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Four: Lieutenant-Colonel G. V. Dreyer, Royal Artillery 1914-15 Star (Capt. G. V. Dreyer. R.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Major G. V. Dreyer. R.A.), unit additionally later impressed; India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, North West Frontier 1930-31, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Maj. G. V. Dreyer. R.A. 22/ Mtn. Batty.) very fine (4) £500-£700 --- George Villiers Dreyer was born on 27 February 1883, the son of John Dreyer Esq., a noted astronomer, and the brother of Frederick Charles Dreyer (later Admiral Sir Frederick, G.B.E., K.C.B.) . He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery on 18 August 1900, and having been promoted Lieutenant on 8 October 1902, transferred to the Indian Army on 1 March 1910. Promoted Captain on 18 August 1913, he served during the Great War in the Asiatic theatre of 23 November 1914, and was present in the operations against the Mohmands and Swatis with 29th Mountain Battery, Indian Army, in 1915. Advanced Major on 30 December 1915, he was appointed Commandant of the Frontier Garrison Artillery, Indian Mountain Battery, in 1917, and saw further service in British, German, and Portuguese East Africa, Nyasaland, and Northern Rhodesia with the 22nd Mountain Battery from 15 June 1917 to 7 February 1918. For his services during the Great War in East Africa he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 7 March 1918). Following the cessation of hostilities in Africa, Dreyer returned to India and saw further during the Third Afghan War. Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 26th Field Brigade, on 1 January 1929, he subsequently saw further active service during the operations on the North West Frontier with the 23rd Indian Mountain Brigade, 1930-31, ands was again Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 6 May 1932). He is listed in the Quarterly Army List for April 1941 as an Assistant Proof and Experimental Officer at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, and he died at Klosters, Switzerland, on 15 June 1965. Sold with a copy of an account of the action at Nanyati on 5 August 1917 by the recipient, who commanded the 22nd Mountain Battery during the action; copied correspondence regarding this action; and other research, including copied extracts from the war diary and a copy of the History of the 22nd Derajat Mountain Battery.

Four: Farrier Lance Sergeant H. C. Matthews, Royal Horse Artillery 1914-15 Star (34256 S. Sth. Cpl H. C. Matthews. R.H.A.); British War and Victory Medals (34256 Cpl. H. C. Matthews. R.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1036179 Cpl. H. C. Matthews. R.H.A.) very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Henry Charles Matthews attested for the Royal Horse Artillery in May 1904 and served during the Great War in the Egypt theatre from 30 March 1915. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 1 April 1923, and was discharged on 14 April 1925. Sold with copied research, including the recipient’s Certificate of Service, and various photographs including a named group photograph from the Farriers’ Class, Army Veterinary School, Aldershot. March, 1910.

Three: Gunner W. A. Bell, Royal Field Artillery, who was twice gassed during the Great War 1914-15 Star (11820 A. Bmbr. W. A. Bell. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (11820 Gnr. W. A. Bell. R.A.) nearly extremely fine Three: Private E. Walker, Motor Transport Section Army Service Corps 1914-15 Star (M2-099619. Pte. E. Walker. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (M2-099619 Pte. E. Walker. A.S.C.) in named card box of issue, extremely fine Three: Private F. Edgar, Army Veterinary Corps 1914-15 Star (SE-9725 Pte. F. Edgar. A.V.C.); British War and Victory Medals (SE-9725 Pte. F. Edgar. A.V.C.) nearly very fine and better (9) £120-£160 --- William Arthur Bell was born at Runcorn, Cheshire, and attested for the Royal Field Artillery at Worcester on 7 September 1914. He served with the 92nd Brigade, R.F.A. during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 July 1915, and was twice gassed, on 14 July 1917 and on 25 August 1918. He transferred to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 15 March 1919. Edward Walker was born in 1893 and attested for the Army Service Corps Motor Transport Section at Blackburn, Lancashire, on 19 May 1915, a motor driver by trade. He served with 258 Company A.S.C. during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 July 1915, and was admitted to 32nd Casualty Clearing Station on 21 February 1916, suffering from a strangulated hernia attributable to war service. Transferred to 8th Stationary Hospital at Wimereux, and then to the U.K. on the Hospital Ship St. David, he again served in France from 8 November 1916 to 9 April 1919, with 315 Company A.S.C. and subsequently with the 3rd Auxiliary Petrol Company, A.S.C. (Motor Transport). He was discharged to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 9 May 1919. Frank Edgar attested for the Army Veterinary Corps and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 June 1915. He later transferred to the Royal Field Artillery and was re-numbered 120246.

A post-War ‘military division’ C.B.E. group of seven awarded to Brigadier E. R. Ash, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, late Royal Army Ordnance Corps and Royal Artillery The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 2nd type, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, in D. Shackman & Sons case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. E. R. Ash.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (2. Lieut. E. R. Ash. R.A.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, breast awards mounted for wear, very fine (7) £300-£400 --- C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1951. The original recommendation states: ‘Since he was transferred from the RAOC to REME in 1942, Brigadier Ash has adopted his new corps with the most wholehearted enthusiasm and has held a series of responsible appointments at home and abroad. As D.D.M.E. to Southern Command he has devoted himself unsparingly, during the past 2 ½ years, to improving the organisation and efficiency of his Corps. His vitality and pride in his work have proved a great inspiration to all those working under him, and his cooperativeness and efficiency have earned the complete confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. Brigaider Ash sets a very high standard for his officers and does not suffer mediocrity gladly. The loyalty he has given to his superiors and the active support he has given to his subordinates have been a great contribution to the morale of his corps. In a comparatively new arm he has, of necessity, had much pioneer work to do, which has involved frequent changes of appointment. Such changes are liable to prejudice an officer’s chances of obtaining full recognition of his service, and it is felt that this may well have been so in Brigadier Ash’s case. It is therefore most strongly recommended that this officer’s past and present outstanding service should now receive recognition by the award of a C.B.E.’ Edwin Raymond Ash was born in May 1897, and served during the Great War with the Trench Mortar Battery & Fire Command, Royal Garrison Artillery in the French theatre of war from 10 February 1918. He advanced to Lieutenant in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in September 1923, and advanced to Lieutenant Colonel in August 1941. Ash served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during the Second War, and advanced to Brigadier in June 1942. He served as ADC to the King, 1950-52, and in the same capacity to the Queen, 1952-54. Brigadier Ash retired in June 1954, and died three years later.

Three: Private H. Fudge, South Wales Borderers 1914-15 Star (15114 Pte. H. Fudge. S. Wales. Bord.); British War and Victory Medals (15114 Pte. H. Fudge. S. Wales. Bord.) very fine and better Three: Private J. W. Flogdell, Royal Berkshire Regiment 1914-15 Star (14179 Pte. J. W. Glogdell. R. Berks. R.); British War and Victory Medals 14179 Pte. J. W. Flogdell. R. Berks. R.) very fine and better Pair: Private T. Jones, South Wales Borderers British War and Victory Medals (35391 Pte. T. Jones. S. Wales Bord.) some spotting to VM, otherwise nearly very fine (8) £100-£140 --- Henry Fudge attested for the South Wales Borderers and served with the 7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 September 1915. He subsequently transferred to the Army Service Corps and was re-numbered T/406504. James William Flogdell, was born at Camberwell, London, in 1886 and attested for the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 7 August 1915, and is recorded in the War Office Weekly casualty report for 1 January 1918 as having been wounded. He survived the war and transferred to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 15 February 1919. He died on 29 October 1971. Curiously, his Medal Index Card states ‘K[illed] in A[ction]’, which is patently wrong. Thomas Jones was born in 1896 and attested for the South Wales Borderers. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War, and at some time served attached to the 15th Labour Group, Forests Unit. He was discharged on 19 May 1919, and subsequently claimed a war pension as he was suffering from defective vision and bronchitis, attributable to his military service.

Family Group: Three: Private G. Vedmore, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 1914-15 Star (10278 Pte. G. Vedmore. A. & S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (10278 Pte. G. Vedmore. A. & S. Highrs.) very fine Memorial Plaque (Thomas Vedmore) very fine (4) £100-£140 --- George Vedmore was born at Dixton, Monmouth in 1888 and attested for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on 26 November 1906. He served with the 1st Battalion in India and then during the Great War on the Western Front from 19 December 1914. Subsequently serving in Salonika, he contracting Malaria, and transferred to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 22 March 1919. Thomas Vedmore, the brother of the above, attested for the Royal Army Medical Corps in October 1915 and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from October 1916. He died of bronchopneumonia, following influenza, at No. 10 Canadian Stationary Hospital on 20 October 1918, while serving with the 25th Motor Ambulance Convoy, and is buried at Les Baraques Military Cemetery, France.

Five: Sub Conductor A. J. W. Thompson, Indian Unattached List, late Royal Horse Artillery and Barrack Department British War and Victory Medals (43291 Cpl. A. J. W. Thompson. R.A.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver (43291 Gr. A. Thompson. R.A.) contemporary engraved naming; Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (S-Sjt. A. J. W. Thompson. Bk. Dept.) generally very fine (5) £140-£180 --- Albert James William Thompson appears on the Delhi Durbar 1911 medal roll as a part of the civil allotment with ‘R’ Battery, Royal Horse Artillery. He also appears on the Indian roll for the Silver Jubilee Medal 1935, as a Sub-Divisional Officer, Secunderabad, in the Military Engineer Service. Sold with copied research.

