Four: Major Bertie Stedman Joseph McMurray, 108th Indian Infantry, attached South Persia Rifles, late Leinster Regiment, who died on 12 June 1918 Queens South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 (2 Lieut., Leins. R.) correction to middle initial; British War and Victory Medals (Major); Delhi Durbar 1911 (Captn. 108th Infy.); Memorial Plaque (Bertie Stedman Joseph Macmurray (sic)) first with minor edge bruising, nearly extremely fine (5) £380-420 Bertie Stedman Joseph McMurray was born on 27 October 1880. Embodied with the Militia, 3 May-11 December 1900 and attached to a regular battalion, 7 May-16 August 1901. Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Leinster Regiment on 29 January 1902 and served in the Boer War. Promoted a Lieutenant in the Leinster Regiment on 11 May 1904, he transferred to the Indian Army in May 1905, being appointed to the 108th Infantry. McMurray was promoted to Captain in March 1912. As a Major he served throughout the Great War in East Africa and Mesopotamia. He died on 12 June 1918 whilst on attachment to the South Persia Rifles. He was buried in the Tehran War Cemetery. With copied research.
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Six: Lieutenant A. E. Nash, Supply and Transport Corps China 1900, no clasp (Sergeant Major, S. & T. Corps) & re-engraved; 1914-15 Star (Condr., S. & T. Corps); British War Medal 1914-20 (Lt); Victory Medal 1914-19, M.I.D. oak leaf (Lieut.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (Sub-Conductor, S. & T. Corps); France, Medaille Militaire, silver, gilt and enamel, good very fine (6) £300-340 Medaille Militaire London Gazette 6 November 1918. Conductor (Now Assistant Commissary and Honorary Lieutenant) Albert Edward Nash, Supply & Transport Corps, Indian Army. M.I.D. London Gazette 10 July 1919 (France). Temp. Captain attached 38th Divisional Train R.A.S.C.
Four: Brevet Colonel F. V. Whittall, Cheshire Regiment and East Yorkshire Regiment, late Indian Army. China 1900, no clasp (Major, 1st Infy. Hybd. Contgt.) 1st re-engraved; 1914-15 Star (Bt. Col., Ches. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Bt. Col.) minor contact marks, good very fine (4) £400-500 M.I.D. London Gazette 13 September 1901 (China). Francis Vaughan Whittal was born on 23 March 1861. He was first commissioned into the Leinster Regiment in January 1881 before being appointed to the Indian Army in August 1883. He served in the Burmese Expedition, 1887-88, for which he was awarded the India General Service Medal with two clasps, and a Special Service Officer serving in the China War of 1900 for which he was mentioned in despatches. During 1903-04 he was employed in Aden in operations in the interior. Whittal attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in June 1904. Having retired from the Indian Army and being granted the brevet rank of Colonel, he served in the Great War, firstly with the Cheshire Regiment and latterly in command of the 2nd (Home Service) Garrison Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment.
Six: Serjeant W. H. Kerr, Royal Field Artillery China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (2024 Gunner (?) 12th By. R.F. Arty.); 1914 Star, with clasp (99950 Sjt., R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (99950 Sjt., R.F.A.); Coronation 1911, unnamed; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (2024 Sjt., R.F.A.) first and last with edge bruising and contact marks, good fine; others good very fine (6) £400-460
Six: Captain T. V. Power, Supply and Transport Corps Tibet 1903-04, no clasp (Staff Sergt, S.T.C.) renamed; 1914-15 Star (Sub. Condr., S. & T. Corps.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Condr., S.T.C.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Capt.); Delhi Durbar 1911 (Sub Conductor, S. & T. Corps); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (Sub Condtr., S. & T. Corps) mounted for display, good very fine (6) £180-220
Ten: Lieutenant-Colonel G. T. Tait, Indian Army, late Royal Air Force and Northumberland Fusiliers 1914 Star, with clasp (2 Lieut.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt., R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, these unnamed; Volunteer Force Long Service, G.V.R. (Capt., E.B. Ry. Bn., A.F.I.) impressed naming, mounted court style as worn, very fine and better (10) £350-450 Gerald George Wynne Trevredyn Tait was born on 10 May 1891. He was commissioned a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant in the Northumberland Fusiliers in September 1914, employed as an Interpreter, and was appointed a Temporary Captain in September 1915. In May 1916 he was appointed a General Staff Officer Grade 3 and transferred to the General List but was transferred back to the Northumberland Fusiliers with the rank of Captain in August the same year. In January 1917 he was specially appointed a Staff Lieutenant 2nd Class and transferred to the General List. In March 1918 he relinquished his special appointment and was appointed a General Staff Officer Grade III for liaison duties with the French Army. In May 1918 he was appointed a Staff Officer 3rd Class with the Royal Air Force with the rank of Captain. Captain Tait was placed on the Unemployed List in 1919 and in the following year was appointed a Captain in the Bengal Nagpur Railway Regiment, attaining the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1929. He transferred to the General List in 1933 with the rank of Honorary Colonel. With the onset of war he obtained an Emergency Commission in the Indian Army and was ranked as a Temporary Captain in September 1941. Captain Tait served as a Staff Officer with the 11th Indian Division and on 15 February 1942 was captured by the Japanese in Malaya. For his wartime services in Italy he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 19 July 1945). Colonel Tait died in Crediton, Devon on 13 February 1954. With copied research. Great War M.I.D. not confirmed.
Four: Warrant Officer Class 2 John Ryan, York and Lancaster Regiment, killed in action, 24 September 1918 1914 Star (5525 Cpl., 2/York. & Lanc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (5525 W.O. Cl. 2, Y. & L. R.) the numeral 2 omitted from the B.W.M.; Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (5525 C.S. Mjr., 2/York & Lanc. R.); Memorial Plaque (John Ryan) nearly extremely fine (5) £380-420 M.S.M. London Gazette 17 January 1919. John Ryan was born in Plymouth, lived in Blackpool and enlisted at Seaforth, Liverpool. As a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 13 November 1914. As a Warrant Officer Class 2 with the same battalion, he was killed in action on 24 September 1918. With copied m.i.c. which shows entitlement to clasp for 1914 Star.
