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![MURDOCH MACKENZIE (1712 - 1797)The South Coast of Ireland from Gally Head to Cape Clear [1776]50 x 90cmSurveyed and navigated](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/b484a599-cc8d-4491-aee1-acf700997ea5/1498ecd1-26b7-423c-9fa0-acf7009cd8b1/468x382.jpg)
Lot 415
Ein Paar Ohrstecker mit Diamanten im Emerald CutDeutschland Weißgold 750/-, gestempelt. 2 Diamanten im Emerald Cut, zus. ca. 2,50 ct., Top Cape (M-N), VVS1, gute Schliffausführung. Neuwert, makellos. D. ca. 7,8 x 5,6 mm. Ca. 2,2 g. BK A pair of stud earrings with emerald cut diamondsGermany White gold 750/-, hallmarked. 2 emerald cut diamonds, totalling approx. 2.50 ct., top cape (M-N), VVS1, good cut. In mint condition, flawless. Diameter approx. 7.,8 x 5.6 mm. Ca. 2.2 g.
Lot 438
Memoryring mit BrillantenDeutschland Gelbgold 750/- gestempelt. 19 Brillanten, zus. ca. 3,70 ct., TCR-Top Cape (I-J-M), VVS1. Neuwert, makellos. Ringgröße: 58. Ca. 4,4 g. BK A memory ring with brilliant cut diamondsGermany Yellow gold 750/- hallmarked. 19 brilliant cut diamonds, totalling approx. 3.70 ct., TCR-Top Cape (I-J-M), VVS1. In mint condition, flawless. Ring Size: 58. Ca. 4.4 g.
Lot 442
Klassissch moderner Bandring mit BrillantenDeutschland Gelbgold 750/-, getestet. Ca. 352 Brillanten, zus. ca. 6,24 ct., Cape (M-N), VVS-VS1, sehr gute Brillanz. Neuwert, makellos. B. ca. 8,5 mm. Ringgröße: 56,5. Ca. 9,7 g. BK A classic modern band ring with brilliant cut diamondsGermany Yellow gold 750/-, assayed. Approx. 352 brilliant cut diamonds, totalling approx. 6.24 ct., Cape (M-N), VVS-VS1, very good brilliance. In mint condition, flawless. Width approx. 8.5 mm. Ring Size: 56.5. Ca. 9.7 g.
Lot 454
Sautoir-BrillantenketteDeutschland Gelbgold 750/-, gestempelt. 29 Brillanten, zus. ca. 4,25 ct., CR-Top Cape (L-M), VS1, sehr gute Brillanz. Neuwert, Handarbeit, makellos. Rundankerkette mit Fassungen: L. ca. 70 cm. Ca. 15,8 g. Goldschmiedetechnische Ausführung: die Brillanten wurden in einzelne Zargenchatons in einem Abstand von ca. je 4,5 cm gesetzt. Die Enden werden mit einem Federring verschlossen. Die Kette kann mehrfach um den Hals gelegt werden. In der Art Déco-Periode waren diese Pretiosen sehr begehrt und wurden in Platin mit Brillanten sowie mit Saphiren, Rubinen und Smaragden in allen Längen für die Damenwelt kreiert. BK A Sautoir brilliant cut diamond necklaceGermany Yellow gold 750/-, hallmarked. 29 brilliant cut diamonds, totalling approx. 4.25 ct., CR-Top Cape (L-M), VS1, very good brilliance. In mint condition, handwork, flawless. Round anchor necklace with settings: length approx. 70 cm. Ca. 15.8 g.
Lot 482
DamenarmbanduhrHERMÈS, Modell CAPE COD Stahl. Uhrgehäuse: ca. 2,3 x 2,3 cm (ohne Krone). L. ca. 38,5 cm. Rechteckiges Uhrgehäuse. Quadratisches, weißes Zifferblatt, bezeichnet Hermès Paris Swiss Made, mit silberfarbenen, schwarz umrandeten arabischen Ziffern, silberfarbene Stabzeiger mit schwarzem Lackrand. Rückseite mit Markensignet und Nr. CC1.210, 2322597. Originales langes Lederarmband von Hermès SvP A ladies' wristwatchHERMÈS, model CAPE COD Steel. Watch case: approx. 2.3 x 2.3 cm (without crown). Length approx. 38.5 cm.
Lot 158
Good Double Barrelled Percussion Cape Rifle by Joseph Bourne No. 3187, Damascus twist etched and browned barrels comprising 39 bore left barrel deeply cut for a belted ball, 14 bore smoothbore right barrel, signed matted top rib with 6 platinum lined graduated leaf sights (unmarked) rib engraved with trophy measure to 20”, platinum safety plugs, signed bolted foliate engraved locks retaining much colour hardened finish, engraved iron furniture retaining much original finish comprising stag engraved trigger guard bow with chequered finger rest, large rectangular patch box lid engraved with a lion, figured walnut stock, chequered small and fore, vacant nickel escutcheon; in its brass bound blue felt lined fitted oak case containing leather covered Hawksley flask, a leather shot bag (seam split), oak box with sliding lid and a few other non-original accessories (hinged brass handle to lid bent). Barrels 76.5cms, overall 117cms. Good condition.
Lot 19
A First/Second World War Group of Four Medals, awarded to 64037 PTE.W.B.BOTCHERBY R.A.M.C., comprising British War Medal, Victory Medal, Defence Medal (SENIOR WARDEN) and Civil Defence Long Service Medal (WARDEN OFFICER 1938-62) together with an A.R.P. WARDEN plaque, a group of miniatures, two 1911 Coronation commemorative medallions, cap and lapel badges and related items including a nurses uniform and cape circa 1980's
Lot 2
A Queen's South Africa Medal, with five clasps CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE STATE, TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA 1901 and SOUTH AFRICA 1902, awarded to 24167 PTE G.HORSFALL. 66TH CO.IMP.YEO:, together with a photograph, his Soldier's New Testament, South Africa 1900, his Parchment Certificate of Discharge and Parchment Certificate of Character on Discharge dated 21-4-02 Footnote:- George Horsfall was born in Leeds 3rd February 1881, died 1st April 1937. Discharged after having been found medically unfit for further service. Married a widow Mary Augusta Postill (né Hartley) 26th February 1911 in Scarborough. Was landlord of the New Inn, Hunslet Road, Leeds 1926-1928 and the Beulah Inn, GalwayStreet, Leeds 1928-1937 . Some dings to the edge at 6 o'clock on both sides.
