155745 Preisdatenbank Los(e) gefunden, die Ihrer Suche entsprechen

An excessively rare Great War airship pilots D.S.C. group of four awarded to Flight Commander W. F. Horner, Royal Naval Air Service, who, having served in the Airship Expeditionary Force in the Aegean 1915-16, was killed on an operational flight in the SSP.4 over the North Sea in December 1917 Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., hallmarks for London 1917; 1914-15 Star (S. Lt., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Flt. Cr., R.N.A.S.), together with original illuminated Memorial Scroll in the name of Flight Commander William Frith Horner, D.S.C., R.N., with date Dec. 21 1917 added later, and a fine quality studio portrait photograph, the whole contained in a contemporary folding, part-glazed fitted leather display case, extremely fine (Lot) £4000-5000 D.S.C. London Gazette 1 May 1918: To officers of the Royal Naval Air Service for zeal and devotion to duty in the period 1 July to 31 December 1917. The original recommendation states: Flight Commander Horner has displayed great zeal and energy as Commanding Officer of Caldale Airship Station. He has carried out many submarine and convoy patrols in the North Sea under trying conditions. William Frith Horner, a native of Warlingham, Surrey, who was born in December 1894, was appointed a Midshipman in May 1912 and was serving in the battleship H.M.S. Vanguard on the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914. Shortly afterwards, however, he transferred to the Royal Naval Air Service, being appointed a Flight Sub. Lieutenant in March 1915 and trained as an airship pilot at Kingsworth, Polegate and Dover. Once qualified, he joined the Airship Expeditionary Force in the Aegean at the end of 1915, initially with a posting to Mudros, on the Island of Lemnos, but such was the attention paid to the sheds used for the forces Sea Scout Airships by Turkish bombers that the base became known as the "Pepper-pot". In due course, therefore, the force was transferred to a new base at Kassandra, where, as confirmed by the following report, Horner assumed command sometime in 1916: He is a most excellent Sea Scout Airship pilot, and has been constantly patrolling Kephalo and Mudros. He is now in command of Kassandra. He attempted a night spotting flight over Gallipoli. A most excellent officer with a good command of men. He is recommended for promotion (Report of the Wing Captain, Eastern Mediterranean, refers). Horner was accordingly advanced to Flight Commander soon after his return to the U.K. and commenced his next operational posting at Kirkwall Airship Station in April 1917. Transferring to Caldale Airship Station in the Orkneys, as Commanding Officer, that July, he flew many anti-submarine and convoy patrols in the period leading up to his death on 21 December 1917, mainly in Sea Scout Pusher SSP.4, which airship had been placed on the strength of the Caldale establishment on 12 June 1917, and carried a crew of three, comprising pilot, W./T. Operator and Engineer. Official records further reveal that the SSP. 4 had amassed 165 airborne hours prior to her disappearance in December 1917, many of them with Horner at the helm, a record saved for posterity in Caldales "Airship Daily Reports" (now held in the National Archives at Kew). Thus her very first flight under Horner on 5 July 1917: On SSP.4s first patrol today, magneto drive seized up owing to choking of oil pipes. Leading Mechanic Anthony took down magneto and drive, and started engine off Remy by cranking propellor. Airship was drifting for 40 minutes. She was ready for flight two hours after landing. Notwithstanding such mechanical defects, Horner took SSP.4 on a submarine patrol of 220 miles less than a week later, and followed up with another patrol of similar distance on the 21st. Then on 12 August he flew a 170 mile mine-searching and convoy escort patrol, while on the 17th - following a few local flights for dummy bomb dropping and Lewis gun pratice - he flew 110 miles in the course of another convoy escort patrol. And so his work continued right up until his demise on 21 December 1917, when the SSP.4 failed to return from patrol - wreckage was subsequently discovered on Westray Island, and Horner, who was 22 years of age, was posted missing, believed drowned. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial. Sadly, too, the aforementioned Leading Mechanic E. F. Anthony, himself an "Airship D.S.M." Sold with four original wartime photographs, one of them showing a Sea Scout Pusher about to embark on patrol, the reverse captioned, Orkneys, 1917, Fritz in centre.

A good Great War minesweeping operations D.S.C. group of seven awarded to Chief Officer H. Terry, Merchant Navy, late Royal Naval Reserve, who added a Kings Commendation for Brave Conduct to his accolades on the occasion the S.S. Maywood was mined in the Bristol Channel in March 1941 Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., hallmarks for London 1919; 1914-15 Star (Lt., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut., R.N.R.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Kings Commendation for Brave Conduct oval plastic badge, good very fine or better (8) £1400-1600 D.S.C. London Gazette 24 March 1919: Honours for minesweeping operations between 1 July and 31 December 1918. Kings Commendation for Brave Conduct London Gazette 13 May 1941. Harry Terry commenced his wartime career in hired paddle minesweepers as a Lieutenant in the Duchess of Montrose in July 1915, removing shortly thereafter to the Duchess of Kent and, in the summer of 1916, as captain, to the Bourne. Then in September of the following year, having also served in the Verdun, he assumed command of his old ship, the Duchess of Kent, in which capacity he appears to have been employed until the end of hostilities. Awarded the D.S.C., he was demobilised from the Royal Naval Reserve in January 1920; for an account of the extremely hazardous nature of these minesweeping operations and mention of Terry and his assorted ships, see Swept Channels, by Captain Taprell Dorling, D.S.O. Of Terrys career between the Wars little remains known, other than the fact he must have taken a Chief Officers Certificate in the Merchant Navy in same period, and by January 1941 he was serving in that rank aboard the S.S. Maywood. At around 1100 hours on the 15th of that month, while bound from Cardiff to Liverpool with a cargo of coal, she struck a mine and had to be beached. Captain W. S. Harrison later reported: I was on the bridge at the time of the explosion and was knocked unconscious for about five minutes. When I came round the Pilot and Compass Adjuster had gone off in one of the lifeboats. I do not know who gave the order to lower the boat, but the Fireman, Steward and Wireless Operator were also in this boat. The ship continued to steam round and we were unable to stop the engines. The steam pipes were fractured, but after a time we managed to shut off the port boiler ... As I was knocked unconscious by the explosion I did not see exactly what happened, but I am told that there was a loud bang, but no flash or smoke. The crew aft saw a column of water which was thrown to a height of 30 to 40 feet. The ship did not list until she started to take water ... At length, two tugs arrived on the scene, and beached the Maywood about 1440 on the same day, but Captain Harrison and Terry remained aboard until the salvage authorities arrived. Both were duly awarded the Kings Commendation for Brave Conduct.

A Great War Minesweeping operations D.S.C. group of six awarded to Lieutenant W. W. Storey, Royal Naval Reserve Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., hallmarks for London 1917, reverse inscribed, 1st Lieut. W. W. Storey, R.N.R., Invested Nov. 7th 1917, Buckingham Palace, in Garrard, London case of issue; 1914-15 Star (S. Lt., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Lieut., R.N.R.); France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, 5th Class breast badge, silver, gold and ename, in Louis Aucoc, Pais case of issue, enamel damage to arms; France, Croix de Guerre 1914-1917; with riband bar, very fine and better (6) £1200-1600 D.S.C. London Gazette 2 July 1917. ... in recognition of their services in Mine-Sweeping operations between the 1st July, 1916, and the 31st March, 1917. M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1917 & 17 October 1919. Wilfrid Walter Storey served as a Sub-Lieutenant and Lieutenant, R.N.R., based at H.M.S. Attentive III (Dover), engaged in mine-sweeping duties with the Trawler Patrol, Dover Patrol, from July 1915- April 1917. Post-war he served on the Hall Line S.S. City of Baroda. Sold with bestowal document for the Legion of Honour, dated 1 March 1919, for Dragage du H‰vre; two M.I.D. certificates; Certificate of Competency as Extra Master for Foreign-going Steamships only, dated 23 February 1920; together with other papers. Also with a photocopy of Swept Channels, by Captain Taprell Dorling. In the latter, Lieutenant Storey is mentioned (pages 318 & 357) as being the right-hand man of Commander Colin S. Inglis D.S.O., R.N., who in December 1918 was commanding 16 drifters used for mine clearance off the Belgian coast; Lieutenant W. W. Storey, D.S.C., R.N.R., being said to have had great experiance in minesweeping during the war round about Dover and Dunkirk. .

A rare Great War D.S.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant T. J. Jones, Royal Naval Reserve, who spotted for the monitor M-33 in her many actions on the River Dvina, Russia in the summer of 1919 Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., hallmarks for London 1919, in its Garrard & Co. case of issue; 1914-15 Star (S. Lt., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut., R.N.R.), generally extremely fine (4) £1800-2200 D.S.C. London Gazette 11 November 1919: For distinguished services under fire in H.M. Monitor 33. Lieutenant Jones showed great zeal in preparing and perfecting the control and spotting instruments of the ship. The original recommendation states: He has displayed great coolness under fire and his accurate spotting aloft has been of great assistance. He has shown great zeal in preparing and perfecting the control and spotting instruments of this ship. Thomas Johnson Jones, who was commissioned as a Temporary Sub. Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve in April 1915, served in the Heather (a.k.a. Q-16) in the early part of 1917, prior to transferring to monitors with an appointment in the M-25 later that year. But it was for his services in the M-33 from June until September 1919, as part of what became known as the Altham Flotilla, that he was awarded his D.S.C., namely for the above cited deeds during the course of the River Dvina operations that summer. Indeed the valuable contribution made by the M-33 in several hotly contested actions is well recorded in G. R. Singleton-Gates Bolos & Barishynas, a case in point being the engagement she fought with enemy gunboats near Troitsa Bay in the early morning hours of 7 July: The enemy gunboats, however, soon began to take a hand in the business, and we therefore advanced, in company with H.M. M-33, to engage them, and a pretty hot action followed. We took up a position close under the cliffs of the right bank, where continuous machine-gun fire still resounded through the woods, but a good distance inland. The enemy seemed to have got our position well marked off, and was getting unpleasantly close. We therefore shifted our position and closed the range. Just as we passed under the stern of M-33, a cloud of black smoke shot up from her amidships, and it was evident she was hit. She was not badly damaged, the shot having only destroyed the ward-room, sparing the wine store, as the captain cheerfully informed us as we passed. Together we continued the action for another half-hour or so, shifting from place to place, and the enemy, according to his usual tactics, ceased fire and retired behind the river bank. However, he was soon out again, and several more small strafes occurred; but at about 10 a.m. he packed up, and we were able to get some breakfast ... Jones was demobilised in November 1919; also see Lot 226 for other family awards.

The Great War Western Front M.C. & Bar group of four awarded to Major C. P. L. Balcombe, Royal Engineers, who was mortally wounded on 25 October 1918 and died four days later Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued, in case of issue; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut., R.E.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Major); together with an original studio portrait photograph thought to be of the recipient good very fine (4) £1800-2200 M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1918. Bar to M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918 For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while commanding his company. Under heavy machine-gun fire he selected sites for and constructed strong points. He also personally went out in front of the lines to bring in a small detachment who were isolated. Owing to his fine example of coolness his company, besides carrying on their own duties, made a counter-attack and captured several prisoners. M.I.D. London Gazette 2 January 1917 Charles Percy Lionel Balcombe was wounded in action at he Battle of the Selle on 25 October 1918 and died of wounds four days later on 29 October 1918, whilst serving with the 11th Field Company, Royal Engineers. He is buried at Awoingt British Cemetery, France. Sold with a quantity of copied research detail, including copy of news cutting announcing his death, taken from The Cornish Post and Mining News, which states that he was previously a student of the Camborne School of Mines. His name is also mentioned in the book, The British Volunteers of Latin America Roll of Honour.

The superb Great War High Wood M.C., Life Saving A.M. group of seven awarded to Captain W. L. C. Rathbone, 15th Battalion, London Regiment (Civil Service Rifles), formerly Devonshire Regiment, who was awarded the Albert Medal for great gallantly in disarming a madman who had run amok in a trench carrying a loaded rifle with fixed bayonet Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed Captain W. L. C. Rathbone, 15th London Regt., 18th Sept. 1916; Albert Medal, 2nd Class, for Gallantry in Saving Life on Land, reverse officially inscribed Presented by His Majesty to 2nd Lieutenant William Leslie Coutts Rathbone, 15th Bn., The London Regiment, for gallantry in saving life in France on the night of the 6th May 1916; Queens South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Natal, Transvaal (5815 Pte., Devon. Regt.); 1914-15 Star (1210 Sjt., 15/Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (1210 Pte., 15/London Regt.) Q.S.A. and T.F.E.M. with single initial L (he was serving with the single christian name Leslie at the time), generally good very fine (7) £8000-10000 M.C. London Gazette 14 November 1916 (awarded for action at High Wood, 18 September 1916). For conspicuous gallantry in action. He collected together a party of men, and led them in an attack in conjunction with another battalion. Owing to his courage and initiative, his party succeeded in capturing the enemy support line. A.M. London Gazette 4 August 1917 (Joint citation with Corporal Feldwick) As a working party under Second Lieutenant Rathbone, 15th London Regiment was proceeding down a communication trench by night, they were fired upon from close quarters. Second Lieutenant Rathbone ascertained that the shots came from a soldier who had run amok, and had posted himself with loaded rifle and fixed bayonet farther down the trench. Second Lieutenant Rathbone borrowed a rifle and, accompanied by Corporal Feldwick, advanced along the trench until in view of the mentally deranged man. They then advanced with rifles at the ready; the officer calling upon the man to surrender. Receiving no reply, they then dropped their rifles and rushed him, and after disarming him took him to the nearest dresing station. The following statement which was written by Second Lieutenant Rathbone on 7 May 1916, the day after the event is included in his A.M. recommendation file, copies of all of which are included in the lot: I was taking a working party along Cabaret Road and had nearly reached the artillery positions when I heard a shot and the bullet seemed to pass close to the party. I concluded that it had probably come from an incinerator and took no notice. A little further on the artillerymen shouted to us to stop, which I did thinking some guns were going to fire. As nothing happened for some time I called out to know what was the matter. The artillerymen then shouted "There is a man who has gone dotty further up the trench with a loaded rifle". This explained the shot and as the trench is shallow I ordered the men to get down. The artillery did not appear to be making any attempt to deal with the situation so I borrowed a rifle - loaded - from Corporal Feldwick of the 8th and told him to get another and load that. I then worked my way along until I could see the madman and ordered him to put his hands up. He took no notice so I walked towards him with my rifle at the ready. As soon as I got near enough I dropped my rifle and grasped that of the man, holding it so that he could neither shoot nor use his bayonet. The Corporal and others then rushed up and collared him. The bayonet was fixed and the rifle was at full cock with a round in the chamber and one on the magazine. The man was with difficulty removed to the dressing station in Hospital Road. I do not know to what regiment the man belonged. The two men of my own party who were nearest were Corporal Feldwick and Rifleman Haynes, both of the 8th Battalion. Some of the artillerymen must also have seen what occurred. A note in one of the reports in this file suggests that the soldier who ran amok in the trenches belonged to the Royal Irish Rifles. M.I.D. requires confirmation. William Leslie Coutts Rathbone enlisted into the Devonshire Regiment in February 1898 under the name of Leslie Rathbone, changing to William Leslie Coutts Rathbone. circa 1908, by which time he was serving with the 15th Battalion, London Regiment. He was wounded by in the face by a splinter of shell on 7 October 1916, but made a full recovery. He died on 18 February 1929 and therefore did not live long enough to exchange his Albert Medal for a George Cross. Sold with 21 pages from his National Archives correspondence file and a quantity of other copied research material, including several copied photographs of recipient in uniform and references to Rathbone in the book, The Civil Service Rifles and The Great War, by Jill Knight.

A good Great War Western front M.C. group of seven awarded to Second Lieutenant A. Searies, Suffolk Regiment, formerly Royal Berkshire Regiment, who was three times wounded in action and subsequently awarded an R.V.M. for services at Windsor Castle with the Berkshire Constabulary Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed Presented to A. Searies, Jan. 14th 1920; 1914-15 Star (10543 Pte., R. Berks. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut.); DefenceMedal 1939-45; Royal Victorian Medal, G.VI.R., type 2, silver; Police long Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Sergt. Alfred Series) contact wear and polishing to first four medals, therefore about nearly very fine, otherwise very fine or better (7) £1200-1500 M.C. London Gazette 30 July 1919 On 28 September 1918 he handled his platoon with great skill and determination. On encountering an enemy machine gun below Spoil Bank he crept up the bank and bombed the enemy from above, whilst his rifle grenade section advanced toward the enemy. The entire enemy machine gun crew were killed. Later, he accounted for two more machine guns and killed or captured the teams. He showed splendid courage and determination, and set a magnificent example to those with him. R.V.M. London Gazette 1 January 1951 (For services with the Berkshire Constabulary on duty at Windsor Castle, presented by King George VI at Windsor Castle on 17 February 1951). Sold with 20 pages of copied service detail from his National Archives correspondence file, confirming that he was wounded on thee occasions: Shrapnel wound to right forehead and scalp, 3 July 1916 on the Somme; gunshot wound to left thigh, 20 April 1917 at Arras; and gunshot wound to hand and face, 16 October 1918.

