Alfred Henry "Harry" Hook VC (1850 – 1905), recipient of the Victoria Cross for actions at the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo Zulu War of 1879.A Malacca cane swagger stick, its silver pommel engraved "Corpl Hook VC, H Coy Drill Cane, 1884, Bloomsbury Rifles", 60 cm. Provenance: by descent to his granddaughter, thence to the vendor.[The London Gazette, May 1879:"Private John Williams was posted with Private Joseph Williams, and Private William Horrigan, 1st Battalion 24th Regiment, in a distant room of the hospital, which they held for more than an hour, so long as they had a round of ammunition left: as communication was for the time cut off, the Zulus were enabled to advance and burst open the door; they dragged out Private Joseph Williams and two of the patients, and assegaied them. Whilst the Zulus were occupied with the slaughter of these men a lull took place, during which Private John Williams, who, with two patients, were the only men now left alive in this ward, succeeded in knocking a hole in the partition, and in taking the two patients into the next ward, where he found Private Hook. These two men together, one man working whilst the other fought and held the enemy at bay with his bayonet, broke through three more partitions, and were thus enabled to bring eight patients through a small window into the inner line of defence.". Alfred Henry Hook received a head wound from a Zulu assegai at the Battle and was the only Rorke's Drift VC recipient to be invested with the award at the scene of the Battle, being presented the award by Lt General Sir Garnet Wolseley, High Commander and GOC British Troops, South Africa. In 1880 Hook was discharged by purchase but subsequently served with the Bloomsbury Rifle Volunteers (19th Middlesex), 17th (North) Middlesex Volunteers and from 1896 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Fusiliers, becoming Sergeant Instructor of Musketry. Contrary to his description as "malingering Hector" in the 1964 motion picture "Zulu", historian Saul David and others identify Hook as a teetotaler, Methodist preacher and model soldier. He worked until retirement at the British Museum as Inside Duster of Books and Umbrella Attendant; it is recorded that he wore his medals daily to work. His Victoria Cross is held by The Royal Welsh Museum at Brecon, Wales.] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIRTVls5Wj8
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1990 Gallantry FDC Signed by 4 Victoria Cross Holders, 6 GC, Plus 5. 11 9 90 London George Cross Special Postmark on Full Set of 5 Gallantry Stamps. Personally Signed by Victoria Cross Holders. Captain Harold Marcus Ervine - Andrews VC 1st Battalion France Dunkirk. Won his Victoria Cross at Dunkirk evacuation. Flt Lt Learoyd VC 49 Squadron HP Hampden pilot bombing an aqueduct of the Dortmund - Ems Canal on 12 August 1940. Flt. Lt. W. Reid VC Victoria Cross holder. 61 Squadron RAFVR. Awarded the VC for gallantry during a raid on Dusseldorf Germany on 3rd November 1943. Despite being severely wounded, continued to fly his damaged Lancaster bomber to bomb Dusseldorf. Managed to land his aircraft safely upon return. Lieutenant Colonel E. C. T. Wilson VC Holder. The East Surry regiment ( attached Somaliland Camel Corps)Awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous gallantry on active service in defence of the Tug Argan Gap in British Somaliland. Charles Walker GC, awarded the George Cross in 1942 for his bravery in saving the life of a seaman while serving with the Royal Navy. Detective Sergeant Frederick William Fairfax GC (17 June 1917, Westminster, London-February 1998, Yeovil), won the George Cross for his heroism in chasing the armed robbers Derek Bentley and Christopher Craig, The pair had broken into a warehouse in Croydon and were pursued by Fairfax onto the roof of the building. The police officer grabbed Bentley, when Craig shot him, grazing his shoulder. Despite his injury, the unarmed Fairfax chased Bentley and managed to arrest and subdue him. More officers arrived at the scene and Constable Sidney Miles scaled the roof, only to be shot dead by Craig, who then jumped from the roof after expending his ammunition, injured himself upon landing and was arrested. Air Vice Marshal Sir Laurence Frank Sinclair GC, KCB, CBE, DSO and Bar (13 June 1908 - 14 May 2001) was awarded the George Cross for rescuing a severely injured airman from a crashed and burning plane. Wg. Cdr. G. L. Sinclair Battle of Britain fighter pilot with 19 Sqn and 310 ( Czech ) WW11 Ace 9. Lt Gen Sir Napier Crookenden DSO OBE However he volunteered for Airborne forces and became a parachutist. As a brigade major in 6th Airborne Division he took part in the D Day Assault and then commanded the 9th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment from July 1944 until 1947, including the Rhine Crossing in March 1945. R A C Awcock MM Corps of Royal Engineers. Awarded the Military Medal at Anzio. In the Anzio Beach head during the advance to the Campoleone feature, a detachment of No 2 platoon of a field Company, R E was in support of a troop of a Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment. A minefield was reported and the tanks were completely held up. The RE Detachment went forward and commenced to detect and clear the mines under enemy small arms and shell fire, five of the sappers being wounded. In spite of this heavy opposition Sapper Awcock, with complete disregard for his own personal safety while being sniped and shelled assisted in the clearing of a gap in the minefield. During the whole time he was at work he was in full view of the enemy and it was by his devotion to duty courage and cool example that the work was completed and the tanks able to advance. H W Stevens GC Stevens was awarded the George Cross for the Gallantry he showed while serving as a Constable in the Metropolitan Police Force on the 29th of March, 1958. Prior to joining the Metropolitan Police Force, Stevens served 3 years in the Royal Navy. Kenneth Farrow GC, won George Cross 21 Jun 48 (Cardiff City Police Force). Ken