Lot 3
A Boer War/First World War Group of Six Miniatures, comprising Distinguished Conduct Medal with rosette (Geo.V), Queen's South Africa Medal with five clasps CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE STATE, TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA 1901 and SOUTH AFRICA 1902, 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with MID oak leaf and Efficiency Medal (Territorial), swing mounted as worn, with a related photograph Footnote:- Believed to have been awarded to John Thomas Gill who served with the Green Howards in the Boer War, First and Second World Wars. Thought to have been a POW, possibly in the Great War. His marriage certificate dated 9th December 1906 (not included with this lot) records him as John Brammall Gill, a Confectioner, of 29 Eastborough Scarborough, aged 24 years. A Change of Name Deed dated 2nd March 1940 (not included with this lot) records a change of name from John Thomas Gill to John Thomas Brammall. Known to his family as Jack, he played for Scarborough Football Club
Lot 33
Three Victorian Campaign Medals, comprising India General Service Medal 1854 to Lieutt.N.G. Fraser 28th Bo.Infy.; India Medal 1896 to Lieutt. N.G. Fraser 4th Bom.Cavy., the clasps and ribbons have been professionally, but incorrectly transposed, the clasps are CHIN LUSHAI 1889-90 which is now on the India Medal and RELIEF OF CHITRAL 1895, TIRAH 1897-98 and PUNJAB FRONTIER 1897-98 which are now on the India General Service Medal; Queen's South Africa Medal with two clasps CAPE COLONY and SOUTH AFRICA 1902, to CAPT.N.G.FRASER Ind.Staff Cps. Provenance:- Forcett Hall, North Yorkshire. All with tiny nicks to edges, naming is correct, suspenders and clasps altered.
Lot 854
TWO ENGLISH LINEN MAP SAMPLERS OF ENDLAND AND WALES AND EUROPE, NELLIE SIMPSON'S WORK AND MARGARET SIMPSON'S WORK RESPECTIVELY, C1800 WITH AN UNUSUALLY LARGE NUMBER OF TOWNS AND CITIES IDENTIFIED, THE SAMPLER OF ENGLAND AND WALES INCLUDING ISLANDS FROM ARRAN TO THE SCILLY ISLES, EUROPE INCLUDING ICELAND AND BARBARY (NORTH AFRICA), EACH SIGNED AND TITLED IN OVAL CARTOUCHE TIED WITH A BOW IN BORDER OF DEGREES, THE FIRST MARKED WITH THE "MERIDIAN OF LONDON", 51 X 51CM AND 41 X 54CM, FRAMED AS A PAIRUnusual on account of the complexity, these map samplers encompass considerable area in great detail, the sampler of Europe extending from the North Cape of Iceland the area beyond the late 18th century expansion of Russia, the towns of the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, Libya and Morocco including Mount Atlas In good unrestored condition, one with area of loss (off the English coast), both with smaller losses/moth holes and grubby/dirty, typical fading of pigments
Lot 569
BRITISH AFRICA COLLECTION An interesting mainly used much duplicated one volume collection inc. Cape triangular 4d (8, inc. a good pair), Seated Hope issues to 5/-and a small number of "G" overprints. Natal inc.. some Chalon Head issues and KEVII to 10/- (poor). Orange Free State inc. V.R.I. overprints. Transvaal 1902-03 issues to £1 (5). Rhodesia Arms types to 5/-, Double Heads inc. a £1 "C/B.S.A" perfin. and Admirals to 2/-. Very mixed condition, however many are stuck down and need attention to remove (Few 100's)
Lot 316
Pair: Corporal R. M. Barrs, 1st Dragoon Guards, later Police Constable, Metropolitan Police Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, unofficial rivets between second and third clasps (3786 Corpl: R. M. Barrs. 1st. Dgn: Gds:); Coronation 1911, Metropolitan Police (P.C. R. Barrs.); together with a Metropolitan Police Band Championship shield medallion, silver-gilt, inscribed ‘R. M. Barrs P.C.367A. Band Championship “A” Divn. Metron. Police’, suspension bar slightly bent on QSA, very fine (3) £200-£240 --- Robert Middleton Barrs was born in Westminster in 1876 and attested for the 1st Dragoon Guards in London on 13 July 1894. He served with the Regiment in South Africa during the Boer War from 8 January 1901 to 26 June 1902, and was promoted Corporal on 24 January 1901. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 5 September 1902, and was discharged on 12 July 1906, after 12 years’ service. He subsequently served with “A” Division, Metropolitan Police. Sold with a postcard photograph and a further photographic image of the recipient. Note: Transvaal clasp not confirmed.
Lot 317
Pair: Sergeant E. J. Franklin, 78th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, who was mentioned in despatches for ‘good service in action at Boschbult on 31st March, 1902’ and was promoted to Sergeant by the Commander-in-Chief; commissioned in September 1914, he was wounded and then drowned as a result of the sinking of the Hospital Ship Lanfranc on 17 April 1917 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (6599 Bomb. E. J. Franklin, 78th Bty., R.F.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (6599 Serjt: E. J. Franklin. R.F.A.) contained in a red leather fitted case, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (2) £280-£320 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 18 July 1902: ‘6599 Corporal E. G. Franklin, 78th Battery, Royal Field Artillery [together with three Gunners of the same Battery]. For good service in action at Boschbult on 31st March, 1902.’ Franklin was promoted to Sergeant by the Commander-in-Chief and each of the three Gunners to Bombardier. M.I.D. London Gazette 11 July 1916 and 18 May 1917. Edgar John Franklin was born at Colchester, Essex, and attested for the Royal Field Artillery at Warley on 25 October 1894, aged 14 years 3 months. He served in South Africa from 13 November 1900 to 21 January 1904, was promoted to Corporal in July 1901, and to Sergeant, for services as above, in March 1902. He afterwards served in India until January 1912, by which time he had been promoted to Battery Quarter-Master Sergeant. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 26 September 1914, and disembarked at Alexandria, Egypt, on 14 July 1915, and disembarked at Gallipoli on 9 August 1915. He returned to Egypt in December 1915 and transferred to the Western Front. He was wounded by a gunshot in the left leg on 9 April 1917, and transferred to England per Hospital Ship Lanfranc on 16 April, but was reported missing, believed drowned, as a result of the sinking of H.S. Lanfranc on 17 April 1917. He is commemorated by name on the Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton.
Lot 322
Pair: Corporal J. McGuirk, Royal Irish Fusiliers Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (1955 Cpl. J. Mc.Guirk, Rl. Irish Fus:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (1955 Corpl: J. Mc.Guirk. Rl: Irish Fus:) light contact marks, very fine (2) £200-£240
Lot 324
Three: Sergeant T. Schofield, Haslingden Corps, St John Ambulance Brigade Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (1285 Ordly: T. Schofield, St John Amb: Bde:); Service Medal of the Order of St John, silver, straight bar suspension (2375 Sgt. T. S. Schofield. (Haslingden Cps.) No. 4 Dst. 1921); St. John Medal for South Africa 1899-1902 (1285. Pte. T. Schofield. Haslingden Corps.) very fine (3) £400-£500 --- Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire.
