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Lot 648
A fine Second World War D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant J. C. K. Platts, Royal Air Force, a Rear-Gunner who completed over 40 sorties, many of them as "Marker" and no less than 15 of them against the "Big City": prior to joining Pathfinders, he participated in the Hamburg "firestorm" raids and in the famous strike against Peenemunde in August 1943 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (636316 F./Sgt. J. C. K. Platts, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine and better (5) £2000-2200 D.F.M. London Gazette 15 August 1944. The original recommendation states: This N.C.O. has taken part in 42 attacks on German and German occupied territory, 24 of which have been as "Marker". Many of these have been against the most heavily defended targets, 15 on Berlin. His aircraft has on many occasions been a target for the enemy defences, but throughout his fortitiude and devotion to duty have made a valuable contribution to the safety of his crew. He is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. John Cyril Keith Platts flew his first operational sortie - against Gelsenkirchen - as an Air Gunner in No. 101 Squadron, a Lancaster unit operating out of Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire, on the night of 9 July 1943, followed by a strike against Essen and a brace of trips to Hamburg on the 29th and on the 2 August, these last two at the height of the "firestorm" raids. But if the scenes of devastation in that city were an eye-opener for an Air Gunner at the beginning of his first operational tour - Platts flew as "Tail End Charlie" - his next sortie, in Lancaster JA 926, piloted by Flight Sergeant John Sexton, an Australian, against the secret rocket installation at Peenemunde on 17 August, produced equally shocking results, or certainly according to the eye-witness account of another member of his squadron, Sergeant J. J. Minguy: Peenemunde was growing very "lively". On the ground, everything was going up and burning as it isnt possible. This was a mixture of flashes from the ground defences, which seemed to increase their firing in the same measure as we were raining them with bombs, and of explosions which were all more spectacular one from the other. It looked like coal burning - an inferno! Flames were of every colour possible - red, orange, green, blue and what not! Explosions succeeded one another at a rate that surpasses imagination (see Martin Middlebrooks Peenemunde Raid for further details). A little under a week later, Platts flew his first sortie to Berlin, the first of a remarkable total of 15 trips to the "Big City", a dozen of them virtually being flown in succession between mid-November and mid-February 1944 (i.e. at the height of what became known as the Battle of Berlin). Lucky indeed to survive this period of operations - Bomber Command lost nearly 500 aircraft in this offensive - he immediately flew a brace of trips to both Stuttgart and Frankfurt, followed by a final visit to Berlin and another to Nuremberg. He was, therefore, probably relieved to gain a posting to recently formed No. 582 Squadron in April 1944, a Pathfinder unit operating in Lancasters out of Little Staughton, if only because that units targets over the coming weeks were largely in France. Having been recommended for his D.F.M. in mid-May, Platts was posted out of No. 582 in late June; given the reference to him flying as "Marker" on 24 occasions in his recommendation, he must have been attached to another Pathfinder unit around the time of the Berlin offensive, most probably No. 7 Squadron, in which his ex-101 pilot, John Sexton, was commissioned and awarded a D.F.C.
Lot 649
A fine Second World War A.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Lieutenant C. Beveridge, Royal Air Force, who flew daylight sorties and night-fighter operations in Blenheims of No. 219 Squadron at the height of the Battle of Britain Air Force Medal, G.VI.R. (522807 F./Sgt. C. Beveridge, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, generally good very fine (5) £3000-3500 A.F.M. London Gazette 1 January 1944. The original recommendation states: This airman has shown exceptional skill as a Flight Engineer. He was employed in that capacity on one of the first direct flights from the U.K. to Egypt, and from Egypt to the U.K. His devotion to duty, both during flights, and on the ground at overseas staging posts where he had to depend on himself and his resources, has set a fine example. Charles Beveridge, who was born in June 1915, entered the Royal Air Force as an Aircrafthand in August 1935, but was later re-mustered for training as an Air Gunner. Posted to No. 219 Squadron, a Blenheim unit then based at Catterick and commanded by Squadron Leader J. H. "Jimmy" Little, D.F.C., in August 1940, he quickly gained operational experience, not least when the Squadron moved south to Redhill, and thence to Tangmere. So, too, of the thin divide between survival and death, when he, and his pilot, the Canadian John Carriere, came to grief on 6 August - their Blenheim hit some power cables and plunged into a local river, but fortunately, both crew members suffered relatively minor injuries. Quite a few of Beveridges earlier sorties would have been of the daylight kind, but No. 219 had in fact been trained-up as a nightfighter unit, and in September 1940, with the arrival of Beaufighters, it reverted to its previous role. And from these early days of radar-enhanced operational night sorties emerged some notable ace-partnerships, not least Flying Officer J. G. Topham and Flight Sergeant H. W. W. Berridge, both of whom would have been well-known to Beveridge. So, too, the colourful "Kiwi", Squadron Leader A. E. Clouston, A.F.C., who arrived at 219s base in October 1940 - he had recently been