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Lot 856
A PAIR OF CORAL-GROUND MOUNTAIN-SHAPED PORCELAIN BRUSHRESTS CHINA, POSSIBLY REPUBLIC / MINGUO PERIOD It rests on a base imitating a matching wooden stand. The upper part is shaped as a three-peaked sacred mountain. They bear inscriptions / calligraphies painted with gilt. Both bear a Jian Ding wax seal of exportation. H: 10,1 cm Provenance: - a private collection; - Juan Carlos Katzenstein (1925-2018), an Argentinian Diplomat, who was an Ambassador in Beijing, China, from December 6, 1975 to January 2, 1978, and later to the Holy See (Vatican) and to the Sovereign Order of Malta from 1989 to 1991 (by repute). 一对珊瑚地山形瓷刷 中国 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence ofsuch a reference does not imply that an item is freefrom defects or restoration, nor does a referenceto particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.
Lot 906
A SUITE OF TWO (2) CHINESE EXPORT PORCELAIN CUPS CHINA, QING DYNASTY Of circular shape, it rests on a short ring foot and is finely enameled in famille rose enamels with chrysanthemum flowers in reserve medallions against a black ground. The two pieces bear two old collector labels on their bases: ‘Ep. Kien-Long 1736-1796’ and #72 and #108. D (the biggest): 11,4 cm Provenance: - a private collection; - formerly the property of Otto Gürgen, a German prominent industrialist in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the 1930s (by repute). 一组两（2）个中国出口瓷茶杯 中国 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.
Lot 316
A COLLECTION OF VICTORIAN CABINET PORTRAIT CARDS ETC, various subjects to include the 3rd Earl of Bradford, Miss Effie Germon as Polly Eccles in 'Castle', a selection of dog portraits to include 'Honeywood - the Property of the Earl of Haddington, a mounted photograph of 'Wolf of Wightwick', two lions, a bear by J.P.Myers RAWALPINDI, the collection comprising local, British, European and Worldwide examples from Cannock, Rugeley, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Walsall, Dundee, Nottingham, Dublin, Jersey, Bath, Derby, Wisbech, Taunton, Havre, Auckland. Toronto. Baker St. London, Boston, Germany, Broadway New York, Boston etc. (approx 65)
Lot 322
A COLLECTION OF VICTORIAN GROUP, PORTRAIT AND SCENIC CARTE DE VISITE, many with pencil / ink annotations - Woodbastwick Hall, Man on a horse with his groom, Wood yard group image, Dr John Wood, Miss Helen Ferrars, a veiled Peruvian Muslim woman, Lady Florence Dixies celebrated dog 'Hubert', various other animal related images, a Geneve scenic climbing images plus a group shot in climbing attire, nannys in Regents Park? a bear in a zoo, etc., the collection comprising local, British, European and Worldwide examples such as Stafford, Birmingham, Tadcaster, Whitby, Truro, Fife, Derby, Swansea, Holyhead, Brighton, Inverness, Rothesay, Stirling, France, Ireland, Germany, America, Australia etc., (Approx 340)Condition Report:`
Lot 373
A QUANTITY OF MID TO LATE 20TH CENTURY RUPERT BEAR COLLECTABLES, comprising a Rupert Bear single duvet cover and pillowcase in original packaging, a hot water bottles a selection of plush toys etc., together with a collection of vintage badges, pin badges stick pin etc., including limited editions, a Rupert Dog Show Chigwell 1998 and a Rupert Conference Blackpool '99, plus a boxed miniature picture frame (Approx 50)
Lot 185
Greg Evigan, popular American actor signed 8x10 photo from the comedy series BJ and the Bear. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £4.99, EU from £6.99, Rest of World from £8.99
Lot 55
Rod Steiger signed 10x8 black and white photo. Rodney Stephen Steiger (April 14, 1925 - July 9, 2002) was an American actor, noted for his portrayal of offbeat, often volatile and crazed characters. Cited as one of Hollywood's most charismatic and dynamic stars, he is closely associated with the art of method acting, embodying the characters he played, which at times led to clashes with directors and co-stars. He starred as Marlon Brando's mobster brother Charley in On the Waterfront (1954), the title character Sol Nazerman in The Pawnbroker (1964) which won him the Silver Bear for Best Actor, and as police chief Bill Gillespie opposite Sidney Poitier in the film In the Heat of the Night (1967) which won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £4.99, EU from £6.99, Rest of World from £8.99
Lot 514
