Five; Private T. Clarke, Northumberland Fusiliers, later Royal Artillery Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (4722 Pte. T. Clarke 1/Northd. Fus:); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Modder River, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Belmont (4722 Pte. T. Clarke, North’d: Fus:) clasps, mounted in this order, small official correction to rank and initial; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4722 Pte. T. Clarke. North’d Fus:); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (1661904 Gnr. T. Clark. R.A.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (4722. Pte. T. Clarke. 5th Fusrs.) mounted court-style for display, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (5) £360-£440 --- Thomas Clarke was born in the Parish of St Nicholas, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Northumberland, and attested for the Northumberland Fusiliers at Newcastle on 25 October 1895, aged 19 years 1 month. He served abroad at Gibraltar, September 1897 to January 1898; Egypt, January to October 1898; Crete, October 1898 to May 1899; and in South Africa, September 1899 to October 1903. His discharge papers confirm all campaign medals and clasps but note ‘Medals forfeited on conviction of stealing public goods’, with a further note ‘Medals restored authority W.O. Letter 6.8.03’. He was discharged on 24 October 1907. Territorial Efficiency Medal confirmed in Army Order 53 of February 1927.
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American and other Military Patches, Medals, Button mixed lot including: WWII KVH - 4th Armoured Division U.S. Army Liberation of Czechoslovakia 1945 Commemorative Medal, a replica WWII Iron Cross, British RAF Buttons (8), US Airborne, USAF Patch, Army Services Force Patch,29th Division, 5th Army Patch, 28th Infantry Division Patch Pennsylvania Army National Guard Patch, 8th Infantry etc. (19 cloth patches in total)
The Brandt mle 27/31 mortar with deactivation certificate, it was a regulation weapon of the French army during the Second World War and into the 1950s Indochine campaigns. Designed by Edgar Brandt, it was a refinement of the Stokes mortar. It comes in three pieces, the base, tripod and the barrel
American WWII New Testament - Roman Catholic Version presented to the Army of the United States dated 6th of March 1941. Published under the direction of chief of Chaplains, United States Government Printing Office Washington: 1942 Includes a message from President Roosevelt. Contains within a small inserted Hymn A. & M. 735.
Military books (23) including guides & reference books Army Badges & Insignia, Orders & Decorations, German Army Uniforms & Insignia, The Jeep, Military Antiques, The Standard Catalogue of British Orders Decorations & Medals, Collecting Militaria, Military Collectables, Rockets & Missiles, Militaria Antiques & Their Values, Badges of HM Services (23) Buyer collects
MILITARY. Dress Regulations for the Officers of the Army. London: H.M.S.O., 1874. 8vo (229 x 144mm.) Publisher's advertisements to endpapers. (Toning, light spotting to preliminaries.) Original red blind-stamped cloth (some fading, extremities bumped). - And a further seventeen volumes relating to shooting and the military (including Hans Busk's 'Hand-book for Hythe: Comprising a Familiar Explanation of the Laws of Projectiles', 1860, 8vo, and also the 'Programme' for the 'National Rifle Association. Bisley Common', 1900, 32mo) (18).Buyer’s Premium 24.5% (including VAT @ 0%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 5% (including VAT @ 0%) of the hammer price.
° ° MacGregor, Charles Metcalfe, Sir and Cardew, Francis Gordon - The Second Afghan War, 1878-80, Abridged Official Account, Produced in the Intelligence Branch Army Head-Quarters, India, 1st (and only) edition, 8vo, original red cloth, with frontis half-tone photograph, numerous folding maps and panoramas, John Murray, 1908
Queens South Africa Medal Army Post Office Corps, fine example with five clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902, awarded to “620 PTE. A. E. GRANGE A.P.O. CORPS”. Small edge knock under service number.Medal and all clasps confirmed on the rolls.