grounded for trying to bring down an enemy aircraft with his propellor after running out of ammunition. For his own part, and as verified by 219s records, Beveridge completed around 40 or 50 operational sorties in the period August 1940 to November 1941, the majority of them as a recently qualified Radar / Navigator in the Squadrons Beaufighters out of Tangmere, and latterly under a new C.O., Wing Commander (afterwards Marshal of the Royal Air Force) T. G. "Killer" Pike, who quickly gained ace-status and a brace of D.F.Cs; see From Dusk Till Dawn, The Story of No. 219 Squadron 1918-1957, by T. W. Kitching, for further details. With a well-merited "Battle of Britain" clasp under his belt, and having qualified as a Flight Engineer, Beveridge next joined No. 511, a Liberator unit of Transport Command, but his duties were far from mundane, involving as they did numerous return trips from North Africa to Lyneham, via Gibraltar, and occasional stops at Malta - in March 1943 his aircraft airlifted 30 people, including women and children, from the besieged "George Cross Island". As also verified by 511s records, his duties included a number of V.I.P. ferrying flights, not least at the time of the Teheran Conference at the end of 1943, the first occasion that Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin were all present - thus passengers such as Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, Generals Dill, Ismay and Alanbrooke, and Admiral Sir Andrew "ABC" Cunningham, in addition to political heavyweights such as Eden. Beveridge was awarded the A.F.M. Remaining in the Royal Air Force after the War with an extended commission - he had been appointed Pilot Officer in August 1943 - he was advanced to Flight Lieutenant in February 1947 and was placed on the Retired List in September 1952. Beveridge died in December 1984.
Lot 871
A particulary fine, well-documented and poignant Battle of Britain Spitfire aces D.F.C. group of four awarded to Flight Lieutenant D. G. Gribble, Royal Air Force, who, having been compelled as a result of combat damage to make a forced-landing on a beach near Dunkirk in May 1940, went on to claim six confirmed victories, besides several probables and damaged, the vast majority of them at the height of the Battle in August 1940, a gallant operational career that is well recorded in the memoirs of his fellow 54 Squadron pilots, Al Deere and Colin Gray - he was killed in action in a Channel sweep in June 1941, having been heard to call "Engine cut, baling out" Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1940 and privately inscribed, Flight Lieut. D. G. Gribble; 1939-45 Star, clasp, Battle of Britain; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, contained in an old leather case, extremely fine (4) £14000-18000 D.F.C. London Gazette 13 August 1940. The original recommendation states: Since the outbreak of war, this happy young Fighter Pilot has taken part in almost every offensive patrol carried out by his squadron during the invasion of the Low Countries, throughout the Dunkirk operations and, in more recent times, the intensive air fighting over the Channel. A survivor of Dunkirk, he was, himself, shot down there, but made his way back again to this country, salving some valuable wireless equipment from his aeroplane. Throughout innumerable offensive patrols to date, Pilot Officer Gribble has led his section, and recently his Flight, with great courage, gallantry and determination. On one occasion, having fired all his ammunition, he was bringing back two other pilots of his section who had not fired any of theirs, when he sighted a Vic of 6 Do. 17s. Without hesitation, he led the two other pilots - although subjected to severe cross-fire against which he had no means of replying - into the attack with such determination that the effective bombing of an important convoy was prevented. Pilot Officer Gribble has so far, himself, destroyed 3 Me. 109s and damaged a great many more. Both in the air and off duty on the ground, this officers cheerful manner and example have done much to keep up the high morale of his squadron during the hard times it has recently passed through. Dorian George Gribble was born in Hendon, London in June 1919, but was brought up on the Isle of Wight, where he was educated at Ryde School. Joining the Royal Air Force on a short service commission in March 1938, he attended No. 11 F.T.S. at Shawbury before being posted to No. 54 Squadron, a Gladiator unit based at Hornchurch, in December 1938. Shortly thereafter the Squadron was re-equipped with Spitfires. With the onset of the German invasion of the Low Countries, No. 54 went into action, Gribble flying his first offensive patrol to Ostend on 16 May 1940. The previous evening, in an operational briefing delivered to the pilots in the Officers Mess billiard room, Al Deere had scanned the audience: The central figure was, as always, Pilot Officer George Gribble. Very English, very good looking and bubbling over with the enthusiasm of his twenty years, he epitomized the product of the public school; young yet mature, carefree yet serious when the situation required and above all possessing a courageous gaiety which he was later to display in abundance. A little over a week later, on the 24th, in 54s second patrol of the day - a large scale dogfight over the Dunkirk-Calais sector in which Colin Gray later recalled seeing nothing but black crosses hurtling around in all directions - Gribble destroyed a Me. 109 after firing 1700 rounds from 250 yards range (I saw my tracer crossing into his aircraft while he was on his back. He just fell into the ground ... ). The following day his Spitfire was badly damaged when 54 was jumped by about a dozen 109s, and he carried out a forced-landing on a beach near Dunkirk - but removed his radio equipment from the cockpit before finding