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Lot 258
Taxidermy: Chobe Bushbuck (Tragelaphus ornatus), dated 12/10/2005, U. Lupemde, Zambia, East Africa, Bronze Medal Class, high quality adult male shoulder mount, with head turning slightly to the left, from the wall 49cm, height 76cm, Safari Club International laminated measurement entry form included, and certificate, together with identification plaque
Lot 81
A MONUMENTAL SINO-TIBETAN GILT BRONZE OF TARA, QING wearing an elaborate headdress and seated on a lotus-leaf base with beaded borders, the face and hair retaining a large proportion of the polychrome decoration, the underside of the base engraved with stylised foliate panel highlighted in gilt, 72cm high x 48cm wide Provenance: According to the family this impressive gilt-bronze left Russia after the Revolution and then remained with the family in London.
Lot 337
United States of America, Navy Cross; Distinguished Service Cross; Army Distinguished Service Medal (2); Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, in case of issue; Silver Star; Legion of Merit, Legionnaire’s Badge; Distinguished Flying Cross (2); Navy/Marine Corps Medal; Soldier’s Medal (2), one in case of issue; Airman’s Medal (2), one with ‘V’ riband device, in case of issue; Bronze Star (3), one in case of issue; Purple Heart (2); Meritorious Service Medal, in case of issue, all unnamed as issued, generally good very fine (20) £140-£180
Lot 311
Boer War Memorial Medal 1899-1902, by Emil Fuchs, 45mm, bronze, the obverse depicting an angel over a dying soldier, inscribed above ‘To the memory of those who gave their lives for Queen and country’, inscribed in plaque below ‘South African Campaign 1899-1900’, the reverse featuring a stylised bare-footed warrior sheathing his sword, ‘Pax’ inscribed above, very fine £60-£80
![Eight: Able Seaman F. Skelley, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve British War and Victory Medals (J.59481 F. Shelley [sic].](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/eaad57f9-e855-4863-bd9a-adc80114c661/afb25633-8d1c-4d64-9ee1-ade800a8dd31/468x382.jpg)
Lot 71
Eight: Able Seaman F. Skelley, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve British War and Victory Medals (J.59481 F. Shelley [sic]. Boy. 1 R.N.) light attempted erasure of rate on BWM; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (J.59481 (Ch.B.219995) F. Skelley. A.B. R.F.R.); Italy, Kingdom, War Cross, bronze, unnamed as issued, mounted court-style for display, generally very fine (8) £80-£100 --- Frederick Skelley was born in Shepherd’s Bush, London, on 17 June 1901, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 23 September 1916. M.I.D. and Italian War Cross unconfirmed.
Lot 339
United States of America, Victory Medal 1918, bronze, 3 clasps, Defensive Sector, Ypres-Lys, Somme Offensive; American Defense Service Medal, bronze; Victory Medal 1945, bronze; Armed Forces Reserve Medal, with 2 service emblems; United Kingdom, British War Medal 1914-18, name erased; Belgium, Kingdom, Commemorative Medal for the Great War, bronze, together with corresponding set of miniatures, mounted as worn, generally very fine (7) £60-£80 --- Group attributed to Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lawler, United States Army.
Lot 343
A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal group of six awarded to Major Orlando Cartford Asper, a B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ pilot United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Medal, bronze, with 3 clusters on riband, wrap brooch, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; American Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; Army Occupation medal, bronze, crimp brooch; Distinguished Unit Citation badge, generally very fine or better (7) £400-£500 --- Orlando “Ole” Cartford Asper was born in Kikungshan, Henan Province, China on 13 June 1917, to Lutheran Missionary parents. Having returned to the United States, he attended Pacific Lutheran High School Division, Pacific Lutheran College, Parkland. Having joined the Army Air Corps Cadet Programme at Army Air Forces Advance Flying School, Stockton Field, California on 26 January 1942, qualifying as a pilot in November 1942, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Force. From May 1943, he served as a Captain (pilot), flying B-17 Flying Fortress bombers of 96th Bomb Group, 45th Combat Wing, 3rd Air Division, 8th Air Force, from Snetterton Heath, England. Between May and October 1942, Asper was pilot of a B-17 named "Kipling's Error", flying at least 25 Missions over target in occupied France and Germany. On 13 August 1943, he was awarded his first Air Medal for 5 combat missions, three more were to follow. He was also awarded the 8th Air Force Certificate of Valour by General Eaker for 25 combat missions. After completing his tour, in October 1943, he returned to the U.S.A. as a Pilot Instructor, before returning to Europe as 1st Lieutenant, piloting twin engine aircraft passenger flights for European Air Transport Service. He also served as Administrative Officer for 8 months in 1946-7, duties including meeting and greeting dignitaries at Rhein Main Airfield, Germany. Appointed a Captain in the U.S.A.F. Reserve on 1 April 1948, he rejoined U.S.A.F. 7th Division Strategic Air Command as an Admin Officer in January 1951 and retired on 30 September 1965. In civilian life, ‘Ole’ taught biology and science in York High School, Nebraska, and also taught at the University of Washington in Seattle. He later worked as an engineer for Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, where he worked on numerous projects, including hovercraft and hydroplanes; he also worked as a nuclear waste engineer for Westinghouse at Hanford Nuclear Plant in Richland, WA. He died on 3 April 1986, in Seattle, King county, Washington. Sold with original 1942 Graduation book, Aviation Cadet Class 42-K. Army Air Forces Advanced Flying School, Stockton Field, California, 8th Air Force Certificate of Valour for 25 combat missions signed by General Ira Eaker, portrait photo, very extensive & detailed official copy of service record, personnel reports, and other original papers.