^ Portrait Miniature of George Carpenter, 3rd Earl of Tyrconnell, Who Served in the Army of Nicholas I of Russia Against Napoleon Bonaparte and Died in 1812, fine quality example painted on ivory, housed in a gilt painted glazed frame. Reverse inscribed in ink, “George Carpenter Earl of Tyrconnell. Died in 1812 when serving at Wilna with Sir R Wilson & the Russian army”. We have not been able to find any signatures, has not been removed from frame. George Carpenter was born in 1788, eldest son of Honourable Charles Carpenter. He inherited his earldom from his uncle, George Carpenter 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell, on his death in 1805. He was educated at St Johns College, Cambridge. Lord Tyrconnell became a British Officer and in the summer of 1812 volunteered to serve in the army of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, in his fight against Napoleon Bonaparte. He died of disease in Wilna (now part of Lithuania) on 20th December 1812, it was noted that he died “from his zeal and excessive fatigue”. Please note we are not able to ship this item outside of the UK. Ivory declaration number: CL8WD3RW
Books - Army Lists Including Early List of the General and Field Officers… 1758, with interesting contemporary additions in ink, attractive full leather, 1785, list of Officers of the Army, 1803 with title page and contents photocopied replacements, also 1824, List of the Officers of the Army and Royal Marines, attractive red leather with tooling and another list (5)
Fine British Officers Indian General Service Medal 1895-1902 4th Gurkhas, medal with 3 clasps, Relief of Chitral 1895, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 and Tirah 1897-98, engraved in running script “LIEUT R.E. TRAVERS 2ND BN 4TH GURKHAS”. Medal nicely toned, rivet missing between 1st and 2nd clasp on one side. Robert Eaton Travers born on 13th December 1869, the son of Major Ernest August Belford Travers, Indian Army and Grandson of Major-General Sir Robert Travers was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant into the Queens, West Surrey Regiment on 23rd March 1889. Promoted Lieutenant 12th February 1891 appointed to Gurkha Rifles 10th February 1892. Married Mabel Hall in Christ Church, Simla on 30th October 1895. Promoted to Captain on 23rd March 1900, Major, 23rd March 1907 and Lieutenant Colonel, 23rd March 1915. Also entitled to Delhi Durbar medal and medals for First World War service in 1/4th Gurkhas. Retired on 13th June 1920 and by 1921 he was living in Dover, Kent. Shows on 1939 Register shows him as a Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Army still living in Dover and he was also an ARP Billeting Officer and Sector Supervisor. He died 7th March 1948 in Dover.
Signature of Colonel John Rouse Merriott Chard VC, Commander During the Defence of Rorkes Drift on 22nd – 23rd January 1879, fine example of a inked signature cut from most likely a letter. Remains in good condition with the signature still remaining clear. Signed when he was a Colonel so the letter would have been written after the famous action. John Chard was born on 21st December 1847 in Plymouth, Devon. He was educated at Cheltenham Grammar School and Plymouth New Grammar School before enrolling in the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich. On 14 July 1868 Chard received a commission as a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers and continued his training at Chatham for the next two years.The 5th Company Royal Engineers were sent to Natal, South Africa in December 1878. Chard and some sappers, were sent to repair and maintain the ponts, used to cross the Buffalo River into Zululand, this was right along from the Mission station at Rorkes Drift, which was the staging post for the invasion into Zululand. Chard and his men set up base at the mission station until they were requested to join Lord Chelmsford’s main invasion force which had set up camp at Isandlwana. When Chard and his men arrived at the camp, Chard was ordered to return to Rorkes Drift as he was said not to be needed, only his sappers were required. It has been said that Chard, witnessed the Zulu army approaching the camp, whilst returning to Rorkes Drift and that he informed Major General Spalding, the highest ranking officer at the station, of the situation. When Spalding left Rorkes Drift to get reinforcements, this left Chard as the senior officer, over Lieutenant Bromhead of the 24th Regiment of Foot. The Zulu impi, which contained some 3,000–4,000 men, was sighted advancing on their position. This caused the Natal Native Contingent troops to panic and desert the station, reducing the number of defenders from around 350 to approximately 140 (including 30 sick and wounded). Lieutenant Chard immediately ordered an additional barricade of biscuit boxes to be built across the inner perimeter to provide a smaller fall-back area should the Zulus overwhelm a part of the thinly manned perimeter. The first waves of Zulu assault were repulsed by British volley fire, but the attackers pushed on relentlessly, particularly along a vulnerable section of the British perimeter by the hospital which became the centre of fierce hand-to-hand combat. With British casualties mounting, Chard ordered his troops to withdraw behind the biscuit boxes, which left the western half of the station in Zulu hands, including the hospital, which was subsequently set alight by the attackers. Once inside, Chard ordered the construction of a redoubt made from a tall pyramid of mealie bags to provide shelter to the wounded and form the last line of defence. The Zulus continued to