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* CHEBOTAREV, KONSTANTIN 1892-1974 Portrait of the Artist`s Wife in an Interior mid-1920s Watercolour and gouache on laid paper, 47.5 by 31 cm. "With a pencil sketch on the reverse.Exhibited: Moscow Union of Artists, 1978, W82, inscribed on the reverse.Konstantin Chebotarev is one of the most interesting Russian masters of the first third of the 20th century. An outstanding representative of the Kazan school, who studied under the brilliant Nikolai Fechin, Chebotarev did not however become a conduit for the graphic ideas of his famous teacher. Having organised in 1917 an avant-garde association — the first in Kazan — of talented young people, called The Sunflower and fought with the White Army under Kolchak as it retreated eastwards (1918-1920), Chebotarev, returning to Kazan thanks to an amnesty, did not stop at that. In 1921 the artist became leader of a left front in art, becoming head of the creative group Vsadnik (The Rider), which not only in name but also in its very essence became the Russian heir to the tradition of the Munich-based Blaue Reiter group. Having fulfilled commissions in various applied areas, such as a series of books and sets of mounted engravings in limited editions (from six to 50 copies), Vsadnik entered the history of Russian art as the only case of a manifesto declaration of innovation in a single segment of figurative art — in graphic design. Chebotarev’s works in the 1920s, and those of his associates, feature many traits reminiscent of the dawn of the century, from the machinery and movement of Balla and Severini to Larionov’s Rayonism and Pechstein’s distorted angles. Apart from rare cases when editions of the Vsadnik group have been presented at auction, this watercolour is the first appearance on the international art market of an easel work by Chebotarev. The model is the artist’s wife and colleague, Alexandra Platunova (1896–1966), a book and magazine designer of such Moscow periodicals of the 1920s as Krasnaya Niva, Krasnaya Panorama, Prozhektor and others. The present work was owned by the artist’s family and was featured in a posthumous exhibition, which took place in 1978 at the Moscow Union of Artists on Begovaya Street."

* LEBEDEV, VLADIMIR 1891-1967 Instructional Poster for "Dynamo" c. 1929-30 Pencil, watercolour and black ink on paper, 33.5 by 46.5 cm. The design of visual propaganda for the young Land of the Soviets was an important, indeed the paramount occupation for all Soviet artists. It was usually top-class, fully-trained professionals who were accepted to work on visual aids in the military and sports areas. Many of these also achieved success with their easel works and participated in art exhibitions across the country. Such was the outstanding Leningrad master Vladimir Lebedev who, as is well known, received commissions from the Dynamo sports society in 1929 and 1930. It was for this organisation that the artist created the instructional poster now on offer. The main requirement of a mass teaching aid of this kind is a thorough knowledge of military subjects and a detailed, delicate draughtsmanship, facilitating speedy and accurate teaching. The Red Army soldiers in Lebedev’s poster are painted in watercolour. Each “pin-point” touch of the brush recreates details of the clothes, of the figures’ bulk, their weapons and even the basics of handling the weapons, easily understood thanks to the use of bodily gesture. Such filigree perfection and finish would be the envy of any disciple of Filonov. This unique work not only demonstrates the highly developed graphic culture of Vladimir Lebedev, his capability as a draughtsman and watercolourist, but is also a valuable document of its time.

A collection of signed books, pictures and other ephemera relating to Wilfred Creatorex 1922-2002, including TV and film scripts and various signed autographs mainly of people in the TV industry, Wilfred Greatorex 1922-2002 - was a TV and film writer, script editor, producer and author. He wrote the film script for the Battle of Britain film and the TV series Secret Army. 50-60

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Sierra Leone 1898-99 (Capt. K. McDonald, A.S.C.) edge bruising otherwise nearly extremely fine £450-500 Kenneth McDonald was born on 14 August 1873 and entered the Royal Marines as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1891. Promoted Lieutenant in 1892, he transferred to the Army Service Corps in 1894. With the Army Service Corps he served in the Sudan campaign of 1898 and was awarded the Queen’s and Khedive’s medal. He then served in Sierra Leone expedition of 1898-99 and was promoted Captain in the latter year. Captain MacDonald then served in the Boer War where he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 10 September 1901) and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette 27 September 1901). With copied research.

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Ladysmith (71007 Gnr: C. Herbert, 73rd Bty: R.F.A.) nearly extremely fine £120-140 Charles Herbert was born at Randwick, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, and enlisted into the Royal Artillery on 14 February 1889, aged 18. He served in India from December 1890 to November 1896, when he returned Home and was discharged to the Army Reserve. He was recalled to the Colours on 7 October 1899 and joined the 73rd Battery in South Africa on 3 November 1899, where, in the following month it took part in the action at Colenso. Herbert returned home in April 1900 and was discharged on 28 July 1900.

China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (4638 Pte. C. Owens, 2nd Rl. Welsh Fus.) some edge bruising, good very fine £320-360 Charles Owens was born in Worcester. A Collier by occupation, he attested for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Aberdare on 4 April 1895, aged 20 years, 5 months. With the regiment he served in Malta, July 1896-April 1898; Crete, April-August 1898; Egypt, August-September 1898; Crete, September-November 1898; Malta, November-December 1898, and China, December 1898-September 1904. He participated in the occupation of Crete, 1897-98 and the China War 1900. Transferred to the Army Reserve in November 1902, he was discharged on 3 April 1907. With copied service papers.

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (22308119 Tpr. P. Nightingale, S.A.S.) extremely fine £600-700 Peter Nightingale was born in 1926. He enlisted with the Royal Engineers at Acton, London, on 15 February 1950. Serving with the Royal Engineers and Special Air Service, he served in Malaya (FARELF), May 1951-June 1953 and with the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR), August 1954-January 1955. His Certificate of Service shows that he passed his Certificate of Education 3rd Class in June 1952 when a member of 22 S.A.S. Returning to the U.K., he was transferred to the Army Reserve on 14 February 1955. As a Lance-Corporal he received his discharge from the Special Air Service Regiment on 14 February 1962, having served 5 years with the Colours and 7 years in the Reserve. With original Regular Army Certificate of Service; notice of discharge form the S.A.S. Regiment (Army Form D 401) and two copied photographs of the recipient.

The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, K.C.M.G., Knight Commander’s set of insignia, comprising neck badge in gold and enamels, 95 x 70mm diameter; and breast star in silver, gold and enamels, 89mm diameter, the star with chips and cracks to red enamel on arms of St. George`s Cross, the set complete with full neck cravat and gold clasp fitments and contained in its R. & S. Garrard & Co. case of issue, clasp defective on this and generally very scuffed, unless otherwise described good very fine £1000-1200 Ex Upfill-Brown Collection 1991 (Lot 171). This set is attributed to Lieutenant Colonel Sir James Hayes-Sadler, Indian Army. He led a distinguished diplomatic career after retiring from the army and was consul at Muscat, 1892-96; Consul General, Somali Protectorate, 1898; Commissioner in Uganda, 1901-05; Governor of British East Africa 1905-09 and Governor of the Windward Islands, 1909-1914. He was made K.C.M.G. in 1907 and died on 21 April, 1922. For other family medals see lots 211 and 278 in the same sale.

Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (2867 Sjt. Omolo Bin Ogudu, 2/6 K.A.R.) fitted with replacement non-swivel straight suspension, good fine £60-70 M.S.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919: ‘In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with military operations with the Forces in East Africa.’

Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (779 Sergt. H. Sheddon, 1-23rd Foot) some edge bruising, very fine £80-100 Henry Sheddon was born in the Parish of Ashford, Bakewell, Derbyshire. A Marble Mason by occupation, he attested for the 61st Regiment at Liverpool on 5 December 1857, aged 20 years. Serving in India, he was transferred to the 23rd Regiment in March 1859. As a Lance-Sergeant he was discharged in November 1878 at the termination of his second period of limited engagement. Awarded the Long Service Medal by A.O. 38 of July 1878. With copied service papers and roll extract.

Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, India (Asst. Sgn. H. C. Depenning, I.M.D.) nearly extremely fine £40-50 Sold with a selection of mainly British medal ribbon.

Volunteer Force Long Service, E.VII.R. (1804 Pte. W. S. Parnwell, H.A.C. of London) mounted as worn with H.A.C. ribbon, extremely fine £140-160 Wilfred Samuel Parnwell was admitted to the Honourable Artillery Company in 1900. He was awarded the Volunteer Long Service medal in Army Order 6 of January 1909, one of only 113 such awards made to the H.A.C. between February 1907 and August 1909. Sold with further details.

Shropshire Society in London Life Saving Medal, Captain Matthew Webb left, reverse inscribed, ‘Presented to The Designer upon the Institution of the Decoration’, edge inscribed (Captain Adrian Jones, M.V.O., R.B.S. President) 51mm., silver, with ring suspension and ribbon, with silver brooch bar, extremely fine £300-400 Adrian Jones was born on 9 February 1845, the fourth son of James Brookholding Jones of Ludlow. After being educated at Ludlow Grammar School he served 23 years in the Army - in the 3rd Hussars, Queen’s Bays and 2nd Life Guards - seeing service in the Abyssinian War 1868 (medal); the 1st Boer War 1881, and the Nile Expedition (medal and star). A noted Sculptor, he was awarded the M.V.O. 4th Class in 1907 on the occasion of the unveiling of a statue of the Duke of Cambridge at Whitehall for which he was responsible. His other works include the Royal Marines Monument, St. James’s Park, the Carabineers’ Memorial, Chelsea Embankment, and the Peace Quadriga on Constitutional Hill Arch. In 1935 he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Society of British Sculptors. Captain Jones died on 24 January 1938.

A Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pair to Chief Inspector Peter Charles Gill R.S.P.C.A. Flood Medal, obverse: two officers stepping from a boat, going to the aid of animals stranded in a flood, reverse, inscribed, ‘Insp. P. C. Gill’, bronze, with ‘For Gallantry’ brooch bar; R.S.P.C.A. Special Service Medal, obverse inscribed, ‘Silver Jubilee 1977’, silver, extremely fine and rare (2) £300-350 Peter Charles Gill was born on 23 September 1926 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Prior to joining the R.S.P.C.A. as a full-time Inspector in 1951, Hill had served as an apprentice to an engineering firm in 1940 and had served in the Army, April 1944-October 1947. Gill was accepted as a probationer with the R.S.P.C.A. in June 1951 and was appointed an Inspector 4th Class in December 1951, a Senior Inspector in December 1958 and he attained the rank of Chief Inspector in April 1970. He was stationed at Aylesbury, December 1951-November 1959; Bangor, November 1959-July 1966; Hexham, July 1966-March 1970, and Wrexham from March 1970. During the course of his service, he was awarded the ‘‘R.S.P.C.A. Special Service Medal’ in recognition of outstanding work in connection with the rescue of animals during the East Coast Floods, 1953’; the Certificate of Merit for the rescue of a dog from a disused quarry at Pen-y-Groes on 2 June 1961, and the Certificate of Merit for the rescue of a ewe and lamb from a ledge of a disused quarry at Tan-y-Craig, Clynnog, on 11 June 1965. With copied service paper.

Papers, Letters and Photographs relating to Private Fred Hartley, M.M., Machine Gun Corps, late 16/17th Lancers, includes Certificate of Transfer to Reserve; letters to his mother (4) - two for 1915; forwarding slip for the 1914 Star; Nelson Corporation, Cleansing Department Identity Card; Borough of Nelson slips relating to his wartime Civil Defence duties (4); photographs (18) including two on horseback in full uniform, varied condition (lot) £40-50 Fred Hartley was born in 1886 and enlisted into the 16th Lancers on 14 September 1908. With the 17th Lancers he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 8 November 1914. Transferring to the Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) in February 1916, he was later awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette 10 September 1918). He was transferred to the Army Reserve on 3 March 1919. In addition to the M.M. he was awarded the 1914 Star, British War and Victory Medals. During the Second World War he was employed by the Borough of Nelson as a Fire Guard in the Civil Defence - his address at the time being ‘145 Every Street, Nelson’.

German Correspondence of the Great War, letters (3) and cards (7); together with an unrelated German Photograph Album with approx. 60 photographs re the Great War, varied condition (lot) £60-70 It is believed the papers relate to the request from K. A. Klucken of Duisburg to the German Army, to release one of his sons from the front because he had lost two already. The request was apparently turned down because another son was currently at home, badly wounded.

Victoria Cross, contemporary copy, suspension bar engraved, ‘G. Hinckley’, reverse centre engraved, ‘Oct. 9th 1862’, with short and fragmentary blue ribbon, very fine £100-150 Able Seaman George Hinckley, Royal Navy, of H.M.S. Sphinx, was awarded the Victoria Cross (London Gazette 6 February 1863) for his great bravery at Fung Wha, China, on 9 October 1862, when he went out under heavy and continuous fire to rescue the wounded assistant master of the Sphinx. He then carried to safety a wounded army captain.

Crimea 1854-56, (Serjt. Petr. Hunter, Rl. Dgns.) engraved naming, no suspension, disk only, this originally fitted within an ornate silver swivel mount, originally with a pin fitting (this now lacking), edge pierced obliterating ‘T’ of ‘Hunter’, scuff marks elsewhere around edge, contact marks, edge bruising, good fine £100-150 Serjeant Peter Hunter, 1st Dragoons, was entitled to the Crimea Medal with clasps for Balaklava, Inkermann and Sebastopol. the Turkish Crimea Medal and Army L.S. & G.C. In The Charge of the Heavy Brigade, by Roy Dutton, he is listed as ‘Probably rode in the Charge’. With copied discharge papers and roll extracts.

WWI National Reserve Badges and Other Related Items, a good selection including examples to County of Aberdeen, Hampshire Isle of Wight, Sussex, London, Warwickshire, a medal in gilt metal and enamels Borough of Deptford War Workers 1914 - 1919, a silver and enamel brooch Marine Engineers Association, a scarce lapel badge in gilding metal and enamels “Birmingham Battalion 1914’, a large bronze lapel Navy and Army Canteens 1917, a gilding metal lapel 37th Recruiting Area War Office, a rare hallmarked silver button H.P.S. S.V.R.A. with central lion and palm tree, a scarce gilt metal and triple enamelled lapel “Speed Up Munitions and Guns” and on the reverse “Did Her Bit on Munitions Great War 1914 - 1918”, a lapel in white metal and enamels National War Savings Committee with central swastika, together with sundry other interesting items, civilian, military and Police, good overall condition (85+) £200-300

Items of Uniform attributed to Idi Amin Uganda Air Force Side Cap, a tailored cap of large size, complete with ‘UAF’ bullion wings and bronze ‘Uganda Army’ badge, cap unnamed; together with Uganda Army Shoulder Rank Tabs (2), for the rank of Field Marshal; another for the rank of Major-General, gilt bullion on green cloth, very good condition (3) £150-200 The vendor states the above were obtained from a ‘Special Forces’ officer who acquired them from a palace of the Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin. With a colour picture of Amin in uniform wearing a cap similar to the above.

Third Reich Army Officer’s Dagger, 24.5 cm blade by WKC Solingen, orange coloured composition grip in its plated metal scabbard, the blade retains most of its original polish, together with two silver cord port - au - pee (fractured), and an Imperial German (?) Naval hanging strap, good condition (4) £150-250

Army List, 1868-69, London, 1868, 952pp; Hart’s Annual Army ListÉfor 1915, modern 4-volume facsimile reprint, x + 1,648pp; Everson, G.R., The South Africa 1853 Medal, London, 1978, 155pp, dj; Douglas-Morris, K.J., Naval Medals 1857-1880, London, 1994, xxii + 436pp, illustrations in text, casebound; Mitchell, N., and Duckers, P., Presented by the Queen: The Crimea Medal Award Ceremony, 18th May 1855, Oldham, 1996, 76pp; Fevyer, W.H., and Wilson, J.W., The Africa General Service Medal to theÉRoyal Marines, Uckfield, nd, 130pp; Duckers, P., Egypt 1882: Dispatches, Casualties, Awards, London, 2001, vi + 147pp; Dutton, R., Forgotten Heroes: The Charge of the Light Brigade, Oxton, 2007, 417pp, illustrations in text. First in maroon half-leather, ribbed spine, gilt, an attractive copy; others in publishers’ bindings, the Douglas-Morris mint (11) £50-70

[Anon], East India Register 1826, 588pp., some prelim papers lost, rebound red boards; [Anon], Army Honours and Awards, J. B. Hayward publication, 653pp., with dust cover; [Anon], 2nd King Edward VIIs Own Goorka Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) Regimental News, 1948-50, three volumes bound as one, 81pp., 91pp. and 76pp.;[Anon], A Brief History of the 3rd Battalion 1st Punjab Regiment, Gale & Polden, 1927, 56pp., original green and gilt cover; 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles Regimental Association Journal (25), No. 23-34 (Spring 1959-Winter 1964), No. 36-43 (Winter 1965-Spring 1969), No. 48-52 (Autumn 1971-Autumn 1973), generally good condition (29) £40-50

Gibson, J.H., British Military & Naval Medals and Decorations, London, 1880, formerly Messrs. Baldwin’s working copy, many amendments and notes tipped-in; Irwin, D.H., War Medals and DecorationsÉ1588 to 1889, 1st edn, London, 1890, vi + 185pp, letter from author tipped-in, newspaper cuttings pasted in back; Mayo, J.H., Medals and Decorations of the British Army and Navy, 2 vols, London, 1897, lxxxvii + 617pp, illustrations in text; [Spink], The War Medal Record, vol. II, London, 1898, xi + 226pp, illustrations in text; Irwin, D.H., War Medals and DecorationsÉ1588 to 1898, 2nd edn, London, 1899, vi + 356pp, illustrations; Hayward, J.B., and others, British Battles and Medals, 7th edn, London, 2006, xix + 798pp, illustrations in text; together with other references, by Purves, Johnson, Barclay, etc [12]. Mayo in modern maroon cloth, gilt, an attractive set, others in publishers’ bindings, last new (5) £80-100 Provenance: First ex libris A.H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd; fourth ex libris Abe Kosoff, New York

Gordon, L. L., British Battles and Medals, 1st edn, Aldershot, 1947, xv + 294pp, illustrations; Gould, R. W., and Douglas-Morris, K. J., The Army of India Medal Roll 1799-1826, London, 1974. 123pp; together with other references (27), by Debrett, Jane’s, Hieronymussen, Taprell Dorling, Bloomer, Wilkinson, Purves, Akers, etc [29]. Publishers’ bindings £40-50