A good Great War Western Front M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant J. W. H. Ross, 185th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily inscribed Lieut. John W. H. Ross, 185 Tunnelling Coy., R.E., 1918; 1914-15 Star (48930 Sjt., R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.) mounted as worn; together with corresponding miniatures, these contained in McLaren & Son, Glasgow fitted case, generally very fine (8) £800-1000 M.C. London Gazette 10 December 1919 For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in removing and rendering harmless mines and traps in Dourges on 14 October 1918. At this place his investigations were carried out under particularly trying conditions, in that the enemy had exploded numerous gas shells in cellars and dug-outs, thereby making the work of searching doubly dangerous. Sold with a copy of an article from The Great War, I Was There, Part 46, entitled Had To Find The Boche Booby-Traps, R.Es. Story of a Nightmare Job of The Retreat, by Captain H. W. Graham, M.C., 185th Tunneling Company, Royal Engineers. Lieutenant Ross is mentioned a number of times in this article and the following information is extracted from it: We moved into more comfortable quarters in the centre of the town on the 13th, after satisfying ourselves that they were free of traps and gas. Ross and I operated the area agreeably. On the 13th and 14th I investigated the large hospital, which was undermined like a rabbit warren and used as a refuge to shelter the wounded, when our airmen were over bombing, and which, of course, was only a precaution against a misdirected bomb. These warrens or tunnels were provided with beds, etc,. and they contained a great quantity of paper bandages Ð presumably because cotton was so scarce. I expected the building to be mined, and it was no easy task to investigate. Moreover the tunnels were saturated with mustard gas in consequence of having some gas shells in them. The gas affected our eyes badly and the task had to be done in relays, but Ross offered to help, and we were very grateful. The Medical Officers house was also examined, and although we found no absolute evidence of traps, there was gas and we were suspicious.We placed it out of bounds by a merciful Providence, and the whole building was blown up some four weeks later by a delay-action mine when it was unoccupied. At one time I thought seriously of making it my headquarters, but the smell of gas settled the question! Anyhow, we cleared out the gunners who had taken possession of the hospital. In the course of our work we consequently absorbed more gas than was good for us, so much so that we were beginning to feel the effects. To add to it, the enemy bombarded the town next night with H.E. and gas. On the 14th the Brigadier took me to a large waste dump alongside a coal mine, of which there were many in the neighbourhood. He showed me the various outposts and gave me instructions to clear the village of Noyelles-Godault of traps so that he could put a battalion in that night. Ross helped me in the job with half a dozen men, but when we got within 200 yards the enemy opened fire, and whilst we waited for the bombardment to subside we saw the steeple of the village church, struck at its base, heave over and topple down in ruins. In the evening we were again shelled severely with gas. We were all suffering very much by this time with gas Ð our eyes were inflamed and we couldnt bear a light in the same room. Just after 9 p.m. I was obliged to take Ross and some men to the dressing-station in the middle of the bombardment, and they were shortly after evacuated to the Base and England, never to return to French soil again, although they finally recovered... Up to the end of the 17th my party had removed some 600 traps of various kinds, demolition charges and delay-action mines. Seven men of my party of 12 were evacuated as "gassed," and five of Rosss men, including himself. In the meantime I recommended three of my men and two of Rosss for honours

An emotive Great War Hejaz railway operations M.C. group of four awarded to 2nd Lieutenant W. T. Davies, Royal West Surrey Regiment, attached Imperial Camel Corps, late Shropshire Yeomanry, who was decorated for his gallant leadership in the famous raid on Mudowwara Station on 8 August 1918, which place he had earlier reconnoitred with four other officers, the whole attired in Arab dress: undoubtedly known to Lawrence of Arabia, who rode alongside the Camel Corps on many occasions, it seems improbable that the great man was not shown the "Mudowwara Trumpet", which instrument Davies retained as a souvenir of the raid - and which was sounded at the annual reunions of the Imperial Camel Corps right up until the 1960s Military Cross, G.V.R., in its case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (1374 Sjt., Shrops. Yeo.), generally extremely fine (4) £8000-10000 M.C. London Gazette 10 September 1918: During the raid on Mudowwara Station on 8 August 1918, he was in charge of the attacking party which he led and directed with conspicuous ability. It was owing to his quickness of action that we incurred few casualties. His demolition work throughout the operations was invaluable. William Thomas Davies was born in Shrewsbury in October 1891 and joined the Shropshire Yeomanry in early 1910. Having then served in Egypt as an N.C.O., he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment in December 1917, and attached to the Imperial Camel Corps in Palestine. And it was in this latter capacity that he would come into close contact with Lawrence of Arabia in the following year, his, and one other company of the Camel Corps, totalling 300 men, being chosen to capture the railway station at Mudowwara. Mudowwara lay on the Hejaz railway, Lawrences favoured hunting ground, and possessed the only significant water supply to cover 150 miles of the line south of Maan. As a result, Lawrence had made two or three attempts to mount an attack on the station in September 1917 but, for assorted reasons, they never got off the ground. And it was only in August 1918 - via the suggestion of his friend Colonel Dawnay - that he got clearance to use two companies of the Imperial Camel Corps, under Colonel Robert Buxton, for a renewed initiative: Dawnay and I sat down with a map and measured that Buxton should march from the Canal to Akaba; thence, by Rumm, to carry Mudowwara by night-attack; thence by Bair, to destroy the bridge and tunnel near Amman; and back to Palestine on August the thirtieth (Revolt in the Desert refers). Here, then, Lawrences first mention of Buxton and the Imperial Camel Corps, but such were the achievements of this irregular force over the coming weeks - achievements in which Lawrence shared for he delighted in riding alongside them - that he would dedicate an entire chapter in Revolt in the Desert to their story. In late July 1918, he visited Buxton and his men for the first time: Accordingly I went down to Akaba, where Buxton let me explain to each company their march, and the impatient nature of the Allies whom they, unasked, had come to help; begging them to turn the other cheek if there was a row; partly because they were better educated than the Arabs, and therefore less prejudiced; partly because they were very few. After such solemnities came the ride up the oppressive gorge of Itm, under the red cliffs of Nejed and over the breast-like curves of Imran - that slow preparation for Rumms greatness - till we passed through the gap before the rock of Khuznail, and into the inner shrine of the springs, with its worship-compelling coolness. There the landscape refused to be accessory, but took the skies, and we chattering humans became dust at its feet. It was shortly after this visit that Davies participated in the reconnaissance from Rumm towards Mudowwara in Arab cloaks, the party also comprising Colonel Buxton, Captains Lyall and Bell-Irving and 2nd Lieutenant W. Jones (verified by records held in the Liddle Collection at Leeds University). And of the subsequent attack on Mudowwara, Lawrence later wrote: Next morning we heard by aeroplane how Buxtons force had fared at Mudowwara. They decided to assault it before dawn mainly by means of bombers, in three parties, one to enter the station, the other two for the main redoubts. Accordingly, before midnight white tapes were laid as guides to the zero point. The opening had been timed for a quarter to four, but the way proved difficult to find, so that daylight was almost upon them before things began against the southern redoubt. After a number of bombs had burst in and about it, the men rushed up and took it easily - to find that the station party had achieved their end a moment before. These alarms roused the middle redoubt, but only for defeat. Its men surrendered twenty minutes later. The northern redoubt, which had a gun, seemed better-hearted and splashed its shot freely into the station yard, and at our troops. Buxton, under cover of the southern redoubt, directed the fire of Brodies guns which, with their usual deliberate accuracy, sent in shell after shell. Siddons came over in his machines and bombed it, while the Camel Corps from north and east and west subjected the breastworks to severe Lewis gun fire. At seven in the morning the last of the enemy surrendered quietly. We had lost four killed and ten wounded. The Turks lost twenty-one killed, and one hundred and fifty prisoners, with two field-guns and three machine-guns. Buxton at once set the Turks to getting steam on the pumping engine, so that he could water his camels, while men blew in the wells, and smashed the engine-pumps, with two thousand yards of rail. At dusk, charges at the foot of the water-tower spattered it in single stones across the plain: Buxton, a moment later called "Walk-march!" to his men, and the three hundred camels, rising like one and roaring like the day of judgment, started off to Jefer. Thence we had news of them. They rested a day, revictualled, and marched for Bair where Joyce and myself had agreed to join them. And so it was, Lawrence rejoining the men of the Camel Corps for several days, a period in which he would undoubtedly have sought out information about the attack on Mudowwara - most likely, too, from one of the heroes of the raid, such as Lieutenant Davies - if so, we may be sure he showed the great man his souvenir, the trumpet that had been taken by him from a Turkish sentry who had tried to sound the alarm during the advance of his men, but who was silenced before he could do so. It was also during this visit to the Camel Corps that Lawrence observed with pride how well the men were progressing, largely thanks to Buxton having made some useful changes: Consequently, our Imperial camel Corps had become rapid, elastic, enduring, silent; except when they mounted by numbers, for then the three hundred he-camels would roar in concert, giving out a wave of sound audible miles across the night. Each march saw them more workmanlike, more at home on their animals, tougher, leaner, faster. Encouraged by the victory at Mudowwara, Lawrence guided the Camel Corps towards their next target, the railway viaduct at Kissir, south of Amman, a journey entailing another 120-mile journey behind enemy lines, a daring enterprise best summed up by Buxton: It is not unlike an attempt on the part of the Huns to blow up Waterloo Bridge, as it is many miles at the back of their lines and within five miles of their Army headquarters. But with the promise of Arab support, Lawrences leadership and an element of surprise, the matter should not be difficult. As it transpired, two enemy aircraft soon ended any notion of surprise, while the presence of three large Turkish patrols led both men to conclude that any attack would now end in serious casualties, and since Lawrence had assured Al

A particularly fine Second World War tank commanders M.C. and escapers Bar group of eight awarded to Major E. E. Tonks, 10th Hussars (Royal Armoured Corps), who, having won his first decoration for courage and determination of the highest order, when he advanced on foot alone, and with a Bren gun killed or wounded the crew of the anti-tank gun that was holding up the advance, was taken P.O.W.: having then enjoyed a meeting with Rommel - and a ride in his staff car - he set about engineering his escape, a goal that was finally achieved in early 1944, following a shoot-out with a German patrol Military Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse of the Cross officially dated 1944 and privately inscribed, Capt. E. E. Tonks, 10th R. Hussars, and the reverse of the Bar officially dated 1944; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; British Fire Services Association Long Service, bronze, with B.F.S.A. clasp, the reverse of the suspension device officially inscribed E. E. Tonks and the edge numbered 3402; British Fire Services Association Long Service, silver, the reverse of the Twenty Years suspension device officially inscribed E. E. Tonks and the edge numbered 1856, together with a set of related miniature dress medals (exclusing the B.F.S.A. awards), generally good very fine (16) £4000-5000 M.C. London Gazette 3 August 1944. The original recommendation states: On 23 January 1942, at Saunnu, this officer was commanding a troop of tanks when they came under heavy and close range fire from anti-tank guns. Lieutenant Tonks tank was hit almost immediately, and burst into flames. The advance of the remainder of the Troop was held up. Showing courage and determination of the highest order, Lieutenant Tonks advanced on foot alone, and with a Bren gun killed or wounded the crew of the anti-tank gun that was holding up the advance, thus allowing it to be continued and saving further casualties. This officers coolness, devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal safety was an inspiration to all. Two days later, this officer was captured and has now succeeded in escaping. He got away to our troops in Southern Italy, a distance of some 700 miles. Again, this officer showed his customary initiative, determination and courage in making good his escape. Out of 1850 P.O.Ws in his camp, under 50 escaped. The following covering remarks were attached to this recommendation, dated 21 March 1944, by Brigadier C. B. Harvey, C.O. 29 Armoured Division: The attached recommendations for immediate awards went in to 2 Armoured Brigade H.Q. approximately the last two weeks of February 1942. I did not put them forward again, as I was informed that recommendations for officers and O.Rs that had become P.O.Ws in the meantime would be attended to when they were back in our hands. It appears that the recommendations for these two officers were, in fact, lost. Recently Lieutenant Tonks escaped and is back in the U.K., and Lieutenant Wyatt is known to be at leave in Italy. I would like to put these recommendations forward again with the remark that during my command of 10th Royal Hussars there were none more richly deserved. Bar to M.C. London Gazette 9 November 1944. The original recommendation states: Captured at Msus on 25 January 1942 by the Germans, Lieutenant Tonks was imprisoned at Tripoli, Capua, Padula and Bologna (Camp 19). Whilst at Padula he took part in several tunnel schemes; the last one was conceived by him and he had already worked on it for sometime before divulging it to the Escape Committee. This had, however, to be abandoned when a concrete wall was reached. After the Armistice, Lieutenant Tonks, braving the German fire which burst forth as the mass evacuation was commencing, successfully evaded recapture. During his journey he met a party of paratroops, dropped to guide P.O.Ws to the coast, and remained with five of them in a peasants hut on the mountain for a few days. He was then instrumental in saving them from a German patrol. A Sergeant remained behind, and the others compelled a German officer they had captured to lead them through the lines, but all except Lieutenant Tonks were wounded slightly when the German caused a mine to explode; in the confusion, the German escaped. They proceeded a little further before staying in a hut for the night. The next day they ran into some anti-personnel mines and one of the party was killed. The sound of the explosion caused Americans to find them and the wounded were sent to hospital. Edward Edmund Tonks was born in September 1913 and enlisted in the 16th/5th Queens Royal Lancers shortly before the outbreak of hostilities. Quickly selected for officer training, he was commissioned in the 10th Royal Hussars from Sandhurst in 1941, and embarked for the Middle East that November. Here he fought with distinction as a Troop Leader in command of three Honey tanks, right up until his capture on 25 January 1942, just 48 hours following the deeds that won him his first M.C. As evidenced by the nature of the recommendation for his second M.C., Tonks was always a reluctant prisoner, and he was unlucky to have been captured in the first place, his tank having shed one of its tracks mid-battle. Even so, the enemy had to approach him with extreme caution and superior numbers, their first attempt having ended in near-disaster as he loosed off a revolver round into the windscreen of their approaching truck. An hour or two later, while being interviewed by an enemy officer in a tent, Rommel stepped in and, having exchanged salutes, he asked Tonks with a wry grin whether he had enjoyed himself, the latter replying that he had "until now." He was then placed in Rommels staff car and taken to where some other officers of the Brigade were being held. Of his subsequent adventures in Italy, he later wrote an account for the Royal Hussars Journal, a detailed account that adds greatly to the bland statements recounted in the recommendation for his second M.C. He once woke up atop a haystack, where he had rested for the night, to find the farm in question surrounded by German troops - they stayed for ten days, a near-collapsed Tonks being grateful to receive some cheese, apples and wine from the farmer on the enemys eventual departure. And this just days after a bullet had nearly hit him in the head, as he ran alongside a railway line with an enemy scout car in hot pursuit. At length, Tonks was put in touch with a team of British parachutists, the whole making their way towards Monte Cassino with a view to crossing over to our lines, but on emerging from their mountain hut one morning, he was startled to be confronted by a German officer and four soldiers coming down a track. Tonks takes up the story: The officer called on me to put my hands up and as he said this one of our party put his head out of the hut. The German officer told me to get the rest of the party out. I went into the hut and told them to come out shooting. The noise was deafening, the soldiers were killed, the officer was wounded and gave in. He said he wanted to come with us ... We decided that we had to move quickly and the German said he would lead us through the enemy lines. He was ordered to move in front and one of us had a gun in his back. We were supposed to be a working party and we followed the German in single file passing through one line of German positions so close I could have touched any of the German soldiers we passed. We got down into the valley without incident. We were suddenly challenged by a German sentry. We didnt answer but scrambled up the hillside into the woods and ran like hell ... Passing along a narrow road we came to a wire fixed to several posts along the way I had chosen to take. I indicated to the German to cross over the wire which he was reluctant to do. We ordered him over and followed him into the wood onl

A particularly fine Second World War escapers M.C. and North-West Europe operations Bar group of eight awarded to Major. J. M. Storey, Royal Tank Regiment: having been wounded at Sidi Rezegh and at Tobruk, he was taken P.O.W. but made a successful bid for freedom in Italy at the end of 1943: returning to the fray in 1st Royal Tanks in North-West Europe, he won an immediate Bar to his M.C. for holding out in a German village in March 1945, surrounded by snipers and Panzerfausts, and subsequently commanded the first tank to enter Hamburg Military Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse officially dated 1944 and the reverse of the Bar 1945; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; French Croix de Guerre 1939, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine and better (8) £4000-5000 M.C. London Gazette 27 April 1944. The original recommendation states: Lieutenant J. M. Storey was wounded and captured at Tobruk on 20 June 1942. Taken to a hospital at Bergamo, he was, after three months, transferred to Campo 35 at Padula. While here he attempted to escape by making a passage through a roof, but was blocked by a concrete wall. Later he started a tunnel with seven others, but this was discovered after five days. In August 1943, en route to Campo 19 at Bologna, he escaped by jumping from the train, but was re-captured next day. After the Germans arrived at Campo 19 on 9 September 1943, Lieutenant Storey took his tunnel party up to the roof, where they remained for 13 days, during which period the Germans were living below and looting the camp. During the last week he was ill with stomach trouble, but on 22 September he took his party down and they escaped over the wire. He lay up in a house for a while and then made his way to the British lines, arriving on 30 November 1943. Bar to M.C. London Gazette 12 July 1945. The original recommendation states: On 23 March 1945, after the crossing of the Rhine, 1st Royal Tank Regiment was ordered to seize the village of Ramsdorf. A patrol of two light tanks was sent to reconnoitre the village and managed to get about half way in without incident. Then the second tank was hit by a Panzerfaust and set on fire. Meanwhile, accurate mortar and machine-gun fire was brought down on the patrol and further shots from the Panzerfausts were directed at the second tank. Captain Storey, who commanded the Reconnaissance Troop from which the patrol came, immediately went forward alone in his scout car to the scene of the incident. He extracted two wounded men from the burning tank and then set about organising a small defensive position with the remaining tanks and the few other men available. Realising the importance of clearing the village and gaining the river bridge so that the advance would not be held up, Captain Storey held on to his precarious footing in the centre of the village for two more hours, under continuous mortar and machine-gun fire, and with snipers working round to his flanks and rear, until the infantry could be brought up to join him. This officer undoubtedly saved valuable hours at a criticial time in the operation and enabled the bridge to be secured in tact. John Martin Storey, who was from Rhodesia, was visiting London at the time of the outbreak of hostilities in September 1939, and immediately enlisted in the British Army. Granted a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Tank Regiment, he was embarked for the Middle East, where he was attached to 9 Armoured Brigade. Wounded at Sidi Rezegh on 21 November 1941, and again at Tobruk in June 1942, he was taken P.O.W. on the latter occasion and, after three months in hospital, arrived at Campo 35 at Padula. Thereafter, as described in the recommendation for his M.C., he proved a reluctant prisoner, and in November 1943, after many adventures, reached British Allied lines. Returning to an operational footing with an appointment in 1st Royal Tanks, a component of 22 Armoured Brigade, 7 Armoured Division, 12 Corps, he served in the Normandy campaign and onwards into Germany, where, as described above, he won an immediate Bar to his M.C. at Ramsdorf in March 1945. And it is for his swift advance into Hamburg that he is believed to have been nominated for his Croix de Guerre, an incident which he later described in a newspaper interview - he was selected by his C.O., Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Hobart, to lead the way in his Cromwell tank, and crossed seven bridges in rapid succession: I should have checked each bridge, but after the first one there was no need to waste time on the rest. Released in the rank of Major in November 1945, Storey returned to Rhodesia where he farmed near Bulawayo, and died there in 1972. Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including his embarkation order for the Middle East, dated 7 June 1941; a signed receipt for the delivery of two German officer and 6 other rank P.O.Ws, dated 11 January 1942; a letter of reference from the Brigadier, 9 Armoured Brigade, dated 5 June 1942 (I am extremely sorry to lose him out of my Brigade but knowing him to be a very capable and very gallant officer who did splendid work in 2 Royal Tanks at Sidi Rezegh, I do not think it is fair to stand in his way if by leaving me he can get on ... ); a Campo 19 stamped payment statement, dated 9 September 1943, the day he hid in the roof of a building after the arrival of the Germans; three hand-drawn but detailed maps of Italy, as apparently used by the recipient in his successful escape, together with a smaller version with details of Rome; a note of confirmation that he had signed a security certificate at No. 1 P.O.W. Transit Camp, dated 3 December 1943; a War Office communication regarding the delivery of his Croix de Guerre, dated 12 November 1945; and his War Office Letter of Release, dated 20 November 1945, in which he is granted the honorary rank of Major; together with his wartime identity discs, a named card box which once contained replacement spectacles after his original ones were damaged in action in North Africa; an Armoured Division pennant, and his battledress tunic, this last complete with medal ribands, and "Desert Rat" shoulder patches.