A 32 BORE GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, SUHL, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY WITH 19TH CENTURY DECORATION with two-stage barrel, octagonal breech struck with Suhl control marks on the left, bevelled lock of military type, fitted with external wheel retained by a slender bracket at the base, sliding pan-cover and angular dog, decorated throughout with engraved scrolls and a grotesque on the main plate, full stock profusely inlaid in engraved staghorn and bone including scrolling tendrils, ball flowers, game animals and scenes from the chase all within segmental frames including a mounted hunter and a bear opposite the lock, the butt decorated en suite, including an engraved bone collar, fluted pear-shaped pommel decorated with further designs of ball flowers, fruit and foliage, engraved iron trigger-guard, plain ramrod-pipe, and bone-tipped wooden ramrod43.0 cm; 17 in barrel
Lot 408
A PAIR OF ITALIAN CARVED GILTWOOD OVAL WALL MIRRORSLATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURYeach 94cm high, 79cm wideCondition Report: Both with marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Old chips and some splits to frames. Both fames have been re-gilded. The gilt surface with the expected wear and various chips and losses. Mirror plates are replaced. they bear some depletion and grey spots. Both backboards are also replaced and have had a dark wash applied to them. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 414
A GEORGE III GILTWOOD 'TRIPTYCH' MIRROR POSSIBLY IRISH, CIRCA 1760 158cm wide, 56cm high Please note, the description for this lot is incorrectly printed in the catalogue. The correct description reads as follows: AN EARLY GEORGE III GILTWOOD TRIPTYCH OVERMANTLE MIRROR, POSSIBLY IRISH, CIRCA 1760, 158cm wide, 56cm highCondition Report: Marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Various old splits, cracks and some losses to frame - see images. Old glued repairs to frame - see images. Possible old refreshing of gilding. The gilt surface bears the expected wear, chips and dark deposits. Backboards are old replacements and have later tape securing them. Mirror plates are likely original and bear the expected sparkle, losses and depletion. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 434
A CAUCASIAN RUG PROBABLY ARMENIAN approximately 290 x 136cm Condition Report: Some wear to rug overall. Additional wear to central field reveals underlying weft in places. Some wear and losses to bindings of longest edges. Edges have been re-bound in varying colours of thread. Fringing is trimmed to a short even length at both ends and bear the expected wear and fraying. As illustrated the rug is curved in shape overall. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 436
A LARGE CARVED GILTWOOD WALL MIRRORIN LOUIS XVI STYLE, SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY232cm high, 132cm wideProvenance: Ston Easton Park, near Bath, SomersetCondition Report: Marks, scratches and abrasions comensurate with age and useSome old chips and splits. some losses. Some old cracks and splits. some losses including a section of ribbon to the upper right corner of the frame and a leaf from the swag towards the upper centre of the mirror plate. Some 'slivers' of loss where the arched elements of the frame are joined. Some slender sections of gilt gesso are coming away from the frame and need securing/ gluing. The square and rectangular terminals in each corner of the frame bear cracking and some loose elements and some fragmentary losses at their side edges (see images) Wear to the gilding in areas. Some additional scratching, abrasion and chips of loss from the side edges. The mirror plate bears very little signs of 'depletion' if any apart from a lightly 'bloomed' area towards the upper right quarter of the plate. (see images)The rear panel to the mirror appears original and is panelled. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 465
