There are 116692 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribeArmy Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (30412 Exp: S.Mjr. B. Rawlins. R.F.A.) light contact marks, very fine, scarce to rank £70-£90 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1919. Bertram Rawlins was awarded the M.S.M. for home service in the New Year’s Honours List of 1919, his rank of Experimental Sergeant Major being particularly uncommon.
A Great War ‘Battle of the Somme’ M.C. awarded to Captain H. J. Smith, Royal Army Medical Corps, attached 21st (County of London) Battalion (First Surrey Rifles), London Regiment, for his gallantry at Warlencourt on 8 October 1916 Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse contemporarily engraved ‘Capt. H. J. Smith 21st. London 8th. 10th. 1916.’, good very fine £500-£700 --- M.C. London Gazette 16 August 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He followed his battalion in the attack, and attended to the wounded all day and night under very heavy fire of every description. It was due to his courage and splendid devotion that so many of the wounded were brought in.’ Henry Joste Smith, a native of Heckington, Lincoln, was commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force) and served with the 1/2 East Anglian Field Ambulance during the Great War in the Egyptian theatre of War from 31 December 1915 (therefore just qualifying for a 1914-15 Star). Proceeding to the Western Front in 1916, he was attached to the 21st Battalion (First Surrey Rifles), London Regiment on the Somme, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at Warlencourt on 8 October 1916, the Battalion’s final action of the Battle of the Somme. Sold with copied research.
A Great War M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant-Commander S. H. Fish, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Commanding Hood Battalion, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, who was killed in action in the attack on Loupart Wood on 25 August 1918 Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Ty. Sub. Lieut. S. H. Fish, R.N.V.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lt. Commr. S. H. Fish. R.N.V.R.) mounted court-style for display, extremely fine (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1918. Sidney Howard Fish was born in 1894, the only son of J. Fish Esq., Superintendent of the Blackburn Philanthropic Assurance Company, and was educated at Ashland High School under Rev. Owen Davies. Matriculating from school, he took up an appointment in the Wigan branch of the Union Bank of Manchester in Ashton-in-Makerfield. On the outbreak of hostilities, he immediately enlisted as an ordinary seaman in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and on 31 January 1915, after intensive training, was granted a commission as a Temporary Sub-Lieutenant in the newly formed Royal Naval Division where he was appointed to the Hood Battalion. On 28 February 1915, the Division sailed from Avonmouth with young Sidney Fish comfortably berthed aboard the Cunard Liner, S.S. Iverna, en route to Port Said and Lemnos, their ultimate destination, unknown to them, Gallipoli. The morning of 25 April 1915 saw the Anson and Plymouth battalions participate in the six-point attack on Cape Helles. The Division's first Victoria Cross was won by a sub-lieutenant of Anson during the beaching of the famous collier S.S. River Clyde. Further north, the 1st brigade, overshadowed by Australians and New Zealanders, landed at Gaba Tepe, better known as Anzac Cove. By 4 May the entire division including the Hood Battalion was ashore and Sidney Fish was immediately pitched into action in the desperate battle of Krithia on 4 June in which the Royal Naval Division was involved in fierce fighting during the attack on the Turkish defences before Krithia in which the Collingwood Battalion was all but annihilated. Miraculously Lieutenant Fish escaped the carnage unscathed but the casualties incurred throughout the Royal Naval Division were so great that it necessitated the disbanding of the all but annihilated Collingwood and Benbow Battalions, their remaining officers and men being assimilated into the other Battalions of the Division. After the evacuation at the end of December, the 1st and 2nd brigades garrisoned the islands of Lemnos, Imbros and Tenedos, whilst the 3rd brigade saw more active service on the Salonika front. In May 1916, however, the division sailed for France to become part of the B.E.F. and was renamed the 63rd (R.N.) Division, being brought up to strength by the addition of the 190th or Army Brigade. This consisted of the 1st H.A.C., 4th Bedfords, 7th Royal Fusiliers and the 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Sidney Fish, recently promoted to Lieutenant joined his comrades in this entirely new theatre of war. At the end of September 1916, after a period of acclimatisation in a 'quiet sector' of the Western Front, the Division moved south to take part in the Somme offensive. At 5.45 a.m. on 13 November both Royal Naval brigades scrambled form their jumping-off bays and, in spite of heavy casualties, stormed three lines of German trenches. They were relieved two days later, having taken more prisoners and advanced further than any other division. In the fierce fighting to capture the German positions, Sidney Fish, like many of his comrades, was severely wounded and invalided back to England to recover from his wounds. Whilst on leave in England recovering from his wounds, he married, in January 1917, Miss Sylvia Hilton, youngest daughter of James Hilton, a mining engineer. In April 1917, the division entrained for the Arras area in preparation for yet another offensive. On St. George's Day, 1917, at first light, as the barrage lifted, the British armies attacked on a nine-mile front. The Royal Naval Division, despite stiff resistance, took all their objectives - one Anson platoon continued to hold theirs against thirteen separate counter-attacks. Later that year, the division was switched to the north and on 26th October, in the ghastly Passchendaele offensive, the 1st and 2nd Royal Marines, Howe and Anson battalions attached, struggling forward sometimes waist deep in mud, against withering machine gun and rifle fire. At the end of 1917 the 63rd Royal Naval Division held the infamous Flesquières Salient, which pushed out into the enemy lines and was always subjected to marked attention from German artillery, machine guns and snipers. Just before Christmas, in an action lasting 30 hours, determined attacks on Welsh Ridge (one of the features of the salient) cost the division 65 officers and 1,355 men, killed, wounded and missing. It was during this bitter fighting that Sidney Fish's leadership and gallantry were brought to notice in the course of one such particularly violent attack by the enemy. When his Battalion Commander and a number of officers were wounded during the early stages of the attack, command of the Battalion devolved on young Sidney Fish who by his outstanding leadership, managed to successfully fight off the German assault, whilst at the same time inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers. For his steadfastness on this occasion he was recommended for award of the Distinguished Service Order but this was downgraded to that of the award of the Military Cross which was gazetted on 1 January 1918. Promotion quickly followed and young twenty-three year old found himself advanced to the position of second-in-command of his Battalion as Temporary Lieutenant-Commander. Taking up his new appointment, he was soon called into action. Three months later, in the great German Spring offensive of March 1918, the division continued to hold the Flesquières Salient whilst units on their flanks were overrun or destroyed. Finally, at 7 a.m. on Sunday 24 March, as the British Fifth Army continued to retreat, the six battalion commanders of the division, in the absence of any contact with higher command, ordered a withdrawal to avoid capture or certain annihilation. After quickly exhausting all its remaining reserves of men and material in this final effort, the German offensive finally petered out; the advance was held and on 8 August 1918, the British counter-offensive commenced. During the German retreat, the Royal Naval Division were ordered to advance on the Grevillers-Loupart Wood section of the front, with the Hood Battalion as part of the 189th Brigade of the Royal Naval Division, immediately north-west of Loupart Wood. Just prior to the proposed attack of 24 August, Commander Egerton of the Hood Battalion, succeeded temporarily to the command of the 189th Brigade, leaving the twenty-three year old Lieutenant-Commander Sydney Fish to take over command of the Hood. On the morning of 25 August, a heavy mist delayed the impending attack of the 189th and 190th Brigades. In the thick mist, the 188th Brigade made good progress but the 189th Brigade on the right of the attack came up against a heavily defended enemy trench system facing the south-west corner of Loupart Wood. This was to be the scene of vigourous resistance, entailing grievous losses to the Hawke and particularly the Hood Battalion. Here fell the two Battalion Commanders, Commander Jones of the Hawke and Lieutenant-Commander Fish of the Hood, both survivors of many more desperate encounters. Taking cover in the numerous shell holes the Hood Battalion set to work with their Lewis Guns to master the enemy's fire. At about noon the German resistance broke and Sidney Fish urged his men forward to secure the German machine-gun lined trenches. Th...
Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2) (4240. Gunr. F. Sargeant. K/B. R.H.A.; 1129 Sert. John F. Blackmore C RHA) first engraved, second impressed, nearly very fine and better (2) £120-£160 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- John F. Blackmore was born in Tonnington, Devon, in 1829, and served with the Royal Horse Artillery during the Crimean War. He was discharged at Aldershot after 21 years’ service on 21 May 1869.
The British War Medal 1914-20 awarded to Lieutenant T. J. J. Fenwick, 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force, late Private Middlesex Regiment, a D.H.4 observer who served with the ‘Ace’ Captain G. W. F. Darvill, M.C., D.F.C for at least 2 of his victories in 1918. A pre-war employee of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, Fenwick returned to banking with them in Hong Kong during the Second World War. He was present at the Fall of Hong Kong, and made a daring escape from the Japanese via a Sampan with another banker British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. J. J. [sic] Fenwick. R.A.F.) good very fine £120-£160 --- Thomas James Johnston Fenwick (also listed as ‘James Johnston Fenwick’) was born in Chicago, United States of America in November 1895, and resided at 38 Jay Street, Perth, Scotland. He was employed as a Bank Clerk by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in London, and initially served during the Great War as a Private in the 16th (Service) Battalion (Public Schools), Middlesex Regiment in the French theatre of war from 17 November 1915. Fenwick was commissioned in to the Royal Scots Fusiliers in August 1916, before transferring to the 3rd Battalion, Royal Scots, and then to the Royal Air Force in May 1918. After carrying out initial training as an Observer, he was posted for operational flying to 18 Squadron in France. The Squadron flew DH.4’s on bombing raids, and Fenwick found himself crewed on several occasions with the ‘Ace’ Captain G. W. F. Darvill, M.C., D.F.C. Fenwick flew with Darvill for 2 of his 9 victories, on 9 and 12 August 1918. The Combat Report for the latter adds the following detail: ‘Whilst returning from bombing Somain this E.A. disengaged himself from a formation of about 15-20 E.A. He dived on the tail of my machine from 300’ above. My Observer [Fenwick] opended fire with a double (speeded up) Lewis gun firing 2 drums. The E.A. went down completely out of control in a steep, fast spin from which he was never seen to recover. This combat was seen and is confirmed by Lieut. Christie of No. 22 Squadron, R.A.F.’ After the war Fenwick returned to the employment of the bank, and was stationed in Hong Kong during the Second World War. He was present during the fall of Hong Kong to the Japanese, and like many European bankers was kept out of the Stanley Civilian Internment Camp for several months. This was done to enable the liquidation of the banks’ assets in favour of Japanese financial institutions. Men like Fenwick were used to sign bank notes, and such notes signed after the fall of Hong Kong became known as ‘duress notes’ as they were signed under compulsion. This caused concern in London, and a plan to smuggle out bankers with signing authority was formed. Agents of the British Army Aid Group were used to approach the civilians in secret, and Fenwick was one such banker. The following is given the accompanying article, The Dark World’s Fire: Tom and Lena Edgar in War: ‘Members of HKSBC had also been kept out of Stanley. They were living in a waterfront hotel, formerly a brothel, while they helped the conquerors loot the Bank’s holdings, a process which they did what they could to frustrate. Every morning they were marched to work from their squalid accommodation. Although they were working under duress - threats were made to themselves and their families if they refused to co-operate - they were treated well by the civilian Japanese staff supervising them. Two bankers, T. J. J. Fenwick and J. A. D. Morrison, made a daring escape to freedom with the help of Chinese operatives - ironically these pillars of finance capital were almost certainly assisted by the communist East River guerillas, whose columns formed the most powerful force of the anti-Japanese resistance in Hong Kong and the adjacent area. The bankers carried with them important financial information which they passed on to the British authorities.’ Fenwick and Morrison escaped by Sampan to Free China, and from there back to the UK. Fenwick returned to Hong Kong in 1949, and continued to work for the bank. He retired and split his time between Cape Town, South Africa and Perth, Scotland. Fenwick died in South Africa in March 1985. Sold with extensive copied research.
Three: Private W. E. Lynch, Army Ordnance Corps 1914 Star (S-7929 Pte. W. E. Lynch. A.O.C.); British War and Victory Medals (7929 Pte. W. E. Lynch. A.O.C.) good very fine (3) £70-£90 --- W. E. Lynch attested for the Army Ordnance Corps and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 29 October 1914. He subsequently transferred to the Army Service Corps.
Pair: Lieutenant-Colonel H. Allan, M.C., Royal Army Medical Corps, late British Red Cross and Order of St. John of Jerusalem British War and Victory Medals (H. Allan., B.R.C. & St. J.J.) nearly extremely fine (2) £80-£100 --- M.C. London Gazette 11 July 1940. Hamish Allan was born in 1896 and was educated at Beadles School, Petersfield, and the University of Glasgow. He served as an Ambulance Driver and Dresser with the 1st British Ambulance Unit, British Red Cross Society during the Great War in Italy, and was wounded in action. Subsequently commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps on 4 September 1939, he served during the Second World War as a Lieutenant-Colonel, being both Mentioned in Despatches for his services in Italy (London Gazette 24 August 1944), and was awarded the Military Cross. During the 1930s he was part-time aviator. Sold with copied research.
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Talana, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (5112 Pte. W. Steward. Rl: Dublin Fus:) minor edge nicks, good very fine £240-£280 --- William Steward was born in Dublin in 1875 and attested for the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on 2 July 1894, having previously served in the Regiment’s 3rd Militia Battalion. He served with the 2nd Battalion in India from 10 February 1896 to 17 May 1897, and then in South Africa from 18 May 1897 to 20 October 1902, seeing active service in South Africa throughout the Boer War (also entitled to a King’s South Africa Medal with both date clasps). He Transferred to the Army Reserve on 21 October 1902, and was discharged on 1 July 1906, after 12 years’ service. Sold with copied service papers and medal roll extract.
