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Lot 102
British War Medal 1914-20 (5) (K.38798 F. S. Chidley. Sto. 1 R.N.; 2. Lieut. F. R. Tripp.; 43597 Dvr. T. M. Wilkins. R.A.; M2-033482 Pte. F. A. Mc Elwee. A.S.C.; 1808 Pte. H. J. Stanley. 10 Bn. A.I.F.); War Medal 1939-45; together with a Second World War ‘For Loyal Service’ lapel badge, the first exhibiting signs of having been acid cleaned, otherwise generally very fine Renamed and Defective Medals (4): Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasps (75 Orderly: F. W. Crane, St. John Amb: Bde:) suspension broken and planchet only, with surname partially officially corrected; British War Medal 1914-20 (3) (125141 Dvr. J. Maskell. R.A.; 861203 Pte. G. Haines 33-Lond. R.; 52676 Dvr... R.A.) the first two with suspensions broken and planchet only; the third partially erased; generally nearly very fine (9) £100-£140 --- Henry James Stanley attested for the Australian Imperial Force at Oaklands, South Australia, on 27 November 1914, and served with the 10th Battalion, Australian Infantry during the Great War. He died at home of typhoid fever on 31 July 1916, and is buried under a C.W.G.C. headstone in Fremantle Cemetery, Western Australia.
Lot 109
British War Medal 1914-20 (Rev. H. S. Pelham.) very fine £80-£100 --- Herbert Sidney Pelham was born at Bradmore Road, Oxford in June 1881. He was the third son of classical scholar Henry Francis Pelham and Laura Priscilla Buxton, daughter of Sir Edward Buxton, 2nd Baronet. Pelham’s grandfather was Bishop of Norwich Hon. John Thomas Pelham, third son of the 3rd Earl of Chichester. His elder brother was the civil servant Sir Edward Pelham, K.C.B. Pelham was educated at Harrow School and University College, Oxford, and his first posts after ordination were at inner-city Missions. After which he was Chaplain to Henry Wakefield, Bishop of Birmingham, Head of the Harrow Mission, and Vicar of Barking - a post he held until 1926 when he was elevated to the Episcopate. Pelham was Bishop of Barrow-in-Furness from 1926 until his death in 1944. He was also the author of the book The Training of a Working Boy, served with the Y.M.C.A. during the Great War, and is buried in Aldingham Churchyard, Cumbria.
Lot 163
A rare ‘Battle of Ginnis 1885’ gold D.S.O. group of four awarded to Colonel William Bennett, The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), one of the best shots in the British Army Distinguished Service Order, V.R., gold and enamels, with integral top ribbon bar; India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, North West Frontier (Lieut. W Bennett 1st Bn. H.Ms. 19th Regt.); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, The Nile 1884-85 (Lieut: Col: W. Bennett 1/Yorks: R.); Khedive’s Star, dated 1884-6, some minor chips to wreaths of the D.S.O., otherwise nearly extremely fine (4) £6,000-£8,000 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 26 November 1886: ‘William Bennett, Colonel, Yorkshire Regiment. For the action at Ginnis’. This Gazette announced the very first awards of the newly created Distinguished Service Order, all for the action at Ginnis on 30 December 1885. William Bennett was born 15 November 1835 at Athlone, Ireland, eldest son of Captain Thomas Bennett, 14th Hussars, and of Winifred Bennett, daughter of the late N. Keatinge. He was educated at private schools, and joined the 1st Battalion, 19th Foot in India, as Ensign, in 1858, the battalion in which he afterwards served for 32 years. Shortly afterwards, he passed in Hindustani, and was appointed Regimental Interpreter. In 1862 he obtained a first-class certificate at the school of musketry, Hythe, and held the appointment of Instructor of Musketry to the 3rd Depot Battalion at Chatham, and afterwards to his regiment. He took part in the Hazara Campaign, North West Frontier of India, including the expedition against the Black Mountain Tribes, 1868 (medal with clasp). He married in 1869, Belinda, daughter of the late William Rosher, of Woodfield, Northfleet, Kent. He was promoted Captain in in 1871, and in July, 1877, returned to Hythe as Captain Instructor at the School, and was appointed D.A.A.G. for Musketry at Aldershot on 1 March, 1878, remaining in that position until, getting his Majority in 1881, he rejoined the Yorkshire Regiment at Halifax, Nova Scotia. When on the staff at Aldershot, he founded in 1878 the Annual Aldershot Rifle Meeting. Colonel Bennett always took a keen interest in shooting, being himself one of the best shots in the army, and winner of many important trophies in the matches of the Northern Indian Rifle Association, as well as a successful big game shot in Kashmir. An instance of his fine marksmanship in Target-Shooting was witnessed one day on the rifle range when, as regimental musketry instructor, he was endeavouring to train a batch of third class shots to make the best of the very inferior Lee-Enfield rifles which were at that time issued to the battalions in India. One of the men, after several tries, failed altogether to get a single shot on the target. “How is it, Private Atkins, that you are shooting so badly?” Inquired the instructor, “well Sir” said the man, “I think this ‘ere rifle is a bad one, I can’t make nothin’ of it.” Captain Bennett took the rifle from the man with his right hand only, put it to his shoulder and without touching it at all with his other hand, aimed at the target, and immediately made a bullseye. “I do not think there is much fault to be found with that rifle,” he remarked to the greatly surprised Mr Atkins. After much testing those rifles were ultimately changed for a superior make, with the result that the shooting of the regiment was so good the next year (1871) as to draw forth the following favourable remarks from the Commander in Chief in India: “The shooting is excellent, and evinces a degree of care in the performance of the annual course of musketry which is very creditable to the battalion. The exertions of the officer instructors, Captain Bennett and Lieutenant Emerson, have been reported to His Excellency as being worthy of special commendation, an expression of which Lord Napier of Magdala accordingly desires may be communicated to those officers.” As Major he served in the Nile expedition of 1884-5 and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1885; he served in the Sudan 1885-86 and commanded the 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, in the action of Ginniss for which he was created a companion of the Distinguished Service Order and Mentioned in Despatches. He retired as full Colonel in 1890, after 22 years on the retired list, during which time, being very fond of travelling, Colonel Bennett visited the Holy Land and many parts of Europe and North Africa. He died of pneumonia and heart failure on 2 August 1912, at Whitby, Yorkshire, aged 76. An obituary and photograph appeared in the Green Howards Gazette in September 1912.
Lot 167
A Second War O.B.E. group of five awarded to Captain J. H. George, Mercantile Marine, who was awarded the O.B.E. for his services when his vessel, the S.S. Devis, was attacked in 1941, and was subsequently killed in action during a further attack on 21 November 1943 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, the campaign awards all later engraved ‘Capt. J. H. George O.B.E. R.N.’, with named Ministry of Transport condolence slip, extremely fine (5) £400-£500 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 17 March 1942: Captain John Henry George, Master. ‘The ship served in Mediterranean convoys and in the Greek campaign. Although she was hit by a bomb, the Master, on his last voyage to Greece, brought his ship safely to port, and discharged his cargo. He showed high qualities of determination and seamanship.’ John Henry George was born in Fishguard, Cardiganshire, in 1882, and first went to sea in September 1900. During the Second World War he was Master of the M.V. Devis, owned by the Lamport Holt Shipping Line. He was awarded the O.B.E. for his services when his vessel was attacked by hostile aircraft on 2 April 1941, whilst transporting stores and troops, both British and Australian. The vessel, on passage from Alexandria, was hit by one of a stick of bombs on the rear well deck, killing 8 soldiers and wounding another 10, besides causing considerable damage to the ship itself. Captain George succeeded in bringing his damaged vessel to the port of Piraieus, where it was unfortunate enough to be berthed between two ammunition ships and near some trucks of TNT. These all exploded when hit during an enemy air raid, causing extensive damage to the ship. Captain George subsequently received personal congratulations from the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean, Admiral A. B. Cunningham. The S.S. Devis eventually reached Alexandria and sailed to India for repairs. In November 1943, Captain George was again Master of S.S. Devis, sailing in convoy to his home port of Liverpool, in November 1943. Ominously, he writes in the last entry of his journal on 17 November: ‘For three days now there has been a Jerry reconnaissance plane around having a look at us. Today he had a damn good look too. We could see him circling round the convoy taking tab of all. We haven’t seen a plane of ours for three days. Can’t understand where they are. They must know that we are being shadowed and one would think there would be some round now. There was a Sub in the vicinity too but luckily (touch wood) there has been no attack yet but I would not be a bit surprised if we don’t get an attack in one form or another later.’ The attack came four days later, on 21 November, when 25 long range He-177 bombers set out to attack the convoy. Twenty reached the target, three being shot down and another two driven off, but not before they had released 40 Hs-293 glider bombs, sinking the freighter Marsa and damaging the S.S. Devis, amongst whose casualties was Captain George, killed. He was subsequently buried at sea and is recorded by name in the Merchant Navy Roll of Honour. Sold with a good quantity of original documentation including the recipient’s O.B.E. Bestowal Document; Continuous Certificate of Discharge for the period 1900-1918; personal journal for the period October to November 1943; official letters concerning award of the O.B.E.; numerous letters, telegrams, photographs, and damage reports; and other ephemera.