A CARVED GILTWOOD MIRRORIN MID-18TH CENTURY STYLE, 19TH CENTURY148cm high, 167cm wideProvenance: Ston Easton Park, near Bath, SomersetCondition Report: Marks, scratches and abrasions comensurate with age and useSome old chips and splits. some losses. Old cracks and splits to the frame. Wear to gilding overall. In areas, particularly to the lower half of the frame, there are areas where the gilding has worn away so the underlying preparation of yellow/ white colour is visible (see images) . To the surface of the frame it appears that an old thin layer of varnish has depleted and been affected by craquleure and losses throughout. Some old glued repairs to the frame. Some residual glue adjacent to some old glued repairs is very dry and can generally easily be removed. A small number of the glued elements have been re-glued slightly out of position so one may wish to have these re-set into more accurate position. The mirror plates appear to have some age and bear expected fairly minimal depletion in the form of black and grey 'spotting' in some areas. (see images)The rear panel to the mirror appears original and is panelled. The reverse of the mirror has been previously later re-painted. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 515
A HARLEQUIN SET OF EIGHT ASH LADDER BACK CHAIRS NORTH WEST ENGLAND, PROBABLY BILLINGE NEAR WIGAN, CIRCA 1830Two include two armchairsthe armchairs 111cm high, 67cm wide, 47cm deep overall, the others 96cm high, 49cm wide, 39cm deep overallFor a near identical armchair, see Bernard D. Cotton, The English Regional Chair, Antique Collectors Club, 1990, page 316, plate 49. Please note, there are slight variations in design and size between these chairs. The cataloguing for this lot has been updated and now reads: 'A HARLEQUIN SET OF EIGHT ASH LADDER BACK CHAIRS' and not as printed in the catalogue.Condition Report: Please note, these chairs should be catalogued as 'A harlequin set' as there are slight variations in design and size between some of the them. All chairs with the marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age an use. Old splits and chips. Rush seats have some age but are later replacements. They are all in useable order overall and bear the expected wear, fraying and some loose stands - see images. As illustrated, the armchairs are of significantly larger proportions than the others. Four of the side chairs have section of later timber inset to the back uprights where they meet the seat. This has been well disguised and is only noticeable upon close inspection. All chairs are structurally solid. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 571
A KASHAN CARPETapproximately 393 x 288cmCondition Report: Some wear to carpet overall. Patches of additional wear reveal underlying weft and pale knot heads in areas - see images. Stands of broken weft poke through pile in places. Fringing is trimmed short at both ends and bear the expected wear and fraying. Binding to longest edges are generally tidy with just some minor wear and undulation. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 649
A LARGE FLEMISH EBONISED AND BRASS REPOUSSE MARGINAL MIRRORLATE 19TH CENTURY 212cm high, 132cm wideCondition Report: Mirror with the marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Brass repousse elements with the expected knocks, misshapen elements, splits and some losses - see images. Later brackets to the back of the mirror securing the cresting. Peripheral plates appear original and bear the expected depletion, bloom, losses and sparkle. One peripheral plate with three cracks. There are also cracks to the mirror plate of the cresting. Central plate is a later replacement. Various later metal brackets to joins of back. Backboard is lacking. Some minor evidence of old worm to back. Some later screws securing moulding to edges. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 114
A RARE GEORGE III BLACK JAPANNED AND POLYCHROME DECORATED SEMI ELLIPTICAL FOLDING TEA TABLEBY HENRY CLAY, LAST QUARTER 18TH CENTURY Veneered in papier mâché and painted, the top with neoclassical reserves and with Grand Tour style vignettes within bands of Roman style profile portraits, the interior with a Chinoiserie scene, the whole with 73.5cm high, 92cm wide, 46cm deep (when closed)The discovery of this rare table is an important addition to the very small number of known examples of furniture produced by the Birmingham manufacturer, inventor and entrepreneur Henry Clay (1738-1812).In 1776 Edward Daniel Clarke noted in his book that he had visited Clay- and seen two pier tables for Lord Bristol, "which were painted after some designs brought purposely from Rome". These tables for the 4th Earl disappeared until 1987 when two appeared at Christie's London with two further appearing in 2005 and two more known to be in a private