Lot 345
A B-17 Flying Fortress pilot’s Distinguished Service Cross group of six awarded to Major Sidney Hantman, of 322 Squadron who was badly wounded when cannon-shell from a German fighter blew off his arm during an attack on the Arado Fleugenwerke in October 1943 - at the time he was ‘filling in’ for a sick rear gunner having already completed his own tour of operations as a pilot - he continued his duty until he passed out from loss of blood United States of America, Distinguished Service Cross, bronze, numbered ‘13747’, wrap brooch; in case of issue (cover distressed), with miniature Distinguished Service Cross, with brooch mount; Air Medal, bronze, numbered 16441, wrap brooch; Purple Heart, gilt and enamel, slot brooch, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Army Commendation Medal; American Defense Service Medal, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; Victory Medal 1945, slot brooch, in box of issue, generally very fine or better (6) £800-£1,000 --- Distinguished Service Cross Citation: ‘The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sidney Hantman, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner and Observer in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 322nd Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, during a bombardment mission over Germany on 9 October 1943. Although he had completed his missions as a pilot and was serving as squadron Operations Officer, First Lieutenant Hantman volunteered to fill a crew vacancy by occupying the tail gunner observer position. Before arriving at the target area, his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters and he was struck by an explosive shell which blew off his right arm at the shoulder, and caused a compound fracture of his right leg and inflicted extensive wounds to his right thigh. In total disregard of the pain of his wounds and without regard for the preservation of his life, Lieutenant Hantman remained at his post without first aid or assistance and continued to discharge his duties under enemy attack until he was on the verge of unconsciousness. He then began to work his way forward to obtain someone to take over his post at which time he collapsed from shock and loss of blood. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Hantman on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 15 (1944).’ Sidney Hantman was born on 23 April 1916, in Springfield. In 1943, he was serving as an Assistant operations officer, flying in B17 Flying Fortress’s of 322 Squadron, part of 91st Bomb Group. On 9 October 1943, as part of the crew of B-17 #604 (42-5804) "Hell’s Hallo”, Hantman took part in a raid on the Arado Fleugenwerke, in Anklam, Germany. However just before reaching their target, the aircraft was hit by a 20mm cannon round. A Squadron report stated that: ‘1st Lt. Sidney Hantman (Ass't operations officer of this squadron) while riding in the tail position of A/C 604 piloted by Lt. Everett and Major Donald Sheeler, was struck by a 20 mm. It cut his right arm off close to the shoulder, penetrated his thigh and went on through his leg. Hantman was hit just before the formation reached the target at about *** hours. Tourniquet could not be applied as arm was sheared off too close to body. S/Sgt . W. S. French, right waist gunner on A/C 804, was struck by flak or bullet in hand. Injury not serious although French was hospitalized. S/Sgt A. K. Baker, radio operator on A/C 511, struck in forehead by flak.’ A further Squadron report of the raid stated: ‘A/A Fire: No fire at target, meager to moderate fire from Madergale, Rostock, Warnestrude, Fehasian Island and Bad Sulms. All inaccurate. We were out of their range. Enemy Opposition: Up to 300 E/ A were encountered, mostly twin engine craft, some single engines - FW190, ME109, ME110, He111, Do217, JU87, JU88, FW189. First met E/A at 1032 hours and not until our remaining planes of the formation were well offshore at 1035 did the E/A cease their attacks. Enemy employed rockets which were fired by the Me110, Ju88 and FW190. Although fighter support was to have met us at point in the North Sea, our formation did not see them.’ 1st Lieutenant Hantman and Staff Sergeant French were taken to the 49th Station Hospital before moving to a hospital in or near Cambridge. He was later taken back to America and sent to Water Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. He met his wife-to-be at Walter Reed and had one or more children. Promoted Major, in later life Hantman was a life member of The Legion of Valor, serving as National Commander 1968-1969. He resided in Maryland and died at home at Silver Spring on 17 March 1973. Sold with medal riband bar, mounted as worn in photographs, Major’s rank insignia, leather flying jacket name label, large 322nd Bombardment Squadron and smaller Army Air Force cloth flying jacket patches; Legion of Valor banner and National Commander forage cap, U.S. Air Force sweetheart cushion cover; paperwork, including service record, original citation and certificate for Army Commendation; period file with detailed commendations, menu from dinner honouring Hantman in 1957, Hartman’s Armed Forces of the United States card, with photo and left fingerprint, noting his right ‘Amputated’, giving his rank of Major, dated June 1950; Legion of Valor membership card, Governor of Kentucky Order of Kentucky Colonels membership, 1973, 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association membership, 1973; together with a large quantity of photographs, including one of the attack where he lost his arm, of large portrait (wearing medal ribands), damaged aircraft, veteran shots, also meeting with President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Lot 350
A scarce Korean War South African, 2 Squadron ‘Flying Cheetahs’, P51 ‘Mustang’ fighter pilot’s gallantry group of six awarded to Captain, later Kommandant, Sydney Grey de la Harpe, who was awarded the United States Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals (for 80 missions) for his distinguished service and valour during the Korean war South Africa, Korea 1950-53 (Lt. S. G. De La Harpe) officially impressed naming; South African Good Conduct Medal, edge officially numbered ‘613’; United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, impressed (SYDNEY G. DE LA HARPE); United States of America, Air Medal, bronze, with three oak leaf clusters emblem on riband; U.N. Korea (Lt. S. G. De La Harpe) officially impressed naming; South Korea, Korea Medal, very fine and better (6) £1,200-£1,600 --- United States of America, D.F.C. citation: ‘Lieutenant Sydney Grey de la Harpe, South African Air Force, did distinguish himself by extraordinary achievement whilst participating in aerial flight on 24 June 1951. He led a flight of F-51 type aircraft on interdiction of Sariwon Airfield, North Korea. Second Lieutenant R. L. Staats flew in the position of wing man in this three-ship mission carrying 500 lb. bombs as well as rockets and .50 ammunition. Although anti-aircraft fire was continuous and intense over the airfield, Lieutenant de la Harpe personally directed successive attacks showing leadership and valor far above and beyond that normally expected. He directed the attacks with such outstanding success that four direct hits were obtained on the runway and two gun positions were destroyed. He did not leave the area until he was positive that the optimum damage had been inflicted. By his devotion to duty and his confident direction of the attacks, Lieutenant de la Harpe has caused the greatest possible damage to the enemy potential. His act has brought the highest credit on himself, his Unit, and the South African Air Force.’ Sydney Grey de la Harpe was born on 17 April 1929, at his father’s farm Taungs, Middleburg, Cape Province. After matriculation from school, fluent in English and Afrikaans, he attested as a Cadet in the S.A. Military College on 1 April 1947. He qualified on 31 March 1949 and was posted to Central Flying School, Migel, on 2 April 1949, additionally being appointed 2nd Lieutenant for flying duties. Posted to 2 (Flying Cheetahs) Squadron, with the original contingent of 49 officers and 157 men, he left Durban for Tokyo, Japan en route to Korea on 26 September 1950. Arriving at Johnson Air Base on 5 November, the squadron spent the next 10 days converting to F-51 Mustangs. Here the Americans tried to treat them like complete novices, whereas most had flown the Mustang previously, some during the Second War. It took a serious demonstration in acrobatic flying to show the Americans the error of their ways. By 12 November, the conversion was complete and the first pilots were on their way to Korea. On 16 November a further 13 officers and 21 other ranks left for K9 airfield at Pusan. The squadron was attached to the American 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, with whom they remained for the rest of the war. On 19 November, the advance detachment moved to K24 near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, flying their first combat mission the same day. De La Harpe’s first mission was on 30 December 1950, an attack on an enemy occupied village and by the end of January 1951, he had completed a further 11 missions against enemy ground targets, on one mission his aircraft being damaged by anti-aircraft fire during an attack on an enemy Command Post. During the following five months, he took part in a further 71 combat missions, the majority against ground targets, with his last mission being flown on 24 June, for a total of 83 missions flown. Two weeks after his last mission, de La Harpe’s tour was over and on 11 July he was on his way home. For his service in Korea, he was awarded the United States Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals for 80 combat missions. On his return home, he filled many senior positions in the South African Air Force before finally retiring in 1969 after 22 years’ service to take up a position as a sales representative (flying) with a Johannesburg aviation company. He died on 10 August 2010. Sold with official photos from S.A.A.F., including one of de la Harpe receiving the U.S. D.F.C. Also, a large amount of copied research, including service record, copies of his 83 combat mission reports. Together with ‘The American DFC to UK and Commonwealth Forces for Korea’ by W. Westlake (contains de la Harpe’s citation) and a DVD produced by ‘The Friends of the SAAF Museum’, being two informal Q&A sessions with S.A.A.F. veterans who were pilots in North Africa during WWII and Korea, including de la Harpe.