attack in intermittent waves during the night, but they were illuminated by the burning thatch, which enabled the defenders to spot their advances. By 5 am, the exhausted Zulus had abandoned the attack, and British reinforcements arrived later that morning. Chard counted 351 dead Zulus scattered around the perimeter. The British suffered 17 killed and 10 wounded. Chard remained at Rorke's Drift for several weeks after the battle and assisted with the construction of a new stone perimeter wall. However, conditions at the camp were poor; Chard became ill with fever and was taken to Ladysmith for treatment. Once recovered he was attached to Colonel Evelyn Wood's column for the second invasion of the Zulu Kingdom. Meanwhile, Chard's report of the battle had been dispatched to England and received with enthusiasm by the British press and public. The War Office subsequently promoted Chard to captain and brevet major and awarded him and 10 other defenders of the station with Victoria Cross. His fellow officers were not impressed with the award, and both him and Gonville Bromhead VC, were ridiculed by superior officers, with Lieutenant General Sir Garnet Wolseley, describing the action as “rats [fighting] for their lives which they could not otherwise save". It was Wolseley who had to present Chard with his Victoria Cross. Chard remained in Zululand and was present in the British square during the decisive victory of the war at Ulundi.
Signed Hand Written Letter from Lord Chelmsford, Commander in Chief of the British Forces in South Africa 1878-79, the four page letter written in ink to a Mr Francis, dated 2nd July 1880, on headed paper for 50 Stanhope Gardens, South Kensington. Signed to the reverse by Chelmsford. Remains in good condition. Placed in a album page with typed details and a black and white period image of Chelmsford in civilian dress with ink annotation below. General the 2nd Lord Chelmsford, GCB, was the commander in chief of the British forces in South Africa. He commanded 5,400 imperial soldiers, 1,200 colonial volunteers and 10,000 natives. Lord Chelmsford crossed the Buffalo river with his invasion force into Zululand and made camp with his men under the mountain at Isandlwana. He had left with his force to find the Zulu army when they attacked the remaining force in the camp. He returned too late to save the camp, but followed the Zulus to Rorkes Drift where he feared would also have fallen to the Zulu’s because of the much smaller garrison that was left. He stated, “to our intense relief, however, the waving of hats was seen from inside of a hastily erected entrenchment and information soon reached me that the gallant garrison of this post --- had for 12 hours made the most gallant resistance I have ever heard of, against the determined attack of some 3,000 Zulus, 370 of whose bodies surrounded the post”.
Signed Part of a Letter from Lieutenant General Henry Hope Crealock, Commander of the 1st Division During the Zulu War, the two sided hand written letter is page 2 and 3 with clear signature to the reverse, his home address in London and date 3rd March 1880. The letter makes reference to Rorkes Drift and the battle of Gingindhlovu. He is asking questions about the Zulu tactics and why his columns were not attacked, “If you have been able to because I should much like to know – why they never attacked my force – either at fort Chelmsford or ….. - or during the march of the convoys be which I was crossing the …..”. He then goes on to write more personal correspondence which was relative to the receiver of this letter, which was quite possibly his brother, Lieutenant Colonel John North Crealock, who was Lord Chelmsford military secretary during the Zulu war. Some fold lines and small creases but generally still in good condition. Accompanied by a print from the sketch by Lieutenant Colonel Crealock on January 23rd 1879, of the men from Chelmsford Column arriving at Rorkes Drift with the bodies of Zulu warriors around the defensive position of the mission station. Sketch being in the supplement to the Illustrated London News on March 8th 1879. Lieutenant General Henry Hope Crealock CB CMG was born on 31st March 1831. He gained a commission in the 90th Light Infantry on 13th October 1848. He rose through the officer ranks becoming a Captain in 1854. He took part in the Crimean war, landing at Balaklava on 5th December 1854. He took part in the siege of Sebastopol. He again rose through the officer ranks and became a Major. He served in the China Expeditionary Force during the 2nd Opium War and was present during the operations at Canton in December 1857 and January 1858. By 20th July 1858, he had been made a Lieutenant-Colonel. He continued to serve in India and then again back in China where he was involved in the capture of Pekin. In 1870 he rose to the General ranks. After the defeat at Isandlwana, Lord Chelmsford appealed to the War Office for reinforcements. Major General Crealock was sent as commander of the 1st division. He was also to take command of the British forces in South Africa, if Chelmsford became incapacitated. Crealock’s role in the Zulu war was to pacify the coastal towns and to help supplies make it through to the troops inland. His convoys of supplies were so slow in getting through that they were nicknamed “Crealock’s Crawlers”. Crealock returned to the UK after the Zulu war and retired from the army in 1884. He died on the 31st May 1891 at his home, 20 Victoria Square Pimlico, London. Crealock, like his brother, was an accomplished artist. Many of his works can be found in early publications on India, China and Zululand.