Farrow GC ( Police Constable ) rescued a child who had fallen into the feeder, an aqueduct which supplies water from the river Taff to Cardiff, running under concrete slabs. Air Marshal Sir John Rowlands GC KBE was a Welsh Royal Air Force officer who was awarded the George Cross for his work in bomb disposal and later worked in the development of Britain's nuclear weapons programme. Detective Sergeant Frederick William Fairfax GC (17 June 1917, Westminster, London-February 1998, Yeovil), won the George Cross for his heroism in chasing the armed robbers Derek Bentley and Christopher Craig, The pair had broken into a warehouse in Croydon and were pursued by Fairfax onto the roof of the building. The police officer grabbed Bentley, when Craig shot him, grazing his shoulder. Despite his injury, the unarmed Fairfax chased Bentley and managed to arrest and subdue him. More officers arrived at the scene and Constable Sidney Miles scaled the roof, only to be shot dead by Craig, who then jumped from the roof after expending his ammunition, injured himself upon landing and was arrested. Mr. M. G. Comeau MM, 33 Sqn airmen awarded MM for gallant conduct at Maleme Crete. Field Marshal The Lord Carver GCB CBE DSO MC. Of the Royal Tank Regiment, who served with the 7th Armoured Division throughout Operation Compass. With Military Cross MM. Details enclosed. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
HA11c Lord Arnhem Signed H A King and U Drew USA Pilot flew Both at Arnhem. 1 Jul 76 BFPS 1518 Disbandment of 14 Air Despatch Regiment ( RCT ) Postmark, and 5c Dutch Numeral stamp date stamped Vliegbasis Deelen. Flt Lt D S A Lord VC 271 Squadron Dakota Pilot awarded the Victoria Cross Arnhem Airborne landing 1945. Cover depicts Flt Lt Lord VC, his 271 Squadron Douglas Dakota DC2 KG374 being shot down at Arnhem on 19 September 1944 and the Victoria Cross. Flown in 70 Squadron Hercules XV186 by Flt Lt Marlow from RAF Lyneham and delivered by Parachute at Keevil Drop Zone by 47 Air Despatch Regiment and received by 14 Air Despatch Regiment and reflown in yal Netherlands Air Force Dakota N9985Q to Arnhem. Backstamps 14 ADR. ADR47, Netherlands Legion, Arnhem 27 and RAF Museum. Personally Signed by Flt Lt Harry King ( then Flying Officer became involved in the operation when he agreed to fly as a navigator for a Dakota crew, whose own navigator had been given leave to marry. The Captain of the crew of No217 Squadron was David Lord, who had previously been awarded the DFC for his part in operations in Burma. Two successful sorties had been flown on the 17th and 18th September, the first dropping paratroops into Arnhem, and the second towing a glider to the area. By Tuesday 19th September the situation on the ground had deteriorated and 217 Squadron were briefed for aerial supply drop to the British troops. As Flt Lt Lord approached the dropping zone his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, and a fire broke out on the starboard wing, in the vicinity of the main fuel tank. Plt Off R Medhurst the copilot ( son of Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Medhurst ) operated the fire Extinguisher equipment, but was unable to extinguish the fire in the wing, Flt Lt Lord however continued to the dropping zone intent on delivering fresh ammunition for the beleaguered troops on the ground. As a result now assisted by Flt Lt King. This proved such a slow process that not all the panniers could be dropped on the first run. Despite the fact that the Dakota was now on one engine with flames spreading across the wing, Flt Lt Lord decided to go around again even though his aircraft could not maintain height. Sinking lower all the time, the last of the panniers was dispatched, and Flt Lt Lord gave the order to bale out. In the next instant the aircraft exploded. Flt Lt King who was standing in the open doorway was thrown clear and parachuted safely to ground, the sole survivor of the crew of eight. On the morning of 20th September Flt Lt King was taken prisoner, along with the remainder of the 10th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, with whom he had sought shelter the previous day. Flt Lt D Lord DFC ( was Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross). Also Signed by Capt U L Drew US Army Air Corps 375th Fighter Squadron PS1 Mustang Pilot who flew Fighter Escort at Arnhem and gained 6 Victories including 2 Messerschmitt ME26s the first Jet Fighters shot down in Aerial combat. Details enclosed and Photograph of Flt Lt Lord in his Dakota whilst dropping supplies to General Wingate in Burma. Certified Number 1098 of 1253 Signed project Officer. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
Britains & Herald - A Group of Trade Packs. Comprising: 9794 'Set of Shells' trade box (3 x full, sealed packs); 9791 'Spare Ammunition' (quantity on sprues) & H1720 'Wattle Farm Hurdles' (5 x full packs & 1 x empty). Conditions generally appear Excellent to Near Mint overall, contained in generally Good to Good Plus boxes (empty H1720 box is missing end flaps). See Photo.
"The N.D.C. Breechloading Gun", Boxed. Possibly pre-war, very scarce. Diecast model of a coastal defence gun (or similar). Mounted on a wooden plinth, measuring 13cm total length, plinth approx. 7.5x7.5cm, height 6.5cm. Various ammunition included in a small vintage 'Elastoplast' tin. Condition generally appears Good Plus overall (mechanism unchecked), contained in a generally Fair to Good box. See photo.
WWI Medals & Memorial Plaque - issued to Second Lieutenant Francis James Ongley Lamb of the Royal Garrison Artillery attached to Army Ammunition Park. Died 24th July 1918, age 33. Comprising his War Medal (2. LIEUT. F. J. O. LAMB) and Victory Medal (ditto), with ribbons. Along with his Death Plaque. Framed, alongside a brief service history. Died of heatstroke where he was the officer in charge of an ammunition park and was responsible for sending ammunition to the front line, whilst serving in Baghdad. Accompanied by a folder of research including copied documents, details of his service, casualty reports, grave details and many other documents.
