Six: Staff Sergeant E. Hayes, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, late Royal Tank Regiment and South Nottinghamshire Hussars General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (7888480 Pte. E. Hayes. R. Tank R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (22291713 S.Sgt. E. Hayes. REME.) mounted as worn, minor edge bruise to last, generally very fine and better (6) £180-£220 --- Ernest Hayes was born in 1916 and attested for the Royal Tank Regiment at Nottingham on 18 August 1937. He served with them in pre-War Palestine, and then throughout the Second World War, before transferring to the South Nottinghamshire Hussars (Territorial Force) on 15 September 1949. He saw further service with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and was awarded his Efficiency Medal on 17 January 1962. Sold together with the recipient’s Regular Army Certificate of Service Red Book, and typed Statement of Service, these both in fragile condition.
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The Impressive ‘Malaya, Borneo and South Vietnam Jungle Fighter’ D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Warrant Officer First Class J. G. Sandford, 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, for great gallantry, forceful leadership and aggressive demeanour as a Platoon Commander during multiple close-quarter jungle fights. One of the four D.C.M.s awarded to New Zealanders during the Vietnam War, Sandford was probably the most decorated New Zealand combatant senior N.C.O. of his generation Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (775188 Sgt. J. G. Sandford, R.N.Z. Inf. Regt.); New Zealand Operational Service Medal, unnamed as issued; New Zealand General Service Medal, 2 clasps, Malaya 1960-64, Vietnam (775188 Cpl. J G Sandford RNZIR); Vietnam 1964-73 (775188 Sgt. J. G. Sandford, RNZIR); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, New Zealand (775188 WO1 J G Sandford RNZIR); New Zealand Defence Service Medal, 2 clasps, C.M.T. [Compulsory Military Training], Regular (775188 T/Cpl J G Sandford NZ Inf); Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal, unnamed as issued; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, 1 clasp, 1960- (775188 J G Sandford) generally good very fine and better (8) £12,000-£15,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 September 1969 ‘V775188 Sgt John Grant Sandford ‘’V” Coy, 1st Bn Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment’ The original recommendation states: ‘Throughout his year of service in South Vietnam as a Platoon Sergeant in Victor Three Company, Sergeant Sanford displayed exemplary conduct, devotion to duty and professional ability. His loyalty, forceful leadership and aggressive demeanour were a fine example to his platoon. On 3rd October, 1968 Sergeant Sandford while commanding 1 Platoon found three well concealed caches. Lacking Engineer assistance he personally undertook the dangerous investigation of the caches and their surrounds for mines and booby traps. His prompt and resourceful action resulted in the capture of 31,000 pounds of rice. In November 1968 Sergeant Sandford again commanded 1 Platoon on operations. On the 10th November his platoon engaged an enemy force moving cautiously through the jungle. His excellent siting and control enabled the platoon to engage an alert enemy party at close range. The enemy survivors of the initial engagement took cover and returned fire. After a fierce firefight the enemy soldiers fled leaving one of their members firing from an almost inaccessible position. After placing a machine gun to give covering fire, Sergeant Sandford ran forward under fire to a position from where he could throw a grenade and, at great risk to himself, killed the remaining enemy soldier. On 9th April 1969 Sergeant Sandford was again in command of 1 Platoon when it engaged a strong enemy party. He moved forward to the section most closely engaged and as he arrived in this section’s area the enemy threw a grenade, which landed close to several members of the section. Unhesitatingly Sergeant Sandford leapt forward, picked up the grenade and threw it back at the enemy. This unselfish act was successful. The grenade exploded to the front of the section and Sergeant Sandford and two other soldiers were only lightly wounded. At the conclusion of his action he elected to remain on duty commanding the platoon in spite of his wound. Throughout his service in South Vietnam Sergeant Sandford distinguished himself as a skilled and courageous soldier, whose personal gallantry was an inspiration to the men under his command.’ John Grant Sandford was born in Blenheim, South Island, on 15 December 1937. As a result of a referendum in 1949, Compulsory Military Training (CMT) was reintroduced for all New Zealand males following their eighteenth birthday; at call-up, a choice was offered as to which of the three services to train with. Sandford chose to undergo training with the New Zealand Infantry Corps; he completed 14 weeks of intensive full-time military training in 1956, followed by an obligation to attend three years of scheduled part-time training. He was appointed Temporary Corporal, his CMT service was duly certified as ‘Efficient’ and he attested for the Regular Army, joining 1st New Zealand Regiment. Sandford married his wife Glenda on 6 June 1959 at Blenheim. They had two boys, born in New Zealand in 1959 and 1961, and a girl who was born in 1963 at Terendak Camp, Malacca. The New Zealand government had committed troops to the British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve, a joint land, sea and air force incorporating units from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. It was based in Malaya and Singapore, with the mission to deter communist aggression in South-East Asia. The land component was an infantry brigade, designated 28th British Commonwealth Brigade. After Malaya became independent in 1957, Bukit Terendak, close to Malacca, was selected as home base for 28th Brigade. Terendak would house the entire brigade group with its infantry battalions and support units, military hospital, airstrip, married quarters areas and shopping precinct. Terendak Camp sprawled across several square miles, with the Straits of Malacca as its south-western boundary. Construction and occupation of Terendak was complete by August 1962, bringing all units of 28th Brigade together on a single site. As a result, when the recently redesignated 1st New Zealand Battalion arrived at Terendak, it was accompanied by its families and became the first fully accompanied overseas posting in New Zealand’s military history. The 1st New Zealand Battalion would remain based at Terendak for almost a decade. During the 1960s, elements of the Brigade, either units or components of units, would be detached for short periods from 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group to other commands or formations for operations in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo or South Vietnam. Into action During the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation that began on 20 January 1963, Sandford’s unit, recently renamed as 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1 RNZIR), would be committed to the conflict from September 1964, seeing service in Mainland Malaysia and Borneo. Initially, it mostly operated in the jungles of the Malaysian Border Security Area, along the northern frontier with Thailand, where the surviving Communist Terrorists had sought sanctuary. When Indonesian paratroopers landed in Johore, 1 RNZIR was one of the few Commonwealth units in the region and quickly hunted down the infiltrators. The following month, 52 Indonesian soldiers landed in Pontian on the Johore-Malacca border and were also captured by New Zealand soldiers. Sandford, now a Corporal, would later deploy with 1 RNZIR to Borneo, to combat Indonesian cross border infiltration. The Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation officially ended in May 1966. By this time, New Zealand was coming under increasing American pressure to contribute combat troops to the Vietnam War. It sent humanitarian and construction teams and eventually an artillery battery, but this was soon considered insufficient. The government desperately wanted to avoid reintroducing conscription; instead, they drew personnel from designated companies of 1 RNZIR to form a special ‘V’ - for Vietnam service - Company of fully acclimatised, well-trained, experienced jungle fighters that would be sent to South Vietnam, initially for a six-month unaccompanied combat tour, at the end of which time it would return to Malaysia and be replaced by a newly constituted V2 Company. By the time Sandford, now a Sergeant and Platoon Commander, joined the third iteration (‘V3’ Company), the New Zealanders’ combat tours had been extended to 365 days, to match the tour duration of the US army. They also made extensive use of Amer...
Four: Staff Sergeant B. T. Sherman, 2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment who was taken prisoner of war at the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with Army Council enclosure named to ‘Staff Sergeant Bernard Thomas Sherman’, nearly extremely fine (4) £80-£120 --- Bernard Thomas Sherman was born in 1916 at Barnet, Middlesex. He served with the East Surrey Regiment during the Second World War was taken prisoner of war at the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. His release from captivity was confirmed on 17 September 1945 and he later transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Sherman’s medals are accompanied by a posthumous slip of condolence from the Army Council although records show he did not die until 1958.
Four: Lieutenant R. T. Cottam, Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps, who died of pneumonia at home on 29 September 1945 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, all unnamed as issued, with named Army Council enclosure, extremely fine (4) £80-£120 --- Richard Townley Cottam, a native of Bury, Lancashire, ‘joined the Loyal Regiment as a Militiaman in 1939, and later volunteered for the Parachute Regiment, and took part in the preliminary landings in North Africa and Sicily. He then held the rank of Corporal, but was recalled to England where he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps, on 20 May 1944. During the intensive training period preparing for the Arnhem operation Lieutenant Cottam sustained severe concussion followed by diphtheria, which prevented him from going to Arnhem. He became Weapon’s Training Officer to the 2nd and 3rd Parachute Regiments, and following the cessation of hostilities he was granted a week’s leave. Shortly after returning to his unit he was removed to Shaftesbury Hospital, Dorset, where he died of pneumonia on 29 September 1945. He was 26 years of age. (newspaper cutting refers). Unusually, Cottam’s body was cremated, and he is commemorated on the C.W.G.C. Memorial Wall at Rochdale Crematorium, Lancashire. Sold together with the recipient’s lanyard; rank pip; various group photographs; a large quantity of letters of condolence to the recipient’s parents following his death; and copied research.
Six: Attributed to Miss L. Schofield, Territorial Army Nursing Service 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Miss L. Schofield, 141 Malton Road, Pitsmoor, Sheffield, Yorkshire’, and forwarded onto ‘German Hospital, Dalston, London E8’; together with the recipient’s Territorial Army Nursing Service cape badge; and a a Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps lapel badge, all mounted for display, nearly extremely fine (8) £60-£80 --- Miss L. Schofield trained as a nurse at the German Hospital, Dalston, London, and joined up as a member of the Territorial Army Nursing Service. In 1940 she was transferred to the Cairo Hospital to nurse British 8th Army wounded, and proceeded with the 8th Army to Italy. She then transferred to north-west Europe, to perform a similar role with the 7th Armoured Division. Sold with copied research.
Pair: Sergeant V. H. Helm, Royal Army Ordnance Corps General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, South Arabia (23657053 Cpl V H Helm RAOC); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (23657053 Sgt V H Helm RAOC) mounted court-style as worn, the GSM a slightly later issue, nearly extremely fine (2) £80-£120 --- Volker “Buck” Hagen Helm, of 17 Woodside Road, Chilwell, was the son of Les Helm, who also served in the Ordnance Corps. He served in HQ Company, Ordnance Depot Cyprus from 1963, where he represented the Army against the Royal Air Force breaststroke. He saw further service overseas with 154th Forward Ammunition Depot in Germany; HQ BAOR Northag as a Sergeant;ANZUK (the tripartite force) in Singapore; and HQ British Forces Belize, where he served as Sergeant Supply Clerk of 3 Base Ammunition Depot. He was discharged in February 1983.