A Second World War M.C. group of five attributed to Captain G. E. S. Downes, Highland Light Infantry Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany; Defence and War Medals, all unnamed as issued, mounted as worn; together with a Loyal Service Badge and a Prize Medal, inscribed, Charlton Bowling Club, Shaw Shield 1914, and Ed. Downes, 1916, 15ct. gold, hallmarks for Birmingham 1914, 7.35g., good very fine (7) £500-600 M.C. London Gazette 23 August 1945. Recommendation states: On 19 Apr. 45, "C" Coy., 6 H.L.I., was ordered to attack the village of Hebendof, North-east of Saltau, where an enemy force, estimated at 50 strong, were offering stubborn resistance. Lieut. Downes who was in command of No.13 Pl. personally led two of his sections into the enemy lines, succeeded in taking the enemy by surprise and inflicted considerable casualties on him. Before his Pl. H.Q., and the remainder of his Pl., were able to join him, Lt Downes force came under heavy and accurate Spandau and bazooka fire. This was followed by a counter-attack which Lt. Downes, by his skilful and daring leadership, was instrumental in repulsing. The enemy then concentrated his full force on that of Lt. Downes, but the latter held his ground until ordered to withdraw, when he conducted a limited and skilful disengagement. As a result of this action, Lt. Downes was able to give a detailed account of the enemys dispositions. During a second attack the same day, Lt. Downes Pl. suffered several casualties. With total disregard for his own personal safety, Lt. Downes so comported himself in full view of the enemy and under their fire that his depleted Pl took its objective and inflicted several casualties on the enemy. By his detirmination and courageous and skilful leadership, Lt. Downes was largely resposible for his Coys success at a vital phase of the operation in which the Unit was engaged. Sold with copied recommendation and copied forwarding slip.

A particularly fine and well-documented Second World War North-West Europe operations M.C. group of seven awarded to Major A. Ritchie, Royal Engineers, a Troop Commander in 6 Assault Regiment whose specially adapted Churchill tanks proved instrumental in the capture of Boulogne in September 1944: equipped with spigot mortars that fired concrete-shattering 40lb. projectiles (a.k.a. "Flying Dustbins"), they were nonetheless vulnerable to the enemys much vaunted Panzerfaust - so much so that by the end of his 48-hour M.C. winning exploits, just one of his troops six Churchills remained Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1944; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (1869123 Spr., R.E.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., Regular Army (Capt., M.C., R.E.). mounted as worn, minor contact marks, generally good very fine (7) £2200-2500 M.C. London Gazette 21 December 1944. The original recommendation states: On 17 September 1944, Captain Ritchie was commanding a troop of six Assault Vehicles, Royal Engineers (A.V.R.E.) supporting the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in an attack on "Mount Lambert", one of the defences of Boulogne. The approach was covered by a large number of enemy weapons in concrete, and the advance was frequently held up by big casualties to the Infantry from shell and automatic fire. Captain Ritchie supported the attack, pressing on despite casualties to his Assault Vehicles and attacked each emplacement in turn with "Petard", subduing the fire and allowing the Infantry to get forward. By nightfall he had run out of ammunition, but remained with the Infantry half-way up the slope throughout the night under shell and mortar fire. He was replenished in the early hours of 18 September and later went on to attack emplacements with his "Petards". His troop was now reduced to two Assault Vehicles, but he went on attacking enemy strongpoints until 1900 hours on 18 September, when after the positioned was captured he was relieved. Captain Ritchies personal effort and leadership throughout the action, were of a high order, and contributed greatly to the capture of a vital enemy position. Andrew Ritchie was born in Colchester in October 1914, the son of a Gordon Highlander who was killed in action just three weeks later. Having attended the Army Technical College at Chepstow in the late 1920s, where he excelled in rugby and boxing, young Andrew joined the Royal Engineers, in which corps he served in Palestine 1936-37. Commissioned soon after the outbreak of hostilities, he remained employed in the U.K., where he was appointed a Troop Commander in 6 Assault Regiment, R.E., a component of the 79th Armoured Division, 2 (Canadian) Corps, on the eve of the Normandy invasion. As such, he had command of six Assault Vehicles, Royal Engineers (A.V.R.E.), in fact Churchill tanks fitted with a spigot mortar called a "Petard", which fired a 40lb. demolition charge specially designed to shatter concrete over a distance of 80 yards - a charge nicknamed by A.V.R.E. crew as the "Flying Dustbin". Thus equipped, Ritchies troop landed on D-Day, but as described above, it was for his subsequent part in the assault on Boulogne that he won his M.C. As confirmed by his own account of the proceedings on the 17-18 September, his troop quickly suffered fatalities, his Second-in-Commands tank being hit by three rounds from a Panzerfaust, killing four of the six man crew - these were vicious little rockets fired by the enemy infantry. When they struck a tank they punched a hole no thicker than a pencil through the armour and poured in fire and steel fragments more deadly than any shell. One of his Sergeants tanks was also put out of action in this firefight, but his four remaining Churchills continued on their way, knocking out several gun positions in pill-boxes and destroying many houses, and thereby enabling the Canadians to continue their advance to "Mount Lambert". The slopes of the latter feature were heavily defended by a series of concrete gun emplacements, each connected by underground tunnels, and in the ensuing action two more of Ritchies tanks were knocked out - one to a Panzerfaust and the other to a mine. Nonetheless, he insisted on remaining in position overnight, under constant shell and mortar fire, until fresh ammunition could be brought up in the morning, at which stage he went forward to meet the Canadian commander to recce the latest enemy positions: He led the way to a communication trench and we crawled along to the end. He cautiously lifted his head and looked over the top and then withdrew to let me have a look. I eased my body up until I could just see over the top of the parapet. Everything appeared very quiet. About 150 yards ahead was a large emplacement with a large gun pointing out of the embrasure and machine-guns each side. A similar strongpoint was situated about 70 yards to its right and the ground was heavily cratered by the bombing. I slid down and told the Canadian that I had seen enough and suggested that my two tanks took on a strongpoint each and hopefully silence the guns. His troops would then follow and then make the final attack on "Mount Lambert". He agreed and said he would have another quick look at the position in front so that he could finalise his plans. He had only just moved his head up when a single shot rang out and he collapsed back in the trench. A snipers bullet had got him straight through the forehead and he was dead before he slumped down. Notwithstanding this unhappy interlude, Ritchie went straight into action: It was slow and rough going as the shell holes were quite deep. My gunners fired their machine-guns directly into the embrasure to distract the enemy gunners but I wanted to get a shot in with the "Petard" as quickly as possible. I was peering through the periscope and after climbing out of a shell hole saw the enemy position in front but still out of range. They opened up with their guns and I felt several thuds as we were hit by shots from their big gun but luckily they ricocheted off the curved turret. Our constant machine-gun fire was obviously affecting their accuracy. We started to make better progress and when about 70 yards from the enemy position I told the driver to stop and the "Petard" gunner to aim and fire when ready. He quickly sighted on to the front of the position and I kicked the large lever which fired the "Petard". We could see the charge flying in an arc through the air and it hit the narrow embrasure dead on - this is what we call "posting a letter". The gunner reloaded and hit the front again with another shot higher up. Hardly had the noise and dust died down when a hoard of German soldiers rushed out from the back of the emplacement with their hands in the air. I contacted my other tank commander and he said that after he had "petarded" his position the Germans came streaming out to surrender too. I notified the Canadians and they advanced to take prisoners. But one more rude shock awaited the gallant Ritchie atop "Mount Lambert": While I was talking to my C.O. over the radio I felt a terrific thud on the front of the turret and the tank was plunged in darkness. When I jumped out to see what had happened I found a shell, fired from a German 88mm. gun in the port or town, a considerable distance away, had hit the turret and ricocheted off. When we checked the damage we found that the turret was jammed and the whole electrical system out of order. Thus, after 48 hours fighting, Ritchies troop was left with just one operational Churchill. And of his subsequent part in the Commando-led assault on Walcheren on 1 November 1944, a local newspaper reported: Tanks under the command of Captain Ritchie acted as "pathfinders" during the landings on Walcheren Island. Under heavy fire the tanks found themselves pinned on the beaches and faced with a deep

A fine Second World War D.F.C. and Bar group of eight awarded to Wing Commander R. L. Bowes, Royal Air Force, late Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who led No. 44 Squadron in the famous Peenemunde raid in August 1943, when his Lancaster was hit by flak and badly damaged, and afterwards in a strike against Berlin in which his aircraft had an engine put out of action by another hit Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse of the Cross officially dated 1943 and the reverse of the Bar 1944; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France and Germany; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (Act. Wg. Cdr., R.A.F.); Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar, 1st issue (Act. Sqn. Ldr., R.A.F.V.R.), mounted as worn, together with a set of related miniature dress medals, good very fine and better (16) £2500-3000 D.F.C. London Gazette 19 October 1943. The original recommendation states: In the attack on the Experimental Station at Peenemunde on 17-18 August 1943, the Lancaster aircraft in which Wing Commander Bowes was captain was hit in the nose by an accurate burst of light flak during the run up to the target. This engagement resulted in the Bomb Aimer being seriously wounded and blinded in one eye, and the bomb sight being completely smashed. In spite of this difficult situation, however, Wing Commander Bowes went on to make a most determined and accurate attack on the target. When clear of the target area, on the homeward journey, he organised successful first aid treatment for the Bomb Aimer who was suffering considerable pain from perspex splinters in the face. In the short time in which he has commanded No. 44 Squadron, Wing Commander Bowes has, through a quiet but strong personality and by his own determined operational example, inspired his aircrews with a vigourous offensive spirit and raised appreciably the efficiency and esprit de corps of the whole squadron. He has now completed 18 successful sorties, all, with one exception, against strongly defended German targets. In addition, during his O.T.U. training, he did eight anti-submarine patrols in the Bay of Biscay, during one of which he attacked a half-submerged U-boat and was credited with having probably damaged it. I strongly recommend Wing Commander Bowes for an immediate Distinguished Flying Cross. Bar to D.F.C. London Gazette 3 March 1944. The original recommendation states: Wing Commander Bowes has recently relinquished command of No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron on posting to staff duties. During his operational tour he completed successfully 23 sorties against enemy targets, including most of the well-known and notoriously well-defended German targets - Berlin (three times), Stuttgart, Mannheim, Peenemunde and the Ruhr. His quiet courage, splendid efficient determination to reach and hit his targets, and an invariable eagerness to operate have always been obvious, as the following two episodes well illustrate: During an attack on Peenemunde on 17-18 August 1943, Wing Commander Bowes aircraft was hit by an accurate burst of light flak during the run up to the target. The Bomb Aimer was seriously wounded, and the bomb sight completely smashed, but in spite of these difficulties a most determined and accurate attack was carried out. Again, in the Berlin attack on 18-19 November 1943, his aircraft was hit by flak shortly before bombing and one engine put completely out of action. A second and successful run up was, however, made, after which Wing Commander Bowes flew his damaged aircraft back to this country, eventually landing it without further damage in adverse weather conditions at an aerodrome on the south coiast of England. His own splendid operational example was undoubtedly responsible in large measure for the many successes of the aircrews he commanded, while on the ground he never spared himself to train and equip these personnel so that they would be fitted to inflict the maximum damage upon the enemy at the least possible cost. I strongly recommend Wing Commander Bowes for an immediate award of a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross. Robert Lawrence Bowes was born in April 1908 and held a private pilots licence prior to being commissioned on the Reserve of Air Force Officers in early 1933. Advanced to Flying Officer in September of the following year, he transferred to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in January 1938 and was advanced to Flight Lieutenant on the outbreak of hostilities. Bowes served as a flying instructor in the U.K. and Southern Rhodesia until 1942, was awarded the Air Efficiency Award in the following year (AMO No. 131 of 1943 refers), and originally commenced his operational career as a Flight Commander in No. 207 Squadron, a Lancaster unit based at Langar, Nottinghamshire, in the rank of Acting Squadron Leader. But it was for his subsequent services in No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, a Lancaster unit operating out of Dunholme Lodge, Lincolnshire, that he won his first decoration, and more specifically for his part in the famous Peenemunde raid of August 1943. On that memorable occasion, in the rank of Acting Wing Commander, he led 44s force of 13 aircraft, himself piloting Lancaster DV. 155, which, as outlined above, suffered severe flak damage - in fact 44 Squadron suffered heavily that night, three of its Lancasters failing to return with the loss of 20 lives (just one member of aircrew survived to be taken P.O.W.). Awarded an immediate D.F.C., three of Bowes crew were duly gazetted for D.F.Ms in the New Year. Having completed his operational tour with No. 44 in February 1944, and added a Bar to his D.F.C. and been mentioned in despatches, the former no doubt prompted by his subsequent Berlin trips (London Gazette 14 January 1944 refers), Bowes joined H.Q. R.A.F. Scampton, where he served until attending a Staff College course that summer. A succession of staff appointments followed, until in March 1945 he joined No. 214 (Malay States) Squadron, a Fortess unit based at Oulton, Norfolk, and flying on radio counter-measure operations, in which role he would have been employed until the units disbandment that July. In September, he was ordered to South East Asia Command, in which theatre of operations he commanded No. 159 Squadron at Digri and Salbani until early 1946, a period that witnessed the units Liberators dropping supplies to ex-P.O.Ws and to the starving inhabitants of Southern Burma - and Bowes notching up a further 180 hours flying time. Having then been granted a permanent R.A.F. commission as a Squadron Leader, he next served as S.A.S.O. at No. 228 Group, followed by appointments at the Turkish Air Staff College in Istanbul 1948-50, the Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, Virginia 1950-51, and H.Q., U.S.A.F., 92nd Wing at Fairchild, Washington 1951-53, and was latterly a Wing Commander attached to S.H.A.P.E. He had, meanwhile, been awarded a Bar to his Air Efficiency Award (AMO No. 866 of 1951 refers). Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including the recipients (Civil Authority) Journey Log Book, covering the period June 1931 to April 1933; his R.A.F.V.R. Flying Log Book, covering the period July 1938 to March 1941; his R.A.F. Flying Log Book, covering the period August 1946 to May 1954; and three official Air Ministry photographs, two of them depicting low-level attacks on U-Boats, and most probably pertinent to the recipients earlier anti-submarine patrols in No. 44 Squadron.