Four: Lieutenant F. R. Swynnerton, Indian Army Reserve of Officers, attached Postal Censors Department, late Customs Department Middle East Force 1914-15 Star (W.O., Customs Dept. M.E.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Lieut., 2-56 Pjbis.) good very fine and better, scarce unit (4) £250-300 Lieutenant F. R. Swynnerton, I.A.R.O., attached Postal Censors Department, died on 18 December 1918. His name is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial. With coped m.i.c.
Three: Private D. J. Fraser, Royal Army Medical Corps 1914-15 Star (9288 Pte., R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (9288 Pte., R.A.M.C.); Memorial Plaque (Donald Jack Fraser); together with Silver War Badges (2) (24275; RN32115) extremely fine (6) £120-160 Private Donald Fraser, Royal Army Medical Corps, entered the Balkans theatre of war on 30 July 1915. He was discharged on 30 November 1915 and awarded the Silver War Badge. Together with a named memorial scroll and a photograph; all mounted on card. With copied m.i.c.
Three: Private W. H. Watkins, Army Service Corps 1914-15 Star (M2-081862 Pte., A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (M2-081862 Pte., A.S.C.) extremely fine (lot). £60-80 William Henry Watkins was born in 1881. He enlisted into the Army Service Corps on 3 May 1915 and was transferred to Class Z Reserve on 5 March 1919. Sold with recipients Certificate of Service and Certificate of Transfer to Reserve; Protection Certificate and Certificate of Identity, dated February 1918, and two Leave or Duty Ration Books - these all mounted on card. Together with three identity disks; an A.S.C. lapel badge and another A.S.C. lapel badge, with enamelled, with four blue enamelled overseas service stripes.
Ten: Sergeant L. W. Lazarus, Royal Pioneer Corps, late London Regiment, East Surrey Regiment and Royal Navy, twice discharged for enlisting under age during the Great War British War and Victory Medals (17989 Pte. L. W. Lazarus, E. Surr. R.); British War and Victory Medals (J.75305 L. W. Lazarus, Ord., R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (6204686 Sjt. W. Lazarus, R.P.C.) note variation in initials, edge bruising, contact marks, good fine and better (10) £150-200 Louis William Lazarus was born in Hackney, London, on 8 January 1900. Within months of the outbreak of war and in the wave of patriotism that swept through the country, Lazarus, then living with his parents in Hackney, was caught up in the fervour and enlisted into the Army in the early months of 1915, managing to join the 11th (County of London) Battalion (Finsbury Rifles) London Regiment. After 9 months he was identified and discharged for being under age. On 2 February 1916 he enlisted again, this time with the East Surrey Regiment, and although declaring that he had been discharged from the Finsbury Rifles for being under age, stated this time that he was 19 years of age! After a period of training with the 3rd Battalion East Surrey Regiment at Dover in May 1916, Lazarus was drafted to the 7th Battalion serving in France. Just prior to the carnage that was to mark the start of the battle of the Somme, Lazaruss true age was discovered and he was sent back to Etaples and thence to England, arriving there on 4 July. Private Lazarus was discharged on 11 August 1916 having made a mis statement as to age on enlistment. Not deterred by his wartime double discharge, Lazarus then turned to the Royal Navy and joined H.M.S. Powerful as a Boy 2nd Class on 27 July 1917. Advanced to Boy 1st Class, October 1917 and Ordinary Seaman, January 1918, he served aboard the battleship Monarch, October 1917-September 1918. He was discharged in 1919. As a result of his service with both the Army and Royal Navy he was awarded a double-issue of the British War and Victory Medals. Circa 1938 Lazarus was serving with the 8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment T.A. Seeing active service during the Second World War, he was later awarded the Efficiency Medal for service with the Royal Pioneer Corps. With a quantity of copied service papers and other research.
Six: Acting Serjeant W. Smith, 5th Battalion Hampshire Regiment British War and Victory Medals (280060 A. Sjt., Hamps. R.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (390 Pte., Hamps. R.); Defence Medal, unnamed; Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Walter Smith) name officially corrected; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (390 L. Cpl., 5/Hants. Regt.) mounted court style for wear, good very fine (6) £160-200 I.S.M. London Gazette 14 May 1946. Postman, Liss Sub-Office, Petersfield. Awarded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal by Army Order 293 of August 1915. With copied research.
Pair: Quartermaster Serjeant A. W. Henry, Canadian Field Artillery British War and Victory Medals (85102 Q.M. Sjt., C.F.A.) Pair: Private W. H. Kenward, Army Service Corps 1914-15 Star (SS.15700 Pte., A.S.C); British War Medal 1914-20 (15700 Pte., A.S.C.) official correction to second initial; these two associated with a Defence Medal, Canadian issue in silver; and War Medal 1939-45, cupro-nickel, both unnamed, very fine and better (6) £40-60
Four: Private F. Nolan, Yorkshire Regiment, late Leicestershire Regiment, killed/died, North Africa, 13 November 1942 India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (4857037 Pte., Leic. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for wear, good very fine (4) £200-240 Private F. J. Nolan, 6th Battalion Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment), was killed/died, on 13 November 1942, aged 25 years. He was buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery. He was the son of Patrick Joseph Nolan and Emily Gertrude Nolan of Retford, Nottinghamshire.