Regimental Sweetheart Brooches with Old Comrades Association and Regimental Lapel Insignia. A good selection of Regimental Sweetheart Brooches including 15th Hussars, Royal Artillery, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, Suffolk Regiment, The Kings Own, East Lancashire Regiment, Dorsetshire Regiment (2), Gloucestershire Regiment, East Surrey Regiment, Essex Regiment, Royal Berkshire Regiment, Royal Engineers (2), Artist’s Rifles, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Army Medical Corps (2) one in sterling Silver, Royal Corps of Signals marked Silver. Royal Artillery, Auxiliary Territorial Service, Light Infantry, Parachute Regiment modern, with regimental association insignia to the Royal Marines King’s Crown numbered 35855, North Staffordshire Old Comrades Association, British Imperial Old Comrades Association, Old Contemptibles Association Bronze, Old Contemptibles Association gilded with enamels with unusual screw post back, Rifle Brigade Association with King’s crown, some pins missing, some slightly damaged, otherwise generally very good condition (28) £70-£90 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK ---
Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (158096 Gnr: -A.Ftr: S.Sjt.- J. E. Moss. R.G.A.) lacquered, very fine £60-£80 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 18 January 1919. John Edward Moss served in France as Gunner from 21 April 1915. Raised Acting Fitter Staff Sergeant, he was posted to the Western Front with 1/1. North Riding Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, and was awarded the M.S.M. in ‘Gazette 60’. Disembodied on 28 January 1919, he is today remembered on a list of men from West Wales (Pembrokeshire) who gained gallantry awards during the Great War for deeds of bravery and devotion to duty.
Buttons. A good selection of Great War Territorial Army Infantry and other Military Buttons, over two cards, including Northern Cyclists, Huntingdon Cyclists, Kent Cyclists, Guards MG Regiment, Household Battalion, 1st to 3rd Birmingham Battalions, etc., generally good condition (68) £50-£70
Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (7876696 Cpl. P. C. Adams. R. Tank C.) good very fine £60-£80 --- Peter Clark Adams was born in Kirkcaldy in 1897 and spent his childhood living at 23 Buchanan Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife. A coal miner by trade, he attested for the Royal Tank Corps at Edinburgh on 22 May 1924 and was discharged at Barnet on 25 May 1940.
Family Group: A fine Great War O.B.E., scarce Warrant Officer’s ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Captain J. J. Bulman, Royal Engineers, later Royal Signals, who was three times Mentioned in Despatches The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R.; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (... J. J. Bulman. R.E.) engraved naming; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (... 2nd. Corpl: J. Bulman. R.E.); 1914 Star, with clasp; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. J. J. Bulman.) all mounted for display in an illustrated and informative octagonal glazed display frame, together with a Royal Engineers cap badge, light contact marks, very fine and better Three: Lieutenant J. R. Bulman, 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps, who was Mentioned in Despatches and died of wounds in Normandy on 12 August 1944 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, wth M.I.D. oak leaf, with named condolence slip, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. R. A. F. Bulman, Roylands, Croyde Bay, Braunton, N. Devon’, extremely fine (10) £1,400-£1,800 --- Note: The medals awarded to Captain John James Bulman have not been removed from the display frame for inspection, and not all the naming details are visible. Consequently, this lot is sold as viewed. O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1919: ‘For valuable services rendered in connection with military operations in France and Flanders.’ M.C. London Gazette 18 February 1915: ‘For services rendered in connection with Operations in the Field.’ John James Bulman attested for the Royal Engineers and served in South Africa during the Boer War with the Telegraph Battalion. He was later selected for appointment to the Sudan Government Telegraphs in Khartoum under Colonel E. V. Turner, and rapidly gained promotion to the rank of Inspector, returning home in 1910. Advanced Company Sergeant Major, Bulman served with the 3rd Light Railway Signal Company, Royal Engineers, during the Great War on the Western Front from 24 August 1914, and was Mentioned in Field Marshal Sir John French’s Despatch of 14 January 1915 (London Gazette 17 February 1915). Awarded a scarce Warrant Officer’s Military Cross, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 18 April 1915, and was promoted Lieutenant on 26 June 1915, and Captain on 11 June 1916. Twice further Mentioned by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig in his Despatches of 7 November 1917 and 8 November 1918 (London Gazettes 14 December 1917 and 23 December 1918), for his services during the Great War he was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1919 New Year’s Honours’ List. Post-War he served as Captain and Adjutant of the 54th East Anglian Divisional Signals (Territorial Army), and died in Devon on 16 June 1925. Sold with the recipient’s 1895 pattern Sword, by Wilkinson, London, numbered 50457 and etched ‘Royal Engineers’ on blade, with G.V.R. cypher to hilt, with leather scabbard ands sword knot. John Reginald Bulman, the son of Captain John James Bulman and his wife Rose Agatha Ford Bulman, was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps, on 12 March 1944. He served during the Second World War in North West Europe post-D-Day, and died of wounds in Normandy on 12 August 1944, aged 21, being posthumously Mentioned in Despatches ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe’ (London Gazette 10 May 1945). He is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery; his headstone reads: ‘John - So greatly loved and honoured. A very true, lovable and gallant scout.’ Sold with a Boy Scouts lapel badge This is an age restricted lot: the successful buyer will be required to either collect in person, or arrange specialist shipping.
Pair: Private J. Houlton, Cheshire Regiment British War and Victory Medals (66698 Pte. J. Houlton, Ches. R.), together with fascia of named box of issue, very fine Pair: Private L. Dobson, Army Ordanance Corps British War and Victory Medals (025536 Pte. L. Dobson. A.O.C.) very fine British War Medal 1914-20 (2) (115513 Pte. A. Dobson. R.A.; DM2-137944 Pte. W. L. Dobson. A.S.C.) very fine (6) £60-£80
Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 3 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, The Nile 1884-85, Abu Klea (4778, Pte. G. Steele, 1/Scots Gds.) edge bruising and minor pitting, nearly very fine £600-£800 --- 4 officers and 80 other ranks of the 1st and 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards, were present at Abu Klea in the Guards Camel Regiment. George Steele was born in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, in 1859, and attested for the Scots Guards at Glasgow on 12 May 1879. His Army Service Record confirms entitlement to the Egypt and Sudan Medal with three clasps, and notes his discharge by purchase in London on 29 May 1885 upon payment of £11.
India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (3249: Drivr. C. R. Hunt “R” By R.H.A.) number officially corrected, good very fine £70-£90 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Cecil Robert Hunt, a groom and gardener, was born in Winchester in 1871 and attested for the Royal Artillery on 31 December 1889. Posted as Driver to “F” Battery, Royal Horse Artillery on 1 February 1895, he served in India from 17 September 1895 to 20 April 1898 and is confirmed on the roll as entitled to Medal and clasp. Invalided home to England in April 1898, his Army Service Record notes: ‘Killed accidentally at Blandford Camp 30/8/98’; his death occurred during manoeuvres and a commemorative headstone was later erected by his comrades and officers of the Regiment. Sold with copied research.
