Outstanding Double Gallantry Medal, Insignia and Paperwork Group of Lieutenant James Arthur Riccomini Royal Army Service Corps, Army Air Corps, Attached 2nd Special Air Service Regiment (S.A.S), Awarded the MBE for Escaping Captivity and Serving with Italian Partisan Fighters, Military Cross Awarded for Operations Behind Enemy Lines with the 2nd Special Air Service, Finally Being Killed in Action during the SAS Raid on Villa Rossi on 27th March 1945, The medals consisting of Order of the British Empire M.B.E Military type with engraved to the reverse of the crown “J.A.R”, George VI Military Cross officially engraved to the reverse 1945 and additionally engraved “James A Riccomini”, 1939-45 star, Africa star, Italy star and 1939-45 War medal, these have all been privately engraved by the current vendor “LT J A RICCOMINI MBE MC 2ND SAS”. The medals have been mounted onto a display board along with two brass rank pips, Africa star ribbon, RASC sweetheart brooch and printed recommendations for both awards. Loose from the display is the original named condolence slip, OHMS forwarding box addressed to his wife (who had re-married) in Maidstone and Royal Mint cases for both the MBE and Military Cross.Accompanying the medals are the following items of cloth insignia which belonged to Lieutenant Riccomini including his embroidered sky blue on maroon 2nd S.A.S cloth shoulder title, embroidered WW2 period Special Air Service parachute wing, embroidered S.A.S wartime winged dagger beret badge and embroidered Free French arm badge. These have all been tacked to a piece of khaki cloth for display.An archive of original and photocopied research accompanies this grouping, which has been professionally collated and displayed in a file. The paperwork includes his marriage certificate, hospital release documents, Special Orders, telegrams from home, receipt for an Egyptian Antiquity he purchased whilst stationed in Egypt, typed reconnaissance reports, etc.Amongst the paperwork is a very interesting forged Italian identity card given to Riccomini by the Partisans, which has his photograph inside and gives his name as Enrico Riccomini, from Roma Italia. He would have been carrying this on him whilst trying to get to Switzerland.Archive continues with various letters and photographs taken whilst in Switzerland, official recommendation for the MBE, letter to his wife in 1947 confirming her visit to Buckingham Palace to collect his award and a letter which he smuggled out of Italy in which he wrote to his wife, within this letter he states, “On September 19th last year I was lucky enough to escape from the Germans & since that time I have been hiding & running, always finding wonderful friends among the Italian people. Today another chap and I are starting out for Switzerland. We hope to be there in two or three days time. If we are lucky this will not be sent, but if we fail you will receive this after the war. Sorry darling that I cannot write more, but this note has to be hidden securely. My love to all at home Janey I’m hoping to see you before long & remember that I love you, Your Husband Jim”The archive then moves onto his service with the SAS and his involvement in Operation Gallia, which is what he was awarded his Military Cross for. This includes a number of letters and extracts from books giving history and testimonials about James Riccomini. Then continues with information about operation Tombola and his death during the attack on Villa Rossi, including his last letter home to his wife and also a letter written by Major R Walker-Brown about his death, “I am most sad to have to tell you that Ricci was killed in action in Italy on the 27th March 45. Ricci as we all called him, died a brave and gallant death at the head of his men, during one of the most dangerous and effective attacks ever undertaken by this regiment against the enemy.” He goes on to state that he has enclosed an image of his grave and where it is located, this image is also in the archive. Other paperwork in the archive includes his bestowal document for the MBE, painting of his parachute drop, two of his original diaries and a quantity of books about the SAS in which he is mentioned in most.M.B.E. London Gazette 1 March 1945, The recommendation for his award of the MBE was as follows, “Lieutenant James Arthur Riccomini (137803) 286 Coy R.A.S.C, Lieutenant Riccomini was captured at Halfaya Pass on the 16th June 1941 and was imprisoned in camp 5 (Gavi) at the time of the Italian Armistice. This camp was taken over by the Germans on the 9th September 1943 and the main body moved to Germany on 13th September 1943. With several other officers, Lieutenant Riccomini hid in the camp while the move took place, but was discovered three days later and moved by bus to Mantova. On the evening of the 18th September 1943, he and 16 other officers were locked in a cattle truck for transportation to Germany. Immediately the train started they began to cut a hole in the back of the truck, this was completed in about three hours and they drew lots as to who should jump first. Lieutenant Riccomini and another officer jumped from the moving train just north of Roverto at about 0430 Hrs on the 19th September 1943 and walked South-East making for Yugoslavia. A week later they joined a Partisan band led by an Italian ex-officer. Lieutenant Riccomini and his companion remained with this band until January 1944, helping to organise resistance, getting together dumps of ammunition and obtaining intelligence reports. The band was broken up by Germans and these officers then organised a route to Switzerland by which they themselves and several other Ex Prisoners of War in the area crossed the Swiss border on the 11th January 1944.” Military Cross London Gazette 1 March 1945. The recommendation for his Military Cross was as follows, “Lieutenant James Arthur Riccomini (137803) R.A.S.C, This officer dropped behind enemy lines by parachute on 27th December 1944 as 2nd in command of an S.A.S troop. On the 11th January 1945 he was commanding a detachment which ambushed a German column on the Genoa-Spezia road near Bocca Del Pignone. One lorry was completely destroyed and a staff car was riddled with Machine Gun fire. 30 casualties in killed and wounded were inflicted on the Germans. The success of this operation was entirely due to this officers personal skill and courage. He directed the fire attack on the column in full view of the enemy, completely ignoring the fire returned by them. On 19th January 1945 he again ambushed two vehicles on the road Pontrmoli-Spezia as they were crossing a bridge. One truck was destroyed and a number of casualties were inflicted on the Germans. When 10,000 enemy troops were conducting a Rostrellimento against the SAS contingent on several occasions it was entirely this officers skill and personal courage which prevented the enemy from capturing or killing personnel under his command. Despite a badly poisoned foot, in arctic conditions of gales, sleet and snow, he made his way through deep snow drifts with his men, never failing to carry out any task allotted him. Throughout the operations lasting from 27th December 1944 to 20th February 1945 he was a personal source of inspiration and encouragement to his men. His conduct could not have been excelled in any way being far above the normal call of duty.”