Handwritten Summary of the Battle of Rorkes Drift by Colour Sergeant, Later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Frank Bourne, Being Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his Bravery During the Defence of Rorkes Drift on 22nd and 23rd January 1879, the signed black ink annotation on blue paper is dated 27 Aug (19)32. The document reads, “Frank Bourne, Lieut Colonel, Late Colour Sergeant B Company 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment – which defended Rorkes Drift, South Africa on the 22nd & 23rd January 1879. 100 men defeated 3000 Zulus in this defence. The enemy loss was 351 Killed – (they took their wounded away with carts on the night). Our loss was 17 killed and 9 wounded”, interestingly he makes a correction to our loss numbers, appearing originally to put 18 killed. Signed in the lower corner and “Dorking Surrey”. A superb handwritten summary from one of the historically senior figures of the battle. Frank Bourne was born in the village of Balcombe, near Crawley on 27th April 1854. He enlisted in the British army at Reigate on 18th December 1872. He rose to Corporal before being promoted a number of times in a matter of weeks when he arrived in South Africa, becoming Colour Sergeant on 27th April 1878. At the time of the Battle of Rorkes Drift in January 1879, he was just 25 years old. Being the colour sergeant made him the highest ranking senior NCO at the mission station. For his part in the defence of Rorkes Drift, them Colour Sergeant Bourne was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M). He was also awarded a officers commission, but he turned this down as he would not have the private income to be able to afford it. He continued to serve with the 24th Regiment of Foot, later South Wales Borderers. In July 1880, he was appointed sergeant instructor of musketry and in 1890, was made quartermaster and honorary lieutenant. Although he retired from the army in 1907, at the outbreak of WW1 in 1914, he volunteered for service and served as a musketry instructor at Hythe, Kent. He was awarded an OBE for his services during WW1. He became a honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 1918. Bourne was said to be very proud of the part he played in the defence of Rorkes Drift and commemorated the event every year. He was the last surviving defender of Rorkes Drift when he died in Beckenham, Kent on 9th May 1945 at the age of 90. Bourne was buried in Beckenham cemetery.
Boer War Interest Ephemera of Quartermaster Sergeant William Pentney 1st Volunteer Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment, the set is all housed in original metal correspondence tin with sign written name to the lid. Inside contains a number of documents and photographs which document his service with the British Army. Amongst the paperwork is his original pencil written diary from his time in South Africa during the Boer War. Many of the photographs show good uniform study. Some images taken in colonial India etc. A very interesting archive which is worthy of in person viewing.
Waterloo and Army Long Service Medal Pair Royal Artillery, Waterloo medal, renamed in engraved upright capitals “WM PICKLES ROYAL FOOT ARTILLERY”, Army Long Service and Good Conduct medal WIV, Hanover Trophy of Arms obverse, steel clip and ring suspension, with correct impressed naming “W PICKLES GUNNR & DRIVER ROYAL ARTILLERY 1837”. No.44, William Pickles from Burnley, Lancashire attested for the Royal Artillery at Rochdale on 10th February 1806 at the age of 17. Discharged as no longer fit for further service (weakness, vertigo and chronic rheumatism) on 31st December 1835 his service entitlement was 31 years which included 2 additional years for service at Waterloo.