A fine Second World War Mosquito pilots D.F.C., post-war E.II.R. A.F.C. group of eight awarded to Wing Commander O. D. Staple, Royal New Zealand Air Force, who flew many daring low-level sorties in 2nd Tactical Air Force 1944-45, among them strikes against the Chateau Fou at Chatellerault and the enemy barracks at Arnhem in support of the airborne landings: he twice returned to base in a flak damaged aircraft, once having to carry out a crash landing Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1945; Air Force Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated 1960; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; New Zealand War Service Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Wg. Cdr. O. D. Staple, R.A.F., 70136), officially impressed naming as per New Zealand recipients, good very fine and better (8) £3000-3500 D.F.C. London Gazette 8 May 1945. The original recommendation states: This officer has just completed 50 sorties, including three daylight operations, and has shown himself to be an excellent operational pilot and possess a fine offensive spirit, coolness and great determination. Some excellent results were obtained from his sorties by night. On one occasion, he strafed 14 railway trucks causing two explosions. On another occasion, during a patrol in Germany, he found three trains which he successfully attacked with cannon and machine-gun fire. On the night of 4-5 October 1944, he found a moving locomotive near Zutphen and despite the flak defences around this town, he dropped a flare and proceeded to attack his target. He obtained many strikes on the locomotive. His aircraft was hit by flak, which necessitated the feathering of the port propeller. The return flight was made on one engine and a crash landing effected at Manston. Flight Lieutenant Staple took part in the successful daylight operations on 2 August 1944 against the Chateau at Chatellerault; on 25 August 1944, against trains near Chalons-sur-Soane and on 17 November 1944, against the barracks at Arnhem in support of the airborne landings. In view of his excellent operational record, I strongly recommend him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1960. The original recommendation states: Squadron Leader Staple rejoined the R.N.Z.A.F. in April 1947, having previously served from 1942-45. He has completed a total of 4,750 hours, 235 hours of which have been flown in the last six months. In June 1953, he transferred to the Transport role and from June 1954 to June 1956, he was employed in No. 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron in the U.K. On his return he was posted to command No. 40 Squadron. Squadron Leader Staple is an exceptional pilot who sets an excellent example and has earned for himself the respect and admiration of all aircrew who have served with him. His flying has at all times been in the highest traditions of the Service, and has been the subject of most favourable comment by a number of V.I.P. passengers who have flown with him. The Squadrons excellent record is in no small measure due to his leadership on the ground and in the air. Owen David Staple was born in Rotorua, New Zealand in February 1922 and joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in February 1942. Trained as a pilot out in Canada, he was commissioned on gaining his "Wings" in November of the same year and arrived in the U.K. in December 1943. Having then attended No. 60 Operational Training Unit, he commenced in June 1944 a tour of operations in No. 107 Squadron, a Mosquito unit operating out of Hampshire - but later advanced airfields in France - and a component of 138 Wing, 2nd Tactical Air Force (T.A.F.). In fact, teaming up with Flying Officer D. Wimmers as his Navigator, he went on to complete 58 operational sorties, the whole comprising a relentless agenda of daring low-level attacks on targets in Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands, reaping havoc among enemy troop movements, transport and communications. So, too, significant damage on more specific targets, a case in point being the Chateau Fou, near Chatellerault, on 2 August 1944 - where troops of the notorious 158th "Security" Regiment, who had recently murdered members of the S.A.S., were billeted: In the woods to the immediate south of the Chateau, one large explosion was seen after a cannon attack, possibly from motor transport. Bombs landed all round the Chateau but no direct hit was claimed. Strikes were obtained on the roof in a cannon attack and a small fire was seen to start inside. Aircraft D sustained the loss of one engine over the target and crash landed at Thorney Island - crew unhurt. The trip back was uneventful except for a little flak soon after leaving the target, which was successfully avoided by all except F./O. Staple in Aircraft J ... It is doubtful if the Chateau was entirely destroyed but troops possibly hiding in the woods would have been eliminated (107s Squadron Operational Record Book refers). So evidence here of Staple returning to the U.K. in another flak damaged aircraft, an experience he would go through again as a result of his gallant attack at Zutphen on the night of 4-5 October 1944. He was recommended for his D.F.C. on 6 February 1945, raised his tally of sorties to 58, and was released in the rank of Flight Lieutenant back in New Zealand that November. Staple rejoined the R.N.Z.A.F. in April 1947 and commanded No. 40 Squadron, a Hastings unit, 1957-59, and No. 41 Squadron, a Bristol Freighter unit, 1959-61, the latter appointment including service in Singapore at the time of the Malaya operations and witnessing the award of his A.F.C. Having then been advanced to Wing Commander in January 1962, he served latterly as Deputy Director of Postings at R.N.Z.A.F. Headquarters. He died in Rotorua in November 1973. Sold with the recipients original R.N.Z.A.F. Flying Log Book for the period January 1954 to June 1962.

A particulary fine, well-documented and poignant Battle of Britain Spitfire aces D.F.C. group of four awarded to Flight Lieutenant D. G. Gribble, Royal Air Force, who, having been compelled as a result of combat damage to make a forced-landing on a beach near Dunkirk in May 1940, went on to claim six confirmed victories, besides several probables and damaged, the vast majority of them at the height of the Battle in August 1940, a gallant operational career that is well recorded in the memoirs of his fellow 54 Squadron pilots, Al Deere and Colin Gray - he was killed in action in a Channel sweep in June 1941, having been heard to call "Engine cut, baling out" Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1940 and privately inscribed, Flight Lieut. D. G. Gribble; 1939-45 Star, clasp, Battle of Britain; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, contained in an old leather case, extremely fine (4) £14000-18000 D.F.C. London Gazette 13 August 1940. The original recommendation states: Since the outbreak of war, this happy young Fighter Pilot has taken part in almost every offensive patrol carried out by his squadron during the invasion of the Low Countries, throughout the Dunkirk operations and, in more recent times, the intensive air fighting over the Channel. A survivor of Dunkirk, he was, himself, shot down there, but made his way back again to this country, salving some valuable wireless equipment from his aeroplane. Throughout innumerable offensive patrols to date, Pilot Officer Gribble has led his section, and recently his Flight, with great courage, gallantry and determination. On one occasion, having fired all his ammunition, he was bringing back two other pilots of his section who had not fired any of theirs, when he sighted a Vic of 6 Do. 17s. Without hesitation, he led the two other pilots - although subjected to severe cross-fire against which he had no means of replying - into the attack with such determination that the effective bombing of an important convoy was prevented. Pilot Officer Gribble has so far, himself, destroyed 3 Me. 109s and damaged a great many more. Both in the air and off duty on the ground, this officers cheerful manner and example have done much to keep up the high morale of his squadron during the hard times it has recently passed through. Dorian George Gribble was born in Hendon, London in June 1919, but was brought up on the Isle of Wight, where he was educated at Ryde School. Joining the Royal Air Force on a short service commission in March 1938, he attended No. 11 F.T.S. at Shawbury before being posted to No. 54 Squadron, a Gladiator unit based at Hornchurch, in December 1938. Shortly thereafter the Squadron was re-equipped with Spitfires. With the onset of the German invasion of the Low Countries, No. 54 went into action, Gribble flying his first offensive patrol to Ostend on 16 May 1940. The previous evening, in an operational briefing delivered to the pilots in the Officers Mess billiard room, Al Deere had scanned the audience: The central figure was, as always, Pilot Officer George Gribble. Very English, very good looking and bubbling over with the enthusiasm of his twenty years, he epitomized the product of the public school; young yet mature, carefree yet serious when the situation required and above all possessing a courageous gaiety which he was later to display in abundance. A little over a week later, on the 24th, in 54s second patrol of the day - a large scale dogfight over the Dunkirk-Calais sector in which Colin Gray later recalled seeing nothing but black crosses hurtling around in all directions - Gribble destroyed a Me. 109 after firing 1700 rounds from 250 yards range (I saw my tracer crossing into his aircraft while he was on his back. He just fell into the ground ... ). The following day his Spitfire was badly damaged when 54 was jumped by about a dozen 109s, and he carried out a forced-landing on a beach near Dunkirk - but removed his radio equipment from the cockpit before finding passage home in a tramp steamer bound for Dover. Al Deere later recalled his arrival back in the U.K.: A pleasant surprise awaited me when I walked into the Mess on the way to supper. In the hall stood George Gribble with, of all things, the radio set from his aircraft under his arm. "Do you mean to say that you carted that thing all the way back with you?" I asked, clasping him warmly by the hand. "Seemed the sensible thing to do, old boy. So far as I know these particular sets are still on the secret-list and we dont want the Huns to get a free copyright," he answered. This was typical of George. He must have gone to no end of trouble to carry such an awkward and fairly heavy piece of equipment back with him. Apparently the captain of the ship that brought him home had tried to dissuade him for, as he pointed out, space was at a premium, and it must be men before material. Once having made up his mind, nothing would deter Geroge. The Squadron moved to Catterick on 28 May, and thence back to Hornchurch on 4 June, but it would not be until July that it returned to frontline duties. Battle of Britain With the advent of the Battle proper, 54 started to operate out of Rochford and Manston, and on 24 July, over North Foreland, in what Colin Gray described as a terrific dogfight ... in no time at all it became a crazy mixture of Spitfires and Me. 109s chasing one another round in circles, Gribble claimed a brace of Me. 109s destroyed (unconfirmed). The following day, when just five of 54s Spitfires joined in combat with two waves of Ju. 87s, escorted by about 80 109s, Gribble led Green section, but with two of their number shot down, 54s survivors were compelled to beat a hasty retreat back to Manston, but not before we had to take violent evasive action. On 26 July, the Squadron moved to Catterick, the very same day on which Gribble was appointed Flight Commander of B Flight, and in fact the date on which he was recommended for the D.F.C., the covering remarks of Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park stating: This cheerful young pilot has shot down 3 enemy aircraft and damaged many more. He was particularly gallant in leading his Flight on a recent occasion. He had fired all his ammunition - however, he led his section against a Vic-formation of 6 Do. 17s and so prevented the effective bombing of an important convoy. As a leader he is outstanding - his morale and cheerful bearing are an example to the Squadron. For his outstanding qualities as a leader, I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Air Chief Marshal Dowding concurred, his signature of approval being dated 31 July 1940. Early August witnessed the Squadron moving to Hornchurch, and on the 15th, Gribble damaged a Ju. 87 in a dogfight over Dover-Hawkinge sector, one of 30 87s with a 40-strong Me. 109 escort - I dived into the attack, using 12 boost, and fired a long burst at one from astern. It seemed to "shudder" in mid-air and then dived steeply with black smoke coming from it. I saw my ammunition entering the machine. Later that day, he also destroyed a Me. 109 and damaged a Do.17 over the Maidstone. Of the fate of the 109, his combat report stated: On breaking again I came up and engaged a Me. 109, chasing it out towards the sea. The cloud was about 10/10 at 13,000 feet, so I had not very much idea of where I was. I gave the enemy aircraft a longish burst from 350 closing to 250 yards. The enemy aircraft dived and then burst into flames ... The very next day, the 16th, he damaged a Me. 109 east of Hornchurch - I managed to get in a long burst (10 seconds), opening at 300 yards and closing to 200 yards range. Smoke began to pour out of the machine and it went into a dive - while on the 18th, when the Squadron was sent down to Manston for the third day running, Gribble acted as "Blue Leader" in B Flight, and destroyed another Me. 109, in additio

A good Second World War D.F.C. group of six awarded to Wing Commander J. H. Newberry, Royal Air Force, who, having been shot down in his Blenheim over France in May 1940, carried out a brace of operational tours in No. 114 and No. 18 Squadrons, most of them of a daylight nature and several of the low-level variety - he was appointed to the command of the latter squadron in March 1942 Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1942; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (Wg. Cdr., R.A.F.), the Second World War awards mounted as worn, generally good very fine (6) £1600-1800 D.F.C. London Gazette 11 August 1942. The original recommendation states: This officer has nearly completed his second operational tour, and has carried out 33 operational sorties, totalling 81 hours 45 minutes flying, of which 19 hours 30 minutes have been at night. He was posted to the command of No. 18 (Burma) Squadron on 26 March 1942, having previously served in No. 114 (Hong Kong) Squadron. On leaving his last unit, his Squadron Commander reported on him as follows: "He was leader of a box of six aircraft which made a very successful low-level attack on the iron works at Yjmuiden on 21 August 1941. Bombs were seen to fall between the chimneys and photographs confirmed extensive damage. He took part in the successful low-level attack on Herdla Aerodrome on 27 December 1941. He was leader of a formation of three aircraft which took off at 1710 hours on 12 February 1942 to attack the German battleships. These were located and bombed. Two Air Gunners of the formation confirm one possible hit, or a very near miss. He is an outstanding leader and his work has always been a fine example to his Flight, which he commands with thoroughness and efficiency. It is considered that his record of operational service is worthy of recognition." Since taking command of No. 18 (Burma) Squadron, Wing Commander Newberry has put up an excellent show in forming, organising and training the Squadron, and succeeded in getting them operational in a very short time. He has been an inspiration to the Squadron by his keenness and enthusiasm and has set an excellent example. He has carried out four operational sorties by night during the past few weeks, and has shown great keenness and determination. I strongly recommend that he should be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. John Harold Newberry, a regular pre-war officer who had been advanced to Flying Officer in July 1939, first went operational with No. 139 Squadron, a Blenheim unit operating out of Wyton, when he flew a high-level reconnaissance over Heligoland on 9 November 1939. But with the onset of the "Phoney War", he did not fly another operational sortie until 14 May 1940, soon after the German invasion of the Low Countries, this time operating out of an airfield at Plivot, France. As it transpired, it was a black day for the Royal Air Force, no less than 40 Battles and 14 Blenheims being downed, official records noting that Newberrys aircraft was among them, having been shot down west of Sedan, one of his crew dying trapped in the burning wreckage. And given that he did not fly another sortie until mid-July, it is probable that he was wounded - or on the run behind enemy lines. Joining No. 114 (Hong Kong) Squadron, another Blenheim unit, on his return from France, he commenced a tour of daylight operations in the period July to October 1940, namely a dozen or so sorties against enemy invasion barges, in addition to some reconnaissance flights and a low-level strike on Hamstede Aerodrome. Rested over the winter months, he commenced his second tour in the summer of 1941, once more in No. 114 Squadron, and this time as a Flight Commander - a case in point being the formation he led on a low-level daylight strike against the steel works at Yjmuiden on 21 August, when bombs were seen to fall between the chimneys. Another challenging operation was the attack on Herdla Aerdrome in Norway on 27 December, flown in support of the Combined Operations raid against Vaagso and Maaloy, while in the New Year he carried out an attack on the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. It was about this time that Newberry was advanced to Acting Wing Commander and appointed C.O. of No. 18 Squadron, another Blenheim unit operating out of Wattisham, and he flew his first operational sortie - a strike against Leeuwarden Aerodrome - on the night of 8-9 May 1942. Three similar operations were completed over the next few weeks, and it was at the end of June, shortly before ending his tour, that he was recommended for his D.F.C.

A good Second World War D.F.C. group of seven awarded to Squadron Leader M. G. Reid, Royal Canadian Air Force, who completed 38 sorties in Halifaxes of 76 and 78 Squadrons, on several occasions as a Leading Navigator in daylight raids Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal 1939-45, silver; Canadian Voluntary Service Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45, silver; Canadian Forces Decoration, E.II.R., with Second Award Bar (S./L. M. G. Reid), generally good very fine (7) £1600-1800 D.F.C. London Gazette 6 November 1945. The original recommendation states: Pilot Officer Reid has now completed his first tour of operations, comprising 38 sorties and 194 operational hours. He has participated in attacks on heavily defended German targets, including Gelsenkirchen (twice), Sterkrade (twice), Dusseldorf, Duisburg and Magdeburg. This Canadian officer has at all times proved himself to be a consistently superior navigator whose outstanding skill has enabled his captain to bring back many good photographs of the target area and has played a great part in the safe return of his aircraft and crew. His enthusiasm for operations has been abounding, while his extreme coolness under adverse weather conditions has done much to foster a high standard of morale in his crew. On several occasions he has led the Squadron and the Group in daylight attacks on German targets. These attacks were carried out with the greatest skill and determination and have been highly successful. He has greatly assisted in the training of new crews and has always set a fine example to his fellow navigators in the Squadron. I strongly recommend that Pilot Officer Reids outstanding skill, courage and strong devotion to duty be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mervyn Garfield Reid, who was born in Winnipeg in 1922, enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in June 1942 and qualified as a Navigator at the Edmonton Air Observer School in August 1943. Embarked for the U.K., he next attended No. 29 Operational Training Unit, following which he was posted to No. 76 Squadron, a Halifax unit operating out of Holme-on-Spalding, Yorkshire in July 1944. Flying his first operational outing on the 18th of that month, a strike against the flying-bomb site at Acquet, Normandy, he went on to complete another 20 operations with No. 76, several of them of a similar nature - or other targets in support of the Allied landings - and the remainder against German targets such as Russelheim, Sterkrade and Gelsenkirchen - several, too, of the daylight variety. Transferring to No. 78 Squadron, another Halifax unit, operating out of Breighton, Yorkshire, in October 1944, Reid flew another 18 sorties, the vast majority of them against heavily defended Garman targets, including Bottrop. Cologne, Dortmund, Duisburg, Dusseldorf, Essen, Magdeburg, Munster and Stuttgart - and return trips to Gelsenkirchen and Sterkrade. Added to which, as stated above, on several occasions he led the Squadron and the Group in daylight attacks on [these] German target. Posted to No. 10 Squadron at the end of his operational tour in March 1945, he was awarded the D.F.C., which decoration was sent to him from Government House in November 1949. Meanwhile, in January of the latter year, Reid rejoined the Royal Canadian Air Force with an appointment as a Navigator in No. 408 Squadron at Rockcliffe, a Lancaster photographic unit, and remained similarly employed until December 1951, when he joined No. 2 Air Navigation School as a Screen Navigator. Then in June 1955, having attended R.A.F. Merryfield to gain experience in Canberras, he was attached to No. 540 Squadron at R.A.F. Wyton. In fact, Reid remained employed at Wyton, latterly as a member of the Radar Reconnaissance Flight, until July 1959, when he returned to Canada. Here he served on the staff of the Canadian Navigation School until his retirement in April 1961, when he was re-graded as a Navigator A1. Sold with the recipients original Flying Logs Books, bound as one volume, covering the period March 1943 to April 1961.

A very rare E.II.R. Malaya operations D.F.C. group of six awarded to Squadron Leader B. H. Walker, Royal Air Force, who completed numerous bombing sorties in No. 148 Squadrons Lincolns 1954-55 Distinguished Flying Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated 1955; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Flt. Lt. B. H. Walker, R.A.F.), good very fine and better (6) £3000-3500 D.F.C. London Gazette 11 October 1955: In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya. Brian Hibbs Walker, who was born in December 1921, was commissioned as a Pilot Officer, from Corporal, in February 1943 and is believed to have flown operationally in Lancasters before the Wars end. A Flight Lieutenant by the time he joined No. 148 Squadron in early 1954, he was ordered to Tengah, Singapore in April of the same year, the units Lincolns having been selected for operations over Malaya. Some hasty training in bombing and strafing missions ensued - as would attendance at a jungle training course care of the Somerset Light Infantry - and on 6 May Walker flew his first sortie, a strike against a target in Kampong Punngai. Five days later he was back in action over Kajang, followed by a pinpoint strike in the Ipoh area on the 19th, and a brace of visits to the Kulim region on the 26th and 30th. June witnessed him flying another five sorties, against targets in Kulim, Flagwag Bahau, Flagwag Gurun, Kuala Selangor and Kadah peak, the last named involving a six-hour flight, while in July he participated in "Operation Termite", a large scale initiative in collaboration with our ground forces in the Ipoh area, and one entailing the use of 1000lb. bombs prior to parachute drops to clear up any remaining opposition. "Termite" over, No. 148 returned to the U.K., where it participated in "Operation Sea Mist", a large scale exercise to test the defences of Denmark and Norway, Walker being advanced to Squadron Leader in October. Then in the following month, he returned to Tengah, this time as C.O. of the Squadrons operational detachment and, between December 1954 and March 1955, flew a succession of sorties in support of "Latimer", "Nassau" and other initiatives - thus a four-hour daylight trip against Ipoh, and three-hour night and day sorties against Triang in December 1954. But it was in January 1955 that he was at his busiest, dropping 14 x 500lb. bombs on Termerloh on the 1st, and the same load on targets in Triang and Kampong Puggai on the 2nd, and again on the latter place on the 4th. Then he delivered a bomb load of 12,000lb. to Taiping on the 6th, another 10,000lb. to Kuala Langat on the 11th and 12th, followed by a 14,000lb. load to the same target for good measure on the following night; and finally, in the latter part of the month, 7,000lb. loads were dropped on targets at Mount Ophir on the 19th, Gemas on the 25th and Port Dickson on the 27th. As a result of rain damage to 148s runway, operations were reduced in the February-March period, but Walker did deliver four further bomb loads in the former month. The Squadron was ordered home in April 1955 and he was gazetted for a well-deserved D.F.C. that October. He was placed on the Retired List in October 1973.

