BOCKSCAR: Signed 10 x 8 photograph by eight of the ten man crew of the American Air Force B-29 Bomber that dropped the second Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, 8th August 1945, comprising Captain Charles D. Albury (co-pilot), Lieutenant Frederick J. Olivi (third pilot), Captain Kermit Beahan (bombardier), Captain James F. Van Pelt Jr. (navigator), Lieutenant Jacob Beser (radio-countermeasures specialist), Master Sergeant John D. Kuharek (flight engineer), Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Gallagher (mechanic/gunner) and Lt. Cmdr. Frederick L. Ashworth of the US Navy (weaponeer in charge of the bomb). The image shows the crew standing and crouched together in two rows. Signed by the eight individually in blue or black inks to clear areas of the image, many adding their ranks beneath their signatures. VG
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Military Cross Medal Group awarded to Major/Flight Lieutenant Bernard Green who took part in `The Great Escape` from Stalag Luft 3 in March 1944. To be sold on the instructions of his daughter Miss J Green and comprising: George V Military Cross, 1914-15 Star (inscribed), 1914-20 War Medal (inscribed) and 1919 Victory Medal with MID leaf spray, 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, 1939-45 War Medal with MID leaf spray and Special Constabulary Medal for long service. A full set of miniatures, a full set of ribbons and a set of ribbons minus 1935-45 War Medal. Together with World War I associated ephemera and postcard photographs relating to Major Bernard Green, and the East Kent Yeomanry, Royal East Kent mounted Rifles and Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Light Infantry, including a Roll Book belonging to Major Green for No 1 Platoon, `A` Company. World War II ephemera collected by Flt Lt Bernard Green, including items of particular interest relating to `The Great Escape` of which there are photographs of POWs and a collection of `Sweetheart` letters from Stalag Luft 1 (7), Stalag Luft 2 (2) and Stalag Luft 3 (27). A programme and two ticket stubs for the film premiere of `The Great Escape` from the World Charity Premiere screening on 20th June 1963, which Bernard Green attended. Various books relating to `The Great Escape`, including `Scangriff` - Spotlight on Stalag Luft III (2), Brickhill [Flt Lt Paul] - The Great Escape, and Brickhill & Norton - Escape to Danger with inscription by Bernard Green, etc. Also Bernard Green`s RAF officers cap and dress tunic with medal ribbons and `AG` cloth badge and a further collection of related letters, certificates, service books, invitations, services association information, passport, and a collection of vintage postcards. Together with this lot two copies of The Illustrated London News, various books, and a collection of vintage maps and guides, formerly the property of Bernard Green. BERNARD `POP` GREENOn 23rd/24th March 1944, 76 Airmen escaped from POW camp Stalag Luft 3 at Sagan in Poland. Their escape through the tunnel `Harry` and the story of the days that followed became known as `The Great Escape` and has now become part of British folklore.Bernard Green was born in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire on 23rd December 1887.He was educated at Clifton College, London University and Cambridge University.At the outbreak of war in 1914 Bernard joined the Royal East Kent Rifles as a private.He was subsequently commissioned into the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire light Infantry as a Second Lieutenant in June 1914.In 1917 he was mentioned in despatches, and in 1918 was awarded the Military Cross. He became a specialist machine-gunner, and when he resigned his commission in 1920 he was granted the rank of Major, although modestly it was a title that he very rarely used. Between the war years he worked for the family paper making firm, and in 1926 became a Special Constable, eventually achieving a long service medal.In 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War Bernard Green applied for a commission as an officer air gunner with the RAF Volunteer Reserve. In December 1939 he took up active service as Pilot Officer 76904, at the RAF Number 3 Bomb Gunnery School.It`s not clear why, in July 1940, at the age of 53 Bernard took up a place as rear gunner on a Hampden bomber. The plane was flying out of R A F Waddington with 44th Squadron on a mine laying mission. It may have been due to shortage of men or his strong sense of duty and loyalty to his squadron. In the early hours of 20th July the Hampden was hit by flak off the coast of Denmark and ditched into the sea in Tannis Bay, 300-400 metres off shore at Kandestederne. Two of the crew perished, but P/O Green and P/S Farrands survived and swam ashore. Later that morning Bernard Green came into contact with a party of local peat cutters and refused the opportunity of concealment from the enemy, as he knew what the consequences would be for his rescuers if found. A unit of German soldiers had been alerted and soon arrived to collect him.Bernard Green was sent to Dulag Luft in Oberursel where he was interrogated and then sent on to Stalag Luft 1 at Barth. Subsequently he was moved to Stalag Luft 3 at Sagan, in Poland.It seems that Bernard Green took a very active part in the daily operations of escape work at Stalag Luft 3. He was a popular character and would have been a father figure to the majority of the much younger men, hence his nickname `Pop`. He was certainly known to have acted as a `penguin` in distributing the waste soil over the compound as tunnel `Harry` took shape. The events of the Great Escape have been well documented and are known to many through John Sturges` classic film. One fact that many are not aware of is that there was thick snow on the ground in that part of Poland in March 1944. Green and others did make their escape after overcoming the shortfall of the tunnel and gathered with a group of about twelve others all dressed as Czech workmen. They walked for some distance through the woods in thick snow and eventually made their way to a railway station south of Sagan. It was from there that they travelled about fifty miles and alighted from the train just short of Hirschberg.Continuing on foot and approaching a village that was impassable because of heavy snow in the fields, Bernard Green was captured by a German soldier as walked straight through the village.Flight Lieutenant Green as he was now known following promotion, was eventually taken back to Stalag Luft 3 and spent 14 days in the "cooler". Sadly, as is well known, many of the escapees were not so lucky. Bernard Green spent the rest of the war at Sagan. At 57 years old he was surely the oldest of the men who attempted such a brave escape.In 1947 Flight Lt Green was mentioned in despatches as published in The London Gazette on 7th January. In June 1963 Bernard and his wife attended the World charity film premiere of `The Great Escape` at the Odeon Theatre, Leicester Square.He died following ill health on 2nd November 1971. The account of the personal military history to be available on view with the items, and facsimile copies of the documents only to handled on view, unless by special arrangement
An interesting collection of WWII aviation memorabilia, photographs and medals, the former property of 1608951 Flt Sergant K.A. Marsh RAF, including two photographic albums and various loose photographs, notably aerial shots including bombing raids, and a shot of a mis-directed bomb glancing off the hull of a B24 Liberator; logs books and diaries, various maps and navigation reference books, 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, War Medal and Defence Medal in postage box to K.A. Marsh.