Mayo, J.H., Medals and Decorations of the British Army and Navy, 2 vols, London, 1897, lxxxviii + 618pp, 55 plates, other illustrations in text, original red cloth with bevelled edges, t.e.g., some wear at extremities and backs faded, internally very fine and clean; Irwin, D.H., War Medals and Decorations issued to the British Military and Naval Forces and Allies from 1588 to 1910, 4th edn., London, 1910, [x] + 536pp, 18 plates, original decorated cloth, some minor wear and a few pages slightly spotted, otherwise a fine copy of the best edition; Luard, J., A History of the Dress of the British Soldier, London [1852], the 1971 reprint, xxiv + 171pp, 50 engraved plates, copy no.385; Johnson, S.C., The Medal Collector, London, 1921, 320pp, 24 plates; Gillingham, H.E., Spanish Orders of Chivalry and Decorations of Honour, New York, 1926, 165pp. including 39 plates; Gillingham, H.E., South American Decorations and War Medals, N.Y., 1932, 178pp including plates; Gillingham, H.E., Ephemeral Decorations, New York, 1935, 45pp, plates; Joslin, E.C., The Standard Catalogue of British Orders Decorations & Medals, 1st edn, London, 1969, xiv + 114pp, illustrations in text; Purves, A.A., The Medals Decorations & Orders of the Great War 1914-1918, Ldn., 1975, xi + 199pp, illustrations in text, dj; Oosthuizen, P., Boer War Memorabilia, The Collectors’ Guide, Edmonton, 1987, xxxii + 239pp, illustrations in text, dj; together with other titles (5), by Thies, Hieronymussen, etc., good and better condition (16) £60-80

Canada L.S. & G.C., G.V.R.; Permanent Forces of the Empire L.S. & G.C., G.V.R.; Army L.S. &. G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, Canada; Colonial Auxiliary Force Officers’ Decoration, G.V.R., complete with top bar; Colonial Auxiliary Forces L.S. Medal, G.V.R.; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Canada; Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., Canada, all with ribbon; Canadian Decoration (2), G.VI.R.; another, E.II.R., with clasp, generally nearly extremely fine (9) £100-140

Polar Medal, G.VI.R., 1 (struck) clasp, Antarctic 1935-37, silver; Army Best Shot Medal, E.II.R.; Army Meritorious Service, G.VI.R.; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue; Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue; Royal Naval Reserve L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue; Air Efficiency Award, E.II.R., 2nd issue; St. John Service Medal, all with ribbons, good very fine and better (9) £40-60

Dominican Republic, Order of Juan Pablo Duarte, badge, 85 x 55mm., silver, silver-gilt and enamel, fitted with a silver brooch bar suspension bearing a miniature silver-gilt and enamel badge of the Order, the centre set with a pearl, the brooch bar reverse inscribed, ‘Rafael Leonidas Trujillo 1950’, nearly extremely fine £500-700 Information derived from the Trujillo family indicates that originally the miniature badge was set with a diamond. Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina was born in San Christobal on 24 October 1891, the third of eleven children of Jose Trujillo, a minor retailer, and Altagracia Julia Molina Chevalier. After several short-lived jobs, the young Trujillo entered the Dominican army during the time of the U.S. occupation of the country, 1916-24. Rising quickly through the ranks, by the time the Americans vacated the country, he was in command of the army. When a rebellion broke out in 1930 against President Horacio Vasquez, Trujillo was ordered to suppress it; however, no action against the rebels was taken, the capital, Santo Domingo was taken without a fight and the rebel leader, Rafael Estrella was installed as Acting President in place of the ousted Vasquez. In the nominally ‘free’ elections of May 1930, Trujillo, as leader of the newly formed Dominican Party won the Presidency, by gaining a staggering 95% of the vote! The country swiftly moved to a one-party state with all opposition brutally suppressed. In the absence of any viable opposition, Trujillo was ‘acclaimed’ President for a second term in 1934 but, following U.S. precedent, declined to stand for a third successive term, and instead installed Jacinto Peynado, 1938-40 and Manuel Troncoso de la Concha, 1940-42 as his nominees, whilst retaining all effective power himself as ‘Generalissimo’. Trujillo was persuaded to stand for election again in 1942 and as before won handsomely. He retained the Presidency until 1952, when his younger brother, Hector Trujillo was given the title; Rafael Trujillo retaining all effective power as before. In 1960 his brother was removed from nominal power, and the Presidency was bestowed upon Joaquin Balaguer, with Trujillo again in effective control. Rafael Trujillo’s life and the power of the Trujillo family in the country came to an end on 30 May 1961, when he was shot dead by an assassin in Santo Domingo. Originally buried with full honours in his home town of San Christobel, his body was later removed and reburied in Paris.

Austria, Empire, Mayors of Lower Austria Medal 1907, 63 x 54mm., silver, lacking suspension loop, fine; Army Cross 1813-14, gilt, lacking wreath; Bravery Medal (3), Franz Joseph, small silver, unsigned; another, Karl, by Kautsch; large silver; another, small silver; Military Merit Medal (2) Franz Joseph, gilt; another, Karl, silver; Honour Medal for 40 Years Faithful Service; Commemorative Cross 1912-13; Long Service Cross (2), for 5 and VI years; Red Cross Medal, with war decoration, gilt and enamel; Lower Austria Medal of Merit, gilt; Styria Medal of Merit, gilt; Austria, Republic, Badge, silver base metal and enamel, pin-backed, many with ribbons, fine and better (14) £140-180

Belgium, Order of Leopold I, 5th Class breast badge, unilingual, silver base metal and enamel, enamel repaired; Order of Leopold II, 5th Class breast badge, silver base metal and enamel; Decoration for Work, silver and enamel; Congo Medal 1879-1908, gilt Italy, 9th Army Medal, bronze; War Commemorative Medal 1940-43; other medals (2); badge (1); lapel badges (3) enamelled; Vatican, Order of St. Gregory the Great, Knight’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, some enamel damage to reverse centre, nearly very fine and better (13) £60-80

Germany, Baden, Silver Merit Medal (2) Friedrich II, one without ‘R.M.’ mark and with incorrect ring suspension, with edge bruising; Hamburg, Hanseatic Cross, enamel damage; Hanover, Wilhelms Medal, Wilhelm IV, for 16 years service, silver; Hesse-Darmstadt, Bravery Medal, Ernst Ludwig, silver base metal; Field Service Medal 1840-66, bronze; Cross for Voluntary War Assistance, gilt base metal; Field Service Medal, bronze, edge bruising; Campaign Medal 1849, bronze, heavy edge bruising; Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Order of the Wendish Crown, Gold Merit Cross, gilt, with crude replacement obverse centre fitted; Schaumburg-Lippe, Military Merit Medal, cast copy; Saxony, Kingdom, Friedrich August Medal (2); Medal for Labour Faithful Service, Friedrich August, silver; Schwarzburg, Medal of Merit in War 1914. bronze, suspension refitted; WŸrttemberg, Jubilee Medal 1889, Karl, bronze; Medal of Military Merit, Wilhelm II, silver; Army Long Service Medal, for 9 years, blackened iron, most with ribbon, nearly very fine and better (18) £100-140

A well documented Iron Cross pair awarded to UntersturmfŸhrer Karlis Juka, 32nd (3rd Latvian) Waffen-SS Regiment Germany, Third Reich, Iron Cross 1939, 2nd Class; Wound Badge, ‘black’ grade, pin-backed, good very fine and better (lot) £150-200 Karlis Juka was born in the Parish of Arlava in the district of Talsi, Latvia on 11 October 1917. There are no details of Juka’s early war service but recruitment for the Latvian SS-Volunteer Division commenced in February 1943, drawing upon fresh recruits, Latvians serving with the Wehrmacht, and drafts from other SS-controlled units. Forming up and training of the eventual 20,000 men continued during March-November when the unit was named the 15 Latvian SS-Volunteer Division. Juka was in the 32 Waffen-SS Grenadier Regiment (Latvia No. 3), the two earlier numbered regiments were serving as SS Police battalions on the Eastern Front, and in November 1943 his battalion was with the division in reserve on the Northern Russian Front under the 16th Army command. The Soviet offensive broke the German encirclement of Leningrad, and by mid-February the main components of the division were involved in heavy fighting around Belebalka on the west bank of the River Radya: fighting rearguard actions during the withdrawal to the ‘Panther Redoubt’ on the River Velibaya. He was wounded in action on 7 February 1944 during the withdrawal and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in the field on 3 March 1944 - the citation signed by the General of Artillery. He received the wound badge in black, the signatory of this citation being an SS-SturmbannfŸhrer, the document dated Riga, 15 March 1944. Photographs with the lot show that he received injuries to his ribs and right arm. Nothing else is known of his war service but in the continuous fighting against the Soviets, the 32 Waffen-SS Regiment was almost completely annihilated. Following the Soviet advance into East Prussia in January 1945, the division, then known as the 15 Waffen-SS Grenadier Division, made a fighting retreat until in March 1945 the survivors were ordered to Mecklenburg for refitting and ‘fortress construction’. Luckily, most were able to surrender to U.S. and Canadian troops near Schwerin on 2-3 May 1945. Some time after his capture, Juka was employed as an interpreter to British forces, firstly at P.O.W. camp 2227, then at Camp ‘Willershausen’ from November 1946 until 1 December 1947. Juka attained the rank of ‘UntersturmfŸhrer’ in the SS, a rank equivalent to ‘Leutnant’ (Lieutenant) in the Wehrmacht. Sold with a number of items, including: cloth Latvian Arm Shield badge; original award documents for the Iron Cross and Wound Badge; papers (3) concerning his employment as an interpreter in British P.O.W. camps; Certificate of Registration - with photograph, covering the period 1947-60, with addresses in Cambridge and Bedford; Travel Document - with photograph; a quantity of photographs - some military related with the recipient in uniform; two lapel badges - ‘Latvija’ and ‘Riga’ - the latter lacking pin fitting; a brass ring bearing the cypher ‘KS’, and a number of small denomination German coins of the period.

