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Click here to subscribeGerman Third Reich WW2 Army / Waffen-SS Flak breast badge. A good die-cast grey metal 88mm Ant-aircraft gun within oakleaf ornamented oval surmounted by eagle and swastika. Unusual brass hinged needle pin and securing hook. VGC Instituted 18th July 1941 and designed by Ernst Wilhelm Peekhaus.
German Third Reich WW2 Army / Waffen SS bronze Tank/Panzer Assault Badge by Assmann. A good die-cast bronzed zinc example for motorised and mechanised infantry recipients. Approaching Panzer within an oval oakleaf wreath surmounted by eagle and swastika. Reverse retains hinged vertical round pin and securing hook with countersunk round fixings. Some wear to obverse bronzed finish otherwise VGC German Third Reich WW2 Army / Waffen SS bronze Tank/Panzer Assault Badge by Assmann.Designed by Junker of Berlin and instituted 20th December 1939; bronze version instituted June 1940.
German Third Reich boxed WW2 Army / Waffen SS Tank/Panzer Assault Badge by Hermann Aurich. Fine die-cast silvered zinc example. Approaching Panzer within an oval oakleaf wreath surmounted by eagle and swastika. Reverse with maker logo, hinged vertical round pin and securing hook with countersunk round fixings. Housed in original buff cardboard box with internal tissue paper. VGC Instituted 20th December 1939.
Miscellaneous military cap badges, brass George V Royal Engineers cap badge; Ayrshire Earl of Carrickshires Own Yeomanry; brass Queen Mary AAC badge; Australia Commonwealth Military Force; WWI Women's Auxiliary Corps cap badge x 2; Stanley & Sons bakelite RAF cap badge; two Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps cap badge amongst others.
A WW2 medal group, comprising Territorial Efficiency Medal, France and Germany Star, 1939-1945 Star, Defence Medal and War medal, awarded to 3314945 CFN. J. Smith, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, in original packets; together with a Royal Army Service Corps cap badge by Gaunt, London, an unused 1940-dated First Field Dressing, printed cloth first aid diagram etc. Condition Report:Available upon request
Large First World War group photograph, dated 1916, of a unit of the Army Service Corps posing with their vehicles, identified by their cap badge and shoulder titles, inscription bottom left of photograph reads ‘British & Colonial Photo Co. 34-36 Castle street, Salisbury, Wilts’, bottom right ‘No.107-1916’, 95 cm x 19 cm
Badges, Buttons, Coins, collectables. White Star Line RMS Mauretania Enamel Badge(some cracking and losses to enamel), 6 x Isle of Man TT badges, Army Catering Corp Cap Badge, Cheshire Volunteer Regiment Badge(losses), Fattorini NA Badge, 3 x Butlins Badges(two Ayr, one Pwllheli), Pilsner Urquell Beer Badge, Royal Tank Regiment Cloth Patch 'Fear Naught', Mount Cricket Club Cloth Patch, Lone Star Sheriff metal Badge, U.S. Marshall plastic Badge, Miniature Military Compass, 2 x Crown Coins QEII Phillip 1972 & Churchill 1965 Coin and a large Quantity of Buttons including European and British military
1975 Carwyn James International XV | G J R ThomasRugby Union jersey match-worn by Gareth J R Thomas versus Newport RFCJersey & Provenance: All white jersey in complete and original condition. Label for Bukta with embroidered Bukta Sportswear logo to chest, opposite embroidered black Newport badge of suspended medallion in yellow background with wings atop, embroidered ‘CENTENARY 1974-75’ below. Black No.3 in canvas white square to reverse.Provenance: the personal collection of Sir Gareth Edwards CBE & family.Gareth Thomas: The tight-head prop for this special match was Gareth J R Thomas who acted as a late replacement for Mike Burton. Gareth was son of JBG Thomas (1917-1997), the celebrated rugby writer and chief rugby writer at the Western Mail.G J R Thomas played 8 times for the RAF in the Inter Services Matches in the 1970s and 1980s. While a Flying Officer stationed at RAF Benson, he played tight head for the RAF v the Army in 1974, that RAF team was captained by Jeff Young. He did not play again for the RAF in an Inter Services match until 1980. He was then a Flight Lieutenant stationed at Brize Norton. In that match he played in the backrow, and he remained in that position for the rest of his RAF career.He also served at RAF Odiham and West Drayton and he played his last Inter Services match against the Army in 1983.Incidentally, Gareth Edwards played for RAF Cyprus against the RAF in 1972 when Jeff Young persuaded Gareth to spend a few days in Cyprus and guest for the local services team. The connections that Gareth had with the RAF and the possible JBG connection may explain why Gareth has this No 3 jersey in his collection.The Match: The match was played on 5th April 1975 at Rodney Parade, it was a Special commemorative Centenary Match for the Newport Club.Newport played in their traditional black and amber hoops. Phil Bennett, Bobby Windsor and Tommy David also turned out for the special match as a tribute to the illustrious history of the Newport club.The International XV won the game, 44-28.Sir Gareth Recalls: ‘It was great to reunite with players like Gareth and others for special rugby matches such as these, where the pressure is off and the occasion was more relaxed’.Auctioneer's Note:Each lot will be accompanied by the auction prospectus, signed by Sir Gareth Edwards CBE.
WWII AND LSGC ROYAL ARTILLERY MEDAL GROUP, complete with two red Certificate Of Service books, soldiers service and pay book, bible and cap badge, the LSGC medal is correctly name to 1069482 Warrant Officer Class I K.R.H Cox R.A. , Kenneth Ronald Hayler Cox enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1926 at Chichester and went on to serve in the army through to the 1950's
A NICE SELECTION OF BADGES, to include WWII ARP, WWII Loyal Service badges, British Legion, an imperial service badge, a war munitions volunteers badge, Civil Defence instructor, Great War Comrades badge, various sweetheart badges to include RE, Army Catering Corps, Army Ordnance Corps and RA (19)
A quantity of Military Buttons and Badges to include; Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry button, a British Army General Rank Sword and Baton Dress Uniform button, a Royal Scots Guards button, etc. Cap Badge for P.A.I. Italian African Colonial Police, an Indian Army Rajputana Rifles Pagri badge, a Mention in Despatches Emblem 1914-20, a Burma Star Ribbon, a War Medal Ribbon, etc.