passage home in a tramp steamer bound for Dover. Al Deere later recalled his arrival back in the U.K.: A pleasant surprise awaited me when I walked into the Mess on the way to supper. In the hall stood George Gribble with, of all things, the radio set from his aircraft under his arm. "Do you mean to say that you carted that thing all the way back with you?" I asked, clasping him warmly by the hand. "Seemed the sensible thing to do, old boy. So far as I know these particular sets are still on the secret-list and we dont want the Huns to get a free copyright," he answered. This was typical of George. He must have gone to no end of trouble to carry such an awkward and fairly heavy piece of equipment back with him. Apparently the captain of the ship that brought him home had tried to dissuade him for, as he pointed out, space was at a premium, and it must be men before material. Once having made up his mind, nothing would deter Geroge. The Squadron moved to Catterick on 28 May, and thence back to Hornchurch on 4 June, but it would not be until July that it returned to frontline duties. Battle of Britain With the advent of the Battle proper, 54 started to operate out of Rochford and Manston, and on 24 July, over North Foreland, in what Colin Gray described as a terrific dogfight ... in no time at all it became a crazy mixture of Spitfires and Me. 109s chasing one another round in circles, Gribble claimed a brace of Me. 109s destroyed (unconfirmed). The following day, when just five of 54s Spitfires joined in combat with two waves of Ju. 87s, escorted by about 80 109s, Gribble led Green section, but with two of their number shot down, 54s survivors were compelled to beat a hasty retreat back to Manston, but not before we had to take violent evasive action. On 26 July, the Squadron moved to Catterick, the very same day on which Gribble was appointed Flight Commander of B Flight, and in fact the date on which he was recommended for the D.F.C., the covering remarks of Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park stating: This cheerful young pilot has shot down 3 enemy aircraft and damaged many more. He was particularly gallant in leading his Flight on a recent occasion. He had fired all his ammunition - however, he led his section against a Vic-formation of 6 Do. 17s and so prevented the effective bombing of an important convoy. As a leader he is outstanding - his morale and cheerful bearing are an example to the Squadron. For his outstanding qualities as a leader, I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Air Chief Marshal Dowding concurred, his signature of approval being dated 31 July 1940. Early August witnessed the Squadron moving to Hornchurch, and on the 15th, Gribble damaged a Ju. 87 in a dogfight over Dover-Hawkinge sector, one of 30 87s with a 40-strong Me. 109 escort - I dived into the attack, using 12 boost, and fired a long burst at one from astern. It seemed to "shudder" in mid-air and then dived steeply with black smoke coming from it. I saw my ammunition entering the machine. Later that day, he also destroyed a Me. 109 and damaged a Do.17 over the Maidstone. Of the fate of the 109, his combat report stated: On breaking again I came up and engaged a Me. 109, chasing it out towards the sea. The cloud was about 10/10 at 13,000 feet, so I had not very much idea of where I was. I gave the enemy aircraft a longish burst from 350 closing to 250 yards. The enemy aircraft dived and then burst into flames ... The very next day, the 16th, he damaged a Me. 109 east of Hornchurch - I managed to get in a long burst (10 seconds), opening at 300 yards and closing to 200 yards range. Smoke began to pour out of the machine and it went into a dive - while on the 18th, when the Squadron was sent down to Manston for the third day running, Gribble acted as "Blue Leader" in B Flight, and destroyed another Me. 109, in additio
Lot 872
A good Second World War D.F.C. group of six awarded to Wing Commander J. H. Newberry, Royal Air Force, who, having been shot down in his Blenheim over France in May 1940, carried out a brace of operational tours in No. 114 and No. 18 Squadrons, most of them of a daylight nature and several of the low-level variety - he was appointed to the command of the latter squadron in March 1942 Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1942; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (Wg. Cdr., R.A.F.), the Second World War awards mounted as worn, generally good very fine (6) £1600-1800 D.F.C. London Gazette 11 August 1942. The original recommendation states: This officer has nearly completed his second operational tour, and has carried out 33 operational sorties, totalling 81 hours 45 minutes flying, of which 19 hours 30 minutes have been at night. He was posted to the command of No. 18 (Burma) Squadron on 26 March 1942, having previously served in No. 114 (Hong Kong) Squadron. On leaving his last unit, his Squadron Commander reported on him as follows: "He was leader of a box of six aircraft which made a very successful low-level attack on the iron works at Yjmuiden on 21 August 1941. Bombs were seen to fall between the chimneys and photographs confirmed extensive damage. He took part in the successful low-level attack on Herdla Aerodrome on 27 December 1941. He was leader of a formation of three aircraft which took off at 1710 hours on 12 February 1942 to attack the German battleships. These were located and bombed. Two Air Gunners of the formation confirm one possible hit, or a very near miss. He is an outstanding leader and his work has always been a fine example to his Flight, which he commands with thoroughness and efficiency. It is considered that his record of operational service is worthy of recognition." Since taking command of No. 18 (Burma) Squadron, Wing Commander Newberry has put up an excellent show in forming, organising