The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein: an archive of photographs and memorabilia relating to Field Marshal Montgomery, comprising: a photograph album with shots in North Africa of Montgomery and other senior officers, British and American soldiers, artillery, military vehicles, and other interesting studies, three signed by Montgomery; a quantity of loose photographs, mainly of Northern Europe at the time of the allied advance and including Montgomery with senior allied commanders such as General Eisenhower and Churchill, Montgomery talking with other ranks and conducting inspections, bomb damage, broken bridges, aerial shots, Russians parading in Berlin, and other subjects - many with War Office stamps to their reverses; a Union Flag once flown on Montgomery's car and bearing the signatures of numerous members of his staff, mounted in a leather folder together with a signed photograph, also a loose pennon and a photograph of King George VI standing in a staff car; two related commemorative books.
Postcard accumulation in albums including subsidence, Northwich 1906 animated street scenes, social history, silks including bomb damage Albert 1914, shipping, fishing, Napoleon, novelty, early undivided backs, artist drawn, Louis Wain, horses, hunting, Royalty, Mabel Lucie Attwell, Bonzo, children, animals, Colchester and other local towns (qty)
WORLD WAR II: Two A.Ls.S., David, by an unidentified officer serving on H.M.S. Hood, eight pages (total), 4to, n.p. (at sea), 20th October n.y. (1939) and 26th July 1940, each to his cousin, Cynthia Atherton Brown, on the blue printed stationery of H.M.S. Hood. The officer writes two interesting letters, in part, 'You look terrific as the decontamination girl-tin hat and all!...Life here is cold and pretty monotonous though we have had one or two excitements. The King and Winston Churchill have both been onboard, the latter gave us a few well chosen words, and was well up to form. We have also had a bomb dropped quite close to us, bits of it came on board but didn't damage anybody...' (20th October 1939), 'There is certainly a mother and father of a scrap coming off soon, and Hitler is going to have the surprise of his life-we must admit he's made very good going to date and done just as he predicted, but he's going to come a hell of a cropper at his last fence, I don't think he likes water very much!... Of course you have got to scrap like hell to fix the Bosche when he does come over, but its just the stuff to drive the Bosche into the sea at the point of the bayonet and give him some of his own medicine. In the meanwhile we'll set about starving Europe out this winter! A pleasant thought! But it is undoubtedly what the duty of the Navy is-and there is also no doubt that millions will starve this winter and I can't see America helping them out....Haven't the French got a prize collection of gangsters ruling them now, they really are hand picked! God help the ordinary Frenchman, they are in for the devil of a time.' (26th July 1940). Both letters are accompanied by the original envelopes. VG, 2 H.M.S. Hood was sunk in combat with the German Battleship Bismarck at the Battle of Denmark Strait on 24th May 1941. Of the 1418 crew members only three survived.
DALUEGE KURT: (1897-1946) Deputy Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, one of only four men to hold the rank of SS Oberst-Gruppenfuhrer. T.L.S., K. Daluege, one page, 4to, Berlin, 3rd November 1943, to Heinrich (Himmler) on his personal printed stationery. Daluege states that he is enclosing the latest report (no longer present) on his Operational Staff Unit II, led by Major Jurk. He continues 'You can see from the report just how great the achievements of Jurk's operational staff have been. The men of this unit constitute an exceptional construction team and can therefore be employed...in our great tasks for the SS and the Police!'. Daluege further praises his old and loyal comrade and friend, remarking, 'Leadership is, of course, always the decisive factor in the staff unit, and here I must once again express my fullest appreciation of Major Jurk', in concluding he adds 'Just now we have such a pressing need for these workers to deal with bomb damaged SS and Police Headquarters, if we are to continue to exercise our command activities in these premises. Jurk has shown that, with his operational staff unit, he is exceptionally good in that field'. Two file holes to left edge, otherwise VG
WHITTLE FRANK: (1907-1996) English Royal Air Force Officer, inventor of the jet engine. Signed 26 x 22.5 colour print entitled Meteor strikes its first blow by artist Frank Wootton, depicting a Meteor EE216 flown by F/O Dean flipping over a V1 bomb with its wing to score its first combat success on 4th August 1944. Limited Edition number 122 of 850 published to benefit the Battle of Britain museum, 1981. Signed in bold pencil to the lower border by Frank Whittle, F/O Dean and the artist, Frank Wootton. EX
WALLIS BARNES: (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. Signed 21.5 x 20 colour print entitled Lancaster-Attack on the Mohne Dam-16th/17th May 1943 by artist Frank Wootton. Limited Edition number 24 of 850 published to benefit the RAF Museum Appeal, 1977. Signed in bold pencil to the lower white border by both Barnes Wallis and the artist, Frank Wootton. A couple of light surface creases to the white border, otherwise VG
SPAFFORD FREDERICK: (1918-1943) Australian Flying Officer, Bomb Aimer on AJ-G 'George' during Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. Spafford was killed in action on 16th September 1943. Rare, bold fountain pen ink signature ('F. M. Spafford, RAAF') on a small, slim slightly irregularly clipped piece. Neatly laid down to a white card and mounted alongside a biography, magazine photograph etc. G
A second quarter of the 19th Century Mahogany cased 8-day floor standing Household Regulator, unsigned, the hood with overhanging cornice, over freestanding baluster columns, to an ogee throat and a plain frieze to a shaped short trunk door, flanked by quarter reeded columns, and raised on a plain plinth base, to a glazed door with Brass bezel, enclosing a 13½" painted Roman dial, with outside minute track and enclosing subsidiaries for seconds with black painted spade hands, to a movement with plates united by four knoped pillars with deadbeat escapement with strike on bell, to a wooden stemmed pendulum with large Brass face lead bob and a pair of "Mortar Bomb" cast iron weights, height 78"
A collection of thirty-five pieces of W H Goss Crested ware to include various cauldrons, bowls, ashtrays, tygs also a model of Chicken Rock Lighthouse, Isle of Man, battle of Largs Tower, Norwegian horse shaped beer bowl, incendiary bomb dropped at Maldon 16th April 1915 from a German Zeppelin, etc
A pattern 1821 Volunteer Artillery Officer's Sword in Scabbard. Steel three bar guard with slot for sword knot near the pommel. Wood grip covered in black fishskin and bound with silver wire. The slightly curved, flat backed blade has a single fuller to each side to within 10.25 of the double edged spear point. The blade is etched over two thirds of its length with a foliate design. The right side of the blade is etched "VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY" and the left side with a flaming bomb and artillery piece. The left side of the ricasso is etched with the maker's name "FIRMIN & SONS, 153 STRAND, LONDON". Manufactured 1839. Steel scabbard with two suspension rings. Blade 32".