Seven: Captain H. W. Ashby, 5th and 6th Gurkhas, late Hertfordshire Regiment 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; India Service Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, S.E. Asia 1945-46, Malaya (Capt., 5 G.R.); Efficiency Medal, Territorial, G.VI.R. (5990205 Cpl., Herts. Regt.) the last with engraved naming and slack suspension, some with contact marks, otherwise generally good very fine (7) £350-400 Captain Harold William (Gus) Ashby was born in Watford, Herfordshire on 18 May 1921. He was granted an Emergency Commission in the Indian Army in 1943. He was posted to the 3rd Battalion 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force) towards the end of the Second World War and saw service with the Battalion in Malaya and Dutch East Indies. He later served with the 1st Battalion 6th Gurkha Rifles in Malaya. He joined the 3/5 G.R. at the time of the preparations for the invasion of Malaya (Operation Zipper) as Battalion Intelligence Officer. After an unopposed landing and the disarming of some of the Japanese forces, including 97 members of the notoriously brutal Kempetei, he accompanied the Battalion to Java where he served as Intelligence Officer, Signals Officer, and as Company Commander. In Java, he confronted the more hazardous duties of a Company Commander, participating in the investigation of an Indonesian-held quinine factory - his section came under heavy fire from a number of houses, one Gurkha being killed and another four wounded. Ashby was subsequently present in the follow up operation, when the factory was stormed and 19 prisoners taken. He was demobilised in 1947 and returned to the U.K. but rejoined in 1952 taking a short service commission with the 1/6 G.R. and took part in the Malaya Emergency. He resigned his commission in 1957. Captain Ashby died, at the age of 68 years, in 1990. With copied research including Birth Certificate, service details and obituary.
Seven: Sergeant L. Kent, Kings Own Scottish Borderers, late Army Air Corps, who was wounded and taken prisoner at Arnhem Bridge while serving in H.Q. Company, 2nd Parachute Regiment in September 1944 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Korea 1950-53 (6200750 Sjt. L. Kent, K.O.S.B.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, mounted as worn, generally very fine or better (7) £800-1000 Kent is among those listed as having been wounded and taken prisoner at the Bridge itself in the official casualty return submitted by the Commanding Officer, 1 Airborne Division, to the Deputy Adjutant-General of 2nd Echelon, 21st Army Group, on 30 October 1944 - his name having been among those recorded by Major J. A. Hibbert, R.A., of H.Q. 1st Parachute Brigade, prior to making his escape back to our lines. In the official published roll of British Army P.O.Ws 1939-45, Kents name appears without a P.O.W. No. or camp, strongly suggesting that he was still recovering from his wounds in an enemy hospital at the time of the German surrender in May 1945.
Seven: Major (Quartermaster) A. T. H. Hatchard, Royal Armoured Corps 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Major, R.A.C.); Coronation 1953, unnamed; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (Capt. (Q.M.) Gen. List) contact marks, nearly very fine (7) £180-220 War Substantive R.Q.M.S. Alfred Thomas Henry Hatchard, R.A.C. was appointed Lieutenant (Quartermaster) on the General List in 1942 (London Gazette 12 May 1942). Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. (London Gazette 9 April 1948). Promoted to Major (Quartermaster) in 1953 (London Gazette 4 August 1953). He retired with the honorary rank of Major (Q.M.) in 1948 (London Gazzette 11 April 1958). With copied gazette extracts.
Five: Major Alfred Alexander Lees, Indian Army 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, all unnamed; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (Capt., Indian Army) mounted court style for wear, contact marks, nearly very fine (5) £80-100 Alfred Alexander Lees lived in India before the war and served in the ranks of the Auxiliary Force (India). He was granted an Emergency Commission in the Indian Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in September 1942. He was promoted to War Substantive Lieutenant in March 1943 and was subsequently advanced to Temporary Captain in January 1944. When he was released at the end of the war, he was granted the honorary rank of Major. For his services in the Auxiliary Forces, he was awarded the Efficiency Medal (Territorial), the award published in the London Gazette of 18 April 1947. With some copied research.
Five: Serjeant W. Smith, Royal Artillery 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (6550838 Sjt., R.A.) nearly extremely fine (5) £100-140 With London Schools Swimming Association Certificates (3) 1925 & 1927; L.C.C. Certificate for Scripture Knowledge, 1926-27; Church Lads Brigade, London Division, Sergeants Certificate, 1932; W.W.2 medals card forwarding box, addressed to Mr W. Smith, 131 Riversdale Rd., Highbury, London, N.5; Soldiers Service and Pay Book (worn); Soldiers Release Book; Certificate of Transfer to Army Reserve, 1946; together with several other papers and three photographs - two relating to the 168 A.A. Battery R.A. (T.A.) Emergency Mobilisation, 1938.
Four: Private J. W. H. Looker, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, late Hampshire Regiment, captured at Hunters Gap, near Beja, Tunisia, 1 March 1943 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; War Medal 1939-45, these unnamed; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (5500317 Pte., R.A.O.C.) correction to service number and unit, good very fine (4) £140-180 John William Horold Looker was born in Alresford, Hampshire, on 26 July 1920. A Builders Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Army on 11 April 1939. Serving with the 2/4th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, he was taken prisoner at Hunters Gap, near Beja, Tunisia, on 1 March 1943. He was held in Campo 66 at Capua and Campo 53 at Macarata, Italy, and then at Stalags 7A at Mooseburg, Bavaria; 17A at Keizersteinbruck, Austria, and 17B at Krems, Austria. During 1944-45 he was in three work camps, Rust, Austria and Fells, Austria, being employed in Labouring work, and Nuehause, Austria, employed in forestry work. In the later work he was twice accidentally injured with axe cuts to his left foot and leg. In his P.O.W. papers he states that he tried to escape from Campo 53 when Italy capitulated but was almost immediately captured by the Germans. With copied P.O.W. papers.