and training the Squadron, and succeeded in getting them operational in a very short time. He has been an inspiration to the Squadron by his keenness and enthusiasm and has set an excellent example. He has carried out four operational sorties by night during the past few weeks, and has shown great keenness and determination. I strongly recommend that he should be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. John Harold Newberry, a regular pre-war officer who had been advanced to Flying Officer in July 1939, first went operational with No. 139 Squadron, a Blenheim unit operating out of Wyton, when he flew a high-level reconnaissance over Heligoland on 9 November 1939. But with the onset of the "Phoney War", he did not fly another operational sortie until 14 May 1940, soon after the German invasion of the Low Countries, this time operating out of an airfield at Plivot, France. As it transpired, it was a black day for the Royal Air Force, no less than 40 Battles and 14 Blenheims being downed, official records noting that Newberrys aircraft was among them, having been shot down west of Sedan, one of his crew dying trapped in the burning wreckage. And given that he did not fly another sortie until mid-July, it is probable that he was wounded - or on the run behind enemy lines. Joining No. 114 (Hong Kong) Squadron, another Blenheim unit, on his return from France, he commenced a tour of daylight operations in the period July to October 1940, namely a dozen or so sorties against enemy invasion barges, in addition to some reconnaissance flights and a low-level strike on Hamstede Aerodrome. Rested over the winter months, he commenced his second tour in the summer of 1941, once more in No. 114 Squadron, and this time as a Flight Commander - a case in point being the formation he led on a low-level daylight strike against the steel works at Yjmuiden on 21 August, when bombs were seen to fall between the chimneys. Another challenging operation was the attack on Herdla Aerdrome in Norway on 27 December, flown in support of the Combined Operations raid against Vaagso and Maaloy, while in the New Year he carried out an attack on the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. It was about this time that Newberry was advanced to Acting Wing Commander and appointed C.O. of No. 18 Squadron, another Blenheim unit operating out of Wattisham, and he flew his first operational sortie - a strike against Leeuwarden Aerodrome - on the night of 8-9 May 1942. Three similar operations were completed over the next few weeks, and it was at the end of June, shortly before ending his tour, that he was recommended for his D.F.C.
Lot 874
A very rare E.II.R. Malaya operations D.F.C. group of six awarded to Squadron Leader B. H. Walker, Royal Air Force, who completed numerous bombing sorties in No. 148 Squadrons Lincolns 1954-55 Distinguished Flying Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated 1955; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Flt. Lt. B. H. Walker, R.A.F.), good very fine and better (6) £3000-3500 D.F.C. London Gazette 11 October 1955: In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya. Brian Hibbs Walker, who was born in December 1921, was commissioned as a Pilot Officer, from Corporal, in February 1943 and is believed to have flown operationally in Lancasters before the Wars end. A Flight Lieutenant by the time he joined No. 148 Squadron in early 1954, he was ordered to Tengah, Singapore in April of the same year, the units Lincolns having been selected for operations over Malaya. Some hasty training in bombing and strafing missions ensued - as would attendance at a jungle training course care of the Somerset Light Infantry - and on 6 May Walker flew his first sortie, a strike against a target in Kampong Punngai. Five days later he was back in action over Kajang, followed by a pinpoint strike in the Ipoh area on the 19th, and a brace of visits to the Kulim region on the 26th and 30th. June witnessed him flying another five sorties, against targets in Kulim, Flagwag Bahau, Flagwag Gurun, Kuala Selangor and Kadah peak, the last named involving a six-hour flight, while in July he participated in "Operation Termite", a large scale initiative in collaboration with our ground forces in the Ipoh area, and one entailing the use of 1000lb. bombs prior to parachute drops to clear up any remaining opposition. "Termite" over, No. 148 returned to the U.K., where it participated in "Operation Sea Mist", a large scale exercise to test the defences of Denmark and Norway, Walker being advanced to Squadron Leader in October. Then in the following month, he returned to Tengah, this time as C.O. of the Squadrons operational detachment and, between December 1954 and March 1955, flew a succession of sorties in support of "Latimer", "Nassau" and other initiatives - thus a four-hour daylight trip against Ipoh, and three-hour night and day sorties against Triang in December 1954. But it was in January 1955 that he was at his busiest, dropping 14 x 500lb. bombs on Termerloh on the 1st, and the same load on targets in Triang and Kampong Puggai on the 2nd, and again on the latter place on the 4th. Then he delivered a bomb load of 12,000lb. to Taiping on the 6th, another 10,000lb. to Kuala Langat on the 11th and 12th, followed by a 14,000lb. load to the same target for good measure on the following night; and finally, in the latter part of the month, 7,000lb. loads were dropped on targets at Mount Ophir on the 19th, Gemas on the 25th and Port Dickson on the 27th. As a result of rain damage to 148s runway, operations were reduced in the February-March period, but Walker did deliver four further bomb loads in the former month. The Squadron was ordered home in April 1955 and he was gazetted for a well-deserved D.F.C. that October. He was placed on the Retired List in October 1973.
