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Lot 297
WW2 German Army / Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge in Bronze by Adolf Schultz, fine example of a bronze grade panzer assault combat badge with much of its original bronze finish remaining to both the obverse and reverse of the award. Badge has the correct ball hinge fitting and catch. Remains in very good overall condition.
Lot 41
WW1 Bronze Memorial Plaque Oliver Rowell, bronze memorial plaque mounted onto a display board with details of Private Oliver Rowell 132nd Field Ambulance Company Royal Army Medical Corps who died 14th / 15th July 1917. Mounted with regimental cap badge. In remembrance of 70514 Private Oliver Rowell, 132nd Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps. Born in Newchurch, Lancashire he was killed in action aged 28 on 14th-15th July 1917 whilst the unit was based at Herzeele. Oliver Rowell is buried in Gwalia Cemetery, Belgium.
Lot 1154
Postcards, Military, a mix of approx. 27 cards, inc. 5 from the National series nos. 1884 and 1885 with Grenadier Guards, 3rd Dragoon Guards. Set of 6 scenic views and army life, with badge of regiment top right, illustrated by Frank Sherwin published by Medici Soc. 11 cards of Regimental soldiers through the ages, publ. by Hon Secs S.S.A.F.A & A.C.F Liverpool. Also 5/6 'What they are up to' publ. by Midlands Publ. Co., inc. India, South Africa, England, Scotland and Ireland (mixed condition)
Lot 498
Box of Collectible Items, including silver six pences, Crowns, Army pin badge, various sporting medals, National Rally medal awarded to W Bennett 1936, leather stud box, 9ct tie pins, chrome note pad, Boy Scouts penknife, sugar tongs, mother-of-pearl fruit knife, Ronson lighter, etc. Housed in a metal case.
Lot 847
Police interest, a collection of policing related items pertaining to Constable Joseph Smith to include a Elizabeth II Police Long Service and Good Conduct medal, two London and North Eastern Railway helmet badges, British Transport Police cap badge, Pair of Hiatts handcuffs, group photograph of officers, etc. also a packet of photographs and ephemera to include a WWII British Army of the Rhine certificate awarded to Lieutenant Sergeant Joseph Smith of the Royal Engineers, portraits and group photographs of Royal Engineers etc.
Lot 913
Three boards of regimental badges to include Gordon Highlanders XCII helmet plate, By Dand cap badge, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders cap badge, Parachute Regiment, The Australian Army, The Border Regiment, Royal Military Police, Leicestershire, Royal Warwickshire, The Welch, The Essex Regiment, Kent Yeomanry, etc. (over 100)
Lot 391
A small fragment of the pall (coffin cover) of the late Queen Victoria, attached to a note detailing its provenance, a small embroidered silk King George V ribbon and a small card moment of the coronation, a tooled Morocco leather case Daguerreotype of an elderly lady, 14 cm x 11.5 cm, and other Edward VII/ Geoge V Royal souvenir and a contemporary Lord Baden Powell early scouting lapel badge, leather-bound Army officers notebook and other items.Private estate
Lot 272
Two World War I medals issued to 3618 PTE O Symes W. GDS together with three World War II medals, including the War Medal, The 1939-1945 Star and the France and Germany Star, in a box addressed to Mr O Symes, three miniatures, a cap badge for the Royal Army Medical Corps, Masonic jewels, photograph etc
Lot 222
* Flying Jacket. A WWII USMC M.422A flying jacket worn by Lieutenant A.T. House Jr, brown leather with name badge to left breast stamped 'A.T. House Jr. Lt. USMFC' with embossed wings, the right panel with circular badge of a pair of dice with lightening bolt through the middle, the back of the jacket inscribed Buzz Baby with Squadron badge VMF 124 (nicknamed Death's Head, Wild Aces or Checkerboards) and five painted Japanese flags (probably kill icons), with brown fur collar and lining with green cloth stamped Air Forces and additionally inscribed 'Pelt', with Crown zip to the front and elasticated waist section and cuffs, the inner arm length 46 cm, length from the top of the collar 74 cm, chest from pit to pit 47 cm, some areas of wear but a good original example QTY: (1)NOTE:Arthur T. House, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army Airforce on April 23, 1941 with serial number 19039041. After graduating flight school and earning his wings, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number O-406351 and deployed overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) where he was assigned to the 5th Air Force, 49th Fighter Group (49th FG), 7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS). His crew chief was Sgt. G. W. White, their P-40 E aircraft was nicknamed "Hero's Poopy" after his prior aircraft P-40E "Poopy". He had five confirmed kills, two over Horn Island.
Lot 36
A late Victorian gold oval hinged locket,with a blue champlevé enamel monogram A A M to the front cover, to a textured ground. A similarly decorated back cover with an enamelled monogram. Tested as approximately 15ct gold. 47 x 31mm including jump ring bale, 7.90g,together with an Army cap badge, (2)Condition ReportTarnished. Loss to enamel.Does not stay closed.
Lot 226
To include second world war German military rank and other insignia from the Army, Navy and Air Force (rank chevrons, Litzen, collar tabs, uniform badges/buttons, political organisations etc). Also German postcards and other ephemera including a WW2 German Wherpas with entries and paperwork. A few items of British militaria to include a Regimental badge reference book, badges etc. *CR: General wear and various conditions due to age throughout. *BP 22.5% (18.75% plus VAT) plus a lot fee of £8 inc. VAT on each lot.
Lot 229
A Second World War German Army 'Infantry Assault badge', single piece pressed construction with vertical pin, 62 x 48mm, a wound badge, third class, numbered '65' to the reverse, and a small collection of other propaganda badges and coins. 8 items. *CR: All showing signs of age and wear. *BP 22.5% (18.75% plus VAT) plus a lot fee of £8 inc. VAT on each lot.