collection. The Bristol tables were designed with decoration to the top in two styles. Either fully painted scenes of Italianate landscapes- or in the Pompeian manner with vignettes within formal borders with medallions of profile human and animal heads and with central medallion of Cupids sacrificing at an altar, while crowning a roundel portrait of Beatrice Cenci as seen in the Palazzo Barberini.This table corresponds to the second form of decorative design. A papier mâché tray in the Birmingham Museum stamped Henry Clay has this exact design- presented as an oval- which is how this table design would appear if two such tables were placed back-to-back. The frieze and top and legs are veneered in what Clay referred to as "panel"- his 1772 patented version of 'stoved', or baked, japanning on papier mâché.Whilst the location and existence of the Bristol tables is recorded- it is also known that Clay carried out commissions for other similar examples of furniture and tables. Most notably it was said that he presented a pair of pier tables to Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III. There appears to be no trace of such tables in the Royal Collection but it seems that many pieces purchased by Queen Charlotte were later sold. The gift had been made with a view to currying favour and further commissions from the Queen, her retinue and the court. It is a tantalising possibility that this table may be from one such commission.The interior decoration on this table, especially the execution of the trees, may be compared with the Clay panel sold by Woolley & Wallis, 11 November 2008, Lot 365. The pendant heads bear comparison with the doors in the Marble Hall, at Keddleston Hall in Derbyshire (pl.11 p21 in "Japanned Papier Mache").We are most grateful to Yvonne Jones for her assistance and suggestions with cataloguing and researching this table.Related Literature:Yvonne Jones, 'A recent discovery of two papier mâché pier tables by Henry Clay', The Furniture History Society Newsletter, no. 162, May 2006Yvonne Jones, 'George Brookshaw - Japanner! Further light on japanned metal and papier mâché furniture c. 1740-c. 1820', The Furniture History Society Newsletter, no. 173, February 2009Yvonne Jones, 'Japanned papier mâché and tinware c.1740-1940', pp.128-130, Woodbridge, Antique Collectors' Club, 2012Condition Report: Wear, abrasions and loss from use, handling and as per age.The surface uniformly with build up of surface dirt and varnish(?) discolouration. The main top with undulations from carcass movement. Streaky patches of surface that might be from old water spillage. Interior much better condition. Some rubbing to exposed gilded detailsStructurally- all 4 legs have been off at one time or another. Back two with modern metal strip bracing, 1 front with underframe block repair- the other with cruder nail repair.Losses to veneer most notably to extremities and exposed edges notably back corners, feet and top and frieze marginsPlease see numerous additional images for visual references to condition which form part of this condition report.All lots are available for inspection and Condition Reports are available on request. However, all lots are of an age and type which means that they may not be in perfect condition and should be viewed by prospective bidders; please refer to Condition 6 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers. This is particularly true for garden related items.We must advise you that we are not professional restorers or conservators and we do not provide any guarantee or warranty as to a lot's condition. Accordingly, it is recommended that prospective buyers inspect lots or have their advisors do so, and satisfy themselves as to condition and accuracy of descriptionAll lots are offered for sale "as viewed" and subject to the applicable Conditions of Business for Buyer's condition, which are set out in the sale catalogue and are available on request. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 303
Group of ceramic figures late 19th/early 20th Century, consisting of five animal band type pieces, unmarked, tallest 18cm high (5)Small faults, scratches and minor paint loss in places to all. Bear playing cello has bow damaged and repaired, chips to ears. Lion conductors baton broken. Monkey instrument broken and partially repainted. Dogs foot damaged and repaired. Cat badly damaged, repaired and worn.