![A World War Two incendiary bomb and a tin of 9mm blanks. [W]
NOTE: BUYER MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD, COLLECTION IN PERSON OR AMMUN](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/410144cd-1f0c-436b-99d3-b20400beac5a/d220ff8f-c475-462f-940c-b23400eebd12/468x382.jpg)
BOND, H: TREATISE ON MILITARY SMALL ARMS AND AMMUNITION WITH THEORY OF THE MOTION OF A RIFLE BULLET: A TEXT BOOK FOR THE ARMY Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London 1884, 228 pages, illustrated throughout and tables, many fold-out; together with three Handbooks for Soldiers, London, circa 1917 (4 volumes) Provenance From the library of William 'Bill' Reid, CBE (1926-2014)
MILITARY FIREARMS: 5 VOLUMES comprising: Gaier, Claude, Small Arms Ignition Systems and Ammunition, Belgium, c. 1969, 111 pages, colour and black and white illustrations throughout; Crossman, Captain Edward C, Military and Sporting Rifle Shooting, Small-Arms Technical Publishing Company, 1932, 499 pages, some b&w illustrations, spine detached; Treatise on Military Small Arms & Ammunition with Theory of the Motion of a Rifle Bullet, Arms & Armour Press, London, 1971, 142 pages, black and white plates; and two books by L.B. Elscritt (5 volumes) Provenance From the library of William 'Bill' Reid, CBE (1926-2014)
SKENNERTON, IAN D, THE BRITISH SERVICE LEE: LEE-METFORD AND LEE-ENFIELD RIFLES & CARBINES 1880-1980 1982, 410 pages, black and white illustrations; together with The Handbook of Land Service Ammunition Part 1 - General, Quality Assurance Directorate (Weapons), Woolwich, 1972, 227 pages, illustrated, in a binder; Hogg, Ian V, British Artillery Weapons and Ammunition, 1914-18, Ian Allan, Shepperton, 1972, 255 pages, copiously illustrated in black and white; and Weller, Jac, Weapons and Tactics: Hastings to Berlin, Nicholas Vane, London, 1966, 238 pages, illustrated in black and white (4 volumes) Provenance From the library of William 'Bill' Reid, CBE (1926-2014)
FIREARMS: 6 VOLUMES comprising: Lindsay, Merrill, One Hundred Great Guns (an Illustrated History of Fire Arms), Blandford Press, London, 1967, 377 pages, illustrated; Lewis, Berkeley R, Small Arms and Ammunition in the United States Service, The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, 1956, 338 pages of text, black and white plates; Kennard, A.N, Gunfounding and Gunfounders: A Directory of Cannon Founders From Earliest Times to 1850, Arms & Armour Press, London, 1986, 176 pages; Casimir, Diego, Uffano, Hexam, Et Al, The Compleat Gunner in Three Parts, S.R. Publishers, London, 1971, 185 pages, some illustrations; two further books on firearms history (6 volumes) Provenance From the library of William 'Bill' Reid, CBE (1926-2014)
RUSSIAN ARMS & ARMOUR: 9 VOLUMES comprising: Kulinsky, A. N., Russian Edged Weapons, Polearms & Bayonets, 18th-20th Centuries (Volumes I & II), St Petersburg, 2001; Armoury Chamber of the Russian Tsars: One Hundred Items from the Collection of the Russian Emperors, St Petersburg, 2002; Bolotin, D. N., Soviet Small-Arms and Ammunition, Hyvinkää, 1995; The Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineer and Signal Corps: History and Collection, 2004; together with five further volumes in Russian (9 volumes)
FIREARMS: 7 VOLUMES comprising: Temple, B.A. & I.D.Skennerton, A Treatise on the British Military Martini The Martini-Henry, 1869-C1900, B.A. Temple, Burbank, 1983, 246 pages, black and white illustrations, Spine sunned, inside pages clean; Ripley, Warren, Artillery & Ammunition of The Civil War , Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1970, 384 pages, with black and white illustrations; Trefethen, James B, Americans and their guns;: The National Rifle Association story through nearly a century of service to the Nation,, Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, 1967, 320 pages, black and white illustrations throuhgout; Smith, Walter H.B, Smith's Standard Encyclopedia of Gas, Air and Spring Guns of the World, Arms & Armour Press, London, 1982, 279 pages, black and white illustrations; Gaier, Claude, l'epreuve des armes a feu a liege 1672-1972, Liege, 1972, 113 pages, colour and black and white illustrations; and two further books on firearms (7 volumes) Provenance From the library of William 'Bill' Reid, CBE (1926-2014)
AN INTERESTING SILVER MOUNTED SHEEP'S HORN POCKET SNUFF BOX NEW ZEALAND, DATED 1864 With Inscription in Māori 'Pakeha Day Kote Pai A Rewi New Zealand 1864' Translating as 'A Gift To You On Whitemans Day From Rewi New Zealand 1864' 1.5cm high, 5.5cm wide, 3.5cm deep Provenance: Ex Private New Zealand collection Acquired from Gerald Satin London 1960's who purchased it from the descendants of the British Military Commander Lieutenant-General Duncan Cameron Commander of Imperial Forces in New Zealand. Rewi Manga Maniapoto (1807 - 1894) was a principal Ngati Maniapoto chief who led rebel 'Kingitanga' forces during the New Zealand government invasion of Waikato in the New Zealand wars. The famous defeat in a hilltop peach grove at Orakau, known as 'Rewi's last stand' in April 1864 brought the Waikato War to an end and was immortalised in Rudall Hayward's 1925 silent film, remade as a talkie in 1940, 'Orakau'. Although the Māori led by chief Rewi lost the battle they are still remembered for their courage and their refusal to surrender. From March 31st to April 2nd the battle raged for three days between British troops and the Māori warriors. On the last day almost out of food, water and ammunition the Māori defenders of Orakau were of-fered a last chance to surrender. This demand was met with a now famous reply, 'E Hoa Ka Whai Whai Tonu Mātou Ake! Ake! Ake!' 'Friend we will fight on forever! Forever! Forever!' Many attribute these words to Rewi, but others believe they were uttered by Hauraki Tonganui, a Taupo Māori chief. However, their intent was clear and the phrase helped create the impression that Orakau was a historic last stand for the Māori. This was the decisive victory that Lieutenant-General Cameron had sought, and presumably Rewi knew this and it was one of the reasons for his presentation of this horn snuff box to Cameron. Twenty years after the war the New Zealand state restored to Rewi a measure of his 'mana' by building him a government house on a plot of land close to the site of his destroyed council 'whare' which he called 'Hui Te Rangiora'. It is here, in the soil for which he fought, that his bones lie buried, a sacred shrine to Māori patriotism in the heart of a Pakeha village. Condition Report: Slight dryness to surface that natural oils may remedy- natural shrinkage faults to organic material including slight split to right hand side of lid and some wear around lid front edge. Over engineered hinge and clasps, faintly inscribed with name(?) to underside Please see additional images for visual references to condition which form part of this condition report. All lots are available for inspection and Condition Reports are available on request. However, all lots are of an age and type which means that they may not be in perfect condition and should be viewed by prospective bidders; please refer to Condition 6 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers. This is particularly true for garden related items. All lots are offered for sale "as viewed" and subject to the applicable Conditions of Business for Buyer's condition, which are set out in the sale catalogue and are available on request. Condition Report Disclaimer