Lot 275
A collection of Army Aircorps uniform comprising: Dress uniform in dark blue, the trousers with broad red stripe, Mess kit with pale blue waistcoat and cuffs and collar, Service jacket and trousers by Gieves and Hawkes, dated 1977, light weight tropical kit, jacket and trousers with label 'Uniform, Man's No.4 Dress Army Officers, size 170/108/100. All with various rank and insignia to include parachute badge and medal ribbons for General Service (1962-2007) (Northern Ireland), 1977 Jubilee Medal and 2002 Golden Jubilee Medals. With a Royal Artillery Mess Kit by Farrell & Sons of Camberley, trousers with broad red stripe by Moss Bros. and a Royal Irish Rangers kilt with label 'Kilt Serge Saffron, Royal Irish Rangers' height 1.75cm, Waist 100cm, Breech 111cm. Thomas Gordon and Sons Glasgow. *CR: All in used but reasonably good condition. *BP 22.5% (18.75% plus VAT) plus a lot fee of £8 inc. VAT on each lot.
Lot 2
NOTE: This lot now includes the CBE badge previously offered as lot 1A family collection of medals, comprising: the O.B.E. group of seven awards to Captain (later Major) Malcolm Brown Bookey Riall, West Yorkshire Regiment: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, officer's breast badge, Britannia type, London 1919; Queen's South Africa Medal, first type (b), ghost dates, 6* clasps: Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek (Lieut. M.B.B. RIALL. W. York: Rgt.), engraved; King's South Africa, two dated clasps (Lieut. M.B.B. RIALL. W. York: Rgt.), engraved; India General Service Medal 1908-35, first type, clasp: North West Frontier 1908 (Captn. M.B.B. Riall. 1st W. Y. Rgt), engraved; 1914-15 Star (CAPT: M.B.B. RIALL. W. YORK. R.); British War Medal and Victory Medal (CAPT. M.B.B. RIALL.), mounted for wearing, QSA and KSA in particular with scratching to obverse fields, otherwise all very fine or better. [7]Together with an associated group attributed to Captain Arthur Bookey Riall, CBE, RAF Regiment, comprising: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, military division, Commander's neck badge, second type, in Garrard & Co case with neck ribands (one miniature); 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45 with oak leaf, Coronation 1953, all unnamed as issued, the last five mounted for wearing, very fine. [6]M.B.B. Riall, served as a Lieutenant with the 1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment during the Boer War, including the Battle of Spion Kop, and a Vaal Krantz and Pieter's Hill, and was mentioned in a despatch. He served with the first battalion in the campaign against the Mohmands in 1908. After arriving on the Western Front of the First World War 21/12/1914, he was severely wounded 10/08/1915 while leading a working party at the Hooge. Made O.B.E. in the 1919 Birthday Honours "for valuable services rendered in connection with the war"* the 1908 Army list states entitlement to five clasps, but the QSA roll confirms six, and seems to indicate that Cape Colony was a later additional authorisation.
Lot 3
The MBE and MSM group of ten awards to Foreman of Works (Staff Sergeant) and later Major Harry Vincent Hunt, Royal Engineers: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Member's badge, 2nd type; 1914 Star (11347 F. OF W. S. SJT H. V. HUNT. R.E.); British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal (11347 A.W.O. CL.2. H. V. HUNT. R.E.); 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal and War Medal; Jubilee Medal 1935, all unnamed as issued; Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, George V (1851435 T.W.O. CL.I. H. V. HUNT. R.E.); Meritorious Service Medal, George V (11347 F. OF W. Q.M. SJT H. V. HUNT. R.E.), display mounted and in a later case with insignia, very fine and better. [10] MSM London Gazette 03/06/1919, for France Commissioned Major Royal Engineers 21/03/1942 MBE London Gazette 08/06/1944, 21st Army Group. Offered with research.
Lot 315
AN INTERESTING COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL WORLD WAR TWO BADGES AND INSIGNIA, including a German Wehrmacht aluminium belt buckle with leather tab, a small-size early SA brass belt-buckle, a German Army Parachutist's badge, a German Destroyers War badge (pin absent), a German artillery Lieutenant's shoulder-board numbered '72', a small cloth Luftwaffe eagle, a triangular Wehrmacht inverted triangular forage cap insignia, a yellow skull and crossbones pennant from a mine flag, three British cap or collar badges, a button from a naval tunic, two British shoulder titles, two British unit insignia and a clip from a .303 Enfield rifle, all sewn to a piece of coarse green cotton material, possibly German.
Lot 259
THE IMPORTANT CRIMEAN WAR GROUP OF 4 to Lieutenant Colonel Harries 63rd Foot, who was severely wounded at Inkermann.Crimea 1854 -56, four clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann and Sebastopol. Correctly engraved in a contemporary style - Major T. Harries. 63RD Foot.France, Second Empire, Legion of Honour 5th Class (Some enamel chips to obverse and reverse)Ottoman Empire, Order of the Medjidie, 5th Class breast badge, Silver and Gold.Turkish Crimea Medal, Sardinian issue, unnamed as issued.Each medal has a silver ribbon buckle.Condition GVFThe group is housed in a contemporary mount which has undergone restoration over the years.Thomas Harries was born on the 18th of February 1815 at Benthall Hall, Broseley, Shropshire. The son of Francis Blithe and Emma Gertrude Blithe, his father was a wealthy land owner, keen hunter and philanthropist.Thomas purchased a commission as an Ensign with the 63rd Regiment of Foot (West Suffolk) on the 19th of July 1833 and joined the regiment at Madras. Harries purchased his Lieutenancy on the 2nd of May 1834 and Captaincy on the 26th of January 1844.Captain Harries fought in the Crimean campaign and was present at the battles of Alma, Balaklava and Inkermann, where he was severely wounded. He was promoted to Major the day after he was wounded.His service papers note he was ' Commanding Siege and Fall of Sebastopol as Major', and he remained in Crimea until the war's end. He also took part in the capture of the Fort of Kinburn on the 30th of October 1855.His Legion of Honour was gazetted on the 5th of August 1856, and the Order of the Medjidie on the 2nd of March 1858.After the end of the conflict, he remained in the army and saw service in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he commanded the regiment. He was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in the field on the 6th of June 1856 and his final rank of Lieutenant Colonel on the 17th of September 1858.Harries retired on the 16th of November 1860 and moved to live with his elder brother and his family at Cruckton Hall, Shrewsbury. Thomas lived from his pension and was obviously very wealthy from inheritance. Upon his death, on the 12th of October 1879, he left his estate to Major General Charles Vanbrugh Jenkins, a family member who had inherited Cruckton Hall.