Pair: Gunner D. Crozier, Royal Field Artillery, who was killed in action on 22 April 1917 British War and Victory Medals (126172 Gnr. D. Crozier. R.A.) good very fine Pair: Gunner J. Patrickson, Royal Field Artillery, who died just a few weeks after the Armistice British War and Victory Medals (1436 Gnr. J. Patrickson. R.A.) very fine Pair: Corporal K. S. Phillips, Honourable Artillery Company (Artillery) British War and Victory Medals (624758 Cpl. K. S. Phillips. H.A.C.-Art.-) very fine and better Pair: Gunner C. Sinel, New Zealand Expeditionary Force British War and Victory Medals (50432 Gnr. C. Sinel. N.Z.E.F.) nearly very fine (8) £100-£140 --- David Crozier was born in Wigtownshire and was killed in action on 22 April 1917 whilst serving on the Western Front as Gunner with 43rd Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Aged 37 years, he is buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe. John Patrickson is noted upon his MIC as having died on 1 January 1919. Analysis of the UK, Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-29, confirms his death at No. 9 Casualty Clearing Station, Italy, whilst serving with the 48th Divisional Ammunition Column, R.F.A.
An extremely rare Second War ‘Special Forces’ D-Day and Normandy operations D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Telegraphist H. ‘Tosh’ Monks, Royal Navy and Airborne Troop of No. 1 Combined Operations Bombardment Unit (C.O.B.U.) Having made his first operational jump in support of the Allied invasion of Sicily, when he was deployed to Primosole Bridge, the scene of much bitter fighting, Monks was parachuted into Normandy in the early hours of 6 June 1944 and undertook vital naval bombardment observation duties in support of the Allied advance inland, on occasion working his wireless set in the open and under fire Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Tel. H. Monks, P/JX.321640); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (22202534 Cfn. H. Monks, R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear; together with his Airborne and R.N. shoulder patches and embroidered Para wings, nearly extremely fine (7) £20,000-£30,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- D.S.M. London Gazette 14 November 1944: ‘For gallantry, skill, determination and undaunted devotion to duty during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy.’ The original recommendation states: ‘Telegraphist Monks was dropped by parachute on the morning of “D” Day (6 June 1944) about 0040 hours and spent most of the morning on top of a tree. He finally reported to his Officer at about 1100 hours on 6 June 1944 at Headquarters 5 Parachute Brigade. On 7 June 1944 he was sent forward with a Company of the Royal Ulster Rifles to provide support for an attack on the villages of St Honorine La Chardonnerette and Herouvillette. In the Observation Post he was under continuous shell and mortar fire and he insisted on working his wireless set in the open in order to get better results with inter-ship communications. His conduct in the ensuing battle and in Herouvillette two days later has been exemplary and up to date, 30 June 1944, he has maintained a very high standard of conduct and wireless operation.’ Harry ‘Tosh’ Monks was a native of Stockport and served in the Royal Navy from November 1941 until March 1946. One of 12 volunteers, he joined the Airborne Troop of the Combined Operations Bombardment Unit (C.O.B.U.) in May 1943, a group comprising 6 Royal Navy Telegraphists, 3 Royal Artillery Bombardiers and 3 Royal Artillery Captains. Divided into three teams, and having undertaken parachute training at Ringway, their role was to man forward observation posts in support of naval bombardments; Monks undertook 17 jumps during his training. Monks’ first operational deployment was to Sicily in July 1943, when he and his team jumped on the Primosole Bridge, a key point in the battle for Catania. However, German paratroopers were also dropped on the bridge, and bitter fighting ensued. Shelled, mortared and attacked from the air, the British nonetheless held out and drove the Germans back, but when, at length, seven Italian battalions arrived on the scene, and ammunition was down to a few rounds, the small British force was compelled to withdraw, Monks among them. Monks’ next operational jump was over Normandy on the night of 5-6 June 1944, when he and his team were attached to the 6th Airborne Division and landed at Ranville. His team leader, Captain W. P. Ritchie, R.A., later wrote in a letter to Monks’ son: ‘Your father was one of my party in Normandy. I am Bill Ritchie and I led the party comprising Bombardier Duggie Clegg, and Telegraphist Tosh Monks, Jock MacDonald, Will Keyes and Pete Cutler. We all survived the assault except Pete Cutler who was killed. We were a naval bombardment observation unit to observe the fall of shot of naval ships - hence the naval telegraphists (the army signallers could not match the speed of the naval tels’). The assault had to depend on naval guns until the heavy army artillery and ammunition could get ashore. For that reason observation units (FOB’s) accompanied all assault divisions. Our lot were picked to go with 6th Airborne Div., and actually dropped with the 5th Parachute Brigade at Ranville and Le Mariquet. The allocations were actually made in 1943 and we did our parachute training together at Ringway and were fortunate in being kept together during all subsequent training and afterwards. You probably know the naval Tels wore Khaki but insisted on wearing their naval hats so we were an odd-looking lot. Our opening ship was H.M.S. Mauritius which carried 9 6-inch guns and could fire 5 aimed rounds per gun per minute. That’s 2 tons of high explosive a minute. We dropped at 12.40 a.m. on the morning of D-Day and were accurately placed except Duggie Clegg who was 12 miles adrift. It was dark of course, very confusing and noisy but all the OP’s were able to radio back to their ships at 6 a.m. that they were in position... I remember Tosh as small, dark, sharp as a knife and like us all he liked a good moan. He was also a very good signaller & could actually recognise which of the other Tels were sending messages. We lived together in an old Norman church tower, scrounged our rations and cooked them ourselves, and the Germans never managed to knock out our tower although they hit it often enough. Wherever we were sent we went as a unit, usually by jeep and eventually on foot. Tosh carried the wireless set and the rest of us carried spares, batteries, ariel wire, etc.’ Bill Ritchie also recalled the occasion that he and Monks had to run for their lives, having got lost too far forward. Monks - who had to carry the wireless set - was not amused and swore continuously throughout their hasty retreat. The subsequent recommendation for his D.S.M. was signed-off by Lieutenant-Colonel Sinclair, R.A., on 9 August 1944. Having been released from the Royal Navy in March 1946, Monks rejoined the armed services in March 1948, this time as a Craftsman in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and witnessed further active service in Malaya before taking his discharge in June 1953. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient; a letter from the recipient, dated 3 July 1978; and copied research, including the above-mentioned letter from Bill Ritchie.