A rare and unusual Great War ‘seaplane incident’ George Cross (exchange A.M.) and Second World War C.B.E. group of eight awarded to Group Captain P. D. ‘Robbie’ Robertson, Royal Air Force, late Merchant Navy and Royal Naval Air Service His heroic efforts to save his pilot from the blazing wreckage of their seaplane in February 1918 left him with such severe burns to his face, hands and legs ‘that his recovery was for some time in doubt’ The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military), Commander’s 2nd type neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels, with its Garrard & Co. case of issue; George Cross (Act. Flight Cdr. Paul Douglas Robertson, R.N.A.S. 1918) with its Royal Mint case of issue; British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. P. D. Robertson. R.A.F.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (Paul D. Robertson); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Capt. P. D. Robertson. R.A.F.); Defence & War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Coronation 1937, the last seven mounted for wearing, together with an earlier mounted set of related miniature dress medals (8), with the A.M. up front, generally very fine (9) £16,000-£20,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Provenance: Glendining’s, November 1999. Just three members of the Royal Naval Air Service received exchange-George Crosses. A.M. London Gazette 18 June 1918: ‘The King has been pleased to award the Albert Medal to Acting Flight Commander Paul Douglas Roberston, R.N.A.S., in recognition of his gallantry in endeavouring to save life in February last. The circumstances as follows: On the 28th February 1918 a Seaplane got out of control and spun to the ground. Acting Flight Commander Robertson, the Observer, jumped from the machine just before it reached the ground and landed safely, as the ground was marshy. The Pilot, Flight Lieutenant H. C. Lemon was imprisoned in the Seaplane, which, on striking the ground, immediately burst into flames, and notwithstanding that the vicinity of the Seaplane was quickly a furnace of blazing petrol, and that heavy bombs, a number of rounds of ammunition, and the reserve petrol tank were all likely to explode, Acting Flight Commander Robertson returned and endeavoured to extricate the Pilot, and only desisted when he had been so severely burned in the face, hands and leg that his recovery was for some time in doubt. He displayed the greatest gallantry, self-sacrifice and disregard of danger in his efforts to extricate the Pilot.’ C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1944. Paul Douglas Robertson was born at Willesden, Middlesex on 30 April 1891, the son of a Master Mariner and Marine Superintendent, a profession that led to young Paul being educated in London, Jamaica and Australia. In August 1907, he followed his father into the merchant service, when he became an indentured apprentice to George Thompson & Co. Ltd. and he subsequently qualified for his certificates of competency as Second Mate and First Mate. But the advent of aviation and the progression of war persuaded him to change direction, and, in October 1915, he was commissioned in the Royal Naval Air Service as a Temporary Probationary Flight Sub. Lieutenant. Having then taken his aviator’s certificate (No. 2454) in a Grahame-White Biplane at R.N.A.S. Chingford on 9 February 1916, he was posted to the seaplane base at Calshot. In January 1917, he transferred to R.N.A.S. Killingholme in North Lincolnshire, from whence he would have flown patrols over the North Sea; his service record notes him as having attacked an enemy submarine on 27 June 1917, ‘results unknown.’ Then in February 1918, on being promoted to Acting Flight Commander, Robertson took command of the Hornsea Mere Sub. Station in Yorkshire. It was in this capacity that he teamed-up with Flight Lieutenant Hubert Lemon for a patrol on the 28th, their Large Seaplane taking off at 1647 hours but, when at 2,500 feet, it ‘spun to the ground and burst into flames’; his service record refers. His bravery on that occasion, in attempting to rescue the pilot from the blazing wreckage of their aircraft, led to an Admiralty recommendation for an Albert Medal in Bronze, although it is said that other members of the relevant committee considered that ‘a recommendation for the Gold Medal could have been justified.’ The extent of the burns to his face led to the loss of his left eye but he was able to attend an investiture at Buckingham Palace on 31 October 1918. Roberston obtained a regular commission as a Flight Lieutenant in the newly formed Royal Air Force and gained steady promotion in the inter-war period, being appointed a Group Captain in July 1939. His appointments in the Second World War included a tour of duty in Canada 1940-42, including service as the Operations Station Commander at R.C.A.F. Patricia Bay, Vancouver Island, B.C., and, on his return to the U.K., command of the R.A.F. Station, Squires Gate, near Blackpool, for which he was awarded the C.B.E. He had earlier been mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 2 June 1943, refers). Placed on the Retired List in December 1945, Robertson settled in Cornwall, and he exchanged his Albert Medal for the George Cross in 1972. Following the death of his wife, he emigrated to Auckland, New Zealand, where he died in August 1975. Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including his Federation Aeronautique Internationale (British Empire) Aviator’s Certificate (No. 2454), with portrait photograph, dated 9 February 1916; a photograph album of mainly Second World War interest, including career notes, images from the recipient’s visit to the wreck of the Tirpitz in 1945, and pasted down mention in despatches certificate, dated 2 June 1943; a presentation programme for the 10th reunion of old Squire’s Gate personnel, October 1955, and an album containing numerous watercolour pictures by the recipient, including still life and nautical subject matter. Also sold with a quantity of presentation pieces, including a silver tankard, with hallmarks for Sheffield 1942 and engraved inscription, ‘Presented to Group Capt. P. D. Robertson C.B.E., A.M. from the Officers R.A.F. Squires Gate Oct 1st 1945’; a silver cigarette box, with gold inlay and initials ‘PDR’ to lid, hallmarks for Birmingham 1953 and engraved side inscription, ‘To G. Capt. P. D. Roberston, C.B.E., A.M., from members of No. 3 S. of G.S. (Squires Gate) incorporating Brooklands Aviation Ltd.’; a silver cigarette case, with engraved R.A.F. Wings to front of case, gilt interior, hallmarks for Birmingham 1940; a silver vests case, hallmarks for Birmingham 1923, with engraved initials ‘PDR’ to front of case; a damaged metal cigarette case with engraved interior inscription, ‘A small token of my great respect for my master F./Lt. P. D. Robertson, October 13th 1927’; together with a cut out section of uniform bearing his R.A.F. Wings and medal ribands, and a small quantity of buttons and studs. Please note that this lot is not suitable for shipping, but can be hand delivered within mainland Britain by prior arrangement.