Lot 4118
Imperial German Prussian Army Service Veterens Association badge; 'SS' type first pattern cap skull; Luftwaffe metal eagle uniform insignia; and another metal eagle cap insignia (possibly police?) (4)Condition Report:Both eagles lacking back fixings.Prussian - ribbons grubby. Bears makers plaque for Heinr. Timm Berlin C. Wallstr. 21/22.Skull - age unknown.
Lot 312
Post November 1944 American M1 Helmetdark green, rough texture shell with spray areas of light green. The left side with remnants of a painted 5th Army formation badge. Rear seam. Hinged, post 1953, chinstrap loop with green webbing chinstrap and blackened alloy, post July 1942 buckle. Fibre inner helmet with light green webbing harness and leather sweatband. Rear of inner helmet damaged. Dark green helmet net.
Lot 484
Boxes and Objects - a Victorian Lady's Companion necessaire box; a plated miniature Guernsey milk can; enamel pin badges including Royal Army Medical Corps, Civil Defence Corps, Primrose League, etc; an R.A.E.C. cap badge; a quantity of British and world coins, mostly base metal, some silver; a Victorian marquetry work box; another box; etc, qty
Lot 366
SIX BOXES OF COLLECTABLE FOOTBALL CARDS, BROOKE BOND PICTURE CARD ALBUMS, to include two 1940's Boys Brigade leather belts with buckles, two Boys Brigade side caps (12th Boys Brigade), a 1938 gas mask, a W.W.1 Navy/Army Jack knife, a Butlins 1967 metal Beavers Club pin badge, a 'M.V Ulster Prince' ship's wheel pin badge, green glass bead necklace, 43 A&BC Chewing Gum Ltd cards (condition is well loved, writing on the back, duplicates of some), 41 Topps ABC Gum 1966 Black Bat gum cards, 42 A&BC 1960's Battle Cards, 18 1960's A&BC Gum football cards, a WW2 Malaysian Japanese occupation ten dollar note, etc (6 boxes) (Condition report: Gum cards are well loved)
Lot 774
Nameplate and badge SAPPER. Ex Ministry of Defence Austerity 0-6-0ST built by the Hunslet Engine Company in 1953 as works number 3797. Delivered new to the MOD at Bicester and numbered WD 197, it then worked at various Army locations including Longmoor in 1957, before going back to the Command Ordnance Depot at Bicester where it was named Sapper in May 1965. In 1977 it went to the Kent & East Sussex Railway where during its first two years it remained Army property and was sold to K&ESR members in October 1979. The nameplates were not available so it was renamed Northiam. Rectangular cast brass with integral badge and metal mounting plate, measures 25in x 16in. In good condition.
Lot 411
Collection of militaria Collection of militaria, to include two packs of 'Iraqi Most Wanted' playing cards, one pack sealed, alloy HMS Laleston ship badge, framed set of Royal Navy cloth ship titles and a cap, Boson's whistle, pair of 1944 dated Kershaw Bino Prism No.2 MkIII with broad arrow mark, Compass Magnetic Marching MkI collecting of various small knives including four British army knives, also a pair of brass kit bag locks.
Lot 154
A well-documented C.B.E. awarded to Stefan Terlezki Esq., sometime M.P. for Cardiff West, and Chairman of Cardiff City Football Club, who having experienced the horrors of both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany was a powerful voice against totalitarian governments, and following the collapse of the Soviet Union was an ardent supporter of an independent Ukraine The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Civil) Commander’s 2nd type neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with both full and miniature width neck ribands, in Fattorini, Birmingham, case of issue, extremely fine £300-£400 --- C.B.E. London Gazette 13 June 1992: ‘For political and public service.’ Stefan Terlezki was born in Antonivka, Poland (now part of Ukraine), on 29 October 1927. Occupied by the Soviet Forces in 1939 and annexed to the Soviet Union, several of his family were arrested and deported to Siberia. Following the German invasion in 1941, still only 14, Terlezki was sent to Germany as part of a consignment of slave labour, and spent the rest of the War working on farms near Voitsberg. After being ‘liberated’ by the Soviet forces in 1945, he was due to be conscripted into the Red Army to fight the Japanese, but escaped, and ended up in the British Zone of Occupation in Austria. In 1948 he was allowed to emigrate to Britain, and was sent to work as a coal-miner in Wales. After finding alternative work in the canteen of a miners’ hostel, he eventually went into hotel management, and ran his own hotels in Aberystwyth and Cardiff. Terlezki’s political career began in 1968, when he became a Conservative member of Cardiff City Council. He unsuccessfully stood for Parliament in both 1974 elections, losing the Cardiff South East seat on both occasions to James Callaghan. The following year he was appointed Chairman of Cardiff City Football Club, although he refused to travel to the Soviet Union when Cardiff City played Dynamo Tbilisi in the European Cup Winners’ Cup, as he risked being sent to Siberia as a Red Army deserter. As well as serving as the Chairman of various Charitable bodies, Terlezki was elected Conservative Member of Parliament for Cardiff West in the 1983 General Election, succeeding the former Speaker, George Thomas. Whilst in Parliament he remained true to his right-wing reputation, and unsuccessfully introduced a Bill to replace the May Day bank holiday with ‘Sir Winston Churchill Nation Day’ holiday. Despite increasing his vote at the 1987 General Election, he lost his seat to the Labour candidate, with the party holding the seat ever since. Terlezki was appointed H.M. Government's representative on the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Committee in 1989, with his experience of life in both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany making him a powerful voice against totalitarian governments, and following the collapse of the Soviet Union he became an ardent supporter of an independent Ukraine. He condemned Ukraine’s preservation of close ties with Russia, especially the leasing of naval and military bases in the Crimea, arguing that it allowed Russia to maintain a foothold in the country, and pressed the case for Ukrainian membership of the European Union. He published his memoirs, From War to Westminster, in 2005, and died on 21 February 2006. Sold with an extensive archive, including the Bestowal Document for the C.B.E., this mounted in a glazed frame; named Certificate for the 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal, this similarly mounted in a glazed frame; a photograph of the recipient outside Buckingham Palace having received his C.B.E., and a video ‘still’ of him being invested by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II; photographs of the recipient with various personalities, including H.M. the King (when Prince of Wales), Margaret Thatcher, Michael Heseltine, Geoffrey Howe, and William Hague; the recipient’s British Passport, with various Ukrainian Visas in it; two cartoons featuring the recipient, one whilst Chairman of Cardiff City F.C., both mounted in glazed frames; a copy of the recipient’s autobiography, From War to Westminster, together with a copy of a letter written by the recipient to the then Editor of the Spectator asking him to review it favourably, ‘Please Boris don’t let me down!’; and other ephemera.