Lot 257
The 1914-15 Star awarded to Private William Trebble, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, who was wounded on the First Day of the Battle of the Somme, near Beaumont-Hamel 1914-15 Star (18 Pte. W. Trebble. R. Newf’d R.) very fine £400-£500 --- William Trebble, a fireman from 11 Knight Street, St John's enlisted in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment as one of the famous ‘first 500’ on 7 September 1914. He was wounded in action on the first day of the battle of the Somme, one of nearly 700 casualties suffered within 40 minutes of the Newfoundlanders going over the top. After seeing action in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey from September 1915 to January 1916, the regiment was withdrawn and the Newfoundlanders sent to the Western Front in France in the spring of 1916. It was on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, near the village of Beaumont-Hamel in northern France, that the Newfoundland Regiment entered the action. No better summary of the massacre of the Newfoundlanders can be found than in Martin Middlebrook’s definitive account The First Day of the Somme (Allen Lane, 1971): ‘In his H.Q. dug-out, Lieutenant-Colonel Hadow, the English officer commanding the battalion, received his orders by phone from the brigade commander. These were simple. The Newfoundlanders were to leave their position as soon as possible and advance to the German front line. The 1st Essex, on their right, would also attack. Hadow asked questions: Were the German trenches held by British or Germans? He was told that the situation was uncertain. Was he to move independently of the Essex? Yes. Colonel Hadow must have been unhappy, but he had been given a direct order. He gave out his own orders and in a few minutes the battalion was ready. The Newfoundlanders had to go 300 yards before reaching the British front line and then a similar distance across No Man’s Land. In view of the urgency of their orders they went straight over the top from the reserve trench, instead of going to the front line by way of congested communication trenches. As soon as they appeared in the open, the German machine-gunners spotted them and opened fire. No artillery bombardment kept the Germans’ heads down; no other targets distracted them, for the Essex had not appeared. They concentrated their fire on the 752 Newfoundlanders advancing over the open ground less than half a mile away. Before the men could even get into No Man’s Land they had to pass through several belts of British barbed wire. As the Newfoundlanders bunched together to get through the narrow gaps in this wire, the German machine-gunners found their best killing ground. Dead and wounded men soon blocked every gap, but those still not hit struggled on, having to walk over their comrades’ bodies. More experienced or less resolute men might have given up and sought shelter in such impossible conditions, but not the Newfoundlanders. Those who survived to reach No Man’s Land continued towards the German trenches, but they had no chance. A few dozen men could not cross No Man’s Land without any support in broad daylight and, inevitably, the German fire cut these down. The attack was watched by a survivor of an earlier attack from a nearby shell hole: ‘On came the Newfoundlanders, a great body of men, but the fire intensified and they were wiped out in front of my eyes. I cursed the generals for their useless slaughter, they seemed to have no idea what was going on’ (Private F. H. Cameron, 1st King’s Own Scottish Borderers). Only a handful of Newfoundlanders reached the German wire. There they were shot. The attack had lasted forty minutes. Rarely can a battalion have been so completely smashed in such a short time. Of those who had attacked, ninety-one per cent had become casualties - twenty-six officers and 658 men. Every officer who had left the trenches had been killed or wounded, even some who had no right to be there at all: the quartermaster, a captain, whose normal duties kept him behind lines, was one of the wounded.’ After the War, the Newfoundland government purchased the land at Beaumont Hamel that had witnessed their gallant countrymen’s sacrifice and established the Newfoundland Memorial Park. As Martin Middlebrook notes, ‘for many years the barbed-wire defences were also preserved but these had to be be removed as too many sheep were trapped in the wire’, but numerous iron picket bars that originally supported the wire remain in place. In fact, the park constitutes the best preserved trench system to be found on the Somme today, the whole overlooked by a spectacular bronze caribou, atop a mound of granite, the official memorial to Newfoundland’s fallen. The losses sustained by the Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont-Hamel on 1 July 1916, were staggering. Of the some 752 Newfoundlanders who went into battle that morning, only 68 were able to answer the roll call the next day. The dead included 14 sets of brothers, including four lieutenants from the Ayre family of St John's. The Newfoundlanders' sacrifice did not go unnoticed on the front lines. The commander of the 29th British Division said of the actions of the Newfoundland Regiment on that July morning: “It was a magnificent display of trained and disciplined valour, and its assault only failed of success because dead men can advance no further.” William Trebble was discharged at St John’s on 19 October 1917, being medically unfit due to wounds of right shoulder and left ankle received in action on 1 July 1916. He died at St John’s on 13 November 1922. Trebble Place in St John’s was named after William Trebble in 2003. Sold with copied Attestation and Discharge papers.
Lot 340
Pair: Lieutenant Colonel Arthur T. Eaker, United States Army United States of America, Allied Victory Medal, bronze; France, Croix de Guerre with bronze star, together with miniatures of the above but including the Mexican Border Medal, these mounted as worn, very fine (2) £60-£80 --- Arthur T. Eaker was born 31 July 1896 in Muncy PA and enlisted into the U.S. Army on 24 April 1916, as Private. He saw his first service during the Mexican Border Crisis 1916, before going on to join 18th Infantry, 1st Division in the A.E.F., serving in France between 14 June 1917 and 29 July 1919. Eaker was Commissioned on 13 May 1918. Attached to the 252nd French infantry, he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre on 5 April 1918. He again served in the Second World War, becoming an honorary member of the Free French Forces and then went on to complete 3 tours in Korea, before retiring on 1 October 1953. He remained on the Reserve until finally retiring on 31 July 1956, to live in Muncy, Pennsylvania, where he died in November 1987. Sold with original Statement of Pensionable Service, dated 13 November 1958, and a Department of the Army letter about his Armed Forces Reserve Medal, dated 16 February 1952. Eaker was additionally entitled to the Mexican Border Medal, Second War service medals, Korean War service medals, Army Commendation Medal with 2nd award cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Free French Forces insignia (No.17371).