Pair: Private G. Robertson, 4th South African Infantry, who suffered gas poisoning at Delville Wood, Somme, on 20 July 1916, and was wounded and taken Prisoner of War at the famous last stand at Marriéres Wood on 24 March 1918 British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Pte G. Robertson. 4th S.A.I.) mounted for display, edge bruising, otherwise good very fine (2) £200-£240 --- George Robertson was born in Wandsworth, London, with his next of kin being listed as his sister - residing at Jeppestown, Johannesburg, South Africa. Robertson enlisted for the 4th South African Infantry at Potchefstroom in August 1915, and embarked for the UK on 29 September 1915. He served in the French theatre of War from 21 April 1916, and suffered gas poisoning whilst serving with ‘E’ Company at Delville Wood, Somme, on 20 July 1916. After recuperation in the UK, Robertson returned to France on 13 July 1917, and was wounded in action and taken Prisoner of War at Marriéres Wood on 24 March 1918. Possibly the most impressive feat of arms by the South African forces in the War took place in March 1918, when the Germans attacked in Operation Michael. The brigade fought a staunch defence on the first morning of the attack - 21 March 1918 - at Gauche Wood, near Villers Guislain. By 24 March they had carried out a fighting withdrawal to Marriéres Wood near Bouchavesnes and there held on, completely unsupported. They fought on until only some 100 men were left, yet it was only when ammunition ran out that the remainder, many of whom were wounded, surrendered. The following additional details are provided in an article entitled ‘Marriéres Wood 24 March 1918,’ by Andre Crozier, which was published in Military History Journal Vol 18 No 2 - June 2018, of The South African Military History Society: The German Spring Offensive ‘On 21 March 1918 General Ludendorff launched his massive Spring Offensive, Operation Michael, against the British 3rd and 5th Armies in a desperate attempt to win the war before the Americans arrived in force. The South African 1st Infantry Brigade, which formed part of the Scottish 9th Division and of the British 5th Army, held the line at Gauche Wood on the boundary between the 3rd and 5th British Armies. Aided by mist and complete surprise, the offensive started with a tremendous artillery barrage firing gas shells into the rear areas to disrupt the artillery and supply lines. Sixty-five divisions attacked over a 100 km front. The South Africans held on at Gauche Wood but had to withdraw in the afternoon as the division on their southern flank had been pushed back. Everywhere the front was collapsing, with 21 000 British soldiers being taken prisoner on the first day. It looked like Ludendorff had won the war. The South Africans conducted a fighting retreat over three days under the most difficult circumstances, as the units to their flanks kept falling back. Eventually they were ordered to hold 'at all costs' a line at the village of Bouchvesnes on the strategic Peronne - Bapaume road. The brave stand at Marriéres Wood Major-General Dawson was in command, and he conveyed the orders to the South African Brigade, by then reduced to only 500 men. There would be no further retreat. They would stand and fight to the last. Dawson decided to defend a line to the north-west of Marriéres Wood astride a minor road leading from Bouchvesnes to Combles and utilising some old trenches. The battle started at 09.00 on Sunday, 24 March 1918. The South Africans had no artillery support nor support on either flank and were soon surrounded. They were pounded all day by artillery fire and their position was swept with machine gun fire. Their ammunition was rationed and yet they managed to beat off repeated attacks. Eventually, at 16.00, surrounded, with no ammunition and with only about 100 men left, General Dawson decided to surrender. Some men tried to flee, but they were mowed down as the ground to the west was open with no cover.’ Robertson was repatriated from Germany on 26 December 1918. He returned to South Africa in in December the following year, and was discharged in January 1920. Sold with copied service papers.