Lot 162
The magnificent Boer War, Great War and Second War group of fourteen awarded to Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Karslake, K.C.B, K.C.S.I., C.M.G., D.S.O., Colonel Commandant, Royal Artillery, who was hailed as the ‘Hero of the Quetta Earthquake’ in 1935 and, in 1940, was briefly recalled to help with the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk, where he was the General Officer Commanding British troops in France immediately after the evacuation The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, K.C.B. (Military) Knight Commander’s, set of insignia, comprising neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels, and breast star, silver with gold and enamel appliqué centre, reverse fitted with gold pin for wearing; The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s, breast badge officially converted for neck wear, silver-gilt and enamels; Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamels, with integral top ribbon bar, chipping to both green enamel wreaths; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (Lieut. H. Karslake. T. Bty. R.H.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Lt. H. Karslake. D.S.O. R.A.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Capt: H. Karslake. D.S.O. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Brig. Gen. H. Karslake.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, 5th Class breast badge, silver, silver-gilt and enamels, this with chips to green and white enamels, together with Royal Society of Arts silver prize medal, G.V.R. (Major-General Sir Henry Karslake, K.C.S.I., C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., For his paper on “The Quetta Earthquake.” Session 1935-36) in its damaged presentation case, contact marks to the Boer War medals, otherwise nearly very fine or better (16) £4,000-£6,000 --- K.C.B. London Gazette 11 May 1937. K.C.S.I. London Gazette 19 November 1935. C.B. London Gazette 1 March 1929. C.M.G. London Gazette 3 June 1916. D.S.O. London Gazette 26 June 1902. M.I.D. London Gazette 10 September 1901; 17 January 1902. M.I.D. London Gazette 17 February 1915; 1 January and 15 June 1916; 4 January, 15 May and 11 December 1917; 20 May and 20 December 1918; 5 July 1919. Henry Karslake was born on 10 February 1879, son of Lewis Karslake. He was educated at Harrow, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and joined the 83rd Field Battery 23 June, 1898, and was posted to “T” Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, in 1901. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, and took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June); in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 20 August 1900; again in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to January 1902, and March to 23 May 1902; also during the operations in Orange River Colony, January to March, 1902 (Despatches twice; Queen's Medal with four clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order ‘In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa’, and was invested by the King on 24 October 1902. He was promoted to Lieutenant, 16 February 1901, and to Captain 20 December 1905, and posted on promotion to the 100th Battery, R.F.A. 1906; was Officer, Company of Gentleman Cadets, Royal Military College, 20 February 1907 to 19 February 1911; posted to the 116th Battery, R.F.A., in 1911; was a Staff College student, 1912-13. He was posted to the 129th Howitzer Battery, 1914; served in the European War from 1914; became Major 30 October 1914; was Brigade Major, R.A., 6th Division, B.E.F., 9 December 1914 to 22 February 1915; Brigade Major, R.A., 12th Division, New Armies, B.E.F., 6 March to 16 August 1915; GSO2, 3rd Army, B.E.F., British Armies in France, 17 August 1915 to 26 June 1916; G.S.O.1, 50th Division, British Armies in France, 27 June 1916 to 15 September 1917; G.S.O.1, 4th Division, British Armies in France, 16 September 1917 to 4 August 1918; G.S.O.1, Tank Corps, British Armies in France, 5 August to 25 October 1918; Brigade General, General Staff, Tank Corps, British Armies in France, 26 October 1918 to 1 April 1919; G.S.O.1, Southern Division, British Army of the Rhine. He was mentioned in Despatches; was given the Brevets of Lieutenant Colonel, 1 January 1917, and Colonel, 3 January 1919; was created a C.M.G. in 1916, and was given the Legion d'Honneur. Kerslake was appointed G.S.O.1 at H.Q., Peshawar, 1920-23, and held the same position at the War Office, 1923-25; Colonel on the Staff, Southern Command, 1925-28; Brigadier R.A., Western Command India, 1928-31; A.D.C. to the King, 1930-31; Major-General, 1931; Major-General R.A., Army Headquarters, India, 1933; Commandant, Baluchistan District, India, 1933-35. Karslake's most testing time came in Quetta when, in 1935, there was an enormous and terrible earthquake, at just after 3am on the night of 31 May. The earthquake devastated Quetta, killing at least 20,000 people. It was one of the worst natural disasters of the 20th century. Although the earthquake destroyed Quetta, the military cantonment and the Military Staff College were left standing. While some of the soldiers were killed, most of the 12,000 troops were on the spot to take part in rescue and relief work. Within three hours of the earthquake, Karslake had divided up the devastated area, allocated troops to each section and deployed them to start their work. They did everything possible: providing rescue, moving in supplies, keeping law and order, running postal and medical services and setting up a refugee camp on the racecourse. It was one of the quickest and most efficient disaster operations that had ever been implemented. The credit for organising the army effort was largely due to Henry Karslake. The soldiers worked in dreadful conditions with epidemic disease a constant threat. For Karslake it was his finest hour. He retired a year later but was briefly recalled to help with the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk in 1940, where he was the General Officer Commanding British troops in France immediately after the evacuation. He died two years later, on 19 October 1942. General Karslake married, in 1905, Florence Cecil, daughter of Vice Admiral E Rooke, and they had two sons. Sold with an interesting archive of portrait and other photographs mostly related to the progress of Karslake’s military career, including a fine album entitled ‘Royal Military College’, containing 69 photographs of various sizes recording his tenure there in 1907-11, including three very fine named group photographs and two others of the funeral procession of King Edward VII, album covers rather tatty but content good. For the recipient’s related miniature medals, see Lot 522.