Lot 17
The Sutlej medal awarded to Major-General T. F. Forster, Bengal Army, who served as a Volunteer at the battle of Aliwal with the Shekhawattee Brigade, raised and commanded by his father Sutlej 1845-46, for Aliwal 1846, no clasp (Mr. T: F: Forster Shekhawattee Brig:) fitted with silver ribbon brooch, edge bruise, otherwise good very fine £800-£1,000 --- Thomas Francis Forster was born into this well known Anglo Indian family at Saugor on 16 September 1825. To his grandfather, Henry Pitts Forster, belongs the credit of publishing the first English work of lexicography for the Bengali language, as a result of which Bengali subsequently became the official language of the Presidency and the most prolific literary language of India. His father, Henry Forster, had a distinguished career and died in 1862 as a Colonel with a C.B., having raised the Shekhawattee Brigade in 1835 which served with great distinction in the Sutlej campaign and in the Indian Mutiny. Henry Forster’s first wife, Thomas’s mother, was killed at Delhi in May 1857, after which Henry Forster married Nina, an Indian. Thomas Forster received a classical education at the Parental Academic Institution in India, and was nominated for a Cadetship in the H.E.I.C. by Henry Alexander, a Director of the Company, on the recommendation of his father. His papers were examined and passed at Leadenhall Street on 3 December 1845. Forster was appointed an Ensign in the Bengal Presidency Army on 13 December 1845. Meantime, however, he had volunteered to serve with his father’s Shekhawattee Brigade in the Sutlej campaign and was present at the battle of Aliwal on 28 January 1846. It is noticeable that this battle took place some 7 weeks after he was examined and passed by the H.E.I.C. in London, but in fact he was personally examined and he signed his Cadet papers at Simla on 21 April 1846, by then being a battle veteran. He was appointed an Ensign in the 39th Bengal Native Infantry on 11 August 1846, and was promoted Lieutenant in that regiment on 28 November 1849. During the 1850’s he served with the Shekhawattee Brigade, still commanded by his father and with his eldest brother, Captain W. R. Forster, as Second-in-Command. He himself was appointed Adjutant of the Brigade on 3 March 1854. It is remarkable to note that another of his brothers, Henry Pitts Forster, who had died in 1850, had also served with the Shekhawattee Brigade at the battle of Aliwal, as had his eldest brother, William Robert Forster. On 15 December 1855, Thomas Forster was appointed an Assistant Commissioner in the Punjab, and on 15 April 1859 he was appointed an Assistant Commissioner 2nd Class. He served the remainder of his time in this service and was promoted Brevet Captain on 13 December 1860. He was appointed a Captain in the Staff Corps on 18 February 1861, and a Captain on the Cadre of Officers of the late 39th N.I. on 11 January 1864, becoming Major in the Staff Corps in December 1865, and Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1871. By 1877 he was Deputy Commissioner 2nd Class at Hissar, subsequently becoming a Deputy Commissioner 1st Class. He was promoted Brevet Colonel on 13 December 1876 and retired on full-pay on 26 September 1880, being granted a step in honorary rank to Major-General at the same time. Major-General T. F. Forster died at his home in Gloucester Gardens, Hyde Park, on 20 February 1906, aged 80. Sold with a considerable amount of research on the Forster family and the Shekhawattee Brigade which ultimately became the 13th Rajputs.
Lot 171
A Second War M.B.E. group of four awarded to the Hon. Mrs Kathleen Whalley Howie, Deputy Director Civil Defence Worker’s Health Department Joint War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St John The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type; Defence Medal; Coronation 1937; Voluntary Medical Service Medal, silver, with additional 5 year Bar (The Hon. Mrs Kathleen Whalley Howie) mounted as worn together with tunic ribbon bar, good very fine (4) £200-£240 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 9 January 1946: ‘The Honourable Kathleen Whalley Smith (The Hon Mrs Howie), Deputy Director Civil Defence Worker’s Health Department Joint War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St John.’ Kathleen Whalley Smith was born in Salford, Lancashire, on 18 January 1903, the daughter of Frederick Henry Smith, First Baron Colwyn, and his wife Elizabeth Ann Savage. Known as Sir Frederick Smith, 1st Baronet, from 1912 to 1917, he was a British manufacturer, investor and banking executive. He was an influential Liberal figure in Manchester politics for many years. Smith was a rubber and cotton factory owner, deputy chairman of Martins bank (23 years after his death the 700 branches were acquired by Barclays Bank) and a Director of several railway companies. In 1917 he served as Sheriff of Caernarvonshire. He was created a Baronet, of Colwyn Bay in the County of Denbigh, in 1912. In the 1917 Birthday Honours he was raised to the peerage as Baron Colwyn, of Colwyn Bay in the County of Denbigh. In 1924, he was admitted to the Privy Council. Lord Colwyn married Elizabeth Anne, daughter of Hamilton Savage, in 1882. They had two sons and five daughters. The Western Mail newspaper of 14 January 1939 records – “Lord Colwyn’s daughter Miss Kathleen Whalley Smith has successfully taken up the profession of Architecture and some time ago was elected an Associate Member of the Liverpool Architectural Society one of five (women) in a membership of 200”. She married Robert Cullen Howie a London Based Accountant in Chelsea on 22 September 1945, whilst living in Kensington and died in Sway, New Forest on 11 April 1990.
Lot 174
A Second War ‘Assault on Rangoon 1945’ D.S.C. group of six attributed to Commander D. N. Penfold, Royal Navy, who took part in the Operations in Norway 1939-45, the Normandy Landings, and was additionally Mentioned in Despatches for the hazardous assaults on the Arakan coast in March 1945 Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as worn, very fine (6) £1,200-£1,600 --- D.S.C. London Gazette 20 November 1945: ‘For courage, skill and devotion to duty in the sweeing of the approaches to the Rangoon river during the operations which led to the recapture of Rangoon in May 1945.’ M.I.D. London Gazette: 21 August 1945: ‘lLieutenant, H.M.S. White Bear.’ C-in-C, The Nore’s Commendation: 6 March 1953: ‘Flood Reilef Operations - February 1953. Lieutenant-Commander D. N. Penfold, D.S.C., R.N. For initiative and presence of mind. H.M.S. Sharpshooter was in dry dock at Chatham on the night of 31st Januari/1st February when the dock became flooded. In his capacity as Commanding Officer he took prompt action which undoubtedly prevented the ship from receiving serious damage.’ David Neil Penfold was born on 4 September 1913, and joined the Merchant Service (T. & Y. Harrison Line) as a Cadet on 26 August 1930, passed his 2nd Mate’s certificate on 1 January 1934, and joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a Sub Lieutenant. He passed his 1st Mate’s certificate in July 1937 and joined the Royal Navy as a Probationary Acting Lieutenant on 4 April 1938. His seniority as a Lieutenant was later backdated to 4 September 1937. He was appointed Assistant Surveyor 4th Class on 8 December 1938, and served in several vessels on survey work. On 19 September 1939 he joined H.M.S. Stork as Navigating Officer escorting convoys on the East Coast, and took part in the Norwegian campaign in 1939-40. Between 1940 and 1943 he resumed his surveying role until on 25 June 1943, he moved as First Lieutenant to H.M.S. Franklin, carrying out surveys in Scapa Flow, Rosyth, and later taking part in the Normandy landings and surveying Cherbourg. In October 1944, he moved to H.M.S. White Bear in Colombo, Ceylon, carrying out surveys at Chittagong, and along the Burma coast until, after surveying various rehabilitation ports following V.J. Day, the ship continued surveys along the Malayan coast. He was promoted to Acting Lieutenant Commander on 1 May 1945, and was confirmed as a Lieutenant Commander on 4 September 1945. He was Mentioned in Despatches for piloting a number of landing craft ‘up a 40 mile river in the vicinity of Ramree Island in the dark’, though the official record states that this was for ‘bravery, skill and determination shown during the hazardous assaults on the Arakan coast in March 1945’. After the war ended, he continued in H.M.S. White Bear surveying off Malaya. It was during this period whilst working with the minesweepers in the operation to open up Rangoon that he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, announced in the London Gazette on 20 November 1945. His was one of three D.S.C.’s awarded for minesweeping to make a safe channel in the approaches to Rangoon within 48 hours, and shortly before the assault on Rangoon, in the few weeks before the Japanese surrendered. In September 1948 he joined the Royal Research Ship John Biscoe and surveyed at Deception Island (in the South Shetland Islands) and in the Antarctic during the southern summer of 1948-49. Penfold Point in Whalers Bay, Deception Island, commemorates his part in this work. Afterwards he took charge of the Survey Training Unit in Chatham Barracks in July 1949 for a year. He rejoined H.M.S. John Biscoe in September 1950, to carry out surveys in the Antarctic, especially in the vicinity of Port Lockroy, and in the Falkland Islands during the southern summer of 1950-51. On 26 August 1951 he took command of H.M.S. Sharpshooter and, as a Charge Surveyor, carried out surveys in the Wash and in the Firth of Forth, and then came ashore to serve in the Hydrographic Department at Cricklewood from 10 February 1953. He received a Commendation from the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore, for his initiative and presence of mind” during the Flood Relief Operations in February 1953, when the dry dock in which H.M.S. Sharpshooter was docked became flooded. He was promoted to Acting Commander in June 1955, retiring on 4 September 1958, as an Honorary Commander. He continued working in the Admiralty Hydrographic Department until 1976 when he finally retired. He died in May 1991 aged 77. Sold with matching mounted miniature medal group, and uniform ribbon bars, together a second mounted miniature medal group but including N.G.S. for Palestine 1945-48, to which medal he is possibly entitled but not shown in his record of service, and accompanied by the following original documentation: notification letter from the Admiralty confirming the award of the D.S.C., dated 27 November 1945; Mention in Despatches Certificate, named to Lieutenant David Noel Penfold, R.N, H.M.S. White Bear, 21 August 1945; an untitled photograph of a boy of about 12 dressed in military uniform – possibly David Penfold himself as a cadet; his Gunnery Certificate dated 16 September 1938, for which he received a 2nd Class pass; Commander in Chief’s Commendation Certificate, dated February 1953; annual officers’ reports by the Captain of H.M.S. Jason, dated 19 September 1939, and of H.M.S. Franklin, dated 17 January 1944; congratulatory letter on behalf of the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Defence, on his retirement, in September 1976; a copy Curriculum Vitae prepared by himself recording his Merchant Navy and Royal Navy Service including his ships and his appointment to the Admiralty Hydrographic Department at Cricklewood and Taunton, up to 1976; several other related and family documents and extensive copied research.