Lot 316
A Selection of Miscellaneous Medals, including a Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service cape badge, silver; a Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve cape badge, silver; a St Andrew’s Ambulance Corps Jubilee Medal 1904-54, unnamed; two Army Temperance Association: India Medals, silver, for 8 and 12 Years’ Abstinence respectively; an Army Rifle Association Methuen Cup Prize Medal, silver-gilt and enamel, with four date bars, for 1904, 1905, 1907, and 1908, with top riband buckle; a Royal Horse Artillery Prize Medallion, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘3rd Brigade Boxing 1937’, in F. Phillips, Aldershot, fitted case; and a Jutland Commemorative Medallion, bronze, generally very fine and better (8) £60-£80
Lot 336
United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze; Air Medal, bronze, both unnamed, very fine (2) £70-£90 --- Sold with a pair of dog tags ‘Edmund V. Merlan ASN 31023988 Johanna Merlan 68 Centre St. Pawtucket, R.I.’, together with Airborne Troop carrier patch, 17th Airborne Division patch, appears to have been removed from a uniform, 2 other patches, 5 collar and lapel badges, and approximately 40 snapshot photographs which appear to have been taken during the Vietnam War.
Lot 131
A Great War 1918 ‘Salonika’ M.C. group of five awarded to Captain S. G. Collingwood, Royal Field Artillery, who was wounded at Nikolie on 18 September 1918, and was awarded the French Croix de Guerre Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2.Lieut. S. G. Collingwood. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. S. G. Collingwood.) BWM renamed; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1914-1918, with bronze star emblem on riband, very fine and better (5) £700-£900 --- M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Nikolie on 18 September 1918. Though suffering from a severe attack of malaria, he continued to command his battery throughout and to observe from a tree repeatedly shelled all day. About 1:00 p.m. on that day he was wounded, but continued to command, and it was not until 10:00 a.m. on 19 September that he had an opportunity of getting his wound dressed. The endurance and devotion to duty shown by this officer is an example of a high order.’ French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 21 July 1919: ‘For distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign.’ Stewart George Collingwood was born in Carlisle, Cumberland, in 1895 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery on 12 August 1914. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 17 January to 20 October 1915, and was promoted Lieutenant on 9 June 1915. He subsequently served in Greek Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, European Turkey, and the Islands of the Aegean Sea from November 1915 to October 1918, and was promoted Captain on 3 November 1917. Wounded at Nikolie, Salonika, on 18 September 1918, for his gallantry he was awarded the Military Cross and the French Croix de Guerre. He died in London on 3 February 1963.
Lot 348
A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal group of six awarded to Major George Raymond Barker, U.S.A.F., a B-29 Superfortress pilot who flew ‘the Hump’ from India to China and the far East, attacking Japanese targets all over the far East; he then flew the long haul from Tinian Island in the Pacific on the first heavy bomber raid on Japan, completing 35 combat missions with 468th Bombardment Group, 8 of which were by night United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch; Air Medal, bronze, with oak leaf cluster emblem on riband, wrap brooch; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, with one silver and two bronze star emblems on riband, crimp brooch; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, crimp brooch; Philippines Liberation medal, bronze and enamel, crimp brooch; Presidential Unit Citation riband bar, very fine or better (6) £400-£500 --- George Raymond Barker was born on 18 May 1917, at Butte, Montana and enlisted into the U.S. Army as a Private on 3 August 1937. Discharged on 3 November 1940, he immediately re-enlisted as an Aviation Cadet. Promoted Sergeant, 3 November 1941 and Master Sergeant, 23 June 1942, he began flying training in February 1942, and by December he was piloting the B-17 heavy bomber. He was Honourably Discharged from training on 22 June 1942, and immediately commissioned wartime 2 Lieutenant. Promoted Lieutenant on 18 February 1943 and Captain, 3 April 1944, Barker was assigned to 795th Squadron, 468th Bomb Group (The Billy Mitchell Bomb Group), 58th Bomb Wing, 20th Air Force, in June 1944. Equipped with B-29's the group moved, via Africa, to Kharagpur, India in June 1944. Barker flew combat missions flying over “the Hump” to carry supplies from India to staging fields in China, before entering combat with an attack on railroad shops at Bangkok, Thailand, on 5 June 1944. From bases in India, China, and Ceylon, he mined shipping lanes near Saigon, French Indochina, and Shanghai, China, and struck Japanese installations in Burma, Thailand, French Indochina, Indonesia, Formosa, China and Japan. Targets included iron works, aircraft factories, transportation centres and naval installations. Barker’s regular B-29 aircraft (42-24734) named “Miss Lead” crashed at Tinian on return from a mission on 8 June, but was repaired. On 20 August 1944, as part of the 468th Bomb Group, Barker took part in the first US air raid on Japan since the “Doolittle Raid” in April 1942. 64 B-29 Superfortresses took part in this daylight raid on the iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan. For this raid the 468th received a Distinguished Unit Citation as follows: ‘The 468th Bombardment Group (VH), XX Bomber Command, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy on 20 August 1944. The group dispatched 29 B-29 type aircraft to its forward bases and all aircraft were airborne on D-day as a part of the XX Bomber Command. Fighter opposition was successfully overcome on the way to the target. Despite a steady hail of intense and accurate flak concentrations which accounted for the destruction of one airplane, and damage to a second, causing it to crash on the return to the mainland of China, and despite continuous enemy fighter attacks employing suicide ramming tactics which accounted for the destruction of two or more of their aircraft, the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) succeeded in destroying the Imperial Iron and Steel Works at Yawata on the Jap mainland. In the accomplishment of its primary mission, 15 enemy aircraft were damaged or destroyed. The success of its part of the mission by the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) was especially outstanding in that the method of attack used called for the utmost in daring and skill. The first daylight raid over the Japanese home islands since the historic raid of Tokyo in April 1942 proved the real effectiveness of daylight precision bombing by B-29s. The hazards of mechanical failure, fighter opposition, flak, and barrage balloons on the mission of over 3,000 miles were all overcome by the valor and high professional ability of all members of the 468th Bombardment Group, XX Bomber Command, and by their courage, cooperative spirit, and tireless energy the individuals of the group have reflected great credit on themselves and the Army Air Forces.’ The Group evacuated the advanced bases in China in January 1945 but continued operations from India, bombing storage areas in Rangoon, Burma, a railroad bridge at Bangkok, Thailand, railroad shops at Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, and the dry dock in Singapore harbour. Barker flew further missions against Japan after the Bomb Group repositioned to Tinian Island in the Marianas group in February 1945. They also took part in mining operations, incendiary raids on area targets, and high-altitude missions against strategic objectives. The group dropped incendiaries on Tokyo and Yokohama in late May 1945, being awarded a second Distinguished Unit Citation for the attacks as follows: ‘The 468th Bombardment Group (VH) is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy. During the period of 23-29 May 1945 the destruction of the militarily important industrial areas of Tokyo and Yokohama was completed, despite the fierce enemy anti-aircraft fire from these most heavily defended points of the Japanese mainland. On 23 and 25 May 1945, the heroic efforts of all personnel of the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) contributed materially to the destruction of an additional 22.1 square miles of vital industrial area in Tokyo, bringing to 56.3 square miles the total area devastated within that city, the center of Japan’s war industry. Before the Japanese had time to recover from this staggering blow to their morale and war potential, this group participated in a daring daylight strike on 29 May 1945 against the city of Yokohama, a single attack in great force, which reduced to rubble 6.9 square miles of the city’s most important industrial area. The success of this series of missions, flown as they were in rapid succession and over vast expanses of open sea, despite dangerous tropical weather conditions and intense enemy opposition, is a reflection of the exemplary devotion to duty demonstrated by the ground personnel and of the great professional skill, tenacity, and courage of aircrews. The achievements of the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) during this period of sustained effort reflect great honor on themselves and the armed forces of the United States.’ The group received another Distinguished Unit Citation for a daylight strike on an aircraft plant at Takarazuka, Japan, in July 1945, citation as follows: ‘The 468th Bombardment Group (VH) is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. On 24 July 1945, this group and one other group of the 58th Bombardment Wing were ordered to knock out the Kawanishi aircraft plant at Takarazuka in a daylight precision bombing attack. This mission was of utmost strategic importance because the plant was known to manufacture components of a dangerous Japanese navy fighter. Inspired by the importance of the mission, both air and ground personnel worked tirelessly to insure maximum success of the strike. As a result, 42 airplanes of the group reached the target area. At the assembly point, the aircraft encountered continuously pointed fire that continued all the way into the target. The fire was so accurate and concentrated that twenty-three of the forty-two B-29s were damaged. Despite this savage fire the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) calmly and heroically held the compact formation necessary for maximum bombing accuracy and dropped 245 tons of explosives on the aircraft factory. When the group retired from the target area, the Kawanishi plant was 85% dest...