A fine Great War 1914 D.C.M. and Russian Cross of St George group of five awarded to Warrant Officer G. M. Marshall, Middlesex Regiment, later Royal Engineers Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8702 L. Cpl., 1/Middx. Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (L-8702 Pte., 1/Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (178467 W.O. Cl. 2, R.E.); Russian Cross of St George, 4th class, reverse officially numbered 127200, good very fine (5) £2000-2500 D.C.M. London Gazette 2 January 1915 For gallant conduct on November 14 at La Boutillerie in bringing into cover a wounded man under machine-gun fire, and subsequently rescuing under fire another man who had been buried by a shell. Russian Cross of St George London Gazette 25 August 1915. The group is sold with a quantity of original documentation, comprising letter of congratulation on award of D.C.M., written on London County Council, Education Department headed paper; news cutting from The L.C.C. Staff Gazette, which states To Lance Corporal G. M. Marshall, in times of peace a member of the Education Officers Department, but now serving in the 1st Middlesex Regiment, falls the honour of being the first of the Councils servants to win (in this war) the Distinguished Conduct Medal...; letter from Captain G. C. Bucknall which states No. 178467 G. M. Marshall served under me from the beginning of hostilities until September 1915 when he was wounded at Loos. I found him always an honest and hard working soldier, thoroughly sober and reliable and a brave man...; Discharge Certificate, which confirms entitlement to all five medals; Character Certificate; Commission document to rank of Warrant Officer Class II.

A good Great War Western Front D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant W. H. Taylor, East Surrey Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (31049 L. Sjt., 1/E. Surr. R.); British War and Victory Medals (31049 Sjt., E. Surr. R.); together with original registered packet of issue for Great War campaign medals addressed to recipient at Church Road, Merton, Surrey, good very fine or better (3) £1400-1600 D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918 For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack the leading wave of his platoon was checked by a thick hedge, through which the enemy machine-guns and rifles were firing. This N.C.O. crawled up to the hedge and, seizing one of the machine-guns by the muzzle, pulled it out of the hands of the enemy who was using it. Later, during the consolidation, he went forward under hostile machine-gun and rifle fire and brought in one of our wounded. He behaved with remarkable gallantry throughout the day. Awarded for an action at North West Merville. Sold with a copied photograph of recipient in later life wearing his medal ribbons; and a German bone handled knife, said to have been used by a German soldier to kill Taylors commanding officer and presented to Sergeant Taylor after he took the German prisoner.

A fine Great War Escaut Canal D.C.M. awarded to Acting Petty Officer Edward Griffiths, Tyneside R.N.V.R., Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (Tyne.Z. 3637 P.O. E. Griffiths, Hood Bn. R.N.V.R.) very fine £1200-1500 D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1919, citation 10 January 1920: On 30th September and Ist October, 1918, at Escaut Canal this petty officer in charge of a platoon pushed on and seized a most important trench opposite Proville. This he held with the utmost gallantry, and for twenty-four hours no rations could be got to them or any communications. By his fine example and cool courage he inspired his men to hold on; and beating off a determined enemy raid in the early hours of the second day, held the position until relieved. Edward Griffiths was bom on 30 March 1896, and was working as a miner for Harton Coal Company, South Shields, when he joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. On 22 January 1915, he joined the Tyneside Division of the R.N.V.R. for three years, and on 2 February, he formally joined the Royal Naval Division. He was first attached to the 4th Battalion, and then to the 2nd Reserve Battalion at Blandford. After training he was drafted in July 1916 to the Hood Battalion to fight in Gallipoli. When the peninsula was evacuated, he embarked in the Ionian at Mudros on 16 May, disembarking at Marseilles on the 22nd. He was briefly detached for instruction at Permes, and then back with his battalion with the B.E.F. in France. In November he was appointed as Acting Leading Seaman, stepping almost literally into dead mens shoes' vice one Leading Seaman Cruickshanks who had been killed in action, and soon confirmed in this rank, and in April 1917 as Acting Petty Officer. His conduct, both behind the lines and in action was apparently exemplary and in November 1917 he transferred to the 3rd Reserve Battalion, as a candidate for a comniission. He then appears to have spent time at Kinghorn, Gailes, and with the 53rd Battalion, Training Reserve, Highland Light Infantry, at Kircaldy, before finally returning to the R.N.D. in May 1918 as unsuitable for commission. In September 1918 he was drafted back to the Hood Battalion in France, was soon in the front lines, and almost immediately in action in the fighting around the Escaut Canal. The citation above testifies to his superb conduct in action, in command of a platoon, and perhaps his Officer Candidate training had paid dividends. Sold with full service record which confirms entitlement to 1914-15 trio.

A fine and rare E.II.R. Malaya operations D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 Bhaktabahadur Pradhan, 2/7th Gurkha Rifles: This Sergeant has now killed four Communist terrorists himself over the past year - two of them in the action for which he was decorated, a jungle firefight in Pahang, and both of them after he had been wounded Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (21139002 Sgt. Bhaktabahadur Pradhan, 7 G.R.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (21139002 Sgt. Bhaktabahadur Pradhan, 7 G.R.); Indian Independence Medal 1947 (21139002 Cpl. Bhaktabahadur Prodhan, G.R.), note surname spelling, mounted as worn, the first with minor official corrections in two places to name and contact wear to rim at 3 oclock caused by the star, this slightly obscuring the R of G.R., generally very fine or better (7) £3500-4000 D.C.M. London Gazette 26 June 1954. The original recommendation states: Sergeant Bhaktabahadur Pradhan was in command of No. 6 Platoon, B Company during "Operation Trojan" in the jungles of Pahang. On 6 June 1953, his platoon was instructed to lead the follow up of 10 Communist terrorists whose tracks had been found. Throughout the day with tireless energy Sergeant Bhaktabahadur relentlessly kept on the trail of the enemy until at 1700 hours they were located preparing a camp. Sergeant Bhaktabahadur was then ordered to attack the camp with a small party while the remainder of the patrol covered the likely escape routes. The assault party under this N.C.O. got to within 15 yards of the camp before they were spotted by a Communist terrorist sentry, who opened fire; but Sergeant Bhaktabahadur, at the head of four men, unhesitatingly charged. Fire was then opened by all the Communist terrorists and, for nearly half an hour the numerically superior enemy fought back with grenades and accurate L.M.G. fire. Sergeant Bhaktabahadur, although wounded, realised the importance of silencing the L.M.G. gunner. Despite the intensity of the enemy fire he got to within five yards of the L.M.G. position, killed the enemy gunner and captured the gun. He then killed another Communist terrorist, after which the enemy withdrew in disorder. The leadership, tactical skill and personal bravery of Sergeant Bhaktabahadur inspired the men he led and was largely responsible for bringing the battle to a very successful conclusion. This Sergeant has now killed four Communist terrorists himself over the past year and his standards of leadership and courage have been of the highest order. Bhaktabahadur Pradhan, whose 1939-45 War services and entitlements are verified on his service record, was originally recommended for the M.M., but Lieutenant-General Stockwell, the G.O.C. Malaya, upgraded the award to a D.C.M. He was finally discharged in the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 in October 1965.

A superb Second World War fall of Singapore operations D.S.M. group of six awarded to Stoker P. A. H. Dunne, Royal Navy, for a motor launch versus Japanese destroyer action of "Li Wo" proportions: few escaped the resultant carnage inflicted by several point-blank hits on H.M.M.L. 311s hull and upper deck - and those that did had to endure over four years as a P.O.W. of the Japanese, the wounded Dunne among them Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Sto. P. A. H. Dunne, P/KX 132616); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted as worn, minor contact marks, good very fine or better (6) £4000-5000 D.S.M. London Gazette 19 February 1946: For great gallantry, although wounded, in keeping the engine room services of H.M.M.L. 311 in action after an attack by a Japanese destroyer on 15 February 1942. The original recommendation states: During the engagement between H.M.M.L. 311 and a heavy Japanese destroyer on 15 February 1942, when the remainder of the Engine Room personnel had been killed, and heavy damage sustained in the Engine Room, the above rating continued to keep the Engine Room services in action, under the most trying conditions. Throughout the engagement, being himself wounded in the leg, Stoker Dunne worked in close proximity to blazing petrol tanks, and in additional danger from pans of live Lewis gun ammunition bursting into flames, some of which penetrated the Engine Room. He remained carrying out E.R. duties until the order to abandon ship was received. Percy Albert Holmes Dunne, a native of Whitley Bay, Northumberland, who was born in November 1921, was recommended for his immediate D.S.M. by Commander V. C. F. Clarke, D.S.C.*, R.N., in October 1945, when the latter, the senior surviving officer from H.M.M.L. 331, submitted his official report of the action to Their Lordships: I have the honour to submit the following report of the passage of H.M.M.L. 311 from Singapore to Banka Straits and her sinking there by enemy action. This report is forwarded by me, as Senior Naval Officer on board, in the absence of her Commanding Officer, Lieutenant E. J. H. Christmas, R.A.N.V.R., whose subsequent fate is unknown. I embarked on H.M.M.L. 311 on the afternoon of 13 February 1942, as a passenger. Orders were later received from R.A.M.Y., through Commander Alexander, R.N., to embark about 55 Army personnel after dark, then proceed to Batavia via the Durian Straits ... At daylight on the 15th, we sighted what appeared to be a warship from 2 to 3 miles distant, almost dead ahead, in the swept channel, at a fine inclination, stern towards us and to all appearances almost stopped. We maintained our course, being under the impression that this was probably a Dutch destroyer. When about a mile away the destroyer altered course to port and was immediately recognised by its distinctive stem as a Japanese destroyer of a large type. At Lieutenant Christmas request, I took command of the ship and increased to 18 knots, maintaining my course, to close within effective range. The enemy opened fire and, with the first salvo, scored two hits, one of which penetrated the forecastle deck, laying out the guns crew, putting the gun out of action and killing the helmsman. Lieutenant Christmas took the wheel, and I increased speed to approximately 20 knots, and made a four-point alteration of course to starboard to open A arcs for the Lewis guns, now within extreme range. This brought me on a course roughly parallel and opposite to the enemy enclosing the Sumatra shore, which, in the almost certain event of being sunk, should enable the crew and the troops to swim to the mainland. On my enquiring, after the alteration, why the 3-pounder was not firing, I was informed it was out of action. By constant zig-zagging further direct hits were avoided for a short time, during which the light guns continued to engage the enemy. The enemy, however, having circled round astern of me, was closing and soon shrapnel and direct hits began to take their toll both above and below decks. The petrol tanks were on fire, blazing amidships, and there was a fire on the messdecks. The engine room casing was blown up and two out of three E.R. personnel had been killed, whilst the third, a Stoker [Dunne], was wounded in the leg. The port engine was put out of action. The E.R. services as a whole, however, were maintained throughout the action. Finally, Lieutenant Christmas at the helm reported the steering broken down with the rudder jammed to starboard. We began circling at a range of about 1000 yards. Further offensive or defensive action being impossible, with all guns out of action and the ship ablaze amidships, I stopped engines and ordered abandon ship. Casualties were heavy. I estimate that barely 20 men, including wounded, took to the water. The Japanese destroyer lay off and, although the White Ensign remained flying, ceased fire but made no attempt to pick up survivors. I advised men to make for the mainland shore but a number are believed to have made for the middle of the Strait in the hope of being picked up. The action lasted about ten minutes. The captain of the Mata Hari (Lieutenant Carson), who witnessed the action, states that the Japanese ship fired 14 six-gun salvoes. There were four, or possibly five, direct hits, and, in addition to the damage from these, most regrettable carnage was caused on the closely stowed upper deck by burst from several "shorts". The ship sank not long after being abandoned, burning furiously. Other than Dunne, no other officer or rating appears to have been decorated for the action, Clarks D.S.C. and Bar having stemmed from acts of gallantry in the Second Battle of Narvik and during earlier air attacks off Singapore; sadly the fate of Lieutenant E. J. H. Christmas, R.A.N.V.R., was never fully established, and he is assumed to have died on 15 February 1942. Sold with the recipients original Buckingham Palace returning P.O.Ws message, dated September 1945, together with a quantity of related research and a copy of Commander Victor Clarks memoirs, Triumph and Disaster, in which he describes the demise of H.M.M.L. 311 in detail.

A Great War M.M. group of six awarded to Corporal H. V. Simmons, Warwickshire Yeomanry, wounded in the brilliant charge of the Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry at Huj, in Palestine, for which he most probably received his decoration Military Medal, G.V.R. (310294 L. Cpl., War. Yeo.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (1799 Pte., Warwick. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (1799 Cpl., Warwick. Yeo.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (1799 Pte.-A. Cpl., War. Yeo.); Defence Medal, unnamed, mounted as worn in that order, good very fine and better (6) £1000-1200 M.M. London Gazette 10 April 1918. Henry Victor Simmons came from Birmingham. The group is sold with a fragile leather bound photograph album containing photographs and postcards of military subjects - several identified as the Warwickshire Yeomanry. On an inside page is a paper cutting bearing a photograph of the recipient and reading, L. Corpl. Henry Victor Simmons, Warwickshire Yeomanry, Military Medal, is the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Ted Simmons, of 63 Edward Road, Balsall Heath. He took part in the brilliant charge of Yeomanry at Gaza, where he was wounded. He is in his twenty-fifth year, and joined the Yeomanry a few years before the outbreak of war. Another brother is in the Warwicks. The following account of the cavalry charge at Huj is taken from the Marquess of Angleseys History of the British Cavalry: The Worcesters led the way: Major M. C. Albright's 'A' Squadron of the Worcesters, followed by two troops of 'C' Squadron under Second-Lieutenant J. W. Edwards. Bringing up the rear was Captain R. Valintine's 'B' Squadron of the Warwicks, followed by two troops of 'C' Squadron. As they advanced at a brisk trot from the south-west end of the ridge they could not see the hostile guns firing at the infantry of the 60th about 11,350 yards away. They then moved north-eastwards under (as they thought) the ridge's protection, in line of troop columns. When they were some 300 yards from the northern tip of the ridge, these hitherto unseen guns - a 75mm Austrian battery - came into sight about 1,000 yards almost due west. Between them and the cavalry it was noticed that the ground, though undulating, was perfectly open. As the yeomen trotted on they raised clouds of dust. This alerted the Austrian gunners who swung round two of their guns and fired at the horsemen as they came on. Little harm was done for by now the yeomen were gathering speed and it was difficult for the gunners to pick up the range quickly enough. The squadrons halted for a brief moment near to the northern tip of the ridge, but they were instantly subjected to heavy fire from four mountain battery guns and some 200 riflemen, numbers of whom stood up to take aim. These were positioned on a slight ridge to the north-west, some 600 yards distant. Albright, realizing that the attack on the main target to the left could not go ahead while these guns and infantrymen were in a position to enfilade it, formed his men in column of half squadrons and 'went,' according to Wiggin, 'straight on to attack this lot immediately he realized the position and without waiting for further orders either from me or from Lieutenant-Colonel Cheape. To avoid the shock, some of the Turkish infantry fired wildly, others wavered, but the majority 'fled down the reverse slope with the victorious horsemen thundering at their heels. Although many more Turks could have been put to the sword (considerable numbers were) and although the guns of a retreating 5.9 howitzer battery which they were protecting, as well as the mountain guns, were at 'A' Squadron's mercy, Wiggin instantly ordered Albright to break off the pursuit. This wise decision was occasioned by what he saw of the troubled position which Valintine's Warwicks and Edwards's Worcesters were in. A few moments after Albright had launched his charge, Cheape had ordered Valintine, with Edwards's two troops slightly echeloned to the right, to lead them over the crest of the northern end of the boomerang ridge and to charge the Austrian 75mm guns in flank. Valintine, like Albright before him, formed his men into column of half-squadrons with swords at the 'engage' and the moment they cleared the crest the Austrian gunners opened fire on them with 'an absolute inferno of shells.' Four machine guns behind them and about two companies of riflemen, all protecting the 75mm guns, also opened a fierce fire upon the galloping, shouting yeomen. The distance they had to cover was some 900 yards down a slope and up the other side, 'with the last 100-150 yards very steep indeed'. The Austrians depressed their muzzles to the maximum and set their fuses at zero so that the shells exploded almost as soon as they left the barrels. It was only a matter of moments before Albright, having rallied and reformed his men, joined in the charge in echelon from the right, sweeping down on the gunners' left flank. The Austrians stuck most heroically to their guns. Their final shot, indeed, 'passed through a horse that was almost at the gun's muzzle'. 'Few,' according to Lieutenant Alan-Williams, 'remained standing and, where they did, they were instantly sabred. Others, running away from the guns, threw themselves on the ground on being overtaken and thus saved themselves, for it was found almost impossible to sabre a man lying down at the pace we were travelling.' Despite terribly high casualties, the yeomen, equally heroically, broke right through the battery, riding down the gunners, sabreing numbers of them, and then hurled themselves, by now perhaps only twenty in number, against the machine guns. These were taken a few seconds later by Albright's Worcesters as they swung to the right. Most of the Turkish foot soldiers, possibly 200 in number, when they saw this second charge bearing down on them, quickly broke and fled, a few stopping to take pot shots at the yeomen who managed to cut down quite a number. They probably thought that the troops opposed to them were far more numerous than they were. The fact that they were not ruled out any question of a pursuit, but at this moment the machine-gun sub-section which had followed the squadrons arrived on the scene and turned its two guns, as well as the four captured ones, on the fleeing Turkish riflemen, mowing down many of them. Some seventy were made prisoner. While this formidable charge, lasting, from start to finish, according to one authority, about twenty minutes, was in progress, Cheape had led his two remaining troops of the Warwicks off to the right, where he intercepted the 5.9 howitzer battery. This he captured complete, as well as the abandoned camel-pack mountain-gun battery. At this moment Lieutenant-Colonel Williams returned from his mission to bring up the 4th Australian Brigade which failed to reach the scene of action in time to take up the pursuit. He found a horrible scene of carnage and in its midst the three remaining officers of his regiment arranging the defence of the captured ridge with the few unwounded men who remained. He was helped by the Warwicks' Second-in-Command who brought to the task the few men of his regiment who had been unhorsed or outpaced in the charge. The position was consolidated and the 60th Division, meeting little further opposition, was at once able to establish itself three miles north-west of Huj. "Suddenly," noted the Worcesters' Medical Officer as he rode up to the battlefield, "the terrific din of shrieking and exploding shells ceased and we knew the end had come. A wonderful and terrible sight met our view.... The ground was strewn with horses and fallen yeomen, many of whom were lying close to, and some beyond, the batteries.... [The guns] were in various positions surrounded by Austrian and German gunners, many of whom were dead or wounded.... Our squadrons had not fired a shot and every single casualty we inflicted was caused by our sword-thrusts

A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Sapper W. Thomas, Royal Engineers, who was killed in action, 20 September 1917 Military Medal, G.V.R. (6645 Sapr., 2/1 W. Lanc. F. Coy. R.E.-T.F.) nearly extremely fine £260-300 M.M. London Gazette 12 March 1917. Walter Herbert Thomas was born in Prescot, Lancashire and enlisted at St. Helens. Whilst serving with the 2/1 West Lancashire Field Company R.E. he was awarded the M.M. for bravery in the field. Serving with the 422nd Field Company R.E., he was killed in action on 20 September 1917, aged 22 years. He was buried in the New Irish Farm Cemetery, Ieper, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. He was the son of Herbert and Louisa Thomas of 130 Oxford Street, St. Helens. In addition to the M.M., he was entitled to the British War, Territorial Force War and Victory Medals. Sold with some copied details.