Five: Captain W. J. Pickering, Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps, late Royal Canadian Artillery Defence Medal, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, all unnamed; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Canada, reverse impressed, Capt. W. J. Pickering; Canadian Decoration, E.II.R. (Capt.) mounted court style for wear, extremely fine (5) £150-180 W. J. Pickering was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 44th Field Battery, R.C.A., on 1 May 1932 and was advanced to Lieutenant on 8 August 1936. As a Captain in the R.C.A.P.C. he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (Canada) (Canada Gazette 19 May 1945), and in the same rank and corps was awarded the Canadian Decoration, ref. Canadian A.O. 18 February 1963. With some copied research.
Pair: Sergeant J. Norton, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, late Royal Air Force General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (1925633 Cpl. J. F. Norton, R.A.F.); General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (24083731 Sgt. J. F. Norton, R.E.M.E.), the first with officially corrected number, good very fine or better (2) £150-200 An accompanying typed label states that Jones served with a flying boat unit in Malaya in 1958, prior to transferring to the R.E.M.E. in 1966 and serving in Northern Ireland with 665 Army Aviation. He retired in 1976.
A Second World War O.B.E. group of eight awarded to Colonel Jack Hulme Taylor, 11th King Edwards Own Lancers (Probyns Horse) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officers 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Officer s (Brothers) breast badge, silver and enamel; British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Kurdistan, Iraq (Capt.); War and India Service Medals; Coronation 1953, these three unnamed, mounted court style as worn, minor contact marks, very fine and better (8) £420-460 O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946. Colonel (temporary) Jack Hulme Taylor (I.A.83), Probyns Horse, Indian Armoured Corps Order of St. John, Officer London Gazette 26 June 1953. Colonel Jack Hulme Taylor, O.B.E. Jack Hulme Taylor was born in Ceylon on 11 December 1894. Educated at Aldenham School and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Commissioned on 14 January 1914 and gazetted to the 1st Battalion The Royal Sussex Regiment at Peshawar, India. Arriving in India in February 1914, he transferred to the Indian Army in October 1914, being posted to the 11th King Edwards Own Lancers (Probyns Horse). Promoted to Lieutenant in September 1915 and Acting Captain in November 1917, he took part in the operations in Mahsud, March-August 1917, and in Iraq, October 1917-October 1918. Taylor was promoted to Captain in January 1918 and took part in the campaign in Kurdistan in 1919 and further operations in Iraq in 1919-20. Taylor served as Aide-de-Camp to Sir William Riddell Birdwood, C-in-C. in India, 1925, and was Senior Aide-de-Camp to Lord Halifax, Viceroy of India, 1926-28. Appointed Assistant Military Secretary to the C-in-C. Northern Command, 1930-34, he was promoted to Major in January 1932. During the Second World War he raised, organised and was the first Commandant of the Indian Armoured Corps Tank School. Taylor was promoted to Colonel and retired in 1946 and was awarded the O.B.E. for his wartime services. Post-war, he was Marshal of the City of London, 1938-57; Common Cryer and Sergeant-at-Arms of the City of London, 1957-58; and Swordbearer of the City of London, 1958-59. Colonel Hulme Taylor died on 3 November 1970. With copied gazette extracts and service details.
A Second World War N.W. Europe Military M.B.E. group of six awarded to Lieutenant R. T. Elliott, Royal Artillery The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Members 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (Lieut. (D.O.), R.A.) mounted as worn; together with a mounted set of six miniature dress medals, good very fine (12) £240-280 M.B.E. London Gazette 24 January 1946. For gallant and distinguished service in N.W. Europe. Recommendation states: Since this officer mobilised with 202 Fixed Defences in February 1943 his work as District Officer has been outstanding. It was mainly due to his hard work and perseverance that the Coast Artillery Operations Room at Nieuwe Sluis was ready to operate when the first convoy entered the Scheldt on Nov. 28th 1944. From this date until May 1945, as one of three officers on the War Establishment, he took his turn for night duty as Seawards Defence Commander, in addition to his ôQö work by day for both the military and naval personnel at the Station. He gave warning to Navy Ostend on the night Dec. 23/24, 1944 of unidentified radar plots off the Scheldt entrance subsequently proved to be midget submarines making their first attempt to penetrate past Flushing. His keenness was an inspiration to the Operations Room Watchers and his sound administration considerably helped in ensuring very close cooperation between the two Services. The recipient came from Houghton-le-Spring.
A Second World War Middle East operations M.B.E. group of five awarded to Group Captain O. E. Bartlett, Royal Air Force, a long served Explosives Officer (X) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Members 2nd type breast badge; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf, all unnamed, generally good very fine (5) £250-300 M.B.E. London Gazette 11 June 1942. The recommendation states: This officer has been responsible for the organisation of the forward supply of fuel, ammunition and explosives to the Squadrons. By his pertinacity and resourcefulness he has overcome many unforeseen problems. There have been many instances when he has navigated not only the first R.A.F. convoys but also Army convoys. On one occasion he was successful in overcoming Army opposition to a certain journey which he carried out and ensured sufficient petrol for immediate operations. An example of his coolness is found when he took a Royal Air Force convoy through from Maddalena to the Army Co-Operation Squadron attached to XIII Corps, whilst the Army was carrying out a local withdrawal. This action saved the bulk of the aircraft from being lost and ensured reconnaissance for the Army. M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1943 and 8 June 1944. Owen Edward Bartlett, who was born in Forest Hill, London in January 1917, was granted a short service commission as a Pilot Officer in the R.A.Fs Equipment Branch in September 1939, his earlier ambition of qualifying for his ôWingsö having been dashed at the Civil Flying School at Reading, where his examiner noted that his general flying was very dangerous. Possibly encouraged by this ôdangerousö assessment, he decided to pursue a career as an Explosives Officer, in which field he qualified in early 1940, and in March of the following year he was embarked for the Middle East. In his capacity as an explosives expert, Bartlett subsequently served in this theatre of war until January 1944, when he was evacuated home on the sick list, a period that witnessed him serving as an Acting Squadron Leader in command of assorted Maintainance Units (M.U.), in addition to periods of attachment to R.A.F. Headquarters in Malta, and in the Levant, Palestine, in 1943. And while ôMalta G.C.ö must have offered plenty of scope for an officer of his trade, it was in fact for his earlier work in command of No. 121 M.U. in North Africa that he was awarded his M.B.E. and two ômentionsö. He ended the War as an Explosives Officer at Greenham Common. Granted a permanent commission as a Flight Lieutenant in September 1945, Bartletts post-war career encompassed many commands, including nuclear bomb storage sites at R.A.F. Barnham and Faldingworth, and having been advanced to Group Captain in January 1967, he was placed on the Retired List in February 1972. He died in July 1979. Sold with the recipients original M.B.E. warrant and M.I.D. certificates (2), these in original envelopes; together with what would appear to be a wartime photograph of him taken in North Africa.