Lot 342
A Second War Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star group of fifteen awarded to Colonel John F. Coonan, U.S.A.F., a P-40 ‘Lightning’ and P-52 ‘Mustang’ fighter pilot credited with one Japanese ‘Zero’ fighter and a probable ‘Helen’ bomber, then three German aircraft over Europe, also flying in support of ground troops during operation ‘Market Garden’, later being shot down by a member of his own squadron and taken prisoner, he went on to serve for a further 31 years, commanding a flying F-100D Super Sabre squadron and became the first foreigner to command a R.A.A.F. squadron United States of America, Legion of Merit, Legionnaire’s badge, gilt and enamel, crimp brooch; Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch, in case of issue; Bronze Star, with 2 cluster emblems on ribbon, slot brooch, in case of issue; Air Medal, bronze, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Force Commendation Medal, bronze, with 2 oak leaf cluster emblems on riband, crimp brooch; American Defense Service Medal, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze; with two bronze star emblems on riband, crimp brooch, in box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, slot brooch; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; National Defense Service Medal, bronze star on ribbon; National Defense Service Medal, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Armed Forces Expeditionary Forces medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue: Armed Forces Reserve medal, bronze, with two emblems, slot brooch; Vietnam Service Medal, bronze, crimp brooch; South Vietnam, Service Medal, 1 clasp, 1960, generally very fine or better (15) £1,000-£1,400 --- John F. Coonan was born in Boise, Idaho, on 24 April 1918, and entered the Air Service in 1941 as an aviation cadet. He flew P-40 (Lightning) fighters with 26th Fighter Squadron in the CBI (China-Burma-India) Theatre, being credited with shooting down one Japanese Zero aircraft on 25 February 1943, also claiming a “Helen” bomber as a probable. Transitioning to P-51s in the 38th Fighter Squadron and moving to Europe, Coonan brought down three German aircraft, on 13 September and 2 November, 1944, and 3 January 1945. On this latter day, which was his 34th combat mission, Coonan was leading a flight of eight when he was shot down by another member of his squadron, 1st Lieutenant Dudley Amoss, by accident, spending the rest of the war as a prisoner of War. Of the sortie, 2nd Lieutenant Jones reported: ‘Capt. Coonan was leading a flight of 8 Mustangs approx. 10-20 miles south of Ulm, Germany. (He was flying P-51D aircraft CG-P s/n 44-14358 “Portland Rose”). Several German trainer planes were spotted flying formation a few thousand feet below us. Captain Coonan led the attack and shot down one enemy plane. Several seconds later he said that he had been hit. At low altitude he passed over a small town and belly landed on a snow-covered field adjacent to this town. I took several camera shots of the airplane which seemed to be in good condition, and while doing this I did not observe the pilot's presence in or around the plane. The remaining seven planes then proceeded towards home.’ German J 2735, reported the capture of Captain Coonan at 1300 on 3 January 1945, at Gutensell, near Laupheim. The aircraft was reported 12 to 15 percent damaged. The report further stated that Captain Coonan was shot down by ‘friendly aircraft, Mustang!’ The letters on the aircraft were CG-P. The report, which was addressed to Evaluation Centre West, Oberursel, also contained the names of 16 pilots, (the entire 38th fighter Squadron), with their corresponding plane identification letters and pilot's name that had flown on that mission! This was one of the many reasons Hanns Scharff, the interrogator at Oberursel, could name familiar members of the prisoner's squadron to him. While in prison camp, at Stalag Luft I, Coonan was quoted as saying that if he ‘caught that son-of-a-bitch (in his flight) who shot him down he'd kill him!’ Lieutenant Dudley Amoss recalls: ‘While at Stalag Luft I, I ran into Jack Coonan. He told me that his wingman had shot him down. I had to level with him and tell him that it was me who shot him down! I explained that I saw what appeared to be a lone Me-109 flying low on the deck, heading into Germany. It was a long, long, shot. I gave him a lot of lead and fired. He crash-landed. Much to my horror, as I passed over him, I recognized the plane as a P-51. Jack didn’t get angry. He just grimaced and shook his head.’ He stayed in the Air Force, serving in Greenland, England, Morocco, Iran, Vietnam, Burma, Pakistan and the Philippines. Additionally, during one assignment, he exchanged with an officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, being the first foreigner to command a R.A.A.F. squadron; 75 Squadron flying CAC Sabres. He also commanded the 1st T.F.S. flying F-100D Super Sabres. He received the Legion of Merit for planning U.S. air operations during the invasion of the Dominican Republic in 1965 and 2 clusters plus 3 Bronze Stars while serving in Vietnam. He retired has a Colonel (O-6) in 1975. Sold with, Coonan’s medal riband bar, mounted for wear on uniform as pictured in portrait photograph, Senior pilots wings; pair of Colonels shoulder rank badges; Tactical Air Command patch. A large selection of original paperwork relating to Coonan’s service, including; flight log, service papers and some copied service papers, casualty reports etc, these housed in official Aircrew Standardization/Evaluations Records folder. Original newspaper cuttings, 2 x POW postcards from German camps; a quantity of original photographs taken throughout his career, some large including portraits in uniform wearing medal bar. Original award Certificates for Bronze star and Legion of Merit, along with the original citations to accompany the Bronze star, First Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit First Oak Leaf Cluster, Certificate of training, Air-Ground Operations School Diploma, crossing the equator certificate and Mach Busters Club certificate, the latter for exceeding the speed of sound in a U.S.A.F. F-100 Super Sabre.