Lot 175
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Second Award Bar group of five awarded to Captain V. G. Gundrey, 14th (Swansea) Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who was awarded the M.C. for leading the successful raid on High Command Redoubt in November 1916, and the Second Award Bar for the assault across the River Selle in October 1918; he later becoming a successful film screenwriter, producer and director for Gaumont British Film Corporation, and was the screenwriter for the film of R. C. Sherriff's Great War play ‘Journeys End’ in 1930 Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. V. G. Gundrey.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (5) £2,400-£2,800 --- M.C. London Gazette: 10 January 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led a successful raid with great courage and determination. He captured twenty prisoners and accounted for many of the enemy.’ M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette: 15 February 1919: ‘For marked gallantry and devotion to duty in the attack across the river Selle on 20 October 1918. He went forward under heavy fire to ascertain the position and finding two companies not quite on the final objective he led them forward and filled a gap in the line. He then went around the whole line and sited the fire trenches, his runner getting shot by his side. His coolness and capacity were of the utmost value and materially assisted in the success of the day.’ Victor Gareth Gundrey was first commissioned into 12th (Reserve) Battalion the Welsh Regiment on 5 November 1915, being posted to the 14th (Swansea) Battalion of the same regiment for service overseas, landing in France on 21 July 1916, and joining his battalion in the field on 24 July 1916. He was awarded the Military for leading the famous raid by the 14th Battalion the Welsh Regiment on ‘High Command Redoubt’ on the night of 17th November 1916. The History of the Welch Regiment 1914 – 1918 by Brigadier General T.O. Marden gives further details: ‘An unusually large number of men was employed - six subalterns and 145 other ranks of the 14th Welsh, together with one subaltern and 12 other ranks of the Royal Engineers. For six weeks the raiders lived together and trained together on a replica dug in the reserve area. Every night a small party under a subaltern went out into No Man’s Land to familiarise itself with the ground, and to locate the position of the flanking machine guns, to deal with those trench mortars were brought up specially. The Divisional Artillery cut the wire on a wide front, so as not to indicate the selected point of attack. Corps artillery was placed to keep down retaliatory bombardment on the night of the raid, while the guns of the neighbouring Divisions also assisted by demonstration. Within the 14th Welsh every detail was thought out minutely. Beyond the ordinary raid precautions such as blackened faces, removal of badges, dirtied buttons, use of knobkerries etc., luminous discs were carried to be planted at the points of exit from the enemy trenches, mats were taken in case the barbed wire was not sufficiently cut, dugout searchers were provided with electric torches and sandbags to collect documents, officers had horns instead of whistles to sound signals, policemen were stationed in No Man’s Land to bring back prisoners, our own front trenches were cleared to escape the retaliatory bombardment, and special duckboard trenches were laid for the three columns as the ordinary communication trenches were too waterlogged to admit of their being used by so many men. Twenty minutes before zero on the night of 17 November 1916, the raiders were all assembled quietly in No Man’s Land. Only those who have taken part in an attack of this sort can appreciate the tense minutes of waiting when a chance enemy patrol might upset the work of weeks of training. But on this occasion, all went well. After a terrific burst of artillery fire for three minutes in answer to which the enemy retaliatory bombardment fell harmlessly on our empty trenches, the two waves of raiders swept over the German positions, the first making for the support trenches, while the second dealt with the redoubts. To their amazement the latter was found to be a concrete fortress with steel doors to the dugouts, while the surrounding trenches had concrete faces - a great contrast to our wretched efforts. But the bombardment had played havoc with the redoubt, and when the Royal Engineers had also effected some explosions, this strong point was but a shadow of its former self. Lieutenant Gareth Gundrey, who commanded the raiders, and who received the Military Cross for his gallant leading, wrote in an account of the venture: “Like fish from shells the Germans were hauled forth on steel points from their hiding places. They were presented with the alternative of surrendering or being blown to pieces by hand grenades. Most of them chose the former, some of them suffered the latter. On the right flank of the attack there was a little hand-to-hand fighting, the result being that the German list of that dead was that night increased by a few names.” [In his personal notes on the raid on High Command Redoubt Gareth Gundrey makes mention of his orderly, Private John H. Jones, whose medals are included with this lot]. The party remained in the enemy trenches for 40 minutes, at that time almost a record for a raid. Twenty prisoners, a machine gun, and a hundred weight of plunder, containing much valuable intelligence, was the harvest reaped with the loss to us of two men killed by a trench mortar bomb as they were entering our trenches and eight men wounded. Congratulations poured in, including a special one from the Army Commander, General Sir Herbert Plumer.’ The Divisional Commander later issued a Special Order of the Day congratulating the battalion, and Sir Douglas Haig mentioned the raid in his next communique. The success of the Swansea Battalion in the raid on High Command Redoubt became the model example at the Second Army School of Instruction on how to train for and conduct trench raids in future. Gaudry was awarded a Second Award Bar to his Military Cross for his gallantry and devotion to duty in the attack across the river Selle on 20 October 1918. He was severely wounded in action at Morval Forest on 4 November 1918, necessitating the amputation of his left leg, and was evacuated to England in the Hospital Ship, St. Denis. He relinquished his commission on account of wounds on 22 October 1919, retaining the rank of Captain. After the war Gundrey became a successful film producer and director, and for most of his working life he was engaged by the Gaumont British Film Corporation. Amongst his more notable works was as screenwriter and director of ‘A Symphony in Two Flats’, in 1930, starring Ivor Novello; as screenwriter for the film of R. C. Sherriff's Great War play, ‘Journeys End’, in 1930; and as screenwriter and director of 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' in 1932. During the Second World War, despite the loss of his leg, Gundrey was granted an Emergency Commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Administrative and Special Duties Branch, as probationary Pilot Officer, on 3 July 1941, and was promoted War Substantive Flying Officer on 3 July 1942, and Flight Lieutenant on 1 January 1946. He remained in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve until he relinquished his commission in 1954, retaining the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He died in Woking, Surrey, on 22 July 1965. Note: M.I.D. unconfirmed. Sold with two original photographs, a copy newspaper obituary, extensive ...
Lot 183
A Great War M.C. and Second War A.F.C. pair attributed to Flight Lieutenant Douglas A. Savage, Royal Air Force, a 7-victory Bristol fighter ace on the Western Front with 62 Squadron Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse with privately machine engraved naming ‘Temp. Lieut. Douglas A. Savage R.A.F.’; Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1945’ and additionally with privately machine engraved naming ‘Flt. Lt. Douglas A. Savage M.C. R.A.F.) very fine (2) £1,400-£1,800 --- M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, especially on the following occasions. When on patrol attacked a formation of enemy aeroplanes, crashing one, while another fell to pieces in the air after a short combat. Attacked an Albatross, which he set on fire, and drove another down out of control. Attacked many ground targets from low altitudes.’ A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1945. Douglas Alfred Savage was born in Oxford, where his father Alfred Savage, was a stationer, bookseller and publisher. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry on 19 March 1915, and first served in a Reserve Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, before being transferred to a Service Battalion of his regiment for active service in France. He was transferred to the General List on 23 April 1916 to serve in a trench mortar battery, where he was briefly appointed an acting-captain between 28 July and 15 August 1916, and then served as acting-lieutenant, until leaving the trench mortar battery on 4 September 1916. He returned to the Royal Warwickshires, and was promoted to lieutenant on 1 July 1917. Savage transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, and after completing flight training, was appointed a flying officer on 19 September 1917. He spent two months based at Turnberry serving in No. 82 Squadron, before being posted to No. 62 Squadron to fly the Bristol F.2 two-seater fighter. He travelled with No. 62 Squadron to France at the end of January 1918, taking part in patrols, bomber escort, and ground attack missions during the enemy offensive around St. Quentin in the second half of March, being credited with an enemy aircraft driven down out of control on the 26th. However, his squadron suffered heavy casualties, losing 24 aircrew killed, wounded or taken prisoner by the end of the month. On 1 April 1918, Savage’s unit became No. 62 Squadron R.A.F. They were heavily engaged during the Battle of the Lys for the last three weeks of that month, with pilots averaging 6 to 7 hours flying time each day, but recorded several successes. Savage was credited with two enemy aircraft driven down on 12 April, and two more destroyed in quick succession on the 21st, but was injured when shot down by anti-aircraft fire near Armentières the same day. He gained his sixth victory on 19 May, but his aircraft was badly damaged by enemy fire and he was forced to land. His seventh and final victory came on 2 June. He was then posted back to the Home Establishment in England. Savage was appointed a flight commander with the acting rank of captain on 2 October 1918. He was transferred to the R.A.F.’s unemployed list on 15 June 1919. Savage returned to military service on 25 April 1940, being commissioned as a pilot officer (on probation) in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was transferred to the General Duties Branch on 14 October 1940. Savage’s probationary period ended on 14 October 1941, and he was promoted to flying officer (war substantive) the same day. He was promoted again, to flight lieutenant, during 1942, and he was appointed an acting squadron leader from that rank on 14 October. Savage was awarded the Air Force Cross in the 1945 New Year Honours. Sold with a Wallis & Wallis auction catalogue listing believed to date from the late 1960’s and some copied research.