WW2 group of four medals comprising 1939-1945 War Medal, Defence Medal, Italy Star and 1939-1945 Star; with Royal Army Service Corps cap badge and RASC chrome and enamel sweetheart broochCondition Report:Generally in very good condition ut cap badge worn causing loss of some definition of detail.
WW2 Women's Land Army six-year service armband in yellow and green; and small quantity of cloth badges including RAF blazer badge, 50th Northumbrian Division, Army cadet Force, Green Howards etcCondition Report:Land Army in good but slightly grubby condition.Others vary from good to worn and grubby.
WW1 British Army Derby Scheme 1915 Attested armband; beret with East Yorkshire cap badge; pair of fur lined leather flying/motorcycle goggles; HMS Pembroke cap band; and small quantity of RNAS cloth and metal badges etcCondition Report:Armband - lacking buttons and some moth damage. Traces of backstamp.Beret - good but grubby condition.Goggles - good condition generally but one glass cracked.Badges - good but slightly grubby condition. Metal badge looks to be restrike.
An important Boer War C.B. group of six awarded to Major-General C. D. Cooper, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who commanded the regiment at the Battle of Colenso and was the first man into Ladysmith at the head of the Relieving Force The Most Honourable Order of The Bath (Military) C.B. Companion’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, converted for neck wear, with short section of neck riband for display purposes; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (Maj. Genl. C. D. Cooper, C.B., R. Dub. Fus.) officially engraved naming; King’s South Africa, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Col. C. D. Cooper. C.B., Staff) officially engraved naming; Coronation 1902, silver, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1911, unnamed as issued; together with the recipient’s Royal Dublin Fusiliers Regimental Medal, gold, inscribed on the edge (Maj. Gen. C. D. Cooper. C.B.), the suspension dated ‘1662-1911’, with gold riband bar inscribed ‘Colonel 13th March 1910’, and gold top suspension brooch inscribed ‘Old Toughs’, generally good very fine or better (6) £5,000-£7,000 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, June 1998. C.B. London Gazette 19 April 1901. Charles Duncan Cooper was born on 25 June 1849, the son of Brigadier-General G. L. Cooper, Royal Artillery, who was killed during the Relief of Lucknow. He was educated at Christ College, Finchley, and began his military career at 19 years of age as an Ensign in the 2nd Battalion, 103rd Regiment of Foot (Royal Bombay Fusiliers). He remained with that regiment, which became the 2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers in 1881, throughout his career. Cooper served as Adjutant to the 4th Battalion (Dublin City Militia) from 1885 to 1889. When the Boer War broke out in 1899, he was ordered to South Africa in command of the 2nd Battalion. After arriving there, and upon the wounding of the regimental commander, Cooper was breveted a full Colonel and took overall command. The Dublin Fusiliers formed part of General Sir Redvers Buller’s Western Field Force, comprising some 30,000 men, which was pushing its way to Natal to relieve the besieged garrison in the town of Ladysmith. During the advance he took part in the action at Lombard’s Kop, the battle of Colenso, Spion Kop, Vaal Krantz, Tugela Heights, and Pieter’s Hill. At Colenso the Dublins, led by Cooper, suffered very badly. General Hart, Commanding Officer of the Irish Brigade, of which the Dublins were a part, was of the old school and thought that correct assault tactics meant a repeat of parade ground drill in the face of the enemy. Cooper, however, had witnessed the effect of Boer Mauser fire in previous attacks and knew that to march shoulder to shoulder into battle was tantamount to suicide; especially so inasmuch as at Colenso the Dublins were to advance along a very narrow front against an entrenched enemy. Cooper spread his men out at intervals and ordered them forward. General Hart saw this movement and beckoned Cooper to his side. “Sir, you will close ranks to the proper order!” “General”, Cooper replied, “I fear the consequences, but do it I will!” The Dublins suffered a great many casualties in the attack, and they found themselves trapped in the open throughout the entire day before they could safely extricate themselves. Shortly after the battle of Pieter’s Hill, advance mounted units of Buller’s army made their way into Ladysmith. The siege was over and the Dublin Fusiliers were specially selected to march into Ladysmith at the head of the relieving force, and Colonel Cooper, on horseback, was the first man to enter the town. Cooper was promoted to the rank of local Major-General in March 1900, and given command of the 4th Infantry Brigade which he took through the operations in Natal, including the battle of Laing’s Nek. In July of that year he was appointed General Officer Commanding the Heidelberg sub-district. He was mentioned in Buller’s despatch of 30 March, 1900, ‘a thoroughly good officer who led his regiment thoroughly well’, and again on 9 November, ‘was appointed to command on General Lyttleton’s promotion. An excellent regimental C.O., has proved himself equally valuable in command of a brigade, and shown himself to be a resolute, capable commander.’ He was subsequently appointed a Companion of the Bath in recognition of his services during the Boer War. With the end of hostilities, Cooper was sent home to command 102nd regimental district, Naas, in 1903. In 1905 he was promoted Brigadier-General in command of the North Irish Regimental grouped districts, and retired from the army in 1906 as a Major-General. He was made Colonel of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on 13 March 1910, a position he held until his death on 31 July 1922. Sold with copied research including a photographic image of the recipient. For the recipient’s related miniature awards see Lot 528; and for a related silver chalice and the recipient’s watch fob see Lots 501 and 502. For the recipient’s son’s Queen’s South Africa Medal see Lot 369.