Lot 338
United States of America, Joint Services Commendation Medal; Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Coast Guard Commendation Medal; Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal (2), one in case of issue; Air Force Achievement Medal, in case of issue; Navy Good Conduct Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (10); Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; National Defense Medal (7); Army of Occupation Medal (5), one with Germany clasp; Medal for Humane Action; Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal (2); Vietnam Service Medal (2); United States Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal; together with a United Nations Medal for Korea; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (4), three with bronze palm emblem to riband; and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, no clasp, some in card boxes of issue, all unnamed as issued and the majority with the period ‘slot brooch’ suspension, generally good very fine (lot) £100-£140 --- Sold together with various riband bars; riband devices; and other emblems.
Lot 299
Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, Camp and Villaverde Medal for Saving Life at Sea, bronze, edge laser engraved ‘Specimen’, in original fitted case with integral top brooch bar, extremely fine £240-£280 --- The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society’s Camp & Villaverde Medal was instituted in 1873 ‘to be awarded to those who were instrumental in saving life at sea’, and the first award was made to Mr. Rawson Post, mate of the George Hurlbut, for rescuing the crew of the barque Olive in a gale in the Atlantic on 12 April 1873. In total 37 silver and 8 bronze medals have been awarded, with the last award made in 1944. Sold with a letter from the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society, dated 5 November 2021, authenticating and explaining that this is one of four unnamed medals discovered in their archive and is now being sold to raise funds for the Society. Each of the four medals has been marked ‘Specimen’ and will be sold by Dix Noonan Webb in future sales.
Lot 324
An unattributed Second War Polish group of eight Poland, Republic, Cross of Valour 1920 (2), bronze, the reverse of one officially numbered ‘11925’; the reverse of the second unnumbered; Cross of Merit, Second Class, silver and enamel, silver marks to reverse; Monte Casino Cross 1944, bronze, the reverse officially numbered ‘9460’; Army Medal 1945, bronze; Great Britain, 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally good very fine (8) £140-£180 --- Sold together with an unofficial Polish unit cross, silvered and gilt; and an unrelated Belgian Albert I Veteran’s Cross 1909-34, gilt.
Lot 346
A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal group of eleven awarded to Major Charles Duane Mellinger, U.S.A.F., a B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ pilot of 385th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, who won the D.F.C. for commanding his formation in attacks against Regensburg, Bremen and Berlin, July to October 1944; he was later killed when a KC-97 Strato-tanker he was piloting crashed in the Adriondack mountains after suffering mechanical failure United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch, engraved ‘Charles D. Mellinger’, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Medal, bronze, with 3 clusters on riband, wrap brooch, engraved ‘Charles D. Mellinger’, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; American Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, one silver and one bronze star on Riband, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Army Good Conduct Medal, Bronze, engraved ‘C D Mellinger’, slot brooch, with top of box of issue; Korean Service medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; U.N. Korea Medal, in box of issue; Armed Forces Reserve medal, bronze slot brooch, in box of issue; National Defense Service Medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Distinguished Unit Citation badge, with second award cluster, generally very fine or better (11) £1,000-£1,400 --- Air medal awarded 22 September 1944, 333 B. Squadron, 94th Bomb Group: ‘For meritorious achievement while participating in heavy bombardment missions in the air offensive against the enemy over continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by these officers and enlisted men on these occasions reflect great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’ Air Medal, first cluster, 16 February 1945; 2nd cluster, 17 April 1945; third cluster, 29 May 1945, all for 385th Bomb Group and all the same standard citation. Distinguished Flying Cross, 26 April 1945 (385th Bomb Group) for: ‘Extraordinary achievement while serving as commander in the air of group and squadron formations on heavy bombardment missions against the enemy. Captain Mellinger demonstrated outstanding airmanship while commanding his formations on successful attacks against Regensburg, Germany, 21 July 1944, against Bremen, Germany 26 September 1944, and against Berlin, Germany 6 October 1944, despite heavy accurate concentrations of anti-aircraft fire on each mission. The brilliant exercise of command displayed that Captain Mellinger was largely responsible for the success of these missions. His actions reflect the highest credit on himself and the Army Air Force.’ Charles Duane Mellinger was born on 16 November 1916, in Tacoma, Washington. He enlisted on 7 July 1942, becoming an Aviation Cadet on 19 December and after completing his training as a heavy bomber pilot, was commissioned on 3 November 1943. From June 1944, as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot, he initially served with 333 Bombing Squadron, 94th Bomb Group and then 385th Bomb Group (H), 8th Air Force, flying from Great Ashfield, Suffolk, England. Returning to the U.S.A. in July 1944, he retired as a Major in 1946. Joining the reserve, he served until 4 June 1951, when he returned to active duty as a Supply Officer. On 14 June 1955 he resumed flight status as a pilot with 384 AREFS, WAFB, Mass. On 12 July 1956, he became Wing Logistics Officer, 4050 AREFWG, (Air Refuelling Wing) until killed in a flying accident on 22 January 1957, when the KC-97 Strato-tanker he was in crashed, near Griffith AFB , New York. All crewmen were lost. Sold with an original letter, dated April 1957, from U.S.A.F. to his wife confirming entitlement to all above awards, which will be sent to her. Original award documents for the Distinguished Flying Medal and Air Medal with three clusters, both dated 1 February 1957; photograph of Air Medal presentation, the medal being pinned on to Mellinger’s breast, together with partial copy of service record and other copied research.
