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Lot 800
Impressively presented 190E with a manual gearbox, one former keeper and less than 75,000 miles from new.This late model (production finished in April 1993) is finished in Barolo Red and sits on a set of 15", eight-hole alloys with recent GoodyearsThe cream/beige cloth interior is in remarkable condition appearing almost unmarked. Original floor matsPowered by Mercedes' bomb-proof 108bhp,1.8-litre, 8-valve four-cylinder with a manual 5-speed gearboxOne local private owner since it was 18 months old and has covered just 75,000 miles (only 12,000 in the last 15 years)On offer at No Reserve, this lower-mileage example ticks all the right boxes for a useable modern classic Mercedes SpecificationMake: MERCEDES BENZModel: 190 EYear: 1993Chassis Number: WDB2010182G092891Registration Number: L851 GVTTransmission: ManualEngine Number: 10291020132562 Drive Side: Right-hand DriveOdometer Reading: 74961 MilesMake: RHDClick here for more details, condition report and images
Lot 144
1993 Mini Moke Transmission: manualMileage:12947With the laudable intention of providing a lightweight scout vehicle for the British Army, BMC inadvertently created one of the swinging sixties most iconic vehicles. Who can forget those fringed and tasselled Mini Mokes driving around `The Village' carrying out duties such as taxi, ambulance, hearse, bomb-disposal vehicle and election campaign bus during episodes of The Prisoner. Lack of ground clearance made it ineffective as a military tool; yet the civilian version carved itself a niche as a cult mass-produced `beach buggy' for nations with hotter climes than Britain. Running gear was shared with the basic Mini, and initial production was at Cowley, before moving to Longbridge. Between 1964 and 1968, 14,500 Mokes were built in the UK, but only 10% stayed in Britain. 26,000 were made in Australia between 1966 and 1981. A further 10000 were built in Portugal from 1980 to 1993 when production ended. Portuguese production allowed the Moke to rationalise components with the then current Mini Mk. IV and included the fitment of disc brakes and 12 wheels. In a final ironic twist, Rover Group, as BMC had by then become, sold the Moke business to Cagiva for production in Italy, but the motorbike maker only built around 1,500 between 1990 and 1993.This lovely car offered here was one of the final Mini Mokes built. Purchased by a private collector, from Monaco in 2013 and brought to the UK. In his ownership it has received a complete repaint in the original colour white, the bespoke white leather upholstery with red piping and matching red seatbelts have been replaced, whilst being kept running and useable. The Moke is nicely equipped with a removable roll bar and weather gear, allowing for year-round use.This Mini Moke is supplied with the Monégasque registration document and the NOVA number to allow registration in the UK. Ideal for a summer residence or an eye-catching addition to any collection, this desirable Mini Moke remains one of the most fun ways to see and be seen, either here or on the Mediterranean coast.
Lot 1241
Graham Greene, 7 titles: 'Travels With My Aunt', London, Bodley Head, 1969, 1st edition, original cloth, dust wrapper (30s price intact), 'Monsignor Quixote', L, Bodley Head, 1982, 1st edition, original cloth, d/w (£5.95 price intact), 'Ways of Escape', L, Bodley Head, 1980, 1st edition, original cloth, d/w (£6.95 price intact), 'An Impossible Woman. The Memories of Dottoressa Moor of Capri', L, Bodley Head, 1975, 1st edition, orig. cloth, d/w (£3.00 price intact), 'Doctor Fischer of Geneva or the Bomb Party', NY, 1980, 1st US edition, orig. cloth, d/w, plus 2 others (7)
Lot 809
RAF Dambusters 617 Squadron cover signed by Dams Raid participant George Johnson DFM, bomb aimer in Lancaster AJ-T attacking the Sorpe Dam. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
Lot 2148
RAF WWII Battle of Britain interest. A collection of personal effects and ephemera relating to the flying career of Battle of Britain pilot Squadron Leader, James Ritchie, to include his personal Omega wrist watch, medal bar and wings, Spitfire propeller tip "132 Squadron" with the scratched signatures of many of the Squadron members, ink Gremlin carton depicting SQDN Leader Ritchie and F/O Sumpter standing by a crashed aircraft. photographs, training material, contemporary maps and other items. James Ritchie was born on 4th June 1920 and joined the RAF on a short service commission in February 1939, training at 1 E&RFTS Hatfield and 11 FTS Shawbury. With his training completed, he arrived at 11 Group Pool on 24th October 1939 and after converting to Spitfires joined 74 Squadron at Rochford on 17th November. Ritchie was posted to 600 Squadron at Northolt on 1st July 1940 but was then posted to 111 Squadron on 21st August 1940 with 100 hours training and joined Red Section as Red 3. In the next 20 days he flew 70 sorties totaling 60 hours. The following data is courtesy of David Dickins:26th August 1940 - Frontal attack on 50 Dorniers with 100 Me 109s 110s. Squadron claim 1 Me110. 31st August 1940 - Nine Hurricanes attacked 30 Do17s, 40 Me110s with 40 Me109s over Hildersham. Ritchie (R3) attacked 3 bombers head on at 15,000ft claimed 1 as probable. 'I fired a 13 second burst at the No.3 in the formation. Just before I broke away I noticed a large piece of wreckage falling away from the Do17'. He then attacked 3 Me110s claiming 1 as probably destroyed. 2nd September 1940 - Nine Hurricanes Scramble to intercept 20 He111s escorted by Me109s. 110s head on attack by 111 at 14,000ft over Isle of Sheppey. 'I made a head on attack in formation with the rest of Red Section on the 3 leading He111s, closing to 50 yds before breaking away I could see large pieces of wreckage falling from the bomber'. Ritchies a/c slightly damaged by Me109 forcing him to land at 1300 hrs at Rochford. Filed a claim (with Ronnie Brown) for He111 probably destroyed 4th September 1940 - 3 sorties that day. 4 a/c of Red Section surprised 60+ bombers and escorts 'out of the sun . Ritchie, Ben Bowring, Frank Silk and Victor Ekins over Bedfordshire to round off the day. All fired together at the formation. Bowring claimed 1 Do17 as damaged along with a 109, Ekins claimed 109 destroyed. Silk wounded and crashed at Lullingstone Castle, Ritchie could not see his results. During the afternoon he led a 2 aircraft scramble and a patrol over Henlow Beds. 6th September 1940 - Scramble to intercept 40 Ju88s heading North to London, all lost sight of in a fire haze. 7th September 1940 - 2 a/c scramble no joy then 1630 hrs attack 900 bombers and fighters over London. Ritchie makes beam attack over Croydon on Me110s no results seen lands at Kenley 1800hrs. Squadron moved out of 11 Group to rebuild, Ritchie to 72 Sqdn. Logbook quotes flying Spit RN-Q on 11th September at 21,000ft (no record in ORB). 12th September 1940 - 1 Patrol 14th September 1940 - Spitfire RN-Q over Deal no claims then experimental sorties at 30,000ft to attack high flying Me109s. 13th October 1940 - Spitfire to RAF Leconfield then rested. Attended instructors course given command of 132 (City of Bombay) Sqdn aged just 22yrs, leading Circus and Ramrod sorties over France late 42 -August 43. With his tour completed he was posted to India to instruct pilots forming the new Independent Air Force for which he was awarded the AFC (gazetted 13th June 1946). Ritchie stayed on after the war commanding 20 (Ground Attack) Squadron RIAF, flying Typhoons in Waziristan. He then returned to the UK as Chief Flying Instructor CFS Upavon where he topped the class graduating with distinction and winning the Clarkson and CFS Trophies. By the late 1950s he was serving with 22 ASR Squadron operating Whirlwinds. After a decade of NATO staff appointments he retired on 3rd June 1972, as a Squadron Leader, retaining the rank of Wing Commander. Ritchie settled in North Walsham, Norfolk, married with a daughter and two sons. He died in August 1994. © Battle of Britain Archive 2007 132 Squadron had a number of prestigious pilots, many of whom received the Distinguished Flying Cross.The commanding officers for the Squadron were: J.R Ritchie, F.F Colloredo-Mansfield, A.G Page, and K.L Charney. Flight Commanders in the Squadron were: D. Fopp, G. StClair, B.Rein, H.L. Smith, H.E Walmsley, A.E Tomblin, R.L.F Day, J.D Carpenter, A. Hvinden, T. Johnson, M. Graham, H.C Prudman, and J.M Maynyard. DFCs were awarded to: F.F Colloredo-Mansfield, H.E Walmsley, A.E Tomblin, A.G Page, D.J Hawkings, R.L.F Day, M. Graham, K.L Charney, and H.C Prudman. A single Distinguished Flying Medal was awarded to F. Campbell.Of the 130 pilots who served on the Squadron, 14 lost their lives and 4 went missing with unknown fates.Combat roles The Sqn started as a fighter unit before transitioning to a Fighter-Bomber role to support the D-Day landings. They were the first Spitfire Sqn to carry a bomb load of 1000lbs per aircraft and dropped 110 tons of bombs during the course of the war. The Sqn claimed 29 victories over enemy aircraft with a further 15 probable destroyed. They also destroyed 253 transport ground vehicles, and 15 midget submarines - '...another of the Flight Commanders who was Norwegian by the name of Hvinden spotted these whilst on a routine patrol on the Normandy Beaches. They were obviously trying to attack our shipping forces lying off the beaches, but unfortunately for them 132 Squadron arrived on the scene' - A.G. Page.