Family group: A fine Second War ‘North West Europe’ 1944 M.C. group of seven awarded Lieutenant Colonel F. W. ‘Tosty’ Finnigan, 179 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery - awarded for the battle of Hill 112, which Field-Marshal Rommel considered to be “The most important hill in Normandy, for whoever has control of it has control of all around it” and of which Lieutenant-General Horrocks said, “Hill 112 is the cornerstone of the Normandy Campaign.” Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1944’; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (Major. F. W. Finnigan. M.C. R.A.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, last unnamed, mounted as originally worn, with related mounted miniature awards, light contact marks overall, very fine A Second World War ‘Italian theatre’ M.B.E. group of five awarded to Mrs J. S. Finnigan, Young Men’s Christian Association The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E., (Civil) Member’s 2nd type, breast badge, silver, lacking riband; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, campaign awards mounted as originally worn, with related mounted miniature awards, very fine (lot) £1,400-£1,800 --- M.C. London Gazette 21 December 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘On 10 July on Hill 112 this officer came up from the gun area to command his battery supporting 5 DCLI in the Orchard. When the DCLI were driven out on 11 July this officer co-ordinated the covering fire which enabled the Bn. to counter attack and re-take the Orchard. Under constant mortar and M.G. fire he directed the fire of his battery and O.P.s with considerable skill and complete disregard of his own safety. He has been supporting the infantry on Hill 112, and although on a reverse slope; and under fire he has by his offensive energy and resource kept the enemy under observation and has given excellent support to his Bn. and caused considerable destruction to the enemy.’ Francis Walter ‘Tosty’ Finnigan was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery in August 1939, and advanced to Captain in October 1941. He served served as a Temporary Major with 179 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery as part of the 43rd Division, 12th Corps throughout the North West Europe Campaign. Finnigan distinguished himself in the fighting in Normandy, June - July 1944, in particular in the battle for Hill 112. The following for that period is given in the history of The Worcestershire Regiment website (179 Field Regiment, being formed from the 12th Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment in March 1942): ‘17th June 1942 the 179 Field Regiment sailed in the S.S. Sam Houstan for Normandy. They eventually arrived off Arramanches on the 19th June 1944, and after an awful week, not being able to unload, they finally fired their first round in anger at 0200 hrs. on the 26th June 1944. The next few days were very hectic. The Division was centred round Cheux and some very lively battles took place. Lieut.-Colonel Pethick was wounded on the 27th June 1944 while on a reconnaisance with Capt. R. R. Woodward, and the Second-in-Command, Major Sir J. E. Backhouse, assumed command of the Regiment, but was replaced by Lieut.-Colonel W. D. Blacker on the 3rd July. Slowly the Division pushed forward to Colleville, Mouen, Tourneville, Verson, and Fountaine Etoupefour, and on the 10th July 1944 the attack went in on to Hill 112. The guns never stopped firing and in one recorded 15-minute period the Regiment fired 1800 rounds in response to calls from the infantry, who were fighting a magnificent battle to hold the hill feature. Major R. G. Mapp, R.A., died of wounds received in this attack, and Capt. G. C. Robinson was wounded while going to relieve him. This left Sergeant Trevis responsible for the fire support of the 7th Somerset Light Infantry, which he did for many hours, subsequently receiving the D.C.M. The next morning Lieut.-Colonel W. D. Blacker was killed by enemy mortaring and Major Sir John Backhouse wounded. This left Major T. M. Brewis in command of the regiment. The fighting was colossal at this period, the Division being on one side of Hill 112, the Germans on the other. Any attempt by either side to gain the top of the ridge being a sure way to suicide. Many times the Germans tried to push the Regiment back, but men held their ground. Many died in this action and, although it was the Regiments first sight of “the little wooden cross,” none of them will forget those moments when Padre Wilson made a moment of peace in a world of insanity and enabled the men to forget their anger and think of those whose hardship was now greater than theirs. Padre was to be seen everywhere, always with that helping hand. It is not possible to give details of all the little things which saved the day, but perhaps Bombadier Rooney’s is typical. A three-tonner was hit by a shell; standing next to it was one filled with ammunition; he got in and drove it away. Those are the simple facts, imagination can help with the rest of the story. These things were happening in every section of the Regiment and always the chance was taken, an accident averted.’ Finnigan advanced to Lieutenant Colonel, and died in February 1992. He is buried with his wife in the St. Peter’s Churchyard, Hambledon, Surrey. M.B.E. London Gazette 22 January 1946: Jean, Mrs Finnigan, Leader, Young Men’s Christian Association Canteen Service [Italy]. M.I.D. London Gazette 17 January 1946 [Italy]. Jean Sime Finnigan (nee Douty) was the wife of the above, and died in June 1992.
Three: Gunner M. Schofield, Royal Field Artillery 1914-15 Star (7891 Gnr: M. Schofield. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (RFRA-7891 Gnr. M. Schofield. R.A.) good very fine Three: Driver H. R. Smallwood, Royal Field Artillery 1914-15 Star (L-12220 Dvr: H. R. Smallwood. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (L-12220 Dvr. H. R. Smallwood. R.A.) very fine (6) £80-£100 --- Michael Schofield attested for the Royal Field Artillery and served with them during the Great War in Egypt from 19 July 1915. He is later recorded as a Signaller in the R.F.A. Henry Ridley Smallwood attested at York for the 161st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, on 23 March 1915. Posted to France from 30 December 1915, he later served with the 32nd Divisional Ammunition Column on the Western Front.
Three: Major H. S. Perrott, Royal Garrison Artillery 1914 Star, with copy clasp (Capt: H. S. Perrott. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. S. Perrott.) very fine (3) £80-£100 --- Hastings Samuel Perrott was born in Alverstoke, Hampshire, on 9 August 1881, the son of Irish-born Major-General Sir Thomas Perrott, K.B.E., Officer Commanding the Straits Settlements. Graduating from the Royal Military Academy in 1900, Perrott served in France from 21 September 1914 with the Lahore Divisional Artillery Ammunition Column, Royal Garrison Artillery. He arrived just a couple of weeks after the loss of his younger brother, Lieutenant Arthur Hennis Perrott of the 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, who was killed in action in the final throes of the Battle of the Marne. Advanced Major, Perrott survived the War but soon faced the death of his father at Chichester on 3 November 1919. Emigrating to South Africa, he set up home with his wife Gertrude in Thabina, Pietersberg, Cape of Good Hope, but his new life was cut short on 7 July 1922, reason unknown. Probate records the sum of £84. 10s. left to his widow.
Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (1401298 Gnr. J. W. Noon. M.M. R.A.) nearly extremely fine £70-£90 --- M.M. London Gazette 18 June 1917. John William Noon was born in Hong Kong and attested for the Royal Artillery in Edinburgh on 10 January 1903, aged 14 years and 1 month. Posted to France from 7 November 1914 with 8th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Garrison Artillery, he was later awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with 109th (Heavy) Battery, R.G.A. Taken Prisoner of War 30 November 1917, Noon survived the Great War and returned to service with 8th Divisional Ammunition Park; he later re-enlisted into the Royal Artillery on 29 August 1930.