Lot 347
A Second War Purple Heart and Air Medal group of five awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Earl M. Richardson, U.S.A.A.F., a B-24 Bombardier and aircraft commander who was killed in action on 20 June 1944, when 856th squadron lost 11 out of 12 aircraft during an attack on oil refineries at Politz, Germany United States of America, Purple Heart, gilt and enamel, slot brooch, engraved ‘Earl M. Richardson’, in case of issue; Air Medal, bronze, with two oak leaf cluster emblem on riband, slot brooch, in case of issue; American Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, crimp brooch, with lower portion of box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, in box of issue; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, in box of issue, very fine or better (5) £300-£400 --- Earl M. Richardson, from New Mexico, initially joined the U.S. Army Air Forces, for basic training at Alamogordo, New Mexico. From there he was sent to 330th Combat Crew Training school in Biggs, Texas, training as a B-24 Liberator bombardier and joining crew #1637. On 3 Mar 1944, the crew was transferred to 856th Bomber Squadron, 492nd Bomber Group (Heavy) where it was re-designated crew #610 (pilot 1st Lieutenant John R. Curtis). The squadron left for England on 1 April 1944, and would be stationed at North Pickenham, Curtis Crew’s B-24J being given the name, “The Mary Ellen”. Flying their first mission, an attack on an oil refinery at Zeitz, Germany on 12 May, Richardson would take part in a further 14 missions over targets in France and Germany between then and 18 June 1944. On the morning of 20 June 1944, 35 aircraft of 492nd Group, led by Major Losee, 856th Squadron’s Commander, took off for an attack on an oil refinery at Politz, Germany. As protection, the bombers were to be covered by fighters from 14th and 2nd Wings, however, while on route to the target, an error with timing a switchover left the Bombers exposed for a short time. The Luftwaffe took advantage of the situation, German fighters swooping in for the attack, randomly targeting the left side of the Group flown by the 856th Squadron. Within minutes, 856th Squadron alone lost 9 of its 12 aircraft and by the time the Group reached the target, the 856th only had 2 planes left while the other two squadrons had not lost any. Despite heavy flak and fighter attacks, the bombers were able to hit their targets and head for home, but the cost had been heavy and the mission would become the Bomb Group's worst day of the war. The Group had lost 14 crews, with the 856th squadron being almost completely wiped out, as 11 of the lost crews were their’s. “The Mary Ellen” was one of the aircraft that was lost, 2nd Lieutenant Richardson being killed along with the rest of the crew. It was his 16th combat mission. Sold with copied research.
Lot 335
United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross (4); Bronze Star (3); Purple Heart (5), all unnamed as issued, all housed in Second World War/ Korean War ‘coffin’ cases of issue, together with a selection of riband bars, lapel rosettes and other accoutrements, generally good very fine (12) £140-£180
Lot 34
Four: Stoker Petty Officer H. F. Bone, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (357818, H. F. Bone, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (357818 H. F. Bone. S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (357818 H. F. Bone, Sto. P.O., H.M.S. Latona.); together with two H.M.S. St. Vincent field gun prize medals, both bronze, very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Harold Frederick Bone was born in Gosport, Hampshire, on 2 September 1881 and joined the Royal Navy as a Domestic Third Class on 6 October 1889. He was advanced Stoker Petty Officer on 1 January 1914, and served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 12 November 1917, and was shore pensioned on 8 October 1921, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day.
Lot 310
Medical Medals awarded to Major A. Dingwall-Fordyce, Royal Army Medical Corps Edinburgh University Prize Medals (3), 52mm, bronze, named ‘Practice of Physic, 1896-97, A. Dingwall Fordyce’; ‘Mental Diseases, 1897, A. Dingwall Fordyce’; and ‘Medicine, 1897-98, A. Dingwall Fordyce’ respectively; Edinburgh University Mouat Medal, 58mm, bronze, named ‘A. Dingwall Fordyce, 1898’, generally very fine (4) £80-£100 --- Alexander Dingwall-Fordyce was born in Edinburgh in 1875 and qualified in medicine from Edinburgh Academy in 1898. He studied in Vienna, Berlin and Paris, and was elected to the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh in 1903. A pioneer pædiatric physician, he was appointed assistant physician to the Children’s Hospital, Edinburgh in 1906, and served during the Great War in the Royal Army Medical Corps in Salonika from October 1915. He was honorary physician to the Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital, 1920-35. He died in 1940. The Dingwall-Fordyce family, whose seat was Brucklay Castle, Aberdeenshire, is descended from Margaret, daughter of Robert the Bruce. The Castle and two neighbouring fields were requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence in 1941 as a prisoner-of-war camp and to house displaced Polish soldiers, which was decommissioned in 1947. Sold together with an iron nameplate inscribed ‘Captn. D. Fordyce of Brucklay, No. 4’, 240mm x 116mm; ands copied research.
Lot 329
United States of America, Central Intelligence Agency Intelligence Medal of Merit Presentation Medallion, 75mm, bronze, the obverse embossed ‘Central Intelligence Agency, For Merit’, the reverse unnamed, with riband bar, extremely fine, rare £200-£240 --- The Central Intelligence Agency’s Intelligence Medal of Merit is awarded ‘For the performance of especially meritorious service, or for an act or achievement conspicuously above normal duties.’
Lot 200
Three: Corporal T. Beddow, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; together with the recipient’s Royal Tournament Medal, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘Aldershot Command Tug-of-War 110 Stone 2nd. Bn. D.C.L.I. Cpl. Beddows [sic] T. 1938’, in Mappin & Webb, London case of issue; and a small Regimental Shooting Cup, silver (hallmarks for London 1937), 96mm high excluding wooden plinth, 131mm high including wooden plinth, inscribed ‘Dominica Cup 1938 Cpl. T. Beddow. 2/D.C.L.I.’, nearly extremely fine (5) £120-£160 --- Sold with full set of papers from the M.O.D., showing previous service in the R.N., and a subsequent career in the Intelligence Corps where he rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major.
Lot 235
Baltic 1854-55 (Ed. Kitchen, A.B, H.M.S. Locust.) contemporary engraved naming, fitted with silver ribbon brooch; together with a silver Temperance Society medal, 38mm (Edward Kitchen) fitted with scroll suspension and silver ribbon brooch, and two Exhibition medals, St Pancras Industrial Exhibition, bronze, 38mm (Presented to Ed. Kitchen by The Right Hon: The Lord Mayor Alderman Ellis. (Nov. 26th) 1881) fitted with scroll suspension and silver ribbon brooch, and South London Art and Industrial Exhibition Balham 1886, silver, 40mm (Presented to Ed. Kitchen Jany. 10th 1887) pierced but lacking suspension, good very fine or better (4) £200-£260 --- Sold with copy medal roll entry for Baltic medal.
Lot 328
United States of America, Central Intelligence Agency Hostile Action Service Presentation Medallion, 75mm, bronze, the obverse embossed ‘Central Intelligence Agency, Hostile Action Service’, the reverse unnamed, extremely fine, extremely rare £200-£240 --- The Central Intelligence Agency’s Hostile Action Service Medal is awarded ‘For direct exposure to a specific life-threatening incident in a foreign field, or in the United States where the employee was in close proximity to death or injury, but survived and sustained no injuries.’