Lot 325
Pair: Orderly B. Hallas, St. John Ambulance Brigade Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, clasp block loose on riband (1467 Ordly: B. Hallas. St. John Amb: Bde:); St. John Medal for South Africa 1899-1902 (1467. Pte. B. Hallas. Oldham Corps.) nearly extremely fine (2) £400-£500
Lot 347
Three: Able Seaman A. H. T. Vizard, Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action in Gallipoli on 15 June 1915 1914-15 Star (LZ-32 A. H. T. Vizard, A.B., R.N.V.R.); British War and Victory Medals (L.Z. 32 A. H. T. Vizard. A.B. R.N.V.R.) ‘z’ in surname unofficially corrected on BWM & VM, good very fine (3) £80-£120 --- Arthur Henry Thomas Vizard volunteered for the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in September 1914 and was posted to the Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Division. He served with the during the Great War in Gallipoli from April 1915, and was killed in action at Cape Helles on 15 June 1915. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient. For the recipient’s brother’s medals, see Lot 367.
Lot 425
Three: Able Seaman F. L. G. Ellissen, Royal Navy, who lost his life on the occasion the Cunard White Star liner Laconia was torpedoed and sunk in shark-infested waters off West Africa on 12 September 1942, with 1,800 Italian Prisoners of War aboard: on learning of this, the U-Boat commander commenced rescue operations, but his admirable endeavours, and those of other U-Boats that joined the scene, were quickly curtailed by an unfortunate attack delivered by Allied aircraft - and the transmittal of Doenitz’s notorious “Laconia Order” 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Admiralty enclosure, in card box of issue addressed to ‘Mrs. I. M. M. Ellissen, 6 Cardigan Road, Richmond Hill, Surrey’, extremely fine (3) £140-£180 --- Francis Lyon Gordon Ellissen served during the Second World War as an Able Seaman borne on the books of H.M.S. President III, and died when the Cunard White Star liner Laconia was torpedoed and sunk in shark-infested waters off West Africa in September 1942. Homeward bound from the Cape in September 1942, with some 2,700 people aboard, among them 1,800 Italian Prisoners of War under a 160-strong Polish guard, the Laconia was torpedoed by the U-156, commanded by Kapitain Werner Hartenstein, on 12 September, in a position about 500 miles south of Cape Palmas, Liberia. Shortly after the liner capsized, the crew of the now surfaced U-Boat were amazed to hear Italian voices yelling amongst the survivors struggling in the water, and on speaking to some of them, Werner Hartenstein immediately began rescue operations, alerting at the same time nearby U-Boats to come to his assistance. Also by radio he contacted his seniors in Germany, asking for instructions and, more courageously, sent out an un-coded message inviting any nearby ships to assist, allied or otherwise, promising not to attack them on the basis his U-Boat was left unmolested. And amazingly, to begin with at least, Berlin replied in the affirmative, although Hitler personally intervened to threaten Admiral Raeder in the event of any U-Boats being lost to enemy action as a result of the rescue operation. Over the next few days, Hartenstein’s ‘rescue package’ achieved commendable results, and by 16 September, U-156 had picked up around 400 survivors, half of which she towed astern in lifeboats, while other enemy U-Boats, the U-506 and the U-507, and the Italian Cappellini, had arrived on the scene and acted with similar compassion. Tragically, on 16 September, an American Liberator bomber, operating out of Ascension Island, attacked the gathered U-Boats, forcing Hartenstein and his fellow captains to cut their tows with the lifeboats and submerge. Mercifully, some neutral (Vichy) French warships arrived on the scene soon afterwards from Dakar, and in total, including those still aboard the U-Boats, some several hundred men, women and children were saved. But two lifeboats remained undiscovered, their occupants having to endure a living nightmare, adrift without adequate sustenance, under a burning sun, with sharks for company, for several weeks. Following his enforced departure from the scene of rescue on 16 September, Kapitain Hartenstein remained in contact with Berlin, in a vain attempt to complete his worthy task. In the event, he, and his fellow U-Boat commanders, received Doenitz’s famous “Laconia Order”, a diktat that mercilessly rewrote the conduct of sea warfare (and became one of the charges levelled at the Grand Admiral at Nuremberg). Turner was amongst those who died on or after the 12 September, and he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Lot 475
The Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Mr. E. A. Brayley Hodgetts, who served as Special Correspondent for the Daily Express in South Africa during the Boer War; a noted and widely travelled journalist and author, his entertaining remembrances were published in 1924 under the title ‘Moss from a Rolling Stone’ Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Mr. B. Hodgetts. “Daily Express”) good very fine £1,000-£1,400 --- Edward Arthur Brayley Hodgetts was born in Berlin in 1859, a British subject by parentage, and was educated at Moscow. During a highly cosmopolitan career, he served as Russian Correspondent to The Times, the Daily Graphic and and Reuters for several years, was Paris Editor of Dalziel’s Agency, Foreign Editor of the New York World, Librarian to the Institution of Civil Engineers and wrote many books, the first of which - Personal Reminiscences of General Skobeleff - was published by W. H. Allen & Co. in 1884. He was fluent in many languages and widely travelled from a young age, spending time on the Continent as well as in America, Russia and Asia Minor - his experiences of the the latter two were related in two well-received travel memoirs: In the track of the Russian famine; the personal narrative of Journey through the famine districts of Russia, published by T. Fisher Unwin in 1892 and Round about Armenia: the record of a journey across the Balkans through Turkey, the Caucasus, and Persia in 1895, published by Low, Marston, 1896. He translated Johann David Wyss’s The Swiss Family Robinson into a widely read English language version in 1897 and throughout this period authored many articles for The Strand Magazine and The Pall Mall Gazette. Following the outbreak of the Boer War, Sir Arthur Pearson secured the services of Brayley Hodgett to cover the conflict as Special Correspondent for his soon to be launched newspaper, The Daily Express. Having embarked for the Cape in the Dunvegan Castle in mid February 1900, Brayley Hodgetts is known to have been invalided with enteric fever during his time in South Africa. Returning to London, he continued to write, his books now beginning to focus mostly on Russian and German historical themes: The court of Russia in the nineteenth century, Methuen 1908; The House of Hohenzollern: two centuries of Berlin court life, Dutton 1911; The life of Catherine the Great of Russia, Brentano’s 1914 and Glorious Russia : its life, people and destiny, Bristol 1915. In the 1911 census, however, he describes himself as an author of literature and Secretary of a public company in the Dynamite Trade; his book entitled ‘The rise and progress of the British explosives industry’ had been published two years earlier. Towards the end of his career, in 1924, his wrote an entertaining and anecdote filled personal memoir, ‘Moss from a Rolling Stone’, in relation to which the following article appeared in The Scotsman, 31 March 1924: ‘Mr E. A. Brayley Hodgetts makes a very agreeable companion in his recollections of what has been a varied and active career. As a journalist and foreign correspondent he has visited many lands and met all sorts and conditions of men; and he records his impressions effectively, bringing many a good story to his aid. He was born in Berlin - “because a man is born in a stable he is not necessarily a horse, and my being born in Berlin of British parents did not involve the forfeiture of my birthright as an Englishman” - and his earliest recollection of Berlin was - “seeing a rather flush faced officer, clean shaven, in a military cap, and with strange, dreamy, blue eyes, driving in an open carriage. That was Frederick William IV., the mad king of Prussia!” Subsequent memories cluster round New York after the Civil War, London in the ‘eighties, Berlin under William II, Paris under the Republic, St. Petersburg under Alexander III. There are chapters on experiences in the Near East and in South Africa . Among well-known figures of whom there are glimpses in the course of the reminiscences are Ruskin, Bronte Harte, Oscar Wilde, Tolstoy, Gladstone, Joseph Chamberlain, Clemenceau, King Edward VII and Kaiser Wilhelm II.‘ He died at Kensington, London in 1932.