Edward VII Militia Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Durham Royal Garrison Artillery Militia, medal with impressed naming, “23 GNR. W. BURNSIDE DURHAM R.G.A. MIL”. Remains in good condition. William Burnside from Darlington, County Durham, attested for the Northumberland Royal Artillery on 27th January 1882 at the age of 18. Re-engaged for the Militia in July 1891 and was discharged in January 1908. This medal confirmed in Army Order 27 of 1905, medal has clearly been worn with pride as some signs of polishing evident. The Militia L.S.G.C. medal was issued between 1905 and 1930 with a total 341 being issued to Royal Garrison Artillery units during this period.
WW2 British NAAFI Canteen Enamel Sign, good large example of the white enamel sign with the emblem of the Navy Army & Air Force Institute (NAAFI) to the centre. Some rust damage and small sections of the sign now absent around the edge. Good original example. Sadly many reproductions of this iconic sign have appeared on the market over the recent years
Victorian Household Cavalry Royal Horse Guards Officers Helmet Belonging to Right Honourable Reginald Herbert 15th Earl of Pembroke & Montgomeryshire, superb example of a late Victorian period officers metal 1871 pattern helmet of the Household Cavalry with the metal shell retaining a superb dark patina, fine gilt metal Victorian crowned officers helmet plate with central fretted star and order of the garter to the centre with blue and red enamel remaining in perfect undamaged condition. Large rosette side bosses which hold the leather backed linked chin chain. Star shaped spike base with gilt and silver plated fluted spike socket which leads to the red horse hair plume with gilt metal rosette top for the Royal Horse Guards. Green leather covering to the underside of the front peak. Interior retains the original officers quality lining system. Helmet is stored in the original japanned metal storage tin with the brass name plate engraved “Lord Herbert Royal Horse Guards”. Overall a superb example of a Victorian officers helmet of the Household Cavalry Royal Horse Guards. Rt Hon Reginal Herbert was born on 8th September 1880, eldest son of the 14th Earl of Pembroke & Montgomeryshire and Lady Louisa Lambton. He was educated at Eaton and then The Royal Military College Sandhurst. He was gazetted a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards in 1899. From 1912 to 1913 he was A.D.C to Sir Arthur Paget, then the C-in-C of Ireland, and acted in a similar capacity to Sir W P Pulteney in the following year. He served throughout the Great War, being mention in despatches and receiving the Italian Order of the Crown and French Legion of Honour. For a period he was A.D.C to the G.O.C III Corps.He accompanied Prince Arthur of Connaught on his mission to Japan to present the Emperor Yoshihito with the baton of field-marshal in 1918 and afterwards was awarded the M.V.O 4th class. He was also awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun and the Order of the Sacred Treasure 3rd class. He retired from the army in 1919 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Victorian Royal Army Medical Corps Volunteer Officers Home Service Helmet, fine example of a blue cloth home service pattern helmet with white metal officers helmet plate in the form of the Royal Arms, rosette side bosses with velvet backed linked chinchain. Cruciform spike base with rosettes and a ball top as opposed to the spike. Interior with leather sweatband and cloth lining. Gilt tooled retailers label for E Hills, 32 Week Street Maidstone. Some scattered areas of mothing to the blue cloth body but the white metal fittings retain much of the frosted finish. The town of Maidstone in Kent has a long history with the Volunteer battalions of the Royal Army Medical Corps, see the 1907 publication by Frederick J Wood, “The History of the Maidstone Companies Royal Army Medical Corps (Volunteers)”.
Victorian British Army Brigade Majors Full Dress Cocked Hat, fine example of a regulation pattern with brocade strip to the centre and gilt VR crowned button. Embroidered lace decoration and bullion end sections. Interior with tan leather sweatband and crimson cloth lining. White over read feathered plume. Housed in the original storage tin with brass plaque having engraved name details, “Capt J H Pitt Brigade Major”. Some damage to the sweatband but generally a good example. PLEASE NOTE THIS LOT IS STORED IN THE USA, THE LOT WILL BE SHIPPED FROM THE USA. ALL ITEMS STORED IN THE USA WILL BE SHIPPED AFTER MONDAY 15TH AUGUST 2022. PLEASE READ INFORMATION ABOUT LOTS STORED IN THE USA ON THE AUCTION INFORMATION PAGE AND IN OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE.