A fine Great War escapers M.M. group of three awarded to Private J. Land, 13th Battalion, Canadian Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (460593 Pte., 13/Can. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals (460593 Pte., 13-Can. Inf.) some contact wear and edge bruising, therefore nearly very fine (3) £600-800 M.M. London Gazette 30 January 1920. ... in recognition of gallant conduct and determination displayed in escaping or attempting to escape from captivity... Sold with copy of his escapers debrief report, the original of which is held at the National Archives, from which the following information is extracted: Place and Date of Capture: Courcelette 8th October 1916. About 5 a.m. on 8th October 1916 my battalion was sent up to attack the Regina Trench. We were surrounded and at 9 a.m. I was taken prisoner with six other men of my unit. Shortly after we were taken they marched us to Cambrai, where we arrived about midnight. At Cambrai, where we remained for 10 days only, one meal a day was given to the prisoners. There were about 100 British. The meal consisted of a bowl of very poor soup, and no ration of bread was served. We were lodged in an old French barrack. I have no complaint to make as to our treatment. On 19th October, I was sent from Cambrai to Dulmen with about 100 British prisoners, and I remained there for about two and a half months before they sent me to work on commando. I have nothing particular to say about my treatment at Dulmen, except that the food was very short indeed, as I received no parcels until I was working on commando. On 31st December, a party of 30 British prisoners, of whom I was one, was sent from Dulmen to Recklinghausen, where there are large railway works. Here the prisoners - about 100 British, 15 French, and 14 Russians Ð were lodged in a house adjoining the railway yard. The accommodation was not bad. There were a great number of small rooms, and each room was occupied by three prisoners. The food allowed us was quite uneatable, but we lived on our parcels and had sufficient to eat. There were six guards who looked after the prisoners and we were never allowed to go outside the works. The prisoners worked with the civilians, and the hours of work were 6.15 a.m. to 6.15 p.m., and they were under the control of the civilian foremen. There was not much ill-treatment so long as the prisoners were willing to work, but if they refused to work or showed slackness, the foremen used considerable violence and knocked us about. In June 1917, on one occasion when I declined to work, pretending I was ill, the foreman, whose name I did not know, attacked me with a pitchfork and wounded me in the hand. I still have the scar. I escaped from Recklinghausen three times during the fourteen months I was there on commando, but I was always recaptured. The first time that I escaped in December 1917 I was recaptured six days later on the frontier, sentenced to 17 days imprisonment, and then set back to Recklinghausen. In January 1918 I escaped again, and it was four days before I was caught. On this occasion they gave me 28 days as I had a flashlight, and then sent me back to the same commando; and on 4th May 1918 I escaped once again, but after five days I was recaptured and given 35 days imprisonment because I had two maps. At the expiration of the last sentence I was not sent back to Recklinghausen, but they transferred me to Dortmund. At Recklinghausen things might have been worse, and from what I heard of other commandos I think that it can be looked upon as a good camp. So long as the prisoners did a reasonable amount of work they were treated properly. The worst case of violence I remember was that of a British prisoner named Smith. I do not know his regiment, but this man was always cursing and abusing the guards, who marked him out one day as we were passing out of the works, set upon him, and beat him very brutally. There were no visits from the Dutch Legation while I was at Recklinghausen. We were paid 90pfg. a day, but we had no chance of spending mony (sic) except that occasionally at rare intervals we could buy a few cigarettes. It was on 10th June that I was sent to Dortmund with six other British prisoners. I was there only five days, so there was little opportunity for me to obtain information about this commando. The prisoners worked in a large zinc factory. There were about 200 Russians and Frenchmen, and only about seven British. We were lodged in an old storehouse, and we all slept together on wooden stretcherbeds. The accommodation was very bad, and the general conditions also; the place was extremely dirty. I do not know the name of the firm to whom the zinc works belonged. Our hours of work were much longer than at Recklinghausen. The jobs given prisoners were mostly unhealthy, as the fumes from the furnaces were sometimes almost overpowering. For the first two days that I was on this commando I declined to work, and nothing was done to me beyond being abused by the foreman. The prisoners were employed principally in drawing furnaces and carrying coal, and they worked in shifts. The storehouse in which we were lodged was situated in the centre of the works, and we were never far away from the fumes emitted by the furnaces. I should say that this commando was a bad one, but the shortness of my stay there afforded me no opportunity to give detailed information. On 15th June, at 2 a.m. I managed to escape in company with one of the French prisoners.

A Second World War Burma operations M.M. group of six awarded to Bombardier W. Woods, Royal Artillery Military Medal, G.VI.R. (902849 Bmbr. R.A.); 1939-45 Star Burma Star; Defence and War Medals; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (902849 Gnr., M.M., R.A.) generally extremely fine (6) £900-1000 M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945. Recommendation states: At Singu on the East bank of the Irrawaddy, on 15 April 1945 Bdr. Woods of 348 Bty, 136 Fd Regt R.A. was one of an Arty O.P. party which accompanied "B" Coy on their infiltration into Singu North on night 14/15 April 45. The coy and attached troops had been attacked at dawn in the area of some Pagodas on the North East of the village and had been forced to seek cover within the perimeter provided by a small wall which encircled one of the Pagodas. In seeking immediate cover from the sudden attack the Arty party were obliged to leave some heavy equipment, including their "22" wireless set, outside the wall. The Japanese were sniping continually and using grenade dischargers from the edge of the village some 50 yeards away. The sniping which was exceedingly accurate killed and wounded several of the men who had been replying to the Jap fire. During a lull in the firing Bdr. Woods aked for permission to scale the wall in full view of the Jap position, in order to recover the equipment which was lying on the other side. Bdr. Woods leaped over the wall and in full view of the enemy position in the village succeeded in bringing in all the signal equipment belonging to the O.P. party, thus enabling fire to be brought down on the enemy. By volunteering for and carrying out this act of gallantry Bdr Woods displayed the very highest courage and devotion to duty. William James Woods enlisted into the R.A. (T.A.) in April 1939 and was posted to 87 Field Regiment R.A. In June 1939 he posted to 136 Regiment R.A. With his unit he served in India and Burma, January 1943-March 1946 and in December 1945 was appointed an Acting Sergeant. Released to the Army Reserve in June 1946, in 1953 he re-enlisted into the R.A. (T.A.) and was posted to the 359 Medium Regiment. He was discharged at his own request on 11 October 1961. The Military Medal and forwading slip in glass-fronted wooden frame, with the copied recommendation in a matching frame. Sold with several photographs, an American Legion membership card, cloth R.A. blazer badge and copied research.

A fine Kohima operations M.M. group of five awarded to Acting Naik Ali Badshah, 4/15th Punjab Regiment - By the time he reached the top of the objective all the men in his section with the exception of himself and one other I.O.R. were wounded Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7691 A./Naik Ali Badshah, 15 Punjab R.), officially engraved naming; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal 1939-45, generally good very fine (5) £700-900 M.M. London Gazette 5 October 1944. The original recommendation states: On 25 May 1944, B Company, 4/15 Punjab Regiment were ordered to attack a feature "Church Knoll" in the Kohima area. Acting Naik Ali Badshah was a section commander in one of the leading platoons. As the Platoon neared its objective it came under heavy fire from an enemy 75mm. gun and suffered casualties. Naik Ali Badshah led his men on in spite of heavy opposition from grenades and L.M.G. fire. By the time he reached the top of the objective all the men in his section with the exception of himself and one other I.O.R. were wounded. He continued to lob grenades into the enemy bunker whilst the wounded men of his section were evacuated. Only when all the wounded of his section had been evacuated did he withdraw. This N.C.O. set a wonderful example of leadership to the remaining sections of his platoon. His action inspired all who saw him and is worthy of high praise. Ali Badshah was a native of Dhab in the district of Kohat. The assault on "Church Knoll" by the 4/15th Punjabis on 25 May 1944 was supported by "Hurribombers" and over 900 shells from the Royal Artillerys medium batteries. But, as proved the case in two previous attacks mounted by British infantry regiments, the Japanese remained firmly in possession of their reinforced bunkers.

A rare E.II.R. Malaya operations M.M. pair awarded to Rifleman Ganeshbahadur Sunwar, 2/7th Gurka Rifles - despite being seriously wounded, he continued to lead his men in an attack on a terrorist stronghold, and accounted for one of their number before being evacuated by helicopter Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (21136653 Rfn. Ganeshbahadur Sunwar, 7 G.R.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (21136653 Rfn. Ganeshbahadur Sunwar, 7 G.R.), mounted as worn, the second with edge bruise, otherwise generally good very fine (2) £2500-3000 M.M. London Gazette 29 June 1954. The original recommendation states: On 2 June 1953, while his platoon was operating in the Sungei Bilut area, Pehang, a camp containing three terrorists was located and surrounded. Sunwar was in charge of a group taking part in the assault. He led his men with great dash and determination but during the charge was seriously wounded in the leg. Despite this he carried on pressing hard the attack until his wound caused him to collapse. During this time he killed one of the terrorists himself and continued to encourage his men, displaying leadership and courage of a high order. He was eventually evacuated by helicopter, being operated on immediately on arrival at hospital. In this action and in many others, Sunwars spirit, dash, and personal example were an outstanding example to the rest of his comrades. He has on numerous occasions spread over the past six months pushed himself to the forefront of any engagement and has shown willingness to face the enemy which is worthy of the highest praise. Ganeshbahadur Sunwar, who joined the 7th Gurkhas in December 1948, completed several operational tours in Malaya in the period 1948-1960, and was finally discharged in January 1964; sold with photocopied service record.

An extremely rare "crowned-head" D.F.M. group of six awarded to Squadron Leader R. Wright, Royal Air Force, for his part in the Chitral garrison relief operations of 1932 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.V.R., 2nd crowned bust issue (363282 Cpl. R. Wright, R.A.F.), officially impressed naming; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (363282 L.A.C., R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals, these two privately inscribed, Sqn. Ldr. R. Wright, D.F.M. and J.L.; Jubilee 1935; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (W./O., R.A.F.), generally good very fine (6) £3000-3500 Just 22 "crowned-head" D.F.Ms were issued between 1931-37, three of them for the Chitral garrison relief operations of 1932. D.F.M. London Gazette 8 September 1933: In recognition of gallant and distinguished service rendered during the operations in connection with the Chitral reliefs, September to October 1932. Roland Wright, who was born in October 1905, was decorated for his part in the operations that led to the successful biennial relief of the Chitral garrison in 1932. In previous years, the Nawab of Dir had been able to guarantee the garrisions safe passage, albeit with a small escort, but in September 1932, as a result of anti-British agitators raising small lashkars of hostile tribesmen, his forces were quickly occupied, and it was therefore decided to despatch a special mobile column of all arms to protect the garrison during its journey through Shamozair country. And in order to support that initiative, five R.A.F. squadrons (11, 20, 27, 39 and 60) were placed under the control of the G.O.C.-in-C., Northern Command, who in turn delegated control to the Commander, Peshawar District. Prior to the commencement of bombing operations, warning notices were issued, but these had little effect in demoralising the hostile tribesmen, who regularly greeted our aircraft with heavy rifle fire. Bombing operations actually commenced on 17 September and were continued on an intensive scale until the 23rd, as a result of which most of the lashkars were broken up and dispersed, but small parties of "diehards" held on in certain areas, as a result of which air operations were extended. When, at length, the relief column got safely home, the Commander, Peshawar District, relinquished control of the Royal Air Forces operational agenda, but independent sorties were flown right through until 16 October, when an agreement was struck between the hostile tribesmen and our local Political Agent. Wright added the Jubilee Medal to his accolades in 1935, while serving as a Corporal in No. 4 (Army Co-operation) Squadron (the official roll refers), and was commissioned as a probationary Flying Officer in November 1940. Granted the permanent rank of Flight Lieutenant in July 1946, he was placed on the Retired List as a Squadron Leader (Engineering Branch) in October 1954.

A fine Second World War D.F.M. group of six awarded to Flight Lieutenant J. H. R. Price, an Air Gunner and Battle of Britain veteran who achieved notable success in low-level attacks in the Middle East Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (970175 F./Sgt. J. Price, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star, clasp, Battle of Britain; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted as worn, contact marks, generally very fine (6) £3500-4000 D.F.M. London Gazette 13 October 1942. The original recommendation states: This N.C.O. joined No. 38 Squadron on 30 August 1941 and since that date has successfully completed 40 operational sorties. Before joining this squadron he had already completed 20 operational sorties of which 13 were with No. 29 Squadron on night flying interception over France, in Blenheim aircraft, and seven in No. 116 Squadron on Hampden aircraft, making a total of 60 operational sorties altogether. During his operational tour with No. 38 Squadron, Flight Sergeant Price has shown keenness and devotion to duty which has been an inspiration to the Squadron. On the night of 12 October 1941, when operating from Malta against motor transport and petrol installations in Tripoli, his ground straffing was so good that large fires were started from petrol ignited by his incendiary bullets. On the night of 24 October 1941, when operating from Malta against searchlights at Naples, by very accurate firing from the rear-turret a great many searchlights were shot up and many forced to dowse, thereby contributing to the efficiency of the nights successful operations. On the nights of 8, 22 and 24 May 1942, very successful operations by ground straffing were carried out against motor transport in convoy on the road outside Benghazi, and the convoys successfully hampered and disorganised by his very accurate fire. James Henry Reginald Price, a native of Cartref, Glamorgan, who was born in July 1919, entered the Royal Air Force as an Air Gunner under training in October 1939. Duly qualified, he was posted to No. 29 Squadron, a Blenheim unit operating out of Digby, in mid-September 1940, and went on to complete 13 night interception sorties prior to being posted to No. 7 (BAT) Flight in February 1941 - several of them at the height of the Battle of Britain. Although early days for nightfighter operations, No. 29, commanded by Squadron Leader S. C. Widdows, gained some notable successes, a case in point being the first victory credited to John Braham, who ended the War with three D.S.Os, and three D.F.Cs. - and a further 29 "kills" to his name. As stated in the recommendation for his D.F.M., Price next flew seven sorties in Hampdens of No. 116 Squadron, prior to joining No. 38 Squadron, a Wellington unit, out in the Middle East, in August 1941, in which latter capacity he completed a further 40 sorties before being "rested" in August 1942, a period that witnessed him achieve notable success as a Rear-Gunner on low-level ground straffing duties. But No. 38s operational brief extended beyond the more usual desert operations of the period, Prices newly arrived C.O., Wing Commander John Chaplin, D.F.C., master-minding the Squadrons conversion for torpedo operations and daring attacks on enemy supply ships - Chaplin would win an immediate D.S.O. for just such an operation in June 1942, when, in the face of heavy flak, he sunk an escorted 30,000-ton merchantman: the Wellingtons of No. 38 were promptly christened "Fishingtons". Price was released in the rank of Flight Lieutenant in 1946, but later rejoined the Royal Air Force in the same rank in May 1956, and was finally placed on the Retired List in July 1974. He died in March 1988.