Lot 166
A Great War O.B.E. group of three awarded to Commander E. L. A. Foakes, Royal Navy, Nautical Adviser to the General Post Office and Naval Assistant to Army Postal Service The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, hallmarked London 1916; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Lieut. E. L. A. Foakes, R.N., H.M.S. Barracouta.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Commr E. L. A. Foakes. R.N.) mounted on card for display, good very fine (3) £360-£440 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 7 January 1918: ‘Commander Edward Lindsay Ashley Foakes, R.N. Naval Assistant to Director of Army Postal Services, and Nautical Adviser to the Post Office.’ Edward Lindsay Ashley Foakes was born in Brighton on 6 April 1865. Educated privately, he joined the Royal Navy on 31 October 1895 as a Lieutenant. He served aboard Benbow from 1895-97 when he joined Barracouta, in which ship he served until December 1900, earning the South Africa medal. He then served aboard Forth, Pallas, Latona (for passage), Halcyon and Vulcan as navigator. He retired on 1 August 1908 with the rank of Commander to take up the post of Nautical Adviser to the Post Office. He was recalled for service during the Great War as Naval Assistant to the Director of the Army Postal Services, and was awarded the O,B.E. for this service. He received his award at Buckingham Palace on 13 February 1918. He afterwards emigrated to South Africa where he was elected Mayor of Knysna, Cape Province, in August 1930. He died there on 6 October 1947.
Lot 170
A Second War ‘Italy operations’ M.B.E. group of ten awarded to Acting Major N. F. Hart, Royal Army Service Corps, late Royal Fusiliers and Indian Cavalry The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type, breast badge; 1914-15 Star (15074 Pte. N. F. Hart. R. Fus.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Lieut. N. F. Hart.) together with unrelated British War Medal 1914-18 (1453 W.O. Cl. 2. A. Green. 23-Lond. R.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Lt. N. F. Hart, 42/Cavy.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, nearly very fine and better (10) £180-£220 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 28 June 1945 (Italy). M.I.D. London Gazette 11 January 1945 (Italy). Norman Foley Hart served with the 25th Royal Fusiliers as a Private in East Africa from 4 May 1915. He was commissioned into the Indian Army on 1 September 1916, serving initially with the 5th Infantry and then with the 25th Cavalry. He was attached to the 42nd Cavalry during operations in Afghanistan in 1919. He served with a Regular Army emergency commission in the Royal Army Service Corps during the Second War as Captain and Acting Major, was mentioned in despatches ‘in recognition of his gallant and distinguished services in Italy’ and subsequently received the M.B.E. For the campaign group awarded to the recipient’s son, see Lot 418.
Lot 173
A post-War M.B.E., Second War ‘North Africa Operations’ M.C. group of eight attributed to Major G. L. W. Street, Parachute Regiment and Army Air Corps, late Grenadier Guards The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1943’ and privately inscribed, ‘Lieut. G. L. W. Street, 3rd Batt. Parachute Regt., Jebel Alliliga, Feb. 26th.’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally good very fine or better (8) £1,600-£2,000 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1952. M.C. London Gazette 22 April 1943. The original recommendation for an immediate award states: ‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 26 February 1943 at Ragouret El Araan, Bou Arada (Tunisia Sheet 41, 7097). This officer saw a section moving across the rear of his H.Q. at 0615 hours and, thinking it was his own rear section moving into its alternative position, he went over to give them orders. It was still practically dark and as a result he walked straight into a German section and was taken prisoner. He was taken back to the platoon and ordered in French to lead them through the wire and keep away from British positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Street led the platoon straight to the wire of the nearest section post where they were heavily fired upon. The platoon dispersed and Lieutenant Street was left with one man to guard him. This man kept a pistol pressed into his back. Choosing his moment, this officer knocked his guard out with his fist, disarmed him and ran back to his own H.Q. He then led one of his sections in a charge on the enemy platoon whose positions he had noted. The German platoon was destroyed and 15 prisoners and an M.G. were taken. By his initiative, coolness and bravery this officer was an inspiration to all ranks.’ George Lewis William “Pat” Street was born at Mill Hill, London in March 1920 and was originally commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Grenadier Guards in November 1940. Advanced to Lieutenant in May 1942, he transferred to the Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps that August, and was serving in the 3rd Battalion at the time of winning his M.C. in Tunisia. Having then been wounded in the same theatre of war, he was advanced to Captain at the end of 1944 and was permitted to retain the honorary rank of Major in February 1947. Street was awarded his M.B.E. for services as a Press Officer in the Festival of Britain Office and died in a car accident in March 1979. Sold with two original pressed card identity discs (Street. G. L. W. 156041. C.E); and a comprehensive file of copied research.