Schutte-Lanz SL11, Six Photographs by H.Scott Orr, the six positions of the shooting down of the SL11, by Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson, V.C., 39 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, over Cuffley, Hertfordshire September 1916, each mounted on card, stamped to the reverse, for the photographer with his address 'The Studio, High Road, Woodford Green, dated 3-Sep 1916. London Gazette 5th September 1916. War Office 5th September 1916. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned officer, Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson, Worcestershire Regiment and Royal Flying Corps, for most conspicuous bravery. He attacked an enemy airship under circumstances of great difficulty and danger, and sent it to the ground as a flaming wreck, he had been in the air for more than two hours and had previously attacked another airship during his flight. On the afternoon of the 2nd September 1916, sixteen airships from the German Naval/Army Division, set out for England on what was going to be the biggest air raid of the war, amongst them the SL11, recently built at the Lanz factory at Liepzig, commanded by Hauptmann Wilhelm Schramm, an experienced airship captain who knew the area he was about to bomb better than most of his colleagues, having been born at Old Charlton, Kent. At 23.00 hours the RFC Defence squadrons were put on alert and a welcoming party was prepared, Robinson was first away in his BE2c, although the night sky was full of thick fog, he was convinced it would be clearer higher up, and after loading three drums of Brock and Pommeroy ammunition, he took off safely and disappeared into the mist. Schramm's SL11 had approached London from the North, having passed over Royston and Hitchin, it began its destruction of North London, the Finsbury and Victoria Park searchlights caught her over Alexandra Palace, and the gunners filled the air around the ship with explosives, hundreds of spectators watched from the ground, but no matter how close the shell's burst they seemed to have no effect, then the crowds fell silent, an aircraft had appeared, running a gauntlet of fire, Robinson had appeared from nowhere and was heading straight for the SL11, he had his first drum of Brock and Pommeroy ready, and riddled the airships entire length with bullets, again and again he loaded and racked the massive craft, but to no effect, to the thousands watching it seemed as though a midge was fluttering around a lamp, and then suddenly a dull pink glow from the rear of the ship, and within seconds, the entire hull was ablaze, the hydrogen had ignited, with a brilliance that turned the night sky into day, it was 2.30 in the morning on Sunday 3rd September, and 12,500 feet above London a German airship had been destroyed. For thousands of people it was without doubt the most memorable events of the entire war, it is difficult to imagine one man achieving anything more spectacular, the blazing wreckage of SL11 slowly fell to earth, but before it even reached the ground the whole of London was celebrating in boistrous fashion, William Leefe Robinson was a national hero, and the authorities at last had a home defence hero, a ' Zepp Straffer' who had transformed the battle in the air over Britain. Visit www.dnfa.com for condition reports.
A Collection of Trench Art, including two paper knives, the blades engraved "Souvenior from Dunkerque" and "1919 Souvenir France", with bullet handles, a table lighter made from a mortar bomb applied with a regimental crest; a shell with engraved inscription "Shell fired from a British Anti-Aircraft Gun....", ten various shell cases and an army issue shovel
MARTIN HAROLD: (1918-1988) Australian Air Marshal with the RAF, participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, 1943. A colour 24 x 20 print by artist Robert Taylor entitled The Dambusters depicting Martin piloting his bomber aircraft, having just released the bouncing bomb. Signed ('Mick Martin') in bold pencil with his name alone to the lower border beneath the image. Rolled, VG
DOUGLAS-HOME ALEC: (1903-1995) British Prime Minister 1963-64. Interesting T.L.S., Alec Douglas-Home, two pages, 4to, London, 19th September 1972, to Sidney Shipton (1929-2008, Interfaith Activist, General Secretary of the Zionist Federation), on the printed stationery of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Douglas-Home thanks his correspondent for their letter about terrorist activity and continues 'The messages sent by the Prime Minister and myself to the Israeli authorities after the Munich atrocities....can have left Arab governments in no doubt that, in our view, acts of terrorism by the extremist Palestinian organisations warrant the most vigorous condemnation. This is not only because they are intrinsically evil but also because they cannot fail to put off the realisation of a settlement of the Arab/Israel dispute, based on the Security Council Resolution of November 1967, which would bring real peace to the area and give the Palestinians their due.' Douglas-Home continues to refer to measures the United Nations are proposing against international terrorism which the government support. Loosely attached to the letter are three associated photocopies taken from Hansard, 27th July 1972. Together with a second T.L.S., Alec Douglas-Home, two pages, 4to, London, 20th September 1972, to Sidney Shipton, on the printed stationery of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Douglas-Home thanks his correspondent for a telegram and confirms that he has conveyed to the Israel Foreign Minister 'my shock and distress at the outrageous act of terrorism at the Israel Embassy yesterday which resulted in the tragic death of Dr. Shachori.' He continues 'There is no question about HMG's attitude towards terrorism, whatever its source. We have made our position absolutely clear in the United Nations.' and further explains the discussions that they are actively involved in with other organisations and the European Community to find 'ways in which we can together combat terrorist activities in Europe more effectively.' Accompanied by a copy of Shipton's telegram, issued in the form of a press release, and an admission ticket to a public rally and demonstration on The Lessons of the Munich Martyrs organised by The Zionist Federation on 19th September 1972. VG, 2. On 5th September 1972 a band of "Black September" Arab Guerillas had broken into the Israeli building in the Olympic Village near Munich and murdered several Israeli athletes and taken others hostage, demanding the release of 200 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. On 19th September, as referred to in Douglas-Home's letter, an Israeli diplomat was killed in London by a letter bomb perpetrated by "Black September".