A fine Second World War D.F.M. group of four awarded to Flight Sergeant M. E. Foreman, Royal Air Force, a Wireless Operator who flew several sorties to the "Big City" at the height of the Bomber Commands offensive over the winter of 1943-44, in addition to participating in the Hamburg "firestorm" raids and in the famous strike against Peenemunde in August 1943 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1312653 F./Sgt. M. E. Foreman, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine and better (4) £1800-2200 D.F.M. London Gazette 11 February 1944. The original recommendation states: Flight Sergeant Foreman is a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner and has now taken part in 26 bombing sorties against the enemy. These have included targets at Mannheim, Hanover, Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Berlin. The success of these operations is due in no small measure to Flight Sergeant Foremans exceptional technical skill and he has shown himself to be an indispensible member of a very gallant crew. Such skill is only surpassed by his unyielding courage and fearlessness of the highest order. A fitting recognition of this N.C.Os valuable services would be the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. Maurice Eric Foreman commenced his operational career with No. 12 Squadron, a Lancaster unit based at Wickenby, Lincolnshire, in June 1943, when he flew a sortie against Oberhausen on the night of the 14th, his aircraft on this occasion piloted by Wing Commander R. S. Wood - but thereafter by Pilot Officer D. G. Lighton. A "Gardening" trip followed shortly afterwards, so too sorties to Wuppertal, Gelsenkirchen and Cologne. July witnessed No. 12 Squadron supporting the offensive against Hamburg, Foreman participating in the "firestorm" raids of the 24th and 29th, in addition to a return trip on the 2 August. Mannheim, Milan and Leverkausen quickly followed, but his most memorable outing in the latter month was undoubtedly the famous strike against the secret rocket installation at Peenemunde on the 17th, when he flew in Lancaster LM 301 "O" - as one member of his crew, the Flight Engineer, Sergeant F. Wadsworth, later observed, Even today, when I see a cloudless sky with a full moon, I think about that night we went to Peenemunde (Martin Middlebrooks Peenemunde Raid refers). While Foremans skipper, the newly promoted Flying Officer Lighton, reported, Good concentrated attack right on target - returned with feeling of having done an excellent job. Returning to more regular targets in September, No. 12 made a brace of attacks on both Hanover and Mannheim, in addition to strikes against Bochum and Berlin, Foreman occupying the Mid-Upper Gunners seat for one of the former trips - of the attack on Bochum, Lighton concluded, Excellent trip - Huns half-day off. October witnessed Foreman completing his third sortie to Hanover, and a strike against Hagen, while in November, after raids on Dusseldorf and Modane, he flew his first "Battle of Berlin" period sortie to the "Big CIty" - Due to 10/10 cloud in target area, very lucky if we hit Berlin. A week or two later, Foreman was recommended for his D.F.M., but he still had to complete another four sorties to bring his tour of operations to a close, all of them of the heavily defended kind: namely his fourth visit to Mannheim and three further sorties to Berlin, these last in an offensive in which Bomber Command lost nearly 500 aircraft. He survived and was "posted-out" in January 1944 to less hazardous employment.

An R.V.M. group of five awarded to Serjeant E. C. Carew, Liverpool Regiment, late Grenadier Guards Royal Victorian Medal, E.VII.R., bronze (No.13614 Private E. C. Carew, 1st Bn. Gren. Gds.); 1914 Star, with copy clasp (13614 Pte., 1/G. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (13614 Pte., G. Gds.), B.W.M. re-mpressed; Coronation 1937, unnamed, mounted as worn, fine and better (5) £200-240 Edgar Charles Carew was born in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset on 29 May 1886. A railway Porter by occupation, he attested for the Grenadier Guards at Bristol on 19 February 1908, aged 21 years, 9 months. On service at Home, Private Edgar Charles Carew, was one of a number of men of the Kings Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, who were awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in bronze for their services on the occasion of the funeral of King Edward VII. On 19 February 1911 he was transferred to the Army Reserve on the termination of his period of service and was employed as a Police Constable. Mobilised with the onset of war, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 6 October 1914, serving with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. At Ypres, 2 November 1914, he received a gunshot wound to the left shoulder and lung and on 3 December 1914 was invalided to England. After treatment he was posted in July 1915 to the 21st Reserve Battalion Liverpool Regiment. Promoted to Serjeant in September 1915 he subsequently served as an Instructor with the 26th and 3rd Battalions in England. Carew was discharged from the Army in December 1918 and was employed by the Gloucestershire Constabulary. In the Coronation Medal 1937 nominal roll he is recorded as a Police Sergeant in Gloucestershire. Sold with a quantity of copied service and medical papers.

An unusual Second World War Home Front B.E.M. group of three awarded to Private J. T. Doran, South Lancashire Regiment, who helped his Company Commander disarm a soldier who had run amok with his rifle British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (No. D/29808 Pte. John Thomas Doran, S. Lan. R.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally good very fine (3) £300-350 B.E.M. London Gazette 11 March 1941: For gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner. The original recommendation states: On the night of 28-29 August 1940, a soldier in Private Dorans Company ran amok and was firing his rifle indiscriminately. Without any regard for his own safety, Private Doran was of invaluable assistance to his Company Commander in disarming the man. His action was most commendable. John Thomas Doran was serving in 6th (Home Defence) Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, at the time of the above related incident at Chorlton barracks, Western Command. His Company Commander, Acting Captain H. L. Hirst, was awarded the George Medal, an award which was also announced in the London Gazette of 11 March 1941. The 6th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment was formed as a Home Defence unit from Defence Companies and, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. W. Morriss, D.S.O., was employed in looking after vulnerable points in the Mersey Estuary area. In November 1941, the unit was retitled the 30th Battalion and continued to do fine work in its special role until disbanded in January 1943.

A fine Mau Mau troubles B.E.M. awarded to Forest Guard (Grade IV) Kiprotich arap Ndotich, who dropped a brace of Kikuyu gang members with his bow and arrow: He shot the gang leader through the chest killing him on the spot ... and was too much for the remaining members of the gang who ran off taking their wounded man with them British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Kiprotich arap Ndotich), in its Royal Mint case of issue, nearly extremely fine £400-500 B.E.M. London Gazette 9 October 1956: Kiprotich arap Ndotich and another Forest Guard were returning from work through South Tinderet Forest when they saw five armed Kikuyu coming towards them. As they passed, the two Forest Guards decided to retrace their steps, follow the gang in order to locate their hideout and report it to the Police, but they were seen by the gang who immediately attacked them. Two of the gang attacked Kiprotichs companion with swords, felling him to the ground and wounding him seriously about the head and body. When Kiprotich saw his plight he rushed to his help and attacked the gang single handed. Using his bow and arrow he shot the gang leader through the chest killing him on the spot. He then shot another member of the gang through the chest and was too much for the remaining members of the gang who ran off taking their wounded man with them. Forest Guard Kiprotich arap Ndotich acted with courage and determination.

A rare gallantry B.E.M. awarded to Garry Cooper, for a courageous attempt to save three children from a fire in Poole in June 1965 - he sustained serious burns in the process British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R., with gallantry emblem (Garry Cooper), nearly extremely fine £500-600 B.E.M. London Gazette 24 May 1966. The joint citation states: Fire broke out in a cafe consisting of three floors. Mr. Cooper, who was passing in the street, saw that the building was on fire and on hearing that there were three children inside, entered the building in an attempt to rescue them. He heard a scream from upstairs and rushed up to the second floor. In spite of the heat and smoke, which prevented him from seeing, he reached the childrens room which was also well ablaze. Mr. Cooper was severely burnt by this time, and he threw himself out of the bedroom window on to the roof. Mr. McCarthy was sleeping in one of the bedrooms on the first floor and he was awakened when the alarm was raised. He made an immediate attempt to ascend the now fiercely burning stairway to try and rescue the children. The intense heat forced him to return. He then put on his jacket and tried again but once more was forced back. He next fetched a blanket from his bed, soaked it with water, draped it over himself, and succeeded in reaching the top of the stairway. But although he searched for the children amongst the flames and smoke he was unable to find them. Cooper and McCarthy were rescued by the Fire Brigade and taken to hospital suffering from burns. Both men made a valiant attempt to save the lives of the children. Garry Cooper, a steel erector employed by West Bolden Company of Durham, was visiting Poole at the time of the above described incident at the Old Town Cafe in the High Street on 12 June 1965. He returned there that October to receive a £200 cheque from the Mayor, the earnings he lost during treatment and convalescence after serious burns; sold with several photocopied newspaper reports.

An exceptional Light Brigade medal to Private Wilson Firth, 11th Hussars, who was severely wounded at Balaklava and died later at Scutari Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Alma, Balaklava (Wilson Firth. 11th Hussars) officially impressed naming, in its original named card box of issue together with tatty registered envelope addressed to Henry Flather (Father of the late Wilson Firth 11th Hussars), the medal dark toned, nearly extremely fine.

A rare A.G.S. to Sergeant H. J. Capon, Royal Marines, who was killed in action in the Dubai Incident, 24 December 1910 Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1908-10 (CH.9910 Sgt. H. J. Capon, R.M.L.I., H.M.S. Hyacinth) extremely fine and a rare casualty £1400-1800 Sold with full details and copy service papers.

The Royal Humane Society Medal with second and third award bars to Stephen Renforth, who is said to have rescued 62 lives from the Tyne, the Clyde and in America; a truly remarkable livesaver Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (Stephen Renforth, 5th August 1890), 2 bars, 26th January. 1895, 13 June 1899, complete with bronze brooch bar, slight edge bruising, very fine £1400-1800

The R.N.I.P.L.S. Silver Medal awarded to Coxswain John Storr, of the Whitby Lifeboat, who died in the Whitby Disaster of 9 February 1861 Royal National Institute for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, G.IV.R., silver (John Storr, voted 7 July, 1853), with eyelet and ring suspension, edge bruise, good very fine £800-1000 . Sold with copied research.

Corporation of Glasgow Bravery Medal, 2nd type, silver (Alexander Baird), hallmarks for Glasgow 1935, good very fine £60-80 Alexander Baird, 64 Guthrie Street. Awarded 2 August 1938. ... who rescued a boy from drowning in the Forth and Clyde Canal near Lochburn Road on 22nd February last.

Family group: Pair: Sergeant H. Latham, Lancashire County Police R.S.P.C.A. Life Saving Medal, bronze (Pol/Sgt/Latham, St. Helens 1923), with brooch bar, For Humanity; another, silver (Pol/Sgt Latham, St. Helens, 1924), with brooch bar, For Humanity Special Constabulary Long Service, G.VI.R., 1st issue (William Latham) nearly extremely fine (3) £350-400 Harry Latham was born on 6 February 1881. A Brickworker by occupation, he joined the Lancashire County Police Force on 26 June 1907 He was promoted to Acting Sergeant in October 1908, Sergeant in September 1913 and Sergeant 1st Class in October 1916. On 4 June 1923 Sergeant Latham was presented with the R.S.P.C.A. Animal Life Saving Medal in bronze for rescuing a dog from a disused pit shaft. On 13 September 1923 he was complimented by the Lancashire County Police and awarded £1 for valuable assistance rendered in securing the arrest of William Lynn who was wanted for attempted rape and indecent assault. On 20 June 1924 he was presented with the R.S.P.C.A. Animal Life Saving Medal in silver for rescuing a cat from a disused pit shaft. Sergeant Latham was pensioned on completion of his service on 20 September 1933 and died on 28 March 1962. Sold with copied service details and a photocopied photograph of the recipient in Police Uniform; also with a photocopied photograph of his son, William Latham, in military uniform.

Law Society Boer War Tribute Medal 1902, obv. coat-of-arms, The Incorporated Law Society of the United Kingdom; rev. Presented by the President of the Society ..... to Solicitors and Articled Clerks who served in the South African Campaign 1899-1902 and who were entertained by the Society at a Banquet in its Hall, December 18th 1902, 51mm., bronze, unnamed, in damaged card box, ref. Hibbard J3, Eimer 1868, B.H.M. 3879; The National Commemorative Medal 1899-1900, The Absent Minded Beggar Medal, 45mm., white metal, in card box of issue, Eimer 1851; B.H.M. 3680, extremely fine (2) £100-150

Victoria Cross interest: a Letter, written and signed by Corporal Gian Singh, V.C., good condition £50-70 Single sheet, 188 x 124mm., written in ink, dated 31 October, addressed from the Indian Forces Leave Camp, Roehampton, London, S.W15. Dear Sir, I reached at London on 7th October and then I went to see Major R. A. J. Fowler at his home and stayed there for three days. I was decorated by H.M. King on 16 Oct. I am spending all my time in seeing London. There are many fine places and I have seen many of them and hope to see some more. London is a very good place. I like (the) underground and lifts - electric stairs. Thank you for your kindness. Give my best wishes to all officers of Rg. Centre and O.Rs under your Command. Yours sincerely Corpl. Gian Singh V.C. Naik Gian Singh, 15th Punjab Regiment, V.C. London Gazette 2 March 1945. On 2 March 1945 on the road between Kamye and Myingyan, Burma, where the Japanese were strongly positioned, Niak Gian Singh, who was in charge of the leading section of his platoon, went on alone firing his tommy gun, and rushed the enemy foxholes. In spite of being wounded in the arm, he went on, hurling grenades. He attacked and killed the crew of a cleverly concealed anti-tank gun, and then led his men down a lane clearing all enemy positions. He went on leading his section until the action had been satisfactorily completed (Ref. The Register of the Victoria Cross). Sold with 15th Punjab Regiment cap badge; paper cutting giving the obituary of Major Tony Raj Fowler; booklets and papers re. the 15th Punjab Regiment.

Defective medal: Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, N. Nigeria 1903 (Col. T. L. N. Moreland, C.B., N.N.R.) renamed, replacement suspension, some edge bruising, scratches to obv., nearly very fine £40-60 Sold with copied research on the recipient, who was awarded the D.S.O. (London Gazette 25 April 1902), and created a C.B. in 1903, K.C.B. in 1915 and K.C.M.G. in 1917.

Military General Service 1793-1814, 7 clasps, Talavera, Fuentes DOnor, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse (James McIntosh, 92nd Foot) minor edge bruise, otherwise good very fine and rare £1800-2200 James McIntosh was born at Clackmannon and initially joined the 14th Battalion of the Reserve on 25 October 1803, and remained with them until he was transferred to the 1st Battalion of the 92nd Highlanders on 24 March 1804. He served with the regiment in Copenhagen in 1807, but was on detachment from the battalion when the 92nd marched with Moores Army in the retreat to and eventual battle of Corunna, being afterwards evacuated to England. As a result McIntosh was left in the Peninsula and, with others of the 92nd who had been left behind in Portugal, formed the 92nd Company in the 1st Battalion of Detachments, one of two such detachments formed from odd men left behind by the various regiments of Moores Army. These two battalions of odd men, from 14 regiments in the 1st Battalion and from 13 regiments and the Staff Corps in the 2nd Battalion, accompanied Wellington on his Campaign of 1809, and were present at the Passage of the Douro and the battle of Talavera. Only these men from the 92nd were eligible to receive the clasp for Talavera and just 11 men of the regiment eventually claimed the clasp in 1848. However, of these 11 medals finally awarded, there is considerable doubt as to the eligibility of five of them. McIntosh was one of the six genuine claimants to receive this clasp. McIntosh and the others from the 92nd rejoined the 1st Battalion upon its return from the Walcheren expedition. He subsequently took part in the engagements at Fuentes DOnoro, Arroyo del Molinos, Almaraz, Vittoria, the Pass of Maya in the Pyrenees, Nivelle, St Pierre [Nive], Arriverete, Orthes, Aire, and Toulouse. He also fought with the 92nd at Waterloo and was wounded either at Quatre Bras on the 16th June or at Waterloo itself on the 18th. He was discharged on 12 November 1818, in consequence of reduction, being under size and of impaired constitution. His discharge papers also note that he was slightly wounded on the 30th July at Pampeluna in the right knee. Sold with copy discharge papers, full muster details and a copy of Nicola-Jane Hendersons article The 92nd Company of the First Battalion of Detachments and the Bar for Talavera (OMRS Journal, Winter 1984).

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (D. Carroy, 30th Regt.) officially impressed naming, good very fine £400-500 Daniel Carroy (usually referrred to as Carey, or Carrey) attested into the 92nd Highlanders on 18 April 1848, in Ireland, and served with the 92nd in Ireland, Corfu and Gibraltar until he transferred into the 30th Foot in 1854. When the Crimean War broke out, it was decided that of the four regiments based at Gibraltar, the 92nd should remain to garrison the Rock, whilst the others went to the Front. However, it was also decided that any soldiers from the 92nd who wished could volunteer into one of the other three regiments of their choosing. It was also made clear that, if they so wished, they could return to the 92nd when hostilities had ceased. Carey chose the 30th and transferred to them on I April 1854. On his transfer he was allocated a new number, 3856, in place of his old 92nd number, 2506. Sadly however, Carey was not to return to the 92nd, having been killed in action during the siege of Sebastopol on I I April 1856. Sold with full muster details.

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Pipe Mr. Duncan McPhail, 92nd Highlanders) marks to Queens bust, otherwise about very fine and extremely rare £800-1000 Duncan McPhail was bom in Oban on 2 July 1826, the son of Neil M'Phale [sic] and his wife Ann M'Phale, nee M'Martin. He enlisted into the 92d Highlanders at Glasgow on the 20th January 1849, aged 23 years 6 months, his trade being given as Labourer. He served with the 92nd at Clonmel and Kilkenny in Ireland and then went with them to Corfu in the Ionian Islands, where he served for two years. On 1 January 1853 he was appointed Sergeant and Drum Major. It should be noted that at this time Pipers were not recognized by the Horse Guards, and in Scottish regiments they were often listed on the books as Drummers, to enable them to receive the additional pay annexed to that appointment - Pipers being considered as far superior to mere Drummers! Whether he was also trained as a Drummer, or merely held the appointment of Drum Major to enable him to receive the additional pay of 1/10d per diem, is not known. However, on the eventual recognition of Pipers by the Horse Guards, just over a year later, McPhail was appointed the 92nd's first official Pipe Major on 1 April 1854. After Corfu, he served at Gibraltar from April 1853 until the Regiment's posting to the Crimea in 1855, where they arrived just too late to qualify for the Crimea medal. In June 1856 they returned to Gibraltar and remained there until they were sent to India, where they arrived in March 1858, to reinforce the troops there during the suppression of the Mutiny. Whilst in India, the 92nd provided contingents to go out with the various Field Forces which were employed in mopping up operations against the rebels. McPhail accompanied the Mhow Field Force which, under the Command of Major General John Michel, went in pursuit of the rebel leader Tantia Topee, who McPhail described as . . . a most ubiquitous character. . .. During these operations the Force was engaged in actions against the enemy at Rajghur, Mongrowlee, Sindwaho and Kurrai. In May 1859 he was admitted to hospital and in April the following year he embarked for home. He appears to have been sent, on his return, to the 2nd Invalid Depot in September, where he is shown as a Sergeant, but his time there was very short as he was discharged, Time Expired on the 26 September 1860. Sold with full muster details.