Four: Reserve Constable J. A. Ryan, Royal Ulster Constabulary, late Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Fusiliers General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (23721802 Pte. J. A. Ryan UDR) with named card box of issue; Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994, E.II.R. (23721802 LCpl J A Ryan UDR); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, E.II.R., ‘Royal Ulster Constabular Reserve’ reverse (R/Const J A Ryan) with Royal Mint case of issue; Royal Ulster Constabulary Service Medal, E.II.R. (R/Const J A Ryan) on 2nd type riband, with Royal Mint case of issue, mounted court-style as worn, nearly extremely fine (4) £600-£800 --- James Alexander Ryan undertook Northern Ireland home service initially with the 5th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers from 15 October 1959 to 14 October 1965, and later with the Ulster Defence Regiment from 20 November 1971 to 10 January 1973, and again with the 2nd Battalion 17 December 1974 to 16 December 1978, all in County Armagh. Ryan also served in Armagh with the Royal Ulster Constabulary in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s as a part time Reserve Constable. Sold with a quantity of original ephemera including the recipient’s fully completed and signed Regular Army Certificate of Service Red Book for the period 17 December 1974 to 16 December 1978; original Army Form B108D Territorial Army Certificate of Service for the period 15 October 1959 to 14 October 1965; original Army Form B108D Ulster Defence Regiment Certificate of Service for the period 20 November 1971 to 10 January 1973; an original signed and named R.U.C. Standard of Efficiency certificate, dated 1 January 1980; three group photographs; a blank R.U.C. pocket notebook; O.C.A. lapel badge; eight various R.U.C. uniform/cap badges; and three Association medals (Royal Irish Rangers, Royal Irish Fusiliers; and Territorial Army), the first two named on reverse ‘L/Cpl J A Ryan 23721802 5th Batt R.I.F.’, and all swing mounted for wear.
Three: Private H. Robeson, 1st Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), who was killed in action at Gheluvelt during the First Battle of Ypres on 31 October 1914 1914 Star (S-5064 Pte. H. Robeson. 1/ The Queen’s R.); British War and Victory Medals (S-5064 Pte. H. Robeson. The Queen’s R.) good very fine (3) £200-£240 --- Herbert Robeson was born in Bermondsey, Surrey and attested at Croydon before proceeding to France on 19 September 1914 to join the 1st Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), which formed part of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, in Haig’s I Army Corps. Robeson was reported missing, and later determined to have been killed in action, on 31 October 1914. On that day, his battalion had been heavily involved at Ghelevelt during the 1st Battle of Ypres where they defended the Menin Road. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
Three: Private E. Iddenden, 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), who died of wounds received in action on the Western Front on 14 December 1915 1914 Star (L-6719 Pte. E. Iddenden. 1/ E. Kent. R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-6719 Pte. E. Iddenden. E. Kent. R.) good very fine (3) £140-£180 --- Ethelbert Iddenden was born at Canterbury, Kent in 1884 and, having previously served in the Militia, attested for the Buffs on 25 October 1901. He was stationed in South Africa from 1905 to 1909 and was discharged to the Army Reserve in October 1913. Having attested again for service with the Buffs in February 1914, he was mobilised on 5 August and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 7 September 1914. Iddenden was posted to the 6th Battalion on 29 July 1915 and died on 14 December 1915 at No. 3 London General Hospital, Wandsworth as result of gun-shot wounds to his right thigh and haemorrhaging. He is buried and commemorated on the Screen Wall, at Wandsworth (Earlsfield) Cemetery.
Three: Private J. W. Wood, 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) 1914 Star, with copy clasp (L-12961 Pte. J. W. Wood. 1/R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (L-12961 Pte. J. W. Wood. R. Fus.) nearly extremely fine (3) £100-£140 --- James Watson Wood served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers during the Great War on the Western Front from 7 September 1914, his battalion forming part of the 17th Infantry Brigade, 6th Division, III Army Corps. The 6th Division reached the Aisne on 16 September 1914 and participated in the defence of Armentieres during September/October 1914. From there they moved to the trenches at Messines. Wood was discharged, no longer physically fit, on 19 February 1916.
Three: Private C. Driver, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), who was killed in action at Neuve Chapelle on 26 October 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (15712 Pte. C. Driver. 4/ R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (L-15712 Pte. C. Driver. R. Fus.) nearly extremely fine (3) £200-£240 --- Clarence Driver was born in Paddington, London, in 1890 and served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 September 1914. He was killed in action on 26 October 1914 at Neuve Chapelle; he has no known grave, and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France. At Neuve Chapelle on 25 October 1914 the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers were ordered to retake lost trenches on the outskirts of Neuve Chapelle. Sir Francis Waller led “Z” Company in a charge against the enemy, and was mortally wounded. They captured the trenches and the town was cleared of Germans. “Y” Company and half of “Z” Company all under the command of Major Mallock remained in the front line while the rest went into billets. On 26 October the Germans attacked in the early hours and a fierce engagement took place in which the trenches were defended until most of the Fusiliers had been killed or wounded. The whole battalion was involved as the day wore on and some trenches were lost, but on the following day, 27 October, they were aided by French Alpine troops and almost regained the lost positions, but at a heavy cost in casualties. Major Mallock was severely wounded and the battalion was reduced to 8 officers and 350 other ranks. They were relieved on the night of 29 October and marched to Merris. They were later complimented by General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien: ‘I simply cannot find words enough to express my admiration for the way in which your regiment has behaved. All through the campaign up to now they have had the hardest work of any regiment in the brigade, and any work they have had to do they have carried out exceedingly well. In fact, I can say that there is no better regiment in the British Army than the Royal Fusiliers.’
Four: Private J. Sykes, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Le Cateau on 26 August 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (5322 Pte. J. Sykes. 2/ Suff: R.); British War and Victory Medals (5322 Pte. J. Sykes. Suff. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (5819097 Pte. J. Sykes. Suff. R.) nearly very fine (4) £200-£240 --- James Sykes served with the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 17 August 1914. On 26 August his battalion played a key role in the Battle of Le Cateau where their tenacious hold on the high ground overlooking Le Cateau from the west was crucial in enabling the 5th Division to withdraw down the Roman Road to the south west later in the day. A substantial effort was made by the Germans to dislodge the Suffolks who were exposed to heavy gunfire from the German batteries to their front and their flanks and also infiltration by infantry around their flanks. Suffering heavy losses, they were provided with re-enforcement and support, with great difficulty and high casualties, by the Argylls of 19th Brigade and the Manchesters of 14th Brigade. The Germans massed for a final attack at 2.30pm, and called upon the Suffolks to surrender. Attacks continued from the front and right flanks, but the battalion was only finally overrun when the Germans worked their way round to the rear of the Suffolks’ positions. The survivors got away to Bohain, and mustered for a roll call in St Quentin which only showed 2 Officers and 111 Other Ranks left. The majority of the losses were men who were wounded and taken prisoner; it is estimated that more than 500 men from the battalion became prisoners of war in this action. Sykes was taken prisoner of war whilst serving with ‘B’ Company, 2nd Suffolks, almost certainly at Le Cateau, and held at Lager DöBeritz prison camp.
Three: Acting Sergeant A. L. Mason, 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment), who was discharged due to wounds on 15 March 1917 1914 Star (9418 Pte. A. L. Mason. 2/ W. York: R.); British War and Victory Medals (9418 A-Sjt. A. L. Mason W. York. R.) dark toned, naming worn in places, nearly very fine (3) £100-£140 --- Arthur Leslie Mason was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire in 1892 and attested for the Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) at York on 16 July 1910. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1914 and was repatriated from France on 4 September 1916 with gun-shot wounds to his left elbow and hand. He was discharged from the army, no longer physically fit due to wounds, on 15 March 1917 and was awarded a Silver War Badge.
The K.H. and Waterloo pair awarded to Colonel Edward Wildman, 7th Hussars, who served with the 4th Dragoons in the Peninsula where he received two severe sabre wounds in the head and arm at Albuhera, and was taken prisoner but escaped; he was slightly wounded and had three horses killed under him at Waterloo The Royal Guelphic Order, K.H. (Military) Knight’s, breast badge, gold and enamels, 46mm x 33mm, of continental manufacture, lacking green enamel to both wreaths and with further damage to both centres; Waterloo 1815 (Capt. Edw. Wildman, 7th Regiment Hussars.) fitted with original steel clip and contemporary silver bar suspension, light contact marks, otherwise very fine (2) £5,000-£7,000 --- Provenance: Richard Kirch, August 1991, since when the K.H. had been added for display purposes (Spink, April 1993). Edward Wildman was born in London on 23 March 1790, son of Thomas Wildman, of Bacton Hall, Suffolk, and the younger brother of Colonel Thomas Wildman, 7th Hussars, who served as A.D.C. to the Earl of Uxbridge at Waterloo. Edward Wildman was aged 16 years 2 months on his first entrance into the army as an Ensign in the 13th Foot on 2 May 1806, becoming Lieutenant on 6 May 1807. He transferred in the same rank to the 4th Dragoons on 29 October 1807, and served in the Peninsula from April 1809 to August 1811, and from September 1812 to April 1814. He was present at the battles of Talavera, Busaco, Redinha, Albuhera, retreat from Salamanca to Portugal 1812, Vittoria, battle of Pyrenees in front of Pampalona, Tarbes and Toulouse. At Albuhera he received two severe sabre wounds in the head and arm, was made prisoner, escaped and was sent home for recovery. Promoted to Captain in the 60th Foot in December 1814, he transferred to the 7th Hussars on 23 February 1815, and served with the regiment at Waterloo, where he was slightly wounded and had three horses killed under him. He was promoted to Major in September 1818, to Lieutenant-Colonel in September 1823, and commanded the 6th Dragoon Guards from then until 1839, when he was placed on the half-pay of the Chasseurs Brittanique. He was appointed a Knight of Hannover in 1836, and became Colonel in the Army on 28 June 1838. He married in 1818, Antonia, daughter of Lieutenant-General Sir Hildebrand Oakes, G.C.B. and had issue. Colonel Edward Wildman died in December 1846.
Four: Warrant Officer Class II J. Burns, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, later Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who was Mentioned in Despatches for the Battle of the Aisne in 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (9499 Sjt. J. Burns. R. Ir: Regt.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (9499 W. O. Cl. 2. J. Burns. R. Ir. Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (7109103 W.O. Cl. II. J. Burns. R. W. Fus.) nearly very fine (4) £140-£180 --- James Burns was born in 1890 at Stockton-on-Tees, Durham and attested there for the Royal Irish Regiment on 20 April 1908. He served as a Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 August 1914 and was mentioned in Sir John French’s despatch of 8 October 1914 for services at the Aisne (London Gazette 19 October 1914). Burns was advanced to Warrant Officer Class II and appointed Company Sergeant Major, serving overseas until 1916. He transferred to the Royal Welch Fusiliers on 11 October 1922 and died in Gibraltar from cardiac failure on 23 September 1932.
Four: Private A. Hance, 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War during the Retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (7074 Pte. A. Hance. Ches: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7074 Pte. A. Hance. Ches. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (4114201 Pte. A. Hance. Ches. R.) nearly very fine (4) £140-£180 --- Archibald Hance was born at Gosport, Hampshire on 6 October 1883 and served with the 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 August 1914. He was captured on 24 August 1914 near Audregnies and held prisoner of war at Munsterlager, Germany. In open fields near Audregnies, on 24 August 1914, the 1st Cheshires were exposed to the brunt of four German Regiments, each of three battalions, while acting as flank guard to the 5th Division. The Cheshires’ actions caused them to suffer 78% losses in one day due to men killed, wounded and taken prisoner of war but bought valuable time for the rest of the British Expeditionary Force during the retreat from Mons. Afterwards Brigadier-General Count Gleichen, commander of 15th Infantry Brigade, paid tribute to the Cheshires, saying: ‘The battalion behaved magnificently in the face of terrible odds and immense difficulty, one could not expect more of them. They did their duty, and did it thunderingly well, as I should have expected from such a gallant battalion, and I am only grieved that they had such terrible losses.’