A WWII German wood lined silver cigar/cigarette box, 8½" x 5¾" x 1½", the lid engraved "DEM I. KOMMANDEUR DER I./LEHRGESCHWADER 1. 1.11.39-5.7.40", facsimile signatures of personnel, a cartoon of a grinning winged bomb, and names of various places including Wesendorf, Rye, Dusseldorf, and Brussel, the base bearing "800" mark and maker's mark "JF". GC
Orsbridge, Philip These historical views of ye last glorious expedition of his Britannic majesty's ships and forces against the Havannah. [London, c.1765]. Folio, engraved frontispiece, 12 engraved plates by Canot and Mason after D. Serres, 50 x 74.5cm, each plate framed and glazed, some light foxing to plates, plates laid down on backing boards Note: A series of depictions from the last major operation of the Seven Years War, 1756–63. The Capture of Havana was part of England's offensive against Spain when she entered the war in support of France late in 1761. The British Government's response was immediately to plan large offensive amphibious operations against Spanish overseas possessions, particularly Havana, the capital of the western dominions and Manila, the capital in the east. Havana needed large forces for its capture and early in 1762 ships and troops were dispatched under Admiral Sir George Pocock and General the Earl of Albemarle. The force that descended on Cuba consisted of 22 ships of the line, four 50-gun ships, three 40-gunners, a dozen frigates and a dozen sloops and bomb vessels. In addition there were troopships, storeships, and hospital ships. Pocock took this great fleet of about 180 vessels from Jamaica and sailed through the dangerous Old Straits of Bahama to take Havana by surprise. "Overall, the enterprise has been rated a masterpiece of planning, amphibious warfare, and naval prowess." (ODNB) Philip Orsbridge was a lieutenant on board the Orford at the capture of Havana and he recorded in drawings the events as they unfolded. On his return to London he decided to turn his sketches to advantage by publishing them. Influenced by the policies of George Anson, First Lord of the Admiralty from 1749 to 1762, who encouraged men like Orsbridge to improve themselves through scientific inquiry and draftsmanship. (Monks, S. 2005)
Triang-Hornby: Battle Space series Medical Corps Ambulance Car, Bomb Transporter (lacks bomb), Helicopter Car (lacks helicopter), Spy Satillite Car (lacks satillite) in original boxes; Jouef (for Playcraft); two engines in original corrugated boxes, two freight, G-VG, boxes generally G (8) Illustrated
BANKSY (BRITISH, B. 1975) BOMB LOVE Screen-print, signed and dated 2004, not numbered, pubished by Pictures on Walls. 70cm x 50cm (27.6in x 19.7in) Notes: This work is sold with a certificate of authenticity from Pictures on Walls. This work was given to the current vendor by the artist and an un-numbered proof not from the limited edition.
A World War II Kukri knife the blade stamped 1942 Pioneer Calcutta, length of blade 34cm with wooden grip, also another later Kukri knife length of blade 36cm with decorative brass grip, a tourist ware Arab knife with curved blade, length of blade 18cm with decorative brass handle and scabbard, also a First World War deactivated Mills bomb complete with pin!
A Distinguished Conduct Medal (1937-47), awarded to 967465 SJT.E,B.BAILEY. R.A., together with a red and blue enamelled brass lapel badge, and a folder of related ephemera including Official letters regarding the investiture on Tuesday 17th December 1946, letter from the DCM League, Service and Pay Book, Diary for 1944, Release Book, newspaper cuttings etc. **Sergeant Edward Bailey was awarded the DCM for gallantry in Malta. He was in command of a Bofors gun detachment on an aerodrome where he showed great bravery and coolness when bombs fell on the gun position. He kept the gun firing during two or three such raids until a bomb put his gun out of action.
Sir Claude Francis Barry (1883-1970), full length portrait of Mary Marshall, oil on board, 60" x 51", Paris Salon label on reverse, to be sold with a copy of the original catalogue "La Revue Moderne, 1st September 1965" (This picture is illustrated on page 5) and with two hand-written letters from Barry the envelopes post-marked 31/10/63 and 4/4/64. " You stole the show with your great beauty and glorious voice. Your attraction is very disturbing to any man who sees you, you know I often dream about you - you know your beauty is not just physical the beauty of your character shines in your face - artists know these things Mary"; the second letter finishes "Do you know you are one of the loveliest girls in the World." Also included in the sale are a copy of a photograph of her wearing the dress in the painting and a Columbia Records postcard. Sir Claude Francis Barry was born 125 years ago into a rich family whose wealth was based on heavy industry. But he had a troubled childhood after the death of his m ther when he was two and his father's subsequent re-marriage in 1893. In 1905 he went to live in St Ives. Barry was a pacifist and was any way exempted from military service; he did not fight in the First World War. From about 1905, he exhibited his pointilistic works at the Royal Academy and elsewhere. Between the Wars he became renowned for his etchings and spent much of his time on the Continent returning to St Ives in 1939. Most of his etching plates were stored in Milan and were destroyed by a bomb in 1944. After the War he left Cornwall to live on Jersey. It is during this period that he painted many of his portraits including this one. Provenance; This portrait is sent in for sale by the sitter. Mary Marshall knew the artist well and he had great admiration for her as a singer. She was born in Bolton and was a solo artiste with Columbia in the 1950's. For a short time she was a member of a group "The Three Shades". She moved from her recording company and accepted a contract to perform in the Channel slands for impresario Sydney James, where she caused an unprecedented sensation; they were married in 1960 and settled in Guernsey. Mary continued in Sydney's Olde Tyme Music Hall shows and cabarets for many years having had two daughters. She retired in 1979 and remains in Guernsey today having remarried after her husband's death in 1985.