Lot 911
An extremely rare Borneo operations M.M. pair awarded to Corporal Bombahadur Limbu, 1/7th Gurkha Rifles: a leading scout in a three-man reconnaissance patrol, he killed outright a brace of Indonesian insurgents in a jungle firefight - and wounded a further three while lending cover to his comrades as they withdrew across a deep, fast flowing river Military Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (21152190 Rfn. Bombahadur Limbu, 7 G.R.); General Service 1962, 2 clasps, Borneo, Malay Peninsula (21152190 Rfn. Bombahadur Limbu, 1/7 G.R.), good very fine (2) £3000-3500 Just 36 Military Medals (and two Bars) were awarded for the Borneo confrontation 1962-66. M.M. London Gazette 14 December 1965. The original recommendation states: On the 18 March 1965, Rifleman Bombahadur Limbu was in operations in the Bau District of the First Division of Sarawak. On this day Bombahadur was the leading scout of a three man reconnaissance patrol some six hundred yards from their patrol base, in thick jungle. The patrol halted on the far side of a deep, swift flowing river. While the patrol commander checked his map Bombahadur acted as sentry some twenty yards off, on a track. Suddenly three Indonesian regular soldiers appeared on a bend in the track ten yards away. Bombahadur fired, immediately killing the two leading Indonesians. He then shouted a warning to his patrol commander. By this time a whole Indonesian platoon of some forty men had deployed on the rising ground ahead of Bombahadur and opened very heavy automatic and rifle fire on him. Realising that his two comrades would require time to swim across the river behind him, Rifleman Bombahadur coolly covered their withdrawal for several minutes. During this exchange of fire Bombahadur wounded three more Indonesians. His fire was so effective that the enemy pulled back. Bombahadur, having checked that his comrades had withdrawn, then swam across the river and returned to his patrol base. Bombahadur showed an utter disregard for his own safety in the face of great personal danger. Despite tremendous odds he selflessly covered the withdrawal of his comrades across a deep, fast flowing river which he knew he himself would have to cross. Rifleman Bombahadur's gallant and inspiring conduct is worthy of the highest praise. The Gurkhas suffered by far the highest casualties of the Borneo confrontation, with 43 killed in action and a further 87 wounded. Bombahadur Limbu enlisted in the 1/7th Gurkha Rifles at Dharan, Eastern Nepal, in December 1960, and was discharged in the rank of Corporal in September 1976; sold with photocopied service record.