Three: Private H. Winkle, 1st/6th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, who was wounded in action at Dranoutre on 17 February 1915 1914 Star (977 Pte. H. Winkle. 6/: Ches: R.); British War and Victory Medals (977 Pte. H. Winkle. Ches. R.) contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £80-£120 --- Harry Winkle was born at Willenhall, Staffordshire in 1892 and attested for the 6th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment (Territorial Force) at Stalybridge in August 1910. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 10 November 1914, being wounded in action at Dranoutre, Flanders on 17 February 1915. Winkle was posted to the 3/6th Battalion on 24 April 1915 and was discharged in consequence of the termination of his five year period of engagement on 13 August 1915. He subsequently served with the 60th (6th Battalion Cheshire and Shropshire) Medium Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery (Territorial Army), from February 1922 until January 1924.
Three: Sergeant G. W. Gatesman, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, late Royal Army Medical Corps, a Boer War veteran who was wounded on the Western Front in September 1914 1914 Star (8023 Sjt. G. W. Gatesman. Dorset. R.); British War and Victory Medals (8023 Sjt. G. W. Gatesman. Dorset. R.) nearly very fine (3) £100-£140 --- George William Gatesman was born at Netley, Hampshire in 1878 and joined the Medical Staff Corps as a boy on 7 March 1893, transferring to the ranks on 7 May 1896 having reached the age of 18. He served with the newly formed Royal Army Medical Corps in South Africa from May 1898. During the Boer War he was hospitalised with enteric fever in March 1900 and was sent back to England in January 1901 but he returned to South Africa in July 1901 and remained there until February 1906. For his services during the Boer War he received the Queen’s South Africa Medal with Cape Colony clasp and the King’s South Africa Medal with both date clasps. Having been discharged from the R.A.M.C. at the termination of his period of engagement on 12 February 1906, Gatesman attested for the Dorsetshire Regiment on 21 August 1906 and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 August 1914. He suffered a gun-shot wound to his right shoulder on 10 September 1914, on which date his battalion was engaged in the Battle of the Marne, and was repatriated to England. Upon recuperation he returned to the 1st Battalion in France on 28 April 1915, remaining there until October 1920, when, having been advanced Acting Company Sergeant Major, he was discharged to pension after more than 21 years’ service.
Four: Colour Sergeant D. Stevenson, 1st Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) 1914 Star (563 Sjt. D. Stevenson. R. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (563 Sjt. D. Stevenson. R. Highrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (2744659 C. Sjt. D. Stevenson. Black Watch.) contact marks to second, otherwise nearly very fine or better (4) £160-£200 --- David Stevenson served as a Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, Royal Highlanders during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 August 1914.
Three: Private H. Naylor, 2nd Battalion, King’s Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry), who was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Le Cateau on 26 August 1914 1914 Star (10131 Pte. H. Naylor. York: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (10131 Pte. H. Naylor. Yorks. L.I.) very fine (3) £100-£140 --- Harold Naylor was born at Sheffield in 1891 and served as a Signaller with the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Light Infantry during the Great War on the Western Front from 10 August 1914. He was wounded by shrapnel in the right shoulder and taken prisoner of war by the Germans at Le Cateau on 26 August 1914. On 17 October 1914 the Sheffield Evening Telegraph reported the following: ‘Mr J. Naylor, of 19 Harding Street, Attercliffe, Sheffield, has received a postcard from his son, Signaller Harold Naylor, of the Yorkshire Light Infantry, who is a prisoner of war in Germany. Some time ago, Mr Naylor received a notification from the War Office that his son was missing. Last night, the family were relieved to receive the following postcard written from the prisoners’ camp at Erfurt in Germany: “Dear mother and father, - I have been slightly wounded and taken prisoner by the Germans. I am in the best of health now, and am being well looked after and hope to see you soon. So don’t worry.” Signaller Naylor has had six years service in the Army.’ Private Naylor was repatriated after the war, arriving at Hull in the S.S. Caesarea on 21 December 1918.
Three: Private J. E. Streeter, 1st Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action on the Western Front on 10 November 1914 1914 Star (L-7987 Pte. J. Streeter. 1/Middx: R.); British War and Victory Medals (L. 7987 Pte. J. Streeter. Midd’x R.) very fine (3) £140-£180 --- Jeremiah Emery Streeter was born in Croydon, Surrey in 1884 and attested for the Middlesex Regiment in London on 14 August 1902. He served with them in South Africa, China and Singapore before transferring to the Army Reserve on 13 August 1910. Having re-engaged for service on mobilisation on 5 August 1914, he served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 August 1914 and was killed in action in France on 10 November 1914. On the latter date the Battalion was occupying trenches in front of La Boutillerie, north-west of Le Masnil, where they were subjected to constant shelling with an almost daily roll of casualties. Private Streeter was a former plate layer on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway and was the son of John William and Eliza Streeter of Croydon and the husband of Lizzie Streeter of 4, Thirsk Road, South Norwood, London. He is buried in Rue-David Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France where his grave is among those brought from Abbey Wall Cemetery, La Boutillerie, Fleurbaix - under the north wall of the ruined Chartreux Abbey. Here were buried 60 soldiers from the United Kingdom (including 46 of the 1st Middlesex who fell in October and November 1914).
Three: Private M. Keane, 1st Battalion, Prince of Wales’s (North Staffordshire Regiment) 1914 Star (6861 Pte. M. Keane. N. Staff: R.); British War and Victory Medals (6861 Pte. M. Keane. N. Staff. R.) edge bruise to last, about very fine (3) £80-£120 --- Michael Keane was born in County Westmeath, Ireland in 1876 and attested for the North Staffordshire Regiment in February 1903, serving in the East Indies from October 1903 until January 1911, at which time he joined the Army Reserve. He was mobilised on 5 August 1914 and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 November 1914. Returning to England on 31 January 1916, he was discharged on the termination of his period of engagement on 22 February 1916.
Six: Warrant Officer Class II A. B. Hannah, 1st/9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, late Gordon Highlanders Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (7223 Pte. A. Hannah. Gord. Highrs.); 1914 Star (1905 Pte. A. Hannah. 9/ High L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (1905 Sjt. A. B. Hannah. H.L.I.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Arthur Hannah); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (3303003 W.O. Cl. II. A. B. Hannah. 9-H.L.I.) very fine (6) £300-£400 --- Arthur Brown Hannah was born in Greenock, Renfrewshire in 1882 and attested for the Gordon Highlanders on 19 February 1900. He served with them in South Africa during the Boer War, initially with the 1st Battalion and subsequently with the 2nd Battalion, from 1 May 1901 until 31 December 1901 (medal and 3 clasps). Posted to India with the 2nd Battalion in January 1902, he remained stationed there until January 1908, at which time he returned home and was enrolled in the Army Reserve from 4 March 1908 until 18 February 1912, thus completing 12 years’ service. Hannah served with the 1/9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1914.
Three: Private D. J. Wilson, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, later Somerset Light Infantry, Labour Corps, and Royal Army Service Corps 1914 Star (8455 Pte. A. [sic] J. Wilson. 1/R. Ir: Rif.); British War and Victory Medals (8455 Pte. D. Wilson. R. Ir. Rif.) nearly very fine (3) £80-£120 --- David John Wilson attested for the Royal Irish Rifles on 31 December 1906 and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 6 November 1914. He subsequently transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry and was repatriated for Home Service with the 664th Employment Company, Labour Corps from 7 July 1917. After the cessation of hostilities, Private Wilson transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps and was discharged on 21 February 1919 due to sickness, being awarded a Silver War Badge.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. and Second Award Bar awarded to Sergeant R. C. Montgomery, 10th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (19124 Sjt: R. Montgomery. 10/R. Innis: Fus:) very fine £500-£700 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1918. Bar to M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. Robert Charles Montgomery was born at Limavady, Derry, Ireland, on 11 July 1893. Living at Everton, near Liverpool, at the time of the outbreak of war in 1914, Robert and his brother Samuel travelled to Derry where they enlisted into the 10th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers with consecutive regimental numbers. Samuel was killed in action on 1 July 1916, but Robert survived the war, landing in France on 5 October 1915, and ending the war in the rank of Acting Company Sergeant Major having won the M.M. and Bar. He was discharged from the Army on 25 March 1919 and returned to Liverpool where he died aged 65. Sold with detailed research including an interesting article written by his grandson for a local newspaper on the 100th anniversary of the battle of the Somme which can be found in the following link: http:www.newsletter.co.uk/news/northern-ireland-news/the-somme-ulster-fry-confirmed-the-offensive-was-near-1-7457556#ixzz4DQN9owKi
Pair: Private W. J. Sandford, Tank Corps, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 25 August 1918, during an act of heroic self-sacrifice as he succeeded, at the cost of his own life, in rescuing four of his comrades from a burning tank, for which act of gallantry he was strongly commended British War and Victory Medals (109780 Pte W. J. Sandford. Tank Corps); Memorial Plaque (William Joseph Sandford) in card envelope, with Buckingham Palace enclosure, extremely fine (3) £240-£280 --- William Joseph Sandford was born in Worcester and attested there initially for the Royal Army Service Corps, before transferring to the Tank Corps. He served with the 11th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, and was killed in action on 25 August 1918, whilst performing an heroic act of self-sacrifice in an attempt to rescue wounded comrades. An Appendix to the Battalion War Diary for 25 August 1918 states: ‘From:- Lieutenant F. A. Burton, No. 5 Section, “B” Company, 11th Tank Battalion. To:- Officer Commanding, 11th Tank Battalion. Sir, I have the honour to submit the following report in connection with the action at Boyelles on 23 August, 1918, in which I was wounded and taken prisoner. Orders were received from Battalion Headquarters for “B” Company to leave Blairville Wood about 10:30 p.m. on 22 August, and proceed to the front line, distant about 6 kilometres. I was in command of Tank No. 9659. The first driver and the first gunner were taken to the line by car in order that they might rest before going into action. On arrival within 2km of the line the Company had to pass under enemy shrapnel fire and all ranks were ordered to remain in their tanks until the shelled area was passed. The Company arrived in the vicinity of the “Jumping off” place about 6:15 a.m. when an enemy aeroplane was sighted and orders were received to shut down engines and camouflage tanks at once. The action was to commence at 7:00 a.m. Owing to the time taken in camouflaging, greasing, filling up, etc., the reconnaissance of the battle area had to be limited to a rather hurried discussion over a map. There was no time for Tank commanders to examine the ground over which they had to travel. The first driver and first gunner arrived