Three: Private E. V. S. Pedley, 11th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who died of wounds in Gallipoli in August 1915 1914-15 Star (1816 Pte., 11/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (1816 Pte., 11-Bn. A.I.F.), together with related Memorial Plaque (Ernest Victor Starkey Pedley), good very fine (4) £250-300 Ernest Victor Starkey Pedley was born in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and enlisted in the 11th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force in January 1915, aged 21 years, having been employed as a Dairyman. Subsequently embarked for Gallipoli, he died of wounds - ‘shrapnel wounds in legs’ - at the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station on 6 August 1915 (official records and letter to his father back in England refer). His unit’s war diary for that date states: ‘6 August 1915: About 1430 this morning the enemy made an attack in force on Leane’s Trench which we recently captured - they crept up close under the parapet and delivered a heavy bomb attack. So fierce was the onslaught that the enemy succeeded in getting a foothold in the right section of our trenches .. We immediately blocked with sand bags the communication trench leading from that portion of the trench occupied by the enemy. Our men in the trench endeavoured by fire and bombs from the flank to dislodge the enemy but failed. A storming party was then formed of about 30 men under 2nd Lieutenant Prokter to rush the trench from Tasmania Post. This they did in a most dashing manner under heavy M.G. and rifle fire. As their casualties were considerable in carrying out this operation I did not consider the remainder sufficiently strong to seize and hold the position, so I detailed 2nd Lieutenant Franklyn to follow up - they charged over the open ground in a gallant manner and succeeded in completing the capture of the trench, shooting and bayonetting all the Turks left there. It was then found that a party of Turks had rallied into No. 1A sap, where for sometime they held out, but they were ultimately taken prisoner and sent off to headquarters. Meanwhile, Turkish reinforcements had been hurried up and took cover close in front of our parapets, from which they could not be dislodged even by bombs. They attempted to dig under our trenches and as there was a danger of our trenches being blown up. I decided to launch a counter-attack from the left flank to clear out the enemy from under our parapets. For this purpose 2nd Lieutenant Hall and 25 men were detailed and they succeeded in clearing the enemy out and also arrested an attack which was developing from our left. The enemy attack continued for six hours during which a heavy bombardment by heavy guns took place as well as incessant rifle and machine-gun fire. The trenches and parapets were badly knocked about but with the assistance of the Engineer Company they were speedily repaired. The enemy was completely repulsed with heavy loss and the whole of the trench left in our possession. Our casualties were heavy especially from bomb wounds.’ The Battalion sustained losses of 41 killed and 93 wounded. Pedley is buried in Shell Green Cemetery at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli.
Five: S. Mentoor, South African Forces 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals; Africa Service Medal, all officially named (C286861 C. Mentoor) Five: W. Johnson, South African Forces Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Africa Service Medal, all officially named (C301948 W. Johnson) Four: A. L. Davies, South African Forces 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War and Africa Service Medals, all officially named (209793 A. L. Davies) Pair: S. Kirkland, South African Forces War and Africa Service Medals, both officially named (105843 S. Kirkland) very fine and better (16) £60-80. #60-80 1100. Seven: Major J. K. Irvine, Rhodesian Forces, attached South African Forces, who was wounded in action in October 1944 while serving in the 1/6th Field Regiment, S.A.A. 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Africa Service Medal 1939-45 (S.R. 598437); Efficiency Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue, Southern Rhodesia (1039 Major), the sixth with attempted erasure of initials and surname, very fine and better and rare (7) £250-300 John Kenneth Irvine was born in Bulawayo in April 1917, and moved to Salisbury in March 1926. A merchant by profession, he enlisted in the Southern Rhodesia Light Battery (S.R.L.B.) in September 1939, was transferred to 4th Battery, Royal Horse Artillery in the Western Desert in April 1940, back to the S.R.L.B. in August 1942, when he was commissioned, and to the 1/6th Field Regiment, South African Artillery in March 1943, in which latter unit he remained employed until the end of hostilities and was wounded in action in Italy on 13 October 1944 - ‘Bomb wounds, scalp’. Irvine, who was released in the rank of Lieutenant in June 1946, was awarded his Efficiency Medal in October 1953; sold with copied service record.
Five: Sapper J. M. Watermeyer, 95 Bomb Disposal Company, South African Engineers 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War medals; Africa Service Medal 1939-45, all officially inscribed ‘231237 J. M. Watermeyer’, good very fine and better (5) £80-100 John Maitland Watermeyer was born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia in August 1916 but was working as a surveyor in South Africa at the outbreak of hostilities. Enlisting in the Union Defence Force at East London in July 1942, he was embarked for the Middle East in August 1943, where he served in 95 Bomb Disposal Company, S.A.E.C. until April 1944. Transferring to 21 Field Company, S.A.E.C. in the latter month, he served in Italy from June 1944 until August 1945, and was discharged in January 1946; sold with copied service record.