Lot 477
The Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Mr. Daniel Innes Calder, Special Correspondent for Reuter’s Agency in Basutoland during the Boer War, who was personally complemented by Baron Reuter and made the subject of a substantial testimonial on account of his intrepid reporting during the conflict Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Mr. D. Innes Calder. “Reuter.”) nearly very fine £1,000-£1,400 --- Daniel Innes Calder was born in Fraserburgh, Scotland in 1866. He served for seven years as a journalist in South Africa, including during the Boer War as special correspondent for Reuter’s Agency in Basutoland, seeing much action and performing some impressive feats of journalism, services for which he was personally complemented by Baron Reuter and made the subject of a special testimonial following his return to Britain in 1901. His brother, also a war correspondent, died of dysentery whilst working for Reuters during the Boer War. The following obituary appeared in print following Calder’s death in 1907: ‘His many friends in Fraserburgh, and in other parts of the country, will regret to hear the death of Mr Daniel Innes Calder, a partner of the printing and publishing firm of Messrs Calder Brothers, Fraserburgh. The sad event took place on Saturday morning at his residence, Seamount, Fraserburgh. Mr Calder had not been in robust health for some time, but he was at work at his office little more than a week ago. He was only 41 years of age, and had an interesting career as a journalist. After having been for several years a reporter on the “Fraserburgh Advertiser,” Mr Calder, prior to leaving Fraserburgh, was editor of the paper, but on account of ill-health he left for South Africa in the end of 1896. On arrival at Cape Town, he made his way to Bloemfontein, where he saw the late President Kruger, and heard him make his speech on the fatal close alliance between the Transvaal and the Free State, the outcome of which was the war. After a short residence in the Orange Free State capital, Mr Calder went to Maseru, Basutoland. Here he met Sir Godfrey Lagden, then Resident Commissioner, and became connected with Reuter’s News Agency. Leaving Basutoland for Swaziland, where he was appointed editor of the “Swaziland Times,” Mr Calder found himself in a different country, and climate, and among quite a different race of people. When he had been about a year and a half in Bremensdorp, the Boers declared war, and Swaziland being under Dutch, or rather Transvaal, administration, all Britishers had to clear out of the country as best they could. There being no railway nearer than the Delagoa Bay line, the long trek to the railway had to be done in waggons. After a visit to Lorenzo Marquez, Mr Calder went back to Basutoland, his brother, another of Reuter’s correspondents, having succumbed to dysentery. It was worthy of note that his brother was the correspondent whose message of the relief of Kimberley was the first information of the great event received in Britain. After a stay of a month or more in Basutoland, during which time Ladybrand, close to Basuto border, was besieged, Mr Calder left to join General Hunter’s forces. There were plenty of “scraping” then, and Mr Calder frequently accompanied Colonel Damant in a skirmish. He was also with the 2nd Brigade, and while attached to saw the burning of Bothaville. He was at the capture of 11 guns, taken from the Boers in a hot action, when the gallant and able Colonel Le Gallais and a number of other officers were killed. During the engagement De Wet was personally in command of the Boers. The report of this important capture of guns Mr Calder had in London five or six hours before Lord Robert’s official despatch was received, and for his smart work he received great credit from Reuter. He continued with General Bruce Hamilton’s forces until ordered north to Kitchener’s great drive, which thanks to the irregularity of the trains, he just missed. Making a short stay in Pretoria, he travelled to Ladysmith, and on to Harrismith, in which district General Rundle was operating. After following the fortunes of the Guerilla warfare for a time, he covered the long journey from Ladysmith to Bloemfontein by train, and thence to Basutoland , where he received leave to return home after a stay of five years in the country. On several occasions he rode, through difficult country, and obtained information of great value, which he managed to transmit by telegraph to his agency, earning from those in whose service he was the highest encomiums for intrepidity, smartness, and accuracy. His services were specially acknowledged when he returned to this country in 1901. Then he was personally complemented by Baron Reuter, the head of the Agency, in London, and made the recipient of a substantial testimonial in recognition of his services. Mr Calder was one of the few war correspondents who received a medal from the Government, as a mark of appreciation of his services in connection with the war. One of his most prized meetings was his interview with Sir Hector Macdonald. He called upon “Fighting Mac” in Aliwal North where General Macdonald was acting as Commandant. The gallant general received him with much warmth and on taking his departure after a long conversation Mr Calder received a hearty invitation to make another call on an early date. Locally Mr Calder was a great favourite, his bright and witty disposition making him very popular wherever he went. He took a great interest in many local institutions, especially those of a sporting and recreative kind. He was a prominent member of the Fraserburgh Liberal Club. In the Mid Street Congregational Church on Sunday afternoon, feeling reference was made by Rev. Thomas Johnstone, to the loss the congregation has sustained by the death of Mr Calder. The funeral which will be a Masonic one, takes place to Kirkton cemetery this afternoon.’ (The Fraserburgh Herald and Northern Counties Advertiser, 19 March 1907)
Lot 496
Pair: Private W. Lindsay, Royal Scots Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Wepener, Transvaal, Wittebergen (3296 Pte. W. Lindsay, Royal Scots.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3296 Pte. W. Lindsay. Rl: Scots.) good very fine (2) £600-£800 --- Only 83 men of the 1st Battalion Royal Scots received the ‘Wepener’ clasp, the only Imperial troops present as a unit.