just as our barrage was opened. All tanks were immediately uncovered and started into action. The Orders received by me were as follows:- Tank (9659) was to be the right hand tank of the section. On the crest of the hill about 1,000 yards distant was our front line, and on top of the next crest was the enemy front line (about 700 yards from ours). The tanks were to start after the infantry, overtake them, then cross the enemy front line and patrol it until the arrival of the infantry, after which all tanks would proceed as quickly as possible to the rallying point. The crew of the tank with the exception of the first driver and the first gunner, having been on the move all night, were more or less fatigued, and the tank was very hot. As the action proceeded the heat inside the tank became intense. On crossing the enemy front line my first driver (Corporal Hammond) and first gunner (Lance-Corporal Watkins) were killed by A.P. bullets, and whilst they were being replaced the tank received a direct hit through the front which stopped the engine and set the tank on fire. I remember nothing more until I found myself lying in a shell hole alongside the tank, and discovered that I was wounded in the right leg. The tank was burning furiously and continuous explosions of the 6 pdr. and S.A. ammunition occurring With me in the shell hole were three other survivors, Gunners Hurd, Goozee and Clark, all wounded. Gunner Clark informed me that he had been carried from the burning tank by Gunner W. Sandford, who, up to that time, was unwounded. This gallant action was performed under the heavy machine-gun fire which was being concentrated on the tank. On entering the tank again to see if he could effect further rescue Gunner Sandford was killed, presumably by the explosion of the ammunition in the tank. This statement is corroborated by the other survivors. I strongly commend to your notice the gallant conduct of Gunner W. Sandford.’ There were many cases of gallantry that, for whatever reason, went un-rewarded during the Great War, and Sandford ultimately received no medallic recognition for this gallant act. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, France. Sold with copied research
The Field Officer’s Gold Medal for Java awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel William Raban, commanding 6th Battalion Bengal Volunteers Field Officer’s Small Gold Medal, for Java (Major Wm. Raban, 6th Volr. Bn. Bengal Estabt.) complete with gold ribbon buckle, lunettes sometime professionally replaced, otherwise nearly extremely fine £14,000-£18,000 --- William Raban was born in Whitefriars, London, in May 1765 and was appointed as a cadet in the East India Company Service in December 1780. He sailed for India in the Hinchinbrooke, 13 March 1781, and joined his regiment in Bengal as a Lieutenant in May 1782. He served as a subaltern in the 12th Battalion of Sepoys under Sir Robert Abercromby during the Rohilla Campaign in 1794, including the battle of Bitaurah. He was promoted to Captain Lieutenant in the 12th N.I. in May 1800, and to Captain in December 1802, when he obtained a furlough for three years to return to England. He returned to India in September 1805, and at the latter end of year he was promoted to the rank of Major and joined his regiment. He was appointed Commandant of Barasat Cadet College on its reopening in 1806 until July 1807. In 1811 Major Raban volunteered for service with the expedition which was about to proceed on foreign service and was appointed to command the 6th Battalion of Bengal Volunteers. He was engaged in the affairs of Weltervreden, Maisur and Cornelis and for his services in Java received, along with other commanding officers the gold medal conferred for the attack and capture of Java. Major Raban next volunteered his services under Major-General Gillespie in the expedition to Palembang, Sumatra, in 1812 and commanded the Northern Brigade. When the army was formed and arranged for service he was appointed to command the reserve and on Major-General Gillespie’s instructions was to proceed to Palembang. Raban was directed to march with the reserve to take possession of the island of Banca and hold it in the name of His Majesty, which service he performed, remaining on the island for one month. Upon the conclusion of the operations at Palembang the troops this officer commanded were left at Banca and Major Raban volunteered to accompany Major-General Gillespie to attack the Sultan of Jogocarta, and being unattached he was placed on the staff of Major-General Gillespie. Unfortunately the ship in which he embarked made a tedious passage to Java and the unsuccessful attack on the Fortress of the Sultan took place the very evening that Major Raban arrived at Samarang, intelligence of which he only received on his way to join the General. Active service being at an end Major Raban was shortly after, with the consent of the Major-General, appointed to be the Governor in Council resident of Cheribon and at the same time to hold the military command of the district. On 11 September 1811 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and after remaining for three years at Cheribon, his private affairs called him to Europe and he obtained a second furlough to offer his resignation of service and sailed from Java in July 1814. Lieutenant-Colonel Raban died on 30 April 1854, and was buried along with his son Lieutenant William G. Raban, 44th Foot, who had been killed in action at Cabul on 6 November 1841: “Poor Raban was shot through the heart, when conspicuously waving a flag on the summit of the breach” (Eyre’s Cabul refers). in the church at Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset. A stained glass window dedicated to Lieutenant-Colonel William Raban and his son William George Raban, commissioned by Ellen Raban, is still present in the church at Hatch Beauchamp, Somerset. The National Archives has the diaries and journals of Lieutenant-Colonel William Raban, Lydia Raban, and William George Raban 1803-41; ref. Mss Eur F697 (held by British Library: Asian and African Studies).
Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Martinique, Guadaloupe (William Eyles, 25th Foot.) two edge nicks, otherwise toned, very fine £1,800-£2,200 --- Provenance: Cheylesmore Collection 1920. 28 medals issued to the 25th Foot with these two clasps. William Eyles was born in the Parish of St Peter’s, Marlborough, Wiltshire, and enlisted into the 15th Foot on 10 June 1799, aged 22, a coach maker by trade. He transferred into the 25th Foot on 10 April 1802, and served with that regiment in the West Indies from February 1808, for a period of 9 years 173 days, being present at the capture of Martinique in 1809 and at the capture of Guadaloupe in 1811. He was discharged on 23 February 1818, in consequence of being worn out and was admitted to an out-pension at Chelsea Hospital on the following day. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to live in Marlborough where he married Catherine in September 1825 with whom he had five children. Sold with full research.
The Waterloo Medal awarded to Regimental Sergeant-Major Thomas Barlow, 1st Dragoon Guards, who engaged a French officer of the Cuirassiers in hand to hand combat and succeeded in bringing his opponent to the point of surrender; it later transpired that he was renowned as one of the finest swordsmen in the French Army, and Barlow was rewarded with a commission as Cornet & Adjutant in recognition of his bravery Waterloo 1815 (Reg. Serj. Maj. T. Barlow, 1st Reg. Dragoon Guards.) fitted with original steel clip and bar suspension, contained in an old leather glazed display frame, about very fine and rare £6,000-£8,000 --- Provenance: Glendining’s, January 1902; Sotheby, June 1906, to Needes Collection; An Important Collection of Waterloo Medals, Buckland Dix & Wood, December 1994. Thomas Barlow was born circa 1785, and enlisted into the King’s Dragoon Guards on 18 April 1801, and spent the next fourteen years of his service in England and Ireland progressively working his way up through the non-commissioned ranks. A man of strong religious beliefs, Barlow was a Methodist Lay Preacher, and at the time of the King’s Dragoon Guards embarkation for the Low Countries in April 1815, a married man but with no children. Barlow was present as Regimental Sergeant Major with the K.D.G. at Waterloo and took part in that first great charge of the Household Brigade (1st and 2nd Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards and K.D.G., 1220 sabres in all) against the 1st and 4th Cuirassiers of Dubois’s Brigade which resulted in putting the four infantry divisions of D’Erlon's Corps into full flight. As the R.S.M. Barlow apparently advanced in front of the Regiment into the open ground between the two sides in order to indicate the position the K.D.G. should follow. In so doing he came into hand to hand combat with a French officer of the Cuirassiers, who it later transpired was renowned as one of the finest swordsmen in the French Army. Notwithstanding his disadvantage in being armed with the standard British Heavy Cavalry sword, which was six inches shorter than its French equivalent, Barlow succeeded in disabling his opponent bringing him to the point of surrender. As a token of his submission, the French officer yielded his sword which Barlow immediately presented to his Commanding Officer, who, in praising him for his bravery, expressed the wish that he had many more such Methodist parsons in his regiment. During the course of the battle, the K.D.G. were involved in some eleven charges and by the time victory was secured the regiment had sustained casualties of eleven officers and 275 other ranks killed, wounded and missing. Barlow's obituary maintains that at the close of the day only fifteen King's Dragoon Guards remained mounted, of whom the senior officer was a Lieutenant and the senior N.C.O. was Thomas Barlow, the Regimental Sergeant Major. In recognition of his general bravery and in particular his combat with the Cuirassier officer, Barlow was rewarded with a commission as Cornet and Adjutant on 10 August 1815. He continued in the K.D.G. until transferring to the 23rd Light Dragoons as a Captain, on half pay, on 16 April 1818. In 1819, he became adjutant of the Prince Regent’s 2nd Regiment of Cheshire Yeomanry, an appointment which he held until 1833, when he retired having received a commuted allowance for his commission. Described by a contemporary as ‘a bold soldierly looking man, who spoke in a very pompous style’, whose ‘remarks from first to last were generally of the cutting and slashing character’, Barlow became a local Methodist preacher and for some years lived at Pickmere, Cheshire, finally dying in about 1857, at the age of 72 at his home in East Collingwood The above information is largely taken from an article on Captain Thomas Barlow published in the regimental journal of the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, written by a descendant of Thomas Barlow in October 1987.
Maharajpoor Star 1843 (Lieutt. C. A. Jackson 31st Regt. N.I.) original brass hook suspension, extremely fine £400-£500 --- Charles Alexander Jackson was born at Calcutta on 6 January 1819, son of Major James Nesbitt Jackson, C.B., 45th Native Infantry. A Cadet of 1834, he was appointed Ensign on 13 June 1835, and arrived in India on 28 July 1835; Ensign doing duty, 12th N.I., 19 August 1835. Posted to 31st N.I. 28 June 1836. Operations against the Kols 1837-38. First Afghan War 1838-42; Ghuznee 1839; Khelat; Lieutenant, 31st N.I. (Medal). Appointed to the charge of Commissariat duties with the 2nd Brigade, Bengal column, Army of the Indus, May 1839. Posted to Shah Shuja’s army, April 1840. Assistant to Political Agent at Kandahar, 3 June 1840. Officiating Sub Assistant Commissary General with Army of Exercise, 15 December 1843. Gwalior campaign; Maharajpoor; Lieutenant, 31st N.I., S.A.C.G. (Bronze star). Placed on furlough with sick certificate on 15 November 1844, and died in London on 12 March 1846.
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (30480 Dvr: A. Godfrey, 39th. Bty: R.F.A.) good very fine £70-£90 --- Arthur Godfrey was born in Bungay, Suffolk, in 1877 and attested for the Royal Artillery in London on 5 October 1898, serving in South Africa during the Boer War from 30 December 1899 to 24 June 1900. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 5 October 1906, and was discharged on 4 October 1910 after 12 years’ service. Sold with copied record of service.