India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Umbeyla (8 Drumr. W. Anderson. H.Ms. 101st. Regt.) minor edge bruising, polished, very fine £180-£220 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, July 2010. William Anderson was born in Meerut, India, on 19 September 1842 and attested for the 1st Bengal European Fusiliers as a Boy Soldier on his 14th birthday. Appointed a Drummer, he subsequently volunteered for continued service in the 101st Regiment of Foot after the 1st Bengal European Fusiliers’ transfer to the British Army in May 1861 and saw active service with the Regiment during the Umbeyla campaign on the North West Frontier, where during the course of the campaign the 101st Regiment of Foot suffered 3 officer and 19 other ranks killed, and 2 officers and 63 other ranks wounded. Promoted Corporal in August 1871, and Sergeant in January 1878, he was discharged unfit for further service on 4 October 1878, after 20 years and 4 days’ man’s service, of which over 16 years were spent soldiering overseas. Sold with copied service records and other research.
Royal Military College Sandhurst Prize Medal (2), 70mm, silver, unnamed; 44mm, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘Novices Competition 1923 Class A Middle Weight Winner R. H. B. Arkwright’, minor edge bruising to both, very fine and better (2) £60-£80 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 29 September 1943. The original recommendation by General B. L. Montgomery, G.O.C. Eighth Army, states: ‘During the Battles of Medenin-Mareth and Gabes Gap, Brigadier Arkwright rendered outstanding services. The success of these battles depended ultimately on our tank strength, and Brig. Arkwright’s duties took him all over the battle area, in exposed places and under fire. He carried out his duties to my entire satisfaction, and thereby contributed to the successes gained in these battles. He has been my Brigadier A.F.V. since August 1942, and has rendered distinguished services.’ D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 13 January 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘This officer was in Command of the 23rd Ard. Bde during the advance of 7 Arm. Div to Naples and to the R. Volturno. He has led his Bde. with great skill and dash to such good effect that his leading troops overcame all obstacles and captured Naples without a moments delay...’ Robert Harry Bertram Arkwright was born on 30 July 1903, a descendant of Richard Arkwright, the inventor of the Spinning Jenny, and was educated at Eton and the R.M.C., Sandhurst. Appointed to the 12th Royal Lancers in 1924, he served at the Staff College (Camberley) from 1934-35, and was employed as Brigade Major to the 1st Cavalry Brigade from 1936-39. Appointed G.S.O.2. at the War Office in 1939, he was made D.A.A.G. to 1st Armoured Division in France in 1940. Transferred as G.S.O.1. to 8th Armoured Division 1940-42, he was advanced Brigadier and placed in Command of 23rd Armoured Brigade from 1943-46. Awarded the D.S.O. and Second Award Bar for gallantry in the Middle East and Italy, he was further decorated with the C.B. on 21 June 1945 for ‘exceptional service’ during the Greek rebellion. Returned home to England, Arkwright ended an illustrious military career as Commander of the 56th (London) Armoured Division (T.A.) from 1946-49, and Commander of 7th Armoured Division from 1949-51. Sold with copied research.
Four: Sergeant F. George, Royal Army Service Corps 1914 Star, with clasp (T-21336 Sjt. F. George. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (T-21336 Sjt. F. George. A.S.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (T-956 Sjt. F. George. R.A.S.C.) some minor spotting, generally very fine (4) £140-£180 --- Frederick George attested for the Army Service Corps and served with the 4th Divisional Train during the Great War on the Western Front from 22 August 1914.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant C. Lester, Royal Horse Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (63158 Sjt: C. Lester. ‘I’ By: R.H.A.); 1914 Star, with clasp (63158 Gnr: C. Lester. R.H.A.); British War and Victory Medals (63158. Sjt. C. Lester. R.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (1035977 Sjt. C. Lester. M.M. R.A.) surname partially officially corrected on last, generally good very fine (5) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1916. Charles Lester attested for the Royal Horse Artillery and served with ‘I’ Battery, 7th Brigade during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 August 1914.
India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Lt. J. C. Maude, 57/Rfls. F.F.) mounted as worn, edge bruising, very fine £160-£200 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, July 2019. Jack Carstairs Maude was born in August 1899, and was the son of H. W. Maude of Clonakilty, County Cork. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Indian Army in August 1918, and posted to the 57th (Wilde’s Rifles) Frontier Force in February the following year. Maude advanced to Lieutenant in August 1918, and served with the Regiment in Afghanistan in 1919. The Regimental History gives the following for the period: ‘Desultory fighting continued to take place round the borders of the Kurram valley, a successful attack being carried out on Badama Post by the Kurram Militia. Up till now the battalion had taken no active part in the operations, but were “standing to” in case of emergency. On the 2nd of June, a small column, which included the battalion Stokes Mortar section under Lieutenant Maude, attacked the Afghan post of Kharlachi at dawn, capturing the post and burning some villages.’ Maude was attached as Quartermaster with the 2/55th (Coke’s Rifles) from October 1920. He returned to what was now designated the 4th Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Rifles (Wilde’s) in 1922, advanced to Captain and was transferred to the 2/13th FFR in August 1923. Maude subsequently served with the 10/13th FFR before resigning his commission in September 1930. He re-engaged for service during the Second War as a Lieutenant with the 9th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment in December 1939. Maude died at the Queen Inn, Burghclere, Hampshire, in March 1954.