Lot 188
A magnificent Great War ‘Foret de Mormal’ November 1918 D.C.M., and ‘Battles of the Somme’ M.M. and Second Award Bar group of five awarded to Sergeant W. Green, Royal Fusiliers Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8021 Sjt. W. Green. M.M. 13/R. Fus.); Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (8021 Pte. W. Green. 11/R. Fus:); 1914-15 Star (8021 Pte. W. Green. R. Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (GS-8021 Sjt. W. Green. R. Fus,.) mounted for display, the first two with light edge bruising, otherwise good very fine (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 February 1919; citation published 10 January 1920: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and initiative in the Foret de Mormal on 4th November, 1918. He led his platoon in the attack through the wood, driving out several enemy parties, and established himself on the final objective about two hours after darkness had fallen. He held on to this line until morning, when other troops were able to come up on his flanks.’ M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916. M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 21 December 1916. William Green was a native of Bury, Lancashire, and served in France with the 11th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, from 26 July 1915. The 11th (Service) Battalion was formed at Hounslow in September 1914 and in France was attached to 54th Brigade in the 18th (Eastern) Division.The battalion was engaged in the following actions on the Somme: Albert, 1-13 July 1916, including the capture of Montauban, Mametz, Fricourt, Contalmaison and La Boiselle; Battle of Bazentin, 14-17 July 1916, including capture of Longueval, Trones Wood, and Ovillers; Battle of Delville Wood, 15 July to 3 September 1916; Battles of Thiepval 26-28 September 1916, Ancre Heights 1-11 October 1916, including capture of Schwaben Redoubt, Stuff Redoubt and Regina Trench; Battle of the Ancre 13-18 November 1916, including capture of Beaumont Hamel. Green served with the 11th Battalion until 24 February 1917, and afterwards, briefly with the 1st Battalion, 8-25 June 1917, then withb the 20th Battalion until 29 January 1918, when he joined the 13th Battalion for the remainder of the war. His D.C.M.-winning exploits were reported in the Bury Times of 1 February 1919, adding some further detail to the published citation: ‘Another honour has been conferred upon Sergt. William Green, M.M., of the 13th Royal Fusiliers, son of Mr William Green of Devon-street, Bury, he having been awarded the D.C.M. for gallant conduct just prior to the Armistice. In their last attack, which he says was the biggest that ever took place, they advanced twelve miles in one day. His battalion was the last to go in, and they had to go through a big forest called the Forest de Mormal. Very early in the morning his Officer was gassed and Sergt. Green carried on until they got held up by German machine guns. He worked on with his platoon but before they reached their objective it was dark. After fighting on he found the Germans had got around him but he held on.During the night the Germans fell back and he got the battalion to their objective. Sergt. Green enlisted when 19 years of age, in the month following the outbreak of war. At the end of 1916 he was awarded the Military Medal, and at the end of 1917 (sic) he he was awarded the clasp in further recognition of bravery. Prior to enlisting he was employed at Messrs. Livesey’s works, Hollins, and he was formerly in St Chad’s School Boys’ Brigade.’ Sold with copied gazette notices, D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, and War Diary extracts from 1916 and 1918, the latter specifically mentioning Sergeant Green in the Foret de Mormal action.
Lot 189
A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant H. Buick, 1/8th Battalion, Scottish Rifles Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (290137 Sjt. H. Buick. 1/8 Sco: Rif.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (290137 Sjt. H. Buick. 8/Sco: Rif:); 1914-15 Star (9062 Pte. H. Buick. Sco: Rif:); British War and Victory Medals (9062 Sjt. H. Buick. Sco. Rif.); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre 1914 1917, with bronze Palme, medals unmounted, good very fine (6) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1919; citation published 10 January 1920: ‘For marked gallantry on 31st October, 1918, at Anseghem; he displayed great courage in the face of heavy machine-gun fire. He was badly shaken by a shell which burst close to him, but carried on and rushed two machine guns, killing both crews. His behaviour and his example throughout the day were admirable.’ M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. Croix de Guerre London Gazette 21 July 1919. Henry Buick was a native of Dunoon, Argyll, and first served with the 1/8th Battalion, Scottish Rifles, at Gallipoli from 14 June 1915, and afterwards in France. Anseghem was the last action of the war in which the 8th Battalion took part. It captured a number of prisoners and many machine-guns. Sold with copied research including War Diary extracts, gazette notices and Medal Index Card.
Lot 191
A Great War ‘Gheluvelt, September 1914’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Corporal F. W. Doran, Scots Guards Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (6132 L. Cpl. F. W. Doran. 3/S. Gds.); 1914 Star, with clasp (6132 Pte. F. W. Doran. S. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (6132 Pte. F. W. Doran. S. Gds.) medals unmounted, the first with edge bruising and surface pitting, good fine and better (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry when acting with the stretcher bearers. He brought in wounded men all the afternoon under very heavy shell and rifle fire. On another occasion he carried a message 400 yards under heavy fire and brought back a reply.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Gheluvelt 29-31 September 1914.’ Frederick William Doran served with the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Scots Guards in France and Flanders from 21 August 1914. He was discharged on 28 September 1917 and is entitled to the Silver War Badge. Sold with copied gazette entries and Medal Index Card.
Lot 192
A Great War ‘Western Front’ October 1918 D.C.M. group of five awarded to Private C. H. Clark, 36th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, late Hertfordshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (316318 Pte. C. H. Clark. 36/North’d Fus:) official correction to rank; 1914 Star, with clasp (1599 Pte. C. M. Clark. 1./1 Herts: R.) note second initial but as per roll; British War and Victory Medals (1599 Pte. C. H. Clark. Herts. R.); Imperial Service Medal, G.V.R., Circular issue, 1st ‘coinage head’ issue (Henry Clark) this in case of issue, the first four mounted as worn, very fine, the last extremely fine (5) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919; citation published 2 December 1919: ‘On the morning of the 14th October, 1918, to the south-west of Wez Macquart, when strong patrols were sent forward to see if the enemy held the ridge, his platoon surprised the enemy, and were unable to withdraw when they had gained their information. He was in charge of a section of Lewis gunners, and in addition to his leadership and resource, his personal gallantry was most marked. Later, when his team had to use their rifles, he took charge, and entirely on his own worked the Lewis gun always in a position to do most damage. After being wounded he still carried on.’ I.S.M. London Gazette 18 May 1936: ‘Clark, Henry, Fitter, H.M. Dockyard, Chatham.’ Sold with copied research including War Diary extracts, gazette notices and Medal Index Cards.
Lot 194
A Great War ‘Salonika’ D.C.M. and Russian Cross of St. George group of five awarded to Corporal J. H. Heywood, 12th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, for his gallantry in tending to the wounded under very heavy fire when all other personnel at the Aid Post had been killed or wounded, and in subsequently saving the life of a man whose dug-out had been blown in Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (12-8467 Pte. J. Heywood. 12/Lanc: Fus:); 1914-15 Star (8467 Pte. J. Heywood. Lan: Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (8467 Pte. J. H. Heywood. Lan. Fus.); Russia, Empire, Cross of St. Goerge, Fourth Class, silver, officially numbered ‘127232’, all housed in a blue velvet-lined fitted leather case with a silver plaque inscribed ‘Presented to Corporal J. Heywood by his fellow workmen in recognition of honour won in the Great War, Feb 8th 1917’, good very fine and better (5) £1,200-£1,600 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 25 November 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He tended the wounded under very heavy fire throughout the day, displaying great courage and determination. Later, he dug five men out of a dug-out which had been blown in.’ Russian Cross of St. George Fourth Class London Gazette 15 February 1917. James Henry Heywood was born in Heywood, Lancashire, in 1887, and attested for the Lancashire Fusiliers in September 1914. He served with the 12th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 September 1915, before proceeding later that year to Salonika. ‘In the Salonika theatre of war he fought with great distinction in numerous notable engagements on the Dorian and the Vardar fronts, being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Russian Order of St. George [sic] for conspicuous gallantry in the Field. He was invalided home in April 1918.’ (National Roll of the Great War refers). A local Salford newspaper cutting gives further details of both awards: ‘Private James Heywood showed a conspicuous example in devotion in rendering first aid to wounded under heavy shell fire, and in carrying wounded back to the air post. He dig five men out of a dug-out which had been blown in by a shell, thereby saving the life of one of them. When all the personnel of the aid post had been killed or wounded he remained there, and continued to dress wounds for the rest of the day, though subjected to a continuous bombardment. The Russian decoration was awarded in recognition of distinguished services during the Egyptian campaign.’ Heywood later served with the 6th Battalion back on the Western Front, and was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 26 March 1919. In civilian life he was employed as a mechanic at the British Westinghouse Works, Eccles. Sold with a USB stick of copied research.
Lot 198
A Great War ‘Hohenzollern Redoudt, battle of Loos’ September 1915 D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private A. C. Baynes, 3rd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7483 Pte. A. C. Baynes. 3/Middx: Regt.); 1914-15 Star (G-7483. Pte. A. C. Baynes, Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (G-7483 Pte. A. C. Baynes Midd’x R.) medals unmounted, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1915: ‘For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 28th and 29th September, 1915, near Vermelles. Private Baynes, although almost overpowered by the superior number of bombs thrown by the enemy, with great bravery and coolness managed to keep them at bay, and continued throwing bombs. By his personal gallantry and example he kept together a party of bombers until the trench was saved.’ After moving from Ypres to Loos, 85th Brigade received orders to relieve 26th and 27th Brigades (9th Division). Early on 28th September, 3/Middlesex moved into position opposite Hohenzollern Redoubt, ready to support the 2/Buffs who were to attack towards the Dump. The attack commenced at 9.30am following the artillery bombardment with the Buffs moving over the open, while 3/Middlesex bombed their way through the Left Face trench. Running short of bombs the battalion was the subject of a German bombing attack and suffered heavy casualties from that and enfilading machine gun fire. On their right the Buffs were forced to give way and the Middlesex slowly withdrew down South Face trench. Orders were received to hold Big Willie trench and the four companies of the Middlesex took up positions there, while the R. Fusiliers held the South Face. The Germans launched heavy bombing attacks but were beaten back by the Middlesex bombers. Again on 29th September, the German bombers attempted to capture South Face trench but were unsuccessful. 2/Buffs holding Dump trench on the right of the Middlesex were relieved by 1/Y&L and now took up position between the left of the Middlesex and the right of the R. Fusiliers. By 11am the Middlesex were again being heavily pressed by the Germans and were short of bombs and it was decided to withdraw further. The struggle continued all day and by 5pm the troops in South Face trench were being steadily forced back. West Face trench was captured by the enemy and the Middlesex withdrew to the old first line trench, where they were relieved during the night of 30th September/1st October. Arthur Charles Baynes served with the 3rd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, in France from 2 May 1915. Sold with copied research including Battalion War Diary extracts and Medal Index Card.