King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (599 Corpl: W. Nugent. Mil: Foot Police.) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine £40-£50 --- William Nugent was born in Bermondsey, Surrey, in 1874 and attested for the Royal West Kent Regiment at Woolwich, Kent, on 18 October 1892, having previously served in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Royal West Surrey Regiment. He transferred to the Military Foot Police on 1 March 1899, and served with them in South Africa during the Boer War from 18 October 1899 to 13 November 1902 (also entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, and Belfast.) Promoted Corporal on 15 June 1906, and Sergeant on 23 February 1910, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 92 of 1911, and was discharged on 17 October 1913, after 21 years’ service. Sold with copied record of service.
India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (299 Sowar Bostan Khan, 42/Cavy.) officially re-impressed naming as is common to this regiment and to casualty recipients for this campaign; Indian Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (10170 L-Daf. Amir Ullah, Khan, 15 Lrs.) partially officially corrected, edge bruising to first, this good fine and a scarce casualty; the LS&GC very fine (2) £70-£90 --- Bostan Khan served with the 42nd Cavalry during the Third Afghan War, and was killed in action/ died in Persia on 5 January 1920. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Roll of Honour lists only 12 casualties to this Regiment, of whom 7 were killed in action or died in the period 1-9 January 1920. Bostan Khan is commemorated on the Tehran Memorial, Iran.
1914 Star (No. 2519 Dfdr. Taj Mohd. Khan. 6/Cavy.) scratches to reverse of crown at top, otherwise about very fine £100-£140 --- Taj Muhammad Khad, Honorary Captain, Sardar Bahadar, entered service in the Indian Army on 4 September 1908, and served with the 6th Cavalry during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 September 1914 to 9 March 1918, and then with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force from 10 March to 11 November 1918. Wounded, he was commissioned Jemadar on 25 February 1917, and for his services during the Great War whilst on attachment to the 34th Horse he was awarded the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. Transferring to the 18th King Edward’s Own Cavalry, he was advanced Risaldar on 1 April 1931, and saw further service on the North West Frontier of India against the Mohmands in 1933 ands 1935. Awarded the Order of British India 1st Class on 13 July 1936, he was promoted Risaldar-Major on 25 April 1938, and retired in 1940. Sold with copied research.
1914-15 Star (21756 Sjt. W. H. Clarke. North’n. R.) very fine £30-£40 --- William Henry Clarke was born in Shropshire in 1872 and originally attested for the Cheshire Regiment in 1889. Following the outbreak of the Great War he attested for the Royal Fusiliers at Chelsea on 20 August 1914 and served at home with both the 6th and 9th Battalions. Advanced Sergeant on 20 September 1915, he transferred to the newly formed 1st Garrison Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment on 27 September 1915 and embarked from Devonport on 24 October 1915. On 8 November he was charged with being drunk on ammunition guard and resisting an escort whose duty it was to apprehend him whilst at sea; on landing at West Mudros on 11 November 1915 he appeared before a Field General Court Martial and was reduced to the ranks. He later transferred to the Army Pay Corps on 12 April 1918, was promoted Corporal, and was discharged to the Reserve on 23 July 1919.
British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. E. J. Evans.); together with the following campaign medals thought to represent his entitlement: China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin, naming erased; India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, North West Frontier 1908, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (3046 Colr. Sgt. E. J. Evans, 1st Mounted Infantry) re-engraved naming; 1914-15 Star and Victory Medal with M.I.D. oak leaves, naming erased; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (3046 Col. Sergt. E. J. Evans, K. Shrop. L.I.) re-engraved naming, nearly very fine (6) £60-£80
British War Medal 1914-20 (3) (Major F. de C. Mc.Cracken.; L. de Salaberry. V.A.D.; 2/Lieut. G. E. Pratt. R.A.F.) very fine (3) £100-£140 --- Frederick de Cree McCracken was commissioned into the Army Service Corps and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 17 August 1914. Advanced Major, for his services during the Great War he was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (London Gazette 3 June 1919).
General Service 1962-2007, 3 clasps, Radfan, South Arabia, Northern Ireland, unofficial retaining rods between clasps (23603212 L/Cpl. W. Jackson. RMP.) nearly extremely fine £120-£160 --- William Jackson joined the Regular Army in 1963 and enlisted directly into the Royal Military Police, serving with 39 Brigade Provost Unit in Thumeir in the Radfan Mountains in 1964.
![Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Cornet C. J. [sic] A. Barnes, 2nd. Dragn. Gds.) good very fine £400-£500 --- Charles Gabri](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4e8702e6-8b01-43fc-b02a-ace800f39586/0f18cf04-b0f4-444e-ad06-ace8010a3460/468x382.jpg)
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Cornet C. J. [sic] A. Barnes, 2nd. Dragn. Gds.) good very fine £400-£500 --- Charles Gabriel Alfred Barnes was commissioned Ensign in the West Essex Militia on 6 January 1855, and served with the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays) in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny, the Medal Roll stating: ‘At Dawah near Newabgunge on 12 October 1858 under Brigadier Purnell. At Dawah near Newabgunge on 7 November 1858 under fire from the enemy’s piquet when on patrol in charge of Lieutenant Palmer Hudson’s Horse.’ Barnes had a relatively short and inauspicious career as the following newspaper cutting shows: ‘Henry Mullen, Hewett Wheatley, Charles Gabriel Alfred Barnes, and Walter William Younger; four fashionably dressed gentlemen stated to be officers in the army appeared before the Mayor of Dover to answer a charge of wrenching off knockers and conducting themselves in a disorderly manner in Shakespeare Place, Castle Street and Church Street. Superintendent Coram in reply to the bench said that several parties whose properties had been injured, including Mr G. T. Parke of Church Street had promised to be in attendance to press the complaint before their worships but none of them had appeared. Sergeant Geddes said that about half past one o’clock on Sunday morning as he was on duty in the Market Place he heard a great disturbance in Shakespeare Place and Castle Street and on getting near to the spot from which it proceeded he saw the four defendants engaged in wrenching off knockers. He stood and watched the proceedings for a short time and ultimately saw them pull off a knocker from a house in Church Street. On getting up to them he saw the knocker in the hands of Mr Barnes. The Mayor: “And how goes it the parties are not here to prosecute the charge?” Sergeant Geddes: “I cannot say sir, I have called upon them all.” The Mayor - “This is very disgraceful. Complaints of this kind of thing are continually being made to the bench; and when the police do their duty parties neglect to come forward. I am sorry to see you gentlemen in this position. Men of your standing who have to maintain discipline in your respective corps should be the last to be found guilty of such disgraceful conduct. It happens fortunately for you that the persons are not here to prosecute, for had they been you would have received as much punishment as the law permits. If poor unfortunate people get into difficulties of this kind prosecutors have no hesitation in coming forward and I cannot understand why they neglect to come in the present instance. As it is the case will be dismissed on you paying the Court fees.” Each of the defendants handed over his “two shillings for the hearing” apparently much amused at the ridiculous character of their punishment. The serious part of the drama has yet to be performed the Mayor having represented the matter to the Commander in Chief.’ Things didn’t get any better for Barnes, and he was subsequently before the bench again, this time for violent assault: ‘At the Westminster Police-court, London, Mr. Charles Gabriel Alfred Barnes, of the 2nd Dragoon Guards, residing at Bellevue-house, Notting-Hill, was finally examined charged with violently assaulting Mr. Henry Edridge Rice, of Howard-villa, Thistle-grove, solicitor. Complainant stated that on the evening of the Derby day he was standing in front of the circular bar at Cremorne Gardens, having a glass of ale and smoking, when the defendant and some friends pushed against him and deliberately knocked his pipe out of his mouth. Complainant naturally said, “What do you mean by that? You have knocked my pipe down, now pick it up.” He was then pushed about, hustled, and threatened by the defendant and his companions. In presence of a policeman he asked defendant what he meant by such conduct. In reply he received a desperate blow from him. A medical certificate was produced from Mr. Goodrich, surgeon, testifying that the complainant is suffering from a displacement of the nasal cartilages, the result of some external violence, and that although he progresses favourably it will be some time before he recovers from the injuries he has sustained. It was stated by the police constable that there was a great disturbance at the time complainant was assaulted. The witness’s hat was knocked over his eyes by someone, so that he could not see. He afterwards took the defendant into custody. Both parties were sober. Joseph Timms, clerk and money taker at Cremorne Gardens, corroborated Mr. Rice in every particular, adding that he stood slightly above the crowd and could see well everything that passed. After the accused had struck Mr. Rice, he said, “He asked for a hotulk and he’s got it,” or words to that effect. He was familiar with the prisoner’s face, but only knew his name by hearing a woman, in talking of the assault, say shortly afterwards, “Oh! it is that brute Barnes”. In cross-examination the witness stated that at the time of the assault Mr. Barnes had not a stick in his right hand, as he struck the blow with that hand. Mr. Charles Hanbury, of 19, Wilton Place, Regents Park, said that the defendant was his cousin. He had been with the defendant and his brother to the Derby, and went to Cremorne in the evening. He had hold of defendant’s left arm, but could not say whether he carried a stick in his right hand. He did not recollect anything having been said about a pipe. He simply heard Mr Rice charge his cousin with the assault, when the latter immediately replied, “I shall be happy to go to the station.” The place where the assault was committed was so crowded that it was impossible for any one to say who struck another a blow. Mr. Frederick Barnes, an officer in the 5th Middlesex Militia, residing at Bellevue-house, Notting-hill, brother of the defendant, was then called, and most positively denied that any one act imputed to his brother by complainant had been done by him. He walked on his right side, and saw him as usual carrying his stick in his right hand. He was most positive that his brother did not commit the assault. The witness, in answer to a question from Mr. Lewis, said it was totally false that his brother had been fined £5 for an assault. The defendant was then committed for trial, but, as before, admitted to bail.’ Barnes was allowed ‘to retire from the service by the sale of his Commission’ on 4 January 1861, having perhaps done more fighting outside the Regiment than in it. Sold with copied research.
The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Private R. Wycherly, 14th Light Dragoons, who was wounded by a musket ball at Rathghur on 24 January 1858 Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (R, Wycherly. 14th. Lgt. Drgns.) with contemporary decorative top silver riband bar, minor edge bruising, better than very fine £400-£500 --- Richard Wycherly was born in Newport, Shropshire, in 1821 and attested for the 14th Light Dragoons on 14 August 1840. He served for 17 years and 6 months in India, and saw active service during the Second Sikh War, 1848-49, ‘where he was present at the affairs of Ramnuggar and the Battles of Chillanwala and Goojerat. Received a Medal for service in the Punjab Campaign with bars for Chillanwala and Goojerat. He was present on Special Service at the surrender of the Sikh army, the occupation of Attock and Peshawar, and the expulsion of the Afghans beyond the Khyber Pass. Served in the Persian Campaign expedition of 1857 received Medal and clasp.’ (recipient’s service records refer). Wycherly subsequently served with the Central India Field Force during the Great Sepoy Mutiny under the command of Major General Sir Hugh Rose, K.C.B. He was ‘present at the action at Barodia on 21 January (defeat of the Rajah of Banpur)’, and on 24 January 1858, at Rathghur, he was wounded in the back of the head by a matchlock musket ball. Recovering, he subsequently took part ‘in the capture of Rathghur, 29 February. He was also present at the forcing of Maddenpore Pass on 3rd March 1858; The Battle of the Betwa River 1st April; the siege and capture of Jhansi 5th April; the action at Kunch 7th May; the Battle of Gwaliar 22nd May the capture of the Morar Cantonments 16th June; the recapture of the town and fortress of Gwaliar 19th June and finally the action at Rasulabad. Received the Indian Mutiny Medal with clasp Central India.’ (ibid). Wycherly was discharged on 13 August 1860 after 20 years’ service, ‘unfit for further service, suffering from chronic rheumatism since 1857 caused by exposure and hard military duty in a bad climate from 18 years in India.’ Sold with copied service papers, medal roll extracts, and other research.