A Great War M.C. group of six awarded to Captain Rowland William Godley, Indian Army, late Royal Engineers Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); Defence and War Medals, unnamed; Efficiency Decoration, G.V.R., India, reverse inscribed, Lt. (Hony. Capt.) R. W. Godley, 2 Bn. B.B. & C.I. Ry. R. A.F.I., mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £800-900 M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918. T/Lt., R.E. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in maintaining the railway service for three days by his untiring efforts and example, throughout a period of great strain. Rowland William Godley received his commission in the Royal Engineers on 22 October 1914. He served in France and Turkey, 21 January 1916-11 November 1918. During the war he was twice wounded, promoted Temporary Lieutenant and awarded the Military Cross. After the war he became a Lieutenant in the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway Regiment.
A Great War Western Front M.M. group of four awarded to Private G. Bains, 16th Battalion Manchester Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (6828 Pte. G. Bains, 16/Manch. R.); 1914-15 Star (6828 Pte. G. Baines, Manch. R.); British War and Victory Medals (6828 Pte. G. Bains, Manch. R.) note variation in surname, good very fine (4) £800-850 M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1916. George Bains, a Warehouse member of Messrs. Simpson & Godlee Ltd., enlisted on 1 September 1914 and is shown in the Manchester Battalions Book of Honour as being a member of XI Platoon, C Company, 16th (Service) Battalion Manchester Regiment. Private Bains entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 9 November 1915. Awarded the Military Medal for the 16th Manchester Pals attack on Montauben, 1 July 1916 - one of the first Military Medals awarded to the battalion. The War Diary for 1/2 July 1916 reports, Captured two guns and 16th Manchester Regt. written on them, also names of the men who captured them and about a hundred prisoners. It is possible that Bains was one of the two men responsible. Later wounded and invalided to the U.K., he was then transferred to the Welsh Regiment and posted to their 52nd (Graduated) Battalion. He was discharged from the Army on 28 October 1918 and was awarded the Silver War Badge (not with lot). With a quantity of copied research, including m.i.c., gazette, roll and war diary extracts.
A Great War Western Front M.M. / M.S.M. pair awarded to Serjeant Alfred O. Edwards, 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (the Stockbrokers Battalion), awarded the M.M. for a V.C. action on 8/9 March 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (Stk.-389 Sjt., 10/R. Fus.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Stk-389 Sjt., 10/R. Fus.) good very fine (2) £340-380 M.M. London Gazette 25 April 1918. M.S.M. London Gazette 17 June 1918. ... in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war. On 12 August 1914 the Lord Mayor of London raised the first of many Pals Battalions from the businessmen of the City of London. It was the 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, known colloquially as the Stockbrokers Battalion. One of those who joined at that time, reporting for duty at the Throgmorton Street Recruiting Centre was Mr Alfred O. Edwards who came from Balham. Alfred Edwards was accepted and given the early 10th Battalion number ðSTK/389. On 22 July 1915 after an inspection by King George, the Battalion landed at Boulogne and concentrated near Tilques; Private Edwards landed on 30 July 1915. The 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers became part of 111 Brigade, 37th Division. The battalion remained in France and Flanders for the whole of the war. From 9 July to 17 November 1916 they took part in the Battle of the Somme, fighting at Poizieres, High Wood and Mametz Wood. In 1917 they fought in the Third Battle of the Somme, at the Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele. On the night of the 8/9th March 1918 the Battalion was heavily involved in the intense fighting following the launch of the last major German assault. In this battle Lance-Corporal Charles G. Robertson earned an immediate Victoria Cross ôFor most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in repelling a strong attack by the enemy - although severely wounded he mounted his gun on the parapet of a shell hole and although alone, put up the most determined resistance and undoubtedly prevented the enemy from making a more rapid advanceö. Twelve days later on 21 March, the Corps Commander Lieutenant-General Sir A. J. Godley inspected the Battalion and presented Sergeant A. O. Edwards with the Medal Ribbon of the Military Medal and congratulated the battalion on its fine work on the night of the 8th/9th March. He went on to say that he was proud to have such a battalion under his command and that he felt that wherever the battalion was, the line would be safe. In 1923 Quarter Master Sergeant Alfred O. Edwards retired from the Army. He was one of 219 soldiers awarded both the M.M. and M.S.M. for the Great War. With copied m.i.c. and roll and war diary extracts.