Lot 477
Collection of nine boxed 1:43 scale Vanguard Police themed diecast model cars to include; VA05503 West Yorkshire Ford Consul, VA06805 Hillman Minx IIIA, VA6001 RAF Bomb Disposal Ford Zephyr 4 MK III, VA08501 Wolseley 1800, VA05207 Ford Granada MkI 3, VA04101 Lotus Cortina MKII, VA08601 Jaguar XJ6, etc. (9)
Lot 244
A Beck Parsons 617 Sqn Dambuster ground crew signed 2006 Attack on Toulouse cover, number 2 of 3 issued. Joining the RAF in 1940, he trained as an electrician and worked with Avro Manchester's with 207 Squadron at Waddington. In March 1943 he was posted to 617 Squadron at Scampton where he flew with Barnes Wallis during the tests on the bouncing bomb. As Electrical NCO Beck was responsible for the electrics on "B" flight at the time of the raid, together with 'Top Maintenance' on five of the Lancaster's, including those of Guy Gibson and Mick Martin. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
Lot 258
Dambuster raid pilot Les Munro DSO DFC signed Operation Chastise cover, only 19 issued. Munro, as pilot of W-Willie, was scheduled to bomb the Sorpe dam. Over the Netherlands,[7] his aircraft was damaged by flak which knocked out all communications, so it turned back to land in Lincolnshire, still carrying its mine. His Distinguished Service Order was awarded while he was with 617, on 28 March 1943. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
Lot 214
Banksy (British, born 1974)Bomb Love (Bomb Hugger) Screenprint in colours, 2004, on wove, numbered 137/600 in pencil, published by Pictures on Walls, London, the full sheet, 695 x 495mm (27 3/8 x 19 1/2in)(SH)Footnotes:This work is accompanied by the new certificate of authenticity issued by Pest Control Office.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ARAR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 2139
A Quantity of Militaria, comprising a No.1 Service dress uniform to the Royal Artillery of tunic, later applied with a Second World War RAF full dress brevet to a signalman, trousers and peaked cap, a No.2 Service dress cap, an inert Mills Bomb No.36 - lacks base plug, a small quantity of buttons, cap badges and rank pips, a box camera, an Indian dagger and an Indian kukri, a powder horn etc., with research material.Footnote:- the uniform belonged to the vendor's father Kenneth Fay Turner, who trained with the RAF in the Second World War as a Pilot Observer, he was sent to Canada for Navigator training in 1944, but did not complete it, being withdrawn from air crew training. He returned to the UK in May 1944 and released for employment in the mines under the Bevin scheme (Bevin Boys). After the war he joined the Royal Artillery as a Territorial.
Lot 125
Fred Olivi Co Pilot the B29 bomber Bockscar, that took part in the second nuclear attack of the Second World War, in which the plutonium bomb Fat Man was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. signed 10x8 black and white photo. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
Lot 305
A FIRST WORLD WAR PAIR AND MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO THE ARMY CYCLIST CORPS. A Great War pair comprising War Medal and Victory Medal named to 20512 E.S. Wilkinson A. Cyc Corps. the plaque to Sam Wilkinson. Mounted in a glazed frame with Army Cyclist Corps cap badge. Sam Wilkinson from Halifax, Yorkshire rose to the rank of Lance Corporal before being killed in action on the 8th September 1917 whilst serving with the 18th Battalion of the Army Cyclists Corp. He is buried at the Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery West of Ypres. He also served as number 3137 with the West Riding Division Cyclists Corps.Maximum dimensions 44 x 34cm. With a collection of printed research including an image of the recipient's headstone and an obituary "I am sorry to say he was killed on the 8th inst. in the very early morning by a hostile bomb. ... I, along with several of his comrades, buried him in a quiet cemetery well behind the lines. ... I feel his absence sincerely, for we were the only two, about here from the same village.". *CR Not examined out of the frame.
Lot 271
"A Sort of Life" by Graham Greene, Bodley Head, 1971 first edition; "Monsignor Quixote" by Graham Greene, Bodley Head, 1982 first edition; "Doctor Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party" by Graham Greene, Bodley Head, 1980 first edition; "The Tenth Man" by Graham Greene, Bodley Head & Anthony Blond, 1985 first edition; "Ways of Escape" by Graham Greene, Bodley Head, 1980 first edition.