An outstanding post-War C.M.G., Great War D.S.O. and Second War Bar, Great War M.C. group of fourteen awarded to Colonel Allan ‘Jiggy’ Spowers, Commanding 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion, he was awarded both the D.S.O. and M.C. in 1916 whilst serving as a second lieutenant in Mesopotamia with the East Lancashire Regiment, and a Second Award Bar to his D.S.O. in 1945 following his capture in the Western Desert at El Alamein in July 1942 The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., undated as issued, with Second Award Bar, the reverse officially dated ‘1945’, silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. A. Spowers. E. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. A. Spowers.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, these last five all officially impressed ‘VX14840 A. Spowers’; Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Sweden, Kingdom, Royal Order of the Vasa, Knight’s breast badge, gold and enamel, medals unmounted, generally good very fine or better (14) £5,000-£7,000 --- C.M.G. London Gazette 2 January 1956: ‘For public services in the State of Victoria.’ D.S.O. London Gazette 22 December 1916: ‘For distinguished service in the field in Mesopotamia.’ D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 15 November 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.’ M.C. London Gazette 24 June 1916; citation published 26 July 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in leading a night attack on the enemy’s position, although twice wounded.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 19 October 1916; 30 December 1941 (Middle East); 15 December 1942 (Middle East). Allan Spowers (1892-1968), army officer and company director, was born on 9 July 1892 at South Yarra, Melbourne, only son and third of six children of William George Lucas Spowers, a journalist from New Zealand, and his London-born wife Annie Christina, née Westgarth. Ethel Spowers was his elder sister. Allan attended Miss Turner’s school and boarded (from 1905) at Geelong Church of England Grammar School. Nicknamed ‘Jiggie’, he became a prefect and captain of boats. He entered the University of Melbourne (B.A., 1920) in 1912, but interrupted his studies to travel to England where he enlisted in the British Army and was commissioned in the East Lancashire Regiment on 4 May 1915. Attached to the regiment’s 6th Battalion, Spowers fought at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, in August and in Mesopotamia in the following year. He won the Military Cross (1916) for leading his men in a night-attack during which he was twice wounded. In addition, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (1916) and was mentioned in dispatches. He was promoted lieutenant in April 1917 and demobilised from the army in July 1919. Returning to Melbourne, he worked as a journalist on the Argus and Australasian. At the 1930 Imperial Press Conference in London he represented these newspapers; within a few years he was a director of the company that ran them. On 29 April 1922 at St Mark’s Church of England, Darling Point, Sydney, he had married Rosamond Sandys Lumsdaine, a niece of A. B. (’Banjo’) Paterson. In 1928-33 Spowers served in the militia. He was mobilised as a captain in the 46th Battalion in September 1939 and promoted major in November. Transferring to the Australian Imperial Force in May 1940, he was promoted lieutenant colonel and appointed commander of the 2nd/24th Battalion in July. Six ft 1 in. tall and sparely built, with penetrating grey-blue eyes and a commanding voice, he maintained high standards of conduct, insisted on mental and physical toughness, and disdained pretentiousness. The 2nd/24th arrived in the Middle East in December 1940, withdrew to Tobruk, Libya, in April 1941 and was besieged there until October. In January 1942 the battalion was sent to Syria for intensive training. Spowers was twice mentioned in dispatches for his services. Ordered back to the Western Desert in June in response to the German advance into Egypt, he and his men played a leading role in the battle of Tel el Eisa. Lieutenant General Sir Leslie Morshead described Spowers’s leadership as ‘outstandingly meritorious’ and he was to be awarded a Bar (1945) to his D.S.O. On 12 July 1942 he became a prisoner of war when his jeep was inadvertently driven into enemy territory. Freed in Germany in March 1945 and repatriated in August, Spowers was appointed temporary colonel and director of amenities, Army Headquarters, Melbourne. He transferred to the Reserve of Officers on 17 July 1946. Although he resigned from the board of the Argus and Australasian Ltd in 1949, he held a number of other directorships and chaired (1951-59) the Victorian division of the Australian Red Cross Society. In 1956 he was appointed C.M.G. and to the Swedish Royal Order of Vasa. He died on 4 May 1968 at Golden Ball, his property at Everton, and was buried in Wangaratta cemetery; his wife, and their daughter and two sons survived him.’ (Australian Dictionary of Biography refers). For the recipient’s miniature dress medals and related objects, see Lot 529.