A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Private Charles Frowley, 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who was killed in action on 3 October 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (10571 Pte., 7-E. Surr. R.) good very fine £280-320 M.M. London Gazette 21 September 1916. Charles Frowley was born in Watford, Warwickshire; after joining the Army in Birmingham he was given the regimental number 94119 and posted to the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). He subsequently transferred to the R.F.A. and finally to the 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment and given the regimental number 10571. As part of the 37th Brigade 12th (Eastern) Division, the 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment moved to the Front Line on 7 July 1916 and very early on 8 July attacked South West of Ovillers. The Division adopted the sensible tactic of advancing across no-mans land while the artillery bombarded the enemy and then rushing the last few yards when it lifted. From 8 July to 13 August the Battalion were heavily engaged in attack and counter attack and lost 169 casualties. On 1 October 1916 the 7th Battalion East Surreys took over the forward trenches at Guendecourt, which were described as in Appalling Condition. Private Charles Frowley was killed in action on 3 October 1916. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. At the time of his death his next-of-kin was his sister ð Mrs A. M. Thomas who lived in Canada at Okanagaw Falls, near Penticton, British Columbia. With copied research.
A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Private W. Bonnar, 1/5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, who was killed in action on 23 July 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (201087 Pte., 1/5 Sea. Highrs.); Memorial Plaque (William Bonnar) M.M. extremely fine (2). £320-360 M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. William Bonnar was an Irishman born in County Antrim. He joined the Army in Belfast and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. In July 1918 the 1/5th were fighting alongside the French near Chalons in the final battles of the War. At 0800 hrs. on 21 July the 5th Seaforth Highlanders and the 6th Gordons advanced into the Bois de Coutron which was strongly held by the enemy, an advance of 400 yards was achieved and the line consolidated. At 0630 hrs. on the 23rd in the open ground near Bullin Farm with its right flank on the River Ardre, the 1/5th attacked again with the 6th Seaforth on their left. As they moved across the River they were met by enfilade machine gun fire but this was overcome using the bayonet. Six machine guns were captured and their crews destroyed. During this battle on 23 July, William Bonnar, aged 19 years, was killed and was later buried in Marfaux Cemetery. On 28 July the Battalion was relieved and moved back to Bullin Farm. During the eight days of the heaviest fighting ever experienced by the 1/5th Seaforth Highlanders, the casualties had been 7 officers killed and 8 wounded, and 67 soldiers, including William Bonnar, killed with 275 wounded. His Next of Kin were his parents, George and Helen Bonnar who lived at 2, Oldpark Village, Belfast. With Memorial Scroll mounted on card, together with copied research.
A Second World War 1940 operations M.M. group of six awarded to Company Sergeant-Major W. Whittaker, Royal Army Service Corps Military Medal, G.VI.R. (T-92503 Cpl. W. Whittaker, R.A.S.C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine and better (6) £800-1000 M.M. London Gazette 27 September 1940. Walter Whittaker was later taken P.O.W. and held at Stalag 18A at Wolfsberg, Karnten.
A Second World War B.E.F. 1940 operations M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal W. H. Stout, Kings Own Regiment, afterwards Kings Royal Rifle Corps Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3709824 A. Cpl. W. H. Stout, Kings Own R.), re-pinned suspension claw and one or two edge bruises, otherwise good very fine £1000-1200 M.M. London Gazette 20 December 1940. The original recommendation states: During an enemy attack at Bourghillis on 27 May, Private Stout went out across the open under heavy fire and single handed brought in a wounded man, whom he then carried on his back, himself crawling for 400 yards down a shallow communication trench. He left the wounded man under cover and crossed the open again under heavy fire to find a motor transport vehicle, and to this he, still single-handed, safely conveyed the wounded man. Throughout the action he set a high example of courage and devotion to duty. Having enlisted in the Kings Own Regiment in March 1931, Stout transferred to the Army Reserve in April 1938. Recalled to the 5th Battalion on the renewal of hostilities, his unit joined the B.E.F. as of 126 Infantry Brigade, 42nd (East Lancashire) Division, in which capacity he was awarded his M.M. for the above cited deeds. He subsequently transferred to the Kings Royal Rifle Corps in November 1941.
A very rare Second World War Chindit operations M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant C. McCluskey, Black Watch, a veteran of Crete and Tobruk who was twice wounded in the act of winning his M.M. in Burma in June 1944 Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2752845 Sjt. C. McCluskey, Black Watch); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, minor double-stamping to unit on first, some contact wear but generally good very fine or better (6). £2500-3000 M.M. London Gazette 4 January 1945. The original recommendation states: On 10 June 1944, Sergeant McCluskey was ordered to take two infantry sections from his platoon and carry out an offensive patrol in the valley east of the Kysenlei Pass. The patrol encountered enemy in the position in an unnamed village near Kontha and came under heavy and accurate fire, which wounded Sergeant McCluskey and caused other casualties in the patrol. In spite of his wound, however, Sergeant McCluskey retained full control of his small force and hotly engaged the enemy, and only when it became apparent that the enemy was present in considerably superior force did he start to organise a withdrawal. This he did with inspiring coolness and disregard for his personal safety going from one section to another and organising the evacuation of our wounded. While engaged on this task, Sergeant McCluskey was again severely wounded, and although in considerable pain, continued to retain full control of his force. Sergeant McCluskey had for some weeks been in command of a platoon and has on many occasions shown himself to be an outstanding leader, while his conduct on 10 June was beyond all praise. He has previously served with distinction in the Carrier Platoon in Crete and Tobruk. Charles McCluskey was born in Cumbernauld, Dumbarton in January 1914 and enlisted in the Black Watch in June 1932, direct from the Territorials. Originally posted to the 1st Battalion, he transferred to the 2nd sometime before the outbreak of hostilities, and saw action in the Carrier Platoon in Crete and Tobruk, prior to joining Order Wingates Chindits in Burma in March 1944. The following extracts, taken from The Black Watch, by Philip Howard (part of the Famous Regiments series), neatly summarise the actions and experiences shared by McCluskey