Lot 16
‘This escape at a time when the entrenchment was closely invested by a large army and communication, even through the medium of natives, was almost impossible, is, in Sir Colin Campbell’s opinion, one of the most daring feats ever attempted, and the result was most beneficial’ (Commander-in-Chief’s Despatch to the Government of India) ‘I resolved to die in the struggle rather than survive it with no better fame than I took into it.’ (How I won the Victoria Cross by T. Henry Kavanagh V.C.) The famous Indian Mutiny ‘Siege of Lucknow’ V.C. awarded to Mr. Thomas Henry Kavanagh, Bengal Uncovenanted Civil Service Serving under the orders of Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram in Lucknow, Kavanagh was decorated with the highest honour for undertaking an epic quest to escape the surrounded Residency at night, cross enemy lines, make contact with the camp of the Commander-in Chief, and then using his local knowledge, guide the relieving force through the city to the beleaguered garrison by the safest route. Conceiving the plan himself, Mr Kavanagh, an Irishman employed as a clerk in the Lucknow Office prior to the Siege, volunteered to leave the safety of the Residency disguised as a Sepoy irregular soldier, accompanied by a Brahmin scout. The pair jostled past armed rebels through the narrow Lucknow streets, talked their way past sentries in the moonlight, forded deep rivers, tramped through swamps and narrowly avoided capture after startling a farmer who raised the alarm. On finally reaching a British cavalry outpost, Kavanagh delivered Outram’s vital despatch to Sir Colin Campbell and ably guided his column to the relief of the Residency garrison. The first of just five civilians to have been awarded the V.C., he was further rewarded with promotion to the gazetted post of Assistant Commissioner of Oude and was presented with his cross by Queen Victoria in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle. A tour of England and Ireland further enhanced his celebrity whilst the publication of his account of the Siege, ‘How I won the Victoria Cross’ and Louis William Desanges’ painting of him donning his Indian disguise - one of the truly iconic images of the Defence of Lucknow – ensured that he became a Victorian legend, indeed few histories of the conflict are without an image of ‘Lucknow Kavanagh’ Victoria Cross, reverse of suspension bar engraved ‘Thos. H. Kavanagh Esqr. Asst. Commr. in Oude’, reverse of cross engraved ‘8 Novr. 1857’, the Cross retaining much original patina, good very fine or better £300,000-£400,000 --- V.C. London Gazette 6 July 1859: ‘Thomas Henry Kavanagh, Assistant Commissioner in Oudh, Bengal Civil Service. Date of act of bravery: 8th* November, 1857. On the 8th* November 1857, Mr. Kavanagh, then serving under the orders of Lieut.-General Sir James Outram in Lucknow, volunteered on the dangerous duty of proceeding through the city to the camp of the Commander in Chief for the purpose of guiding the relieving force to the beleaguered garrison in the Residency - a task which he performed with the most chivalrous gallantry and devotion.’ *this was corrected to 9th November 1857 in the London Gazette, 8 July 1859. Thomas Henry Kavanagh was born on 15 July 1821 in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and was educated in Ireland. His father was the Bandmaster of the 3rd Foot (Buffs), but little else is known about his early life. When still in his teens he entered the Indian Uncovenanted Civil Service in the Office of the Commissioner of Meerut and in 1849 was posted to Oudh with Sir Henry Lawrence, becoming a member of the Punjab Commission. Kavanagh went on to Lucknow with Lawrence and was a clerk there in one of the civil offices at the time of the Indian Mutiny. His wife and four eldest children (ultimately they had fourteen children) were fortunate to be also in the Residency at that time although his wife was wounded by a shell during the siege and his youngest child died in the Residency as a baby. Still, in his diary Kavanagh gave thanks for their deliverance from the atrocities further south: ‘My family were staying in Cawnpore, and it was arranged they should spend the summer there with some friends, as houses were difficult to get in Lucknow then; but providence willed that my wife should differ with some people under the same roof, and she at once came to me at Lucknow. Thank God she did.’ The Residency at Lucknow was besieged from 30 June 1857 and Generals Outram and Havelock, with over 2000 troops, had fought their way through the city on 26 September intending to rescue the garrison and return to Cawnpore but they too were surrounded and obliged to defend themselves in places adjoining the Residency Entrenchment. During the first months of the siege, like many non-combatant civil service men, Kavanagh was fully engaged in the resistance, leading a group of fellow civil service volunteers as a mobile reserve around the most embattled parts of the fortifications, manning field mortars and counter-tunnelling against bomb attempts by the rebels. However, the situation at Lucknow had become critical by November and realizing that the chances of the second relief force coming up from Cawnpore under Sir Colin Campbell would be greatly enhanced if they had a guide who knew the environs of the city well, Kavanagh saw his chance for glory and planned to volunteer to go out and bring them in. Having learnt that a spy had come in from Cawnpore and that he was returning in the night as far as Alumbagh with despatches to Sir Colin Campbell, he sought out the man and told him his desire to accompany him in disguise: ‘He hesitated a great deal at acting as my guide, but made no attempt to exaggerate the dangers of the road. He merely urged that there was more chance of detection by our going together and proposed that we should take different roads and meet outside of the city, to which I objected.’ (How I won the Victoria Cross by T. Henry Kavanagh refers). Kavanagh was not to be deterred. That afternoon he volunteered his services through his immediate chief, Colonel Napier. Both Sir James Outram and Napier, the Chief Engineer, were against the hazardous enterprise initially. As Kavanagh was a tall man, with fair hair and blue eyes, the matter of his appearance was of particular difficulty, but Kavanagh persisted and Outram finally consented to the plan. Kavanagh returned to his quarters: ‘I lay down on my bed with my back towards my wife, who was giving her children the poor dinner to which they were reduced, and endeavouring to silence their repeated requests for more. I dared not face her; for her keen eye and fond heart would have immediately detected that I was in deep thought and agitated. She called me to partake, of a coarse cake, but, as I could no more have eaten it than have eaten herself, I pleaded fatigue and sleepiness, and begged to be let alone. Of all the trials I ever endured this was the worst. At six o’clock I kissed the family and left, pretending that I was for duty at the mines, and that I might be detained till late in the morning.’ Kavanagh proceeded to a small room in the slaughter-yard where he disguised himself as a budmash or swashbuckler, with sword and shield, native made shoes, tight trousers, a yellow silk koortah (or jacket) over a tight-fitting white muslin shirt, ‘a yellow-coloured chintz sheet thrown round my shoulders, a cream-coloured turban, and a white waistband or kumurbund. My face down to the shoulders, and my hands to the wrists were coloured with lamp black, the cork used being dipped in oil to cause the colour to adhere a little.’ Thus attir...