'He was, indeed, one to be envied - his happy disposition, his peerless ability at our great game, and his glorious death’ The Great War M.C. group of four awarded to Major R. E. Gordon, Royal Field Artillery, the Scottish Rugby Union player capped three times for Scotland in 1913, he scored two tries in his debut against France; he served in Mesopotamia and France and was wounded on 3 separate occasions before being mortally wounded in August 1918 Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in case of issue; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. R. E. Gordon, R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Major R. E. Gordon.) these last two with named card box of issue, together with War Office enclosure for the three campaign medals, Registered envelope, and Memorial Plaque (Roland Elphinstone Gordon) with enclosure, card envelope and outer transmission envelope, extremely fine (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1918 (Birthday Honours). Roland Elphinstone Gordon was born at Selangor, Straits Settlements, Malaya, on 22 January 1893, the son of George Dalrymple Gordon, of the Government Irrigation Department, Ceylon, and Georgina Meredith of ‘Alwyns’, Teignmouth, South Devon. He was educated at the King’s School, Canterbury and played for the first XV at right three-quarter between 1909 and 1911, as well as being a member of the five pairs between the same dates. In 1911 he entered the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, coming forty-fifth in the entry exam. While at Woolwich he became captain of the rugby XV and also represented the Royal Artillery and the Army. On 22 January 1913, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. It wasn't long before Scotland saw his worth and he went on to play for them on three occasions. He played brilliantly against France at the Parc des Princes on 1 January 1913 and scored two, contributing greatly towards Scotland’s twenty one-three victory before going on to play against Wales at Inverleith on 1 February 1913, Wales winning this time eight-nil. His final match was against Ireland, again at Inverleith, this time Scotland emerged as victors twenty nine-fourteen. His international career was cut short when he was posted to India in late 1913 attached to 82 Battery Royal Field Artillery (RFA), stationed at Kirki. In November 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, he was posted to Mesopotamia where he was seriously wounded in action during the summer of 1915 and returned home. Not that he was about to let serious wounds stop him playing: while convalescing he not only coached the RA cadets at Exeter but also played for the Cadet XV during the 1916/17 season. Before returning to the front he played one more big game, this time against the previously undefeated Army Service Corps XV at Rectory Field, Blackheath. It was mainly due to his great performance at the centre that the ASC were beaten, his winning try in the last minute of the match proving decisive. He recovered well and returned to the front in 1917, this time to France. He was wounded again in June of that year and again for a third time in May 1918. He was also awarded an MC in the King’s Birthday Honours of June 1918 and was also Mentioned in Despatches [not traced]. In August 1918 he was wounded for a fourth and final time, this time succumbing to his wounds [on 30 August]. Not even this brave heart could stop his inevitable fate. He is buried in the Daours Communal Cemetery (Extension VIII, B. 3), Somme, France. (Into Touch, by Nigel McCrery refers) Sold with his caps for representing the Royal Military Academy, the Royal Artillery 1911-12; the Army 1912-13, and Scotland 1913; together with an embroidered thistle badge and four small Royal Artillery tunic buttons.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of five awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. Turner, 2nd Eastern Ontario Regiment, late Scots Guards and School of Musketry Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Lieut: A. G. Turner. 2/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. A. G. Turner.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (622 Q.M. Sjt: Instr: A. G. Turner. S. of M.) mounted as worn, toned, nearly extremely fine (5) £900-£1,200 --- M.C. London Gazette 23 June 1915 (Birthday Honours). M.I.D. London Gazette 22 June 1915. Alfred George Turner was born in the Parish of Horsleydown, Surrey, on 7 September 1873. He joined the Scots Guards in London on 29 February 1892. He qualified ‘Distinguished’ at the School of Musketry, Hythe, on 31 October 1901, and transferred to the School of Musketry Staff as a 3rd Class Sergeant Instructor. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal in 1910 as Q.M. Sergeant Instructor. Attached to the School of Musketry in Ottawa as Q.M.S.I. from 8 September 1911, he was discharged on completion of 21 years of service on 28 February 1913, conduct ‘exemplary’. He continued on as an instructor at the Canadian School of Musketry and was appointed a temporary Sergeant-Major Instructor in the Royal Canadian Regiment on 1 August 1913, and also as R.S.M. Governor General’s Foot Guards from the same date. Made temporary lieutenant on the Special List ‘Whilst act. Adjt. C.E.F.’ on 22 September 1914. He served in France as an original member of the 2nd Battalion C.E.F. from 11 February 1915, was promoted temporary captain on 17 March 1915, and was company commander in May and June 1915 at Festubert and Givenchy. He was slightly wounded by a G.S.W. in the leg at Kemmell on 13 November 1915, and returned to duty 12 days later. Went on leave to England in April 1916 and returned to France on 11 August 1916. He was wounded in the field on the Somme by a shell in the face, left arm and back on 13 October 1916, and taken to England on the S.S. Asturias, and was in No. 4 General Hospital, Denmark Hill from 27 October 1916 to 3 January 1917. Turner remained in England for the rest of the war and was posted to the Eastern Ontario Regiment Depot at Seaford, Sussex, in October 1917, eventually being apointed G.S.O. 1 and acting lieutenant-colonel at Seaford until 1 August 1919. After a short refresher course at the School of Musketry, Hythe, in September 1919, he returned to Canada, where he became chief instructor at the Canadian School of Musketry. Appointed brevet lieutenant-colonel w.e.f. January 1919, he was appointed Officer Commanding “A” Wing, Canadian Small Arms School, Ottawa, 1 April 1921. He was specially employed as Weapons Training Officer, M.D. 10, (Winnipeg) from 15 April 1924, and concurrently made District Military Intelligence Officer, M.D. 10 (Wnnipeg) from 1 November 1929. He retired in 1931 and died in Ottawa in 1939. Sold with five masonic jewels, one in 9 carat gold, mostly cased; white metal identity bracelet (Cap. A. G. Turner H.Q. 5th Inf. Bde. Can.); mounted group of five miniature dress medals and various tunic ribbon bars; numbered C.E.F. lapel badge ‘For Service at the Front’; together with a large quantity of original documents and photographs, including ‘Record of Services’ and other official documents, press cuttings and two fine portrait photographs.
A Second War ‘North-West Europe’ M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant E. R. S. Fifoot, Coldstream Guards, later Bodley’s Librarian, University of Oxford Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1946’ and contemporarily engraved ‘Lieut. E. R. S. Fifoot. Coldstream Guards’, in Royal Mint case of issue with outer card box and named Buckingham Palace enclosure; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45; together with the related miniature awards, these mounted as worn, good very fine and better (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- M.C. London Gazette 24 January 1946. The original recommendation states: ‘This officer has been an outstanding patrol and platoon leader ever since joining the Battalion in August 1944. Every time he has had the opportunity to distinguish himself for bravery and devotion to duty he has done so. Outstanding examples occurred during twice during Operation Veritable.
In the battalion attack at Mull south east of Gennep he commanded the right hand forward platoon which had to cross 3000 yards of open country in face of heavy and accurate enemy DF fire and considerable small arms fire from farm houses and concrete ‘Hay Stacks’. Over all this distance this officer’s fine example was of the utmost encouragement and resulted, despite heavy casualties, in complete victory.