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (4277 Drumr. T. Godfrey H.M’s. 54th. Regt.) edge bruising and contact marks to obverse field, very fine £300-£400 --- Provenance: George McIlroy Collection. Thomas Godfrey was born in Fermoy, Cork, in 1844 and attested for the 54th (West Norfolk) Regiment at Canterbury, Kent, on 11 March 1856, aged 12. He served as a Drummer in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny, and was present during the pursuit of the 34th Native Infantry in the Cacher and Sylhet Districts, and the occupation of forts. Godfrey was discharged at Netley on 16 February 1881, unfit for further service, due to ‘disease of the spleen, the result of service in the army, the effect of long exposure to malaria and unhealthy climate in the performance of his duty as a soldier’, after 18 years and 342 days’ service, of which 17 years and 8 months had been spent in India. It is clear from Drummer Godfrey’s discharge papers that he was just 13 years of age during his Mutiny service Sold with copied service papers.
The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Private T. Williamson, 78th Highlanders, who served as part of General Havelock’s Allahabad Flying Column, and died of wounds on 27 August 1857 Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (T. Williamson, 78th. Highlanders) scratch to both obverse and reverse fields, nearly extremely fine £400-£500 --- Thomas Williamson attested for the 78th Highlanders and served with them in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny as part of General Havelock’s Allahabad Flying Column at the relief of Cawnpore. General Havelock’s Allahabad Flying Column General Havelock marched from Allahabad on 7 June 1857 leading the pitifully small movable column that was attempting to relieve Cawnpore and then Lucknow. In total the force at his disposal was approximately 1,000 British Infantry, 150 Sikh soldiers, and 30 Irregular Cavalry. The force contained small parts of 1st Battalion Bengal Artillery; 64th Foot, 78th Highlanders; 5th Fusiliers; 84th Foot; seven companies of the 90th Light Infantry, and the Madras European Fusiliers, and had a total of 8 guns. Havelock’s force advanced down the Grand Trunk Road leaving behind the evidence of the retaliatory power of the British in the number of villages burnt out and the numerous corpses left hanging from trees. Shortly after this news came to the Advanced Guard under Major Renaud of the Madras Fusiliers that at Cawnpore, General Wheeler had been forced to capitulate. On 12 July General Havelock’s force met the mutineers’ force of 3,000 men and 12 guns at Fathepore. Havelock’s force routed the mutineers and continued their relentless march toward Cawnpore. Two days later Havelock’s force stormed the Pandu Nadi river where the bridge was defended by over 2,000 mutineers. It is believed that this action caused Nana Sahib to order the execution of the remaining women and children still imprisoned in the Bibighar at Cawnpore. On 16 July at Maharajpore, still some seven miles from Cawnpore, Havelock’s force fought another action with the Nana’s rebel army. The mutineer’s gun batteries raked the advancing columns of the 64th Foot and 78th Highlanders. The awful work of charging the heavy guns (well served by the rebels) now began and the 78th Highlanders led by Colonel Hamilton took the post of honour and were first to charge. “The shrill sound of the pibroch from the bagpipes in the rear seeming to send them forward as with the force of a catapult”. The following day Havelock said, “He had never seen steadier or more devoted troops. Between 7 and 16 July you have under the Indian sun of July marched a hundred and twenty six miles and fought four actions”. Upon entry to Cawnpore Havelock’s men found the first awful evidence of the massacre that had taken place there. Advancing again on 4 August, through yet another rebel force, Hvelock was forced to rest his men after an outbreak of cholera. Even in this state his force met with a rebel force on 12 August and completed their destruction of the enemy block force in the third battle of Bashratganji when the 78th Highland and the Madras Fusiliers storm the rebel earthworks with the bayonet. Finally arriving at Lucknow the following month, his force, despite being severely weakened, fought their way into the city but did not have the strength to raise the siege and thus they became ‘Second Defenders’, having to await the arrival of Sir Colin Campbell’s relief force to finally raise the siege. Williamson was wounded at some point during these fierce actions, and died of his wounds on 27 August 1857, prior to the first Relief of Lucknow.
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Lt. Col. John A. Gildea, H.Ms. 81st Regt.) edge bruising, very fine £500-£700 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, July 2004. John Arthur Gildea was born in 1818 and was commissioned Ensign in the 81st (Loyal Lincoln Volunteers) Regiment of Foot in August 1839, being promoted Lieutenant in April 1841, and Captain in April 1848. He served in the Crimea as Adjutant of 11th Regiment of the Turkish Contingent from September 1855 to its disbandment in May 1856, and was promoted Major in April 1856. Proceeding to India to rejoin his Regiment, in May 1857 the 81st were stationed at Mean Meer with one Regiment of Native Cavalry and three Regiments of Native Infantry including the 49th. At the outbreak of the Mutiny the 49th stirred into revolt and attacked the artillery lines at Mean Meer. The Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research quotes the following extracts from the Diary of Arthur Moffat Lang: ‘In 1857 the cantonment of Mean Meer was garrisoned by a fairly typical mixture of British (Queens) and Indian troops. The Indian Army supplied the great majority of the 16th, 26th and 49th Native Infantry, the 8th Cavalry and four companies of Bengal Foot Artillery... I walked out without horse or arms and sending for both joined a party of the 81st under Gildea, Skerry and Deans, who were marching towards the Artillery Lines to defend them against some hundreds of the 49th (N.I.) who were reported to be attacking those lines.’ The intervention was successful, and Gildea was part of the detachment of the 81st at Mean Meer under Colonel Renny that disarmed one Regiment of Native Cavalry and three Regiments of Native Infantry all disaffected and ripe for mutiny. S.S. Sultana Advanced Lieutenant-Colonel, Gildea remained in India until 1865, before returning home in command of the Headquarter Wing (comprising A, D, G, F and H companies) of the 61st Foot, embarking the S.S. Sultanta at Calcutta on 23 February 1865. The S.S. Sultana proceeded safely on her voyage until 22 March at about 8.30 p.m. when the ship encountered a terrific cyclone in the Indian Ocean which increased in intensity until midnight and continued to rage for many hours afterwards with unabated fury. The cyclone was accompanied by almost incessant flashes of forked lightning and deafening peals of thunder; the darkness between the flashes was most profound, the roaring of the wind at times overpowering the noise of the thunder. The recipient’s own account of the voyage states: ‘Every sail on the yards, set or furled, was blown to shreds. One boat was actually torn into pieces by the wind and two others were carried away by the sea; masts and yards gave way and went over the side; while those held by the rigging bumped against the side of the ship with great violence. The sea rushed down the hatches before they could be battened down and carried away army racks, mess tables and most of the moveable items below; and these being washed from side to side as the ship rolled, created a dreadful din, which, with the noise and crash of breaking masts and yards, the roar of the elements above and the utter darkness between the decks was enough to appal the stoutest heart.’ The ship passed through the eye of the cyclone and was then battered until the 24 March when the cyclone finally abated. The crew and the soldiers of the 81st behaved with exceptional bravery, manning the pumps and protecting as much of the ship as they could, throughout this terrible ordeal. S.S. Sultana finally made Port Louis, Mauritius on 13 April 1865 without loss of life but with the S.S. Sultana severely damaged. Promoted Colonel, Gildea retired on 27 December 1870, and was granted the honorary rank of Major-General. He died in 1873. Sold with copied research.
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Defence of Lucknow, Lucknow (Gunr. Alexr. Kerr, 1st. Bn. Bengal Art.) nearly extremely fine £500-£700 --- Alexander Kerr was born in Barony, Glasgow, in 1834 and enlisted in the Honourable East India Company’s forces on 26 January 1855. Assigned to the 4th Company, 1st Battalion, Bengal Artillery, he served with them in India throughout the Great Sepoy Mutiny, firstly in General Havelock’s Allahabad Flying Column at the relief of Cawnpore, and at the capture and subsequent defence of Lucknow, September to November 1857. General Havelock’s Allahabad Flying Column General Havelock marched from Allahabad on 7 June 1857 leading the pitifully small movable column that was attempting to relieve Cawnpore and then Lucknow. In total the force at his disposal was approximately 1,000 British Infantry, 150 Sikh soldiers, and 30 Irregular Cavalry. The force contained small parts of 1st Battalion Bengal Artillery; 64th Foot, 78th Highlanders; 5th Fusiliers; 84th Foot; seven companies of the 90th Light Infantry, and the Madras European Fusiliers, and had a total of 8 guns. Havelock’s force advanced down the Grand Trunk Road leaving behind the evidence of the retaliatory power of the British in the number of villages burnt out and the numerous corpses left hanging from trees. Shortly after this news came to the Advanced Guard under Major Renaud of the Madras Fusiliers that at Cawnpore, General Wheeler had been forced to capitulate. On 12 July General Havelock’s force met the mutineers’ force of 3,000 men and 12 guns at Fathepore. Havelock’s force routed the mutineers and continued their relentless march toward Cawnpore. Two days later at the village of Aong he came up against another rebel force of 3,000 entrenched mutineers. He defeated them and marched on but at the cost of the death of Major Renaud who had died of his wounds. On that same evening Havelock’s force stormed the Pandu Nadi river where the bridge was defended by over 2,000 mutineers. It is believed that this action caused Nana Sahib to order the execution of the remaining women and children still imprisoned in the Bibighar at Cawnpore. On 16 July at Maharajpore, still some even miles from Cawnpore, Havelock’s force fought another action with the Nana’s rebel army. The mutineer’s gun batteries raked the advancing columns of the 64th Foot and 78th Highlanders. The awful work of charging the heavy guns (well served by the rebels) now began and the 78th Highlanders led by Colonel Hamilton took the post of honour and were first to charge. “The shrill sound of the pibroch from the bagpipes in the rear seeming to send them forward as with the force of a catapult”. The following day Havelock said, “He had never seen steadier or more devoted troops. Between 7 and 16 July you have under the Indian sun of July marched a hundred and twenty six miles and fought four actions”. Upon entry to Cawnpore Havelock’s men found the first awful evidence of the massacre that had taken place there. On 29 July, leaving a force of 300 men to garrison Cawnpore, Havelock began the march on Lucknow. After eight or so miles he encountered a road block of 6,000 rebels and 20 guns. Once again the British Infantry make a full frontal attack, burst through and continued their march. This was still not the end as later that same day, seven miles on from Bashratganji another road block of 2,000 rebels was encountered. Havelock outflanked and routed this force. By this time casualties and disease had reduced his force to under 900 men and so he regretfully returned to Cawnpore. Advancing again on 4 August, through yet another rebel force, he was forced to rest his men after an outbreak of cholera. Even in this state his force met with a rebel force on 12 August and completed their destruction of the enemy block force in the third battle of Bashratganji when the 78th Highland and the Madras Fusiliers storm the rebel earthworks with the bayonet. Four days after this he was again forced to return to Cawnpore and did not finally arrive at Lucknow until the following month. His force, despite being severely weakened, fought their way into the city but did not have the strength to raise the siege and thus they became ‘Second Defenders’, having to await the arrival of Sir Colin Campbell’s relief force to finally raise the siege. Kerr subsequently served as part of General Outram’s force in the capture and defence of the Alum Bagh. After the capture of Lucknow in March 1858 he went on to serve with General Warpole’s force in Rohilkand, and was present at the capture of Barreilly in May 188. Promoted Bombardier for his services during the Defence of Lucknow on 31 October 1858, Kerr was subsequently convicted by Court Martial on 21 April 1859, was reduced to Gunner, and was imprisoned for 120 days. Rather than transfer to the Royal Artillery after the suppression of the Mutiny he was discharged at Delhi at his own request on 5 August 1859, after 5 years and 168 days’ service. Sold with copied research.