Scarce 1920’s / 1930’s Latvian Army Adrian Pattern Steel Helmet, untouched example of a one piece Adrian pattern helmet shell with the top comb. Remains of the black paint finish to the exterior and interior of the shell. To the front of the helmet is a painted Latvian national shield emblem. Interior of the helmet retains its original black leather liner and brown leather chinstrap. Exterior has a heavy surface rusting and wear. An unusual variation of the Adrian pattern steel helmet.
WW2 British Home Front Sub Controller Steel Helmet, fine example of a Civil Defence home front steel helmet with white painted exterior, two thick black bands running across the top and the centre of both sides “SUB CONTROLLER”. Helmet interior semi black painted, dome having the original army khaki colour. Helmet is complete with the original 1938 dated liner system and webbing chinstrap. Generally a very good condition example.
Historically Important WW2 American M1 Helmet Belonging to Major General Robert McGowan Littlejohn, Chief Quartermaster for the European Theatre of Operations (E.T.O), Hugely Responsible for the Equipment of the US Troops During the D-Day Landings and the Normandy Campaign, fine example of a fixed bale M1 steel combat helmet shell with split to the front seam. Helmet has a rough textured green paint finish to the exterior and fitted with two Generals rank stars which have been screwed into the shell with small bolt fittings to the reverse. Helmet is complete with the original webbing two piece chinstrap which has his name inked to the underside. Remains in very good overall condition. Major General Robert McGowan Littlejohn was born on 23rd October 1890 in Jonesville, South Carolina. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point on 2nd March 1908. He graduated from West Point on 12th June 1912. His first post was to the American 8th Cavalry regiment in the Philippines. He returned with his regiment to the USA and was involved in the Pancho Villa Expedition. He later moved to the 17th Cavalry regiment where he was placed in charge of the Machine Gun Unit. On 11th June 1918, he assumed command of the 332nd Machine Gun battalion of 86th Division. The unit moved to the Western Front in September 1918, but did not see active service until after the armistice was signed. They took part in the occupation of the Rhineland in 1919. Between the wars, Littlejohn continued to serve in the US Army, mostly in the USA, rising up through the ranks in many of the staff and logistical departments. In January 1938, he was sent for his second tour of duty in the Philippines, he ended his tour as the Quartermaster of the Philippine Department. He returned to the USA in June 1940. From June 1940 to May 1942, Littlejohn commanded the Clothing and Equipage Branch in the Office of the Quartermaster General. The division was primarily concerned with procurement, but was accustomed to working closely with the Standardisation Branch, which was responsible for design and development. He was promoted to Colonel on 16 November 1940 and Brigadier General on 30 January 1942. In May 1942, Littlejohn was appointed Quartermaster General of the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) by the new CG-SOS-ETO Lt. Gen. John C. H. Lee, a position he held for the rest of the war, with the rank of Major General from 3 November 1943. For his services as Quartermaster General, Littlejohn was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal with a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and foreign awards that included the British Order of the Bath, French Croix de Guerre and Dutch Order of Orange Nassau. His first Distinguished Service Medal citation read, in part:“General Littlejohn displayed marked aggressiveness, exceptional organizing ability, and a superior quality of leadership in rapidly establishing a quartermaster service throughout the theatre which met and solved the many unexpected and seemingly insurmountable problems of supply. By his broad experience, foresight and splendid ability which was largely instrumental under his leadership in solving many complex questions in organization and supply of the African Task Force. His untiring efforts and devotion to duty in this connection contributed markedly to the successful landing of this force in North Africa on November 8, 1942.” His later Oak Leaf Cluster citation noted that he "not only maintained anticipated requirements, but exceeded them". However Littlejohn was severely criticised when winter clothing was not delivered in a timely manner, resulting in thousands of cases of trench foot and frostbite.He was made Major General just before the D-Day landings in June 1944. He was responsible for the complex and difficult task of supplying the allied troops for the invasion of mainland Europe. The US Army Quartermaster Foundation gives the following details, “After a successful landing on D-Day, a stalled drive inland and failure to capture port facilities right away meant that Quartermaster supply soldiers had to continue bringing material in over the beach: sort, store and distribute it along a fairly narrow and dangerous front. If Littlejohn felt good about the initial landing, he was none the less surprised by the effects of strenuous fighting in the