During and after World War Two the tradition of providing commemorative watches to servicemen continued…
This page is dedicated to the watch of Sergeant 3193700 Harry Riley BEM, of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers.
As CQMS he was the Company Quartermaster Sergeant a non-commissioned officer in a company who is in charge of supplies, but in the infantry battalions a CQMS is called a colour sergeant.
The Vertex watch presented by the people of Kearsley in 1946, was sourced from Prestons of Bolton, and it is supplied in their presentation case.
Started in 1912, Vertex had a long history of producing military watches. They produced watches during World War One. Then during World War 2, Vertex was selected as one of twelve watch companies who were selected to produce specialist watches to specific military specifications for military use (later known as the Dirty Dozen). Their Hatton garden factory and Showrooms in London were destroyed during the blitz, but production continued.
Harry was awarded the BEM in the New Years honours of 1946.
Harry was awarded a group of five medals, the British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (3193700 Sgt. Harry Riley, K.O.S.B.); the 1939-45 Star; the France and Germany Star; the Defence and War Medals 1939-45.
