Badge of a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Military Division) & MBE

badge and ribbon with oakleaves (gallantry) MODEL, SECONDARY & (SEE) OMD 948 : oakleaves, two, in silver, superimposed

Medal denoting appointment as member to the order of the Brisith Empire, presented to Second Lieutenant David Ellis Green of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers for gallant actions in counter-insurgency operations during the Aden Emergency. His appointment was gazetted in the Lonfon Gazette on 4th July 1967. "Second Lieutenant Green commands 10 Platoon of Z Company. On 10th February-1967, his platoon, reinforced by a section from Support Platoon was ordered to occupy a strong point position in the market place of Crater. The market is in the centre of Crater which is a busy and congested area on the edge of the bazaar and known to harbour terrorists and sympathizers. The market place is also the focal point for gathering and moving crowds of demonstrators. Second Lieutenant Green's task, during the four day civil disturbance in Aden, was to deny demonstrators and rioters free use of this area and to channel any movement away from his sector, dealing with terrorist activity as it arose. He was also required to maintain the curfew by mobile and foot patrols from his strong point. In spite of numerous tricky and varied incidents throughout the period 10th-13th1 February, Second Lieutenant Green was firmly in control of the situation and the presence and action of his platoon in this key position did much to maintain law and order during a particularly difficult and testing period and undoubtedly prevented a nasty situation from developing and consequent bloodshed and loss of life among the local inhabitants. During the afternoon of 10th February five grenade attacks were made on his position by terrorists and after last light the enemy activity continued using pistols to snipe from nearby rooftops. This young officer, without regard to his own safety, moved about his platoon area while under fire encouraging and controlling his men. Throughout the whole of this operation Second Lieutenant Green's personal courage, skill and resourcefulness were an inspiration to his platoon and an example set in the highest tradition of the service."

History of award : gallantry appointments to the Order of the British Empire were used from 1958 until 1974, when they ceased to be employed following the creation of the Queen's Gallantry Medal.