Lot 100
The remarkable and rare Second War 1942 ‘escape and evasion’ M.M., and 1944 ‘North West Europe’ Second Award Bar group of seven awarded to Sergeant J. D. Coutts, No. 52 Commando and York and Lancaster Regiment. Coutts, fighting as part of ‘D’ Battalion, ‘Layforce’, was taken prisoner of war at the fall of Crete, 1 June 1941. Having been transported to mainland Greece, he effected his escape from a German POW camp via a sewer - twice getting stuck along the narrow route during the process. Evading capture with two other escapees, Coutts lost both of his comrades to malaria and exhaustion. Despite this, and by sheer bloody determination he carried on and made four attempts via boat to leave Greece for Turkey. Meeting up with other escapees along the way, including Lieutenant W. B. Thomas who went on to publish his memoirs about the eventual escape, Coutts finally made it in May 1942. He had numerous brushes with German patrols, a seaplane, and an E-boat just as Turkey loomed into sight. The war was not done with him, however, and he went on to distinguish himself with the Hallamshire Battalion in Normandy, June - July 1944. In particular during the attack on the fortified position at Barbee Farm, near Vendes, 16 July 1944, when he was in action with both a Bren Gun and a Mortar, personally accounting for a large number of enemy troops despite being wounded himself Military Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (4746052 Cpl. J. D. Coutts. Y. & L. R.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (4746052 Pte. J. D. Coutts. Y. & L. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (7) £8,000-£12,000 --- M.M. London Gazette 24 September 1942. The original recommendation states: ‘Corporal Coutts was captured at Sphakia on 1 June 1941, moved to Maleme and thence to Salonika. There were escapes nearly every day. The morning after a successful escape would be spent by the remainder on parade in the sun. Those caught escaping would not be seen again. One night the Germans decided to prevent any escapes by crowding prisoners into the centre of the camp. This suited the plans that Corporal Coutts and others had made that afternoon. They had noticed the opening of a sewer in the centre of the camp and had seen that it was wide enough for a man to crawl through. A Greek workman promised to take off the lid of another opening several hundred yards from the camp as soon as it was dark. They blocked the pipe from the latrines to the sewer and turned on all the taps there and in the wash-house and left them on all afternoon. The fact that all the prisoners of war had been pushed by the sentries to the centre of the camp provided an excuse for their presence by the sewer opening, and Coutts and seven others climbed down and crawled along. It took them two hours. Corporal Coutts is broadly built and twice stuck in particularly narrow spots. The artificial washing down they had given it made a considerable difference to the conditions, but even so two of them passed out as soon as they reached the opening and fresh air. They waited till they came round and then split up into parties of two and three. Corporal Coutts joined Corporal Ward and Trooper Nicholas. They knocked at the door of a house and were taken in. From there they gradually made their way down to Agion Oros peninsula, going north first to Langadas and then down through Evangelismos and Zagliveri receiving food and shelter wherever they stopped. Trooper Nicholas got malaria badly and through weakness and lack of medical attention died on 7 October 1941. Corporals Coutts and Ward stole a boat near Smerna and made for Imbros. Ten miles away bad weather forced them to go back. The effort was too much for Ward who died on 10 November 1941. Corporal Coutts spent most of the winter in a hut he built on the hills. With spring his strength began to return and he joined up with Lieutenant Thomas and Corporal Peacock in April. On 5 April they got a boat at Klephttikon and sailed for Imbros. Bad weather forced them to go back. On 16 April they tried again from Nea Skete, but had to return as round the point a strong light was flashed on them and they heard voices. They were joined by 2 Cypriots and a Greek officer on 2 May 1942 and on the same day Private Theodoros Georgiou, No. 4230, 232 Company, R.A.S.C., who has been recommended for a D.C.M., reached them. On 4 May 1942 they left with him and arrived at Turkey on 6 May 1942. Corporal Coutts not only did an excellent escape, but in spite of the death of his two companions - which must have been hard blows to bear - his frustrated attempt to reach Turkey and his own personal weakness, he struggled on in Greece alone. Finally with L/Cpl. Peacock and Lt. Thomas he made two more attempts to reach Turkey and only just failed owing to bad weather. He escaped thanks to sheer dogged courage.’ M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 21 December 1944. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states: ‘On 16 July 1944 Sergeant Coutts was commanding a platoon of a company ordered to reinforce Barbee Farm. His platoon HQ was twice attacked with grenades, and on both occasions he beat off the attack with his own grenades. Almost immediately afterwards he killed four of the enemy with a Bren Gun as they attempted to infiltrate into his platoon positions. Later, during the action when the members of his posts were killed or wounded and the post was occupied by the enemy, who were able to infiltrate another platoon position, he personally dealt with them with a 2 inch mortar. During the day the position was under direct fire from enemy riflemen and LMGs, and was frequently mortared. Quite regardless of his own personal safety Sergeant Coutts moved to and fro in platoon position, organising its defence and the evacuation of wounded, and encouraging his men. When the company was ordered to evacuate Barbee Farm Sjt. Coutts platoon was given the task of protecting the left flank. The Bren group detailed by him to cover his own flank was under fire from three directions. He remained with this gun and was wounded. He refused to leave his position until his platoon was clear from Barbee Farm. Throughout the day Sergenat Coutts displayed complete disregard for his personal safety and set an example of leadership and fighting spirit of the highest order.’ John Davie Coutts served with the York and Lancaster Regiment in Palestine, and during the initial stages of the Second World War. He volunteered for service with No. 52 Commando, which was formed in the Middle East. In February 1941 the latter amalgamated with other commando units to form ‘Layforce’, under the command of Colonel R. Laycock. No. 52 Commando formed part of ‘D’ Battalion, and as such fought during the Battle of Crete, 20 May - 1 June 1941. Coutts was taken prisoner of war by the Germans at the fall of Crete, 1 June 1941. He was transported to a prisoner of war camp in Greece, and from here successfully escaped (see recommendation above). One of the men whom he finally escaped with was Lieutenant W. B. Thomas, and the latter went on to publish his memoirs called Dare To Be Free. Coutts, or ‘Coote’ as he is referred to, features extensively in the book from the point at which they met in April 1942: ‘Well, it’s certainly nice to be able to speak English again,’ said the tall, fair lad as he came in the door, holding his hand out to me in greeting. ‘My name is John, Sergeant John Coote, of the Middle East Commandos, and I am very glad to meet you, I’m sure!’ I [Thomas] i...
Lot 317
Three: Sergeant John ‘Jock’ Cheyne, Gordon Highlanders, 11 Commando, who was posted to ‘L’ Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade in August 1941 and was killed in action on the first S.A.S. parachute drop in the Tmimi-Gazala raid in November 1941 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Army Council enclosure in card box of issue addressed to his girlfriend ‘Miss Carmichael’ at Falkirk, extremely fine (3) £800-£1,000 --- 2876138 Sergeant John Cheyne, Gordon Highlanders, late 11 Commando, attached “L” Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, was killed in action on 16 November 1941. He was aged 25, the son of George and Helen Cheyne, of Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, and is commemorated by name on the Alamein Memorial. ‘John Cheyne was born at Muiryfold Turriff on the 1st of May 1916. (The night the German Airship crossed over the district). He was the second son of George Cheyne who was a horseman at that farm. Up to May 1929, John received his early education at Woodhead, Fyvie. His father moved to Todfold, Kemnay, where he worked with Allan Forbes of Tillybin, Kintore, and John finished his education at Kemnay Secondary School. He then worked for two years on local farms. At a little over sixteen years old, he lied about his age and joined the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders serving in Gibraltar and Singapore. Following his seven years in the Gordons, he worked with J. Joss in the sand quarries at Bridge of Don. At the first sign of hostilities, he was recalled from the reserves to train conscripts, a job which he disliked, as he could not bear to train boys to go out to be killed, while he, a trained soldier, remained at home. When the 11th Scottish Commandos was formed, he was one of the first volunteers, taking part in many of the first raids [including the Litani River operation]. The 11th Commando was disbanded in the summer of 1941 and John Cheyne was one of the first to be picked by David Stirling to form the S.A.S., the elite band, who were trained to work in small numbers behind enemy lines. He perished on their first raid on the night of 17/18 November 1941. They set off from an airfield in Cyrenaica in Libya, fifty five men in five old Bombay aircraft, with the intention of parachuting behind enemy lines to place a limpet mine on every plane at Malene and Tmimi aerodromes at Gazala. They ran into a terrific thunder storm and no one knows yet what happened to most of them. He has no known grave, and his name appears on the pillar of the Alamein Memorial, in Egypt in column 69’ (Kemnay Parish Church Records refer). Cheyne is mentioned in numerous books and accounts of Operation ‘Squatter’ which also give varying accounts of his fate but it would seem most likely that he was badly injured, having broken his back on landing. Unable to walk Cheyne and another badly injured man ‘were left with a supply of water and two revolvers. Few words were said. There was little to say. Cheyne lay unconscious, “huddled in the blankets that were brought him”. The injured men were never seen again.’
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