A rare officer’s ‘Defence of La Haye Sainte’ Waterloo medal awarded to Ensign William Smith, 2nd Light Battalion, King’s German Legion Waterloo 1815 (Ensign William Smith, 2nd Light Batt. K.G.L.) fitted with original steel clip and replacement ring suspension, toned, some obverse contact marks, otherwise very fine and rare £7,000-£9,000 --- William Smith, was born in 1796 and was commissioned Ensign into the 2nd Light Battalion King’s German Legion on 8 February 1814 at the age of 18 years. He took part in the Netherlands campaign of 1814, the campaign of 1815, the battle of Waterloo and subsequent campaign in France. Ensign William Smith is confirmed on Major Baring’s list of the 19 officers who actually defended the Farm of La Haye Sainte. Low on ammunition and suffering severe casualties, the legendary defence of La Haye Sainte against overwhelming odds by green jacketed, rifle armed companies of the Light Battalions of the King's German Legion, was crowning point of this distinguished corps’ service. Although the defence of Hougoumont tends to gain the limelight, possession of La Haye Sainte was far more important due to its central position on the battlefield. Initially defended by six companies (378 men) of the 2nd Light Battalion, they were later joined by two companies of the 1st Light and one of the 5th Line and, later still, about 150 Nassau troops but due to mounting casualties they never totalled more than 550 men. These men held back 7,000 French, who assaulted the farmhouse with great determination and bravery for 5 hours. Major Baring who commanded at La Haye Sainte, mentions the officers left inside the farm during the initial action when the companies holding the positions outside the farmhouse were engaged with French infantry. After being literally ridden over by French Cuirassiers and suffering many casualties, these companies were forced to retreat into the defences of the farm itself. Young Ensign Smith is not amongst those named and therefore must have been in one of those companies that were outside the farm and forced to retreat inside. After heroically defending the farm against repeated attacks and practically out of ammunition, Baring finally ordered a withdrawal of what remained of his command. Leading his men to cut through the assailants with the bayonet, a small number finally made it to the main British lines at Mont St Jean. Out of the 378 men from the 2nd Light Battalion who started the action, only 42 remained after to be mustered! This figure was later adjusted after men thought missing, retuned to the Battalion. However, the revised numbers still give a 47% casualty rate, one of the highest figures throughout the Army. Of the 19 K.G.L. Officers of the 2nd Light Battalions present, 3 were killed, 4 were seriously wounded, 3 wounded and 2 taken prisoner. Ensign Smith would have been one of the few officers left standing at the end of the battle and one of the few to see the battle from beginning to end. William Smith was discharged when the King’s German Legion was disbanded in 1816 and was retired on half-pay, giving his place of residence address as Westmorland & London. He tried to get re-instated in the British army, but was unsuccessful. In his 1829 Officers Service Summary, Smith states “After repeated efforts to be placed on full pay, in despair I entered on another occupation which I trust circumstances will permit me to follow for the remainder of life. I have now no wish to be placed on full pay – but in the case of war my services can be as they have been, at the disposal of my King & country.” Finally, on 20 November 1829, he surrendered his-half pay pension in favour of receiving a commuted allowance for his commission. Sold with comprehensive research save to memory stick
Pair: Bombardier H. Arkell, Royal Field Artillery British War and Victory Medals (L-36893 Bmbr. H. Arkell. R.A.) very fine Pair: Driver E. Black, Royal Field Artillery British War and Victory Medals (L-34682 Dvr. E. Black. R.A.) minor staining to VM, nearly very fine and better Pair: Gunner C. D. Dunkley, Royal Field Artillery British War and Victory Medals (L-34844 Gnr. C. D. Dunkley. R.A.) with top wearing pins, nearly very fine and better Pair: Bombardier E. G. Ellis, Royal Field Artillery, who died of disease on 4 March 1917 British War and Victory Medals (L-47242 Bmbr. E. G. Ellis. R.A.) VM sometime varnished, otherwise very fine Pair: Driver J. Hawley, Royal Field Artillery British War and Victory Medals (L-42367 Dvr. J. Hawley. R.A.) nearly very fine (10) £100-£140 --- Ernest Black is recorded as suffering from Malaria in July 1918 whilst serving with the Royal Field Artillery, attached Army Ordnance Corps. Ernest George Ellis enlisted at Leytonstone, Essex, and served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 41st Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. He died of disease on 4 March 1917 and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Family Group: Three: Lance-Corporal D. McCarthy, Royal Munster Fusiliers, who was taken was taken prisoner of war at Etreux, the scene of his Battalion's epic rearguard action during the retreat from Mons, on 27 August 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (7555 L. Cpl. D. Mc.Carthy. R. Muns: Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (7555 Pte. D. Mc Carthy. R. Mun. Fus.) mounted court-style for wear, light contact marks, very fine British War Medal 1914-20 (7449 Pte. T. Mc Carthy. R. Mun. Fus.) edge bruise, very fine Six: C. W. McCarthy, Australian Imperial Forces 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially impressed ‘SX9475 C. W. Mc.Carthy’, mounted court-style for wear, good very fine (10) £800-£1,000 --- Daniel McCarthy attested for the Royal Munster Fusiliers on 10 February 1904 and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914. The battalion moved forward to Mons where it was held in reserve for the fighting on 24 August. During the retreat, the 2nd Munsters occupied the position of honour as rearguard to the 1st Guards Brigade which, in turn, acted as rearguard for the 1st Division commanded by Major General Lomax. On the morning of Thursday 27 August 1914, the Irishmen, supported by two 18-pounders of the 118th Battery R.F.A. and a troop of the 15th Hussars, held the villages of Fesmy and Bergues, together with two important road junctions in that immediate area. Approaching them in an arc from North to East was an entire German Army Corps preceded by masses of cavalry and backed by an impressive array of artillery. Early in the afternoon, having inflicted savage casualties on 12 battalions of the German 2nd Guards' Reserve Division which had attacked Fesmy, the Munsters began to withdraw to the South to the village of Oisy, and on to Etreux. At 5.30pm the battalion was located at a crossroads just east of Oisy. Approaching the village of Oisy, the battalion came under heavy fire from the houses on the northern outskirts, followed by salvoes from eight German field guns positioned south-east of the village. Now, for the first time, the