Sold by Order of the Family The outstanding Gallipoli V.C., Western Front M.C. group of seven awarded to Major H. James, Worcestershire Regiment, who was thrice wounded - twice in Gallipoli and again on the Somme in July 1916: his V.C. - the first such distinction won by his regiment - was awarded for extraordinary acts of bravery in June-July 1915, the last of them amounting to a protracted one man stand in an enemy sap near Gully Ravine throughout which, amidst mounds of dead and dying, he was exposed to ‘a murderous fire’ and ‘a shower of bombs’ Victoria Cross (Lieut. H. James, 4th Bn. Worcestershire Regt; 28 June & 3 July 1915); Military Cross, G.V.R. unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2 Lieut., Worc. R.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt.); French Croix de Guerre 1914-1916, with palm, the reverse of the upper and lower arms privately engraved, ‘Lt. H. James, V.C., 1st Bn. Worc. Regt.’ and the reverse centre ‘July 7th’; Panama, Medal de la Solidaridad 1917, bronze, generally good very fine (7) £160,000-180,000 V.C. London Gazette 1 September 1915: ‘For most conspicuous bravery during the operations in the southern zone of the Gallipoli Peninsula. On 28 June 1915, when a portion of a regiment had been checked owing to all the officers being put out of action, 2nd Lieutenant James, who belonged to a neighbouring unit, entirely on his own initiative, gathered together a body of men and led them forward under heavy shell and rifle fire. He then returned, organized a second party, and again advanced. His gallant example put fresh life into the attack. On 3 July 1915, in the same locality, 2nd Lieutenant James headed a party of bomb-throwers up a Turkish communication trench, and after nearly all his bomb-throwers had been killed or wounded, he remained alone at the head of the trench and kept back the enemy single-handed till a barrier had been built behind him and the trench secured. He was throughout exposed to a murderous fire.’ M.C. London Gazette 15 October 1918: ‘During an attack, he rode forward when the situation was obscure under heavy fire, and brought back most valuable information. He then reorganised and led forward parties of men from other units and skilfully formed a defensive flank where a gap had occurred, exposing himself for many hours to a very heavy fire. By his gallantry, coolness, and utter disregard of personal safety, he set a splendid example to all ranks.’ Herbert James was born in Ladywood, Birmingham in November 1887, where his father ran a jewellery engraving business. According to his sister, it was decided that he should enter the teaching profession after his education at Smethwick Central School, and certainly he was employed as a teacher’s assistant and later primary teacher at the Bearwood Road and Brasshouse Lane Schools, but, ‘being of a roving disposition’, he wanted to go abroad, and, in April 1909, against his father’s wishes, he enlisted in the 21st Lancers, in which regiment he was appointed a Trooper and embarked for Egypt. Gallipoli By the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, James was serving as a Lance-Corporal in India, but he was quickly appointed to a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment and, in March 1915, embarked for the Dardanelles. Landing at ‘W’ Beach, Cape Helles on 24 April, James received a serious head wound in the severe fighting of the 25th-26th, and was evacuated to Malta. About two months later he rejoined the 4th Battalion, in time for a newly planned attack up Gully Ravine. The following account of his exploits on 28 June was taken from The Worcestershire Regiment in the Great War, by Captain H. F. Stacke, M.C.: ‘All was ready and at 9 a.m. that morning the British guns opened fire, and at 10 a.m. the attacking troops advanced. The Worcestershires were not involved in that attack, their role being confined to holding the Brigade line further to the right, but the Battalion came in for heavy gun fire while the struggle on their left swayed to and fro. On the left flank the Turkish defences along the sea cliffs were taken with comparative ease; but in the Gully Ravine itself the fire of two strong redoubts held up the attack and drove the Lowland Battalions back into our lines. That evening the 5th Royal Scots renewed the attack on these two redoubts, only to fail in their turn. The 5th Royal Scots in particular were heavily punished and most of their Company Officers were killed or wounded. Orders had been given that the 4th Worcestershires further to the right were to keep touch with the Scotsmen and to be ready to exploit any success. For that purpose Lieutenant James had been sent into the trenches of the Royal Scots to act as a Liaison Officer. When affairs became critical, he went up to the front line, at the request of the Royal Scots’ C.O., to assist in the attack. All the Scots officers in his vicinity had fallen, so Lieutenant James took command of the disorganised troops around him, restored order and established a satisfactory position. Then he went back and brought up reinforcements, only to find on his return that a renewed counter-attack by the enemy had shattered the defence. Once again, Lieutenant James re-established the line and maintained the defence until darkness fell.’ In point of fact, as verified by the citation for his subsequent award of the V.C., James led two counter-attacks himself, an extraordinary feat given the losses suffered during earlier attempts made by the Lowland Battalions - by way of illustrating the ferocious nature of the enemy’s response to such initiatives, it is worth noting that one of them, the 8th Scottish Rifles, lost 25 of its 26 officers and 448 men - all of them in the space of five minutes. And the slope up which he led his men was bereft of cover except for bushes and scrub. Over the next two or three days the fighting surged back and forth until, by 1 July, the Turks had been pushed back each side of the Ravine, but not to its immediate front, where their positions formed a salient. And it was in the attack launched on that salient by the Worcestershires and Hampshires on the 2 July - not the 3rd as cited in the London Gazette - that James rounded-off the deeds that would result in the award of his V.C. The regimental history continues: ‘After due consideration it was decided that, in view of the increasing shortage of gun ammunition, a bombing attack up the existing saps would be preferable to a big attack over the top. Two saps in the centre of the hostile line were assigned to the Worcestershires; other saps further to the left were allotted to the Hampshires. At 9 a.m. on 2 July the attack began. The attacking parties climbed out of our own sapheads, dashed across the open, rushed the sapheads of the enemy and made their way forward up the trenches. The two Turkish sapheads assigned to the 4th Worcestershires were each attacked by a party of about 30 men, those on the right being led by Lieutenant Mould and those on the left by Lieutenant James. At first all went well. The enemy, surprised by the unusual hour of attack, fell back along the trench and Lieutenant James’ party were able to make their way up the saphead. Their advance was difficult for the winding trench was full of dead bodies. Since 4 June fight after fight had raged along it and soldiers of all ranks, including even a dead General, a Brigadier of the Lowland Division, were now heaped in the trench, some half-buried by fallen sand, others but newly killed. The bombers advanced up the saphead to the trench junction at its further end. There the enemy were in waiting, and a furious bombing fight ensued. The enemy were well provided with bombs (in Gallipoli the British forces had at that date only ‘jam-tin ‘bombs. The Turks were supplied with spherical bombs of archaic appearance, but of much greater effect). and in rapid succession