Pair: Private L. S. Miller, 23rd (4th Tyneside Scottish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers British War and Victory Medals (23-1390 Pte. L.S. Miller. North’d Fus.) good very fine Pair: Private H. E. Franklin 14th (1st Birmingham Pals) Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who was killed in action in Belgium on 26 October 1917 British War and Victory Medals (43277 Pte. H. E. Franklin. R. War. R.) with named card box of issue, extremely fine (4) £120-£160 --- Leslie S. Miller attested for the Northumberland Fusiliers, and served with the 23rd (4th Tyneside Scottish) Battalion during he Great War on the Western Front. He later transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 20 March 1919. Harold Edward Franklin was born at Chesham, Buckinghamshire, and attested for the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, having previously served in the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars. He served with the 14th (1st Birmingham Pals) Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, and was killed in action on 26 October 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

Pair: Private C. A. Horrocks, Royal Fusiliers British War and Victory Medals (47935 Pte. C. A. Horrocks. R. Fus.) official correction to unit on first; together with unrelated Cardiff City Special Police medal ‘The Great War 1914-19’, bronze, unnamed, and National Fire Brigades Union Long Service medal, bronze, unnamed, with 3 bars ‘Five Years’ and top suspension bar ‘Ten Years’, the edge impressed ‘2511’, nearly extremely fine (3) £60-£80 --- Charles A. Horrocks served in the Royal Fusiliers and also the Royal Army Service Corps, No. 396884. Sold with copied Medal Index Card.

A Second War O.B.E. pair awarded to Colonel R. Matthews, Indian Army The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Lieut. R. Matthews, 39 C.I. Horse); mounted for display purposes together with an erased British War Medal 1914-20 and an erased Victory Medal 1914-19, light contact marks, good very fine (4) £200-£240 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 8 June 1944. Reginald Matthews was born on 14 June 1894 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the County of London Yeomanry on 24 February 1915. Promoted Lieutenant on 24 November 1916, he transferred to the Indian Army on 13 January 1918, and served initially with the 39th Central India Horse, before being appointed to the Army Remount Department. He was advanced Lieutenant-Colonel on 24 November 1941, and was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1944. Sold with the Bestowal Document for the O.B.E., named to Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Matthews, Indian Army, and dated 8 June 1944; a portrait photograph of the recipient; a mounted group of six miniature awards, comprising O.B.E. (Military) 2nd type; British War and Victory Medals; India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; and cap badge, sundry rank pips, and Army Remount Department insignia.

Three: Private A. T. Owen, Machine Gun Corps British War and Victory Medals (106126 Pte. A. T. Owen. M.G.C.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Albert T. Owen) good very fine Seven: Private W. J. Smith, Army Service Corps British War and Victory Medals (A-382180 Pte. W. J. Smith. A.S.C.; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the last five unnamed as issued, nearly extremely fine (10) £60-£80

A rare Second War ‘Ayrshire Home Guard’ M.B.E., Great War ‘Egypt and Palestine operations’ D.C.M., and ‘Sinai battle of Romani’ M.M. group of eight awarded to Major T. Auld, Royal Scots Fusiliers The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (240082 C.S. Mjr: T. Auld. 1/5 R.S. Fus:-T.F.)); Military Medal, G.V.R. (6764 Sjt: T. Auld. 1/5 R. Sco: Fus:-T.F.)); 1914-15 Star (6764 Pte. T. Auld, R. Sc: Fus:); British War and Victory Medals, withy small M.I.D. oak leaves (6764 W.O. Cl. 2. T. Auld, R.S. Fus.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (240082 W.O. Cl. II. T. Auld. D.C.M. M.M. 5-R.S. Fus.) mounted court-style for display, the earlier awards somewhat polished, nearly very fine and better (8) £3,000-£4,000 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 15 December 1944: ‘In recognition of Meritorious Service in the Home Guard:- Major Thomas Auld, D.C.M., M.M., 6th Bn. Ayrshire Home Guard.’ D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He assisted his officer in leading two platoons successively over a fire-swept zone. He several times carried in wounded men and set a splendid example on all occasions.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Egypt’. M.M. London Gazette 16 November 1916. The original recommendation states: ‘At Romani on 4th August 1916. In No. 5 Work with great coolness and gallantry removed a conspicuous shelter which was drawing fire. This he did during heavy shelling and with the enemy snipers firing at him from a range of 200 yards.’ Work No. 5 was commanded by Captain R. W. Paton, 1/5 R.S.F., with a garrison of 2 machine guns, 5 officers and 162 other ranks. This garrison suffered 3 other ranks killed and two wounded during the action, at the end of which No. 5 Work alone had sustained 89 shell-holes within the Work and a further 43 shell-holes in the immediate vicinity. No fewer than 52 enemy dead were found in front of No. 5 Work, the majority as a result of rifle fire. Sergeant Auld was one of 3 N.C.O.’s and men of the 1/5th Battalion whose names were submitted to H.Q. 155th Infantry Brigade for ‘good and gallant services on 4th & 5th August. (Battalion War Diary refers). M.I.D. London Gazette 1 December 1916 (General Sir Archibald Murray, services with E.E.F., 1 June to 30 September, 1916) and 12 January 1918 (General Murray, services with E.E.F., 1 March to 28 June, 1917). T.E.M. Army Order of November 1934. Thomas Auld, a native of Dalmellington, Ayrshire, entered the Gallipoli theatre of war in early June 1915 as a Private in the 1/5th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers. His unit was heavily engaged on the peninsula up until its evacuation from ‘V’ beach at the end of December and suffered severe casualties. By the end of July 1915 alone, battalion losses amounted to seven officers and 71 other ranks killed, and four officers and 224 other ranks wounded, nine missing and another eight officers and 141 other ranks to hospital, sick. The Battalion’s subsequent part in the Egypt and Palestine operations, for which Auld was awarded the M.M. and D.C.M., is neatly summarised by P. J. R. Mileham in The Scottish Regiments - A Pictorial History 1633-1987: ‘The two battalions serving in the 52nd Lowland Division which had fought at Gallipoli, had been in Egypt since February 1916. They manned the Suez Canal defence line from the same month, just as plans were being made for it to be extended eastwards into the Sinai desert. The Turks, however, who had hitherto not attacked the canal defences, mounted an attack on a position at Dueidar on the new railway, held by a company of the 5th Royal Scots Fusiliers; but a detachment of the 4th Battalion marched quickly to their assistance and the Turks rapidly withdrew. The British line was extended further eastwards and in late July a major battle was fought at Romani, where the enemy were lured to attack the well-prepared positions of the 52nd Division. The defence held and a counter-attack was successfully mounted; half the large Turkish force became casualties or were taken captive. This allowed the British to advance eastwards without further hindrance, which they did in October with the 52nd Division leading. By the end of January 1917 British and dominion troops entered Palestine. In the same month the 12th Battalion of the regiment was formed in this theatre from the dismounted Ayrshire and Lanarkshire Yeomanry regiments, which had been amalgamated earlier. None of the three battalions took part in the first battle of Gaza, but the 4th and 5th Battalions fought together in the second battle which began on 19 April. Their brigade took several objectives, the most desperate fighting being for Outpost Hill. After several attacks on the hill which the Turks beat off, two companies of 4th K.O.S.B. joined up with companies of 5th Royal Scots Fusiliers. Despite all they had been through, the Borderers and Fusiliers were ready for another assault. When all was ready Major Forrest (K.O.S.B., the Scottish international rugby player) led his men forward. This charge of men from almost every unit in 155 Brigade was a most inspiring sight. Under a murderous fire, which struck down many, they rushed up the hill. About fifty Turks saw them coming, leaped from a ravine and bolted away into the cactus hedges on the western slope. Major Forrest was mortally wounded as he entered the works.' Thus was the hill captured and held for a while in face of fresh enemy counter-attacks. The position had to be evacuated eventually during the night, the battle for Gaza by this time having been lost. The third battle of Gaza in November 1917 was successful, chiefly due to the actions of the cavalry. The 12th Battalion of the regiment was engaged in the latter stages of the battle. In the pursuit of the enemy, the 4th and 5th Royal Scots Fusiliers took part in a number of assaults on successive enemy positions, including the important ridge at Katrah overlooking the railway line to Jerusalem. On 24 November the two battalions were ordered to seize a brigade objective at El Jib. This was defended with great determination by the Turks and, although nearby Nebi Samwil was taken, the El Jib position was successfully held by the enemy. A few days later the battalions had to resist enemy counter-attacks in the El Burj area, which they did successfully despite casualties. Meanwhile, the advance on Jerusalem was pressing ahead and the 12th (Ayr and Lanark Yeomanry) Battalion captured a hill of 1,000 feet at Beit Iksa. The holy city was entered by General Allenby's troops on 11 December.’ The 1/5th Battalion was embarked for France in early 1918, landing at Marseilles in mid-April, and ended the War in positions at Jurbise, south of Mons. Auld, who was advanced to Company-Sergeant-Major and also mentioned in despatches for his part in the Palestine operations (London Gazette 12 January 1918), was awarded his M.B.E. in respect of his services in the 6th Battalion, Ayrshire Home Guard. Sold with copied research including Medal Index Card, gazette notices and battalion war diary entries.

Seven: Corporal H. W. Mellors, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (5378585 Pte. H. W. Mellors. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) suspension claw re-affixed; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (5378585 Cpl. H. W. Mellors, Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); together with the recipient’s O.B.L.I. cap badge and Second World War ‘For Loyal Service’ lapel badge, heavy edge bruising, contact marks and polishing to first, otherwise generally very fine and better (7) £100-£140 --- H. W. Mellors served as a Bandsman in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (September 1928 Regimental Journal refers).