and his comrades in the 2nd Battalion: Crete In May 1941, after a tremendous battering by dive-bombers, the sky suddenly filled with puffs of thistle-down. There was a gasp of amazement, and a moments hush along the whole Black Watch position. It was the first big parachute invasion in history. The Black Watch picked off the German paratroops as they fell, like plump pigeons. But for the next ten days more and more were dropped, prudently behind the mountains now, and out of range of Heraklion. The Battalion hung on grimly by its finger-nails, in isolated pockets unable to move by daylight, except for the piper who always played Reveille around the airfield after the dawn air raid. At last London decided to evacuate the island. At midnight the Highlanders crept down to the beach to the cruisers waiting to ferry them away. They had a terrible journey to Alexandria, dive-bombed and torpedoed all the way through the narrows at the eastern end of Crete. More than 200 of the Black Watch were killed on the voyage. A year later the Commanding Officer of the first German parachute battalion dropped at Heraklion was captured in Libya. He told his interrogators: My first surprise was when I found the position held. The second was when I discovered who the infantry were. The battle continued with great ferocity for two days. The Black Watch never surrendered. Had it been any other regiment, any other, all would have been well. I had but 80 men left of my 800, no food, little ammunition; our food was being eaten by the Jocks. Tobruk Next the Battalion was put into Tobruk to relieve the Australians, who had been besieged in that bull-dogged citadel for six months. The short dusty perimeter was defended by wire, mine-fields, and subterranean galleries. Dismembered vehicles and litter lay everywhere. The big German gun called ôBardia Billö barked and boomed over the fortress. In November the Battalion broke out of Tobruk on a sortie to link up with the Eighth Army advancing from Egypt. The plan was far more complex than the things which the Black Watch had been asked to do in old-style battles of far-off forgotten wars. But for once the Highlanders had been given a generous ration of infantry tanks. In fact the tanks lost themselves in the flat, featureless desert, in which the only landmarks were tangles of wire. And there was plenty of wire around to confuse the issue. So the Black Watch had to go in alone with the bayonet, as they had been doing ever since Fontenoy. The pipers played the Battalion in with ôHighland Laddieö, the regimental march, and ôThe Black Bearö. This last tune has a pause for a yell at intervals, and is traditionally played when a final effort is needed from tired men. Two hours later 8 officers and 60 men were left to take the final objective out of 32 officers and 600 men who set off from the Start Line. A Gunner Major wrote after the battle: I class this attack of the Black Watch as one of the most outstanding examples of gallantry combined with high-class training that I have seen. Not one of us who was there will forget such supreme gallantry. Burma and the Chindits Over on the other side of the world, the 2nd Battalion had become guerillas themselves - Chindits dropped for long range penetration beyond the Chindwin. The Battalion was split into two columns, numbered, inevitably, 73 and 42. They were flown into blind green jungle in March 1944, and for the next six months skirmished, and marched, and survived the monsoon, the steaming heat, and accidents by flood and field. It was probably the most unpleasant terrain for fighting into which the Black Watch had ever been plunged, worse even than the fever-swamps of the West Indies in the eighteenth century, or the dense jungles of Kandy. They were gnawed by starvation and disease. In one month alone 70 men died of typhus. It was a dripping world where clothes were never dry, and leeches had to be stripped from bodies at night. Tracks were often waist-deep in water and mud. Leather girths rotted on mules. A 10-mile march took four days. And once it took two days to haul their tottering half-dead bodies to the top of a four-mile pass. Most of the actions were small and untidy - the general strategy of the Chindit campaign lost direction after the death of Wingate. In May, at an ambush to cover the evacuation of ôWhite Cityö, 200 Black Watch scattered 1,200 Japanese. In August the last emaciated remnants charged and captured the village of Labu with the bayonet, played in on pipes specially dropped by parachute for the occasion. They were then flown back to India to recuperate. And of McCluskeys individual heroism near Kontha in June 1944, The Black Watch & The Kings Enemies states: There were reports, however, that the Japs were in various villages below the pass; and it was in one of these, Kontha, that the second patrol was sent. It consisted of a weak platoon under Sergeant McLuskey. Leaving at 8 a.m. on 10 June, he approached Kontha and was engaged by fire. The paddy round the village was three feet under water, but he took up his position in elephant grass and returned the fire with Bren guns and grenades from a cup discharger. As the enemy began to work round them, the patrol withdrew, having had one man killed and several wounded, but having got their information. They returned with their wounded at 6 p.m. The difficulty of keeping weapons in a working condition in circumstances such as these may be imagined.
A Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant W. A. Evans, Royal Artillery - who was originally recommended for a D.C.M. for his gallant deeds in an anti-tank unit in April 1943 Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1064397 Sjt. W. A. Evans, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, minor contact marks, good very fine or better (5) £800-1000 M.M. London Gazette 22 July 1943. The original recommendation - for a D.C.M. - states: Sergeant Evans is Troop Sergeant of K Troop, 88th Anti-Tank Battery, 14th Anti-Tank Regiment. Two guns of K Troop were ordered into action on Sidi Amellah (?) ridge during the morning of 29 April. The route for the Troop was through a minefield, and then over an open slope which was exposed to shell and small arms fire. The position was just below and defiladed by the lip of the top of the ridge, firing backwards. The guns which should have covered the top of the ridge were either destroyed or unable to occupy the selected positions because of accurate machine-gun and mortar fire. Tanks were reported on the far side of the ridge. It was necessary to manhandle the gun over the crest of the ridge. Sergeant Evans collected some infantry and assisted to manhandle the gun over the top of the hill onto the forward slope which was in full view of the enemy. Enemy tanks were engaged by the gun and two tanks were destroyed in three rounds. Just after this gun opened fire, Sergeant Evans and the infantry he had collected manhandled the second gun on to the crest and the gun opened fire and destroyed a tank. Early in the tank attack, the Troop Commander had been wounded, and Sergeant Evans took over command of the guns. He collected the infantry to assist in manhandling, helped load the guns, and later conducted the most dangerous operations in order to get the guns and ammunition under cover. William Alfred Evans was a native of Rotherham.