Lot 497
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Wepener, Wittebergen, Belfast (638 Cpl: J. Edmonston. Brabant’s Horse.) good very fine £400-£500 --- Corporal J. Edmonston was severely wounded near Hammonia on 28 May 1900. The medal roll confirms all clasps and notes that he was discharged from Brabant’s Horse on 15 October 1900, and that he also served with Nesbitt’s Horse, Cattle Rangers and French’s Scouts.
Lot 504
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Cape Colony (R. Lowe, Scottish Hosp:) small official correction, otherwise nearly extremely fine and scarce £400-£500 --- Provenance: John Tamplin Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2003. The Scottish National Red Cross Hospital was organised in the first instance by the St Andrew’s Association and was funded by voluntary donations. The organisation of the hospital commenced in January 1900, the personnel eventually consisting of an officer in charge, 18 civil medical officers, 1 Quartermaster, 1 Warrant Officer, 2 secretaries, 35 nursing sisters of the Army Nursing Service Reserve, 45 first-class orderlies, all of whom were medical students, and 57 second-class orderlies, making a total of 160. The first section arrived at Cape Town on 13 May 1900, and the hospital was opened for patients on 4 June, at Kroonstadt. Previous to that time however, the hospital staff had been employed on duty in the military hospitals at Bloemfontein and Kroonstadt. It remained during the whole period at Kroonstadt, and its equipment was handed over to the Government, when it ceased to exist as a private hospital, on 14 October 1900.
Lot 505
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (Whrmn: J. Hamilton, Irish Hospital) nearly extremely fine and scarce £400-£500 --- Provenance: John Tamplin Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2003. The Irish Hospital was offered to the Central Committee of the British Red Cross, in December 1899, by Lord Iveagh, who generously offered to pay for equipping the hospital for service in South Africa. He proposed that ‘it should be as far as possible a mobile unit and that the management should be left to whatever civilian medical gentleman he should select’. The hospital was formally established on 28 December 1899, and the first personnel and equipment sailed for the Cape in the following February. On arrival at Cape Town the staff went into camp at Green Point and then moved by rail to Naauwport, arriving there on 10 March. The following day two surgeons, two dressers and eighteen orderlies, with stores, were sent by rail to De Aar. The remainder of the unit, being under orders to move to Bloemfontein, were unable to operate at Naauwport. The final move was made between 10th and 12th April and the De Aar detachment joined the main body on 21 April at Bloemfontein. On 10 May 1900 a section under Sir William Thomson marched out to join Lord Roberts’ force at Kroonstadt, were attached to the 11th Division on the advance which commenced on 22 May, and reached Pretoria on 6 June. On 14 June the Irish Hospital commenced operations in the Palace of Justice and by 19 June had had 93 admissions. The original capacity of 100 beds was soon extended to 250 beds and by 10 July there were 500 beds, the staff being supplemented by military personnel. No patients were admitted after 30 September 1900 and the unit left South Africa on 15 October, handing over its last 180 patients to the Royal Army Medical Corps. The medal roll for the Irish Hospital shows a total of 67 members entitled to the medal with various clasps. Also included in the roll are three members of the R.A.M.C. and 25 Nursing Sisters of the Army Nursing Service Reserve. Hamilton is one of two Washermen shown on the roll and, interestingly, is one of only two recipients to receive just these two clasps.
Lot 591
Family group: The Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Private C. Jones, Royal Berkshire Regiment, who was mortally wounded at Colesberg on 1 January 1900 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Cape Colony (4164 Pte. C. Jones, 2nd Rl: Berks: Regt.) Three: Private F. G. Jones, Royal Berkshire Regiment, later Royal Army Ordnance Corps 1914-15 Star (16578 Pte. F. G. Jones. R. Berks: R.); British War and Victory Medals (16578 Pte. F. G. Jones. R. Berks. R.) good very fine (4) £260-£300 --- Private C. Jones was mortally wounded at Colesberg on 1 January 1900, and died two days later. He was the father of Frederick G. Jones, who served with the Royal Berkshire Regiment in France from 23 February 1915, and later transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
Lot 108
A rare ‘Rhodesia 1896’ D.S.O. group of nine awarded to Brigadier-General R. H. F. McCulloch, C.M.G., Royal Artillery, who remained with his gun after having been wounded in the attack on Skimbo in August 1896 Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar converted for mounting; British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Lieut. R. H. F. McCulloch. R.A.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901 (Capt: R. F. H. McCulloch, D.S.O., R.G.A.) last letter of surname officially corrected; 1914 Star, with clasp (Major R. F. H. McCulloch. D.S.O. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Brig. Gen. R. F. H. McCulloch.); Italy, Kingdom, Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus, Officer’s breast badge, gold, silver-gilt, and enamel, with rosette on riband; France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer’s breast badge, gold and enamel, with rosette on riband; Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1914-1917, mounted court style for display, nearly extremely fine (9) £4,000-£5,000 --- One of only 7 Distinguished Service Orders awarded for this campaign, this being unique to the Royal Artillery. D.S.O. London Gazette 7 May 1897: ‘In recognition of services in the recent operations in South Africa, 1896.’ Italian Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus London Gazette 12 September 1918. French Legion of Honour London Gazette 13 February 1917. French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 17 August 1918. Robert Henry Frederick McCulloch was born in October 1869 and joined the Royal Artillery in 1888, receiving promotion to Lieutenant in 1891. He commanded a section of 10 Mountain Battery, R. A., during the Matabeleland operations of 1896, was slightly wounded, Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the D.S.O. In his report, Major-General F. Carrington stated that McCulloch ‘worked his gun with great coolness and steadiness when the enemy were in force within 50 yards of him in the attack on Sikimbo on 5 August 1896. He remained with his gun after having been wounded.’ McCulloch's section had been operating in co-ordination with a force of men raised by the British South Africa Company. He had already witnessed a great deal of fighting during the advance on Bulawayo, which culminated with the capture of the Matabele strong holds in the Matoppo Hills. The incident referred to in Major-General Carrington’s report was probably the biggest of the campaign, five Impis being attacked by a combined Imperial Force of 800 men. The enemy were completely routed. However, at the outset of the action, when McCulloch and another gunner subaltern were ordered to detach themselves from the main force, and set up position on a ridge, the fast moving Matabele swept in for the kill, creeping up gullies under the cover of the bush. But for the prompt actions of McCulloch and his compatriot, it is probable the detachment would have been wiped out. Promoted to Captain in 1899, McCulloch served throughout most of the Boer War as D.A.A.G. on the lines of communication in Cape Colony. He afterwards became a Divisional and Militia Adjutant and held the rank of Major by the outbreak of hostilities in 1914. Picked out for command of heavy artillery, he held several senior positions, ultimately as Brigadier-General, Heavy Artillery, 11 Army Corps, France. He was created a C.M.G. in 1918, was twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 15 June 1916 and 30 May 1918) and was decorated by the French and Italians. He retired in 1921 and died in Hayling Island, Hampshire, on 16 October 1946.