Again on 9 March this officer was commanding a forward platoon in the battalion attack on the Wesel bridgehead. His platoon started to suffer casualties before crossing the start line and on reaching that they were met with further heavy small arms and mortar fire.
Despite all this Lieutenant Fifoot led his platoon with conspicuous dash and gallantry. No sooner was the original objective reached than he was ordered to carry out a difficult manoeuvre to the flank to meet a threatened German counter attack. Despite intense and accurate mortar and Nebelwerfer fire he accomplished this manoeuvre with great skill thus neutralising the threat to his company's whole position.
These are but two examples of this young officer’s intrepid conduct as a platoon commander in the offensive operations of the last few months. During the winter defensive fighting he was equally outstanding as a gallant and resourceful patrol leader. His outstanding conduct and devotion to duty have on many occasions been brought to the notice of his superiors.’ Erik Richard Sidney Fifoot was born at Woodstock, Oxfordshire, on 14 June 1925 and was educated at Berkhamsted School and later the University of Oxford. He was commissioned into the Coldstream Guards in 1943 and served with them during the Second World War on the Western Front. The award of the Military Cross after a period of sustained service with 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards during Operation Veritable, the allied offensive through the Reichswald Forest onto the Rhine flood plain. During this operation the 5th Battalion served with 32 Brigade in General Horrocks’ 30 Corps. With the end of the war Fifoot left the army to continue his studies at University College London for a Diploma in Librarianship and Archives, beginning work that same year in the library of the University of Leeds, a role he remained in until 1958 by which time he had risen from assistant librarian to sub librarian. Appointed Deputy Librarian at Nottingham University in 1958, he then became Librarian at the University of Edinburgh in 1960, a post he held for nearly twenty years until 1979 when he was appointed Bodley’s Librarian, the Head of the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, and was also made a Fellow at Exeter College, Oxford. He retired in 1981 and died in Oxfordshire on 24 June 1992. Sold with an original photograph of the recipient; a Coldstream Guards cap badge; a copy of the order of service for the recipient's funeral; various family photographs; and other ephemera.
Five: Commander F. G. S. Peile, Royal Navy Transport Staff, who served as Naval Transport Officer at the French port of Le Havre in 1914, and as Consular Shipping Advisor (Naval Control Service Duties), Monte Video in August 1939, and was present in that role aiding the British Ambassador Millington Drake when the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee put into Monte Video following the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939 1914 Star (Cmmdr. F. G. S. Peile, R.N. Transport Staff.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Cmmr. F. G. S. Peile. R.N.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with R.N. Transport bullion cap badge, and gilt badges for R.N. & M.T. Headquarters Staff dated 1913 (numbered 11 on reverse) and 1914 (numbered 112 on reverse) respectively, generally good very fine (5) £500-£700 --- Frederick Gerald Stuart Peile was born in Lucknow, India in January 1881. The son of Major Peile of Broomhill, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Peile entered the Royal Naval College as a Cadet in January 1895, and having passed out was appointed Midshipman for service with H.M.S. Resolution in February 1897. Subsequent service included with H.M. Ships Powerful and Mars, and Peile advanced to Sub Lieutenant in August 1900. He was appointed to the command of the torpedo boat destroyer H.M.S. Brazen in May 1901, and advanced to Lieutenant in October the following year. Peile was appointed Navigating Lieutenant to H.M.S. Torch in March 1903, and having served with the her on the Australian Station for three years returned to be based at Devonport. He was appointed as an instructor at H.M.S. Dryad (navigation training school), and was awarded the Shadwell Testimonial Prize in 1906. Peile subsequently served at H.M.S. Cornwall (training ship for naval cadets), and advanced to Lieutenant Commander in October 1910. He studied German, and qualified as an interpreter in 1912, before being posted for War Staff and Intelligence Duties at the Admiralty and then lent to the War Office for similar duties. Peile advanced to Commander in June 1914, and following the declaration of war with Germany was appointed to H.M.S. President ‘For Special Transport Duties.’ He was employed as Naval Transport Officer at the French port of Le Havre, and received ‘their Lordships’ appreciation of his services to the Army at the beginning of the war.’ Peile returned to the UK in September 1914, and was appointed to the recently launched battleship H.M.S. Empress of India. He was recalled from service afloat to be posted as an interpreter at H.M.S. Vivid in January 1916, and in April of the same year was posted as a Staff Officer 2nd Grade in the Operations Division of the Admiralty. Peile subsequently spent several periods in hospital over the next two years, and the Commander in Chief at the Nore stopped his wine bill for exceeding the limit! Following an adverse medical report Peile was placed on the retired list, 11 September 1918. Peile applied to the Foreign Office for an appointment on the Danube or Dardanelles Commission in 1921, and was subsequently appointed for work with the Upper Silesia Plebiscite Commission. He was appointed as Consular Shipping Advisor (Naval Control Service Duties), Monte Video in August 1939, and was present in that role aiding the British Ambassador Millington Drake when the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee put into Monte Video following the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939. She eventually scuttled, and Peile left his posting in September 1941. He served at the Director of Compass Department, Slough and was eventually seconded for service at B.A.T.M. Ottawa in February 1943. Commander Peile reverted to the retired list in January 1946, and died in January 1958. M.I.D. unconfirmed. Sold with copied research.
Four: Staff Sergeant P. J. H. Dalton, Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1914 Star (323 Sjt. P. J. H. Dalton. A.V.C.); British War and Victory Medals (323 T.S. Sjt. P. J. H. Dalton. A.V.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (7757051 S. Sjt. P. J. H. Dalton. R.A.V.C.); together with an A.V.C. cap badge, nearly very fine and better (4) £160-£200 --- Philip J. H. Dalton attested for the Army Veterinary Corps and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 29 October 1914. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 136 of 1926.