Netherlands, Mobilisation Cross 1914-18; Cross of Merit 1941, unmarked; Flying Cross 1941, copy, obverse centre with a black wash, stamped ‘Sterling’ on reverse; Bronze Lion, unmarked; Commemorative War Cross, 1 clasp, Oost-Azie-Zuid-Pacific 1942-1945; Mobilisation Cross 1939-45; Resistance Star East Asia 1942-45, reverse with manufacturer’s marks; A.R.P. Commemorative Medal 1940-45; Cross for Order and Peace 1947, 2 clasps, 1948, 1949; together with a loose clasp, ‘1946’; U.N. Korea 1950-54, Dutch issue; Officer’s Long Service Cross (2) for ‘XXV’ years; another, for ‘XV’ years; Army Long Service Medal (3) 37mm. dia., ‘W’ cypher, bronze, ‘Voor Trouwen Dienst’; another, 27mm., ‘W’ cypher, silver; another, 27mm., ‘J’ cypher, silver, ‘Voor Trouwe Dienst’; Navy Long Service Medal (2) 37mm., ‘W’ cypher, bronze; another, 27mm., ‘W’ cypher, gilt; Volunteer Medal 1958, 1 clasp, XX; Marching Cross; Shooting Medal, with 9 clasps, no ribbon; other medals (4); other reduced size medals (2); other miniatures (5); other bars (3) all but one with ribbon, all contained in a folder emblazoned with coat-of-arms and ‘Netherland’ with slip case, generally good very fine (31) £500-600

Pair: Captain G. A. Durnford, 39th Regiment, late 4th West India Regiment and 69th Foot Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Java (G. Durnford, Lieut. 4th W.I. Regt. Attd. to 69th Foot); Maharajpoor Star 1843 (Pay Master George A. Durnford, H.M. 39th Regt.) fitted with adapted silver bar suspension, nearly extremely fine and a rare combination (2) £2000-2500 The combination of M.G.S. with Maharajpoor Star occurs just twice as a pair, once as a group of three and once as a group of seven. George Augustus Durnford was born in London on 4 September 1791, and entered the Army at the age of 14 as an Ensign in the Cape Regiment, in June 1806. In March 1810 he gained a Lieutenancy in the 4th Ceylon Regiment and participated in the capture of the Isle of France (Mauritius) on 3 December 1810, under the command of General Abercromby. Keen for further action, Durnford volunteered his services for the capture of Java, was attached to the 69th Foot, and sailed with the invasion fleet under General Auchmuty on 11 June 1811. The British occupied Batavia and, greatly reduced by sickness, began their assault on Fort Cornelis on 26 August. The 69th Foot under Colonel McLeod greatly distinguished themselves, carrying the last redoubts at the point of the bayonet, losing 11 officers and 76 men. In January and February of 1815, Durnford participated in the Kandian war and subsequent capture of Kandy. Later that year he exchanged into the 19th Foot, who were also serving in Ceylon, where he remained engaged in the continuing skirmishes of the Kandian war of 1817-18. He returned to England in 1820, and in 1826 was promoted to Captain but, there being no vacancies, Durnford became Paymaster of the 39th Regiment and served with that regiment in New South Wales, Australia, from April 1827 until the end of 1829. The regiment returned to India in 1831, and in 1834 was engaged in the Coorg rebellion. Durnford remained with the regiment in India until it was next engaged in the Gwalior campaign at the end of 1843, taking an active part in the action at Maharajpoor on 29 December. The regiment returned to England in 1847 and Durnford remained as their Paymaster until November 1852, when he was placed on Half Pay, having by this time served actively for 46 years. He died in 1861 at the age of 70. Sold with copy Statement of Services and other research.

Pair: Major-General William Thomas Bowen, Bombay Army, late Land Transport Corps India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Persia (Capt., Land Trans. Corps); Abyssinia 1867-68 (Major, 3rd Regt. Bombay N.I.) last with slightly slack suspension, generally good very fine (2) £1200-1500 William Thomas Bowen was born in 1827 and was commissioned an Ensign in the Bombay Army in 1844, being promoted to Lieutenant in 1846 and Captain in 1855. He received the brevet of Major in 1864 and was promoted to that rank in the Bombay Staff Corps in 1866. Bowen served with the 2nd (Grenadier) Native Infantry in the South Mahratta Campaign, 1844-45 and was present at the capture of the forts of Punalla and Paunghur. He served with the Land Transport Corps in the Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 1856-57 and was present at the bombardment and capture of Mohumra. He subsequently served in the Abyssinian Expedition, 1867-68, as second-in-command of the 3rd Regiment Bombay Native Infantry. Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1870 and Colonel in 1875, he retired with the rank of Major-General in 1876. With copied service papers and other research.

Three: Private W. House, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers India General Service 1895-1902, 2 clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (3521 Pte., 2d Bn. Ryl. Innis. Fus.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Belfast (3527 Pte., 1st Rl. Innis. Fus.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (3527 Pte., Innis. Fus.) minor contact marks, good very fine (3) £340-380 William House was born in the Parish of St. Mary’s, Southampton. A labourer by occupation, he attested for the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at Portsmouth on 24 February 1891, aged 18 years, 9 months. Posted to the 2nd Battalion in September 1892 House served in India, September 1892-January 1899. Being transferred to the Army Reserve in January 1899, he was recalled to the Colours in October the same year and went on to serve in South Africa, November 1899-September 1902. Returning home after the war, he was discharged having completed his period of service on 23 February 1903. With copied service papers and roll extracts.

Three: Corporal E. Thompson, Army Ordnance Corps, late Ordnance Store Corps Ashanti Star 1896, unnamed as issued; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (2343 Serjt., A.O.C.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (2343 Corpl., A.O.C.) contact marks and edge bruising, generally very fine and better, scarce (3) £500-600 Edwin Thomas Thompson was born in Woolwich, Kent. A Smith by occupation, he attested for the Ordnance Store Corps at Woolwich on 8 September 1886, aged 19 years, 8 months. Promoted to 2nd Corporal in November 1895, he served on the West Coast of Africa, November 1895-March 1896 and saw service in the Ashanti Expedition of 1895-96. In April 1896 he was transferred to the Army Ordnance Corps and was promoted to Corporal in January 1899 and to Serjeant in March 1900. With the A.O.C. he served in the Boer War, October 1899-April 1902. Returning to Home Service after the war, in October 1904 he was tried by District Court Martial at Spite Island, Cork Harbour, for ‘an act to the prejudice of good order and military discipline’ and was sentenced to be reduced to the rank of Corporal. As such he was discharged to a pension at Haulbowline on 7 September 1907, on the termination of his second period of engagement. With copied service papers.

Pair: Private R. Robbins, Royal Warwickshire Regiment Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (3546 Pte., 1/R. War. R.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 2 clasps, The Atbara, Khartoum (No. 3546 Pte., 1st R. War. R. 1898) some edge bruising, very fine (2) £280-320 Richard Robbins was born in Birmingham. A Stoker (?) by occupation and a member of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Militia), he attested for the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at Birmingham on 12 January 1892, aged 19 years, 6 months. With the regiment he served in Ceylon, December 1892-March 1896; Egypt and the Sudan, December 1897-October 1898, and India, October 1898-December 1906. Robbins was discharged at his own request in October 1910, the Sudan awards being his only medals. Robbins attested for the Army Reserve (Special Reserve) in Birmingham on 11 September 1914, then aged 42 years. Serving throughout the war at Home, he was at various times with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Royal Berkshire Regiment, Labour Corps and Tank Corps. He was transferred to Class “Z” Reserve in 1920. With copied service papers and roll extracts.

Pair: Corporal G. A. Merritt, 1/4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment 1914 Star (422 Cpl., 1/4 Suff. R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (422 Cpl., Suff. R.) very fine (2) £50-60 G. A. Merritt was awarded a T.F.E.M. in Army Order 1 January 1909.

Three: Lieutenant John Tyrrell Champion Fallowes, Suffolk Regiment, killed in action, France/Flanders, 15 September 1916 1914-15 Star (Lieut., Suff. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.) in damaged card boxes of issue; Memorial Plaque (John Tyrrell Champion Fallowes) in card envelope of issue, extremely fine (4) £350-400 John Tyrrell Champion Fallowes was the son of The Rev. John Prince Fallowes, M.A. and Agnes Fallowes of Heene Rectory, Worthing, Sussex. He was educated at Haileybury College and Cambridge University. Whilst at the latter, he served in the Cavalry Officer Training Corps. Living in Canada when war broke out, he enlisted as a Private in the 4th Canadian Infantry. As such, he came to England with the first Canadian Contingent and was one of the first from the contingent to obtain a commission in the British Army. As a Lieutenant in the 9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war, going up to the front in August 1915 and seeing action at the Battle of Loos. A former commanding officer wrote of him, ‘He is a very good and hard working officer, full of energy, and always ready for any service of danger.’ Lieutenant Fallowes was killed in action on 15 September 1916, aged 25 years. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. With named medal forwarding slip and copied research including m.i.c. and a portrait photograph of the recipient.

Three: Honorary Captain G. B. Lockwood, Royal Air Force, late Somerset Light Infantry and Royal Engineers 1914-15 Star (Q.M. & Lieut., Som. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Q.M. & Lieut.) nearly extremely fine (3) £200-250 George Bertie Lockwood was born in Woodlesford, Leeds. A Teacher and Clerk by occupation, he attested for service with the Royal Engineers at Leeds on 17 May 1893, aged 21 years, 9 months. With them he served in Jamaica, October 1897-January 1901, November 1903-May 1905, and for a third time, November 1909-January 1913. Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. in 1911, he was discharged as an Engineer Clerk Quartermaster Serjeant on the termination of his second period of engagement on 16 May 1914. With the onset of war, he re-enlisted and in October 1914 was appointed Quartermaster & Honorary Lieutenant in 8th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. He was appointed Honorary Captain in October 1917. Posted to the Royal Air Force, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant (Honorary Captain) in April 1918 and Temporary Lieutenant (Honorary Captain) in July 1918. Lockwood relinquished his commission whilst retaining the rank of Captain due to ill health on 15 March 1919. With copied R.E. and R.A.F. service papers, gazette extracts and other research.