Six: Captain J. H. Bryant, Devonshire Regiment 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (Lieut. J. H. Bryant. Devon.) mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £100-£140 --- John Henry Bryant was born in Islington, London, in 1910 and was educated at Christ’s College. he served during the Second War initially in the ranks, before being commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Devonshire Regiment on 19 October 1940, and was posted to the Machine Gun Training Centre. He transferred into the Essex and Northamptonshire Regiments as Machine Gun Training Officer before landing in Egypt in January 1943, and was then posted to the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment, a Divisional Machine Gun Battalion, serving under Malta Command, in Malta. The Battalion remained in Malta until December 1943 when they returned to the U.K. and were stationed in the Grimsby area. It was allocated to prepare for operations in NW Europe but the 21st Army Group had no requirement for an additional MG Battalion so it was converted to an Infantry Battalion and joined the British Liberation Army as a regular Infantry Battalion as part of the 115th Independent Infantry Brigade. Bryant embarked with the Battalion for operations in Holland in February 1945 and took part in the crossing of the Rhine in March 1945, subsequently joining 159th Infantry Brigade (11th Armoured Division) in April 1945. He was demobilised in Germany on 31 December 1945. Briant re-joined the territorial army after the War, serving as a Captain in 455 H.A.A. Regiment, and later the Movement Control section of the Royal Engineers, and was awarded the Efficiency Medal on 20 March 1947. I civilian life he was the managing director of a shipyard company based at Whitewell Shipyard, Rochester, Kent. Sold with copied research.

Six: Lance-Sergeant H. C. Carter, Hampshire Regiment, later Royal Artillery, Palestine Police, and Inspector, Admiralty Constabulary 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (3530. B/Const. H. C. Carter. Pal. Police.); Police L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (Inspr. Henry C. Carter.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (5495813 Bmbr. H. C. Carter. R.A.); together with a Duke of Connaught’s Own bronze prize medallion, the reverse engraved ‘43rd Wessex. Div Drill Comp. Winners No. 9 Platoon. Pte. H. Carter. 1935.’, good very fine (7) £120-£160 --- Henry Cornelius Carter was born in Gosport, Hampshire, on 27 December 1914 and attested for the 6th (Duke of Connaught’s Own) Battalion, Hampshire Regiment (Territorial Army) on 4 May 1931. Promoted Corporal on 10 May 1938, he was called up for service on 26 September 1938, and after a brief period with the Royal Engineers transferred to the 393/48th Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery as an Acting Lance-Sergeant on 17 July 1940. Following the cessation of hostilities he joined the Palestine Police, and served with them in post-War Palestine, before moving to the Admiralty Constabulary, with whom he was advanced Inspector. His final appointment was with the Admiralty Constabulary’s Fire Service. He retired in 1979, and died in Fareham, Hampshire, on 24 August 2013. Sold with copied research.

Five: Staff Sergeant F. W. Muggeridge, Glider Pilot Regiment, Army Air Corps, who landed at Arnhem during Operation Market on 19 September 1944 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (1948198 S/Sjt. F. W. Muggeridge. A.A.C.) number officially corrected on last, nearly extremely fine (5) £400-£500 --- Francis William Muggeridge was born in 1920 and attested for the Royal Signals in January 1941, before volunteering for the Glider Pilot Regiment the following year. He trained at No. 21 Elementary Flying Training School, followed by No. 17 Course at No. 5 Glider Training School. He completed his training at the Heavy Glider Training Unit at Wroughton between July and October 1943. Having completed his training, Muggeridge joined “A” Squadron, Glider Pilot Regiment, and served with them at Arnhem during Operation Market - his Glider had the chalk number CN-415 and he and his co-pilot transported elements of Corps HQ on 19 September 1944 to Landing Zone N. Post-War, Muggeridge served in Palestine with 21 Flight, “D” Squadron, before transferring to 8 Flight, “D” Squadron, at R.A.F. Aqir, Egypt. He died in January 1996. Sold with copied research including an account of Operation Market, and various photographic images of the recipient.

Three: Private F. G. Keating, Army Air Corps 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (14908955 Pte. F. G. Keating. A.A.C.) mounted for wear, very fine (3) £120-£160

Five: Lieutenant, late Armourer Quarter Master Sergeant E. V. White, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (7582899 S. Sjt. E. V. White. R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear, good very fine Four: Captain, late Warrant Officer Class 2, W. J. S. Deans, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (22286152 W.O. Cl. 2. W. J. S. Deans. REME.) mounted for wear, generally very fine or better Five: Sergeant W. J. Redman, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (1443442 Sjt. W. J. Redman. R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear, generally very fine (14) £100-£140

Six: Warrant Officer Class 2 D. Grennshields, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (7588925 W.O. Cl. 2. D. Greenshields. R.E.M.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (7588925 W.O. Cl. 2 D. Greenshields. R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear, official correction to number of last, generally very fine (6) £50-£70

Seven: Warrant Officer Class 2 A. C. Stunell, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (5124144 W.O. Cl. 2. A. C. Stunell, R.E.M.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (5124144 W.O. Cl. 2. A. G. [sic] Stunell REME) mounted for wear, generally good very fine (7) £70-£90

Six: Staff Sergeant J. D. Kibble, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (7589564 S/Sgt. J. D. Kibble, R.E.M.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (7589564 S. Sgt. J. D. Kibble. R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear, minor official correction to number of last, generally very fine or better (6) £50-£70

Six: Staff Sergeant R. C. Meaden, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (22300314 Sgt. R. C. Meaden. R.E.M.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (22300314 S. Sgt. R. C. Meaden. R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear, with 6 related miniature awards mounted for wear, and identity disc, generally very fine (6) £70-£90

Five: Sergeant V. W. H. Bond, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (2329055 Sgt. V. W. H. Bond. R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear, very fine Four: Warrant Officer Class 1 E. J. Cattanach, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (774425 W.O. Cl. 1. E. J. Cattanach. R.E.M.E.) mounted as originally worn, very fine (9) £80-£100

A well-documented Second War United States Bronze Star group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel H. Wood, General List and Control Commission Germany, also Metropolitan Police; together with a substantial archive of original documents and ephemera 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1977, unnamed as issued; Police L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (Sergt. Horace Wood); United States of America, Bronze Star, the reverse engraved ‘Horace Wood’, in case of issue, about extremely fine (7) £300-£400 --- United States of America Bronze Star London Gazette 15 August 1946. The citation states: ‘Captain Horace Wood, British Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations, from September 1944 to May 1945. As Public Safety Officer, 325th Civil Affairs Detachment, Captain Wood was largely responsible during the early days of liberation for the reorganization of local police, Gendarmerie, fire and civil defense services, and by his exceptional energy ands drive was instrumental in the maintenance of law and order in the port of Antwerp during months of crucial importance to the allied war effort in northwest Europe. His services have, throughout, reflected credit upon himself and the armed forces of the Allied Armies.’ Horace Wood was born on 12 February 1912 and joined the Metropolitan Police on 25 February 1935. Advanced Sergeant on 14 September 1942, he served during the Second World War on the General List in North West Europe, and having re-joined the Metropolitan Police on 3 March 1947 was seconded to the Control Commission in Germany. There he was responsible for various policing and traffic management matters, and was advanced Lieutenant-Colonel. He retired from the Police to Pension on 28 March 1965, and is confirmed on the Silver Jubilee Medal roll as ‘Laterly Supervising Bailiff Grade II, Lord Chancellor’s Department’. Sold with the following archive: i) A large portrait of the recipient, oils on canvas ii) Various portrait photographs of the recipient iii) Various photographs of the recipient with other well-known personalities iv) A presentation copy of the book ‘The Battle of Antwerp’, with letter of dedication v) Various presentation photograph albums regadring police inspections in post-War Germany vi) A large presentation scrap-book compiled to commemorate the introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit for Belgian lorries vii) Various invitations, dinner menus, and other ephemera.