Lot 24
A particularly fine and unusual Second War ‘1942’ D.S.O., ‘immediate’ 1942 D.F.C. group of seven awarded to Whitley, Halifax and Wellington pilot Squadron Leader A. S. R. E. Ennis, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 85 operational sorties with his Log Book annotated to suggest that he flew in over 100 operational sorties. Amongst his extensive number of sorties over occupied Europe and the jungles of Burma, his aircraft was hit on countless occasions and he proved himself a pilot of exceptional ability. Ennis took part in the first raid on Berlin, 25 August 1940; and was part of Operation Colossus, 10 February 1941, the first British airborne operation of the Second World War. He also flew in the First Thousand Bomber Raid on Cologne, 30/31 May 1942, after which he crawled home flying at 150 feet having suffered severe flak damage - including the loss of an engine. Having flown with 10, 78 and 158 Squadrons - Ennis volunteered for service overseas with 99 (Madras Presidency) Squadron in India. He almost completed a third tour of operations with them, before being killed in action whilst flying a sortie during the Battle of Imphal, 17 June 1944, for which he was posthumously mentioned in despatches Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially dated ‘1942’, with integral top riband bar, in Garrard & Co. Ltd case of issue; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1942’, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Act. Sqn. Ldr. A. S. R. E. Ennis. R.A.F.V.R.) campaign awards mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (7) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 6 November 1942. The original recommendation states: ‘Since August, 1940, Squadron Leader Ennis has carried out a total of 51 operational sorties against the enemy. There are very few targets in Germany which have not suffered as a result of this officer’s remarkable spirit of determination to achieve his objective. On four occasions he has bombed Berlin, Essen and Hamburg. In February, 1941, he was employed on a special mission to Malta, which he accomplished with complete success. In May this year he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a particularly courageous and daring low-level attack on Warnemunde. Throughout this fine record of action against the enemy can be found a story of outstanding bravery and devotion to duty second to none. The example he set is an inspiration to all ranks in his Squadron. It is recommended that this officer’s splendid record be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Service Order. Remarks by Station Commander: This officer has now completed two operational tours. There is no doubt that he was instrumental in maintaining the morale of his Squadron when losses were high by the magnificent personal example of courage and devotion to duty which he always set. Had he been allowed to he would have operated every time his Squadron operated. His long operational record is well worthy of recognition by the award of the Distinguished Service Order. Remarks by Air Officer Commanding: This Officer has now completed his second tour against enemy objectives and has shown to a marked degree courage, skill and a strong fighting spirit. Strongly recommend for the award of a Distinguished Service Order.’ D.F.C. London Gazette 29 May 1942 (jointly listed with Pilot Officer A. H. Hanson): ‘One night in May, 1942, Flight Lieutenant Ennis and Pilot Officer Hanson, as pilot and rear gunner respectively of an aircraft, were detailed to carry out a low level attack on Warnemunde. The target was heavily defended both with searchlights and anti-aircraft fire which made a low level attack very hazardous. Flight Lieutenant Ennis, displaying great courage, flew the aircraft at a very low level, but found that he could not penetrate the heavy defences. In all, three attempts were made, before the target was reached and attacked successfully. Throughout this time Pilot Officer Hanson continued firing at the searchlights and other defences and destroyed at least 2 searchlights. The skill and courage displayed by him contributed largely to the safe return of the aircraft.’ The original recommendation states: ‘On the night of 8th/9th May, 1942, F/Lt. Ennis was captain of a Wellington II aircraft detailed to carry out a low level attack on Warnemunde. Searchlight and Flak activity was extremely intense when the target was reached so that it was obvious that a low level attack would be very hazardous indeed. In spite of this and showing great courage and daring, F/Lt. Ennis took his aircraft into the target area at a very low level. He found, however, that he could not penetrate the heavy defences, being coned in the searchlights. The second attempt was also unavailing but on the third attack the aircraft reached the target and dropped its bomb load successfully. F/Lt. Ennis showed great tactical skill in carrying out this attack and no praise is too high for his courage and devotion to duty. It is recommended that this outstanding action, which is the peak of a very fine operational record, be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Remarks by Station Commander: I support the above recommendation very strongly. There is no doubt that F/Lt. Ennis showed the highest courage, skill and determination in this attack. The fact that only three out of the seven aircraft of 158 Squadron detailed for low level attack returned proves that the opposition was very heavy.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 24 September 1941 and 1 January 1945. Anthony Stewart Reginald Edmund Ennis was born in Canterbury in 1917, and was the son of Wing Commander W. E. Ennis. He resided in Edgware, London and was educated at the Salvatorian College, Harrow and Wimbledon College. Ennis enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1937, and carried out his initial training as a pilot at No. 5. E. & R. F.T.S., Hanworth. Having advanced to Sergeant, he was posted to A.T.S. Sealand in March 1940, and to No. 19 O.T.U. to convert to Whitleys in June of the same year. Ennis was posted for operational flying with 78 Squadron (Whitleys) at Dishforth in August 1940. He flew in at least 33 operational sorties August 1940 - April 1941, including: Leipzig; Berlin (4) including the first raid on Berlin, 25 August 1940; Milan; Antwerp; Ostende, 18 September 1940 ‘Docks at Ostende. Target Bombed. Heavy A/A Fire. Hit 5 Times’ (Log Book refers); Boulogne; Dusseldorf (2); Politz; Magdesburg, 25 October 1940 ‘Bombed Schipoll. Heavy A/A Fire. 17 Hits. Target Hit’ (Ibid); Harburg; Hague, 29 October 1940 ‘Docks Hits Obtained on Both Sides. Attacked By Fighter For 1 Hour. Crashed On Landing’ (Ibid); Bordeaux; Wilhelmshaven (2), including 15 January 1941 ‘Blitz On Wilhelmshaven. Bombed From 8,000ft. 4 250lbs, 2,500lbs 120 Incends. Large Fires Developed. Machine Gunned Aerodrome From 4,000ft. Put A Searchlight Out Of Action.. A/A Fire 2 Hits’ (Ibid); Stettin and Gelsenkirchen. Operation Colossus - 6 Whitleys Over Italy - The First British Airborne Operation of the Second World War Ennis was the pilot of one of 6 Whitleys detached to take part in Operation Colossus - the first airborne operation undertaken by the British during the Second World War. The target was the aqueduct at Calitri, Southern Italy, and 38 members of ‘X’ Troop were to be parachuted in to attack the target, 10 February 1941. On 7 February ‘X’ Troop boarded the six converted Whitley bombers and were t...
Lot 243
Family Group: Four: Wing Commander W. E. Ennis, Royal Air Force, late Royal Engineers and Corps of Military Accountants British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. W. E. Ennis); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as originally worn, generally very fine or better Three: Sergeant P. J. W. Ennis, 102 Squadron, Royal Air Force, an Air Gunner whose Whitley was shot down whilst on a raid to Essen, 3/4 July 1941 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally good very fine (7) £500-£700 --- Wilfred Edmund Ennis was the father of P. J. W. Ennis and A. S. R. E. Ennis, and resided as 136 Hale Lane, Edgware, London. He enlisted in the 15th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Prince of Wale’s Own Civil Service Rifles), and served in the ranks until his was commissioned into the Royal Engineers in March 1915. Ennis advanced to Captain and transferred to the Corps of Military Accountants, subsequently transferring to the Royal Air Force. He re-engaged as Temporary Squadron Leader in September 1940, advanced to Wing Commander and served at Coastal Command HQ, Northwood. Sold with the following items and documents: Riband bar; Letter to recipient from his A. S. R. E. Ennis from Driffield, dated 16 May 1941; Telegram informing recipient that his son P. J. W. Ennis is missing from operations; Letter from Buckingham Palace to recipient expressing condolences on the loss of two sons during the war, dated 8 August 1945; Two Air Ministry Letters addressed to recipient concerning burial and circumstances behind the death of P. J. W. Ennis, dated 26 May and 17 August 1949 respectively; Enclosure for photographs of grave of P. J. W. Ennis to recipient on behalf of the Under Secretary of State for Air, dated 23 March 1950. Patrick Joseph William Ennis was the son of the above, and the younger brother of A. S. R. E. Ennis. He was educated at Wimbledon College, and joined the Royal Air Force in 1940, carrying out his initial training as an Air Gunner/Wireless Operator at No. E. & W. S. Ennis was subsequently posted to No. 19 O.T.U., and having advanced to Sergeant, was posted for operational flying with 102 Squadron (Whitleys) at Topcliffe in June 1941. He flew in just 2 operational sorties - the first being to Bremen, 27 June 1941. Sergeant Ennis was killed in action on a raid to Essen, 3/4 July 1941, and the following detail is given by an Air Ministry Letter to his father dated 17 August 1949: ‘As you know, your son was a member of the crew of Whitley Z 6573, 102 Squadron, which took off from Topcliffe at 23.14 hours on 3rd July, 1941, for Essen. Nothing was heard during the war of the fate of any of the five occupants, and their death was presumed to have occurred on 4th July, 1941. In 1946 we found among captured German documents an index card recording the death on 4th July, 1941, of three unknown members of the crew of a Whitley and their burial in the main cemetery at Neuss, four miles west of Dusseldorf (British Zone), in Plot 5, graves 9, 10 and 11. We accordingly sent a special enquiry to the Royal Air Force Missing Research and Enquiry Unit operating in the British Zone, asking them to investigate and notifying them that Whitley Z 6573 was the only aircraft of that type not accounted for on 4th July, 1941. At the end of 1946 a report was received from the Unit to the effect that an Allied aircraft had been shot down at 01.10 hours on 4th July, 1941, at Kaarst, four miles north-west of Neuss. It had exploded with its bomb-load on crashing and identification was not possible at the time. The dead were buried at Neuss. Exhaustive interrogation of local inhabitants was not very productive but the search officer was reasonably certain that the aircraft was your son’s Whitley. In the hope of positive identification, exhumation of the graves at Neuss was ordered. Unfortunately the volume of research in the Ruhr area was so great that it was not till this year that we received the examination reports. As you will have appreciated, the nature of the crash was such that only fragmentary remains were found in the three graves but enough was found to prove that these graves contained the remains of all five members of the crew. In grave 9 were found a corroded Ronson lighter and a smashed gold ring with the initials P. J. E. This identified your son Sergeant P. J. W. Ennis. These relics were in so bad a state that they were left on the body. Had they been in reasonably good condition, then they would have been sent to us and by us to you. As we told you in Air Ministry Letter of 26th May, the graves have been moved to the British Military Cemetery, Rheinberg. Your son lies in Plot 6, Row B, Grave 9, and the other four members of his crew in Plot 6, Row B, communal graves 10 and 11.’ Sold with the following items and documents: Air Gunner’s Brevet; Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (26 October 1940 - 3 July 1941) annotated ‘Death Presumed 4.7.41’; named forwarding slip for recipient’s Log Book. For the medals awarded to A. S. R. E. Ennis, see Lot 24.