Eight: Sergeant A. Wilson, Royal Signals General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (2323507 Sglmn. A. Wilson, R. Signals); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star: France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; Army L.S. &.G.C., E.II.R., Regular Army (2323507 Sgt. A. Wilson, R. Sigs.), in its named card box of issue; Malta George Cross 50th Anniversary Medal 1942-92, in its card box of issue with related forwarding letter, the first six mounted as worn, minor contact wear, generally good very fine (8) £180-220

Seven: Captain R. A. McClure, Royal Armoured Corps 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (Lt., R.A.C.) mounted for wear; 14th/20th King’s Hussars Medal, 48.5mm., silver, obverse: regimental emblem and battle honours, reverse: inscribed, ‘In recognition of his initiative and devotion to duty over a prolonged period in all technical and mechanical matters’ (Capt. R. A. McClure. 1947) with clasp inscribed, ‘For loyal service as adjutant and for his outstanding conduct of Caernarvon Trials 1953/54’, with ring suspension, mounted as worn, good very fine (7) £200-250

Six: Captain R. W. Armitage, Rifle Brigade 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; Efficiency Decoration, Territorial, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1944, mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £80-100 E.D. London Gazette 22 June 1944: ‘Lt. (T/Capt.) R. W. Armitage (31797) (T.A.R.O.) The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own).’ Sold with War Office letter releasing him from the Territorial Army Reserve of Officers, w.e.f. 5 July 1950, and a St John Ambulance Association ‘first aid to the injured’ qualification certificate, dated December 1924 (Thurnscoe Branch, Rotherham).

Seven: Sergeant J. Field, Middlesex Regiment, who won “mentions” for gallant deeds during the Fall of Hong Kong in 1941 and in the Korea War 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf; Korea 1950-53, M.I.D. oakleaf (6202181 Cpl. J. Field, Mx.); U.N. Korea 1950-54; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., Regular Army(6202181 Cpl. J. Field, Mx.), mounted as worn, minor official correction to number on the fifth, very fine and better (7) £600-800 Mention in despatches London Gazette 29 August 1946: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the defence of Hong Kong in 1941.’ Mention in despatches London Gazette 6 March 1951: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea during the period 1 July to 31 December 1950.’ James Field, who was born in June 1914, enlisted in the Middlesex Regiment in April 1935 and, as a member of the 1st Battalion, was present at the fall of Hong Kong in 1941, when the “Die Hards” carried out a number of determined stands and grenade attacks - he was mentioned in despatches but taken P.O.W. (T.N.A. WO344/17). And his battalion sustained further losses when some of its members were transported from Hong Kong aboard the Lisbon Maru, which ship - armed and bearing no signs of her human cargo - was torpedoed and sunk by an American submarine with a total loss of some 840 P.O.Ws. And of those that survived, a further 240 died while being used as slave labour in Japan. Returning to life as a regular soldier on being repatriated at the War’s end, Field went on to win his second “mention” for services in Korea, a glimpse of his part in that conflict being found in The Middlesex Regiment 1919-1952, by Kemp and Horrocks: ‘In ‘D’ Company’s area and under the command of Major Willoughby were two parties of South Korean police of 140 and 60 respectively. On the first night the commander of the larger unit, which was nearest Company Headquarters, presented Willoughby wit an ultimatum to the effect that he would not stay unless provided with machine-guns and given the direct support of British troops amongst them. The police were spread along about two and a half miles of river bank at intervals of about ten yards. Most of them were armed with old Japanese rifles with, at best, two or three rounds each. Major Willoughby compromised by sending them one Bren, taken down and explained to them by C.S.M. MacMillan, for that night. The Commanding Officer the next day lent Corporal Fields, the sanitary corporal, and two others from the pioneer platoon to ‘D’ Company. Fields, who had been captured in Hong Kong by the Japanese in 1941, spoke a little of their language. All three rose to the occasion to a remarkable degree, and both police commanders (a Captain and a Sergeant) were only too glad to take orders from Fields. Major Willoughby therefore put Fields in command and in a frivolous moment named the two units Army Groups ‘A’ and ‘B’. The titles stuck.’ Field was discharged in the rank of Sergeant with an “Exemplary” conduct rating in July 1957.

Six: Major L. W. J. Smith, Royal Army Ordnance Corps 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; Coronation 1953, these unnamed; Army Emergency Reserve Decoration, E.II.R., reverse officially dated, ‘1958’ and additionally inscribed, ‘Major L. W. J. Smith 233686 R.A.O.C.’, good very fine and better (6) £100-140

Three: Mr A. J. Busby, British Army 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, all unnamed as issued; together with an A.R.P. lapel badge, silver; National Service lapel badge, enamelled, number ‘360’; Coronation 1937 lapel badge, silvered base metal; Germany, Third Reich, War Merit Cross, 2nd Class with swords, good very fine and better (7) £40-60 The three W.W.2 medals in card forwarding box addressed to ‘Mr A. J. Busby, 33 Worthing Street, Beverley Road, Hull, Yorks.’, together with forwarding slips. Also with copied certificate of award to ‘Mr Arthur Joseph Busby’, of ‘72 Chamberlain Road, Stoneferry, Kingston upon Hull’, from the ‘City and County of Kingston upon Hull’, confirming that he was a ‘Civil Defence Warden’ from 18 March 1942 to 16 March 1943.

Three: Private K. R. A. Martin, Parachute Regiment General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (25111958 Pte., Para); N.A.T.O. Medal 1994, no clasp, for Macedonia, unnamed; Operational Service Medal 2000, 1 clasp, Afghanistan (25111958 Pte., Para) with rosette on ribbon, generally extremely fine (3) £900-1000 Notes with the lot state that he served with the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment in East Tyrone, 1999 and September 2002-March 2003; on Operation ‘Essential Harvest’ in Macedonia, August-September 2001, and in Kabul, Afghanistan, December 2001-March 2002. Since leaving the army he has served in Iraq as a ‘Close Protection Bodyguard’, 2005-06.

A fine C.S.I., C.I.E., Great War M.C. group of eight awarded to Captain J. E. Pedley, Indian Army, late King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was latterly a senior member of the Indian Civil Service The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, C.S.I., Companion’s neck badge, gold and enamel, with central cameo bust of Queen Victoria and rose diamond set legend, a few stones lacking, in its Garrard & Co. case of issue with full neck cravat; The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, C.I.E., Companion’s neck badge, gold and enamels, with full neck cravat; Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (2 Lieut. J. E. Pedley, K.R. Rif. C.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. J. E. Pedley); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Capt. J. E. Pedley, 57 Rfls. F.F.); Jubilee 1935, the last six mounted as worn, some contact wear, otherwise generally very fine or better (8) £5000-6000 C.S.I. London Gazette 13 June 1946: ‘John Edward Pedley, Esq., C.I.E., M.C., Indian Civil Service, lately Adviser to His Excellency the Governor of the United Provinces.’ C.I.E. London Gazette 8 June 1939: ‘John Edward Pedley, Esq., M.C., Indian Civil Service, Collector, Gorakhpur, United Provinces.’ M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1917 Temp. Lt. John Edward Pedley, K. R. Rif. C. John Edward Pedley was born at Rangoon, Burma in December 1891, the son of Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel T. F. Pedley, of the Rangoon Port Defence Volunteers. He was educated at Repton and Trinity College, Oxford, and was commissioned into the King’s Royal Rifle Corps In December 1914, from the ranks of King Edward’s Horse which he had joined in November 1911. He first went to France on 25 July 1915, where he served in the 12th Battalion, attached to the 6th Battalion, and won his M.C. in 1916. He was subsequently wounded in the right leg on 25 April 1917 - ‘several small fragments of shell in the right calf and below the knee joint’ - and was transferred to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers at the end of the year. He was subsequently employed in the Third Afghan War as a Captain in the 57th (Wilde’s) Rifles, I.A. In 1920 Pedley joined the Indian Civil Service and a long and distinguished career ensued, one of his final appointments being as a Member of the Board of Revenue in the United Provinces shortly after the 1939-45 War. Among other appointments in the interim, Pedley was placed in charge of the Gorakhpur district in the late 1930s, an unenvious position that resulted in the award of his C.I.E. in 1939. An accompanying newspaper cutting quotes the following citation, as read out at the time of his investiture: ‘You joined the service in 1920 after four years’ service in the British and Indian Armies, during which you were awarded the Military Cross. From 1924 to 1928 you were Registrar of the Allahabad High Court. Thereafter you served as a District Officer and have been in charge of the large districts of Lucknow, Meerut and Bareilly. Since September 1937, you have been Collector of the very large and important district of Gorakhpur with over three million inhabitants, which was then in an unsatisfactory state owing to agrarian unrest and political agitation. You have fully justified your selection for this difficult charge. You handled the general situation, including at one stage a troublesome communal problem in Gorakhpur city, with great success; and by sound and cool-headed judgement combined with firmness and urbanity you restored confidence in the district administration among all classes of the population and effected a great improvement in the general agrarian situation. You have done most valuable work in Gorakhpur, and it is with great pleasure that I now deliver you the insignia of the Companionship of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire.’ Pedley was awarded his C.S.I. in 1946 and retired to the Isle of Man, where he died in April 1972. Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including original warrants for the C.S.I. and C.I.E., edges slightly cut and damaged, together with related investiture pamphlets and congratulatory letters for the latter award from the Governor of the United Provinces, and his wife, both dated June 1939; and commission document for Lieutenant, Indian Army Reserve of Officers, dated 21 February 1919.