Lot 914
A fine Second World War D.F.M. group of four awarded to Flight Sergeant M. E. Foreman, Royal Air Force, a Wireless Operator who flew several sorties to the "Big City" at the height of the Bomber Commands offensive over the winter of 1943-44, in addition to participating in the Hamburg "firestorm" raids and in the famous strike against Peenemunde in August 1943 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1312653 F./Sgt. M. E. Foreman, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine and better (4) £1800-2200 D.F.M. London Gazette 11 February 1944. The original recommendation states: Flight Sergeant Foreman is a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner and has now taken part in 26 bombing sorties against the enemy. These have included targets at Mannheim, Hanover, Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Berlin. The success of these operations is due in no small measure to Flight Sergeant Foremans exceptional technical skill and he has shown himself to be an indispensible member of a very gallant crew. Such skill is only surpassed by his unyielding courage and fearlessness of the highest order. A fitting recognition of this N.C.Os valuable services would be the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. Maurice Eric Foreman commenced his operational career with No. 12 Squadron, a Lancaster unit based at Wickenby, Lincolnshire, in June 1943, when he flew a sortie against Oberhausen on the night of the 14th, his aircraft on this occasion piloted by Wing Commander R. S. Wood - but thereafter by Pilot Officer D. G. Lighton. A "Gardening" trip followed shortly afterwards, so too sorties to Wuppertal, Gelsenkirchen and Cologne. July witnessed No. 12 Squadron supporting the offensive against Hamburg, Foreman participating in the "firestorm" raids of the 24th and 29th, in addition to a return trip on the 2 August. Mannheim, Milan and Leverkausen quickly followed, but his most memorable outing in the latter month was undoubtedly the famous strike against the secret rocket installation at Peenemunde on the 17th, when he flew in Lancaster LM 301 "O" - as one member of his crew, the Flight Engineer, Sergeant F. Wadsworth, later observed, Even today, when I see a cloudless sky with a full moon, I think about that night we went to Peenemunde (Martin Middlebrooks Peenemunde Raid refers). While Foremans skipper, the newly promoted Flying Officer Lighton, reported, Good concentrated attack right on target - returned with feeling of having done an excellent job. Returning to more regular targets in September, No. 12 made a brace of attacks on both Hanover and Mannheim, in addition to strikes against Bochum and Berlin, Foreman occupying the Mid-Upper Gunners seat for one of the former trips - of the attack on Bochum, Lighton concluded, Excellent trip - Huns half-day off. October witnessed Foreman completing his third sortie to Hanover, and a strike against Hagen, while in November, after raids on Dusseldorf and Modane, he flew his first "Battle of Berlin" period sortie to the "Big CIty" - Due to 10/10 cloud in target area, very lucky if we hit Berlin. A week or two later, Foreman was recommended for his D.F.M., but he still had to complete another four sorties to bring his tour of operations to a close, all of them of the heavily defended kind: namely his fourth visit to Mannheim and three further sorties to Berlin, these last in an offensive in which Bomber Command lost nearly 500 aircraft. He survived and was "posted-out" in January 1944 to less hazardous employment.
Lot 922
A fine Mau Mau troubles B.E.M. awarded to Forest Guard (Grade IV) Kiprotich arap Ndotich, who dropped a brace of Kikuyu gang members with his bow and arrow: He shot the gang leader through the chest killing him on the spot ... and was too much for the remaining members of the gang who ran off taking their wounded man with them British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Kiprotich arap Ndotich), in its Royal Mint case of issue, nearly extremely fine £400-500 B.E.M. London Gazette 9 October 1956: Kiprotich arap Ndotich and another Forest Guard were returning from work through South Tinderet Forest when they saw five armed Kikuyu coming towards them. As they passed, the two Forest Guards decided to retrace their steps, follow the gang in order to locate their hideout and report it to the Police, but they were seen by the gang who immediately attacked them. Two of the gang attacked Kiprotichs companion with swords, felling him to the ground and wounding him seriously about the head and body. When Kiprotich saw his plight he rushed to his help and attacked the gang single handed. Using his bow and arrow he shot the gang leader through the chest killing him on the spot. He then shot another member of the gang through the chest and was too much for the remaining members of the gang who ran off taking their wounded man with them. Forest Guard Kiprotich arap Ndotich acted with courage and determination.
Lot 516