Thirteen: Colonel J. V. R. Jackson, East Kent Regiment, who Commanded the 1st Battalion, The Buffs, in Burma 1930-32 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, S.A. 1902 (2/Lieut. J. V. R. Jackson, E. Kent Rgt:); 1914-15 Star (Capt: & Adjt: J. V. R. Jackson. E. Kent R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Major J. V. R. Jackson.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (Lt. Col. J, V. R. Jackson. The Buffs); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; War Medal; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Denmark, Kingdom, Order of the Dannebrog (Christian X) neck badge, gold and enamels, unmarked, the first four polished, good fine and better, otherwise good very fine (13) £1,400-£1,800 --- Provenance: The Robert F. Brett Collection of Medals to the Buffs, Dix Noonan Webb, September 1999 (not including the Order of the Dannebrog). James Victor Rae Jackson was born on 28 April 1883. He was appointed 2nd Lieutenant on 18 January 1902, and served with the 2nd Buffs in South Africa, taking part in operations in the Transvaal from March to 31 May 1902 (Medal with 4 clasps). From March 1909 until September 1913, he was employed with the West African Frontier Force. He was appointed Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion on 4 August 1914. Jackson served as Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion during the Great War, going to France on 24 February 1915. He was wounded, and was taken prisoner at the Hohenzollern Redoubt on 30 September 1915. Jackson had just assumed temporary command of the battalion when his position was overrun, whilst awaiting reinforcements, and he ‘could not emerge from a deep dug-out near the gap from which he was conducting operations, and he was taken prisoner’. He was mentioned in despatches London Gazette 1 January 1916, but remained interned until he was repatriated on 13 September 1917. After his return he was specially appointed Brigade Major and 2nd in command of an Officer Cadet Battalion, June 1918 to February 1919, and was an Instructor at the Small Arms School from November 1919 to May 1924. He assumed command of the 1st Battalion in April 1931 and commanded the regiment throughout the operations in Burma (Medal and clasp). Promoted to Colonel in April 1935, Jackson took command of the Infantry Record and Pay Office at Hounslow. He was, in his capacity as commanding Officer of the Buffs, awarded the Danish Order of the Dannebrog, Knight 2nd class. Note: The Order of the Dannebrog insignia in this lot has been added to complete the group, the original insignia awarded to Jackson being returnable upon the death of the recipient.
The Order of the Bath Chapel Stall Plate top Colonel T. B. St George, Inspecting Field Officer of Militia in Canada, recipient of the Gold Medal for Fort Detroit The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s, Chapel Stall Plate, gilded brass with engraved and painted image of a C.B. badge, inscribed ‘Thomas Bligh St. George Esquire, Colonel in the Army and Inspecting Field Officer of Militia in Canada Companion of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath Nominated 4th June 1815.’, 191mm x 115mm, corners pierced for attachment, with original inscribed paper wrapping, nearly extremely fine £1,200-£1,600 --- Thomas Bligh St George was appointed to an ensigncy in the 27th Foot, from which he was removed to the 11th Foot 17 September 1789, and in 1790 obtained a lieutenancy in the latter corps. From 1783 to 1790 he served in Gibraltar, with the exception of eighteen months’ leave of absence. In April 1795, he embarked with the troops for Toulon, and was present in all the actions that occurred, till the evacuation of that place in December following. He served in 1794 at the reduction of St. Fiorenza, Bastia and Calvi, in Corsica; and on the coast of France in 1795. On 29 November 1794, he was appointed to a company in the 90th Foot. He served on the staff in Portugal from the latter end of 1796 to 1798; from 1799 to 1802 in the Mediterranean; and from 1803 to 1805 on the staff in England and Ireland. In 1804 he was appointed major in the 90th Foot; and on 14 March 1803, lieutenant-colonel in the 63rd Foot. In March 1809, he embarked for Canada, being appointed an inspecting field officer of militia in that country, and where he continued to serve some years. On 4 June 1813, he obtained the brevet of colonel in the army. He was present at the capture of Fort Detroit in August 1812, and for which he has the honour of wearing a gold medal. On 18 August 1819, he received the rank of major-general. He is a Companion of the Order of the Bath (Royal Military Calendar refers). He was made K.C.H. in 1835 and died the following year.
Pair: Gunner E. C. Snelgar, Hampshire Royal Garrison Artillery Coronation 1911, silver, unnamed as issued; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (168 Gnr: E. C. Snelgar. Hants. R.G.A.) minor edge bruise to C11, otherwise nearly extremely fine; severe edge bruising and contact marks to TFEM, with number partially double-stuck, therefore good fine (2) £80-£100 --- Ernest Charles Snelgar enlisted in the Hampshire Royal Garrison Artillery on 4 May 1908 and was part of the unit’s four man detachment (comprising Colonel J. H. Harrison-Hogge; Major J. E. Dawe; Quartermaster Sergeant F. W. Drew; and Gunner Snelgar) that was present at the Coronation of H.M. King George V. He was awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 120 of April 1913, and saw service during the Great War (entitled to British War and Victory Medals). He was discharged on 10 July 1918, and was awarded a Silver War Badge no. 415,972. Sold with copied research.
Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (81 L. Sjt: J. Mitchener. Hants: Yeo:) edge bruise, nearly extremely fine £80-£100 --- John Mitchener enlisted in the Hampshire Yeomanry on 27 April 1908 and was awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 8 of January 1914. He served at home during the Great War and was discharged on account of age (52 years) on 4 October 1915, being awarded a Silver War Badge no. 238,689. Sold with copied research.