Lot 25
A fine Second War 1945 Pathfinder Force Master Bomber’s ‘immediate’ D.S.O., 1944 ‘immediate’ D.F.C. group of seven awarded to Lancaster pilot Squadron Leader G. A. ‘Alex’ Thorne, Royal Air Force, who was additionally recommended for the Second Award Bar to his D.F.C. Thorne flew in at least 54 operational sorties, all but two of which were flown with 635 Squadron - predominantly as a marker crew, but also acting as Deputy Master Bomber on 3 occasions, and ending the war as Master Bomber for 5 operational sorties. After the war Thorne wrote Lancaster At War 4: Pathfinder Squadron in which he chronicled his crew’s service. He was also the founder and club secretary for the Pathfinder Club in Mayfair Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially dated ‘1945’, lacking top riband bar; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, mounted as originally worn, generally very fine or better (7) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 15 June 1945: ‘In April, 1945, this officer piloted an aircraft in an attack against Nuremburg. In the run-up to the target, Flight Lieutenant Thorne’s aircraft was subjected to heavy and concentrated fire from the ground defences. The bomber was hit. The port aileron was affected and the aircraft became difficult to control. In spite of this, Flight Lieutenant Thorne made several runs over the target to ensure an accurate attack. He afterwards flew damaged aircraft to base where he effected a safe landing. This officer, who has completed very many sorties since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and never failed to complete his allotted task, displayed the highest standard of devotion to duty throughout.’ The original recommendation (the text of which is incomplete in places) states: ‘On the 11th April, 1945, this officer was detailed to act in the capacity of Master Bomber on the important target at Nuremburg. The attack was carried out in daylight. While running up to the target to mark and assess, this officer’s aircraft received the undivided attention of the heavy flak defences and sustained damage. Disregarding this, he continued on his bombing run and successfully marked. The damage sustained... aircraft affected the aileron control, the port aileron being.... the “up” position. Although his aircraft was very difficult.... this officer, throughout the attack, made a further series of.... the target, many of them at a low altitude, and gave aiming instructions to the Main Force. Having completed his task he then flew his... back and made a successful landing without further damage. This officer has, as Master Bomber, shown outstanding ability... correct and instantaneous decisions in the most arduous circumstances... together with his tenacity, has set the highest example to the... No matter what duty this officer has been assigned to during his career, he has never failed, and his efforts are deserving of... praise.’ D.F.C. London Gazette 5 December 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘This officer was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack a heavily defended German target in daylight on 6th October, 1944. On approaching the enemy coast, trouble developed in the port inner engine, with the result that further height could no be gained, and the aircraft was subjected to heavy and accurate fire from the German ground defences. Although the aircraft was hit many times, this officer, by expert captaincy and complete disregard of the opposition, pressed home his attack with the utmost determination and dropped his bombs accurately and on time. When leaving the target, the aircraft was again hit in the port side, damaging the fuel tanks and causing petrol leaks, which resulted in fire; eventually the fire was put out, but the aircraft being considerably lower than others engaged in the operation, was again subjected to heavy and light anti-aircraft fire. By expert pilotage and cool judgement, F/O. Thorne avoided further damage to his aircraft, but on reaching enemy coast, the aircraft was again hit by heavy flak, resulting in the failure of the port outer engine, and the starboard rudder was also shot away. By skilful handling, under most difficult circumstances, the pilot brought his aircraft back to this country on the two remaining engines and decided to carry out a landing on an emergency airfield. As he was turning towards this airfield, the starboard inner engine failed, leaving only the starboard outer engine serviceable. Height was lost rapidly and F/O. Thorne, realising that he could not reach the airfield safely, made a crash landing in the first available field, without injury to his crew. Throughout this action, this Officer displayed exceptional qualities of leadership and coolness, and his determination and captaincy is deserving of the highest praise.’ The original Recommendation for a D.F.C. Second Award Bar, dated 20 February 1945, states: ‘Since the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for an outstanding act of gallantry in October, 1944, this officer has completed a further 16 sorties against the enemy, and is now engaged on his second tour of operational duty. As Captain and Pilot he has pressed home his attacks against such heavily defended German targets as Dusseldorf, Stettin and Munich with the utmost determination and vigour, and on several occasions has made a number of runs over his objectives in the face of great odds. Flight Lieutenant Thorne has showed coolness and courage of a high order, and has been a shining example to other members of his Squadron.’ George Alexander Thorne ‘was born at Liverpool on July 25, 1912, and worked in insurance before enlisting in 1940. As a sergeant pilot he was a flying instructor on single-engined aircraft for 18 months. In 1943 he was posted to Cranwell on a comprehensive course which took in navigation, engineering, meteorology and flying twin-engined aircraft. From that intensive experience he graduated to Whitley bombers at Forres, an operational training unit in Scotland. Thorne found himself having to pick a crew from some 100 navigators, wireless operators and bomb-aimers among a group which similarly had been told to find themselves pilots. In his book (the fourth in an Ian Allan series on the Lancaster at War, published last April) he wrote: “It seemed a haphazard way to achieve a vitally important objective, a hit-or-miss gamble with long odds against six strangers coming together in the hope that they would prove compatible in all the qualities - technical and personal - necessary in the make-up of a bomber crew.” As his second navigator he picked Boris Bressloff, a Berkeley Square hairdresser. Posted to a Halifax bomber conversion unit at Rufforth in Yorkshire, the crew became proficient in handling a four-engined bomber. Thorne was commissioned in April 1944 as a pilot officer and encountered the legendary Group Capt. Hamish Mahadie, the former Halton apprentice who was talent-scouting for the Pathfinder Force. Shortly afterwards he was accepted and learned to fly the Lancaster. His next posting was to No. 635, a Pathfinder squadron based at Downham Market, Norfolk, with which he won the DFC and DSO. Although injured on one raid, he soon resumed operations with the squadron...’ (Daily Telegraph Obituary, dated November 1990 refers). The above mentioned publication, Lancaster At War 4: Pathfinder Squadron, was penned by the recipient under the name of Alex Thorne. It offers considerable detail on his own crew’s war experiences, from the forming of th...