A particularly fine Second War ‘Arakan and Kohima operations’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Major T. Casey, 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who later commanded the lead Company in the assault crossing of the 2,000 yards wide River Irrawaddy, 14 February 1945, and was mentioned in despatches for his gallantry during the assault Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Major T. Casey. M.C. S. Lan. R.) rank and initial officially corrected; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (Capt. T. Casey. (M.C.) S. Lan. R.) mounted for wear, very fine (7) £2,000-£2,600 --- M.C. London Gazette 22 March 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘On 12 June 1944, Capt. Casey was commanding a platoon of “B” Coy in a battalion attack on Kidima village. There was a mist and Capt. Casey’s platoon suddenly found itself under heavy L.M.G. fire from a bunker at close range. Capt. Casey personally brought a L.M.G. into action and engaged the enemy post to enable his platoon to move into a more favourable position for attacking the bunker. Shortly afterwards while manoeuvring into a position on the enemy’s right flank in order to support the main coy attack, Capt. Casey’s platoon came under enfilade fire from another enemy bunker. By skilful use of ground and firepower he was able to neutralise this enemy post and at the same time fulfil his task of covering the coy attack. Later in the day the Coy was ordered to withdraw. Just at this time a man from Capt. Casey’s platoon was seriously wounded in close proximity to an enemy position, Capt. Casey, again by skilful use of ground and direction of his available firepower enabled the wounded man to be safely evacuated and his platoon to withdraw without further loss. By his leadership, resource and complete disregard for personal danger Capt. Casey proved a source of inspiration to all ranks under his comd. Capt. Casey commanded a Coy in the Arakan and in the later stages of the Kohima battle. His work throughout has been outstanding. M.I.D. London Gazette 10 January 1946. Thomas Casey resided at 67 Hectorage Road, Tonbridge, Kent. He ‘enlisted in 1928, being promoted Corporal in 1930 and Sergeant in 1935. Commissioned early in the War, he was awarded the Military Cross.’ (Obituary included with the lot refers) Casey served with the 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, and his service during the Second War is highlighted in the Regimental Chronicle: ‘During this period the Battalion continued Combined Operations Training and in February, 1944, entrained for Calcutta to take part in a Combined Operation Exercise called “Porpoise.” From Calcutta they were diverted to the Arakan, where the Battalion took part in various actions against the Japanese in the Mayu Range. Casualties: 3 Officers and 35 Other Ranks.... In April, 1944, the Battalion left Combined Operations Formation and were transferred to the 7th Indian Division, and moved from the Arakan to Kohima. There the Battalion assisted in the final clearing of the Japanese from Kohima, and continued the pursuit through the jungle towards Mao Songsang on the Kohima-Imphal road. Casualties: 2 Officers and 30 Other Ranks (approx.) Awards: Capt. T. Casey M.C. Sergeant Green M.M. Pte. Davies M.M. Capt. H. J. Smith M.B.E. R.S.M. Oliver M.B.E. The Battalion returned to Kohima, where they rested, reformed and trained during the period July to November, 1944. On the 30th November, 1944, commenced what was later to be a 600 miles march - Kohima - Imphal - Tamu - Ganggaw Valley - Irrawaddy, arriving west bank of Irrawaddy early February, 1945. The Battalion, now commanded by Lieut. Colonel T. W. M. Mitchell, was selected to be the leading Battalion in the assault crossing of the 2,000 yards wide River Irrawaddy. “C” Company, commanded by Major T. Casey, M.C., was selected to be the leading Company for the assault crossing. The Company made a successful, silent crossing before first light. The remainder of the Battalion, which consisted of “A” and “D” Companies, came under heavy fire just after first light and were forced to return to the West bank after suffering heavy casualties. The leading Company of the Battalion consolidated its position on the enemy-held side of the river and remained until reinforced later in the day. The partial success of the Battalion in establishing itself on the East bank resulted in the successful crossing of the remainder of the 7th Indian Division , thus enabling the 17th Indian Division to make its brilliant breakthrough to Meiktela. Casualties: 4 Officers and 80 Other Ranks (approx.) Awards: Pte. Stewart M.M. Pte. Helsby (deceased) M.M. Lt. Col T. W. M. Mitchell M.I.D. Major T. Casey M.I.D. Major T. A. G. Sprague M.I.D. Capt. Harvey (Posthumous) M.I.D.’ Casey’s personal account of the river crossing adds the following: ‘We could see the cliffs against the stars and as the beaches drew nearer the tension grew, for we did not know whether a reception committee awaited us or not. One hundred yards, fifty, twenty and we were there. The men climbed out of the boats very quietly and those detailed formed a shallow bridgehead to protect the remainder of the Coy whilst disembarking. The boats were carried across the beach and laid at the entrance to a chaung at the foot of the cliffs. Our objective was the high ground just above and to the East if the Eastern beach objective.’ Casey led his men to the objectives, dug in, and signalled back for the rest of the Battalion to join them. Despite his success, the Japanese were alerted to the arrival of the next waive of boats and hammered them with machine gun fire. Casey’s men tried to clear Japanese positions with the bayonet, but it was to no avail as they were entrenched in caves in the cliff face. The remainder of Battalion suffered heavily and were beaten back. Casey was eventually relieved by men of the 4th Battalion, 14th Punjabis after an aerial bombardment on the Japanese positions. After the war Casey served during the Mau Mau Rebellion in Kenya, and ‘Major Casey became ill in Kenya, East Africa, where he was employed after he retired from the army. He had expected fly home in April, but it was not to be. He will long be remembered as a man with a kindly disposition, a great sense of duty with a keen sense of loyalty. In the furtherance of well-being of those under his command he never spared himself.’ (Obituary refers) Sold with copied research, including photographic images of recipient in uniform, and a typed account of recipient’s personal account of the Irawaddy River Crossing.

Six: Sapper J. Harris, Royal Australian Engineers 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘VX37377 J. Harris’; together with a scarce ‘theatre-made’ Rats of Tobruk Medal 1941, the reverse numbered ‘148’, nearly extremely fine, the last scarce (7) £180-£220 --- John Harris was born at Battle, Sussex, and having emigrated to Australia attested for the Royal Australian Engineers at Melbourne on 11 July 1940. Posted to 2/3 Field Company, he served during the Second World War in the Middle East and North Africa from 14 May 1941. Re-embarked for Australia on 24 January 1943 he subsequently served in New Guinea from 20 September 1943 to 25 February 1944, and was discharged on 6 May 1944. He died at Black Rock, Victoria, in 1970. The exact events regarding the creation of the Rats of Tobruk Medal are unclear although it is believed that they were first created by men from 2/3 Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, possibly by utilising metal from a downed German aircraft. There are several different versions though the version included here appears to be an original numbered first version. Sold with copied service papers and other research.

Five: Sepoy Tikhu Ram, 4th Battalion, Dogra Regiment 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (20291 Sep. Tikhu Ram, 4 Bn., Dogra R.) mounted for display in a glazed display frame, good very fine Three: Private A. Ellis, Army Catering Corps Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (2045952 Pte. A. Ellis. A.C.C.) mounted as worn, verdigris to the Second War pair, therefore fair; the EM nearly very fine General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (7674221 Sigmn. F. Green. R. Sigs.) a slightly later issue struck on a thinner flan, nearly extremely fine (lot) £70-£90 --- Sold with a City and Guilds of London Institute Technological Examination medallion, the edge engraved ‘Walter Shatwell, Silk Weaving, 1st Prize, 1919’; an Inland Revenue, Computerised Environment for Self Assessment ‘EDS’ cased table medal, dated November 1996, in fitted case bearing an engraved plaque named to ‘Blair Jones’; an 1895 Nottingham School Board School Attendance Medal, named to ‘H. Morris’, in fitted case; a Sandbach Urban District Council Coronation Medal 1937; a Duke of Connaught’s Own cap badge; an Army Ordnance Corps cap badge, shoulder title, and sterling silver sweetheart badge; and three Souvenir Handkerchiefs.

Four: Warrant Officer Class 1 N. Gilbert, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (6345109 W.O. Cl. 2. N. Gilbert. R.E.M.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (6345109 W.O. Cl. 1. N. Gilbert. R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear, light contact marks overall, very fine (4) £50-£70

Pair: Private F. S. Edwards, Royal Army Medical Corps Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (22771454 Pte. F. S. Edwards. R.A.M.C.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, nearly extremely fine (2) £80-£100

Three: Corporal A. S. Philpott, Royal Air Force Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (4022894 L.A.C. A. Philpott. R.A.F.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (C4022894 Cpl A S Philpott RAF) mounted as originally worn, very fine (3) £300-£400 --- Arthur S. Philpott served as a Technician with 1903 Independent Air Observation Post Flight in Korea. The latter employed Army pilots flying Auster aircraft, spotting for artillery. The unit was formed in Korea in October 1951, and served there until the ceasefire.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant H. F. Bryan, 1st East Riding Field Company, Royal Engineers (T.F.), for gallantry during operations north of the Ypres-Comines Canal, 2nd/3rd March 1916, when he was buried by a shell explosion Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11 Sjt: H. Bryan. 1/1 E. Rid: F. Co. R.E.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (11 Sjt. H. Bryan. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (11 Sjt. H. Bryan. R.E.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (474003 Sjt. H. F. Bryan, R.E.) together with Silver War Badge, reverse officially numbered ‘B 236316’, nearly very fine or better (5) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations. When in charge of a working party he was buried by a shell explosion, but, after being extracted, he stuck to his work and gave great encouragement to his men under heavy shell fire.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘2-3 March 1916. North of Ypres-Comines Canal’. Henry Bryan enlisted into the East Riding Field Company of the Royal Engineers (Territorial Force) on 30 June 1908, and served with that Field Company in France and Flanders from 18 September 1915. He was discharged due to gas poisoning on 2 March 1919, and was awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 369 of 1920.

Four: Warrant Officer Class I (Artificer Sergeant Major) D. F. Tamlin, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers General Service 1962-2007, 2 clasps, Malay Peninsula, Northern Ireland (22999021 Cpl. D. F. Tamlin. REME.) with unofficial retaining rod; U.N. Medal, on UNFICYP ribbon; Jubilee 1977, unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (22999021 WO1 D F Tamlin REME) mounted as originally worn, very fine (4) £240-£280 --- David Francis Tamlin was born in October 1938, and was enrolled in the Army Apprentice College, Arborfield in February 1954. Having passed out, he joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers March 1957. He advanced to Sergeant in March 1965, and to Staff Sergeant Instructor in March 1967, and had many appointments with the B.A.O.R. Tamlin’s final appointment was as W.O. 1 (Artificer Sergeant Major), Officer Commanding REME Workshops, 623 MT Unit, Bielefeld, B.A.O.R. - where he was in charge of 360 vehicles, 3 Military Fitters and 24 Civilian Fitters from February 1975. Sold with the following original documentation: named Buckingham Palace enclosure for Jubilee Medal; Regular Army Certificate of Service; Army Board named Certificate of Thanks on completion of 24 years service; Letter to the same effect from Major General J. V. Homan, Director General of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, dated 14 December 1948; a number of training and education certificates; photograph of recipient in uniform and other ephemera.