An exceptional Posthumous Bronze Star group of four awarded to Captain H. McL. “Diamond Jim” Stacey, 141st (The Buffs) Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, 31st Armoured Brigade, who was killed in action in March 1945 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45; United States of America, Bronze Star, together with card box of issue for the first three addressed to his mother, and named condolence slip, extremely fine (4) £400-£500 --- Provenance: The Robert F. Brett Collection of Medals to the Buffs, Dix Noonan Webb, September 1999. Bronze Star London Gazette 17 October 1946: ‘Capt. Hugh McLaren Stacey, 324582, The Buffs (since died).’ The following recommendation for the Posthumous Award of the Bronze Star is taken from official records: ‘Lieut. Hugh McLaren Stacey has distinguished himself by heroic achievement not involving participation in aerial flight. At Geilenkirchen on 20th November, 1944, when “A” Squadron 141 R.A.C. (The Buffs) was in support of 333 Infantry Regiment (84 United States Infantry Division) Lieut. H. M. Stacey was acting as Liaison Officer between the flame throwing tanks and the Infantry. During the course of the action in the direction of Suggerath, Lieut. H. M. Stacey was constantly up with the Infantry who were under very heavy mortar and shell fire. One platoon, having lost its commander and N.C.Os, was personally reorganised by Lieut. H. M. Stacey, and later did excellent work in the clearing of some pillboxes. At one point during the battle, a party of 12 to 15 United States infantrymen all became casualties. Lieut. H. M. Stacey, who was on the spot, realising that these men were out of contact with their own troops, dashed back and organised a stretcher party. He personally led this party to the wounded men, regardless of the heavy mortar and machine gun fire which was ranged on this area. Throughout the evacuation of these casualties, Lieut. H. M. Stacey was a fine source of inspiration and encouragement to all around him. Two days later, Lieut. H. M. Stacey led a party of United States Engineers well forward of our forward troops, for the purpose of setting explosive charges upon secret equipment which had been disabled by the enemy the previous day. Again Lieut. H. M. Stacey distinguished himself by heroic achievement in that he performed his task in full view of the enemy and under heavy fire. All of these actions were highly commended by the local commanders.’ The 141st (The Buffs) Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps in North West Europe The Buffs was one of several infantry regiments which had one or more battalions converted to tanks in 1941. 7th Battalion, The Buffs became known as 141st (The Buffs) Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. As a Churchill Tank Regiment in 31st Army Tank Brigade in February 1944 they were selected as the first to convert to operate Crocodile flame-throwers. They continued to wear the Buffs Dragon cap-badge and two Troops landed on the Normandy Beaches on ‘D’ Day, 6 June 1944, the remainder following shortly after. During the landing and the breakout from Normandy 141st Regiment suffered 117 casualties from an overall strength of 600. The Crocodile was a flame-throwing variant of the British Churchill Tank developed under Major General Sir Percy Hobart and was produced from October 1943. The Crocodile had a flame projector which replaced the front mounted Besa machine gun which was connected to an armoured trailer via an armoured pipe mounted along the underside of the tank. The armoured trailer weighed 6 ½ tons and carried 1,800 litres of fuel as well as a compressed propellant which was enough for 80 one seconds blasts. The conversion kit was designed so that R.E.M.E. workshops in the field could convert any available Church Mk VII into a flame throwing Crocodile tank. The design of the conversion kit allowed the tank to retain its main turret mounted 75mm gun. Furthermore, the armoured trailers could be jettisoned if it was hit, or once empty to give the tank greater freedom of movement; the trailers were additionally fitted with towbars so they could be collected after the action by unit transport. ‘The the first three Crocodiles of No. 15 Troop, ‘C’ Squadron, landed in France at Le Hammel shortly after ‘H’ Hour on ‘D’ Day. Shall we rather say they "parted company" with the L.C.T's. For with a delicious little gurgle of delight one subsided into the sea, one sat stolidly and comfortably down in a crater on the beach and the third creature, carried on by some unknown stamina right across the beach straightaway collapsed with broken tracks. Meanwhile some miles away, Lieutenant Shearman, of No. 13 Troop, also of ‘C’ Squadron, managed in a rough sea to pressure up two Crocodiles and clear the tanks for action supporting the 7th Battalion Green Howards in the cold grey light of 5:00 a.m. By 8:30 a.m. the two surviving Crocodiles represented the only armour up with the forward companies and as such their popularity with the Green Howards was absolutely sky-high. For them these two great hulking Crocodiles clattered amiably along, bearing sometimes up to as many as forty Infantry, and pausing here and there to pepper with Besa or high explosives the fleeting Hun backsides fast disappearing over the skyline. A picturesque cavalcade paralleled only by Hannibal's passage of the Alps. On through Crepon they went and still on. Nothing now separated Shearman from Rommel, but a few German Infantry and Panzer Divisions. Not until Tierceville crossroads did he yield pride of place to the speedier Sherman Tanks, by which time some several hundred prisoners-of-war had already given themselves up. The next port of call was Villiers-le-Sec where everybody came under long distance shelling from tanks on the high around south west of Creully. The Shermans were out of it in a flash but 13 Troop, with its cumbersome trailers, had time whilst, negotiating the corners, to indulge a little hopefully, in an armoured gun duel with no loss to either side - Thence to Creully where for four hours the Crocodiles manned the western approaches in “Hull Downs” against a threatened Panzer attack. The day's peregrinations, however, were not over yet. Later the Troop was to go to Cowlombs where the Infantry Commanding Officer released the Crocodiles, which again returned to Creully. Here Lieutenant Shearman met a Squadron Commander of the Westminster Dragoons and it was decided to go into close laager together just south of Crepon. Dawn at Crepon on 7 June 1944 was a rude awakening in the shape of a salvo from about 100 yards in rear of the laager. The two Crocodiles covered the withdrawal of the thin-skinned Flails and succeeded in keeping the enemy guns quiet by an area shoot of 75 mm. But as he followed out in the wake of the Flails Shearman caught sight of a whole array of artillery and transport in the growing light, breakfasting in gay abandon and all unwitting of the target they presented to the Boche guns behind. Whereupon artillery and Royal Corps of Signals personnel were organised to act as infantry with grenades to follow in the wake of the Crocodiles assault. This was to be a great moment in Crocodile history-their first use of flame against a real live German. Supported by the fire of two flails the Crocodiles assaulted. Some eight shots of flame and the position was white with flags- 50 prisoners-of-war walked out and a party went in to deal with the killed and wounded. This then was the baptism of Crocodile flame and a very successful one too. After a few days rest in Erecy, on 11 June the two Crocodiles moved on southwest to support the Hampshires of 231 Brigade through the woods from ...