Lot 323
A well-documented Northern Ireland M.I.D. campaign group of four awarded to Colour Sergeant I. Missenden, Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment and the Force Research Unit (FRU), who carried out 6 tours of Northern Ireland - suffering a gunshot wound as an 18 year old infantryman during his first, and going on to distinguish himself in an intelligence capacity as an ‘agent handler’ whilst serving with West Det (FRU), St. Angelo, Fermanagh. His tours spanned 20 years, and during that time Missenden was involved in multiple contacts with the IRA, becoming intimate with their methods, capturing gunmen and being on the receiving end of ambushes and mortar attack General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland, with M.I.D. oak leaf (24312535 Pte I Missenden DERR); U.N. Medal, on UNFICYP ribbon; Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994, E.II.R., with Additional Award Bar (24312535 Sgt I Missenden DERR); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (24312535 SSgt I Missenden DERR) good very fine (4) £4,000-£6,000 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 11 October 1988. Ian Missenden was born in British Military Hospital at Iserlohn, Germany in November 1955. The following extracts are taken from an extensive autobiographical account provided by the recipient of his service career: ‘I... enlisted in the 1st Battalion the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment in Bristol in November 1972 at the age of 17. On completion of training at the depot Exeter I joined my regiment in Berlin, who were then preparing for an 18 month tour of Northern Ireland. Not being old enough to deploy with the regiment, I was attached to The Devon and Dorset Regiment until my 18th birthday, I then rejoined the regiment in Ballykinler, Northern Ireland. The regiment’s role as province reserve was to re-enforce other units province-wide. First Tour of Northern Ireland: November 1973 - January 1975 On arriving in Northern Ireland I joined 10 Platoon, D Company as a rifleman. During the tour we (the platoon) deployed to Aughnacloy, Belfast, Bessbrook, Sion Mills, Newry and Crossmaglen. The duties of the platoon, included foot patrols, vehicle checkpoints, searches and boat patrols with the Royal Navy on Carlingford Lough conducting stop and search operations on boats crossing the border. In June 1974 my platoon (10 Platoon) deployed to Newry to assist a battery from 7 Royal Horse Artillery (7 RHA Para) with their workload. On Thursday 27th June I was a member of a mobile patrol who went to assist the RUC in crowd control at a factory dispute when the patrol came under fire in an IRA ambush where I received a gunshot wound to the back. The bullet entered my back, punctured my lung and exited my chest. After 6 weeks in the hospital I had made a full recovery and was discharged for 4 weeks sick leave before returning to my unit... Shooting Incident Newry 1974 On Thursday 27th June my section was the QRF, providing assistance for foot patrols and RUC. It was a busy day, we had been in and out on various tasks non-stop. At about 1900hrs, having just returned from a task, we were having a meal in the cookhouse when the tannoy came to life: “QRF commander to ops room.” The section loaded weapons and waited by the landrovers for Steve, the section commander, to return to brief us on the task. The RUC needed assistance with an angry crowd involved in a dispute at a factory on the Warrenpoint road, which was situated on the other side of Newry. I was with Gerry in the back of the lead vehicle. The vehicles stopped on the Warrenpoint road in a position overlooking the factory with the angry crowd, which stood 50 metres away. On the order ‘debus’ the section took up positions on the bank of the canal, while Steve assessed the situation. A few minutes later the shout to “Mount Up” came. The vehicle had barely moved when several things happened simultaneously; I felt a great slap on my back, putting me face down in the vehicle; the vehicle stopping abruptly; the sound of incoming fire; Gerry jumping over me and out of the vehicle in the direction of the firers. I could hear bullets zipping overhead as I picked myself up and grabbed my rifle, which I must have dropped when I received the ‘slap.’ That’s when I noticed the blood where I had been laying, which hadn’t been there before. Meanwhile the fire fight and shouting continued. I didn’t feel like I’d been shot as there was no pain but I thought the blood was mine, after checking my chest I confirmed it was! There was a hole with blood seeping from it, right where I thought my heart should be, and that’s when the pain kicked in. While I was still trying to believe what had happened, the shooting and noise ceased. Whilst carrying out a head check, it was discovered I was missing. Gerry found me and I was added to the contact report: one casualty, gunshot wound. Steve was told to take me directly to the helicopter landing zone (LZ) situated about 100 metres from our base, the other side of Newry.... On arriving at the LZ the battery medic took over and I was placed on a stretcher, and he applied field dressings to entry and exit wounds; I knew I had a punctured lung from the bubbles in the blood around the exit wound. Within a few minutes I was loaded into a helicopter, accompanied by the medic and on the way to Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast. By the time the helicopter landed at MPH it was dark and I was in a lot of pain, and having problems breathing due to a punctured lung. If it wasn’t for the medic I would have probably given up, I just wanted to close my eyes and sleep, even though I knew it could be the end for me... Before 7 RHA left the province, the OC, BSM and the medic who took me to MPH visited me and told me what happened after I left for the hospital. Over a dozen suspects were arrested, six were detained by the Special Branch. Empty cases found at the firing point were from a Garrand and M1 carbine. I’d been hit by a round from an M1 carbine. The round had gone through my flack jacket, body and through the flack jacket on its way out, before losing power and dropping into the outer lining of the flack jacket... the exit wound was three inches long... Before leaving the province I was involved in and witnessed several other terrorist incidents.’ The other ‘incidents’ alluded to above included the Long Kesh Riot in October 1974, the Sandes Cafe bomb at Ballykinler, 28 October 1974, and an ambush at a farm in Ballsmill in November of the same year: Ballsmill Incident 1974 Information was received via the confidential tip line, that there was a weapons hide in an unused farm complex on the border at Ballsmill. A search was planned for early the following morning. The Royal Engineer Search Team (REST) would conduct the search and the platoon would provide the cordon. I was chosen to be the radio operator and part of a four man team led by the platoon commander, and tasked to insert that night and watch over the complex. The rest of the platoon were flying in at daybreak to set up the cordon and the REST (9 Sqn RE) shortly afterwards. A chopper dropped the team a few miles out from the target, and we walked the rest of the way. High ground to the north of the farm complex was ideal for the job. We set up in a hedgerow 50 metres from the target and we settled into our position for the night. The border, a hedgerow, lay 70 metres to our left, ran parallel past the farm complex and continued uphill for approximately 175 metres, then turned sharp right and out of view. Two sides of the complex faced the border. Before first light the team moved cautiously down the hill to the complex; which was a series of stone buildings surround a courtyard. T...
Lot 343
Naval General Service 1793-1840, 2 clasps, Algiers, Syria (Thos. Wood.) light contact marks and suspension a little slack, otherwise very fine £1,200-£1,600 --- Thomas Wood is confirmed on the Admiralty rolls as a Landsman in Hecla at Algiers, and as an Able Seaman in Princess Charlotte for the Syrian operations. Despite a 10-year age discrepancy for this man in the muster lists of the two ships, the same Claim No. Q36 against each clasp would indicate that the clerks had satisfied themselves that this discrepancy was a simple error. One other man of this name is shown on the roll for Syria. Hecla was a Bomb of ten guns launched in July 1815 and was later used for Arctic discovery voyages between 1819 and 1827. Sold with further research.