Normandy hedgerows. In a matter of weeks, U.S. troops slugging it out in the mud consumed roughly 2 1/2 times the amount of clothing and other Quartermaster items of equipment that he and his staff had planned for. “The capture of each hedgerow meant a life and death race,” he noted afterwards; and in trimming down to meet that race, the American soldier “frequently left behind his overcoat, overshoes, blanket and shelter.” As a result, Littlejohn had to completely re-equip the better part of a million soldiers while still in the early stages of the campaign. The breakout and pursuit that followed only intensified pressure on the Chief Quartermaster, who saw the overall supply picture go from feast to famine. The situation in late summer and early Autumn 1944 illustrated the old adage that a stationary front is the Quartermaster’s dream come true, while a war of unchecked manoeuvre poses as the ultimate nightmare. By September the Allies were required to deliver to forward areas no less than 20,000 tons of supplies daily. As the lines stretched further and further from Cherbourg, the inevitable shortages began to be felt-with crippling effect. Whether it could have been otherwise is debatable. Letters from Littlejohn to a colleague in mid-September give some indication of the trials faced during this period of “frantic resupply:” “It is very difficult,” he wrote, “to sit here and determine current requirements on clothing and equipage. We know that the Maintenance Factors on many items are entirely too low. We also hope that the war will come to an end before many weeks and it will not be necessary to ship troops as originally planned. Somewhere in the field I must make an educated guess.”Littlejohn was discharged from the army in 1946. President Truman appointed him head of War Assets Administration with the responsibility of approximately 34 billion dollars of surplus government property. He died on the 6th May 1982 and is buried at Arlington Military Cemetery. This helmet was gifted to the current vendor back in the 1950’s by a family friend, who had worked as a secretary in Major General Littlejohn’s office. She took the helmet shell from the office as it was left behind when Littlejohn moved. She was using the helmet to store knitting material in. The helmet has never been offered on the collecting market before.
North Vietnamese Army (N.V.A) Pith Helmet, fine green cloth covered pith helmet with badge to the centre. Top of the helmet with drawn artwork showing a Viet Cong soldier with flag and drawn map of the country, scroll with “DUNG SI GIU NUOG”. Liner loose to the interior. Some flaking to the interior.
Great War 1916 Military Medal (M.M) to the Royal Army Medical Corps, Military medal GV, “65130 CPL. F. NUNN 104/F.A. R.A.M.C.” The medal is lightly pitted on all surfaces and a note with the medal states ‘slight pitting due to medal being left in uniform pocket for 100yrs’. London Gazette – 11th November 1916. Frederick Nunn was also awarded the British War medal and Victory medals for his wartime service. The War Diary notes that he was awarded his medal whilst at L’ Estrad Farm on 18th November 1916.
WW2 British Uniform and Equipment Grouping of Captain Francis Tasker Wheeldon Royal Army Medical Corps Attached Special Air Service (S.A.S) in Cairo and Later with the Special Boat Section (S.B.S) on the Greek Islands, superb grouping which still remains in the original leather suitcase with his initials impressed to the lid. Grouping consists of his early Indian made step in paratrooper jump smock with front zip and press stud snaps. The interior of the smock has a name label to the hanger hook in the collar. Smocks is dirty and shows extensive wear. This smock most likely what he was wearing when in Cairo with the Special Air Service on operations; officers Royal Army Medical Corps service dress tunic with brass regimental buttons, officers collar badges and parachute qualification wing worn on the breast in the operational position above his medal ribbons for WW2 service. Interior of the tunic with label to the inside pocket which is well worn but you can just make out “Dr F T Wheeldon” and the date 1942. Accompanied by the officers service dress trousers, these are heavily mothed around the crutch area. Grouping of equipment including open top webbing Webley pistol holster, map case, shirt collars and water bottle etc. The set remains in good untouched as found condition. After his death in 2005, the British Medical Journal published his obituary, extracts from this are as follows, “He qualified as a doctor in 1941, immediately joining the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Captain and receiving a posting to the embryonic Special Air Service in Cairo. He was then posted as medical officer to the Special Boat Squadron of the regiment based in Chios in the Greek Islands. It was here that he spent the majority of his army career, accompanying them on many of their legendary operations against the islands occupying Axis forces”. The obituary goes on to tell of how he was a orthopaedic surgeon in the town of Plymouth and was one of the pioneering surgeons in hip replacement surgery. An interesting grouping which would be worthy of further research into his exploits with the Special Boat Section.