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WW2 Polish Army Beret Badges, being mostly bullion embroidered officers examples. All mounted on sections of beret cloth with various rank insignias mounted underneath. One woven beret badge and two slip on rank insignias mounted onto shoulder board displays. Ex Private Polish Museum collection. (12 items)
11x Post 1953 Cap / Beret Badges, for various regiments, including East Surrey, Devonshire, Royal Hampshire, Dorset, The Border regiment, East Lancashire regiment, Loyal North Lancashire regiment, Royal Fusiliers, South Staffordshire regiment, The Kings Own and the Rifle Brigade. Various conditions. (11 items)
Grouping of Royal Air Force Headdress, consisting of officers service dress peaked cap by Moss Bros with bullion EIIR officers cap badge; Princess Marys Royal Air Force Nursing Service (P.M.R.A.F.N.S) tri-corn cap with bullion EIIR officers cap badge; RAF Police other ranks peaked cap with anodised cap badge; 1951 dated RAF blue beret with brass kings crown other ranks cap badge; Girls Training Corps side cap with brass badge and 2x Girls Venture Corps side caps with chrome and enamel badges. All generally in good condition. (7 items)
Selection of WW2 Polish Cloth Insignia, consisting of a pair of Artillery officers collar badges with metal Polish eagles to the centres, pair of cloth Armoured division collar pennants, a crude made single collar pennant in red and white cloth, 2x display mounted shoulder boards, Polish armoured beret display piece and 4x pairs of cloth collar badges mounted onto card with Polish identification underneath.
Selection of Badges, Cloth Insignia and Medals of Queen Alexandria’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, Queen Alexandria’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve and Territorial Army Nursing Service, including fine silver gilt kings crown Q.A.R.A.N.C officers cap badge, 2x officers silver gilt collar badges, EIIR Q.A.R.A.N.C officers silver gilt cap and collar badge set, 2x bi-metal enlisted ranks cap badges, cloth beret badge, 3x various cloth shoulder titles, 3x QAIMNS silver gilt collar badges, 3x silver gilt Territorial Army Nursing Service badges, white metal TANS collar badge, crude chromed brass Territorial Army Nursing Service cap badge, 5x Queen Alexandrias Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve badges, 2x Queen Alexandrias Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve Tippet medals (one hallmarked silver), small type Queen Alexandrias Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve Tippet medal, Territorial Force Nursing Service medal, QARANC brass shoulder title and India Military Nursing Service Badge. All generally in good condition. (31 items)
Six Action figures, U.S. Army Special Force Sniper by Hot Toys Military, Elite Force - The Green Beret 'Eagle' by Blue Box Toys, Elite Force - Seal Helicopter Sniper 'Hawkeye' by Blue Box Toys, Dragon Action Figure - WWII Cyber-Hobby Exclusive Arnhem 1944 'Major General Roy', Dragon - F-14 Tomcat Pilot 'Lt. Pete Bennett Popeye', Dragon - SAS Who Dares Wins 'Nigel' & two The Ultimate Soldier Uniform Sets, all boxed (8)
Painted pine trunk for C F SHilton containing: kitbag painted Shilton RAPC HMT Nevasa, Kure Japan to Southampton, pair of brown leather boots size 9 M Fitt by John White, boxed Military toilet set, waterproof Reefer jacket size 44, green shirt, jacket & trousers, beret with Royal Engineers badge, webbing belt, three leather brief case and a laced leather football inscribed Army Cup, (qty)
A Collection Of Vintage Hats With Hatbox Four in total, each a small pillbox shape. To include, small peach hat by Edna Wallace with large pink organza rose, small grey wool beret with multiple button detail. Also a small black glazed straw beret and black woven hat with mesh overlay and small black plumes.