The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Sergeant Major J. McNamara, Bengal Artillery, who served with Brigadier Showers’ Moveable Column, and received a rare promotion to Ensign for his ‘distinguished conduct in several action’, the D.C.M. being unavailable to members of the H.E.I.C.’s forces Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Serjt. Major John McNamara, 3rd Bn. Bengal Art.) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine and rare £400-£500 --- John McNamara was born in Kilkishen, County Clare, in 1820 and attested for the Honourable East India Company’s Horse Artillery at Limerick in 1839 as a gunner, for life, and sailed for India on the Hindoostan. He served during the Great Sepoy Mutiny in rank of Sergeant Major, and his entry on the medal roll, dated Meerut, 1 October 1858, is annotated: ‘With Moveable Column under Brigadier Showers in Delhi district from 2nd October - 7th November. Lucknow. Promoted Ensign.’ Stubbs’ List of Officers of the Bengal Army states: ‘J. McNamara. In India January 1839. Artillery Recruit. Sergeant Major 3rd Battalion. Ensign. Distinguished in several actions. 9th October 1858.’ During the Indian Mutiny there were eleven such promotion awards made to senior N.C.O’s of the H.E.I.C. Army. This recognition was given in the case of gallantry as they did not qualify for the award of the D.C.M. This rare award was made eight days after the medal roll had been submitted, hence the rank of Sergeant Major and not Ensign on the medal. By a letter from the Court of Directors, dated 26 April 1856, G.O. 3 July, the Governor General in Council was authorised to confer upon European Warrant and Non Commissioned Officers who had distinguished themselves in action the rank of Ensign in the Infantry, unattached. This distinction was accompanied by a grant of 1,000 rupees in aid of the necessary outfit for a commissioned officer. McNamara transferred to the Royal Artillery in 1862, as Ensign and Quartermaster 22nd Brigade R.A. He died at Agra Cantonments on 2 October 1864, aged 44.
The Second War Honorary O.B.E. attributed to Colonel A. E. Brundage, Signal Section, United States Armed Forces The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt, in Royal Mint case of issue, gilding almost all rubbed, and the outside of the case of issue somewhat distressed, otherwise nearly extremely fine £200-£240 --- O.B.E. not Gazetted but announced 29 December 1945. The official citation states: ‘From 1941 to 1943 Lieutenant-Colonel Brundage was Chief of the Signal Section, International Aid Division, U.S. War Department, where his services in the supply of Signal equipment for the British Army all over the world were of a very high order. It was in no small measure due to his efficient handling of the many requisitions involved that a steady flow of this invaluable equipment reached the British Forces in the field. His unfailing assistance to his British associates in Washington will long be remembered. Albert Edward Brundage was born on 2 October 1892 and in civilian life was employed by the Western Electric Company as a salesman and engineering consultant for railroads and oil and pipe-line companies on communication systems, including telephone circuits, dispatch circuits, and carrier systems. Having served briefly during the Great War he held a Reserve Commission in the United States Infantry until 1941, when he was commissioned into the Signal Corps. He served during the Second World War as Office in Charge of the Foreign Aid Section, and later as a Signal Supply Officer. For his services he was awarded the Bronze Star, and was also appointed an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Sold with various letters, original service records, newspaper cutting, photographs, and other ephemera, all contained in an embossed leather ‘War Service Record’ folder.
The Indian Mutiny Medal pair awarded to Major-General D. S. Buist, Bengal Staff Corps, late Sylhet Light Infantry and 44th Native Infantry, who saw extensive service against the Frontier hill tribes and during the Bhootan Campaign, was Mentioned in Despatches, and received the Thanks of the Government of India Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Lieut. D. S. Buist, Sylhet Lt. Infy. Batn.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Bhootan (Captn. D. S. Buist, 44th. Regt. N.I.) both with contemporary top riband bars, good very fine (2) £800-£1,200 --- David Simson Buist was born in Perth on 20 September 1829 and was commissioned Ensign in the Indian Army on 20 December 1848. He was promoted Lieutenant on 23 November 1856, and served with the Sylhet Light Infantry Battalion during the Great Sepoy Mutiny. The Indian Mutiny - with the Sylhet Light Infantry Kaye and Malleson, in the History of the Indian Mutiny, give the following details: ‘Turning then westward they entered British territory at or near Mugra and made their way towards Singar hill, about one and a half days journey north of Komila and on the direct route to Sylhet. In their progress they had been much harassed but worse things were in store for them. Harassed by the opposition of the Rajah of Tiparah and of the Zeminders of whom we have spoken, the Mutineers resolved to make their way to Manipur. On their way to that place they descended from the hills and attacked and plundered, on 15 December, a police station in British territory. This attack gave the British the information they had desired as to their position. Mr. Allen, the chief civil officer at Sylhet had the capacity to discern that the European troops would arrive too late to intercept the rebels. He took upon himself, then, the responsibility of ordering the Sylhet Light Infantry, commanded by Major the Honourable R. B. Byng, into the field. That regiment left Sylhet in pursuit of the rebels that very day, 15 December 1857, and reached Partabgarh, a distance of eighty miles, by a forced march, in thirty-six hours. At Partabgarh, Byng received information from Mr. Dodd, who had accompanied the force for the special purpose of guiding it, that the rebels had changed their route and would be at Latu, a place which they had passed through on the night of that day, 17 December, or very early the next morning. Latu was twenty-eight miles from Partabgarh; the men who had made a forced march of eighty miles, but with one voice they expressed their willingness to return. The road led through jungles and swamps but setting out they marched back cheerily. Dodd who had ridden on in advance, met the column as it was entering the village of Latu at dawn on 18 December with the information that the rebels were close at hand. Before the line could be formed, they were seen advancing in good order. The hostile parties saw each other simultaneously but before they could come to blows, the rebels made many efforts to seduce the men of the Sylhet Light Infantry – one half of whom were Hindustanis – to make common cause with them. But their persuasions were answered by the cold steel of the bayonet. Notwithstanding their long march, the loyal soldiers of the Sylhet regiment displayed vigour and an energy which carried all before them. In the early part of the action their gallant leader, Major Byng was killed. This occurrence only roused them to greater fury. The post he had held was filled by Lieutenant Sherer, and Sherer gave the rebels no breathing time. After a fierce struggle, in which the rebels lost twenty-six men killed and still larger number wounded, he forced them to abandon the field, and to seek shelter in the close and difficult jungles which lie between Latu and Manipur. Into these jungles it was impossible to follow them. All that Sherer could do was to send detachments to watch the issues from the jungle into Manipur. Having seen to this, he returned to Sylhet. After their defeat by Sherer the Chitragaon mutineers marched north-eastwards and entered Manipur territory. There they were joined by one of the Manipur princes, with a few followers. The hopes they might have conceived from this accession of strength were, however, short of duration. On 12 January they were attacked by a party of the Sylhet corps, under Captain Stevens, and after a fight that lasted two hours, they were driven into the jungles with the loss of twenty men killed. Ten days later the same officer, having learnt where they were encamped, succeeded in surprising them while their arms were piled and putting them to flight, with the loss of all their arms and accoutrements. On this occasion they lost ten men killed. Eight days later another detachment of them was attacked and completely defeated with the loss of thirteen men by a small party of the Sylhet regiment, led by native officer, Jamadar Jagathir. This was the finishing stroke. Since their departure from Chitragaon, the rebels had lost two hundred and six men in battle. Those who survived were now blocked up in hilly country, the passes leading out of which were closed and there the greater number perished miserably.’ The recipient’s own Statement of Service reads: ‘When the 34th Native Infantry mutinied at Chittagong, plundered the treasury, and, with the prisoners whom they had released from the civil jail, moved on Sylhet, my Regiment (now the 44th Ghurkhas) was suspected, for we had many of Kanwur Singh's men in our ranks, and a wing of the 54th Foot, under Colonel Mitchell, was sent to disarm us. But before the 54th had arrived, hearing of the presence of mutineers in the district, my regiment moved off in pursuit, and, after a long and arduous march, overtook and defeated them; our commanding officer, Major the Hon. R. Byng, being killed while leading on his men. On our return to Sylhet, H.M. 54th Regiment received us with military honours. The mutineers, having been reinforced by two Munipur princes and their armed retainers, attacked a detachment, of which I was in command, as we were hurrying forward for the defence of Silchar. The fight was a severe one, and the Munipur princes kept constantly shouting out: “Shoot the European officer in command, and the victory will be ours.” The enemy was repulsed, and one of the princes was wounded by my orderly. The heavy firing was heard at the headquarters of the regiment, which were some distance off, and on their hastening to the place, the rout of the mutineers was complete. In the course of the fight my two orderlies and myself cross the river Barak under a heavy fire and led the attack on the mutineers. For this they received the Order of Merit for conspicuous gallantry, and I was rewarded with the thanks of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, and those of the Commander-in-Chief for the services I had rendered on this occasion.’ The Cossiah and Jyntiah Revolt, April 1860 In April 1860, the Cossiah and Jyntiah chiefs revolted against the British Government, besieged the Garrison stationed at Jowaie, and having defeated a reinforcement sent to strengthen the Garrison, marched on the important military station of Cherra-Ponji. Owing to the severe illness of Major-General Richardson, C.B., and the absence of the Second in Command, Military command devolved on Buist. The recipient’s own Statement of Service reads: ‘Leaving a party for the defence of the station and mustering every available man I moved out to meet the rebels. I soon came upon their advance guard and drove them back; but next morning when moving through a jungle, I was attacked on all sides by the rebels who numbered between 3,000 and 4,000 men. After a sanguinary encounter, they were repulsed on all points with great loss and as a result the garrison at Jorvaie was saved. Reinforce...