An impressive inter-war M.B.E. group of twelve awarded to Commissary & Major E. W. Newman, Indian Army, late Dorset Regiment, who was awarded an immediate M.S.M. in 1917 and thrice mentioned in despatches during his long and distinguished career (1895-1944): one of the latter distinctions was for the South Persia operations 1918-19, though he was suffering from an old wound obtained in France The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Members 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1932; India General Service 1895-1902, 2 clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (4639 Drmr., 1/Dorset Regt.), single initial E.; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1908 (Sergt., S. & T. Corps), single initial E.; 1914 Star (S./Sergt., S. & T. Corps); British War Medal 1914-20 (Condr., S. & T. Corps). single initial E.; Victory Medal 1914-19 (Condr., S. & T.C.), single initial E.; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S. Persia (Condr., S. & T. Corps); War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal 1939-45; Delhi Durbar 1911; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (S./Sergt., S. & T. Corps); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (S. Sjt., S. & T.C.), together with official duplicate issue 1914 Star (4639 S. Sjt., Dorset R.) and British War Medal 1914-20 (4639 C. Sjt., Dorset R.), the second and third renamed in small impressed capitals, generally very fine or better (14) £800-1000 M.B.E. London Gazette 4 June 1934. Eugene William Newman was born in Oatacomand, India in December 1881 and enlisted in the Dorset Regiment as a boy recruit in January 1895. Standing a little over five feet, he was appointed a Drummer in the 1st Battalion and quickly witnessed active service in the Punjab Frontier operations of 1897-98, when his battalion formed part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division in the Tirah Expeditionary Force. Clearly a gifted linguist, Newman went on to pass at the higher standards in Tamil and Hindustani, as well as the lower standard of Persian, 1900-03, and gained advancement to Lance-Corporal in February 1904. Shortly afterwards, in a deliberate career move, he transferred to the Supply & Transport Corps on the Punjab-Bengal Unattached List and was advanced to Staff Sergeant in November 1905. Further active service followed in the Zakka Khel operations of 1908, when he won a "mention" from the G.O.C., Mohmand Field Force, and in 1911, having passed the Warrant Officers examination, he was awarded the Delhi Durbar Medal, his C.O. in the 2nd Rawalpindi Division reporting that he did exceedingly good work at the Durbar Coronation deserving of special notice - the award of his L.S. & G.C. was announced in IAO 85 of 1913. Then in early November 1914, as a Staff Sergeant, he was embarked for service in France and Flanders, where he was attached to the Lucknow Cavalry Brigade and was wounded on 26 May 1915, his C.O. noting in an official report submitted in the following year, Recommended for a Commission. One of the best N.C.Os in the Army. Little else is known about his time on the Western Front, other than the fact he served as an Acting Conductor - he was advanced to substantive Sub. Conductor in July 1917 - and was awarded an immediate Meritorious Service Medal In recognition of services rendered with the Armies in the Field during the present War (London Gazette 9 July 1917 refers), in addition to another "mention" which appeared in the Gazette of India on 27 March 1920; as a result of the fact he was "on the books" of the Dorset Regiment, he was also erroneously issued with a brace of 1914 Star trios (his MIC entries refer). Newman, who returned to India in November 1917, was posted to Persia in June 1918, where he served as Acting Commandant of 145 Supply Tally Section, Bushire Field Force, from February until June 1919, and was brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services during the period April 1918 to March 1919 (London Gazette 3 February 1920 refers). This latter "mention" undoubtedly stemmed from an official report submitted by his C.O., which stated that Newman had proved invaluable at the Base Supply Depot though suffering from an old wound obtained in France. Having then enjoyed extended leave back in the U.K., he returned to India, where he held a string of appointments in the 1920s and 1930s at such locations as Calcutta, Jalapahar, Barrackpore, Bannu and Bombay. Commissioned as an Assistant Commmissary & Lieutenant in May 1928, he was advanced to Deputy Commissary & Captain in May 1931 and to Commissary & Major in May 1934, in which latter year he was awarded the M.B.E. and placed on the Retired List. Recalled in his original rank on the renewal of hostilities, Newman served as the O.C. of a supply company at Karachi until October 1941, when he assumed similar duties at a P.O.W. camp at Bangalaore. Here he remained actively employed until August 1944, when he reverted to the Retired List, thereby adding the 1939-45 War and India Service Medals to the India General Service Medal he had earned nearly 50 years earlier.
Lot 117
A rare Masonic mahogany syphon tube pillar dial barometer Brace Girdle, London, late 19th century With open centre silvered scale calibrated in inches mounted onto wooden ring with a gilt metal figure of Atlas supporting central boss signed BRACE GIRDLE, LONDON and engraved with the Masonic dividers and rule symbol issuing a blued steel pointer and with gilt setting armature to rear, above gilt Corinthian capital and engine-turned collar to the fluted columnar shaft, on panelled plinth with wide stepped base on brass ogee shaped bracket feet, 116cm high, B.C. Ref. 173. Illustrated in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETERS Wheel or Banjo pages 110 and 111 and described on page 112. Barce Girdle is recorded by Banfield as working in London circa 1840-60. Banfield illustrates another very similar barometer but with twin dolphins rather than the Atlas figure supporting the central boss which is fronted by a hygrometer.
Lot 514
* A RARE BRACE OF PERCUSSION BLUNDERBUSS SIGNED THOS. BELLISS, Circa 1830-40, with 13 3/4in. three-stage belled brass barrels each fitted with a spring bayonet above (one locking-stud missing, both springs inoperative) and with differing breeches, engraved iron tangs each with bayonet release catch, scroll engraved back-action locks each signed 'THOS. BELLISS', figured walnut three-quarter stocks each with chequered grip, engraved brass mounts including scrolled trigger-guards, and original ramrods (one missing tip).