A Great War ‘Givenchy’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private F. Richardson, 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, for gallantry at Cuinchy in February 1915, during a counter attack in conjunction with the Irish Guards to recapture a section of trench known as the ‘hollow’, an action extensively covered in Deeds that Thrill the Empire and in which Lance-Corporal O’Leary of the Irish Guards won the V.C. Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (4796 Pte. F. Richardson. 2/C.G.); 1914 Star, with contemporary copy slide clasp (4796 Pte. F. Richardson. C. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (4796 Pte. F. Richardson. C. Gds.) small abrasion over ‘S’ of ‘Gds’ on British War Medal, very fine and better (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 10 March 1915; citation published 1 April 1915. ‘For gallant conduct on 1st February 1915, at Cuinchy, when he was one of the bombing party in the successful counter-attack on the enemy’s position. This work demanded great coolness and skill.’ The story of the actions of the Coldstream and Irish Guards at Cuinchy [one mile south of Givenchy] on 1 February 1915, is extensively covered in Deeds that Thrill the Empire, pp159-168. Whilst Private Frank Richardson is not specifically featured in any of the illustrations, his name is mentioned in the text on four occasions as shown in the following example: ‘This successful artillery preparation, which lasted for about ten minutes, was immediately followed by a brilliant bayonet charge made by about fifty men of the 2nd Coldstreams and thirty of the Irish Guards. The Irish Guards attacked on the left, where the enemy’s position was strengthened by barricades; and it was here that Lance-Corporal Michael O’Leary performed that heroic feat of arms which gained him the Victoria Cross and made his name a household word. But the Coldstreams also had their heroes that day, amongst them a young Yorkshireman, Private Duncan White, whose action, if necessarily overshadowed by that of O’Leary, was, nevertheless, a most gallant one. Private White was one of a little party of bomb-throwers who led the assault, and on Captain Leigh Bennett, who commanded the Coldstreams, giving the signal for the charge by dropping his handkerchief, he dashed to the front and, passing unscathed through the fierce rifle and machine-gun fire which greeted the advancing Guardsmen, got within throwing distance and began to rain bombs on the Germans with astonishing rapidity and precision. High above the parapet flew the rocket-like missiles, twisting and travelling uncertainly through the air, until finally the force of equilibrium supplied by the streamers of ribbon attached to their long sticks asserted itself, and they plunged straight as a plumb-line down into the trench, exploding with a noise like a gigantic Chinese cracker and scattering its occupants in dismay. So fast did he throw, and so deadly was his aim, that the enemy, already badly shaken by our artillery preparation, were thrown into hopeless disorder; and the Guardsmen had no difficulty in rushing the trench, all the Germans in it being killed or made prisoners. The attacking infantry had been followed by a party of the Royal Engineers with sandbags and wire, to make the trench defensible. Scarcely had they completed their task, when the German guns began to shell its new occupants very heavily; but our men held their ground, and subsequently succeeded in taking another German trench on the canal and two machine-guns. Private Duncan White, whose home is at Sheffield, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry and skill, as also were Privates F. Richardson, S. B. Leslie and J. Saville, of the same regiment.’ These four awards all carried identical citations. Frank Richardson was recalled to the Colours on the outbreak of war, having been in the Army Reserve since 25 August 1905. He entered the French theatre of war on 12 August 1914, landing at Le Havre with the 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. The battalion formed part of 4th Guards Brigade, 2nd Division, part of Haig’s 1st Corps for the initial phase of the war, comprising the retreat from Mons, and subsequent battles of the Marne, Aisne and First Ypres. Richardson was discharged from the Army on 24 August 1915, upon the expiry of 13 years service. At some point he re-enlisted into the Royal Army Service Corps and served as Private No. 49598.

A Great War ‘Italian theatre’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant A. Wanklin, 1/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, who was killed in action in France at the battle of Beaurevoir on 5 October 1918 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (240026 Sjt: A. Wanklin. 1/8 Worc: R.); 1914-15 Star (545 L. Sjt. A. Wanklin. Worc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (545 Sjt. A. Wanklin. Worc. R.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (545 Pte. A. Wanklin. 8/Worc: Regt.) together with Memorial Plaque (Albert Wanklin) nearly extremely fine (6) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1918 [Italy]; citation published 21 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty and consistent ability on many occasions when in command of his platoon in action. He has always volunteered for patrols, and his courage, cheerfulness and fine example have had a most inspiring effect on all with him.’ Albert Wanklin was born in 1883 at Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. As a pre-war territorial, he had been awarded the T.F.E.M. on 1 July 1913, under Army Order 234, which indicates that he had already completed 12 years service. He was living at Sidemoor, Bromsgrove, and was employed as a wagon repairer for the Midland Railway at Bromsgrove. He landed at Boulogne, France, with the 1/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, on 1 April 1915. His regimental number was changed to 240026 upon the re-numbering of all territorial units in 1917; his new number is amongst a batch used for the 1/6th Reserve Bn. and that may indicate that he was in England recuperating from wounds at that time. Local newspaper sources make mention of him having been gassed around 1916. The 1/8th Battalion moved to the Italian theatre of war in November 1917 but did not move into the active sector until January 1918, and not into the front line until late April. The battalion took part in the successful action on the Asiago Plateau on 14 June when the Austrians were driven out of the British trenches they had captured the previous day, the 1/8th Battalion pursuing the Austrians back to their own trenches near Canove and bringing back some captured mountain guns, machine-guns and 160 prisoners. During August 1918 the battalion took part in several successful trench raids and, in mid-September, entrained at Thiene for their return to France, where they arrived on the 17th. Sergeant Wanklin was killed in action on 5 October 1918, at Beaurevoir, whilst serving with “C” company, 1/8th Worcesters, the battalion’s final battle of the war. Although the village of Beaurevoir was captured, they suffered heavy casualties of 37 killed and 125 wounded, mainly the result of enfilading machine-gun fire. He is buried in Beaurevoir British Cemetery. Sold with copied medal cards, gazette notices, battalion war diary for date of death and account of action, and other copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front 1918’ D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Company Sergeant-Major G. D. Young, 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, later a Captain in Swansea Home Guard Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (265253 C.S. Mjr. G. Young. 6/Welsh R.); 1914 Star (1098 L. Sjt. D. Young. 1/6 Welsh R.); British War and Victory Medals (1098 W.O. Cl. 2. G. D. Young. Welsh R.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (265253 C.S. Mjr. G. D. Young. 6/Welsh R.) mounted as worn, contact wear and polished, otherwise nearly very fine or better (7) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919; citation published 11 March 1920: ‘He especially distinguished himself when his company was wiring the sunken road east of Pontruet in October, 1918, where he was put in charge of a section of front, setting a magnificent example to all ranks when under heavy machine-gun fire.’ George Dowe Young was a native of Swansea and a pre-war territorial in the Welsh Regiment, and otherwise employed as an ‘engine driver (Portable)’. He proceeded to France with the 1/6th Battalion on 29 October 1914, but was ineligible for the 1914 Clasp. He won his D.C.M. for good work when employed on the wiring of the front line posts held by 3rd Infantry Brigade at Pontruet on the night of 30 October 1918 (Battalion War Diary refers). His T.F.E.M. was announced in Army Order 380 of October 1919. C.S.M. Young re-enlisted in 6th Welsh Regiment (TA) on 9 April 1921. He was called-up in 1939 but was released in 1940 to help form the Home Guard in Swansea, ending the war in the rank of Major. Sold with 3 photographs including a group photograph of Major Young with other Swansea veterans, mostly wearing medals, a Swansea Evening Post news cutting with picture of Major Young and others on the occasion of the disbandment of the 6th Welch Old Comrades Association with the laying up of its standard at the garrison church of Christ Church, original ‘Certificate of Employment During the War’, and copied research including medal cards and Battalion War Diary for September and October 1918.

A fine 2-clasp Naval General Service medal awarded to Commander William Figg, Royal Navy, who was a First-Class Volunteer aboard Admiral Duncan’s flagship Venerable at the battle of Camperdown in October 1797 and fought as a Midshipman in the Bellona in the action off Copenhagen in April 1801, on which occasion he received a wound so severe that the use of his left arm was always afterwards impaired Naval General Service 1793-1840, 2 clasps, Camperdown, Copenhagen 1801 (William Figg, Midshipman.) attractively toned, extremely fine £8,000-£10,000 --- William Figg was born on 27 August 1783, at Berwick-upon-Tweed, is eldest son of Captain James Figg, of the Royal Invalids, who served during the reigns of George II and George III, was wounded at the battle of Bunker’s Hill, and died one of the oldest officers in the army. His only brother, Edward, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Engineers, died in active service in Canada in 1829. This officer entered the Navy on 8 August 1796, as First-class Volunteer, on board the Plover 18, Captain John Chesshyre, and, on removing to the Venerable 74, flagship of Lord Duncan, served in the battle off Camperdown, 11 October 1797. After a further attachment with the latter officer, as Midshipman, to the Kent 74, he joined the Bellona 74, Captain Sir Thomas Boulden Thompson, under whom he received, in the action off Copenhagen, 2 April 1801, a wound so severe as to have ever since impaired the use of his left arm. From May 1801 until September 1805, we find him serving, on the Channel, Newfoundland, and Irish stations, latterly as Acting-Lieutenant, in the Brilliant 28, Captains Philip Wodehouse and Adam Mackenzie, Camilla 20, Captains Henry Hill and Bridges Watkinson Taylor, Courageux 74, flagship of Rear-Admiral Richard Dacres, and Brilliant again, Captain Robert Barrie. In January 1806, Mr. Figg became Acting-Sub-Lieutenant of the Furious gun-brig, Lieutenant-Commander John Debenham. Being advanced to the full rank of Lieutenant, 30 August 1806, he was subsequently appointed – 3 March 1807, to the Vulture 18, Captain Joseph Pearce, lying at Sheerness – 24 July 1807, as First Lieutenant, to the Snake 18, Captain Thomas Young, under whom he assisted at the capture of two batteries on the coast of Finmark in 1809 – 20 February 1810, to the Skylark 16, Captain James Boxer, on the Downs station – and, 22 April 1812, to the command of the Pickle schooner, of 12 guns, in which vessel, when off Scilly, he assisted the Albacore sloop and several small craft in beating off, 18 December 1812, the French 40-gun frigate La Gloire. Lieutenant Figg, who during the war was repeatedly engaged on boat-service and in action with the enemy’s batteries, left the Pickle on 26 August 1815, and from that period remained on half-pay until the close of 1820, when he successively assumed command of the Sylvia and Griper Revenue-cutters. Since quitting the latter vessel he was not employed. He acquired the rank of Commander on the retired list 21 April 1840; and the Out-Pension by Greenwich Hospital on 22 August 1850. He married on 23 June 1821, and had five children, and wore a medal with two clasps for Camperdown and Copenhagen. Commander Figg died on 11 August 1858, at Portobello.