Moray Floods Medal 1829, obv. a view of the Bridge over the Spey at Fochabers, partially destroyed by the river in a raging flood; rev. inscription in raised lettering (name of recipient and fishing-boat impressed), Presented by the Central Committee for the Flood Fund to James Smith / Findhorn as an Honorary Reward for his Courage and Humanity shewn at the Great Flood August 4th 1829, silver, with loop suspension; together with An Account of The Great Floods of August 1829, in the province of Moray and adjoining districts, by Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, Bart., 350pp, 3rd Edition, Elgin 1873, good condition, the medal very fine £400-500 During the night of 3/4 August 1829, over a considerable part of the north-east of Scotland, from the river Findhorn in Morayshire to the river Dee at Aberdeen, and even to a certain extent further south, the night became very dark, a storm of unprecedented fury arose, followed by a perfect deluge of rain, the result being widespread flooding of the area. Rivers burst their banks, many bridges were broken and washed away, whole fields of crops and soil disappeared, acres of trees were uprooted and floated away to join the great amount of debris, dead cattle, hares and rats. Houses were washed away and whole families were marooned either on higher ground or in their homes. Luckily the loss of life was minimal. Twenty square miles of the plain of Forres was inundated. During the night, when such a deluge descended, the amount of rain that fell was equal to one sixth of a normal year's downfall. The height of the water reached forty feet above the normal in some places. Among the bridges destroyed was the handsome iron bridge over the Spey near Fochabers. This very fast flowing river is noted for its salmon. It is also noted for the number of small streams that flow into it, streams which supply the water which is used in the making of Highland Malt Whisky. The bridge consisted of four arches, with a total watering of 340 feet. When the water was seventeen feet up on the bridge a narrow crack suddenly appeared on its surface. This rapidly widened and down came the two arches nearest to the left bank. As the direct result of all this flooding, the salmon fishers manned their cobles and set sail from the mouth of the river Fmdhom in appalling conditions to the rescue of the many crofters and farmers marooned in their homes and facing the steadily rising waters. They rescued a considerable number after surmounting formidable obstacles. One man who helped in the rescue was the local doctor in one of the cobles. Subsequently money was raised by local subscription to give expression of their gratitude to all those gallant men who set sail in their cobles to the rescue of the local population. It was decided that a medal be given to each man, about forty in all. In his lengthy account of the floods Lauder describes the part played by the five fishing-boats that sailed from Findhorn on their gallant and charitable voyage, namely Nancy of Findhorn, Bounty, Lovey, Findhorn, and Star: The fourth boat was the Findhorn; Thomas MacDonald, officer of the fishery, skipper; crew, James Storm, John Munro, Hugh Wright, William Wright, John Masson, James Smith, John Elder. This boat was nearly carried into a strong current and swamped irrecoverably, but was saved by three of the crew jumping up to their necks and dragging her into stiller water. Having got among the corn, one of them spied a large salmon by the root of a tree, seized it by the tail, but the creature escaped; and, in the struggle, the man was laid on his back in the water. They touched at Tannachy, and, some time afterwards, saw a man, near a corn-yard, holding up a hat on a long pole - made toward him - and discovered it to be Mr Williamson of Westerton, and his men-servants, who were in great distress about 200 sheep that were drowning in a clover field. The boat went to their rescue, and carried them, by 25 or 30 at a time, to a place of safety. On their way home, they killed some hares with their sticks on the sea embankment, and picked up a large hog, which had swam all the way from Edgefield, above 3 miles. The water between Tannachy and Findhorn was literally covered with wreck, furniture, cradles, saddles, cattle, and sheep, and 4 inches of fine black mould was left on the beach. None of the sandbanks of the bay were seen, as usual, at low tide; and, at full tide, not one drop of salt water was admitted within the bar ! All the mussel-scalps were swept away, and the crops of bait destroyed for two or three years to come.

Gordon Highlanders Boer War Tribute Medal, 9 carat gold watch fob, hallmarked Birmingham 1900, the obverse shield engraved with monogram CJS, the reverse inscribed Presented by the Officers "G" & "H" Coys. 4th V.B. G.H. on return from Active Service in So. Africa. May 1901, ring suspension, good very fine £100-150 Hibbard K1, this medal illustrated and the only recorded example. Attributed to No. 8215 Private C. J. Smith, who was entitled to the QSA with single clasp for Natal. The 4th Volunteer Battalion served in South Africa with the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders.

The Duke of Wellingtons Orders of Knighthood, Dickinson., London., 1852, landscape folio, 35 coloured plates, with dedictaion by one who had the honour of serving under His Grace for so many years as his Aide-de-Camp and Asst.-Military Secretary [Sir Ulysses Bagenal Burgh]; each plate is a coloured representation, with highlights in gold and silver, with obverse/reverse where applicable and a detailed text opposite with an interleaf to protect the plate: viz The Arms & Supporters of the Duke of Wellington; the Garter; the Bath; the Annonciade of Sardinia; The Golden Fleece of Spain; the Tower and Sword of Portugal; the St. Esprit of France; the Elephant of Denmark; the Sword of Sweden; St. Andrew of Russia; the Black Eagle of Prussia; the Red Eagle of Prussia; Fidelity of Baden; St. Alexander Newsky of Russia; St Januarius of the two Sicilies; Maria Theresa of Austria; Military Merit of Wurtemberg; St George of Russia; the Lion d'Or of Hesse Casel; Max-Joseph of Bavaria; St. Ferdinand of Sicily; the Crown of Saxony; St. Federinand of Spain; the Lion of Baden; St. Hermenegildo of Spain; the Guelph of Hanover; and Wilhelm of the Netherlands; War Medals for 11 Battles and 2 Sieges; the Duke's Baton as Field Marshal of England; Marshal Jourdan's Baton; The Duke's Batons as Field Marshal of Russia; of Hanover; and as High Constable of England; and Medals for Battles and Sieges in India. Rebound retaining original but worn decorative red cloth covers, lacking title page, some light foxing and water stains not affecting images, and although boards worn and shaken, the contents are generally good £200-250

Pair: Private Robert Bain, 55th Foot, a volunteer from the 92nd Highlanders Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Robert Bain, No. 3490. 55 Regt.) regimentally impressed naming; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue (3490 Pt. R. D. Bain, 55 Rt.) fitted with Crimea suspension, rivets mostly unofficial, contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise nearly very fine (2) £250-300 Robert Bain was born at Leslie, Fife, in about 1831, and was a miner by trade. He enlisted into the 92nd at Edinburgh on 15 January 1850, and served with the regiment in Ireland, Corfu and Gibraltar. On the outbreak of war in the Crimea in 1854, it was decided not to send the 92nd to the seat of war, but that men from the regiment could chose to volunteer into one of the three other regiments then stationed at Gibraltar, all of which were to go to the Crimea. Bain was one of those that volunteered to transfer into the 55th Regiment, with effect from 1 April 1854. In January 1858, he chose to return to the 92nd who he rejoined in India on 1 April that year. He was finally discharged at Perth on 21 September 1860. Sold with full muster details.

Four: Private John McArdle, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders Afghanistan 1878-80, 3 clasps, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (B/223 Pte. J. McArdle, 92nd Highrs.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (56/223 Private J. McArdle 92nd Highlanders); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (444 Pte. J. McArdle, 1/Gord. Highrs.); Khedives Star 1882, pitting from stars, otherwise nearly very fine (4) £600-700 John McArdle was one of those members of the old 92nd Highlanders who were transferred to the old 75th Regiment after their amalgamation in July 1881. It would seem that the influx of 92nd men into the 75th was in order to instruct the latter in the ways, dress and customs of a Highland regiment.

An Afghan War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private John Dennis, 92nd Highlanders, for gallantly saving the life of his officer commanding at the battle of Kandahar during which he was dangerously wounded Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Pte. J. Dennis, 92nd Foot); Afghanistan 1878-80, 3 clasps, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (1163 Pte. J. Dennis, 92nd Highrs.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1163 Prive. John Dennis 92nd Highlanders); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., small letter reverse (1163 Pte. J. Dennis, 2nd Bn. Gor. Highrs.) together with original Parchment Certificate of Discharge signed by Lieutenant-Colonel G. S. White [V.C.], contact wear and pitting, therefore good fine or better (4) £6000-7000 D.C.M. recommendation submitted to the Queen 23 November 1880 - Kandahar 1 September 1880, behaved with distinguished gallantry. The 92nd Highlanders, under the command of Colonel Parker, was one of the regiments selected to form part of the force under Sir Frederick Roberts which, in the month of August 1880, performed its memorable march from Kabul to the relief of Kandahar. In the crowning defeat of the enemy at the battle of Kandahar on the 1st September, the regiment, as one of the two leading battalions in the right attack, played a conspicuous part, being engaged in the successive captures of the villages of Gandi Mullah Sahibdad, and Pir Paimal, and finally carrying at the point of the bayonet the entrenched position on which the enemy had taken up their last stand. The casualties on this day numbered 14 non-commissioned officers and men killed 2 officers and 70 non-commissioned officers and men wounded. In the engagement Captain Menzies' life was saved by Privates Dennis and Roddick, who both received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for their gallantry. The following account, is taken from The Life of a Regiment and was related to the author by Lieutenant Menzies and Drummer Roddick: Two companies of the 92nd under Major G. S. White, and two of the Gurkhas under Lieut.-Colonel A. Battye, carried the village [Gundi Mulla Sahibdad], the Highlanders and the hillmen of Nepaul rivalling each other in their efforts; the Gurkhas on the left, having the shorter distance to go, were the first within the walls. The enemy retired slowly, fighting, but a number of Ghazis stood to receive a bayonet charge of the Highlanders, while many shut themselves up in the houses and fired on our men as they passed, and some splendid hand-to-hand fighting occurred. In the melee Lieutenant Menzies found himself in a courtyard, at the end of which was an open door, and beyond it another door which was locked, but, voices being heard within, the lock was burst by a shot from the officer's pistol, and the door swung open; instantly a shot from the inside hit Menzies in the groin, and he fell. The only man near at the moment was Drummer Roddick, whom he asked not to leave him. You're all right, sir, as long as this blade lasts," replied Roddick, as with his drawn claymore he stood over his wounded officer. A number of Afghans rushed out, and the leader fired, the bullet knocking off Roddick's helmet; the man then made for him with the muzzle of his rifle, but the stalwart drummer parried the blow, and ran him through with his sword. At this moment Private Dennis came up; not liking to put the wounded man in the house, where a lot of bags of grain might conceal a foe, they laid him in the slight shade given by the wall of the court. Just as they had done so, an Afghan rushed from behind the bags, making a slash at the officer as he passed and cutting his shoulder; but, fortunately, his blade hit the wall, which broke the force of the blow, and the man was shot by Dennis. More men joined them, Roddick and Dennis carried the lieutenant to a doolie, and immediately rejoined their company. John Dennis was born at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, in about 1845, and enlisted at Glasgow into the 92nd Highlanders on 31 July 1863, aged 18 years 7 months, a collier by trade. During his service he was 13 years in India and Afghanistan, and accompanied the regiment to South Africa in January 1881, where he served in the First Boer War. He was recommended for his L.S. & G.C. medal on 1 October 1881, and took his discharge at Devonport on 5 August 1884. His discharge papers note that he Specially distinguished himself by gallantly saving the life of the O/C his Company at the action of Kandahar 1st Septr. 1880. Medals and decorations, For distinguished conduct in the field in recognition of his conduct at the Battle of Kandahar on 1st Sept. 1880 - Medal (Afghan) 3 Clasps & Bronze star - Medal for Long Service & Good Conduct. Wounded, Received Sword Cuts of "Head", "Wrist" and "Knee" in action at Kandahar Afghanistan 1 Sept. 1880. Sold with copy discharge papers and full muster details.

The superb Egyptian War C.B. group of four awarded to Colonel Denzil Hammill, Gordon Highlanders, who led the 1st Gordons in the charge of the Highland Brigade at Tel-el-Kebir, and again commanded the regiment at the battles of El-Teb and Tamaai, and in the Nile Expedition The Most Honourable Order of The Bath, C.B. (Military) Companions breast badge, 22 carat gold and enamels, hallmarked London 1857, makers mark WN for William Neale, complete with swivel-ring bar suspension and gold ribbon buckle; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 4 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, Suakin 1884, El-Teb-Tamaai, The Nile 1884-85 (Lieut-Col. D. Hammill, 1/Gord. Highrs.); Order of the Medjidie, 3rd Class neck badge, silver, gold and enamels; Khedives Star 1882, very fine or better (4) £3000-3500 Denzil Hammill was born at New Brighton, Cheshire, on 11 July 1840, and was commissioned as an Ensign into the 75th Regiment on 16 January 1858. He rose steadily through the ranks to that of Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1880, when he succeeded to the command of the 1st Gordons. He served throughout the Egyptian War of 1882 in command of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and was present at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir, when the Highland Brigade stormed the trenches in the dark, the 1st Gordons between the Camerons and the Black Watch, led by Colonel Hammill and Major Boyes, who jumped their horses over the parapet amidst a hail of fire from the enemies trenches. For his services during the campaign he was mentioned in despatches, made a Companion of the Bath and received the 3rd Class of the Medjidie. Hammill next served in the Soudan Expedition under Sir Gerald Graham in 1884, again in command of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and was present at the battles of El-Teb and Tamaai; surely soldiers never saw a finer sight than the Gordons presented when, led by Colonel Hammill and Major Boyes, both mounted, they advanced over the rifle pits to storm the battery at Teb. Hammill was again mentioned in despatches and received the brevet of Colonel. He subsequently commanded the 1st Gordons in the Nile Expedition in 1884-85 and with the River Column under Major-General Earle. In addition to his other honours, Hammill received the Egyptian medal with four clasps and the Khedives Bronze Star. He retired and was made Honorary Major-General in October 1885. Sold with full muster details.

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, El-Teb-Tamaai (1720 Pte. J. Pilbeam, 1/York & Lanc. R.) minor scratches to obv., good very fine £800-900 Ex D.N.W. 2 July 2003, lot 534. 1720 Private John Pilbeam, 1st Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment, was killed in action at the battle of Tamaai, 13 March 1884. Pilbeam was posthumously mentioned in the despatches of General Graham, V.C. as one of the men who gave their lives in trying to stem the Sudanese attack on the broken British square. The 1st Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment formed part of the 2nd Brigade of General Grahams army. The Brigade whilst advancing in a square at Tamaai was suddenly attacked by the forces of Osman Digna. The rush of the attack was so great that the square was broken. On the right front face of the square, some 30 or 40 men of the York and Lancaster Regiment made a desperate and detirmined stand before having to give way, loosing sixteen men, including Private Pilbeam, in the process. At length order was restored and the square reformed. By the end of the day the regiment had suffered one officer and 31 men killed and two officers and 22 men wounded. British casualties for the day totalled 217 officers and men killed and wounded. Sold with copied roll extract and other research.

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, The Nile 1884-85 (959 L/Corp. T. Conn, 2/Essex R.) slight edge bruising and pitting, about very fine (2) £200-250 Lance-Corporal Thomas Conn was the subject of a rescue which resulted in the award of a Royal Humane Society Medal in bronze to Private Joseph Finney, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment. 7.30 p.m. 5 August 1884, The Nile at Keneh, Upper Egypt: The Regiment was proceeding up the River in a Steamer, and 2 barges which had stopped for the night. The barges were moored about 25 yds. behind the Steamer. Corporal Conn was bathing when the current carried him between the two barges. Private Finney seeing Conn being carried under the barges and in imminent danger of drowning, dived off the bank and pulled him from underneath the boats. He succeeded in holding him up until rope was thrown to them. The Salvor was partially dressed and the current was very strong. The act of rescue was witnessed by Private J. Keys; the case recommended by Lieutenant Princep, Essex Regiment, who had lately received the Bronze Medal for a similar act; the case sent by Lieutenant-Colonel White, commanding. Sold with letter from the R.H.S. providing details; together with a Royal Humane Society Medal, small, bronze, successful, unnamed.

Four: Police Constable G. H. Smith, Metropolitan Police, late 6th Dragoons Queens South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (5038 Pte. G. H. Smith 6/Drgns.); Jubilee 1897, Metropolitan Police issue, bronze (P.C. G. Smith, W Divn.); Coronation 1902, Metropolitan Police issue, bronze (P.C. G. Smith, W Div.); Coronation 1911, Metropolitan Police issue (P.C. W. Smith), occasional edge bruising, generally very fine (4) £220-250 George Horace Smith, who was born in December 1872, served in the 1st Royal Dragoons 1889-96, following which he joined W Division of the Metropolitan Police. Recalled to the Colours on the advent of hostilities in South Africa, he served in the 6th Dragoons from October 1899 to November 1900, and again from February to May 1901, before returning to his duties as a policeman. He was pensioned from T Division of the Metropolitan Police in March 1922, having onetime served on mounted duties in the Mitcham area.

Three: Gunner C. Chapman, Royal Garrison Artillery Queens South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (75352 Gnr. C. Chapman, 15th W.D. R.G.A.); China 1900, no clasp (75352 Gnr. C. Chapman, R.G.A.); Kings South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (75252 Gnr. C. Chapman, R.G.A.), contact marks, edge bruising and polished, thus generally good fine, and a rare Boer War/China combination of awards (3) £400-500 Just 35 men of the British Army received the Queens South Africa, China 1900 and Kings South Africa Medals, all of them members of the Royal Garrison Artillery; see the article A Slow Boat to China - and Back Again, and related roll, by Lt. Col. A. M. Macfarlane (O.M.R.S. Journal, Autumn 1993, pp. 198-200). Charles Chapman was born in Pulborough, Sussex in December 1865 and enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Worthing in October 1889. Having then served at assorted U.K. stations in the intervening period, he was transferred to the Army Reserve in October 1896, but with the advent of hostilities in South Africa he was recalled and posted to 15th (Seige Train) Company, R.G.A., in which unit he served from November 1899 until April 1901, including a period of employment in the China operations in the right half of his Company from July 1900 to March 1901. He was then posted to 14th Company and thence to No. 68 Company, with whom he qualified for the Kings South Africa Medal and two clasps, prior to being discharged back home in August 1902; a 1914-15 Trio is known to the same recipient, who died in January 1945.