A fine Waterloo C.B. pair awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Kuhlmann, who commanded the 9-pounder 2nd Horse Battery of the King’s German Artillery The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge, 22 carat gold and enamels, hallmarked London 1815, maker’s mark ‘IN’ for John Northam, complete with wide swivel-ring gold suspension and gold ribbon buckle; Waterloo 1815 (Capt. Henry Kuhlmann, King’s Germ. Artillery) fitted with original steel clip and ring suspension, contained in a fitted but repurposed Victorian leather case, the first with minor enamel damage, otherwise good very fine (2) £12,000-£16,000 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2014. Henry Jacob Kuhlmann joined the Horse Artillery of the King’s German Legion on 16 June 1804, and served in the expedition to Hanover in 1805-06, the campaign in Northern Germany in 1813-14, and in the Waterloo Campaign of 1815, where he commanded the 9-pounder Horse Battery. The battery arrived with the British Guards Division at the battlefield at four o’clock, from its quarters between Ath and Enghien. It had to hurry ahead of the infantry and take position directly in front of the Quatre Bras farm. It was just at this time that the enemy made his first forceful cavalry attack, which the battery’s fire helped drive back off the highway: ‘In an instant the whole mass appeared in irretrievable confusion; the road was literally strewed with corpses of these steel clad warriors and their gallant steeds; Kellerman himself was dismounted and compelled like many of his followers to retire on foot.’ (Siborne). After this first crisis had been met, the battery advanced with the infantry along the side of the Charleroi highway and had to keep firing at the enemy artillery until darkness set in. At Waterloo Kuhlmann’s Horse Battery, with Captain Sandham’s Foot Battery R.A., of the Guards Division, to which it belonged, had moved up onto the plateau behind Hougoumont, about 400 paces to the left of the farm. Right on half past eleven o’clock, it started firing at the advancing infantry, which was forced to move to the left behind the wood of Hougoumont, where it then began its attack. When, after several hours, the enemy cavalry spread out everywhere on the plateau, the much damaged artillery retreated to a ridge further to the rear and, towards evening, moved back to its former position. In the following letter Lieutenant-Colonel Kuhlmann provides a detailed account of the part played by his battery in the action: ‘Stade, 1 December 1824 Relation on the participation of the 2nd Horse Artillery Battery of the King’s German Legion in the battle of Waterloo. In the evening of 15 June 1815, the 2nd Horse Battery of the German Legion, commanded by the undersigned and quartered at Ghislenghien (between Ath and Enghien), was ordered by the English Major-General Cooke, to whom the battery was subordinated, to be on stand by and be ready for an immediate departure. On the following morning at one o’clock we marched off, past Enghien, and joined the English Guards and a battery of English foot artillery [Sandham’s Battery], all under Major-General Cooke’s command; the two batteries were put under the command of Colonel Adye of the English artillery. This column arrived at Quatre Bras towards four o’clock in the afternoon. The Duke of Wellington immediately ordered the horse battery to move up front, two guns were positioned before the Quatre Bras farm, and the remaining four guns to the left of the farm behind the highway [Namur road], and we then opened fire on the enemy artillery, which was stationed about 1,200 paces before us on an elevation. Towards five o’clock several enemy squadrons launched a forceful attack against the two guns in front of the farm but were completely dispersed by our fire and that of the infantry posted near the guns on the highway. Those infantry men were Hanoverians and were commanded by Major-General Best, if I am not mistaken. Shortly thereafter, the two guns, together with a third gun of my battery, advanced still further and, on higher orders, fired until dark at the enemy guns which occupied the heights opposite from us. As the army retreated to the Waterloo position on 17 June, I joined again the English battery of Lieutenant-Colonel Adye. Even as the greater part of the army had arrived at that destination, the enemy still pressed our rearguard so forcefully that it was considered necessary for our two batteries to assist our troops with a few shots. These had the desired effect in that the enemy now let up on his determined pursuit. The fire of the enemy’s guns, which was then directed against us, did very little damage. We afterwards set up our bivouac assigned to us in the vicinity. At around eight o’clock in the morning of 18 June, the Hereditary Prince of Orange, who commanded the army division to which we belonged, assigned positions to the English brigade and to the 2nd Horse Artillery Battery, into which we moved instantly. The 2nd Horse Artillery Battery was posted at the right flank of the English foot artillery brigade. The terrain, on which we stood, was slightly elevated, sloping downwards both in front and in back, thus forming a kind of plateau. The ground consisted of clayey soil and had been softened by the rainfalls lasting throughout the night to the extent that the 9-pounder cannon and 5.5-inch howitzers could hardly be moved by the men. This plateau extended somewhat to the right and the left, but in the latter direction it turned inward towards the enemy in an obtuse angle. The troops to our left were posted on and behind this plateau. To the right of our emplacement, at a distance of about 600 paces, was Hougoumont. Behind us were the Guards who, however, were sent to Hougoumont as reinforcements during the enemy attack. Several cavalry regiments stood some 100 paces to our right rear, and, later, an English howitzer brigade moved up before the said cavalry. The Duke of Wellington visited us several times and gave us the distinct order never to fire at the enemy artillery. Several hours later, a strong column of enemy infantry moved towards Hougoumont. As soon as it was within effective firing range, our artillery covered it with such a powerful fire of ball and shrapnel that it fell into disorder several times and retreated. But it always formed up again and finally moved to its left, behind Hougoumont, where it could no longer be observed by us. It then renewed its attack against Hougoumont and was able to seize the area outside the walls of Hougoumont. This area was covered with trees which protected the enemy; to have any effect, we were limited to firing shrapnel in its direction. The Hereditary Prince of Orange complimented in a loud voice the two artillery brigades involved, that is, the 2nd Horse Artillery Battery under my command, and the English brigade, for the well-aimed and effective fire. While this happened, an enemy heavy battery with guns of large calibre had taken up position opposite us at a distance of about 1,200 paces and opened fire on us, to which we could not respond due to the Duke of Wellington’s previously mentioned order. Later in the afternoon we noticed that, at quite a distance to our left, the enemy made a strong attack against our line. We were unable to ascertain its effect due to the distance and particularly due to the intervening bend of the plateau. It then turned out that our position had in effect been broken through because the enemy cavalry moved down behind the said plateau out of our sight. It unexpectedly fell on our left flank and forced us to retreat. It was only at some distance to the rear that m...
Three: Jemadar Kor Singh, 8th (Lahore) Mountain Battery, late 38th Pack Battery, Indian Army British War Medal 1914-20 (314 Gnr. Kor Singh, 38 Mtn. Batty); India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Waziristan 1921-24 (314 L.Nk. Kor Singh, 38/Pack Batty.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (Jemdr. Kor Singh. 8 Mtn. Bty.) the first two polished, good fine, the last very fine (3) £140-£180
Three: Gunner E. Dobson, Royal Field Artillery 1914-15 Star (1572, Gnr. E. Dobson, R.F.A); British War and Victory Medals (1572 Gnr. E. Dobson. R.A.) very fine Three: Private W. E. Dobson, Army Service Corps 1914-15 Star (M2-079495. Pte. W. E. Dobson. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (M2-079495. Pte. W. E. Dobson. A.S.C.) extremely fine Three: Corporal T. F. Dobson, Royal Army Medical Corps 1914-15 Star (32077. Pte. T. F. Dobson. R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (32077 Cpl. T. F. Dobson. R.A.M.C.) very fine Pair: Gunner T. Dobson, Royal Artillery, who died of wounds received on the Western Front, on 24 March 1918 British War and Victory Medals (32137 Gnr. T. Dobson. R.A.), together with named card box of issue, together with condolence bestowal slips and original envelope addressed to ‘Mrs. J. E. Whale. 188 Tooley Street, London. S.E.1.’ very fine (11) £100-£140 --- Thomas Dobson attested into the Royal Garrison Artillery for service during the Great War and served on the Western Front with the 8th Siege Battery. He died of wounds on 24 March 1918 and is buried in Bac-Du-Sud British Cemetery, Bailleulval, France. Sold with copied research.
Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2) (18769. Sergt. A. C. Mansfield. R.A.; Gunr. M. Mackin 23rd. Bde. R.A.) surname officially corrected on latter, edge bruising, nearly very fine (2) £80-£100 --- Albert Charles Mansfield was born in Cosham, near Portsmouth, and attested for the Royal Artillery aged 15 years and 10 months on 24 June 1873. He served 31 years with the Colours and was awarded the L.S.G.C. Medal in 1891.