Irishmen began to fall thick and fast and although the one remaining 18-pounder promptly came into action, its ammunition was nearly exhausted. After a series of desperate bayonet attacks, and with the artillerymen all dead and wounded about their gun, the gallant Munsters fell back to an orchard on the west of the road. Despite a further bayonet charge, at odds of fifty to one, which had temporarily held the enemy, the orchard was now ringed by Germans against whom the survivors, lining the four sides of the orchard, made every shot count. Ultimately, due to appalling casualties, lack of ammunition and the overwhelming superiority of enemy numbers, the survivors of the Battalion were compelled to surrender around 9pm. They had been fighting for 12 hours and their senior surviving officer was a Lieutenant but their sacrifice had ensured that Haig’s 1 Corps could continue unharassed on its way. McCarthy was among those taken as prisoners of war and was held as a prisoner of war in Switzerland. Repatriated at the cessation of hostilities, he was discharged on 4 April 1919 and is entitled to a Silver Wound Badge No. B185379. He applied for a clasp to his 1914 Star on 29 March 1923 at which time he was living at 136 Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester. Timothy McCarthy attested for the Royal Munster Fusiliers and embarked for France with a reinforcement to the 2nd Battalion on 9 October 1914. Charles Walter McCarthy was born at Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, on 5 May 1911, and attested for the Australian Imperial Force in Adelaide on 20 June 1940. He was posted to the 3 reinforcement to the 2/10th Battalion A.I.F. on 5 November 1940 and embarked for Egypt on the S.S. Strathallan on 17 November 1940. He was wounded in action at Tobruk on 22nd May 1941 when a Company fighting patrol was sent into No Man's Land near Tobruk to clear White Knoll and harass enemy tanks was heavily engaged by shell and mortar fire resulting in McCarthy and seven others being wounded and one missing. He was subsequently largely in Australia during which period he was court martialed several times for being AWOL and related charges; he also appears numerous times in the South Australia Police Gazette which lists various offences. He was discharged on 25 May 1945 and died on 29 July 1963. Sold with copied research.
Family Medals: Pair: Driver G. T. Summerville, Royal Field Artillery British War and Victory Medals (1748 Dvr. G. T. Summerville. R.A.) very fine Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (28762. Gunr. G. Summerville. 1/1. Sco: Div: R.A.) edge bruising and severe nick to suspension, good fine (3) £70-£90 --- George Thomas Summerville lived at 103 Eglinton Road, Plumstead, London, and worked in the ‘shoe trade’. He served in France from 25 June 1916 with the 60th (London) Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, and was later transferred to Salonika in November 1916. Summerville was later discharged from 302nd Brigade due to sickness on 20 September 1918, and was awarded Silver War Badge ‘B2693’. George Summerville was born at Ritchill, Armagh, Ireland, in 1851, and attested for the Royal Artillery at Belfast on 30 July 1868. Recorded as 17 years of age and illiterate, he served as Gunner with the South Irish Division, Scottish Division and Cinque Ports Division of the Royal Artillery. Posted to India and Aden, Summerville received his L.S.G.C. Medal and gratuity of £5 in 1887 and was discharged after 20 years with the Colours. His Army Service Record notes his intended place of residence as ‘51 Sidney Street, off Crumlin Road, Belfast.’
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant T. J. Rosser, 189 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery in the 38th (Welsh) Division who was originally recommended for the D.C.M. for the defence of Amiens in June 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (W-2190 A. Sjt. T. J. Rosser. D.189 / Bde: R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (W-2190 Bmbr: T. J. Rosser. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (W-2190 Sjt. T. J. Rosser. R.A.) contact marks, edge bruise to the first, otherwise very fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 September 1918 Thomas John Rosser was born in Briton Ferry near Neath, Glamorgan in 1887. In the 1911 Census he was recorded as a tin plate works ‘Furnaceman’, at Baldwin’s Works and was residing at Herbert Road, Neath. In January 1915 he attested for service in the Royal Field Artillery and was posted to 189th Brigade, R.F.A., in the 38th (Welsh) Division, landing in France on 24 December 1915. On 3 June 1918, with German forces threatening Amiens, he volunteered to take a gun team forward into an advanced position to quell the attack. Three of his N.C.O.’s were killed in the attempt to get the gun into a firing position leaving him with just one gun layer. Nevertheless, they managed to fire twelve rounds into the enemy before he rode back through the enemy barrage to obtain more ammunition. Returning to his gun he recommenced firing until until relieved later by the rest of his battery. He was initially recommended for the D.C.M. but was later awarded the M.M. After his discharge from the army to Class ‘Z’ Army Reserve in March 1919, he was residing at Hubert Terrace, Melyn, near Neath, and was in receipt of an army pension resulting from the ‘Effects of Gas’. He died in 1954.
Four: Corporal C. Pulham, Royal Field Artillery 1914-15 Star (77. Cpl. C. Pulham, R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (77. Cpl. C. Pulham. R.A.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (77 Whlr: C. Pulham. 3/E.A. (H.) B. R.F.A.) nearly very fine (4) £80-£100 --- Charles Pulham was born in Ipswich in 1893 and attested for the Royal Artillery on 6 April 1908, listing previous service with the 1st Suffolk and Harwich R.G.A. Volunteers. Posted to the 3rd East Anglian (Howitzer) Brigade, he served in France from 17 November 1915, and is recorded in March 1916 attached to 54th (E.A.) Divisional Ammunition Column. Hew was discharged ‘time expired’ from the 1/2nd Suffolk Battery, 3rd E. A. (Howitzer) Brigade, on 4 April 1916.
First World War 1914-18 War Medal to Casulty J. 14155 Able Seaman Charles William Julings, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Natal, Died 30th December 1915 and is commemorated at the Chatham Naval Memorial.Shortly after 15:25pm on the 30th December 1915 without warning, a series of violent explosions tore through the rear part of HMS Natal. She capsized in a period of five minuets after the explosion. The explosion was caused internally within the ships ammunition magazine, where divers discovered in either the 9.2inch shell room or the three pounder and small arms magazine possibly due to faulty cordite. The Admiralty issued a revised list of the dead and missing that totalled 390 in January 1916, but did not list the women and children on board who were present for a party that day. Losses are listed from 390 to 421
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