Lot 451
A scarce Bomb and Mine Clearance G.S.M. awarded to Sapper S. J. Sullivan, 4 Bomb Disposal Company, Royal Engineers, who was killed whilst diffusing a mine at Horsey Gap beach, Norfolk, 31 July 1946 General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Bomb & Mine Clearance 1945-49 (14037169 Spr. S. J. Sullivan. R.E.) good very fine £600-£800 --- Stanley James Sullivan was the son of Mr and Mrs S. Sullivan of Pontypool, Wales. He served with 4 Bomb Disposal Company, Royal Engineers and aged just 19 was killed whilst making a mine ‘safe’ at Horsey Gap beach, Norfolk, 31 July 1946. The following detail is provided by a local paper, 10 August 1946: ‘The mine which caused the deaths of three soldiers at Horsey last week exploded during the ‘rendering safe’ procedure... The dead soldiers were Corporal Arthur Frederick Rackett of Upper Yarborough Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight; Sapper Walter Kenneth Gilbert of 71 Grenfell Park Road, St. Thomas, Swansea; and Sapper Stanley James Sullivan of 68 Woodlands, Pengawn, Pontypool. Sergeant John Upton, R.E. who was in charge of the mine-clearing party near Horsey Gap, said that he had left Corporal Rackett with instructions to carry on with the clearance while he spoke with another group of men some distance away. He then heard an explosion and, on going to the spot, saw a mine crater, with Gilbert and Rackett lying about 15 yards away. Gilbert was either dead of unconscious, but Rackett was conscious, though he was unable to say what had happened. Sullivan’s body was not found until ten minutes later and was 150 yards from the crater and clear of the actual minefield...’ Sapper Sullivan is buried in Trevethin (St. Cadoc) Churchyard, and commemorated on the Mundesely Bomb Disposal Memorial, Norfolk.
Lot 56
A rare Second War ‘Norwegian Coast 1940’ C.G.M. group of six awarded to Able Seaman R. H. Wellard, Royal Navy, whose gallantry when H.M.S. Pelican was dive bombed by enemy Ju-88s and severely damaged undoubtedly saved many lives and possibly the ship itself Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. (S.SX. 22441 R. H. Wellard. A.B. H.M.S. Pelican) officially impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Ronal H. Wellard) mounted for display, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (6) £8,000-£12,000 --- C.G.M. London Gazette 25 June 1940: ‘For courage and resource in operations on the Norwegian Coast.’:- Able Seaman Ronald Harry Wellard, C/SSX 22441, H.M.S. Pelican.’ He received his decoration at an investiture on 18 March 1941. In his official report dated 29 April 1940 (ADM 199/476) Commander Lennox Boswell, D.S.O., R.N., stated: ‘I wish particularly to mention the work of Able Seaman Ronald Wellard C/SSX.22441, who at considerable risk to himself, took a firehose down below the burning remains of “Y” gun and put out a fire in the flat below. Several live rounds of 4” ammunition were lying in the wreckage, which could only be approached over the wrecked open end of the ship, and was hidden by smoke and steam. The condition of “Y” magazine (directly below the fire) was unknown at the time.’ H.M.S. Pelican was attacked and dive bombed by enemy Junker 88 aircraft on 22 April 1940, and severely damaged. This ship and her crew suffered perhaps the most serious damage and casualties of any Royal Navy ship that survived and then returned, after repair, to war service. An official Norwegian war history even describes her as bombed, split in two and sunk. The official Admiralty Restricted Book of Reference 1886 (2) on “H.M. Ships Damaged or Sunk by Enemy Action 3rd Sept. 1939 to 2nd Sept. 1945” describes the damage: ‘(i) One Direct Hit 250 lbs. delay action fused Bomb (ii) Two Near Miss 250 lbs. direct action fused Bombs. Time out of action: 7 months. Brief Account of Damage and Lessons Learned: Pelican was attacked by aircraft whilst proceeding off the Norwegian coast. The direct hit burst on impact with the quarter deck and exploded a number of depth charges stowed in the rails. As a result of the explosion the whole of the ship abaft ‘X’ mounting was destroyed. The near miss bombs caused severe splinter damage over a large area. Pelican was flooded from the plummer block compartments aft. Fighting Efficiency: Severely impaired. The vessel was immobilised and unseaworthy in rough weather. Half the ships armament was out of action.’ Further details of the crippling damage and casualties can be found in Commander Boswell’s report: Damage Caused: 38. Four bombs were released simultaneously. One burst 100 feet Green from ‘X’ gun, splinters causing casualties to Upper Deck personnel from ‘B’ gun aft, and riddling the ship’s side. 39. Another bomb seems to have burst on the depth charges in one set of rails; there were 11 in one and 12 in the other touching side by side, besides the usual 8 standing by the throwers close by. All depth charges had primers inserted with pistols set to “safe”. 40. The explosion of the depth charges created a pressure wave, which disintegrated the ship abaft station 114, and worked forward until it met the strong structure of “Y” gun support and the gland space; here it seems to have blown away both sides and the bottom of the ship. Meanwhile the quarterdeck forward of station 114 was curled up over “Y” and “X” guns, the curl starting about station 95. The after bulkhead of the plummer block compartment was sound (station 94 below the Lower Deck), and the after bulkhead of the Ward Room (station 92 above the lower deck). There were no splinter marks visible on the turned up portion of the Quarter Deck. 41. Both propellor shafts were bent down, the starboard some 14 feet, and the port some 9 feet. He confirms that “one quarter of the ship’s company had been killed, and there were a large number of badly wounded”. After commending the admirable behaviour of the survivors, he specifically mentions the gallantry of Able Seaman Ronald Wellard, as already quoted above. Ronald Harry Wellard was born at Dover, Kent, on 30 August 1918. He volunteered for a 12 year period in the Royal Navy on 13 September 1937, joining H.M.S. Pembroke on that date and advancing to Able Seaman on 13 February 1939. He joined H.M.S. Pelican on 17 June 1939, and continued in her until 21 February 1941. After the end of the Second World War, on 10 November 1945, Able Seaman Ronald Wellard, C.G.M. was released under Class A and enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve in which he served until March 1954. He also served as a Special Constable and received the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, and as a uniformed guard at a National Trust property in Kent. Sold with original photograph of Wellard holding his medals, original Certificate of Service and Gunnery History Sheet; together with copied research including full Admiralty report.
Lot 57
A fine Second War ‘Bomb Disposal’ G.M. awarded to Lieutenant W. N. Bennett, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, for his gallantry in rendering mines safe off the west coast of Wales, December 1941 George Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Lt. William N Bennett. R.N.V.R.) engraved naming, in Royal Mint case of issue, a somewhat later duplicate issue, extremely fine £1,200-£1,600 --- G.M. London Gazette 16 June 1942: ‘For gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty.’ The Recommendation states: ‘This officer has shown the greatest possible zeal and devotion to duty in rendering British mines safe. For a considerable time he had to carry out this duty single-handed without any assistance whatsoever. He has shown a complete lack of fear for his personal safety in highly dangerous circumstances. On one occasion, in the depth of winter, whilst rendering safe a mine which had been washed ashore, he waded out to another which was drifting ashore in a dangerous position in an endeavour to prevent it doing so by mooring it. The seas, however, proved too heavy and the mine eventually exploded ashore. In addition to his keenness and devotion to duty, this officer is absolutely tireless.’ The original letter of recommendation, from the Minesweeping Office, R.N. Base, Milford Haven, ands dated 4 February 1942, gives further details: ‘I have the honour to submit the name of Lieutenant William Norman Bennett, R.N.V.R., for a decoration in connection with his duties in rendering mines safe, which have been washed ashore. Lieutenant Bennett has carried out this duty for many months with great keenness and ability and with complete disregard for his personal safety, particularly in instances where other persons or property have been endangered. Besides rendering mines safe ashore, he has dealt with, by boat, mines caught up with their moorings in such dangerous positions as aircraft landing areas and target areas - not an easy operation even in calm weather. On one occasion [on 11 December 1941], he waded out to a mine in rough seas in winter in an endeavour to prevent it coming ashore, and on another [on 4 December 1941], being forced to detonate a mine, he had only seven minutes in which to scale a cliff 150 feet in height by Jacob’s ladder in order to get clear. Until the last two months, Lieutenant Bennett has had to work without any assistance whatsoever. In view of the fact that many mines, supposedly sae, had exploded on contact with the shore, Lieutenant Bennett has known that every mine is a potential danger. I have no hesitation in recommending him for his services, so bravely, tirelessly, and cheerfully carried out.’ William Norman Bennett served as a temporary Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, serving in H.M.S. Skirmisher. The act of gallantry mentioned in the G.M. Recommendation took place in the sea off the west coast of Wales near Barmouth on 4 December 1941. Note: An original issue G.VI.R. 1st type George Medal, correctly named to this man, is know to exist, and it is unknown why a duplicate medal was issued to the recipient.