A Great War D.S.O. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel T. H. Montgomery, Royal Army Service Corps, late Imperial Yeomanry Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R.; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (14245 Q.M. Sgt. T. H. Montgomery, 13th Impl: Yeo:); 1914-15 Star (Capt. T. H. Montgomery, A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Major T. H. Montgomery); Defence and War Medals, mounted court style as worn, nearly extremely fine (7) £1000-1200 D.S.O. London Gazette 1 January 1918. M.I.D. London Gazette 4 January and 24 December, 1917. Thomas Hassard Montgomery served with the 13th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry during the Boer war, in operations in Cape Colony and Orange River Colony (Queen’s Medal with 2 clasps). He served during the Great War with the Royal Army Service Corps, attaining the rank of Temp. Major. During the Second World War he held a Regular Army Emergency Commission, dated 3 November 1939, as Lieutenant (W.S./Capt. & T/Maj. 3 February 1940; local Lt.-Col. 4 August 1941). He resided at Cadogan House, Shrewsbury, and was a Justice of the Peace.

An important D.S.O., O.B.E. group of five awarded to Colonel E. E. `Bullfrog` Wilford, commanding 13th (Barnsley Pals) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, on 1 July 1916 Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., complete with top bar; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; 1914 Star, with copy clasp (Major E. E. Wilford, 30th Lancers); British War Medal 1914-20 (Lt. Col. E. E. Wilford); Victory Medal 1914-19, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Maj. E. E. Wilford) mounted for display, good very fine (5) £2400-2800 D.S.O. London Gazette 1 January, 1917. O.B.E. London Gazette 3 June, 1919. M.I.D. London Gazette 4 January 1917. Edmund Ernest Wilford was the son of Colonel Edmund Percival Wilford, late Gloucestershire Regiment. He was educated at Clifton College. He joined the East Yorkshire Regiment as 2nd Lieutenant in 1896 and transferred to the Indian Army two years later. He served as a Major and Squadron Commander, 30th Lancers (Gordon`s Horse) with the Indian Corps in France 1914. On 11 November 1915, Wilford was given command of the new raised Barnsley Pals Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment. The Pals had finished their training in England and Wilford was to lead them to action in France where they were to suffer enormous casualties, especially on the first day of the battle of the Somme. He was to become respected by the men for his no-nonsense approach and his willingness to see for himself how things were going at the sharp end of operations. He was known amongst the men as `Bullfrog` and from Brigade Headquarters earned the nickname of `The Swashbuckler.` After the disaster on the Somme Lieutenant-Colonel Wilford sent the following letter back to Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Hewitt: ‘France 11th July, 1916.’ ‘ My Dear Hewitt, The 13th Y & L have covered themselves with glory, and you who raised the Battalion should indeed be pleased. They have added a page to history. The way the Regiment advanced through an intense artillery barrage and machine gun fire to the attack equals any deed done in the War. No faltering or wavering, each man pressing on to his objective as steadily as if on parade. Our casualties were very heavy, but we have the consolation they feel in the hour of victory. I would like you to let the people of Barnsley know that every lad who fought that day was a hero. The Battalion has been congratulated by many - the Corps Commander, the Divisional General, and by our Brigadier on its gallantry, and I am the proudest man in France.` Wilford was mentioned in despatches and awarded the D.S.O. in January 1917, and was wounded by an exploding shell in May of the same year. His D.S.O. was almost certainly in recognition of his services on the Somme. He saw out the last days of the war with the Royal Defence Corps in his old rank of Major, for which service he was awarded the O.B.E. in 1919.

The well-documented and remarkable Second World War M.B.E., Great War M.C. and Bar, D.F.C. group of nine awarded to Wing Commander J. H. Norton, Royal Canadian Air Force, late Essex Yeomanry, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, whose published account of his experiences in the Palestine campaign 1917-18 include frequent mention of personal encounters with Lawrence of Arabia - among them the occasion he flew the great man to a desert rendezvous and his direct part in one of his classic “Train Wrecking” operations The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse privately engraved, ‘Capt. John Hamilton Norton, France 1917, Bar Palestine 1918’; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved, ‘Flight Lieut. John Hamilton Norton, Palestine 1918’; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf (Capt. J. H. Norton, R.A.F.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (1105 Pte. J. H. Norton, Essex Yeo.); Defence Medal 1939-45, silver; Canadian Voluntary Service Medal 1939-45, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oakleaf, silver, generally good very fine (9) £25000-30000 M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946. M.C. London Gazette 26 May 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He reconnoitred the enemy’s wire at the height of 300 feet, and brought back most valuable information. He has at all times displayed great courage and skill.’ Bar to M.C. London Gazette 22 April 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While he was carrying out observation for an important artillery shoot, two hostile aeroplanes endeavoured to interfere. These he at once attacked and drove off, afterwards continuing his observation for the shoot, during which two hostile emplacements were destroyed. His dash and determination contributed greatly to the success of the operation.’ D.F.C. London Gazette 8 February 1919: ‘On all occasions this officer displays gallantry and devotion to duty, notably on 29 July, when, in co-operation with our artillery, he carried out a shoot against two anti-aircraft pits. On approaching this target Captain Norton was wounded in the left foot; notwithstanding this, he continued the shoot, and succeeded in destroying both pits, thereby putting out of action two hostile guns.’ John Hamilton “Jocko” Norton was born in Southend, Essex in October 1896 and, after leaving school, was employed as an insurance broker at Lloyds of London. Enlisting in the Essex Yeomanry as a Trooper in August 1914, he was commissioned in the Reserve Regiment of Cavalry, via the Special List, that November, but remained employed in the U.K. until transferring to the Royal Flying Corps and gaining his Royal Aero Club Certificate in February 1916. France Posted to No. 12 Squadron out in France in July of the same year, he completed around 80 operational sorties before being transferred to No. 13 Squadron in March 1917, Army co-operation work that comprised bombing raids and spotting for the artillery, in addition to photography, and hazardous work, too, as evidenced by the following extracts taken from his Flying Log Book: 28 July 1916 - an attack on a bridge in the Somme region: ‘Bombs fell near railway track. A.A. very good. Lt. Watkins caught fire from direct hit. Own fuselage badly shot.’ 29 August 1916: ‘Bombed Bois de Loupart. Attacked by hostile machine - two rounds through cockpit, one through coat. Forced landing. Ran into telephone pole. Crashed machine’s wings dismantled.’ 15 September 1916: ‘Bombed Bapaume. Squadron came down to 500 feet. Tyson hit. Archie and Onions very bad. 20 hostile machines. Recrossed at 1000.’ 17 September 1916: ‘Bombed Marcoing station. Blew up large ammunition dump on railway line. Formation attacked south of Cambrai by about 40 hostile machines. Honey and Patterson lost. Four F.Es lost from escort.’ In March 1917, Norton transferred to No. 13 Squadron as a Flight Commander, which appointment quickly led to the award of his first M.C. for gallant work during the battle of Arras in the following month, namely the above cited low-level mission of which his Flying Log Book states: 7 April 1917: ‘Wire reconnaissance. Examined wire from 200-400 feet four miles behind line. Engine and machine badly hit by M.G. fire - awarded Military Cross.’ Just a couple of days later, on the 9th, his BE2e was hit by shellfire and he was compelled to make a crash-landing, though he and his Observer, Captain T. L. Tibbs, emerged unscathed from the wreckage. While on the 28th, during a contact patrol, his aircraft was attacked by five enemy machines, the resultant damage causing another rapid descent. But pilot and Observer once more emerged unscathed, Norton in fact going on to complete around 60 operational sorties before being ordered back to the U.K. to take up appointment as an instructor at the Central Flying School at Upavon in June. Palestine A brief home appointment in No. 62 Squadron having followed in August-September 1917, Norton was next posted to the Middle East, where he joined No. 113 Squadron in Palestine, a component, in common with No. 14 Squadron, of 5th Corps Wing. Moreover, his name appeared on a list of pilots attached to the following Routine Order: `The following officers are detached for special duty and will proceed immediately to headquarters of the Arab forces near Akabah. All officers upon arrival will report to Colonel T. E. Lawrence, or his representatives in Akabah, attached to the headquarters of Shereef Feisal, and will remain under their orders during forthcoming operations.` Thus ensued a memorable chapter in his active service career, a chapter described at length in a series of articles that were subsequently published in The Liberty magazine in America in 1934 - ‘I Flew Lawrence in War-Crazed Arabia, by Captain John H. Norton, as told by J. B. L. Lawrence’. As a result of lacking dates it would be difficult to corroborate these articles against his Flying Log Book, but the following extracts are illustrative of his encounters with Lawrence: On arrival at Lawrence’s Headquarters near Akabah ‘Lawrence came among us and greeted us heartily. I was to learn later that he never shook hands and hated to be touched in any way. Another amazing thing about the man that I noted from the first was that he never looked any one in the face. Instead he stared at one`s shoes intently .... I watched Lawrence carefully. His face interested me. It seemed to change with every word he spoke. It was the most mobile face I have ever seen. He couldn`t have been more than 27 or 28, yet I felt the force and strength of personality that I was to see accomplish so much later. His bluish-grey eyes, rather deeply set, reflected humour and at the same time were strangely hard. They seemed almost held in place by his unusually high cheek bones.` Under Lawrence’s watchful eye at a formal dinner with Feisal `The sheik beside me suddenly turned to me and grunted happily. Then he thrust in his fist and brought out the smoking liver. He handed it to me. I had my hands full. But a quick glance from Lawrence and a slight nod told me that I must not refuse. It was a gesture of friendliness. I took the liver and jammed it down my throat. It was no hard task - I was so hungry! Lawrence kept looking at me and signified by smacking his lips that I was to show pleasure at the gift. I smacked my lips and grunted. It pleased the sheikh so much that he offered me another bit and another ....` Piloting Lawrence and a “Train Wrecking” Mission ‘I was ready and waiting at dawn the next morning. During the night an army lorry had brought two little wooden boxes from the railway station for Lawrence, and he had thes