Lot 248
Six: Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Blewitt, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, Egyptian Army and Chinese Labour Corps, who was mortally wounded in France in September 1917 India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, N.E. Frontier 1891 (Lieutt. A. Blewitt 4th Bn. K.R. Rif. C.); Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (Bimbashi Blewitt 3/Bn. E.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Lt. Col. A. Blewitt.); Ottoman Empire, Order of Mejidieh, Third Class neck badge, silver, gold and enamel; Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 5 clasps, Sudan 1897, Abu Hamed, The Atbara, Khartoum, Sudan 1899 (El Kaim Blewitt Bey. E.A.) clasps mounted in order as listed, nearly extremely fine (6) £3,600-£4,400 --- Order of Medjidieh London Gazette 11 March 1902. M.I.D. London Gazette 25 January 1898: ‘3rd Battalion Egyptian Army.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 24 May and 30 Sept. 1898: ‘brevet Major.’ Arthur Blewitt was born at Pinner, Middlesex, on 19 February 1861. He was educated at Eton and was gazetted to his first commission in the West Yorkshire Militia in 1881 and transferred to the 4th Battalion 60th Rifles later, in 1883 at Ferozepore, India. He served in India and Burma until 1893, having in 1891 taken part in the Manipur Expedition. In 1897 Blewitt was selected for service with the Egyptian Army, and took part in the Nile Expedition of 1897, being present at the action of Abu Hamed (mentioned in despatches), also the Nile Expedition of 1898 and was present at the battle of Atbara and capture of Khartoum (twice mentioned in despatches). He again served in the Nile Expedition of 1899, when he received the third class Order of the Medjidieh. He was selected by Lord Kitchener as Governor of Fashoda 1900-02 and Gezira 1902 - a post he held with much success until 1903, when he re-joined his regiment at Malta and retired in 1905. Blewitt was a keen sportsman, big game hunter and traveller, frequently having shooting expeditions in India, Burma, Tibet, North America, South Africa and New Zealand. He was so attracted to New Zealand that he settled there, buying a farm at Teneko in 1905. Being a gallant Englishman, he returned to England to the call of duty at the outbreak of the Great War and volunteered for service. In September 1914, he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel to command 13th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifles, which he successfully did in the U.K. until June 1915. He was in charge of training camps and was subsequently sent to China to recruit a team of coolies to work in France, bringing them back to Europe in a chartered steamer. Lieutenant-Colonel Blewitt died of wounds received in an air raid while commanding a Chinese Labour Battalion at Andrique, France on 4th September 1917, aged 56. Sold with research saved to CD and an original portrait photograph by Russell & Sons of Southsea.
Lot 287
Eight: Major F. D. Rouffignac, Royal Welch Fusiliers 1914 Star (Lieut: F. D. Rouffignac. R.W. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. F. D. Rouffignac.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, the reverse officially dated 1945, mounted on card for display, very fine (8) £460-£550 --- Frank Danton Rouffignac was born on 21 July 1891 in Toxteth, Liverpool. His father was a cabinet maker. He joined the 4th (Denbighshire) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 18 October 1912, stating on his enlistment form that he had been educated at Oulton School and was then an Undergraduate at Liverpool University. He proceeded to France with the 4th Battalion on 6 November 1914, serving there until May 1915 when he was invalided. In August 1915 he undertook a musketry course and in October a bombing course. In July 1917 he went to Palestine, joining the 25th Battalion, until January 1918. His papers record a gun shot wound to the right leg sustained at Beit-in el-Fokker on 31 October 1917. His Great War service earned him a 1914 Star trio and a Silver War Badge. He was resident at Jerjung, Argentine Republic from June 1920 to December 1925. In May 1926 he served at Orford Barracks, Warrington with the S. Lancs Infantry Brigade as an Intelligence Officer during ‘a time of civil riot and disturbance.’ Then, from 1926 to 1931 he was resident in West Africa and French West Africa where he offered his services to the Nigerian Defence Force. Rouffignac joined the T.A. in 1936 and was recalled to service in the R.E. Movement Control Section in February 1940, initially in Northern Ireland. He later served in N.W. Ports before joining H.Q. 21st Army Group in September 1944. On the same date he was transferred to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration on 12 April 1945 and his Mention in Dispatches on 8 November 1945 for gallant and distinguished services in N.W. Europe. Major Rouffignac died on 21 March 1967. Sold with copied research including record of service which confirms all campaign medals.
Lot 324
Three: Lieutenant J. L. King, Somerset Light Infantry, later Royal Engineers 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. J. L. King. Som. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut J. L. King) nearly extremely fine Three: Private E. H. Thompson, Machine Gun Corps British War and Victory Medals (34400 Pte. E. H. Thompson. M.G.C.) in named card box of issue; Defence Medal, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr. E. H. Thompson, 2 Ridge Avenue, Letchworth, Hertfordshire’, traces of adhesive to reverse of DM, otherwise nearly extremely fine (6) £70-£90 --- James Lawrence King was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Somerset Light Infantry on 16 September 1914 and served with the 7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 20 November 1915. He was employed with the Army Signalling Service from 8 February 1916, before transferring to the Royal Engineers. Appointed Temporary Lieutenant on 15 June 1919, he relinquished his commission on 15 September 1921, retaining the rank of Lieutenant. Ernest Henry Thompson attested for the Machine Gun Corps on 5 May 1917, and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front. He was discharged on 15 November 1917, on account of being permanently physically unfit, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, No. 302,670.
Lot 331
Three: Private J. Ince, Hampshire Regiment 1914-15 Star (330208 Pte. J. Ince. Hamps. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1379 Pte. J. Ince. Hamps. R.) mounted as worn, very fine Three: Sergeant H. Sheridan, Middlesex Regiment, who was taken Prisoner of War British War and Victory Medals (L-9080 Cpl. H. Sheridan Midd’x R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (6188392 Sjt. H. Sheridan. Midd’x R.); together with a Middlesex Regiment cap badge and a postcard photograph of the recipient, good very fine (6) £80-£100 --- Henry Sheridan attested for the Middlesex Regiment and served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914 (also entitled to a 1914 Star). His Medal Index Card notes that he was captured and taken Prisoner of War; most likely he was taken Prisoner of War at Mons in 1914, one of 397 ‘Regulars’ of the Regiment (approximately half a Battalion) who were taken Prisoner of War prior to Christmas Day 1914.