ELVIS PRESLEY: Two framed Letters on Paramount Pictures Corporation headed paper, one addressed to disk jockey Jack Jackson from and signed `Elvis Presley` expressing his desire to perform in the UK, his current involvement in `King Creole` and that he was about to join the army, the other to Miss Chris Davies of Ludlow, Shropshire from and signed by production manager Tom Diskin, each letter dated February 4th 1958
Three Second World War medals, comprising 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star and 1939-45 War Medal, with ribbons and packets of issue, Army Council forwarding slip confirming these three awards, and original box of postage, together with a Special Constabulary Faithful Service Medal, George VI issue, to `Frederick W. Bettesworth`, with the original box of issue and West Sussex Constabulary forwarding letter, and seven various unrelated badges.
Three Second World War medals, comprising 1939-45 Star, Italy Star and 1939-45 War Medal, with the Army Council forwarding slip confirming three awards and box of postage, together with a silver menu stand, designed as a sword and flaming grenade motif with motto `Ubique`, and a quantity of mostly naval officer`s buttons.
A Queen`s South Africa Medal with four bars, `Cape Colony`, `Orange Free State`, `Transvaal` and `South Africa 1901`, to `360 36 Pte P.E. Stannard. 108th Coy Imp: Yeo:`, together with a bronze medallion, the obverse with the portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh 1552-1618 and engraved to the reverse `Tobacco W.D.C. 1921 P.E. Stannard`, five Second World War period medals, comprising 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with bar `First Army`, Italy Star, 1939-45 Defence Medal and 1939-45 War Medal, all named in impressed capitals to `RQMS E.P. Stannard`, mounted on a bar, and a miniature 1939-45 Defence Medal (spelt `Defense`).
A 1914-18 British War Medal and a 1914-19 Victory Medal, both to `L-14431 Gnr A.E. Green. R.A.`, together with an aluminium dog tag, a dress Albert chain, various badges and buttons, a tin containing shrapnel, a cloth badge detailed `The British Red Cross Society First Aid`, an `R.F.A.` cloth badge, coins, a brass button-polishing stick and a group of related paperwork and photographs, including `Soldier`s Pay Book Army Book 64`, a `Certificate of Transfer to Reserve on Demobilization`, a `Protection Certificate and Certificate of Identity`, a `Certificate of Proficiency Home Guard`, dated 8 Aug 1944, and sundry.
An Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, George V last issue, with `Regular Army` suspension to `1853648 Sjt. C.E. Seal. R.E.`, fitted to a ribbon bar also showing the ribbon of the 1939-45 Star, together with a silver fob medal, detailed `R.E.B.L Winners 1918 Bugler C.E. Seal`, and a silver gilt and enamelled RAOB jewel, detailed `Propaganda Jewel Presented to Primo C.E. Seal 1923`.
A small collection of Dinky Toys and Supertoys army vehicles, comprising a No. 641 Army 1-ton cargo truck, a No. 660 tank transporter, a No. 661 recovery tractor, a No. 670 armoured car, all boxed (some paint chips, boxes creased and scuffed), and a No. 651 Centurion tank and an armoured personnel carrier.
An Ottoman Royal presentation gold watch. keyless wind, glazed double sided case with visible movement, glass dial with Turkish numerals, skeleton movement below, plain blued hands, milled bezel, the reverse cream ground dial with four dials and inscribed in Ottoman Turkish `Sahib Mehmed Rasim` translated to `Owner; Mehmed Rasim`; the next cartouche `Eser-i Mehmed Sukri` translated to `The work of Mehmed Sukri` the bottom cartouche `min telamiz-i Seyyid Ahmed Dede` translates to `a pupil of Seyyid Ahmed Dede` the dials reading from right to left, top right month showing lunar calendar, day indicated in the outer ring; top left dial shows the month according to the Julian calendar; bottom left shows days of the week; the bottom left dial for seconds, engraved border of foliate scrolls and inscribed ` Presented to Sir Henry Layard by the Sultan 1879`. Dial, 48mm diameter . Layard was born in Paris, France, to a family of Huguenot descent. Much of Layard`s boyhood was spent in Italy, where he received part of his schooling, and acquired a taste for the fine arts and a love of travel. After spending nearly six years in the office of his uncle, Benjamin Layard, he was tempted to leave England for Ceylon by the prospect of obtaining an appointment in the civil service, and he started in 1839 with the intention of making a journey across Asia.. After long travels chiefly in Persia, he returned in 1842 to Constantinople, where he made the acquaintance of Sir Stratford Canning, the British Ambassador, who employed him in various unofficial diplomatic missions in European Turkey. In 1845, Layard left to make those explorations among the ruins of Assyria with which his name is chiefly associated. This expedition excited his curiosity in the ruins of Nimrud on the Tigris, and by the great mound of Kuyunjik, near Mosul. Layard discovered the world famous Cyrus cylinder, circa 539-530 BC now in the British Museum. Layard now turned to politics. Elected as a Liberal member for Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire in 1852, he was for a few weeks Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, but afterwards freely criticized the government, especially in connection with army administration. He was present in the Crimea during the war, and was a member of the committee appointed to inquire into the conduct of the expedition.. After being defeated at Aylesbury in 1857, he visited India to investigate the causes of the Mutiny. He was elected for Southwark in 1860, and from 1861 to 1866 was Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs After the Liberals returned to office in 1868 under Gladstone, Layard was made First Commissioner of Works and sworn of the Privy Council. . Layard resigned in 1869, on being sent as envoy extraordinary to Madrid. In 1877 he was appointed by Lord Beaconsfield, to Ambassador at Constantinople, where he remained until Gladstone`s return to power in 1880, when he finally retired from public life. In 1878, on the occasion of the Berlin Congress, he was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.. Layard retired to Venice, where he devoted much of his time to collecting pictures of the Venetian school, and to writing on Italian art. His collection of Venetian paintings were donated to the nation.
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