Description
India General Service Medal 1908, bar Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, 8429 Pte Hugh Gribben, King’s Liverpool Regiment.
Hugh Gribben had also served in WW1, however as he was stationed in India he is only entitled to the British War Medal for his service, then followed by this medal for the war with Afghanistan following the end of WW1.
He is possibly the same Hugh Victor Gribben, born 1898 from Liverpool, who was brought up in court during 1939 for breaching the official secrets act accidentally at a phone whilst working with the Salvation Army Hostel.
The Daily Mirror 21st September 1939 reports:
“CHARGED AFTER TELEPHONE TALK
The danger of passing on information indiscreetly was emphasised at Liverpool Police Court yesterday when Hugh Victor Gribben, 51, licensed porter, of the Salvation Army Hostel, Norton-Street, Liverpool, was accused of communicating information which could or might be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy.
He was remanded on bail until September 28th.
Mr T.A. Smith prosecuting, said a police officer overheard Gribben telephoning from a kiosk in an area which was prohibited under the Official Secrets Act.
He was giving information regarding the arrival of the crew of a torpedoed ship.
As a licensed porter, said Mr Smith. Gribben was in a position by which he might obtain information that was not available to the ordinary public and he should have been more guarded. having regard to recent legislation, which gave wide powers with respect to the passing on of information.”
Medal is toned but otherwise in excellent condition