Lot 1
Dos Passos (John). The 42nd Parallel, NY, Harper, 1930; Nineteen-Nineteen, NY, Harcourt Brace, 1932; The Big Money, NY, Harcourt Brace, 1936, all 1st eds., half-title to each, a.e.g., all recent red and blue morocco for Asprey with onlaid bands of white calf and gilt stars forming a stars and stripes design, in blue cloth slipcase, 8vo. The monumental U.S.A. trilogy. (3)
Lot 1
A Family Group of Medals, comprising an Abyssinia medal named to S Cole, Carteners Mate HMS Satellite (lacks suspender and brace) an East and West Africa medal, with bar Witu 1890 named to S Brindley ERA HMS Racoon, Queens South Africa medal, to S Brindley ERA 1st Class HMS Niobe, and a medal group comprising 1914-15 Star, British War medal, Victory medal and Naval Long Service and Good Conduct medal, to 343758 S I Cole, PTR 1Cl HMS Cornwall, with accompanying paperwork and photographs
Lot 1
*Chantrey (Sir Francis Leggatt, 1781-1841). A group of three autograph letters signed ‘F. Chantrey', Belgrave Place, 24th May 1828, 11th January 1833 & 5th February 1841, all to Arch-Deacon George Glover of Southrepps in Norfolk, the first letter apologising for not answering his previous two letters because he wished to ‘satisfactorily I wished to satisfy myself that the subject in question was practicable: having now settled this point I have only to speak of the price & few words will suffice. I would much rather present the finished work to Mr Coke than be paid for it but as this may not suit his feelings which are I am sure as independent as my own, I will propose that he pay the same fair[?] price as he has paid for the rest', 2 pp., 8vo, the second telling that his letters have been received and read, ‘& yet neither my patience or temper have been disturbed - no - not in the slightest degree' and continuing that when Glover comes to town he hopes that he will see him first before H.R.H., ‘I have been thinking & must continue to think about "a modern & more civilised Costume" before I venture an opinion', and concluding that he is as anxious as Glover concerning the Duke of Sussex & Mr Coke's knowledge of the subject, one page plus integral address panel and postmark, 4to, the third letter thanking him for his letter ‘respecting the alto rilievo which I had the Honor to execute for the Earl of Leicester [Coke]. You are aware of the feeling which influenced me in undertaking the work & I am glad to find that your recollection is so perfectly in accordance with my own that I need not add another work. I have occasion to write to the Rev. W. Keppel to-day and will enclose your letter to him that he may communicate its contents to Lord Leicester at once, & relieve his Lordship from the necessity of keeping this money transaction uppermost in his mind', and concluding that it has been a long time since they met and hoping he will call on him when next in town, 3 pp., 8vo. Provenance: Arch-Deacon George Glover, who was domestic chaplain and confidential friend of the Duke of Sussex. Francis Chantrey gave the carved relief ‘A Brace of Woodcock' to Thomas Coke, the agricultural improver of Holkham Hall, Norfolk, in 1834, to commemorate the Earl's feat of hitting the birds with one shot. This may well be work referred to in the first letter. The work referred to in the second and third letters is almost certainly ‘The Signing of Magna Carta' which was ordered in 1832 for a fee of three hundred pounds. It depicts Earl Grey and his whig colleague as medieval barons. (3)
Lot 1
A BRACE OF 16-BORE FLINTLOCK PISTOLS OF SERVICE TYPE MADE FOR THE BANK OF ENGLAND BY R. HOLLIS, circa 1820-30, 15 1/2in. overall, each with tapering barrel engraved 'BANK OF ENGLAND', flat bevelled border engraved lock (one cock an old replacement) with 'GR' cypher and roller, walnut full stock marked 'R. HOLLIS' behind the side-plate, brass mounts, and iron ramrod, Birmingham proof marks.
Lot 1
A LATE 17TH CENTURY OAK TABLE having a planked top, above a moulded apron with geometrically carved frieze to front and back, on bobbin and reel turned legs joined by square moulded stretchers, on short turned feet, 92.5cms x 52cms x 68cms high, one side apron replaced and wooden strengthening brace to underside of surface. See illustration
Lot 1
A Victorian brass bound coromandel dressing case fitted with three mounted glass boxes and seven jars with engraved decoration the box with concealed jewellery drawer mirror stationery wallet and a six piece steel manicure set the mounts by George Brace London 1861. The case 12.25in (31cm) wide.
Lot 1
A scarce brace of .65" Dublin Castle Light Dragoon flintlock holster pistols, 14?" overall, barrels 8" with military proofs, flat locks with squared pans and swan neck cocks, the plates engraved with crowned "GR" and "Dublin Castle"; walnut fullstocks with typical heavy brass mounts, steel ramrods. GWO & C these pistols have always remained together, (the barrels slightly cut down, probably during their working life, the fore ends fitted with small horn caps). Plate 14
Lot 1
A George IV silver-gilt conserve spoon Paul Storr London1826 branch form the bowl modelled as leaf applied with lady birds a caterpillar and a fly 11.5cm 4.5in long #800-1200 308. Property of a Family A Victorian silver-gilt travelling dressing set George Brace London1866 brass bound burr walnut case by Howell James & Co. London plain gilt mounts: five cut-glass bottles three covered rectangular glass boxes two cylindrical pots central hinged compartment including various mother-of-pearl handled impliments; interior cover fitted with mirror leather case 31cm 12.25in long
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