Lot 341
A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross group of six awarded to P-38 ‘Lightning’ and P-51 ‘Mustang’ fighter pilot Captain Gene Harold Cole, who was credited with 2 ‘Victories’; during the Korean War, his F-80 ‘Shooting Star’ was shot down over North Korea when he was wounded and taken prisoner United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch reverse engraved ‘Gene H. Cole’, in case of issue; Air Medal, bronze, with 1 silver and 2 bronze clusters on riband, in case of issue, this with Cole’s U.S.A.F. leather uniform name tag glued to front, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Purple Heart, gilt and enamel, slot brooch, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Force Long Service medal, bronze, slot brooch; American Defense Service Medal, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; U.N. Korea Medal, slot brooch, in box of issue, very fine (6) £700-£900 --- Gene H. Cole was born in Huntington Park, Los Angeles, California on 20 October 1921, and enlisted as a Private in the Air Corps at Santa Ana AAB on 21 July 1942. Accepted for pilot training, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 5 December 1943, on completion of his basic training. Posted to 343 Fighter Squadron, 55 Fighter Group in England, as a P-38 Lightning pilot on 25 May 1944. As part of the Eighth Air Force Fighter Command, 343 squadron provided cover for B-17's and B-24's that bombed aircraft plants during Big Week in February 1944, and later gun emplacements during the St Lo breakthrough in July 1944. For his services, Cole was awarded the Air Medal on 6 July 1944, for: ‘Exceptionally meritorious service in aerial flight over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by these officers reflect great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’ He was awarded a second Air Medal (First Cluster) on 27 July, a third (Second Cluster) on 26 August and fourth (Third Cluster) on 15 September, 1944, all with similar citations. On 9 July 1944, he converted to the P-51 (Mustang) fighter, naming his ‘ship’ “Miss Jane the 1st”. He claimed an Me-109 destroyed (ground) S/Augsburg on 10 September 1944, and another Me-109 destroyed (air) Eisenach-Gotha on 13 September 1944. Later in September, the squadron patrolled the Arnhem sector in support of the airborne drops and Cole was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 3 October 1944: ‘For extraordinary achievement as a fighter pilot in aerial combat over Germany and German occupied Continental Europe. The courage and skill with which Lieutenant Cole flew his aircraft and engaged attacking enemy fighters have on many occasions assisted heavy bomber formations to reach their targets and return to their bases with a minimum of loss. The devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Cole on these escort flights, and his disregard for personal safety in exposing himself to the hazards of low flying strafing missions reflect the highest credit on himself and the Army Air Force.’ His fifth and sixth Air Medals (Fourth and fifth Clusters) followed on 21 October and 20 November 1944: ‘For meritorious achievement while serving as a fighter pilot during an extended period of aerial combat over Germany and German occupied Continental Europe. The courageous devotion to duty and outstanding flying ability displayed by these officers reflect the highest credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’ Cole made his last combat flight on 9 November 1944, and returned to the USA. His seventh Air Medal (Sixth Cluster) followed on 11 June 1945: ‘For meritorious achievement in destroying one enemy aircraft on a fighter combat operation while over Germany and German occupied Continental Europe. The aggressiveness, courage and devotion to duty displayed by these officers reflect the highest credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’ Cole was recalled in March 1951, and in April 1952 he was posted to the 35th (The Black Panthers) Fighter Bomber Squadron, based at K-13 airfield (Suwon) Korea, as an F-80C (Shooting Star) pilot. Taking part in combat operations there from 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1953. Theirs was probably the most dangerous work, flying low level fighter-Bomber attacks on targets in North Korea. On 6 August 1952, flying F-80C Shooting Star #49-741 on his 6th combat mission, Cole was shot down by ground fire over Huichon, North Korea. His aircraft was seen to be hit by ground fire and burst into flames, he was not observed to bail out. However, although wounded, he did successfully get out of the burning aircraft and was taken Prisoner of War by the North Koreans, remaining captive until finally repatriated on 31 August 1953. On the 11 March 1954, he was promoted to Temporary Captain, and on 24 September the rank was made permanent. On 21 February 1955, Cole was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action against the enemy on 6 August 1952, and on 19 March 1955, he was awarded his eighth Air Medal (Seventh Cluster): ‘For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea as a member of the Far East Air Forces. Despite the hazards of marginal weather conditions, aerial interception, and intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, his exceptional airmanship in combat operations against the enemy contributed immeasurably to the successful execution of the United Nations mission. The technical skill, personal courage, and selfless devotion to duty which he displayed reflected the highest credit upon himself, his organisation, and the United States Air Force.’ Cole continued to serve in the Air Force, moving to ground status in January 1961, before taking disability retirement on 17 August. He died in Orange County, California on 16 September 1989, age 68, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery. Sold with a large quantity of research including an official copy of his service records, this including his medal citations, and flight log sheets (logbook equivalent).
Lot 327
United States of America, Central Intelligence Agency Distinguished Intelligence Medal Presentation Medallion, 75mm, bronze, the obverse embossed ‘Central Intelligence Agency, For Distinguished Service’, the reverse unnamed, extremely fine, rare £200-£240 --- The Central Intelligence Agency’s Distinguished Intelligence Medal is awarded ‘For performance of outstanding services, or for achievement of a distinctly exceptional nature in a duty or responsibility.’
Lot 375
A Selection of Miscellaneous Militaria. Comprising Cap Badge of the 6th Battalion, London Regiment; 8th Irish Hussars, and pair of shoulder titles; Royal Tank Regiment; Allens School OTC; Duke of Lancaster Yeomanry, bronze with collar badge; Life Guards, bronze; together with sundry shoulder titles, buttons and lapel badges including an Old Comrades Associations, generally good condition (lot) £80-£100
Lot 323
A fine German Great War and Second War Iron Cross group of seven Germany, Prussia, Iron Cross 1914, Second Class breast badge, silver with iron centre, with Second War 1939 Spange; Germany, Empire, Cross of Honour 1914-18, combatant’s issue with swords, bronze; Germany, Third Reich, Army Long Service Medal, Fourth Class, for Four Years’ service, with eagle emblem on riband; Hungary, Republic, War Commemorative Medal 1914-18, silvered; Bulgaria, Kingdom, War Commemorative Medal 1915-18, gilt; Spain, Franco Period, Order of Military Merit, breast badge, gilt and red enamel, lacking reverse central medallion; War Commemorative Medal 1936, blackened gilt, mounted Continental style as worn, with Sedlatzek, Berlin, tailor’s label to reverse, generally good very fine (7) £260-£300
Lot 322
A Selection of Cases of Issue for Foreign Orders and Decorations, including: Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold; Order of Leopold II; Royal Household Medal; Italy, Kingdom, Order of the Crown of Italy (2), by Cravanzola, Rome; Japan, Empire (10), including various classes of the Order of the Rising Sun; various classes of the Order of the Sacred Treasure; Order of the Golden Kite; Red Cross Merit Medal in Gold, the majority all rio-nuri lacquer work; United States of America (6), including Legion of Merit, Commander; Bronze Star Medal; together with various other miscellaneous and unmarked cases, of both official and Masonic insignia, some of the lids embossed, some scuffing to cases, generally good condition (60) £400-£500
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