Lot 204
An extremely rare Second War Combined Operations Pilotage Party D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Acting Petty Officer Lawrence Kennedy, Royal Navy, who was the Coxswain of COPP 7 when performing a night canoe reconnaissance of Biruen Beach in Operation ‘FRIPPERY’ in Japanese held territory in North Sumatra, Dutch East Indies, in August 1944 paddling ashore in folboats from H.M. Submarine Tudor Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Temp. A/P.O. L. Kennedy. P/JX. 235015); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Italy Star; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (7) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 23 January 1945: ‘For bravery and devotion to duty in hazardous reconnaissance operations. The Distinguished Service Medal - Temporary Acting Petty Officer Lawrence Kennedy, P/JX.235015.’ The recommendation for this award in Admiralty Honours and Awards file H&A 1209/44 is in the National Archives under reference ADM1/29987. It reads: ‘The Honours and Awards Committee has considered the good services of Officers and Men in the reconnaissance of enemy beaches in August 1944, and submit that the King may be asked to approve the Awards set forth below. These Officers and ratings took part in a successful night canoe-sortie to an enemy held beach. D.S.M. T/A/Petty Officer Lawrence Kennedy, P/JX.235015, H.M. Naval Party 735. Mention in Despatches Lieutenant Geoffrey Penmore Dickenson Hall, D.S.C., R.N., Naval Party 735 T/Lieutenant (Sp) John David Ruari McLean, D.S.C., R.N.V.R. Naval Party 735 Recommendations for Captain Alexander Francis Lionel Colson, R.E. and Captain Alfred William Tindall Lucas, R.E. and 3768 Lance Corporal Alec Ashley Morrison, R.E. have been sent to the War Office.’ The individual recommendation for Kennedy adds to this… ‘H.M. Small Operations Group – Naval Party 735. “This rating has taken part, as coxswain of COPP7, in two successful operations, and has fulfilled his duties in a most efficient manner. On Operation FRIPPERY the burden of maintenance fell chiefly on his shoulders and he has consistently, through long weary months of training and preparation, carried out his duties in such a manner as to contribute much to the morale and efficiency of the unit. He has twice paddled canoes to enemy beaches, and (on a previous operation) actually landed in enemy territory.” Signed by Lieutenant Geoffrey Hall, D.S.C., R.N., mentioned in despatches above. The beach landing is understood to have been on Biruen Beach in the vicinity of the Peudada River in North Sumatra. These recommendations were originally raised in late September 1944 but it would be early January 1945 before they had been approved in London by the First Lord of the Admiralty and submitted to the King. Note the recommendation above of Captain Alexander Lionel Francis Colson, Royal Engineers. This recommendation eventually resulted in his appointment as M.B.E. for service in Operation ‘FRIPPERY’. Many years later the Reverend Alec Colson, now a priest in Lyng near Norwich, was very active in documenting the history of COPP operations and in assisting the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham to assemble materials to illustrate this. Copies of letters in 1988 between the then Rev. Alec Coulson and Gus Britten, the archivist of the Submarine Museum in Gosport, discussing the COPP operations and H/M Submarine Tudor which conveyed them, are included with the lot. Sold with comprehensive research including recommendations, patrol reports, portrait photograph and a COPP party group photograph.
Lot 205
A rare Second War ‘cloak and dagger’ D.S.M. group of six awarded to Leading Telegraphist W. H. Diggins, Royal Navy, for his gallantry aboard H.M. Submarine Regent during her daring enterprise in entering into the port of Kotor to try and embark His Britannic Majesty’s Envoy-Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary accredited to the Government of Yugoslavia, and in remaining there for nine hours though surrounded by large forces of the Italian army and subjected to attacks from the air; he was subsequently Mentioned in Despatches, having been recommended for a Second Award Bar to his D.S.M., for his services in H.M. Submarine Ultor in the Mediterranean War Patrols of 1943 Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.137576 W. H. Diggins. L.Tel. H.M.S. Regent.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine (6) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 30 September 1941: ‘For daring, enterprise and coolness in taking H.M. Submarine Regent into the port of Kotor to try and embark His Britannic Majesty’s Envoy-Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary accredited to the Government of Yugoslavia and in keeping her there for nine hours though surrounded by large forces of the Italian army.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 8 February 1944. The recommendation (originally for a Second Award Bar to his DS.M.) states: ‘As Petty Officer Telegraphist he has maintained not only the wireless equipment but the Radar set and has displayed energy and initiative in so doing, materially assisting the Commanding Officer in three night attacks. By his cheerfulness he has set a good example to the Ship’s Company.’ A most unusual award of the D.S.M. for a ‘cloak and dagger’ action, and especially interesting as it was an attempt to rescue a British Senior Diplomat from falling into enemy hands. The diplomat concerned was Ronald Ian Campbell (later Sir, K.C.M.G., C.B.), the British Minister to Yugoslavia. When the Germans and Italians were overwhelming Yugoslavia in the Spring of 1941, Mr Campbell and his staff were cut off and unable to get away. It was decided to try to embark them in a British submarine and, accordingly Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Browne took H.M. Submarine Regent into the Adriatic. Having passed through two minefields which the Italians regarded as impassable, he steamed boldly into the harbour of Kotor, better known as Cattaro, to bring off the British Minister and his staff. Moving into port just after dawn, the Captain soon learned that the Italian army had reached the coast and were already in occupation of the town. This unexpected move by the Italians placed the Regent in jeopardy, but the Captain did not waver. Having been sent to effect the rescue of Mr Campbell, he was determined to do everything possible to bring him off, so he detailed an officer to go ashore. With the utmost coolness this officer went to the Senior Italian naval officer in charge of the port and explained that the Regent had come to evacuate the British Diplomatic Staff, whereupon he was permitted to go off in search of Mr Campbell while an Italian Army Staff officer went on board the Regent to act as hostage until he returned. Throughout the morning the Regent lay in harbour flying her biggest White Ensign. Around her was the Italian army with enough gun-power to blot her out of existence. For hour after hour the Regent lay there, flying the flag in the face of her enemies, while the officer strove to find Mr Campbell and conduct him back to the boat; unhappily he failed to make contact. The afternoon was advanced when two Italian dive bombers suddenly swooped down on the Regent and dropped several bombs which all missed. As they flew over, they opened fire on the conning-tower with their machine-guns wounding the Captain, the First Lieutenant and a Petty Officer. Captain Browne wasted no time. Diving without delay and carrying his Italian hostage with him, he escaped from the harbour, after remaining in the midst of the enemy for nine hours, picked his way safely through the minefields again and returned to his base. Awards for this episode included a D.S.O. for Captain Browne, two D.S.C.’s, three D.S.M.’s and one Bar to the D.S.M. The Submarine Regent was sunk by a mine off Monopoli in the South Adriatic on 18 April 1943. Diggins was obviously not aboard as he later served as a Petty Officer Telegraphist aboard the Submarine Ultor and was Mentioned in Despatches for her Mediterranean War Patrols, during which she bombarded Salina Island in the Liparis on 13 June 1943, and sank the Italian Torpedo Boat Lince, near the Gulf of Taranto on 28 August 1943. Sold together with an H.M. Submarines Naval Cap Tally; cloth insignia; and copied research.
Lot 215
A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant B. Hill (alias J. H. Jackson), 47th Battalion (Western Ontario), Canadian Infantry, who was killed by a sniper’s bullet at the Battle of the Selle in October 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (2025225 Cpl. B. Hill, 47/W. Ont. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2025225 Sjt. B. Hill, 47-Can. Inf.), rank and name re-impressed on the first, probably replacing the original ‘J. H. Jackson’, good very fine and better (3) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919. Benjamin Hill was born in Birmingham, Staffordshire, on 16 November 1895. Living in Victoria, British Columbia and employed as a Fitter and Turner, he enlisted into the 50th Battalion (Calgary) at Victoria in May 1917 - using the alias ‘John Henry Jackson’. Hill arrived in England in June 1917 aboard the S.S. Olympic and was transferred to the 16th Reserve Battalion and thence the 47th Battalion (Western Ontario) and entered France on 18 October 1917. Having then officially acknowledged that he had enlisted under an alias in March 1918, and that his true name was Benjamin Hill, he was killed in action at the Battle of the Selle on 20 October 1918. His bravery in action during that battle also earned him a posthumous M.M. and promotion to Sergeant, official records stating: ‘He was in charge of the Lewis Gun Section of ‘D’ Company during operations in the vicinity of Wavrechain on the morning of 20 October 1918, and while pushing forward with his Section on the outskirts of Demain he was hit and instantly killed by a bullet from an enemy sniper’s rifle.’ Aged 21 at the time of his death, Hill was buried in the Denain Communal Cemetery. He was the son of Mr. J. H. and Mrs. H. E. Hill, of 92 Wattville Road, Handsworth, Birmingham; sold with copied service papers.
Lot 218
A Second War ‘8th Army, Italian Front’ M.M. group of six awarded to Battery Sergeant Major Thomas Woodward, 132nd (Welsh) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery Military Medal, G.VI.R. (784502 W.O. Cl. 2.. T. Woodward. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for display, nearly very fine (6) £700-£900 --- M.M. London Gazette 28 June 1945. The original recommendation, available online, states: ‘W/WO II (BSM) Thomas Woodward, 132nd (Welsh) Field Regt R.A. On the Fifth Army Front on 11 October 1944 BSM Woodward’s Battery came into action at Castel del Rio (Italy) and on that and the following day was shelled by 170mm and lighter shells causing casualties. BSM Woodward throughout was indefatigable in getting the Troop into action and dug in under cover in the shortest possible time, so that the Battery was able to support its Infantry with the least delay. Again on 7 November 1944 near Sassaleone (Italy) while the Battery was being shelled he rallied some fresh reinforcements who had taken cover, thus enabling the work of the Battery to proceed. This WO has fought with his Battery, first as No 1 and then Troop BSM since the Regiment landed in Africa in November 1942. During the whole period his conduct has been beyond praise for courage, sheer hard work, unfailing initiative and cheerful resource alike under shellfire and in very adverse weather conditions. For instance at Tebourba he fought his gun with great coolness when 3 or 4 tanks were knocked out and he was wounded. BSM Woodward has proven himself to be a consistently hardworking WO or NCO who always gives all he has got especially under shellfire and in the worst conditions, showing a wonderful spirit and encouragement to all ranks at all times thus doing a very great deal towards winning the war as far as his Troop and Battery are concerned.’