A scarce Second War ‘Leros 1943’ M.M. group of six awarded to Corporal C. J. White, The Buffs, for gallantry in a counter attack against the German landing at Della Palma Bay; he was subsequently taken prisoner after the Buffs were surrounded by German paratroopers and remained in German hands until May 1945 Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6459504 Cpl. C. J. White. The Buffs.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, together with a Royal Fusiliers cap badge, good very fine (6) £1,000-£1,400 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 September 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.’ The original recommendation submitted by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Douglas Iggulden states: ‘At Leros on 12 November 1943 this N.C.O. was leading his section in a counter attack upon the enemy who had landed at Della Palma Bay. Quite undaunted by previous failures Cpl White tried again and again to close with the enemy. Finally his fearless and determined leadership enabled him to get in on the enemy flank. His initiative in in making this advance under heavy fire made possible the defeat of the enemy landing party and the capture of many prisoners.’ C. J. White enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers (T.A.) on 23 February 1937, and was embodied on 2 September 1939. He transferred to The Buffs on 11 October 1943. Following the Italian surrender on 3 September 1943, the islands of Kos, Leros and Samos in the Greek Isles were occupied by the British. The 4th Buffs, after losing 7 officers and 128 men when the destroyer Eclipse was mined and sank in 3 minutes, landed on Leros, with 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers, B Coy 2nd R.W. Kents, together with L.R.D.G. and S.B.S. detachments. On 12 November 1943, the Germans retaliated, invading the island in considerable strength. Despite initial determined and successful opposition the Germans eventually swamped the defences with paratroops and, on 14 November, over 500 daylight sorties were flown by the Luftwaffe, destroying the A.A. defences. British attempts to both reinforce and later to evacuate failed, and Colonel Iggulden, Corporal White and most of the Buffs survivors were taken prisoner. White remained in German hands until 13 May 1945. He was transferred to Class Z Army Reserve in June 1946 and finally discharged in June 1959. He is also entitled to the Efficiency Medal, Territorial.
A selection of WWII and later German car insignia and badges, to include: a General Assault badge - die-stamped with pin and c clasp to reverse; a DRL bronze sports badge with maker's mark to reverse; a die-stamped Luftwaffe cap eagle with 2 fixing prongs; a German police die-stamped metal cap eagle and wreath with 2 fixing prongs; a German Old Comrades Association metal breast eagle with pin and clasp to reverse (marked Ges Gesch); a Post-WWII Kyffhauserbund cap badge, a WWII German army officers metal cap eagle, wreath and cockade; plus a German cap wreath and cockade (possibly RLB), and a die-stamped brass WWII style German cap eagle with lugs to reverse (possible reproduction). 12 items. (Generally all good condition - some oxidisation to the Assault Badge.)
A fine quality Victorian sterling silver military officers whistle.Hallmarked for Birmingham 1886, by specialist military outfitters, Bent & Parker.Complete with screw posts for attaching to a belt or uniform.Plus, a matched pair of sterling silver shoe buckles, hallmarked for 1909 by Walker & Hall, a Victorian army style NCO’s snake belt clasp made in sterling silver by Roland Ward (London silver mark, with Victoria duty head but no date letter.Plus an Edwardian silver watch fob (missing suspension loop) and a white metal lion rampant shield badge.6 items.Condition: generally very good unless otherwise noted above.
A selection of British cap badges to include a scarce V Force badge blackened brass on lugs, a Reconnaissance Corps brass badge on lugs, an Army Apprentice School brass badge on slider (JR Gaunt London), a Royal Dublin Fusiliers bi metal badge on slider, a RN Chief Petty Officer bi metal badge on double slider, a Royal Army Pay Corps bi metal badge on slider (6)Generally good condition throughout, evidence of wear/age/polishing to some badges, viewing highly recommended
A good selection of World War II German military/political cloth insignia, to include: An NSDAP cloth party armband of multi-part construction with folded ribbon tape 'Hakenkreuz' - original RZM label to inside. Plus a matched pair of Luftwaffe Hauptmann Flak artillery collar patches, a matched pair of Luftwaffe Flieger collar patches, an NSKK driver diamond arm patch, a 'BEVO' style 1943 sports award badge, a German army machine-woven breast eagle, and a Luftwaffe machine-woven breast eagle. 9 items. (All good condition - the paper RZM label to the armband has been taped into place but is intact.)
Vintage British Army scarlet wool drummers tunic complete with gilt metal Royal Welsh Fusiliers collar badges, shoulder titles, buttons and belt, Corporal stripes and drummers badge to right sleeve, plus rope shoulder lanyards, cross strap with loop for hanging drum (include ½ mannequin Minor service wear but overall clean condition
British Army scarlet wool tunic for an officer of the Irish Guards with bullion detailed cuffs, epaulettes and collar, the latter with Irish Shamrock badge, the tunic has a name tag near the collar for Capt JRH Stopford, who was later Commanding Officer of the Regiment, LT Col Stopford 2001 - 2003, the tunic is complete with a bear skin hat and sash beltGenerally good condition some wear to the nape of the wool cloth, plus some sweat staining to the lining
A modern Welsh Guards dress cap, three brass stripe to peak, dated 2011, Dutch Army Officers cap, badged with a US Army Officers badge (re enactor piece), plus a repro Waffen SS Panzer Officers side cap, fitted with a BEVO Totenkopf and bullion SS Eagle, marked "RBN 0/0678/5015 1941" insideAll good condition
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