energy, and has been of the greatest personal help to Comds of every grade, with whom he is very popular and greatly respected. His loyalty, drive and unselfish devotion to this Division, are exceptional, and have acted as a great tonic. It is very largely due to this Officer’s exceptional ability, energy and patience that the ORD services within my Division have always worked with complete smoothness and efficiency. During the planning and carrying out of recent Combined Operations, Lt. Col. Eversden’s keenness, sense of anticipation, and hard work have been invaluable, and have ensured the success of the Service for which he is responsible. His services merit the award of the O.B.E., for which I very strongly recommend him.’

William Eversden also won a ‘mention’ for Burma (London Gazette 5 April 1945 refers).

Sold with the recipient’s original O.B.E. warrant and M.I.D. certificate, in the name of ‘Lieutenant-Colonel (Temp.) W. Eversden, Indian Army Ordnance Corps’; a printed ‘Farewell Address’ on the recipient’s departure from an appointment at Jamalpur in July 1943; and several wartime portrait photographs, two of which show a 26th Indian Division shoulder flash on his uniform.