Lot 221
A fine Second War 1943 ‘Tunisia Campaign’ M.M. group of six awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major F. G. Findley, Royal Army Service Corps, attached No. 6 Commando, who was decorated for his actions at the assault on Djebel Azag, 6 January 1943, against troops from the elite Fallschirmjäger Regiment Barenthin Military Medal, G.VI.R. (T/5041667 W.O. Cl.3. F. G. Findley. R.A.S.C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (6) (6) £3,000-£4,000 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 September 1943: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa’. The original recommendation states: ‘During the withdrawal from Djebel Azag on 6 January 1943, T.S.M. Findley repeatedly showed complete disregard for his own safety by covering his section by advancing under fire and throwing grenades. I consider that T.S.M. Findley’s actions were responsible for numerous men reaching safety. Throughout the action he showed a most excellent example to his men. He is over 40 years of age and put up a remarkable performance.’ Frederick George Findley was born in Attleborough, Warwickshire, on 24 August 1902 and attested for the North Staffordshire Regiment at Lichfield in May 1921, seeing service in Gibraltar, Turkey and India before transferring to the Army Reserve in 1928. During the Second World War, Findley served in the Royal Army Service Corps attached to 6 Commando and was decorated for his actions at Djebel Azag where an attempt was made by the British 36th Brigade Group to capture the feature known to the British as Green Hill, on 5 to 7 January 1943. Commanding the Sedjanane to Mateur road in Northern Tunisia, Green Hill was held by men from Fallschirmjäger Regiment Barenthin (German Parachute Infantry) and Witzig’s Parachute Engineers who had fortified the hill with concrete machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and mines. In his report on the ‘Attack on Djebel Azag’, Captain J. A. D. Mayne, Som. L.I., describes how ‘Mand Force’ from No. 6 Commando, comprising Force HQ, No. 1 Troop (complete), 1 Section from No. 2 Troop and one partial section from No. 5 Troop (commanded by Findley) were tasked with the following objectives:
i) To capture and hold “Djebel Azag.”
ii) To assist, by supporting fire, the attack on “Greenhill” and “Si Ayed”.
iii) To establish an Observation Post for a Forward Observation Officer to cover targets on and behind ‘Greenhill” area. Hilary St. George Saunders’ narrative of this action in the Green Beret describes the struggle between No. 6 Commando and the elite German paratroops dug in on the hill: ‘On the 5th January they took part in yet another attack on Green Hill, carried out by the 36th Brigade. Headquarters with one and a half Troops occupied Point 277 to the north-west, the object being to protect the Brigade’s left flank and to harass the enemy’s rear; while a detachment made up of two Troops under Captain Mayne seized Djebel Azag, a height which commanded the main position. To do this they made a ten mile approach march over sodden country, the men carrying heavy loads of ammunition and food for forty-eight hours. They reached their positions soon after dawn and then dug in on the summit as deeply as the rocky ground would allow. Soon after midday the enemy made two attempts to attack them, but were beaten off at long range by accurate and well-sustained small arms fire. The Germans then resorted to mortars, in the handling of which they were exceptionally proficient, and the Commando began to suffer casualties but held on.
During the afternoon Mayne observed that the enemy were forming up to deliver a counter-stroke against the brigade then engaged upon the main assault of Green Hill. His messages brought artillery fire on them and the attack did not develop. At dusk his small force, which had not been reinforced, was concentrated on the summit of the hill. At dawn Mayne’s position soon became serious, for as Lieutenant Cowper and his section were moving to their daylight positions, they were attacked at close range by Germans who had crawled up during the night. Cowper was soon engaging about two companies of the enemy strongly supported by mortars which fired a very accurate barrage. The remainder of the force was now under equally severe pressure and almost completely surrounded. Captain Davies was ordered by Mayne to withdraw headquarters and then cover a general retreat of the force, a manoeuvre which he ‘carried out extremely well.’ That evening they were all back in the tunnel near Sedjenane, the men very tired but cheerful, ‘having done magnificently.’ With a loss of thirty-five of their number they had held a key position for forty eight hours against ‘first-class troops who had been put in as stiffening.’ Though the attack on Green Hill had failed, the small action fought by Mand Force, as Mayne’s detachment was called, provides a good example of what men can accomplish who have passed through Commando training. They had been isolated for two days, in a most exposed position, and subject to galling mortar fire; but they had occupied the attention of four or five times their number who might very well have been employed elsewhere.’ Findley was a parachutist who, during his para course, landed in the top of another soldier’s parachute during a training descent which caused an injury to Findley’s back (a copy of his course report is included with the papers). Post-War he was a member of the Commando Association whose records state that his last rank attained was Regimental Sergeant Major and that he also served in No. 12 Commando. He died in 1960 in Hessingford, Cornwall. Sold with the recipient’s Soldiers’ Service and Pay Book inside which is a hand traced map of Floro, Norway with important sites and German positions marked. This map is suggestive of Findley’s participation in Operation Kitbag, a raid by British Commandos of No. 6 Commando and No. 12 Commando on the town of Floro in Norway during the Second World War - ‘Kitbag’ embarked from Scapa Flow on H.M.S. Prince Charles on 9 December 1941 but after navigational difficulties the raid was eventually called off; the recipient’s Old Comrades Association of the Special Service Brigade membership booklet, signed by the recipient and dated 9 July 1943; Pay Form No. 48 for the recipient’s Military Medal Gratuity of £20; the recipient’s Service and Casualty Form (Part I) dated 9 October 1928; copied research and a photographic image of recipient in uniform.
Lot 222
An outstanding Second War ‘Burma operations 1945’ Immediate M.M. group of five awarded to Lance Naik Mohammad Ajaib, 9th Battalion, 14th Punjab Regiment Military Medal, G.VI.R. (20305 L-Nk Mohd Ajaib Punjab R); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted on card for display, very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400 --- M.M. London Gazette 19 April 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘20305 Lance Naik Mohammad Ajaib. Punjab Mussalman Ghakar, Village Changryal, District Jhelum. 9th Battalion, 14th Punjab Regiment. For very gallant services in action at mile 16.5 on the road Budalin-Monywa on 4 January 1945. On 4 January 1945, L/Naik Mohd Ajaib was in command of a standing patrol, covering the battalion defended locality, 1.5 miles to the North. At about 2330 hrs a vehicle approached from the South at great speed. Appreciating that it would be better dealt with at the road block within the defended locality, L/Naik Mohd Ajaib withheld fire, allowed the vehicle to pass and informed Battalion H.Q. by telephone. As a result of the warning given by the L/Naik the vehicle was dealt with so effectively at the road block that out of the 14 Japs in the lorry, one Jap Officer and twelve O.R.s were killed on the spot and only one with a member of the Battalion National Army broke back out of the Battalion defended area and ran towards the standing patrol. On hearing footsteps L/Naik Mohd Ajaib stood his post to, and as the leading man approached him he stepped forward, grappled with him and held him down. Hot on his heels arrived the Japanese. L/Naik Mohd Ajaib immediately handed over his captive and went for the Japanese who came at him with his bayonet. L/Naik Mohd Ajaib parried the point with his sten gun. The point was only partially deflected and the L/Naik was wounded in the head. In spite of being wounded he continued to fight and single handed killed his man, who fought with fanatical bravery. L/Naik Mohd Ajaib’s initiative in holding his fire in the first case, and timely warning of the approach of the lorry was a major contributory factor which resulted in the annihilation of the occupants of the vehicle. His grim determination and guts in capturing the Burman, and killing the last Jap soldier ensured that no news of the failure of these reinforcements to get to Budalin reached Monywa.’
Lot 224
A post-War 1949 ‘Malaya operations’ M.M. awarded to Private H. McPhee, Seaforth Highlanders, who rushed to the aide of his officer during a Company Contact in North Johore, 12 November 1949, accounting for at least 1 ‘bandit’ and probably several more Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2824888 Pte. H. McPhee. Seaforth.) officially re-impressed naming, suspension loose and the medal somewhat abrasively cleaned, therefore nearly very fine £500-£700 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 March 1950: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya.’ The recommendation states: ‘On the afternoon of 12th November, 1949, “B” Coy had a fierce encounter with a large force of bandits in a camp situated in overgrown rubber about 3 miles SW of the village of Chaah in North Johore. This was the first day of a full scale battalion operation in the vicinity of the Ma’Ckill Forest Reserve estimated to last for 7 days; the role of “B” Coy was to search a given area. On arrival in the area the Coy. Comd. took the Coy. a short distance into the jungle and there formed a temporary firm base while he himself went forward with an armed recce party of platoon strength to reconnoitre a locality where there was believed to be water for a permanent firm base. Pte. McPhee was one of those who was left at the temporary firm base with the remainder of the Coy. When the recce party had proceeded about a quarter of a mile forward of the Coy temporary firm base they bumped into the enemy in a very new and temporary camp in some overgrown rubber; they at once attacked the camp which is now known to have contained approximately 160 bandits. As they had no sentries on this occasion they were taken completely by surprise and were forced to put up a stubborn resistance to extricate themselves from the camp. A fierce battle ensued; the bandits counter attacked strongly and subjected the recce party who were in very open ground in some cleared rubber to very heavy fire. At this stage Pte. McPhee arrived on the scene with the first party of reinforcements from the temporary firm base. In the very early stages of the battle the Coy. Cmd. and 2 of the subaltern officers were killed. The only surviving officer, Lieut. Brown, was therefore left in command. Immediately Pte. McPhee arrived up, and acting on his own initiative, he made his way forward to Lieut. Brown and requested permission from him to take up a position on the left forward flank of the Coy. With complete disregard for his own safety he then doubled forward to this position, which was an extremely vulnerable one, and from it dominated the whole of the left flank. He remained in this position, firing away steadily whenever he saw any enemy movement, throughout the remainder of the battle which continued for a further hour and a quarter. He was completely unaffected by the heavy fire which he drew upon himself, and was extremely cheerful throughout the whole battle. He definitely killed at least 1 bandit and probably more. The initiative and bravery shown by Pte. McPhee were undoubtedly responsible for denying the ground on the left flank of the Coy. position to the enemy, and his cheerfulness and high morale were an inspiration and example to all those who were near.’ A picture of Hugh McPhee appears in the regimental journal Cabar Feidh for May 1950. Note: Another M.M. to this recipient, a G.VI.R. 1st issue example, was sold in these rooms in June 2021; given that this medal is a G.VI.R. 2nd issue example, and has been officially re-impressed, it is likely that it is a duplicate issue.