A most unusual Great War ‘Gallipoli’ M.C. group of eight awarded to Captain H. L. Norman, East Lancashire Regiment, late Royal Engineers Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse engraved ‘Capt. H. L. Norman, East Lancs., won in Gallipoli, 1915’; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, no clasp (20270 2nd Corpl. H. L. Norman, R.E.); 1914-15 Star (Capt. H. L. Norman, E. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. H. L. Norman); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (20270 F. of W. Q.M.S. H. L. Norman, R.E.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 3rd issue (20270 W.O. Cl. 2. H. L. Norman, R.E.) official correction to surname; Khedive’s Star, undated, the Egypt medal nearly very fine, otherwise nearly extremely fine and a very rare combination of medals (8) £2000-2500 M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1916: ‘Manchester Regiment (Service Battalions). Temp. Capt. H. L. Norman, East Lanc. R., Spec. Res.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 6 March 1916 (General Sir Charles Munro’s despatch). Herbert Luxton Norman was born at Hatherleigh, Devon, and enlisted for the Royal Engineers on 7 September 1885, aged 19 years 2 months, having served previously with the 4th Devon Volunteer Rifles. He served on the Egyptian Frontier in 1888 and in operations on the Nile in 1889 (Medal and Bronze Star). After a period at Home, he served in Hong Kong from August 1898 until December 1902, by which time he had been promoted to Quarter-Master Sergeant Foreman of Works. The remainder of his service was spent at Home until his discharge at Fermoy on 6 September 1906. His L.S. & G.C. medal with Gratuity was announced in Army Order 67 of 1907. On the outbreak of war Norman was appointed Lieutenant & Quarter-Master in the 10th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment and was promoted to Captain on 1 December 1914. Attached to the Manchester Regiment, he entered the Gallipoli theatre of war in May 1915. With them he probably fought in the battles before Achi Baba and in the Third Battle of Krithia. In the latter, Lieutenant Foreshaw, 1/9th Manchester Regiment, won the Victoria Cross. For his bravery in the campaign, Norman was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Military Cross. Due to his age Norman was selected for transfer for garrison battalion, a move that he resisted by requesting a transfer to another unit, as evidenced in a report from his Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General V. Ormsby, who wrote: “I believe that Captain Norman habitually displayed great gallantry and good leadership in Gallipoli. His commanding officer is not however satisfied as to his general knowledge and capacity for the command of a company in open warfare. After interviewing Col. Morrogh and Captain Norman, and in view of the latter’s wish for transfer to another battalion, I recommend that this course be adopted. I know Captain Norman to be most painstaking and conscientious. Though nearly 49, he is tougher than many a much younger officer, and is very averse to performing garrison duties.” In 1918 he is recorded as being a Captain in the East Lancashire Regiment and a Musketry Instructor. Sold with a sepia photograph of the recipient in civilian clothes before the war; a pencil sketch of the recipient, inscribed, ‘Captain Norman, Esk Line Trenches, Gallipoli, in front of Achi Baba, 23.7.15 (signed) Eric English’; original M.I.D. Certificate,mounted on card with partial loss of initials, ‘Manchester Regt. [T.F.] T/Capt., E. Lan. R., S.R.’; copied m.i.c. and other research.

A Great War M.C. group of four awarded to Captain M. Murphy, Royal Army Medical Corps Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914 Star (Lieut. M. Murphy, R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. M. Murphy), together with a set of related miniature dress medals, mounted as worn, generally very fine and better (8) £700-900 M.C. London Gazette 7 November 1918: ‘During an attack he worked continuously for 36 hours attending the wounded under heavy fire and evacuated a large number of cases. It was due to his splendid energy that the evacuation of the wounded was so successfully carried out.’ Michael Murphy first entered the French theatre of war as a Lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps in early November 1914 and, according to his MIC entry, later served in the rank of Major in the Indian Medical Service. Sold with original Army Order 219 dated 28 September 1918, announcing the award of his M.C., together with original Buckingham Palace telegram requesting his attendance at an investiture to be held on 20 February 1920.

A Boer War D.C.M. group of five awarded to Captain W. Shipley, Welsh Guards, late Coldstream Guards Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (7663 Q.M. Serjt., 1st Coldstream Gds.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (7663 Q.M. Sejt., Cldstm. Gds.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (7663 Qr.-Mr.-Sjt., Coldstream Guards); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (7663 Sjt. Mjr., Cldstm. Gds.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sjt. Maj., D.C.M., C. Gds.) mounted as worn, edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine and better (7) £2500-2800 D.C.M. London Gazette 31 October 1902. M.I.D. London Gazette 10 September 1901; 29 July 1902. Quartermaster W. Shipley, Coldstream Guards, served in the Second Boer War, taking part in the advance on Kimberley, including the actions at Belmont and Modder River; operations in the Orange Free State, including the action at Driefontein; operations in the Transvaal, including the actions near Johannesburg and at Diamond Hill; and operations to the east of Pretoria, including the action at Belfast. For his distinguished service, he was twice mentioned in despatches, awarded the D.C.M. by Army Order 10 of 1903, awarded the Queen’s medal with six clasps and the King’s medal with two. In April 1904 he was appointed a Sergeant-Major in the Coldstream Guards. In September 1906 he was posted to the Royal Hibernian School where he was to be employed for four years regular service and over nine years pensioned service. Shipley was discharged from the Army in December 1910 but with the onset of the Great War he was appointed to the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion Welsh Guards as a Quartermaster and Lieutenant on 5 August 1915. On 5 August 1918 he was promoted to Captain and served until demobilised in February 1920. After the war he returned to the Royal Hibernian School but when the institution closed in 1924, moves were made to award Shipley with the M.B.E. but in the event, he was not so awarded. Following on from his service with the Military School he served sixteen years as Superintendent at Queen Alexandra’s Court, Wimbledon - the Officer’s Branch of the S.S.& A.F.A., retiring in 1944 at the age of 70. Together with a Royal Hibernian Military School and a Coldstream Guards cap badge; a photograph of the recipient in uniform inscribed ‘W. Shipley, Captain, Welsh Guards, 1915-1920’. With copied gazette extracts for the two Boer War ‘mentions’ and copied service papers and other research. His papers refer to him being ‘mentioned’ for a third time during the Great War.

A good Great War D.C.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Office Class 2 C. G. S. Carver, Royal West Surrey Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (200121 Sjt. C. G. S. Carner, 7/The Queen’s R.), note surname spelling; British War and Victory Medals (T-1085 W.O. Cl. 2 C. G. S. Carvey, The Queen’s R.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (T-1085 Pte. C. G. S. Carver, The Queen’s R.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (200121 Sjt.-A. C. S. Mjr. C. G. S. Carver, D.C.M., 4/The Queen’s R.), mounted as worn, occasional edge bruising and somewhat polished, otherwise nearly very fine (5) £1200-1400 D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1919: ‘For splendid courage and good work. At Hecq, on 4 November 1918, when through the hostile shelling the only officer in the company was wounded, he rallied the men and led them forward. He exercised wonderful grip of the men, and by his masterly leadership instilled confidence into all under his command.’ Carver was from Oxted, Surrey, was awarded his T.F.E.M. in AO 148 of 1920; sold with an old fragmented copy of the Army Order announcing the award of the recipient’s D.C.M.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of eight awarded to Warrant Officer Class 1 A. Kerr, Canadian Army Service Corps and Princess Louise Dragoon Guards Military Medal, G.V.R. (30090 Dvr. A. Kerr, No. 1 Coy. 1/D.T. Can. A.S.C.); 1914-15 Star (30090 Dvr. A. Kerr, Can. A.S.C.); British War Medal 1914-20 (30090 Dvr. A. Kerr, C.A.S.C.); Victory Medal 1914-19, unnamed; Jubilee 1935 (R.S.M. (W.O.1) Alex Kerr, M.M., P.L.D.G.); Coronation 1937 (R.S.M. (W.O.1) Alex Kerr, M.M., 4th P.L.D.G.) these privately engraved; Colonial Auxiliary Force Long Service, G.V.R. (S.S.M. (W.O. Cl. II) A. Kerr, M.M., P.L.D.G.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Canada (R.S.M. (W.O. Cl. I) A. Kerr, M.M., P.L.D.G.) mounted for display, some with contact marks, nearly very fine and better (8) £550-650 M.M. London Gazette 11 April 1917. Citation reads, ‘This man after being wounded in the arm by a piece of shell on 11 April 1917, in the afternoon, and having his arm placed in a sling, resumed his place of work on the driver’s seat and drove with one hand until his work was completed, three hours afterwards. After handing over his team he was taken to the Field Ambulance and has not yet returned to duty’. Alexander Kerr was born in Glasgow on 8 June 1896. Moving with his parents to Ottawa, Canada, in 1908, he enlisted into the 1st Division Train, C.A.S.C. on 19 September 1914. Serving on the Western Front he was wounded in action on 11 April 1917. For his service in bravely carrying on his duties, he was awarded the Military Medal. He was discharged from the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 31 December 1921. On his return to civilian life in Ottawa, he enlisted into the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. Attaining the rank of Regimental Sergeant-Major, he was awarded the Jubilee Medal of 1935, the Coronation Medal of 1937 and two long service medals. His obituary also states that he was a piper with the Cameron Highlanders in Ottawa. In civilian life he served for some 35 years as a member of the Treasury Branch of the Department of Transport. Retiring in June 1957, he died in April 1958. With a quantity of copied service papers and other research.