Lot 348
Three: Lieutenant C. Pestalozzi, Australian Imperial Force, who within a matter of weeks survived the sinking of both the Royal Edward and the Southland, both of which were torpedoed by the German submarine U-14 1914-15 Star (6261 Sjt. C. Pestalozzi. 16/A.S.C. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. C. Pestalozzi. A.I.F.); together with the recipient’s Silver War Badge, the reverse numbered ‘A36737’, good very fine (3) £140-£180 --- Conrad Pestalozzi was born in Davos, Switzerland, in 1883, and having emigrated to Australia attested for the Australian Imperial Force at Perth on 10 March 1915. Posted to the 16th Army Service Corps Company, he was promoted Sergeant and embarked from Melbourne for Egypt on 22 May 1915. Promoted Staff Sergeant on 1 August 1915, he was aboard the freighter the Royal Edward when she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-14 in the Aegean Sea and sank with the loss of 864 men; a contemporary newspaper account states that the recipient was in the water for close to 4 hours before being picked up. On 30 August 1915, Pestalozzi embarked in the Southland from Egypt bound for Gallipoli. On the morning of 2 September 1915, 65km south of Lemnos, the ship was torpedoed, again by the U-14, and sank with the loss of 36 lives. Picked-up, he landed at Gallipoli, and was hospitalised with dysentery on 15 October 1915. Recovering, Pestalozzi proceeded to France, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 12 August 1916. He was promoted Lieutenant with the 7th Australian Remount Unit on 13 October 1916, and having been hospitalised again, this time with malaria, he was discharged on medical grounds on 19 December 1917, and was awarded a Silver War Badge. He died in Perth, W.A., in 1966. Sold with a ‘Rising Sun’ cap badge; Imperial League Returned Sailors and Soldiers Badge, the reverse numbered ‘28860’; an A.I.F. Returned from Active Service Badge, the reverse officially numbered ‘76684’; and copied research.
Lot 365
Pair: Lieutenant F. Roberts, East Kent Regiment British War and Victory Medals (G-18346 Pte. F. Roberts. E. Kent R.) very fine 1914-15 Star (3) (Lieut. J. B. Andrews. R. Scots.; 2238 Pte. A. Spong. Leic: R.; 3-8160 Pte. F. J. L. Durrant. Dorset: R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (.17-... Pte. R. S. Law. R. Ir. Rif.) heavy pitting and edge bruising to last that has partially obscured number, otherwise generally nearly very fine and better £140-£180 --- Frank Roberts attested for the East Kent Regiment and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front. He was subsequently commissioned Second Lieutenant, but presumably given the rank on his pair did not serve overseas as an Officer. J. B. Andrews was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Scots and served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre from 10 August 1915. He subsequently transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps and served as an Acting Captain with the Camel Transport. Albert Edwin Spong was born in Belgrave, Leicestershire, in 1886 and attested for the Leicestershire Regiment at Leicester on 10 August 1914, having previously served with the Militia. He served with the 1st/4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 2 March 1915, and was wounded by gun shot to the head on 2 May 1915. He was subsequently killed in action at the Hohenzollern Redoubt during the Battle of Loos on 13 October 1915, on which date the battalion suffered total casualties of 20 officers and 453 other ranks killed. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Lewis Frederick James Durrant was born in Sherborne, Dorset, in 1875 and was a special reservist in the National Reserve, having previously served in the Dorset Yeomanry. He served with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 January 1915, and died of wounds on 22 February 1915. He is buried in Wulverghem Cemetery. Robert Sydney Law was born in Belfast in 1896 and attested for the Royal Irish Rifles on 27 October 1914. He served with the 10th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 October 1915, and was wounded on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, on which date the Battalion was involved in an attack on the Schwaben Redoubt in Thiepval Wood, with the fighting described by one soldier as ‘a Belfast riot on top of Mount Vesuvius.’ Battalion casualties that day were 117 men killed and several hundred wounded. Law was amongst those wounded, and was evacuated to England, where his left arm was ultimately amputated. He was medically discharged on 14 March 1918, and was awarded a Silver War Badge no. 353,320. Sold with copied research.
Lot 367
Five: Private M. V. Steele, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders British War and Victory Medals (2927 Pipr. M. S. Steele. 9 Q.O.C.H.) these both renamed; Defence and War Medals 1939-45 (2921944 M. V. Steele. Cameron Hdrs.) these both privately impressed; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, with Second and Third Additional Award Bars (2921955 Pte. M. V. Steele. Camerons) mounted as worn, nearly very fine Three: Signalman D. P. Hawkins, Royal Corps of Signals, who died in North Africa on 30 December 1942 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Army Council enclosure, in card box of issue addressed to ‘Mrs. D. G. Hawkins, 13, Parsons Green Lane, Fulham, London, SW6’, good very fine Five: Attributed to Private T. H. Jones, Royal Army Service Corps 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; together with the recipient’s Soldier’s Service and Pay Book, good very fine Six: Attributed to P. O. Bell 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn; together with a Lagos Caledonian Society Past Chieftain’s Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, the reverse engraved ‘P. O. Bell 1970/71, 1971/72’, good very fine One: E. G. Brotherhood, Home Guard Defence Medal; together with the recipient’s Home Guard Certificate, named to Edgar Geoffrey Brotherhood, and dated 7 November 1941 to 31 December 1944; and various postcard photographs. extremely fine One: I. Johnson Defence Medal, with Home Secretary’s enclosure, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr. I. Johnson, 71 Southover, Bromley, Kent’; together with the recipient’s St. John Re-examination Cross, silvered, the reverse engraved ‘A108538 Isaac W. Johnson’, with 13 bronze date bars for 1950 to 1962 inclusive, good very fine (22) £100-£140 --- Douglas Percy Hawkins was born in Fulham, London, and served with the Royal Signals during the Second World War in North Africa. He died on 30 December 1942 and is buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.
Lot 444
Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (19 Pte. T. Pickett. Rifle Bde.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (Capt. L. G. Treadwell. Warwick.) the riband surmounted with a Royal Warwickshire cap badge, the first with contact marks and polished, therefore nearly very fine; the second nearly extremely fine (2) £80-£100 --- Thomas Pickett was born in Bethnal Green, London, in 1866 and attested for the Rifle Brigade at Woolwich on 15 February 1889. He serve with the 2nd Battalion in the the Nile Expedition of 1898 (Medal); during the Occupation of Crete from 21 September to 1 October 1898, and in South Africa during the Boer War from 2 October 1899 to 26 April 1900, and again from 3 September 1900 to 24 September 1902 (Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps for Defence of Ladysmith and Transvaal; and King’s South Africa with both date clasps). He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, together with a gratuity of £5, per Army Order 242 of 1907, and was discharged on 21 May 1910, after 21 years and 96 days’ service. Sold with copied record of service and medal roll extracts. Lionel George Newson Treadwell was born in Norwich on 24 June 1895 and attested for the 16th Battalion, London Regiment, on 4 August 1914, having previously served with the Royal West Surrey Militia. He served during the Great War on the Western Front from 1 November 1914, and was slightly wounded on 23 January 1915. He was medically discharged due to sickness on 15 May 1915, and was awarded a Silver War Badge. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, on 8 July 1915, and was admitted to hospital on 4 January 1917 suffering from a gunshot wound to his arm (accidental whilst on leave). He subsequently served with the Territorial Army Reserve of Officers, and relinquished his commission having exceeded the age limit on 24 August 1946, being granted the honorary rank of Major. Sold with copied research.