Lot 225
A Second War Air Bomber’s ‘Immediate’ D.F.M. awarded to Sergeant F. C. Bunclark, 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force, as also to the other six crew members of a Lancaster aircraft which, having completed its allotted mine-laying sortie in the Baltic, was severely damaged and set on fire by anti-aircraft fire and then attacked by enemy aircraft while crossing Denmark on the return home; the A.O.C. afterwards remarked, ‘It is almost inconceivable that any crew would have carried on for the four hundred mile sea crossing and land without further incident.’ Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (657816 F. C. Bunclark. R.A.F.) toned, good very fine £1,800-£2,200 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 20 October 1942: Joint citation: ‘1162032 Flight Sergeant Paul CAMPBELL, No. 61 Squadron. 1390988 Sergeant Stanley Dennis GUNNELL, No. 61 Squadron. 1312943 Sergeant Ernest Humphries CORBETT, No. 61 Squadron. 657816 Sergeant Frank Charles BUNCLARK, No. 61 Squadron. 1268257 Sergeant Cyril Hugh COAKLEY, No. 61 Squadron. 1128846 Sergeant Sydney SMITH, No. 61 Squadron. 968521 Sergeant Stanley James THOMPSON, No. 61 Squadron. These airmen were members of the crew of a heavy bomber [Lancaster] detailed for an operational mission one night in September, 1942; Flight Sergeant Campbell was captain and first pilot. The allotted task was completed successfully but, whilst on the return flight, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. A shell exploded in the bomb compartment, starting a large fire and setting some flares and distress signals alight. Simultaneously, another shell burst in the nose of the aircraft, shattering the perspex as well as the major portion of the perspex of the pilot's cupola. The resultant rush of air through the aperture swept away all the navigational charts and maps and flung Sergeants Gunnell and Bunclark backwards on to the floor of the aircraft. Both suffered facial burns as did the pilot, the navigator, the wireless operator and the mid-upper gunner. The aircraft became full of smoke and it was attacked by 2 enemy fighters. The pilot could not see his instruments and the aircraft went out of control and fell 2,000 feet before Flight Sergeant Campbell regained control and evaded further attacks by diving and reaching cloud cover. Meanwhile the flames in the fuselage had extended, causing ammunition to explode in all directions. Despite this, Sergeants Corbett, Bunclark and Smith fought their way through the flames to the rear turret to extricate Sergeant Thompson who, despite suffering from a broken leg and being unable to operate his guns, had greatly assisted his captain by reporting the position of the attacking aircraft. Sergeant Coakley, in spite of his injuries, and with amazing skill in the circumstances, established wireless contact with base and continued to obtain bearings throughout the homeward flight. When this country was reached, Flight Sergeant Campbell, who had displayed fine captaincy, resumed the controls and landed the damaged aircraft safely with the undercarriage retracted and without the aid of flaps. Throughout this perilous flight, this gallant crew displayed conduct in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force.’ Sergeant Bunclark’s individual recommendation dated 27 September 1942, states: ‘Sergeant Bunclark was Air Bomber to Flight Sergeant Campbell on the night of 24th/25th September 1942. When the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, one shell burst in the nose of the aircraft when Sergeant Bunclark was actually in the nose map-reading. The force of the explosion blew out the perspex of the nose and the resultant draught blew Sergeant Bunclark out of the nose of the aircraft back beside the pilot where he was deposited on the floor of the aircraft. He received considerable facial burns and shock but immediately proceeded to the scene of the main fire in the fuselage and assisted the Navigator and mid-upper gunner in fighting the fire. He also assisted in extricating the rear gunner from the tail turret and carrying him through the fire to the rest chair. He assisted the Navigator in checking the navigation and his efforts undoubtedly contributed to the safe return of the aircraft and crew. It is considered that Sergeant Bunclark displayed outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty and contributed greatly to the safe return of the aircraft and crew. Remarks by A.O.C. After having inspected this aircraft, I most strongly support this recommendation. It is almost inconceivable that any crew would have carried on for the four hundred mile sea crossing and land without further incident.’ Flight Sergeant Campbell was an experienced Pilot having completed 22 sorties and 138.55 flying hours, and Sergeant Gunnell, Second Pilot had completed 6 sorties and 47.05 flying hours. For the remainder of the crew, however, this was only their second sortie, each having completed just 8.15 flying hours. Bunclark, Coakley and Corbett were amongst the crew of the Lancaster I ‘W4244’ of No. 61 Squadron, and flown by Pilot Officer Paul Campbell, D.F.M., which encountered extremely poor visibility on return from a sortie and following a misjudged approach to Exeter, crashed at Diamonds Farm, near Honiton on 11 November 1942, killing all seven crew. Sergeant F. C. Bunclark is buried in Lustleigh Church Cemetery. Sold with copied research including individual recommendations for each of the seven D.F.Ms.
Lot 227
A Second War Lancaster bomber Wireless Operator’s Immediate D.F.M. awarded to Sergeant K. P. C. Williams, 550 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for selfless gallantry in attending to wounded crew members when their aircraft was attacked by fighters after a bombing mission against Berlin in March 1944; his luck ran out the following month when his Lancaster was shot down over France by enemy night fighters with the loss of the whole crew Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (908406 Sgt. K. P. C. Williams. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the first mounted on its original investiture pin, extremely fine (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 2 May 1944: ‘One night in March, 1944, this airman was the wireless operator (air) of an aircraft which attacked Berlin. Soon after the bombs had been released the aircraft was attacked by fighters and sustained much damage. After the enemy aircraft had been evaded it was discovered that the mid-upper and rear gunners had been wounded. Displaying great promptitude, Sergeant Williams extricated the rear gunner from his turret. He was unconscious and his oxygen mask was damaged. Without regard for his own welfare, Sergeant Williams removed his own mask and fitted it to the face of his injured comrade. He then attended to the needs of the other gunner to whom he rendered efficient first aid. But for his prompt aid it is doubtful whether his injured comrades would have survived the long flight home. Throughout the sortie, Sergeant Williams displayed great co-operation and devotion to duty.’ Kenneth Percy Charles Williams was killed on the night of 10-11 April 1944, when Lancaster I ‘LL836 BQ-E’ took part in a sortie to bomb the railway yards at Aulnoye. Having taken off from North Killingholme at 2325 hrs the aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed less than a kilometre NNW of Achiet-le-Petit in the Pas-de-Calais, 7 km NW of Bapaume. All seven crew rest in Achiet-le-Petit Communal Cemetery. Sold with original Air Ministry copy of the D.F.M. citation with covering letter addressed to his wife at Brook Street, Selby, Yourkshire; Buckingham Palace named condolence letter; Central Chancery invitation to Mrs K. P. C. Williams to attend Buckingham Palace on 9 April 1946, in order to receive the D.F.M. awarded to her late husband; and original photograph of his grave marker.
Lot 228
A Second War Halifax bomber Air Gunner’s D.F.M. awarded to Flight Sergeant J. J. Smith, 77 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1670350 F/Sgt. J. J. Smith. R.A.F.) mounted on original investiture pin; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal, in named card box of issue addressed to the recipient at ‘Thicknesse Avenue, Beech Hill, Wigan, Lancs.’, together with ‘authority to wear’ slip for the ribands of these four medals (note no War Medal 1939-45 in lot) extremely fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 17 April 1945: ‘1670350 James Johnston Smith, R.A.F.V.R., 77 Sqn.’ The original Recommendation, dated 12 January, 1945, states: ‘Sorties 33, Flying hours 149.47 Air Gunner. This N.C.O. Air Gunner has completed his first operational tour consisting of 33 sorties. His efficiency has been well marked by two encounters with enemy fighters. On 22nd/23rd June, 1944, when the target was Laon, a Ju.88 opened fire in an attack at approximately 300 yards. Immediately evasive action was taken followed by well co-ordinated fire from both gunners in the Halifax which resulted in many hits being obtained on the enemy fighter. Flames were seen to break out in the fighter’s port engine and almost immediately the fighter was enveloped in flames and was seen to spiral down and crash. The total destruction of the enemy aircraft was witnessed and confirmed by four members of the crew. On another occasion, that of an attack on Kiel on 16th/17th August, 1944, an F.W. 190 was sighted at about 500 yards by Flight Sergeant Smith. Immediately he gave advice to the pilot to corkscrew and although the enemy fighter opened fire, no damage was dons to the bomber due to this gunner’s alertness in detecting its presence and giving the necessary commentary to his Captain. Throughout these instances and, in fact, during the whole course of his tour, Flight Sergeant Smith has shown great coolness and a fine offensive spirit which has undoubtedly contributed greatly to the preservation of the crew and aircraft. He is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’
Lot 231
A post-war B.E.M. group of five awarded to J. C. J. Jones, late Able Seaman, Royal Navy and a senior draughtsman in the Royal Navy Hydrographic Department British Empire Medal (Civil) E.II.R. (John Charles Joseph Jones) in its Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Arctic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Russia 40 Year Commemorative Medal of the Great Patriotic War, as awarded to veterans of the Arctic Convoy, the last four all unnamed as issued, the first extremely fine, others very fine or better (5) £700-£900 --- B.E.M. (Civil) London Gazette 15 June 1974: ‘John Charles Joseph Jones, Higher Grade Cartographic Draughtsman, Ministry of Defence’. John Charles Joseph Jones was born on 26 September 1914, in Willesden, London. He was the son of Joseph and Margaret Jones.During the Second World War he joined the Royal Navy on 12 September 1941, at the age of almost 27. As an Admiralty civil servant in Chart Depots he was probably in a ‘reserved occupation’ so was not called up earlier. Although also described as an Able Seaman, the inference from his badge is that he was a telegraphist, his Official Number was P/JX 291871. His identity disc records him as an Ordinary Seaman. He served in the Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty from 1939 but also must have had an appointment at sea in the Royal Navy (ships not known). His war medals were sent to him at an address at Stonehouse, Plymouth, suggesting that he was then working at the Devonport Chart Depot. Following the Second World War he returned to his pre-war occupation in Chart depots of the Royal Navy Hydrography Department. He retired in 1974, at the age of 60, and in the Birthday Honours list of 1974, he was awarded the British Empire Medal which he receive on 11 October 1974 from Vice Admiral Sir Peter White at the Ministry of Defence. He died at the Musgrove Park Hospital on 15 September 1994, aged almost 80, and was living in North Petherton, near Bridgwater, in the Taunton Deane district, which suggests that his last posting may have been in the R.N. Hydrographic Office at Taunton. An accompanying Press cutting relating to the award of the B.E.M. states: “John is a higher grade cartographic draughtsman and joined the Hydrographic Department, Ministry of Defence, Royal Navy, as a chart depot assistant in 1939, and except for wartime service in the Royal Navy, he has remained in the department since. The citation said that throughout his service he had maintained the highest standards of technical proficiency.