A Great War ‘Battle of Ypres’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Acting Warrant Officer Class II A. W. S. Peckett, Army Service Corps, for gallantry in carrying wounded officers and men to the dressing station whilst under heavy fire at Potyze on 24 April 1915 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (S-31641 Pte. A. W. S. Peckett. A.S.C.); 1914-15 Star (S-31641 Pte. A. W. S. Peckett. A.S.C.; British War and Victory Medals (S-31641 A.W.O. Cl. 2 A. W. S. Peckett. A.S.C.) very fine (4) £800-£1,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in the performance of his duties, under great difficulty and danger, during a bombardment. He assisted to carry wounded officers and men to the dressing station until all were removed. The work was performed under heavy fire.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Ypres & 24 April 1915 at Potyze’. Arthur W. S. Peckett served in France and Flanders with the Army Service Corps from 21 December 1914. Sold with copied Medal Index Card, annotated gazette and D.C.M. card.

Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee 1845, 2 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Sobraon (John Casey 9th Regt.) suspension slack, edge bruising and contact marks, good fine £500-£700 --- John Casey was born on 21 March 1825, at Caahir, Tipperary, and enlisted into the 9th Foot on 13 March 1845, aged 19. He was promoted Corporal on 11 September 1847; Sergeant, 24 October 1848; Quarternaster-Sergeant, 1 June 1855; commissioned as Quartermaster, 9 December 1864; retired, 31 March 1872. Quartermaster Casey ‘served throughout the Campaign of 1845 & 46 with the Army of the Sutlej under the commd. of His Excellency Sir H. Gough, Bart., Commr. in Chief in India, and was present at the following actions, Viz., Battle of “Moodkee” 18 December 1845, “Ferozeshuhur 21 & 22nd December 1845, & “Sobraon” 10 February 1846.’ ‘Served in the Crimea from 27th Novr 1854 to 1st May 1856, including the Siege & fall of Sebastopol and assault on the cemetery 18 June 1855, under the command of Lord Raglan.’ ‘Wounded at the Battle of Sobraon on the 10th Feby 1846. Medal with 2 Clasps for the Campaign on the Sutlej. Medal and Clasp for Sebastopol and Turkish War Medal.’ Sold with copied statement of services.

An extremely rare Great War ‘East Africa 1916’ D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Flight Sergeant D. Grant, South African Aviation Corps, attached 26 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps; he served as a Captain in the 2nd Transvaal Scottish during the Second War and was captured at Tobruk in June 1942 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (Z185 F/Sjt. D. Grant. S.A.R.F.C.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Sjt. D. Grant. S.A.S.R.F.C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, these last four all officially impressed ‘32722 D. Grant’, mounted court-style for wearing, good very fine (7) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 26 May 1917; and Union Defence Force Orders No. 169 for December 1917 ‘His perseverance and devotion to duty under trying conditions have been an example to all, and the efficiency of his flight has been largely due to his skill and example.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 8 February 1917: Despatch from Lieut.-General The Hon. J. C. Smuts, Commander-in-Chief, East African Forces, dated 22 November 1916, ‘For Meritorious Service in the Field.’ David Grant was born at Kirkhill, Invernesshire, Scotland, on 13 May 1883, and was educated at Dingwall Academy, Rosshire. ‘A veteran as much in the sphere of aviation as in the province of motoring, Mr. David Grant, D.C.M., dates his association with the latter from the beginning of the century... Adopting the career of a motor mechanic he started with the Daimler Motor Company of Coventry, as a premium apprentice, in 1901. He passed through the various shops and in due course became a test driver, and was engaged on many of Daimler’s early hill-climbing competitions and trials. The distinction of having driven motor vehicles without a licence and without any infringement of the law is his, since he drove cars in England for two years before the issue of driving licences came into force. Indeed he holds driving licence No. 7, dated January, 1904, and issued in Staffordshire. He also obtained French, Swiss, and German driving licences in 1905. Up to the year 1910, he engaged in a considerable amount of Continental touring, the greater part of which was done with Daimlers. It was during this period that he had the honour of driving the late King Edward VII, and was presented with a diamond pin in recognition of his services on that occasion. He came to South Africa in 1910, and except for the interruption of the Great War, when he proceeded overseas, he has been a member of the staff of the Rand Mines, Central Mining Group, ever since. In July, 1915, he joined the South African Aviation Corps - went to England and trained at Farnborough and Netherhaven. Posted to No. 26 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, he returned to Africa and served through the German East African Campaign, until invalided out with blackwater fever. Mr. Grant, who has been a member of the Automobile Association of South Africa since its inception (his badge number id 68), has been closely identified with the South African motor industry from 1910 until the present time. He is, too, a member of the Motor Vehicle Advisory Committee to the Administrator of the Transvaal; an appointment he has occupied since 1928. Motoring is his hobby, and his favourite sport is golf.’ (Personalities in South African Motoring and Aviation, circa 1935, refers). In 1939, Grant was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment and, following the mobilization of the regiment in 1940, became its Transport Officer. Promoted Lieutenant and then Captain on 19 November 1940, he proceeded up North with the battalion in 1941 but, unfortunately, suffered a heart attack and went into the Tobruk Hospital shortly before the fall of Tobruk in June 1942, thus landing up in the Italian P.O.W. Camp Hospital in Caserta. Subsequently, by way of an exchange of prisoners of war he returned to South Africa in a Hospital Ship, arriving back in Durban early in May 1943, and was in due course invalided out of the Army. Soon after leaving the Army he was retired from the service of Rand Mines and retired to Meerhof, Hartesbeespoort Dam, where he died from an angina attack on 23 November 1950. On 10 July 1952, his ashes were interred in the cemetery at Kirkhill, Scotland. No. 26 (South African) Squadron was originally formed for service in East Africa, being manned by personnel who had previously served in the South African Aviation Corps. It formed on 8 November 1915, at Netheravon, leaving in December for Africa. Arriving at Mobmassa at the end of January 1916, it was equipped with BE2c and Farman aircraft. It provided support to Imperial Forces engaged against the German East African colonies throughout 1916 and 1917, until early 1918 when it returned to the United Kingdom. Sold with copied research including Attestation and service papers.

A Second War ‘Operation Calendar (ii)’ D.S.M. group of five awarded to Leading Seaman H. E. Parrott, Royal Navy Patrol Service, for gallantry and endurance in Motor Minesweeper ‘57’ in clearing the Scheldt estuary of mines during the period October-November 1944, thus opening up a vital supply route to the port of Antwerp at a critical time in our military operations Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (L.S. H. E. Parrott. LT/JX. 198970); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, extremely fine (5) £900-£1,200 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 3 April 1945: ‘For gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.’ The original recommendation states: ‘This rating has carried out his duties as Coxswain in an excellent manner. Throughout the whole operation, his cheerfulness and leadership have been an inspiration to all on board. He has shown initiative and greatly assisted in keeping the ship fit for sweeping. During bad weather, both at sea and at anchor, he has shown continual concern for the safety and well-being of the ship. Twenty mines have been detonated during Scheldt operations in which the ship took part.’ Herbert Edgar Parrott was a Hull trawler man before joining the Royal Navy at the outbreak of the war and was Coxswain of M.M.S. 57 which was launched in October 1941, with a complement of 20 officers and crew. Operation Calendar (ii) was a British naval undertaking to sweep the West Scheldt branch of the Scheldt river estuary and so remove German mines during operations to open, and then keep open, the port of Antwerp to Allied shipping bringing in supplies and equipment to support the eastward movement of Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery’s Allied 21st Army Group and Lieutenant General Omar N. Bradley’s US 12th Army Group (November 1944/January 1945). The clearance of mines from the Scheldt estuary off the coast of Holland and Antwerp was the biggest minesweeping operation of the Second World War. The officers and men of M.M.S. 57 between them earned one D.S.C., four D.S.M.’s and three M.I.D.’s in these operations.

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4589 Pte. H. T. Froude. 3rd Dragoon Gds.) suspension claw re-affixed, nearly very fine £80-£100 --- Herbert Thomas Froude was born at Long Ashton, Bristol, and attested for the Dragoons of the Line at Bristol on 15 June 1900, having previously served with the 4th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, and the Devon and Somerset Royal Engineers Volunteers. Posted to 3rd Dragoon Guards, he served with them in South Africa during the Boer War from 10 August 1901 to the cessation of hostilities, before transferring to the Royal Artillery on 19 February 1904, and then to the Army Reserve on 26 June 1906. Discharged in June 1912, he rejoined the Royal Garrison Artillery for home service in the Great War, with service number 284587. Sold with copied service papers and other research.