WW2 British Home Front Civil Defence Battle Dress Blouse, good example of the blue wool battle dress jacket badged to CD Light Rescue units in Woolwich. Medal ribbons to the breast for WW1 service. The 1945 dated interior label shows it was originally an Austerity pattern Army khaki battle dress, possibly worn for the 1946 Victory Parade. Generally good condition.
Scarce Indian Army 1st Bengal Light Cavalry Officers Undress Shoulder Scales, white metal scaled shoulder straps, one with the top mount having regimental button with “LASWAREE 1 CAVALRY” to the centre. Trophy of arms decoration to the lower section of each strap. Remains of the cloth lining to the reverse. Some wear and loose scales but a scarce pair.
Rare WW1 Rifle Mounted Trench Periscope, metal body periscope with field grey paint finish to the exterior. Angled glass lens to the bottom and top section. Complete with mounting fitting. Some dents and rusting but generally good condition. These periscopes were mounted to rifle blocks to enable troops to see what they were firing at without having to raise their heads above the trenches and draw fire from enemy snipers etc. Used by most of the combat nations, one of this type of periscope can be seen in use by a French soldier on the Western Front in the book “The French Army in the First World War 1914-18” by Mirouze & Dekerle page 366.
WW1 185th Tunnelling Company Exploder Plunger, fine example of a iconic item of trench warfare, being one of the wooden bodied plungers used to set off the explosions underneath the German trenches during the attacks on the western front. The plunger is complete with its original handle and makers plates for Curtis & Harvey Ltd London. Side with rusted unit tag marked “185 T COY RE”. 185th Tunnelling Company was formed in Rouen in October 1915, moved immediately to the Somme area, for work at La Boisselle. From its formation until the end of the war the company served under First Army. The company was heavily involved in the underground mining actions during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and later at the battle of Vimy Ridge.
British Admiralty Torpedo Timer, nickel plated case with white enamel face with subsidiary dial. Complete with the original hands. Reverse with Admiralty style broad arrow with “No 279106”. Appears to not be in working order. Accompanied by another British Army issue stop watch with the case stamped to the reverse with broad arrow and “1/10 Sec VC/2534 18194”. This example is in working order. Both items sold as static display pieces.
Inert French Army Fusante No1 Model 1935 Grenade, complete with the fuse cap and lever. Generally good condition. This lot is inert (Empty and Safe) and legal to own in the UK. We are not able to offer in house post and packing on this lot. Please make sure that you are able to make collection of this lot if you bid. Please note only available to bidders in the UK or those who can arrange for collection.
British George V 1821 Pattern Officers Sword for the Army Service Corps, regulation pattern officers sword with swept bar hilt and grip retaining the wire binding. Slightly curved polished blade with etched decoration remaining clear. Crowned ASC to one side of the blade. Remains in generally good condition. Blade 83 ½ cms, overall 98cms. PLEASE SEE AUCTION INFORMATION IN RELATION TO THE SHIPPING OF SWORDS AND BAYONETS
British 1888 Mk1 Type II Lee Metford Bayonet, fine example with two brass securing studs to the wooden grip and oil hole above the top stud. Steel pommel stamped “1. W 1 319” and cross guard with muzzle ring stamped “319”. Housed in its leather and steel mounted scabbard. White buff leather bayonet frog attached which is stamped to the Army Service Corps (A.S.C) on the reverse. Double edged knife pattern blade with medial ridge, acceptance stamps and crowned VR with maker details of Wilkinson London. Blade 30 ½ cms, overall 44cms. Ex John Ingham collection. PLEASE SEE AUCTION INFORMATION IN RELATION TO THE SHIPPING OF SWORDS AND BAYONETS.
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