Lot 943
ROCK HEROES - LP PACK. Rock your way to the top with this collection of 13 x (almost entirely) LPs. Titles / Artists include Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath (Early UK Pressing, Small Swirl, 847 903 VTY - Ex Record, VG+ Sleeve, Ex Record), Eric Clapton - One More Car, One More Rider (Live On Tour 2001), Groundhogs - Thank Christ For the Bomb (0923615077 - Ex+), Badfinger - So Fine - The Warner Bros Rarities (48064 00885 - Ex+), Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Hammersmith Odeon, London '75, Bruce Springsteen inc. Live 1975-85 (450227 1), Western Stars, Darkness On the Edge of Town, Innocent & The E Street Shuffle, The River, Born in the USA, Tunnel Of Love and Greetings From Asbury Park. The condition is generally Ex to Ex+/ Archive with some sleeves dropping slightly below this.
Lot 1045
INDIE/ ALT/ WAVE/ ROCK/ POP - 12" COLLECTION. A super collection of around 83 12" singles. Artists/ titles include Pearl Jam - Go (M// Sealed, includes bonus cassette), Nirvana - Sliver (TUPEP 25, blue vinyl), Guns N Roses - Live And Let Die (yellow vinyl), Reducer - Feast Of The Dead, Radiohead - My Iron Lung EP, Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds - Holy Mountain, The Cure - Inbetween Days, Reducer - Untitled, David Bowie - Man In The Middle, ANgelic Upstarts - Brighton Bomb. Sex Pistols, Gene Loves Jezebel, The Warning, Rush, T Rex, Shark Tabo, Manic Street Preachers, Paul McCartney, Tears For Fears, The Charlatans, Sex-Gang Children, The Stranglers, Sham 69, The Sugar Cubes. Condition is generally VG+ to Ex+.
Lot 555
Rare 50st Annivy Air Raid Pearl Harbor Signed Alex Vraciu US Navy fighter Ace 19 Victories WW11. shot down six Japanese dive bombers in eight minutes, 7 Dec 1992 - Mildenhall CDS pmk. 50st anniversary Air Raid Pearl Harbor - This is No Drill Signed Hirata Matsumra Japanese Bomb Aimer Special cover showing Curtiss P-4O aircraft added cachet 07. 58 (Local Time) Emergency broadcast by Commander Logan C. Ramsey from Marine Air Base at Ewa Ford Island, Air Raid Pearl Harbor - This is No Drill. 7 Dec 1992 - Mildenhall CDS pmk. Personally Signed by Personally Signed by Alex Vraciu US Navy fighter Ace 19 Victories WW11. shot down six Japanese dive bombers in eight minutes, Enclosed Details. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
Lot 331
Original vintage Soviet propaganda poster - Just you try it! - featuring a great illustration of a Soviet soldier holding a red rocket marked with a hammer and sickle towards a US Army general and soldier holding an atom bomb with the stylised red lettering above. Horizontal. Excellent condition. Country of issue: Russia, designer: V. Ivanov, size (cm): 56x83.5, year of printing: 1968.
Lot 418
Original vintage Soviet propaganda poster - Just you try it! - featuring a great illustration of a Soviet soldier holding a red rocket marked with a hammer and sickle towards a US Army general and soldier holding an atom bomb with the stylised red lettering above. Horizontal. Very good condition, creasing. Country of issue: Russia , designer: V. Ivanov, size (cm): 58x84, year of printing: 1968.
Lot 424
Original vintage Korean war air flyer dropped off by the British and American troops on Chinese Communist soldiers. The leaflet features an image of a soldier in military uniform and bayonet rifle on his shoulder, the caption reads in Chinese – How can you trust them this way? How to beat them? – the caption in English reads – Is it worth fighting for? – the reverse features a cartoon divided in two columns to be read from the right, Chinese captions read – ‘Promises of China Communist Party (CCP)’ and ‘The reality of the CCP’, with promise of food, medicine, planes, and victory, offset by empty boxes, and a bomb with caption ‘military alliance’. – caption in English reads – This is what Russians promise the North Koreans. This is what they get. Good condition, folds, creasing, staining, translations written in pencil. Country of issue: China, designer: Unknown, size (cm): 20x13, year of printing: 1950s.
Lot 206
617 Squadron Tirpitz and Dambusters Collection Includes 617 Squadron Pilot's Flying Log Book, FDCs or Comm. Covers , Copy of Operation Hydra. Copy of 12,000 LB H.C. Bomb Story, Copy of Flight Logs, Cuttings, Copy of Fleet Air Arm Operations against The Tirpitz Copy of Operation Tungsten against Tirpitz, Copy of Battle Summary No 27, good condition. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
Lot 60
Marvel Comics - Fantastic Four 1967 #58 January "The Dismal Dreggs of Defeat"; #59 February " 'Doomsday';#60 March "The Peril and the Power", #61 April "Where Stalks the Sandman", #62 May ..."and one shall Save Him", #63 June "Blastaar the Living Bomb-Burst, #64 July "The Sentry Sinister", #65 August "From the Deadly Lips..., written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby, inked by Joe Sinnott, lettered by Artie Simek. July 21st Condition ReportsAll appear to be in good condition, please request an individual condition report.
Lot 168
TEEN TITANS #1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (5 in Lot) - (1966 - DC - UK Cover Price) Includes First issue of solo title - Teen Titans join the Peace Corps + Batman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman + First appearance of Garn + First appearance of the Ant + Ding-Dong and his Beach Bomb, Screamin' Demon Dragster, Speedy appearances - Nick Cardy covers and interior art - Flat/Unfolded - a photographic condition report is available on request
Lot 3
δ Banksy (b.1974)Bomb LoveScreenprint in pink and black, 2003, numbered from the edition of 600 in pencil, printed and published by Pictures on Walls, London, with their blindstamp, on wove paper, the full sheet printed to the edges, sheet 694 x 495mm (27 3/8 x 19 1/2in)This work is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by Pest Control Office.WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER FREE INSURED SHIPPING WORLDWIDE FOR ALL LOTS IN THIS AUCTION.δ This lot is sold subject to Artists Resale Rights, details of which can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Lot 299
WW2 American Paratroopers M3 Combat Knife early pattern M3 fighting knife having the original leather binding to the grip and steel top pommel with flaming bomb mark, steel guard with downward end, partially double edged blade measuring 6¾in. (17.1cm.) in length. unmarked blade, housed in brown leather scabbard.
Lot 2963
Quantity of WW2 specimens of bomb parts, parachute cord, ammunition cases, shrapnel etc which appear to have been on display in a museum and come with a detailed typed inventory and individual display cards giving description, where found and dateCondition Report:Condition varies.Not everything on the inventory is present and the display cards are loose and not attached to the exhibit to which they relate.
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