A well-documented and exceptional Second World War immediate D.S.O., two tour D.F.C. group of eight awarded to Squadron Leader J. B. Starky, Royal Air Force, late Royal New Zealand Air Force: in what was undoubtedly one of the great ‘epics ‘of the last war, he flew home his crippled Lancaster after two crew had baled out and two others lay seriously wounded - but Starky was no stranger to perilous flight, having already survived a crash-landing in the desert and coaxed back another Lancaster minus six feet of its starboard wing Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., 1st issue, silver-gilt and enamels, the reverse of the suspension bar undated, an official replacement in its Garrard, London case of issue; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1943’, an official replacement in its Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; New Zealand War Service Medal 1939-45, the first two virtually as issued, the remainder very fine or better (8) £2500-3000 D.S.O. London Gazette 28 September 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘At 20.11 hours on the night of 5-6 September 1943, Lancaster Y-DS 682 took off for Mannheim. The Captain, Acting Squadron Leader J. B. Starky, was on his forty-seventh trip; the remainder of the crew had about 20 sorties each to their credit. At 01.50 hours the aircraft, with starboard elevator almost completely shot away, the Navigator and Wireless Operator missing, and two more of the crew wounded, forced landed successfully at Ford. What follows is the story of events in between: The trip was uneventful until some 20 miles short of the target. The weather was clear and the aircraft was flying at 19,000 feet. Suddenly without any previous warning, a night fighter dived in a head-on attack. Our aircraft was badly hit, the cockpit was filled with smoke and a bright light gave the impression of a fire. It then went into a violent spiral - the central column rocking violently - and being unable to regain control the Captain gave the order to abandon by parachute. The Mid-Upper Gunner, Sergeant K. Tugwell, called out that the Rear-Gunner was stuck in his turret and the Captain made a desperate effort to regain control. The stick became a little easier, due to the dinghy which had been jammed in the tail unit blowing free, and the Captain regained control. The night fighter - a Ju. 88 - then attacked again from the rear. Both tail and Mid-Upper Gunners held their fire, and shot it down in flames. Squadron Leader Starky then attempted to take stock. He found that both Wireless Operator and Navigator had jumped by parachute, that his Flight Engineer was wounded in the shoulder and the 2nd Pilot wounded in the arm and head. The Bomb Aimer, Flying Officer B. A. W. Beer, had attempted to jump from the front exit, but had been unable to jettison the escape hatch. When he was finally half way out of the aircraft, he heard the Captain say ‘Hold on! ‘as he had the aircraft back under control. The Rear-Gunner was now manning the mid-upper turret, while the Mid-Upper Gunner and Bomb Aimer attended the wounded. The Captain then attempted the most difficult task of bringing his badly damaged aircraft back to base without the assistance of a Wireless Operator or Navigator. He set an approachable course for base and carried on this for over 30 minutes. By this time the Bomb Aimer had gone back to do the navigation, but as the navigators log had gone he had no plot and gave the Captain an amended course for base. On their way across France they were repeatedly fired at by A.A. batteries and as his inter-com had now gone, the Captain was compelled to take evasive action only from the judgment of the gun flashes. On one occasion the Bomb Aimer had to go through to tell the Captain that shells were bursting dangerously near the tail. In this precarious state the damaged Lancaster made its way back through the enemy fighter belt. The Mid-Upper Gunner manned the wireless set and succeeded in getting acknowledgment to a laborious S.O.S. The Bomb Aimer tried unsuccessfully to work GEE. Eventually the Channel was reached and as they drew near the coast the Captain and Bomb Aimer flashed S.O.S. on their lights. As they crossed the shore an immediate green was received and Squadron Leader Starky effected a masterly landing of his now uncontrollable aircraft, bringing it in at an air speed of 140 m.p.h. The story of this flight is an epic, and the return of the aircraft to this country must be considered due firstly and primarily to the superb airmanship and captaincy of Squadron Leader Starky, and actually to the magnificent co-operation of the rest of the crew. Squadron Leader Starky has already been recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross for his really magnificent work during two tours of operations, and I consider that his latest achievement is worthy of the immediate award of the Distiguished Service Order.’ D.F.C. London Gazette 10 September 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘This officer is now on a second tour of operations. In 1941-42 he carried out a most successful tour on Wellingtons in the U.K. against targets in Germany and German occupied Europe - finishing in the Middle East with attacks against objectives in the Mediterranean. Flight Lieutenant Starky has now completed 42 sorties and has attacked many highly defended targets, including Essen, Benghazi and Pireaus, and has recently been actively engaged in the Battle of the Ruhr. On one occasion recently he collided with another aircraft over enemy territory and lost a large piece of his starboard wing, but succeeded by superb airmanship in bringing his badly damaged aircraft back to base. This officer has at all times shown resolution, courage and ability of the highest order in his attacks on enemy targets. His cheerful contempt for danger and his keenness for operational flying, have set a fine example to the other aircrew of this squadron.’ Mention in despatches London Gazette 11 June 1942. James Bayntun ‘Jim ‘Starky, who was born in Gisborne, New Zealand in November 1916, enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in July 1940 and commenced pilot training at No. 1 E.F.T.S., Taieri, near Dunedin that August. Following further training at Wigram, Christchurch, he was embarked for the U.K., where he attended No. 20 O.T.U. at Lossiemouth in Scotland and converted to Wellingtons prior to going operational as a 2nd Pilot in No. 149 Squadron at Mildenhall, Suffolk in June 1941. Quickly participating in nine operational sorties over the next few weeks, Dusseldorf, Bremen, Essen, Mannheim and Munster among the chosen targets, in addition to a brace of trips to Brest to attack the Prinz Eugen and Scharnhorst, he was ordered to the Middle East in September 1941, the same month in which he was appointed Flight Sergeant. Posted to No. 148 Squadron on his arrival - another Wellington unit, operating out of Kabrit - his aircraft was hit by flak on his very first sortie to Benghazi on 5 November. Appointed 1st Pilot in the same month, he had his work cut out for him on the night of the 25th while en route to another target, for local Arabs had exchanged a landing ground’s fuel supply for water - his engines cut out shortly after take-off and although by means of pressing his head against the canopy windscreen to peer into the darkness he managed to effect a full glide angle crash-landing, two members of crew were killed outright and others seriously injured - had he not managed to jettison the bomb load none would have survived. Having been knocked out and injured himself, Starky nonetheless set off into the desert to find help, walking 12 miles over rough terrain until staggering into Landing Ground 60 covered in blood - he then guided an ambulance to the crash site. In due course mentioned in despatches for his gallantry and l
An exceptional Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Captain F. P. H. Synge, Irish Guards, killed in action on 29 July 1917 Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut., I. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); together with Memorial Plaque (Francis Patrick Hamilton Synge); and a contemporary official typed account of the action for which the M.C. was awarded, this rubber stamped ‘Irish Guards Record Office, Buckingham Gate, 29 Sept. 1917’, extremely fine (5) £2600-3000 M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1916. The following is taken from the official typed account included with the lot: ‘Before dawn on 21st October 1915, our bombing attack had been driven back to our own barricade by the Germans, and the officer in charge (2nd Lieutenant Tallents) at our barricade was wounded. Lieutenant (then 2nd Lieutenant) Synge was sent up to relieve him and he arrived in time to assist 2nd Lieutenant Tallents in organising a counter attack. When the attack went forward he followed it, in the face of heavy bomb and rifle fire and he showed exceptional gallantry, devotion to duty, and power of command in consolidating the ground gained by building up a new barricade and clearing the intervening trench of wounded and debris while the bombing match continued a few yards further on. This officer was slightly wounded in the head early in the action, but never relaxed his efforts until his task was accomplished.’ Captain Francis Patrick Hamilton Synge was born in February 1889, the son of A. H. Synge, of Weybridge and Glanmore Castle, County Wicklow. He was educated at Winchester College and obtained a commission into the Irish Guards in August 1915. During the Great War he was wounded on two occasions, receiving a bullet through the ear on 21 October 1915, and subsequently on 9 July 1916 being wounded in the hand, chest and arm. Captain Synge was killed in action in France/Flanders on 29 July 1917, whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards. He was buried at Bleuet Farm Cemetery, Elverdinghe, Belgium. An obituary and fine portrait photograph appear in the published Roll of Honour for Winchester College. Sold with copied research.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private W. Kilkenny, 1st Battalion, Scots Guards Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (10494 Pte., 1/S. Gds.); 1914-15 Star (10494 Pte., S. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (10494 Pte., S. Gds.) very fine (4) £800-1000 D.C.M. London Gazette 6 September 1915. ‘For gallant conduct on 26 July 1915 near Cambrin. He was coming out of his dugout to relieve a man on sentry duty when a bomb fell at the entrance. Private Kilkenny immediately threw it over the parapet, where it at once exploded. His prompt action undoubtedly saved the life of the sentry and probably also those of the men inside the dugout.’ Sold with copy of m.i.c. which confirms that he first entered the French theatre of war in January 1915 and was entitled to a Silver War Badge.
A good Second World War Mediterranean operations D.S.M. group of six awarded to Leading Seaman C. D. Jacobs, Royal Navy, for a brilliant night action off Cape Spartivento in June 1943 Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (SSX. 25221 C. D. Jacobs, L. Smn.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, extremely fine (6) £800-1000 D.S.M. London Gazette 20 August 1943: ‘For courage, resolution and skill in successful attacks on an enemy convoy whilst serving in H.M.S. Jervis.’ The original recommendation states: ‘On the occasion when H.M.S. Jervis and H.H.M.S. Queen Olga destroyed an enemy convoy off the Italian coast, Leading Seaman Jacobs was captain of No. 1 mounting during the action. This rating controlled the gun’s crew with most commendable skill and efficiency in spite of the noise and confusion of a close range night engagement.’ Cecil Dennis Jacobs, a pre-war regular and a native of Woodbridge, Suffolk, was decorated for his services on the night of 1-2 June 1943, when the destroyer Jervis, under the command of Captain J. S. Crawford, D.S.O., and in the company of the Greek destroyer Queen Olga, sunk the Italian torpedo boat Castore in a brilliant action off Cape Spartivento - the enemy convoy was engaged from 2,000 yards with the assistance of flares dropped by Allied aircraft, and two merchantmen were also damaged in the ensuing action. An indication of just how busy Jacobs and his fellow gunners were kept may be derived from the fact that the Jervis expended 142 rounds of 4.7-inch, 138 rounds of 2-pounder H.E. and tracer, and 90 rounds from her 20mm. Oerlikon. Jacobs, who received his award at an investiture held in March 1945, was probably still aboard the Jervis on the occasion she was damaged by a German glider-bomb off Anzio - see The Kelly’s, British J, K & N Class Destoyers of World War II, by Christopher Langtree for further details; sold with a photocopy of a local wartime newspaper cutting, including a portrait photograph of the recipient.
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