A group of ten silver figures, London, 1990, including an artist in beret and smock, holding a palette and brushes; two clowns; four choristers with hymn books; a butcher in apron, neck-tie and straw boater, holding a chicken; a chauffeur in long coat and peaked cap, holding a satchel; and one other unidentified figure, 6.5-7.1 cm. high, wt. 311 gm., contained in two fitted boxes.Good condition except one chorister needs hymn book re-attached and chauffeur needs one arm re-attached with a spot of solder. (Very minor job for a silversmith).
A group of Bill Gibb knitwear, 1970s, labelled, comprising patterned jumper, Byzantine collection, A/W 1976-77; pale blue jumper and bodice, with matching beret and scarf; orange scarf and leg warmers, all A/W 1977-78; black wool skirt; together with two scarves, one with matching leg warmers, various sizes (13) For an image of the blue jumper, scarf and beret being worn on the catwalk, A/W 1977-78, see 'Bill Gibb: Fashion & Fantasy' by Ian R. Webb, p.77. Lots 45 to 62: The collection of Greta Morrison, wife of the late rock promoter Bryan Morrison (1942 - 2008). Bryan represented some of the leading bands of the time, including Pink Floyd, Fairport Convention and Tyrannosaurus Rex. He was also Bill Gibb's business partner. Greta wore these clothes to some of the most important and groovy social events and parties of 1970s London. CONDITION REPORT: Good condition. Appear hardly worn. Beret has moth hole. Blue jumper - faint soiling (make-up) to inside neck (minor), bust 34in, 86cm. Black skirt waist 24in, 61cm. Byzantine orange and black jumper has 2 small moth holes near neck, bust 36in, 92cm.
Five 1:6 scale soldier action figures: Blue Box Elite Force Green Beret US Army Special Forces 'Eagle'; Hot Toys USMC Sniper Operation Iraqi Freedom 23rd Marine Regiment; DiD Corporation Napoleonic Series 15th King's Hussars; Dragon Swift Freedom Delta Force 'Frank'; Dragon WWII Mariupol 1941 LAH Division 'Kurt'. VG but have been opened and may be missing accessories, G boxes. (5)
Pedigree Sindy Patch: Patch doll, brunette, head detached; Patch doll, blonde; Dungarees outfit; School Days dress, blazer, beret, shoes and ink; Swan Lake tutu, tights and headband; Bedtime night dress and two house coats with toothpaste and toothbrush; Birthday Party dress and cape; Easy Life; Home For The Day; Brownie dress, neck tie, beret and knickers; Half Term skirt, polo neck, blazer and kitten; other clothing; etc.
A small collection of buttons and medallions, including three by J.R Gaunt, one for the Territorial Army, a pair of chain mail shoulder protectors, each having three pips attached etc, together with a Royal Artillery cap and a Luton Knitting Company blue beret, marked with broad arrow and dated 1953 (parcel)
Selection of Various Items consisting light khaki drill open collar tunic. Pleated chest and lower bag pockets, all with buttoned flaps. QC embroidery RAF Pilot wings. Group Captain shoulder braid rank. QC anodised RAF buttons. Internal issue label ... Matching trousers ... RAF blue grey woollen beret with lower leather band. KC brass RAF badge ... Post 1953 Petty Officer peaked cap complete with badge ... Brown leather Sam Browne belt and cross strap. Quantity.
RAF Three Early Post WW2 Berets. Comprising: Private Purchase Beret complete with King's Crown Officer's Badge ... Issue example with King's Crown Warrant Officer Badge ... Issue Other Rank's Beret (1950) complete with King's crown brass badge. Overall GC Slight service Wear. ... Also a Post 1953 WRAF Officer's Cap by 'Gieves'. ... and a net helmet. GC. (5 items)
A pair of 1930s black suede shoes; a 1940s knitted Fair Isle beret, a Manning of London cream wool hat, 1960s Norvic cream court shoes, 1970s Dolly Varden orange and black suede platform shoes, 1970s brown suede platform boots, 1980s white Van Dal peeptoe shoes and a quantity of other shoes, braces and winter scarves.
A quantity of ladies hats, to include; a feather cloche hat, a 1940s De Luca brown felt hat, a pale grey felt hat, a blue woollen beret, a red Kangol beret, a pink Norman Edwin hat, a brown silk velvet beret, three vintage hat boxes, two card hat boxes and a collection of other ladies hats, (a lot).
A mixed lot of textiles and costume; to include a ceremonial hat embellished with tokens and ornaments, silk tassels, a small brown felt beret with CC41 Utility label, a woven silk shawl, scarves, a pale blue evening stole with blue beadwork decoration, paper Chinese lanterns, a Bakelite darning mushroom, souvenir handkerchiefs, a hand painted butterfly design collar, 1950s pink straw hat, unused lingerie straps, boxed handkerchiefs, a collection of wedding ephemera and other miscellaneous items.
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4633 item(s)/page