A fine General Service Medal awarded to Acting Lance Bombardier J. V. Smith, Royal Artillery, who was recommended for the George Medal in 1957 after making safe a terrorist bomb laden with ‘ten pounds of nuts and bolts’ outside a Cypriot cinema General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus, with M.I.D. oak leaf (22832393 Gnr. J. V. Smith. R.A.) edge bruising, nearly very fine £240-£280 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 23 July 1957: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Cyprus for the period 1st January to 30 June, 1957.’ John Victor Smith was recommended for the George Medal whilst serving in Cyprus as Acting Lance Bombardier with the 16th Light Ant-Aircraft Regiments, Royal Artillery. This was later downgraded by Major-General D. A. Kendrew to a mention in despatches. The original recommendation by Lieutenant-Colonel J. D. Maling, Officer Commanding 16th L.A.A. Regiment, states: ‘At about 1950hrs on the evening of 24 Feb 57, 22832393 L/Bdr Smith J.V. of 26 LAA battery, RA, 16 LAA Regiment RA, was standing in a cinema queue outside the Globe Cinema, Episkopi, with two other members of the Battery when he noticed an oil tin standing against the cinema wall, and approximately at the middle of the queue. L/Bdr Smith was alert to the possibility of the tin being an EOKA bomb, and immediately began a closer investigation whereupon he saw a time pencil protruding from the top of the tin. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and recognising the need for immediate action, he at once removed the time pencil and cap at great personal risk to himself. He then gallantly carried the home made bomb to a place of safety in the vicinity, not knowing whether or not a second time pencil or other detonating device was still in the bomb. He then remained in the vicinity until a bomb disposal expert arrived. When the bomb was dismantled it was found to contain eight sticks of dynamite and ten pounds of nuts and bolts, and was estimated to be capable of causing heavy casualties in the surroundings in which it was found. The time pencil detonated at 2015hrs approximately. By his alertness in identifying the bomb, and bravery in removing the detonator at great risk to himself, L/Bdr Smith undoubtedly saved the lives of a large number of persons waiting to see the film that night. This young NCO’s action in a sudden and unexpected crisis is an outstanding example of observation, courage and initiative in the highest traditions of the army. 5 March 1957.’
Indian Army Badges and Buttons. A carded display of 39 buttons & 4 badges, comprise 17 Large Buttons, (KC), 7 Rajput, (KC), XV11 The Loyal Regiment, (KC) 14th Punjab Regt. Imperial Crown, Hyderabad Volunteer Rifles. (KC) 126th Baluchistan Infantry. (KC) 76th Punjab, 15th (Pioneer) Punjab Regt, Officers silver plated on copper. 7th Bengal Native Infantry, Coatee. 16th Lucknow Regiment officers small, 1901/1903. Bengal Staff Corps. Madras Staff Corps. 6th Bengal 1824/1842 small coatee. 58th Bengal Native Infantry, 1828/1844 small coatee. Bombay Engineers, gilt VR crown. plus various others Badges include, Indian Artillery shoulder title, 17 Dogras shoulder title. 4th Gurkha Rifles. Scinde Horse, generally good condition (42) £100-£140
Four: Stoker C. S. Mowbray, Royal Australian Navy 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star, these both unnamed; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, these both officially impressed ‘1445Q. C. S. Mowbray.’; together with three lapel badges, nearly extremely fine Six: Private S. A. Johnston, Australian Army 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially impressed ‘NX26606 S. A. Johnston’, mounted for wear, nearly extremely fine Three: Corporal D. Sloss, Australian Forces Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially impressed ‘37006 D. Sloss’, mounted for wear, good very fine (13) £100-£140 --- Charles Stephen Mowbray was born in Sunderland, United Kingdom, on 5 September 1903, and attested for the Royal Australian Navy at Sydney on 23 May 1924. He served during the Second World War and was discharged on 15 June 1942. Septimus Alfred Johnston was born in Stanmore, New South Wales, on 22 September 1901 and attested for the Australian Army at Paddington, New South Wales, on 20 June 1940. He served during the Second World War and was discharged on 27 September 1945. D. Sloss attested for the Australian Forces on 29 May 1941 and was discharged on 21 September 1947. It is believed that he served as a Guard in the Service Police. Sold with an ANZAC Memorial 75th Anniversary Commemorative Medallion 2009, in card presentation album; and copied research.
A very fine and well-documented Great War C.M.G. and ‘Mohmand Expedition 1908’ D.S.O. group of ten awarded to Brigadier-General F. W. B. Gray, 57th Wilde’s Rifles, late Royal Berkshire Regiment; he commanded Wilde’s Rifles in France until severely wounded, 26 October 1914 The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamels, complete with integral riband buckle; Distinguished Service Order, E.VII.R., silver-gilt and enamels, with integral top riband bar, pin removed; India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Waziristan 1894-5 (Lieut: F. W. B. Gray 4th Punjab Infy); China 1900, no clasp (Captn: F. W. B. Gray. 4th Pjb. Infy.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1908 (Major F. W. B. Gray 57th Rfls F.F.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Lt. Col. F. W. Gray, D.S.O., 57/Rfls.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Brig. Gen. F. W. B. Gray.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, unnamed; United States of America, Military Order of the Dragon, China 1900 (Frederick William Barton Gray. 4th Punjab Infantry) complete with worn but original embroidered riband and integral top Pagoda suspension brooch, minor enamel chips to centres of the first two, some light contact marks, otherwise nearly extremely fine (10) £5,000-£7,000 --- C.M.G. London Gazette 18 February 1915. D.S.O. London Gazette 14 August 1908: ‘In recognition of services in the recent operations against the Zakka Khel and Mohmands, on the North West Frontier of India, in 1908.’ M.I.D. G.G.O. 521A of 1908. M.I.D. London Gazette 14 January 1915 (Field Marshal Sir John French); 29 March 1917 (Lieutenant-General G. F. Milne); and 25 October 1917 (Lieutenant-General G. F. Milne). Fredeick William Barton Gray was born on 7 February 1867, son of the Rev. Thomas T. Gray, of Carn Park, County Westmeath. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and at Sandhurst from September 1887 to July 1888, from where he entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Berkshire Regiment on 22 August 1888. He became Lieutenant in the Indian Staff Corps on 22 January 1890. Appointed to the 4th Punjab Infantry, he accompanied the Waziristan Expedition of 1894-95 (Medal with clasp). Promoted to Captain on 22 August 1899, he served with the 3rd Brigade, China Field Force in China from August 1900 to June 1902, including the action at Tai Tao Ying on 22 April 1901 (Medal). In the renumbering in 1903 the 4th Punjab Infantry took the title of 57th Wilde's Rifles (Frontier Force). Promoted to Major in August 1906, he was officiating in command of the 57th Rifles F.F. and took part in the operations in the Mohmand country including the engagements of Matta, 24 April 1908, and of Kargha, 24 May 1908, being mentioned in despatches and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (Medal with clasp). Gray was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, in command of the 57th Rifles on 8 March 1914, and proceeded to France on 26 September 1914, as part of the 7th (Ferozepore) Infantry Brigade, 3rd (Lahore) Division. He was severely wounded on 26 October 1914 when an enemy shell burst near the window of the Regimental Headquarters. Evacuated to England he returned to France on the day before the disastrous attack on 26 April 1915, at Ypres when the battalion only came out 216 strong following a severe fight and gas attack. He was appointed Officer Commanding Troops, Lemnos and Composite Brigade, September 1916 to May 1917; General Officer Commanding Troops Mudros, June 1917; General Officer Commanding Troops Lemnos, July 1917; Officer Commanding Troops Lemnos, August 1917; General Officer Commanding Troops Mudros, September to November 1917. He held the temporary rank of Brigadier-General from 15 April 1916 to 27 November 1917, whilst Commanding a Brigade in Egypt, and from 13 May 1918 to 24 May 1919, whilst Commanding the Bareilly Brigade in India. He was given the Brevet of Colonel on 1 January 1918, and retired as Brigadier-General in 1921. The General died on 17 January 1931. Sold with accompanying folder of original documents including warrants and statutes for C.M.G. and D.S.O., three M.I.D. Certificates, letters of congratulation for D.S.O. and upon becoming Commandant of the regiment, record of services, marriage and death certificates, letters to his wife and other correspondence, and various photographs including two regimental groups.