Lot 132
A Great War ‘Gallipoli’ D.C.M. group of nine awarded to Acting Regimental Sergeant Major D. Christie, Highland Light Infantry, who was Mentioned in Despatches for his gallantry under fire during the Occupation of Crete in September 1898, and received a further Mention during the Great War. Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (4737 A.R.S. Mjr: D. Christie. 1/6 H.L.I. -T.F.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Wittebergen, Transvaal, unofficial rivets between third and fourth clasps (4737 Sgt. D. Christie, 1st. High: Lt. Infy.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4737 Clr:-Serjt: D. Christie. Highland L.I.); 1914-15 Star (4737 C.Sjt. D. Christie. High. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (4737 C-Sjt. D. Christie. High. L.I.); Coronation 1937 (David Christie.) contemporarily engraved naming; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (4737 C.Sjt: D. Christie. H.L.I.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (David S. Christie.) edge bruising to the QSA and KSA pair, light contact marks throughout, generally very fine and better (9) £800-£1,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 19 August 1916: ‘For conspicuously good work rendered during the performance of a difficult operation. He has set a fine example to his Battalion.’ David Christie was born in Edinburgh in 1874 and attested there for the Royal Scots on 20 June 1892. He transferred to the Highland Light Infantry on 30 November 1892, and served with them during the Occupation of Crete, 31 July to 26 December 1898, being Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 24 January 1899). Major I. C. Conway-Gordon, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, was an eye-witness to Christie’s act of gallantry, and later wrote the following testimonial: ‘On 6 September 1898 fire was suddenly opened on the troops stationed at Kandia, Crete, by the Bashie Bazouks. Sergeant D. Christie immediately turned out “A” Company, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, of which Captain A. G. Balfour was in command. Captain Balfour took up a position with his Company and shortly afterwards Private Walton was wounded. The Hospital was situated about 100 yards from the position occupied by “A” Company, and the ground between was open all the wire to fire. Sergeant Christie volunteered to take Private Watson to the Hospital. He succeeded in doing so although exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy. Against the advice of the Medical Officer he returned across the zone of fire and rejoined his Company. I was an eye-witness of this action on the part of Sergeant Christie and consider he showed the utmost bravery and coolness under fire in carrying out the duty he had volunteered for. Throughout the remainder of the action he continued to display the same gallant spirit and much assisted and encouraged the men by his example.’ Christie saw further action in South Africa during the Boer War from 23 October 1899 to 11 January 1903, and received the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Wittebergen, and Transvaal (his entitlement to the Transvaal clasp appearing on a supplementary roll), as well as the King’s South Africa Medal with both date clasps. Remaining with the Regiment, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, before transferring to the permanent staff of the 6th Battalion (Territorial Force), and served with them during the Great War in Gallipoli from 2 July 1915 as Acting Regimental Sergeant Major. For his services in Gallipoli he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, as well as being once more Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 25 September 1916). Embarking for England from Alexandria on 3 September 1916, he was discharged at Hamilton on 20 October 1916, after 24 years and 123 days’ service, and was awarded a Silver War Badge.
Lot 155
A rare Great War ‘Patrol Services’ D.S.M. and ‘U-boat action’ Bar group of five awarded to Chief Petty Officer J. C. Campbell, Royal Navy, for gallantry as Gunlayer aboard H.M.S. Zinnia Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (191144. J. C. Campbell, Act. C.P.O. H.M.S. Zinnia. Patrol Services. 1915/6) with Second Award Bar, the reverse officially impressed ‘4. May. 1917.’; 1914-15 Star (191144. C. J. Campbell, Act. C.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (191144 C. J. Campbell. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (191144 C. J. Campbell, P.O., H.M.S. King Edward VII) mounted as worn from two brooch bars, very fine (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 22 May 1917: ‘In recognition of services in the Destroyer Patrol Flotillas, Armed Boarding Steamers, &c., during the period which ended on the 30th September 1916. H.M.S. Zinnia Patrol Services up to 1 October 1916.’ Amongst the several incidents in which Zinnia played a part during this period was the Easter Rising / Roger Casement affair in April 1916, when Zinnia was closely involved in the capture of the German steamer Aud, which was disguised as a Norwegian vessel. D.S.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 11 August 1917: ‘For services in action with enemy submarines.’ The recommendation states: ‘H.M.S. Zinnia. Action with enemy submarine 4 May 1917. As Gunlayer with A.B. Arthur Waller, J15735, as Trainer, these men performed their duties in a highly satisfactory manner.’ Able Seaman Arthur Waller was awarded the D.S.M., see next lot, and Zinnia’s skipper Lt. Commr. G. F. W. Wilson, R.N., was awarded the D.S.O. for the same action. H.M.S. Zinnia Following commissioning in 1915, Zinnia joined the First Sloop Flotilla, based at Queenstown. On 28 March 1916, Zinnia spotted the German submarine U-44 63 nautical miles ESE of the Fastnet Rock, shooting twice at the submarine, which dived away unharmed, Zinnia's shells falling short. On 29 March, U-44 torpedoed the sloop Begonia, which did not sink. Zinnia and sister ship Snowdrop were ordered to go to Begonia's aid, and the damaged sloop was towed into Queenstown. On 20 April 1916, Zinnia came across the German submarine U-69, south-west of Ireland, just after U-69 had sunk the steamer Cairngowan, forcing the submarine to dive away, and dropped two depth charges, but U-69 was unharmed. On 22 April 1916, Zinnia, and also H.M.S. Bluebell but from another direction, both hastened to the assistance of H.M.S. Lord Heneage, which ship had intercepted the Aud, a German vessel disguised as a Norwegian steamer, which had been attempting to rendezvous with Sir Roger Casement in Tralee Bay to deliver a consignment of arms for an imminent uprising in the southwest. She was being escorted to Queenstown when Lieut. Karl Spindler scuttled her. On 23 October 1916, the sloop Genista was torpedoed and sunk by the submarine U-57 120 nautical miles west of Cape Clear Island. Zinnia and Camellia were ordered out from Queenstown to pick up her survivors, but at first failed to find them, and were joined by the cruiser Adventure. Eventually, 12 survivors were picked up. On 8 March 1917, Zinnia encountered a German submarine, possibly U-53, off Fastnet, and opened fire, claiming an apparent hit on the submarine. On 28 March 1917, Zinnia was escorting the tanker Gasfa 15 nautical miles out of Queenstown when the submarine U-57 torpedoed and sunk Gasfa. Zinnia