A fine Second World ‘Burma operations’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Corporal A. H. Ford, West Yorkshire Regiment, who, as a member of his battalion’s “Guerilla Platoon”, regularly penetrated enemy lines in the Arakan Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4390907 L. Cpl. A. H. Ford, W. York. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp 8th Army; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (4390907 Cpl. A. H. Ford, M.M., W. Yorks), generally very fine (7) £2,400-£2,800 --- M.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘On the night of 9-10 January 1944, Lance-Corporal Ford was Bren-gunner during the time when the Guerilla Platoon was ambushing the enemy as they withdrew across the Iron Bridge, Kanyindan, Arakan. The enemy opened fire with L.M.Gs from three sides, but Lance-Corporal Ford continued to fire his gun, inflicting casualties on them, and then covering the Platoon withdrawal. Not until the whole of his Platoon was clear of the bridge did he himself move back. On arrival at the leaguer, Lance-Corporal Ford volunteered to take a message to Kanyindan to ‘C’ Company, which involved passing through the enemy positions. This he did, and being unable to locate ‘C’ Company, who, as it happened, were not there, then returned to his platoon, again passing through the enemy. Throughout the whole operation he showed a complete disregard for his personal safety. Recently Lance-Corporal Ford has led a number of small reconnaissance patrols, and has always succeeded in obtaining accurate information without loss to his own men. On 1 May 1944, in the Wakan area, Manipur, he was ordered to patrol the “Buttertubs” feature with a view to locating enemy positions, and sniping any movement seen there - this feature was known to be strongly held by the enemy. Lance-Corporal Ford led his patrol with great skill into the middle of the enemy locality in daylight and discovered the layout of their positions - he then found that a number of the enemy were asleep in their trenches and dugouts, and succeeded in killing three of these with T.S.M.G. and grenades before the alarm was given. He then withdrew his patrol without loss in spite of heavy enemy L.M.G. fire. The forgoing is typical of the way he has discharged his duties throughout the campaign.’ Alex Havelock Ford, a native of Skelton-in-Cleveland, was serving in the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment at the time of the above cited deeds, which unit had already lent valuable service in East and North Africa. But in June 1943, the Battalion arrived on the Burma front, to face a very different type enemy, not least in the Arakan operations in early 1944, when the Japanese launched a furious counter-offensive against Slim’s 14th Army - and right in the centre of that determined thrust lay the West Yorkshires, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel G. H. Cree, who was shortly to be awarded the D.S.O. for his courage and leadership in what became known as the “Battle of the Admin Box”. The “Admin Box” battle proper raged throughout most of February, shortly after Ford’s exploits with a Bren-gun in the Guerilla Platoon at Kanyindan, the defenders comprising just two battalions of regular infantry, the West Yorkshires and the Gurkhas, together with artillery and two squadrons of tanks - and a mass of administrative troops, pioneers, sappers, signallers, ordnance and medical units, mule companies and native road builders, most of whom, by the month’s end, had taken up arms, often in hand-to-hand fighting: ‘Down in the bowl of the Admin Box, under the guns of the enemy on the surrounding hills, soldiers fought on, conscious only of the fact that the hour called for every ounce of courage and endurance that British and Indian could pull forth. All day long clouds of smoke rose from the target area and the sound of explosions echoed round the hills as another ammunition or petrol dump blew up. Four times stocks of ammunition were reduced to dangerously low level. Luckily, the Japanese did not realise it, and the airmen quickly replaced each loss. But the enemy continued also to pour in a torrent of mortar bombs, grenades and shells of every calibre up to 150 millimetre. Every part of the Box was vulnerable to fire, and a glimmer of light attracted an instant hail of bullets. Wounded men were operated on within 100 yards of the spot where they had fallen ... Green-uniformed snipers roped to trees and even “built” into tree-trunks took regular toll. A veteran of Dunkirk, who had spent two days on the beaches, said he would have been ready to spend two weeks there if he could be let off with two days in the Box ... ’ (The Campaign in Burma, H.M.S.O., 1946 refers). An understandable wish given Japanese atrocities: ‘There was no spot in the Box which was free from direct or indirect Japanese fire, and casualties were heavy, many being taken to a dressing station in the shadow of one of the smaller hillocks within the perimeter, known as MDS Hill, where life-saving surgery was carried out around the clock under incessant fire ... A week into the battle, MDS Hill became the scene of an infamous act. It was overrun by screaming Japanese soldiery who slaughtered the wounded on their stretchers, and then set about the medical staff, doctors and nursing orderlies alike. As the West Yorkshires mounted a counter-attack the surviving staff and patients were lined up by their attackers and used as human shields by laughing Japanese, who then shot most of them in cold blood. Finally, six doctors were put to death after tending the Japanese wounded. A few days later the West Yorkshires avenged this terrible deed when they ambushed a party of the enemy in a nearby river bed. On inspection of the bodies, many items identified as coming from the MDS were found ... ’ (The Unforgettable Army, Slim’s XIVth Army in Burma, by Colonel Michael Hickey, refers). In fact the West Yorkshires accounted for around 50 of the enemy in this river bed ambush, a feat they were to repeat on further occasions, as a result of which the river bed became known as “Blood Alley”; the Battalion also twice evicted the enemy from “Ammunition Hill”, costly work of a head-on nature that won the admiration and praise of Lieutenant-General Philip Christison, 15 Corps Commander - ‘Never has any regiment counter-attacked so successfully and so often as in that battle. It is rare in history that one regiment can be said to have turned the scale of the whole campaign.’ But turned it was, the Japanese offensive in the Arakan ending in huge loss, the likes of Corporal Ford adding to those losses over the coming weeks and months, initially in the operations that led to the relief of Kohima, and then in the advance along the Tiddim Road, when the Battalion fought an action about every three miles of its 200-mile length.

British War Medal 1914-20, bronze issue (18 Khidmatgar Darshan Khan, A.B.C.) the letter ‘i’ in ‘Khidmatgar’ struck over an ‘a’, suspension a little slack, good very fine £100-£140 --- A Khidmatgar is a Head Servant in the Army Bearer Corps.

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (4342592 Pte. R. W. Willis. E. York. R.) good very fine £80-£100 --- Robert William Willie was born in Driffield, Yorkshire, on 13 June 1912 and attested for the East Yorkshire Regiment at Middlesbrough on 10 January 1933. He served with the 2nd Battalion in pre-War Palestine from 14 September 1936 to 10 December 1937, and then with the 7th Battalion as part of the British Expeditionary Force from 29 September 1939 to 11 April 1940, sustaining an injury to his right knee on 12 March 1940. Promoted Corporal on 30 January 1941, he spent the next four years at home, and then saw further service in North West Europe post D-Day from 8 July 1944, transferring to the Black Watch as a Sergeant on 3 August 1944. He was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 13 January 1946. Sold with the recipient’s original Regular Army Certificate of Service Red Book; and copied record of service, which lists entitlement to the 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; and War Medal 1939-45..

A fine Second War ‘Burma operations’ M.M. group of five awarded to Company Quarter-Master Sergeant Thomas Hutchinson, King’s African Rifles, who won an immediate award for his part in the desperate action fought on “Pagoda Hill” in March 1944 - ‘such was his determination that even during the brief period his wound was being dressed he broke off to seize the opportunity of killing two more Japanese who came into view’ Military Medal, G.VI.R. (10330 C.Q.M. Sjt. T. Hutchinson, K.A. Rif.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, generally good very fine and rare (5) £2,400-£2,800 --- M.M. London Gazette 22 June 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘At “Pagoda Hill”, Kaladan, on 3 March 1944, Company Quarter-Master Sergeant Hutchinson was acting Platoon Commander of ‘B’ Company. After an enemy charge had dispersed his command, he withdrew to a commanding feature on the forward slopes. Although wounded twice, he held his ground and by determined action with grenades and T.S.M.G. assisted to beat off the Japanese attack for two hours. Such was his determination that even during the brief period his wound was being dressed, he broke off to seize the opportunity of killing two more Japanese who came into view.’ Thomas Hutchinson, an N.C.O. in 2/6 King’s African Rifles, was attached to the 11th (East African) Division Scouts at the time of the above related action, a component of the 81st (West African) Division, commanded by Major T. C. C. Lewin - ‘Apart from being Swahili-speakers its soldiers were not regular King’s African Rifles personnel, but an assortment collected by the Scouts’ officers, most of whom were big game hunters and safari guides’ (The Unforgettable Army, by Colonel Michael Hicks, refers). Having disembarked at Chittagong in January 1944, the Scouts moved up to meet the Japanese advance on the east bank of the Kaladan River, and first went into action in the following month, when, on the 20th, the O.C. of Hutchinson’s ‘B’ Company and several askaris were killed in an engagement on the Pi Chaung, a tributary of the Kaladan. Indeed patrol actions and skirmishes were common place right up until the commencement of the main enemy assault in March: ‘At dawn on the 3 March the Japanese attacked “Pagoda Hill” in force. Two assaults were repulsed, but the West Africans were obliged to retire and the enemy began to surround the position. Having exhausted all the grenades, Lewin and the remnants of the Scouts then abandoned the hill and eventually withdrew across the Kaladan into the Divisional Box. Apart from known killed and wounded, three officers, one B.N.C.O. and 130 Africans were missing. The unit was now reduced to less than two Europeans per company’ (The King’s African Rifles, by Lieutenant-Colonel H. Moyse-Bartlett, refers).

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (Sister I. V. Hesketh. Q.A.I.M.N.S.) extremely fine £160-£200 --- Miss Iris Veerappen Hesketh was commissioned Sister in Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve on 12 November 1945, and served with the 16th General Hospital, Jerusalem, from 18 January to 1 December 1946, and subsequently with ‘C’ Military Hospital, Sarfand. She was granted the rank of Lieutenant in Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps on 7 March 1952.

Family Group: General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (5049077 L.A.C. C. P. Marshall R.A.F.); Royal Ulster Constabulary Service Medal, E.II.R. (R/Const B Marshall) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine (2) £200-£240 --- Clifford Peter Marshall attested for the Royal Air Force, and served with them in Cyprus, and subsequently with the ‘B’ Specials, Ulster Special Constabulary, being ‘stood down’ upon the unit’s disbandment in 1970. Brian Marshall, son of the above, served as a Reserve Constable in the Royal Ulster Constabulary form 25 April 1988 to 19 October 1999; for some of that time he was employed on covert surveillance duties with Army. Sold with the following archive relating to both recipients: i) A Royal Ulster Constabulary and two Ulster Special Constabulary group photographs, the latter two Musgrave Street, 1970, all mounted in glazed display frames. ii) An Ulster Special Constabulary Wooden Plaque. iii) Two Wooden Police Truncheons, one numbered ‘R13564’. iv) Two Ulster Special Constabulary Presentation Shields, both named ‘S/Con. P. Marshall 1964-70’. v) A Marksman Presentation Shield, the plaque inscribed ‘August 1967 Highest Score C. P. Marshall’, and a related medal, the reverse engraved ‘August 1967 District Cup C. P. Marshall vi) Various letters to the C. P. Marshall, and photographs, mainly of an R.A.F. nature and of the recipient’s time in Cyprus vii) Both recipient’s Certificates of Service; potted details of Brian Marshall’s service; and other ephemera.

Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (4840 Sjt. W. Baker. 8/North’d Fus:) very fine £80-£100 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 17 June 1918. William Baker attested for the Northumberland Fusiliers at Newcastle and served in the 8th Battalion during the Great War in the Balkan theatre of War from 19 July 1915. He was wounded in the leg at Gallipoli in September 1915; recovering, he subsequently served on the Western Front, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1918. He transferred to Class ‘Z’ Army Reserve following the end of hostilities. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and other research.

Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (2) (7582388 W.O. Cl. 2. C. S. Erskine. R.E.M.E.; 1865252 Cpl. C. W. Standen. R.E.M.E.); together with Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (2) (7587461. Sgt. W. E. Bishop. R.E.M.E.; 794965 W.O. Cl. 2 E. H. W. K. Cole. R.E.M.E.) number of last partially officially corrected, generally good very fine (4) £80-£100

Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (2) (7583081 S. Sjt. A. T. Martin. R.E.M.E.; 7582379 W.O. Cl. 2. A. H. Collins. R.E.M.E.) last with card box of issue, generally very fine or better (2) £80-£100 --- A. T. Martin served as an Armourer Sergeant with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and was taken prisoner of the war by the Germans in the Second World War and interned at Mühlberg (Elbe).

Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (4) (22237314 Sgt. O. Lean. REME.; 23783555 Sgt J H Mortimer REME; 24083841 Cpl A Holmes REME; 24781337 Cpl D A Jupp REME) generally very fine or better (4) £80-£100

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (1 Q.M. Sjt: W. Moore. 1/Hereford: Regt.) very fine and the ultimate low Regimental number £100-£140 --- W. Moore served with the 1st Battalion, Herefordshire Regiment, and was awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 205 of 1 July 1912.

Pair: Gunner W. Gosling, Royal Horse Artillery Crimea 1854-56, 4 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol, unofficial rivets between third and fourth clasps (William Gosling. I. Troop. R.H.A.) Depot impressed naming; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (113 Gunr Wm Gosling. Depot. R.H.A.) polished, edge bruising, therefore fine (2) £400-£500 --- William Gosling was born in Shelbourne, Berkshire, and attested for the Royal Artillery on 24 July 1843, aged 19. He served for 21 years and was discharged on 25 April 1865. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 20 August 1865. Sold with copied research.

Army Emergency Reserve Efficiency Medal, E.II.R. (22968760 W.O. Cl. 2. L. A. Ward. REME.) mounted as originally worn, very fine £80-£100

Army Emergency Reserve Efficiency Medal, E.II.R. (22968777 Sgt. A. B. Kukowka. REME.) mounted as originally worn, initials and surname partially officially corrected, very fine £50-£70

A mounted group of twelve miniature dress medals worn by Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Parker, O.B.E., M.C., D.C.M., Royal Welsh Fusiliers The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military Division) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R.; Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R.; India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Hazara 1891; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Orange Free State; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902; 1914 Star, with clasp; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves; Coronation 1911; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre 1914-1918, with bronze palm; Order of Merite Agricole, breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, mounted as worn, minor enamel damage to the last, very fine and better (12) £360-£440 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1919. M.C. London Gazette 18 February 1915. D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1901. Edward Augustus Parker was born in Peckham, London about 1867 and enlisted in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in December 1886. Having then served with the 1st Battalion in the Hazara Expedition of 1891 (Medal & clasp), he was appointed Sergeant-Major in October 1898 and participated in the operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, including the action at Frederickstad on 20 October 1900. He was wounded on the latter occasion, mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 10 September 1901, refers) and awarded the D.C.M. Subsequently commissioned as a Quarter-Master, with the honorary rank of Lieutenant, in the 1st Battalion in April 1904, he was a member of the regiment’s Coronation Contingent in 1911. Advanced to Q.M. & Captain in April 1914, Parker joined the 1st Battalion in Flanders in early October and was consequently witness to the severe fighting that followed. Following an abortive attack on Menin on the 17th, the Battalion - numbering 1150 officers and men - took up positions on the Broodseinde Ridge: within three days, as a consequence of severe enemy shelling and numerous infantry assaults, the unit’s strength was reduced to 200 officers and men. On the 29th, the Battalion was reinforced by 200 men and moved to new positions just east of the village of Zandvoorde. The Germans attacked in force on the following day, supported by 260 heavy artillery guns, and managed to get behind the Battalion’s line: it was all but annihilated, just 90 men answering the roll call on the 31st, among them Parker, the only surviving officer. He was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 17 February 1915, refers) and awarded the M.C., both distinctions undoubtedly reflecting his ‘gallantry in the Field’, as cited in a reference written by Major-General H. E. Holman at a later date. He was invested with his M.C. by King George V at Windsor Castle in April 1915, one of the first officers to be so honoured. Parker was subsequently appointed to the Staff, initially serving as A.D.C. to the G.O.C. 7th Division (November 1914-May 1915), and afterwards as a Camp Commandant In IV Corps H.Q. (May 1915-February 1916), and Camp Commandant 4th Army (February 1916-March 1918). Then following a brief spell as Camp Commandant, Supreme War Council, he returned to his post in 4th Army and remained similarly employed until the war’s end. He was awarded the O.B.E. and five times mentioned in despatches (London Gazettes 15 June 1916, 4 June 1917, 7 April 1918, 20 December 1918 and 5 July 1919, refer); in addition he was appointed a Chevalier of the French Order of Merite Agricole (London Gazette 7 October 1919, refers), and awarded the Croix de Guerre (London Gazette 24 October 1919, refers). Parker, who had been advanced to Q.M. & Major on the recommendation of Lieutenant-General H. Rawlinson, G.O.C. IV Corps, in May 1915, was appointed Q.M. & Lieutenant-Colonel in November 1923, shortly before his retirement. He died in December 1939. Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including the recipient’s pre-attestation recruit’s form; warrants appointing him to the rank of Sergeant-Major and Quarter-Master (1898 and 1914); his M.I.D. certificates for French’s despatch, dated 14 January 1915, and Haig’s despatches, dated 30 April 1916, 8 November 1918 and 16 March 1919; and an old copy of General Rawlinson’s letter recommending him for advancement to Q.M. and Major, dated 5 May 1915.

A mounted group of five miniature dress medals attributed to Lieutenant-Colonel J. S. Graham, Indian Army Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Gambia 1901 [sic]; British War and Victory Medals; Jubilee 1935; Defence Medal, mounted as worn in this order and housed in a glazed display frame, good very fine, the first rare Ashanti 1900, no clasp; 1914 Star; British War Medal 1914-20; Victory Medal 1914-19, generally very fine (9) £120-£160 --- John Scot Graham was born on 24 August 1880 and served in West Africa in 1901 as part of the embodied Militia, taking part in the expedition up the Gambia and in the operations against Fodi Kabba (Medal with clasp). He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment on 30 April 1902, and was seconded for duty with the West African Regiment, with the rank of Lieutenant. He transferred to the Indian Army on 24 December 1905, and served with the Military Accounts Department, being advanced Captain on 10 July 1911. He served during the Great War briefly in Mesopotamia from October 1918 (British War and Victory Medals), and was advanced Lieutenant-Colonel on 1 February 1928.

Miniature Medals: Jubilee 1977; Jubilee 2002 (10); Jubilee 2012 (7); Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994 (2); Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 2011 (4); Army L.S. & G.C. (5), G.V.R., 1st issue (3); E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (2), one with Second Award Bar; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial; Royal Naval Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue; Air Efficiency Award, E.II.R., 2nd issue; Volunteer Reserves Service Medal, E.II.R.; Cadet Forces Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue; Army Best Shot Medal, E.II.R.; Royal Humane Society, small silver medal (successful), lacking integral riband buckle; Poland, Republic, Monte Cassino Cross (14), generally very fine (lot) £60-£80 --- Sold with two miniature Tobruk Siege Crosses 1941; and three miscellaneous foreign miniature medals.

Four: Private Robert Kennedy, 72nd Foot, late 93rd Highlanders, with whom he was present at Balaklava as one of the ‘Thin Red Line’ Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (No. 1966 Robert Kennedy 93rd Highlanders) regimentally engraved naming in a style normally found on medals to the 72nd; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Robt. Kennedy, 72nd Highlanders); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (3623 Robt. Kennedy 72nd Foot); Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue, unnamed, pierced with rings for suspension, very fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- Robert Kennedy transferred from the 93rd Highlanders to the 72nd Highlanders in October 1855, to serve with his older brother in India during the mutiny.

38th Foot Medal, silver with raised rim, 38mm diameter, obverse engraved with crowned royal cypher ‘GIIIR’ over ‘XXXVIII REGT’; reverse engraved ‘38 REGT to a deserving soldier as a TOKEN of faithful and meritorious fervice Ge. MOSS’, fitted with contemporary loop and blue silk neck ribbon, toned, very fine and rare £300-£400 --- Referenced in Balmer, R309. Just two or three known examples; the National Army Museum have an unnamed specimen in bronze or brass. Sold with research notes that state he joined the 38th Foot in 1815; promoted to Sergeant 1830; discharged 1839; served 4 years Cape of Good Hope and 17 years in the East Indies; awarded Army of India medal with clasp ‘Ava’.