Lot 488
Miscellaneous Badges: Royal Army Medical Corps Officer’s Service Dress, King’s Crown, cap badge with two blade fittings; Middlesex Volunteer Regiment patinated bronze cap badge, with two lugs; County of Middlesex St. John Ambulance War Service pendant badge, gilt metal and enamels, numbered to reverse ‘3592’; Defence Medal (2); War Medal 1939-45, the last lacking suspension rod, otherwise very fine (6) £50-£70 --- Accompanied by a handwritten note indicating that the badges are attributable to a Captain R. Stewart Barnes, R.A.M.C., and who was Commandant of the Durham House Hospital, and Ambulance Fleet, Middlesex, in the Great War
Lot 522
The mounted group of fifteen miniature dress medals worn by Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Karslake, K.C.B, K.C.S.I., C.M.G., D.S.O., Colonel Commandant, Royal Artillery, who was hailed as the ‘Hero of the Quetta Earthquake’ and, in 1940, was briefly recalled to help with the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk, where he was the General Officer Commanding British troops in France immediately after the evacuation The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (Military) silver-gilt and enamels; The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, silver-gilt and enamels; The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, breast badge gold and enamels with gold ribbon buckle; Distinguished Service Order, V.R., gold and enamels; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902; 1914 Star, with clasp; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves; 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, breast badge, silver and enamels, these all mounted as worn, together with a very fine miniature breast star of the K.C.S.I. in silver, silver-gilt and enamels, the central star set with small stones and with pin fitting to reverse, good very fine (16) £500-£700 --- K.C.B. London Gazette 11 May 1937. K.C.S.I. London Gazette 19 November 1935. C.B. London Gazette 1 March 1929. C.M.G. London Gazette 3 June 1916. D.S.O. London Gazette 26 June 1902. M.I.D. London Gazette 10 September 1901; 17 January 1902. M.I.D. London Gazette 17 February 1915; 1 January and 15 June 1916; 4 January, 15 May and 11 December 1917; 20 May and 20 December 1918; 5 July 1919. Henry Karslake was born on 10 February 1879, son of Lewis Karslake. He was educated at Harrow, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and joined the 83rd Field Battery 23 June, 1898, and was posted to “T” Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, in 1901. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, and took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June); in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 20 August 1900; again in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to January 1902, and March to 23 May 1902; also during the operations in Orange River Colony, January to March, 1902 (Despatches twice; Queen's Medal with four clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order ‘In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa’, and was invested by the King on 24 October 1902. He was promoted to Lieutenant, 16 February 1901, and to Captain 20 December 1905, and posted on promotion to the 100th Battery, R.F.A. 1906; was Officer, Company of Gentleman Cadets, Royal Military College, 20 February 1907 to 19 February 1911; posted to the 116th Battery, R.F.A., in 1911; was a Staff College student, 1912-13. He was posted to the 129th Howitzer Battery, 1914; served in the European War from 1914; became Major 30 October 1914; was Brigade Major, R.A., 6th Division, B.E.F., 9 December 1914 to 22 February 1915; Brigade Major, R.A., 12th Division, New Armies, B.E.F., 6 March to 16 August 1915; GSO2, 3rd Army, B.E.F., British Armies in France, 17 August 1915 to 26 June 1916; G.S.O.1, 50th Division, British Armies in France, 27 June 1916 to 15 September 1917; G.S.O.1, 4th Division, British Armies in France, 16 September 1917 to 4 August 1918; G.S.O.1, Tank Corps, British Armies in France, 5 August to 25 October 1918; Brigade General, General Staff, Tank Corps, British Armies in France, 26 October 1918 to 1 April 1919; G.S.O.1, Southern Division, British Army of the Rhine. He was mentioned in Despatches; was given the Brevets of Lieutenant Colonel, 1 January 1917, and Colonel, 3 January 1919; was created a C.M.G. in 1916, and was given the Legion d'Honneur. Kerslake was appointed G.S.O.1 at H.Q., Peshawar, 1920-23, and held the same position at the War Office, 1923-25; Colonel on the Staff, Southern Command, 1925-28; Brigadier R.A., Western Command India, 1928-31; A.D.C. to the King, 1930-31; Major-General, 1931; Major-General R.A., Army Headquarters, India, 1933; Commandant, Baluchistan District, India, 1933-35. Karslake's most testing time came in Quetta when, in 1935, there was an enormous and terrible earthquake, at just after 3am on the night of 31 May. The earthquake devastated Quetta, killing at least 20,000 people. It was one of the worst natural disasters of the 20th century. Although the earthquake destroyed Quetta, the military cantonment and the Military Staff College were left standing. While some of the soldiers were killed, most of the 12,000 troops were on the spot to take part in rescue and relief work. Within three hours of the earthquake, Karslake had divided up the devastated area, allocated troops to each section and deployed them to start their work. They did everything possible: providing rescue, moving in supplies, keeping law and order, running postal and medical services and setting up a refugee camp on the racecourse. It was one of the quickest and most efficient disaster operations that had ever been implemented. The credit for organising the army effort was largely due to Henry Karslake. The soldiers worked in dreadful conditions with epidemic disease a constant threat. For Karslake it was his finest hour. He retired a year later but was briefly recalled to help with the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk in 1940, where he was the General Officer Commanding British troops in France immediately after the evacuation. He died two years later, on 19 October 1942. General Karslake married, in 1905, Florence Cecil, daughter of Vice Admiral E. Rooke, and they had two sons. For the recipient’s full sized medals, see Lot 162.
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