The interesting Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Assistant-Surgeon P. O’Brien, Bengal Medical Establishment, who served a total of 45 years in India, rising from Hospital Apprentice to full Surgeon; he was present in the First Burma war of 1824-25 with the Subordinate Medical Department, with whom he served for 32 years, and served a further 13 years in the Indian Medical Service. He was the oldest Assistant Surgeon in the Indian Mutiny and saved the lives of the Europeans at Lullutpore, where he was not only in medical charge of the District but was also the Joint Magistrate. Subsequently captured by the Mutineers he was imprisoned by the Rajah of Shahghur from 2 July to 12 September 1857 Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Asst. Surgn. P. O’Brien, Benl. Medical. Dept.) small edge bruise, otherwise good very fine £800-£1,200 --- Peter Joseph O’Brien was born in Galway, Ireland, on 19 September 1806, and would have arrived in India as the young son of a serving H.M. Regimental N.C.O. or soldier. His first mention in the record can be found in the Delhi archives which hold the documents of the Subordinate Medical Department (S.M.D.) covering the period from 1818 until 1858. It shows that Peter O’Brien was placed to do duty with the newly arrived H.M. 38th Regiment as an Assistant Apothecary, 24 May 1822, being promoted from Apprentice, and on 25 January 1825, O’Brien was posted to do duty with the 38th Regiment at the Military Field Hospital at Rangoon during the First Burmese War. It was here that he came into direct contact with Surgeon James Ranald Martin, who was later to become the Senior Medical Officer of the East India Company. Martin took him under his wing and they became lifelong friends. For his services in Rangoon, O’Brien was awarded the Army of India medal with clasp Ava. In 1826 he returned to Calcutta on the ship Hero of Malown with returning troops and on arrival worked in the General Calcutta Hospital. In 1831 O’Brien was appointed Assistant Dispenser in Simla. He worked in other stations, including Meerut, before returning to Calcutta where he was first, Apothecary at the General Hospital and second, Head Apothecary of the Calcutta Native Hospital. While in Calcutta O’Brien studied at the Calcutta Medical College and became a Doctor. In 1842 he was allowed to retire after 21 year service on a pension of 60 pounds per annum. Taking advice from his friend and mentor James R. Martin, he sailed for England to study at St George’s Medical School, and qualified as a Surgeon in late 1842, receiving his M.R.C.S. diploma in 1843. He returned to Calcutta on the ship Bangalore where he was the Surgeon in medical charge of the troops aboard. Appointed him to do duty with the newly formed Gwalior Contingent, as an Uncovenanted Sub-Assistant-Surgeon, in March 1844, he served for 9 years being in many minor affairs with both the infantry and cavalry units of the Contingent, before being commissioned Assistant-Surgeon on 20 November 1853. At the outbreak of the Great Sepoy Mutiny, O’Brien, now aged 51, was serving with the 6th Regiment Gwalior Contingent at Lullutpore. On top of his military and civil medical duties he was also Acting Joint-Magistrate of the District, a unique roll for a medical officer. Writing in 1860, O’Brien requested that his 9 years spent with the Gwalior Contingent as an Uncovenanted Surgeon should be allowed to count towards his pension. Among the papers are letters that cover the events at Lullitpore, extracts from which are listed below: ‘... you thus served uninterruptedly without being one day absent from regimental duties and that you discharged the duties of Surgeon to the Brigade Staff whilst with the regiment stationed at the Head Quarters, Gwalior. That in 1856 you were exchanged from the 4th to the 6th Regiment G.C stationed at Lullutpore where the Rebellion broke out and the latter Regiment mutinied in June 1857. Through your influence with the Rajah of Baupore you enabled to effect the rescue of all the Europeans at the station but subsequently you and the rest of the party were imprisoned from the 2 July to 12 September by the Rajah of Shahghur in a Fort where you suffered many privations and your health gave way. Eventually the whole party was sent to Saugor where you did garrison duties until February 1858 … I am convinced that the preservation not only of your own life but of all the Europeans who accompanied you from Lullutpore was mainly owing to the love and respect the natives had for you and which gave you the influence you had over the Baupore Rajah and his followers during these perilous times. Colonel W. Maule Ramsey late Brigadier Commanding Gwalior Contingent … The only information I obtained was from Dr. O’Brien who had resided for some years at Lullutpore where he acted as Joint-Magistrate and consequently was well acquainted with the District and people ... Captain Sale and Dr. O’Brien had gone on a little ahead of the remainder of us as we proceeded towards the Saugor Road. At the end of the Bazaar we were surrounded and taken prisoners by a party of the Rajah's men who took us towards Mussoorah near which place we were met by Doolaree Lal with a paper guaranteeing us protection which had been procured by Doctor O’Brien’ O’Brien’s services in Ubique are given thus: ‘Arrived Saugor, 14 September 1857. Engaged with the rebels at Tendkhera, 12 January 1858. In medical charge of detachment under the command of Captain Sale 9th Native Infantry. Served with the Central India Field Force commanded by Sir Huge Rose from 18 February to 29 May 1858 with the 3rd Bombay Europeans. Present at the battle of Muddenpore and the battle of Betwa, the siege, storming and capture of Jhansi. In medical charge of the left wing at the battle of Koonch, the storm and capture of Loharee and the various actions before Calpee and the capture of that place. Disabled by sunstroke at Calpee. Thanked in the despatch of Colonel Gall H.M.’s 14th Light Dragoons, commanding at the storm of Loharee. Medal and Clasp.’ O’Brien was appointed F.R.C.S. in 1859 and was advanced to Surgeon on 15 November 1864. He retired from the service on 6 July 1866, and died at St. Helier, Jersey, on 24 March 1882. Sold with two very comprehensive files of research.
Pair: Lance-Corporal R. L. Handley, Military Foot Police Coronation 1911, unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (675 L.Cpl. R. L. Handley. M.F.P.) light contact marks, good very fine (2) £70-£90 --- Richard Leonard Handley was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, in 1871 and attested for the Highland Light Infantry in London on 28 August 1890, having previously served in the 4th (Militia) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. He served with the 2nd Battalion in India from 10 March 1891 to 21 January 1898, and then with the 1st Battalion in Malta and Crete, taking part in the occupation of Crete, from 10 March to 26 December 1898. He saw further service in South Africa during the Boer War from 23 October 1899 to 11 November 1902 (entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps Transvaal and Wittebergen and the King’s South Africa Medal with both date clasps), and whilst in South Africa transferred to the Military Foot Police on 1 March 1902. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 101 of 1909, and was discharged on 27 August 1911, after 21 years’ service, being one of only a handful of junior N.C.O.s from the Military Police to receive the 1911 Coronation Medal. Re-enlisting for service during the Great War on 23 September 1914, Handley served with the Military Foot Police on the Western Front from 1 May 1916, and was promoted Corporal on 27 September 1918. He was finally discharged on 27 March 1919, after a further 4 years and 186 days’ service. Sold with copied record of service and other research.
Pair: Regimental Corporal-Major Harry Cornish, 1st Life Guards Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Corl.-Major H. Cornish. 1:Life Guards; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1219, Reg: Cpl. Maj: H. Cornish, 1st Life Gds.) mounted as worn on contemporary pin brooch, lightly toned, nearly extremely fine (2) £600-£800 --- Henry Cornish enlisted into the 1st Life Guards on 31 May 1854, aged 18. He was promoted to Corporal on 31 July 1861, to Corporal-Major on 29 November 1871, and became Regimental Corporal-Major on 12 August 1878. He was discharged to pension with 5 Good Conduct Badges on 18 June 1878, with 24 years 18 days service. He was awarded the M.S.M. with Annuity of £10 on 29 August 1899.
Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (42197 B.Q.M. Sjt: D. B. Ripley. Can: F.A.) cleaned, nearly very fine £60-£80 --- M.M. London Gazette 18 January 1919. Douglas Bertram Ripley was born in Eastbourne, Sussex, on 4 August 1891, and, having emigrated to Canada, attested for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force at Valcartier on 25 September 1914. He served with the 3rd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, during the Great War on the Western Front.
Army L.S. & G.C., W.IV.R. (John Smith, Royal Horse Guards. 1832.) fitted with original steel clip and rectangular bar suspension, edge bruising and contact marks,. otherwise about very fine £400-£500 --- Provenance: Glendining’s, November 1907, March 1912 and June 1991. John Smith was born in the Parish of Ruddington, near Nottingham, and attested there for the Royal Horse Guards on 10 June 1805, aged 17 years. Discounting one year’s under age service, he served for 26 years 126 days and was discharged on 9 October 1832. He was examined at Chelsea Hospital on the following day where he was described as being 44 years of age, ‘worn out’ and intending to reside at High Wycombe where he received his L.S. & G.C. medal, c/o Mr Allen, Uxbridge, on 22 June 1833.
Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (54. Sergt. C. Johnson. Mily. Mtd. Police) nearly extremely fine £80-£120 --- Christopher Johnson was born in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in 1852 and attested for the 8th Hussars at London on 23 June 1873. He transferred to the Military Mounted Police on 1 January 1878, and was promoted Corporal on 1 July 1882, and Sergeant on 9 May 1888. He was discharged on 22 June 1896, after 23 years’ service, his entire service being spent at home. Sold with copied record of service.
Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (176. Sgt. R. Worrall Mil: F: Police.) engraved naming, pawn broker’s mark to reverse, good very fine £100-£140 --- Richard Worrall was born in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, in May 1858 and attested for the Worcestershire Regiment at Worcester on 11 May 1876, having previously served in the Worcestershire Militia. He served in the Natal from 13 December 1878 to 11 January 1880 (entitled to a South Africa Medal with clasp 1879), before transferring to the Reserve on 26 August 1881. He re-enlisted in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry on 2 August 1882, and served with the 1st Battalion in Egypt from 25 August to 27 December 1882. He transferred to the Military Foot Police on 19 March 1886, and was promoted Corporal on 25 March 1888, and Sergeant, on 11 March 1894. He was discharged on 17 October 1894, after 18 years and 160 days’ service. Sold with copied record of service.
The Peninsula and Waterloo pair awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel W. F. Johnstone, Grenadier Guards Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Nivelle, Nive (W. Johnstone, Ensn. 1st Ft. Gds.); Waterloo 1815 ([Ca]pt. W. Fred. Johnstone, 2nd Batt. Grenad. Guard.) first two letters of rank and last of unit obscured by suspension, fitted with contemporary silver loop and bar suspension, the first very fine, the second with edge bruising and contact wear, fine or better (2) £4,000-£6,000 --- Provenance: Gaskell Collection 1908; Mackenzie Collection 1934; Sotheby, December 1991. William Frederick Johnstone was commissioned as an Ensign in the First Foot Guards on 12 December 1811; Lieutenant & Captain, 16 March 1814; Captain & Lieutenant-Colonel, 10 January 1837. He served with the 1st Battalion in the Peninsula from April 1813 to April 1814, and was present at Bidassoa, Nivelle, Nive, Adour and Bayonne. He was afterwards present at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, and also at the capture of Peronne, 26 June 1815. Johnstone [Johnston in later Army Lists] went on half-pay with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel on 10 January 1837, retired on 30 October 1840, and died in 1877. He is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, London, where the inscription on the monumental cross raised in his memory is now illegible.
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