Three: Temporary Staff Sergeant J. W. Dickenson, 21st (Empress of India’s ) Lancers 1914 Star (5960 Pte. W. J. Dickenson. 21/Lrs:); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (5960 T.S. Sjt. J. W. Dickenson. 21-Lrs.) spot of verdigris to Star, contact marks, generally very fine, scarce to unit (3) £140-£180 --- Approximately 104 1914 Stars awarded to the 21st (Empress of India’s) Lancers. The 21st Lancers did not qualify for the 1914 Star as a unit. W. J. Dickenson attested for the 21st Lancers and served during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914, later transferring to the Army Veterinary Corps.
A casualty General Service Medal awarded to Corporal H. W. Butler, Royal Sussex Regiment, who died as a result of a fractured spine received during a reprisal attack on 27 February 1948 General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (14189317 Cpl. H. Butler. R. Sussex.) extremely fine £240-£280 --- Henry William Butler was born on 18 March 1924 and served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment in Palestine. He died of a result of a fractured spine received in a reprisal attack following the deaths of 50 civilians in Ben Yehuda Street - the principal Jewish retail street in Jerusalem - which was shattered by a series of explosions blamed upon British forces; such was the anger of local witnesses that the troops and police who subsequently arrived to assist with the rescue work had to be withdrawn in the face of a hostile crowd. Aged 23 years, Butler is buried in Ramleh Cemetery. Sold with original Army Council condolence slip, named to recipient, and extensive copied research.
Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (2) (92436 Sth: Q.M. Sjt: D. Dempsey. R.G.A.; 16489 Musician J. Walbey. R.G.A.) contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £60-£80 --- Daniel Dempsey served with the Royal Garrison Artillery as Smith Quartermaster Sergeant and was discharged at Portsmouth on 29 August 1913. His reference was impressive: ‘Exemplary. No offence in whole service of 21 years, thoroughly sober and reliable, painstaking and industrious’. James Walbey was born in Bethnal Green in 1872 and originally attested for the King’s Royal Rifles at Winchester on 18 February 1892. Present at the Relief of Ladysmith during the Boer War, he later served as Musician with the South Eastern Coast Defences R.G.A. Band, before being discharged at Dover on 15 February 1913.
New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal (Rev. Dunnage Chaplain 3 Cl. N.Z. Chaplains Dept. (1920)) engraved naming, two heavy knocks to obverse, edge bruising, good fine £80-£100 --- The Reverend Frank Dunnage served in France with the 4th New Zealand Infantry Reserve Brigade during the Great War. The Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 4, dated 1 January 1917, offers a little insight as to his experiences on the Western Front: ‘A very spirited discussion took place [at the Diocesan Library, Waiapu] re a letter from Rev. Frank Dunnage, C.F., New Zealand Base, France, in which he related the tremendous difficulties under which he and his fellow Anglican chaplains laboured for lack of funds. They have no musical instruments, no furniture nor lights for recreation tents and have to hold all services in the open air except when they can borrow the Salvation Army or Presbyterian huts.’ Concerned at this ‘scandalous state of affairs’, The Reverend Frank Dunnage was soon promised £100 by Mr. F. W. Williams and a further £25 from Hastings parish, to be cabled to France ‘at once’.
Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2) (2393. Gunr. J. Brown. H/A. R.H.A.; 73 Gunner J. Worsfold D.Bde. R.H.A.) first engraved, second impressed, edge bruising to second, generally very fine (2) £120-£160 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Joshua Brown was born in Carsley, Warwickshire, around 1849, and was discharged from the Royal Horse Artillery on 21 July 1891. John Worsfold was born in Chilworth, Guildford, in 1834, and witnessed extensive service overseas with the Royal Horse Artillery including postings to Malta, the Crimea and India. He was later discharged at Bangalore on 14 December 1875, having completed 21 years’ service.
Pair: Naik Fazal Ahmed, Hong Kong and Singapore Battalion, Royal Garrison Artillery British War Medal 1914-20 (1403 A-Naick Fazal Ahmed. H.K.S. R.G.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (1403 Naik Fazal Ahmed H.K.S. R.G.A.) polished and worn, fine and scarce (2) £80-£100 --- The Hong Kong and Singapore Battalion, Royal Garrison Artillery, was a British military unit composed of Sikh and Muslim troops from the Punjab commanded by British officers. Formed in 1908 with three companies in Hong Kong and one each in Singapore and Mauritius, it was later noted that the quality of the troops was excellent as the pay was higher than that offered in the Indian Army. The men further enjoyed the prestige of manning field and larger guns that were not available to Indian Army units.
A ‘Malayan Emergency’ casualty General Service Medal awarded to Signalman E. A. Moore, Royal Signals, who was accidentally killed on 11 January 1952 whilst on early morning guard duty in Singapore General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (22349672 Sigmn. E. A. Moore. R. Sigs.) extremely fine £180-£220 --- Edward Andrew Moore was born in London on 10 November 1931 and attested for the Corps of Royal Signals at Catterick on 23 March 1950. Embarked for Singapore 10 August 1950 with 1st Squadron, Depot Regiment, he passed his Army Certificate of Education 2nd Class 26 July 1951 whilst serving as part of Far East Land Forces (Singapore), but died just a few months later in consequence of gunshot wounds. His Army Service Record confirms: ‘accidentally shot by storeman loading revolver.’ Aged 20 years, Moore was buried at the British Cemetery, Singapore. Sold with part of original named Army Council Condolence slip, this mounted on card; and copied research.
Pair: Company Quarter Master Sergeant and Acting Third Class Master Gunner E. J. Short, Royal Garrison Artillery Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (99700 C.Q.M. Sjt. -A.3/Cl:Mr:Gnr: E. J. Short. R.G.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (99700 Sjt: E. J. Short. R.G.A.) edge bruising, nearly very fine (2) £120-£160 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 30 May 1919. Edward John Short was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with gratuity in April 1912 and was later awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for service with the 14th Fire Command (Eastern Command), Royal Garrison Artillery, in the ‘Peace Gazette’ of 1919.
Loading...