The remarkable Great War D.F.C. and Second World War George Medal awarded to Gyles Mackrell, late Captain in the Royal Air Force, whose daring exploits with his team of elephants led to the rescue of hundreds of refugees fleeing the Japanese advance through Burma in 1942, the British press at the time dubbing him ‘The Elephant Man’ Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Gyles Mackrell) good very fine (2) £5000-6000 D.F.C. London Gazette 3 June 1919. Awarded for service in India whilst serving with 114 Squadron R.A.F. His name was brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War, London Gazette 18 May 1920, ‘for valuable services rendered in connection with the military operations on the North-West Frontier of India, in East Persia and South Persia, during the period April 1, 1917, to May 31, 1918. To be dated January 1, 1919.’ G.M. London Gazette 29 January 1943: ‘Gyles Mackrell, Messrs. Octavius Steel and Company, Calcutta.’ ‘Mr. Mackrell, while in charge of the elephant transport, heard that a number of refugees were attempting to reach Assam over the Chaukan pass. In appalling weather he led his elephants by forced marches over a route hitherto considered impracticable. At great personal risk and after several vain attempts he took them across the flooded river, the bed of which consisted of shifting boulders. He thus rescued 68 sepoys and 33 other persons who were facing starvation. Without medical assistance he fed and doctored them until they were fit to proceed. He fell ill with severe fever, but remained behind and was responsible for saving the lives of over 200 persons. Mr. Mackrell showed the highest initiative and personal courage, and risked hardships which might easily have proved fatal.’ Gyles Mackrell was born on 9 October 1888, and educated at Epsom College. Prior to the Great War, he worked as a tea planter at Sylhet, India, and served as a trooper and N.C.O. in the Surma Valley Light Horse from 23 January 1909. Granted leave from that unit for the duration of the war from 1 December 1915, he was appointed Remount Assistant (ranking 2nd Lieutenant) in charge of horses per H.T. Janus from Bombay to Suez in January 1916, and then acted as Military Quarter-Master with 600 troops from Port Said to Marseilles per S.S. Aronda. Granted a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps (Special Reserve of Officers) on 29 April 1916, he underwent basic training as a pilot and was appointed Flying Officer on 21 August 1916. He served in France with No. 11 Squadron R.F.C. from 12 September 1916 to 2 April 1917, when he was appointed a Flight Commander and returned to England for further training. He then spent 7 months on night flying duties as a Flight Commander in No. 33 Home Defence Squadron R.F.C., before being posted to No. 31 Squadron R.F.C. Elements from this squadron were used to form No. 114 Squadron in India and, in February 1918, Mackrell took over command of “B” Flight at Lahore, where he was engaged in operations on the North-West Frontier. Decorated with the D.F.C. in June 1919, Mackrell once again returned to civilian life in Assam, where he worked as an area supervisor for Steel Brothers, a firm of tea exporters. The dramatic Japanese advance through Burma in early 1942, and the subsequent British retreat from that country to the safety of India, provide the backdrop to Gyles Mackrell’s remarkable story. The events that led to the award of the George Medal began on 4 June 1942, when Mackrell, now 52 years old, received an S.O.S. from a group of refugees who had managed to cross the swollen Dapha River by making a human chain. The rest of the party left behind were short of food and in danger of starving if help could not be got to them. Mackrell offered to collect some elephants and move off as quickly as he could. The Assam/Burma border is divided by mountain ranges and numerous rivers, affording few passes which were viable as crossing points. The Chaukan Pass, over which Mackrell’s party would have to cross, had been surveyed by a party of Gurkhas earlier that year. They had concluded that while it was possible to get through in good conditions, it would be impracticable during the monsoon period which had now arrived. Undeterred by this, Mackrell, in a series of epic forced marches reached the Dapha River on 9 June and found a group of 68 soldiers, from the Burma Rifles and Burma Frontier Force, who had been stranded on an island mid-river when the waters suddenly rose. Throughout the day repeated attempts were made to get the elephants through the raging high waters but the torrents were too overwhelming and Mackrell’s party was unable to reach them. However, in the early hours of the morning, the water fell and a window of opportunity opened in which to effect a successful evacuation. In the weeks that followed Mackrell established a camp on the banks of the river, where he gave help to the steady stream of refugees that struggled out of the Burmese jungle. By mid-July, however, sickness had descended on the camp and Mackrell and many of his men were struck down with fever. Reluctantly he was forced to return to Assam to recover but vowed to return to continue his rescue work. Whilst convalescing he conducted an aerial survey of the Dapha River area and was convinced that a second expedition should be mounted using both elephants and boats. This second party arrived at the riverside camp on 21 August, when Mackrell heard news of another stranded party, under John Rowland, a railway engineer who had left his party in order to seek help and had come across Mackrell’s camp in his absense. Several attempts had already been made to reach Rowland’s party but these had failed through a lack of supplies. Mackrell determined that it was still possible to get through to them and he pushed forward with his boats and elephants. On 4 September they came across some more of the party who had also left the camp in search of help. They carried urgent messages informing that food supplies were now reduced to little more than a week and that help must come immediately if disaster was to be averted. At the same time Mackrell received two letters from British authorities in Assam ordering him to immediately desist from any further attempts to rescue this party. However, deciding that it was impossible to withdraw in the existing circumstances, Mackrell decided to pushed on once more. Progress was becoming so slow that on 7 September Mackrell sent forward a striking party of his best elephants and fittest men with a supply of rations in a last desperate attempt to reach the camp. On 10 September, a team he had earlier despatched by boat now arrived and Mackrell was able to make further progress, but still he could not get close enough. The striking party was now the only hope that remained and all he could do was wait for news. On 20 September, by which time they had all but given up hope, a runner from the striking party arrived in camp with news of their success and, later that evening, the elephants arrived in camp bearing their weak and emaciated cargo of refugees. By the end of September 1942, when operations finally ceased, about 200 people had been saved. When considering Mackrell for a suitable award, Sir E. R. Knox, of the Treasury’s Honours Committee, in determining the percentage risk of death stated that it “could be put, very roughly, at George Medal: 50 to 80%.” In January 1943 the award of the George Medal to Gyles Mackrell was duly announced in the London Gazette. The British press immediately picked up on his amazing story they dubbed him “The Elephant Man”. The press frenzy soon died down, however, as the war continued and his story became forgotten amidst the greater tragedy that was unfolding around Britain’s “Forgotten Army

A rare Second World War B.E.M. group of eight to Company Sergeant-Major P. T. Benson-Ryal, Worcestershire Regiment and Intelligence Corps, awarded for his services with the British Military Mission to the Egyptian Army British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (6340681 C.S.M. Patrick T. Ryal); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (6340681 Cpl. P. Ryal, Worc. R.) surname officially corrected; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, unofficial ‘8’ emblem on ribbon; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (6340681 Sjt. P. T. Benson-Ryal B.E.M., Int. Corps); note variation in surname, together with a mounted set of eight miniature dress medals, very fine and better (lot) £350-450 B.E.M. London Gazette 6 January 1944. Recommendation states: ‘During his three years service with the British Military Mission to the Egyptian Army, C.S.M. Ryal has shown outstanding zeal and devotion to duty. His work throughout has been characterised by great keenness, efficiency, smartness and reliability. Through the exercise of unbounded tact and ability he has rendered exceptional service in fostering good relations between Egyptians, both military and civil, and their British colleagues, and has done much towards instilling confidence in British intentions. In addition to his military duties, he has rendered, under the direction of the Embassy immeasurable service in the political sphere. He has toured the whole area round Asuit constantly and has, to all practical purposes, transformed a potential Anti-British group of towns and villages into a peaceful area in which British ideas are accepted with confidence. He is in my opinion worthy of the award for which he is recommended both for his military and his civil services which are of outstanding merit.’ Company Sergeant Major Patrick Thomas Benson-Ryal, B.E.M., enlisted into the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment in 1928 at the age of nineteen. He served with the Worcestershire Regiment 1937-48, Cheshire Regiment 1948-49 and the Intelligence Corps 1950-52. On the termination of his colour service engagement in June 1952 his Commanding Officer described his conduct as ‘exemplary’; in his testimonial to Benson-Ryal’s service, he writes ‘Sergeant Benson-Ryal has been in the canal zone of Egypt since June 1950. During the whole of this time he has been employed on civil security duties. He has always been very hard working, intelligent, honest and of sober habits. A very smart clean trustworthy N.C.O. who has a wide knowledge of Egyptian affairs. He also has a working knowledge of Arabic, police and customs, popular with everyone he has come into contact, and has done sterling work in the Middle East.’ Benson Ryal was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the Territorial Army in 1961 and in the Essex Cadet Regiment in 1963. Sold with a quantity of related items, including: Prize Medals (3) named; cap badges (6); Regular Army Certificate of Service Booklet; Record of Service Card; Buckingham Palace forwarding slip for the B.E.M. named to ‘Company Sergeant-Major Patrick T. Ryal, B.E.M., The Worcester Regiment’; Commission Document appointing him a 2nd Lieutenant in the T.A., 1961; Essex Army Cadet Force Identity Card; notebooks (2); letters (3); many photographs - mostly annotated.