retaliated with two depth charges, which the submarine's crew considered ‘uncomfortably close’, but the submarine escaped. Seven of Gasfa's crew were killed in the attack, with the remainder rescued by Zinnia. On 3 May 1917, the German submarine U-62 torpedoed the British steamer Frederick Knight West of Ireland. Zinnia came to Frederick Knight's assistance, forcing the submarine to submerge, but could not stop the submarine torpedoing the merchant ship again, sinking Frederick Knight. The next day, U-62 stopped the Danish barque Jörgen Olsen, and attempted to sink the sailing vessel with gunfire. Zinnia again interrupted U-62, opening fire and forcing the submarine to submerge. Jörgen Olsen remained afloat and was towed into Berehaven. On 7 June 1917, the Q-ship Pargust was on patrol off the south coast of Ireland when she was torpedoed by the German submarine UC-29. Part of Pargust's crew abandoned ship as a ‘panic party’, in order to tempt the submarine to surface, which UC-29 did after thirty minutes. Pargust then opened fire, sinking UC-29. Zinnia, the sloop Crocus and the American destroyer U.S.S. Cushing came to the assistance of Pargust which was kept afloat by her cargo of timber, with Crocus towing Pargust into Queenstown, with Zinnia and Cushing in escort. On 20 August 1917, Zinnia collided with the American destroyer Benham, badly damaging the American ship, which was towed into Queenstown by Zinnia, which remained part of the First Sloop Flotilla at the end of the war. Clifford Joseph Campbell was born at Lancaster on 6 January 1879, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. Northampton on 15 October 1896, advancing to Boy 1st Class on 29 January 1897. The dates of his subsequent advancements were to Ordinary Seaman, April 1897; Able Seaman, February 1900; Leading Seaman, October 1901; Petty Officer 2nd Class, May 1903; Petty Officer 1st Class, February 1904; Acting Chief Petty Officer, November 1915; Chief Petty Officer, November 1916. He received his L.S. & G.C. medal aboard H.M.S. King Edward VII, in which battleship he served from August 1911 to December 1913. At the outbreak of war in 1914 he was serving aboard the battleship Mars where he remained until the ship was paid off at Belfast in February 1915, being subsequently disarmed and laid up in April 1915. After a brief spell at Pembroke I he joined Zinnia on 15 September 1915, and served in her, based at Queenstown, until April 1919. He was demobilised on 21 January 1920.
Lot 159
H.M.S. Zinnia was a Flower-class corvette that was launched in November 1940 and commissioned on 30 March 1941. She protected convoys in the North Atlantic during the Second World War as part of the Battle of the Atlantic. On 23 August 1941, while escorting Convoy OG 71, she was hit by a torpedo from U-564, commanded by Reinhard Suhren, exploded and sank west of Portugal. The Second World War anti-U-boat operations D.S.C. group of eight awarded to Commander C. G. Cuthbertson, Royal Naval Reserve, commanding H.M.S. Zinnia, whose meeting with Nicholas Monsarrat immediately following the disastrous Gibraltar convoy OG. 71 inspired the latter to write his best selling novel, “The Cruel Sea”: Cuthbertson was one of only 15 survivors from his torpedoed ship, and was fortunate to be picked up by a dinghy from H.M.S. Campion after clinging to the trunk of a body to stay afloat - ‘with blood and oil fuel coming out of me both ends’ Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1940’ and privately engraved, ‘C. G. Cuthbertson, Lieut. Commr., R.N.R.’; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star, clasp, Pacific; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1941’, mounted court-style as worn, together with U.S.S.R. 40th Anniversary 1945-85 Commemorative Medal, very fine and better (8) £6,000-£8,000 --- Provenance: Sotheby’s, July 1995; Ron Penhall Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2006. D.S.C. London Gazette 1 January 1941. M.I.D. London Gazette 25 August 1941 and 1 January 1946. Charles George Cuthbertson was born in Gillingham, Kent in September 1906, the son of an Engineer Captain, R.N. Destined to follow in his father’s footsteps from an early age, he attended the training ship Worcester, lying at Greenhithe on the Thames, and was appointed a Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve in the new year of 1923. But as a result of the cutbacks being imposed on the strength of the Royal Navy, he opted instead to join the Merchant Navy, in which he was accepted as a Cadet-Apprentice by the Union Castle Mail Steamship Co. at the end of 1923. A diligent and competent student, he passed the relevant examinations without difficulty and obtained his full Master’s Certificate in 1930 at the unusually early age of 24. Thereafter he served in various capacities aboard a number of Union Castle vessels around the globe, all the while attending his annual naval training with the Royal Naval Reserve. Early Wartime Career and a D.S.C. The outbreak of hostilities in 1939, in which year Cuthbertson had attained advancement to Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.R., found him serving as 2nd Officer of the Union Castle Line’s prestigious Cape Town mail route ship, Carnarvon Castle, shortly thereafter destined to be converted into an Armed Merchant Cruiser. But the Admiralty already had plans for such qualified and experienced officers as Cuthbertson, and for his own part he was immediately attached to the Royal Navy for service as O.C. of an ad hoc flotilla of 70 anti-submarine trawlers, their task to patrol the east coast of Scotland, particularly in the Fleet’s main anchorage at Scapa Flow, in addition to the vital dockyard at Rosyth. But in the course of this appointment, that lasted until October 1940, Cuthbertson also volunteered to participate in a number of daring missions for “Gubbins’ Flotilla” in the Norwegian campaign, the latter comprising an irregular force of small ships and fishing vessels - including some of the renowned Scottish “puffers” - that carried out clandestine operations in and out of Norway’s fjords supplying Gubbins (later of S.O.E. fame) and his men behind-the-lines with vital equipment, personnel and ammunition. Supporting these ‘independent’ troop companies - out of which soon emerged the formidable Royal Marine Commandos - was a hazardous business, and Cuthbertson twice had ships sunk under him by enemy air attack. On 10 October 1940, he was appointed to his first command, H.M.S. Hibiscus, a Flower-class corvette which had been specifically built for convoy escort duties, but, which, nonetheless, lacked speed and armament. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, he commanded her with distinction over the coming months, not least on the night of 19-20 October, just a few days into his appointment, when, as part of Atlantic convoy HX. 79, the Hibiscus made an unsupported and daring attack on a U-boat - that same night 12 of the convoys merchantmen were sunk. Cuthbertson, who was gazetted for the D.S.C. on New Year’s Day 1941, was next appointed to the command of another Flower-class corvette, the Zinnia, which ship he joined that February. It was a busy month, for on the 22nd he also had to attend an investiture at Buckingham Palace to receive his D.S.C. Zinnia, Convoy OG. 71 and the Monsarrat Connection The terrible fate of convoy OG. 71 - vividly described in Nightmare Convoy by Paul Lund and Harry Ludlam - was to prove the inspiration for Nicholas Monsarrat’s famous title The Cruel Sea, for, as a young R.N.V.R. officer, he witnessed the unfolding massacre of the convoy’s merchantmen from the escort H.M.S. Campanula. Moreover, it was his meeting with Cuthbertson after he had been rescued that eventually led to the birth of Monsarrat’s fictitious character, “Commander Ericson”, a role so ably portrayed by Jack Hawkins in the film that followed in the wake of The Cruel Sea’s success in print. In mid-August 1941 Cuthbertson was ordered in the Flower Class corvette Zinnia to join the escort for OG. 71, outward bound for Gibraltar. First spotted by enemy aircraft on the 17th, the convoy came under repeated U-boat attack once clear of Land’s End, and lost several ships, amongst them the cargo liner S.S. Aguila, which was torpedoed on the 19th with heavy loss of life, including an entire detachment of Wrens. In fact the U-boats continued to harass the convoy all through the Bay of Biscay until, in the early hours of the 23rd, Zinnia herself was torpedoed off the coast of Portugal, near Oporto. Lund and Ludlam’s Nightmare Convoy takes up the story: ‘Zinnia, captained by Lieutenant-Commander Charles Cuthbertson, R.N.R., kept close station in her new position, carrying out a broad irregular zig-zag at fourteen knots. Both the captain and his No. 1, Lieutenant Harold Chesterman, R.N.R., were on the bridge. After the grim fate of the Bath with her exploding depth-charges, Lieutenant-Commander Cuthbertson had ordered all Zinnia’s depth-charges to be set to safe, and the corvette was keenly on the alert with extra bridge lookouts ordered to keep watch for torpedo tracks. Lieutenant Chesterman was on the starboard side of the bridge peering through the darkness trying to see the convoy and judge when the Zinnia was about 2,000 yards off to make a turn to the outward leg. The order “Port ten” had just been given and the corvette was turning to port and heeling to starboard when a torpedo from U-564 struck her portside abreast of the main bulkhead between the engine-room, bridge and foc’sle. There was a blinding flash and violent explosion followed by angrily hissing clouds of escaping steam. The captain had just stepped out of the bridge asdic house. In a split second it collapsed behind him and parts of the ship were thrown into the air - Zinnia instantly heeled over on to her starboard side beam ends and in five seconds had capsized through 120 degrees, hurling the captain from the compass platform into the water. So close had he been to the explosion that a mass of flame had s...
Lot 181
Three: Able Seaman J. Forbes, Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve 1914 Star, with clasp (C.1/145. J. Forbes, A.B. R.N.V.R. Hood Bttn. R.N.D.); British War and Victory Medals (M.19587 J. Forbes. Car. Cr. R.N.) good very fine (3) £180-£220 --- James Forbes was born at Broughtyferry, Dundee on 30 January 1893. A joiner by occupation, he served during the Great War with the Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division at the Defence of Antwerp, October 1914, subsequently returning to the shore establishment Vivid II at Devonport, where he presented on 18 March 1916 with ‘Antwerp 1914’ newly tattooed on his right arm. He served as Carpenter’s Crew on the cruiser H.M.S. Hyacinth on the Cape Station off Tangayika from 23 July 1917 until 30 June 1918 and afterwards at H.M.S. Afrikander, the base at Simonstown, from 1 July 1918 until 14 February 1919, at which point he returned to Vivid II and was demobilised in June 1919. His British War and Victory Medals were issued to the R.N.V.R. H.Q., Clyde Division.
Lot 188
Three: Musician C. J. Allingham, Royal Marines, who was present at the Defence of Antwerp, October 1914 and ‘behaved in a gallant and courageous manner in action at Cape Helles, 17 May to 31 July 1915’ 1914 Star with copy clasp (1978. Muscn. C. J. Allingham Staff 1st. Bde. R.N. Div.); British War and Victory Medals (R.M.B. 1978 Mus. C. J. Allingham.) heavy pitting, therefore fine (3) £140-£180 --- Charlie Jones Allingham was born at Cheltenham, Gloucester on 3 October 1896 and enrolled as a Band Boy in the Royal Marines at Eastney on 16 February 1912, being promoted to Musician in 1914. He was present with the 1st Brigade, Royal Naval Division at the Defence of Antwerp (1914 clasp) and also at Gallipoli, his service record stating that he ‘behaved in a gallant and courageous manner in action at Cape Helles, 17 May to 31 July 1915’. Having returned to the Royal Naval School of Music at Eastney on 7 November 1915, Allingham spent the remainder of the War and the inter-War period at various shore bases before being posted to the cruiser H.M.S. Danae on 1 August 1939. Mobilised in April 1940, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with gratuity in August 1940 and served in Danae until 13 October 1941, finally being demobilised in October 1946.
Lot 192
The 1914 Star awarded to Acting Staff Sergeant D. Smale, Army Service Corps, who died at sea from the effects of the Gallipoli campaign 1914 Star (S-15818 Pte. D. Smale. A.S.C.) very fine £70-£90 --- Dan Smale was born at Sidmouth, Devon on 6 December 1882. A butcher by occupation, he enlisted in the Army Service Corps at Aldershot in April 1900 and served with them on St. Helena during the Boer War from 3 May 1902 until 16 July 1902 (entitled to a no clasp Queen’s South Africa Medal). He next served overseas during the Great War on the Western Front from 10 August 1914 and afterwards served at Gallipoli from 23 February 1915 with the 50th Field Butchery, A.S.C., progressing to the rank of Acting Staff Sergeant in May 1915. Smale was hospitalised at Cape Helles on 22 July 1915 and evacuated from Gallipoli to Alexandria where, on 15 September, suffering from acute dysentery, he was invalided on to the Hospital Ship ‘Egypt’. He died on board the Egypt on 19 September 1915 and was buried at sea, being commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey.
Lot 242
Three: Private A. J. Costin, 7th Battalion, London Regiment, late King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 12 July 1918 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901, third and fourth clasps both loose on riband (3744 Cpl. A. J. Costin, Vol: Co: K.R.R.C.) housed in a leather case; British War and Victory Medals (7298 Pte. A. J. Costin. 7-Lond. R.) in named card box of issue; Memorial Plaque (Arthur John Costin) in card envelope, with Buckingham Palace enclosure, extremely fine (4) £200-£240 --- Provenance: Acquired by the vendor directly from the recipient’s family. Arthur Costin was born in Shoreditch, London, in 1877 and served with the Volunteer Company, King’s Royal Rifle Corps in South Africa during the Boer War, and later with No. 1 Special Service Company (with which unit he qualified for the Cape Colony clasp). He attested for the 7th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment at Finsbury, and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 20 December 1916. He was killed in action on 12 July 1918, and is buried in Contay British Cemetery, France. Sold with two post card photographs of the recipient; Imperial War Graves Commission photograph of the recipient’s grave; and copied research.
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