Lot 232
Pair: Private Allen Hewson, 10th Hussars Military General Service 1793-1814, 4 clasps, Sahagun & Benevente, Vittoria, Orthes, Toulouse (Allen Hewson, 10th Hussars); Waterloo 1815 (Allen Hewson, 10th Royal Reg. Hussars) fitted with original steel clip and ring suspension, small distortion to first clasp on M.G.S., light contact marks, otherwise very fine (2) £3,600-£4,400 --- Allen/Allan Hewson was born in the Parish of Aston, near Birmingham, and enlisted there for the 10th Hussars on 4 April 1805, aged 19, a brass founder by trade. He served 25 years 64 days, including 2 years for Waterloo, and was discharged at Brighton on 26 May 1828, aged 42, ‘being worn out from length of service’, conduct as a soldier ‘excellent’. Sold with copied discharge papers.
Lot 234
A rare group of three awarded to Shoeing Smith William Roberts, Royal Horse Artillery, who served with the 2nd Rocket Brigade and had the Swedish medal for Bravery for the battle of Leipsic, and was present with Major Whinyates’ (2nd Rocket) Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery at the battle of Waterloo; on its reduction in 1816 the 2nd Rocket Troop was transferred to the Corps of Royal Artillery Drivers Waterloo 1815 (Shoeing Smith W. Roborts (sic), Royal Artillery Drivers.); Royal Horse Artillery Medal for Vittoria and Leipsic 1813, silver, unnamed, 29mm, fitted with rings and silver bar suspension (Balmer R119); Sweden, Kingdom, Bravery Medal 1809, silver, for Valour in the Field, unnamed, 30mm, pierced with small ring for suspension, the first with edge bruise, otherwise nearly very fine and rare (3) £3,000-£4,000 --- William Roborts/Roberts is confirmed as a Shoeing Smith in Major Whinyate’s (Rocket) Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, at Waterloo and is understood to have been attached to the 2nd Rocket Brigade in Germany under Captain R. Bogue but this supposition is based purely on the provenance and composition of these medals and has not been confirmed in official records. The fact that his medal is named to him as a Shoeing Smith in the Royal Artillery Drivers but is shown on the medal roll as being in the Rocket Troop R.H.A. would seem to bear this out (see also extract from Duncan’s history below). The only other William Roberts in the Royal Artillery Drivers at Waterloo was a Collar Maker whose medal was in the Cleghorn Collection of 1872 and in the Whitaker Collection of 1890, as recorded in Needes’ notes. The Rocket Brigade (later designated The Rocket Troop) left England for Germany in August 1813 and played a distinguished part in the Battle of Leipsic, 16-18 October. It was the only unit of the British Army present, and was attached to the bodyguard of the Prince of Sweden. Rockets had to be fired at close range to achieve any real success. The battle of Leipsic lasted three days but the Rocket Brigade were not called upon until the third day, 18 October 1813, when Captain R. Bogue, commanding the Brigade, approached General Wintzingerode, commander of the allied army advance guard, and requested an opportunity to engage the enemy. His request was granted and he took the brigade to Paunsdorf where he successfully defeated 5 French battalions and caused them to surrender to his force of 200 gunners. He was then ordered to take his brigade to Sellerhausen. But they came under heavy fire from enemy artillery and skirmishers. Here, Bogue was killed by a musket ball from a French rifleman that entered his head just below the eye causing instant death. He was buried in the churchyard at Taucha 4 miles away and two years later a stone monument was erected over his grave. The Crown Prince of Sweden, commander of the allies, posthumously conferred the knighthood of the Swedish Royal Order of the Sword on Captain Bogue, and sent his widow a gift of 10,000 dollars. Lieutenant Strangways, who succeeded to the command of the Rocket Brigade after Bogue’s death, also received the Order of the Sword and various men of the Brigade received gold and silver bravery medals. ‘Among the many heart-breaking reductions which exasperate the Artillery student, perhaps none are more distressing, than the reduction of the 2nd Rocket Troop in 1816. The 1st Rocket Troop had never been out of England; the 2nd had done good service at Leipsic and Waterloo. Neither of them had had a long existence; but one had had a stirring, glorious history. On the 16th May, 1815, the following order had been issued:—“His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, has been pleased to command that the Rocket Troop of Royal Artillery, which was present at the Battle of Leipsic, be permitted to wear the word ‘Leipsic’ on their appointments, in commemoration of their services on that occasion.” And to the same troop the reward fell, given to those who had been at the Battle of Waterloo. Yet, when the pruning-knife came to be used, the troop which had earned these honours was selected for reduction; and, as if adding insult to injury, the word ‘Leipsic’ came actually to be worn by the surviving troop, which had never been on active service at all! On its reduction, the officers of the 2nd Rocket Troop were transferred to the Corps of Royal Artillery Drivers.’ (Captain Francis Duncan’s History of the Royal Artillery refers). Sold with copied extract from the notes compiled by E. E. Needes in the first half of the last century and listing the provenance of the Waterloo Medals to ‘Shoeing Smith W. Roborts’ and ‘Collar Maker Will. Roberts’, and with copied discharge papers for Collar Maker Roberts. Papers for the Shoeing Smith have not been found but the medal roll notes ‘Discharged’ against his name.
Lot 239
Three: Trumpeter J. Modget, Bengal Horse Artillery Sutlej 1845-46, for Aliwal 1846, 1 clasp, Sobraon (H: P: Trumpr J: Moget [sic] 2nd Brigade H: Ay.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, North West Frontier (Trumptr. J Modget. 1st Tp. 1. Bde. Bengl. Arty.); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 3 clasps, Delhi, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow (Serjt. J. Modget, Bengal H. Art. 1st Bde.) light contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £1,800-£2,200 --- J. Modget attested for the Bengal Horse Artillery and served during the First Sikh War at the Battle of Aliwal on 28 January 1846, as a Trumpeter in the 2nd Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery, ansd at the Battle of Sobraon on 10 February 1846. At Aliwal, with the enemy occupying an entrenched position with their backs to the River Sutlej, the 1st and 3rd Troops, 2nd Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery rode with the 16th Lancers during their famous charge. While the infantry attacked the Sikh front, the 16th Lancers flushed the defenders out of the bastion and into the guns of the Bengal Horse Artillery. Modget saw further service on the North-West Frontier in Brigadier Sir Colin Campbell's 1852 expedition against the Utman Khels. On 20 April that year, the British-held village of Charsada was attacked by 200 Utman Khel tribesmen, who killed native government officials and looted the Treasury. Campbell's retaliation was swift, and he laid siege to the town of Pranghar on 13 May. The 1st Troop, 1st Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery bombarded Pranghar's walls and quickly broke the enemy's resolve. Modget went on to serve with the 1st Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery during the Great Sepoy Mutiny at the Siege of Delhi, where they formed part of Brigadier John Nicholson's force at the Battle of Nujjufghur on 25 August 1857; the Second Relief of Lucknow; and the subsequent re-capture of Lucknow by Sir Colin Campbell.
Lot 241
Three: Sick Berth Steward Matthew Townley, Royal Navy Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (Mattw. Townley. Sick Bth. Attent. HMS Vengeance) contemporary engraved naming; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., wide suspension (Mw. Townley Sick Berth Stewd. H.M.S. Wellesley. 27 Yrs); Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, unnamed as issued, pierced and fitted with rings for suspension, mounted on card for display, the first with contact marks, nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine (3) £800-£1,000 --- Matthew Townley was born in Northampton on 15 July 1818, and joined the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman on 7 August 1840, becoming Able Seaman on 5 March 1843. He served aboard H.M. Ships Howe, Eurydice and Retribution before joining Vengeance on 17 October 1846. In August 1851 he became a Sick Berth Attendant and continued to serve in Vengeance until 15 May 1855, during which period he saw service in the Crimea and is believed to be one of only three Sick Berth ratings to receive the Crimea medal. After further service aboard St George, Exmouth and Ganges, he joined Wellesley on 27 May 1861, and advanced to Sick Berth Steward on 1 January 1862. He received his L.S. & G.C. medal in March 1868, his period of service being recorded as 27 years, and was discharged to pension on 28 March 1868. Sold with copied record of service.
Lot 248
Six: Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Blewitt, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, Egyptian Army and Chinese Labour Corps, who was mortally wounded in France in September 1917 India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, N.E. Frontier 1891 (Lieutt. A. Blewitt 4th Bn. K.R. Rif. C.); Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (Bimbashi Blewitt 3/Bn. E.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Lt. Col. A. Blewitt.); Ottoman Empire, Order of Mejidieh, Third Class neck badge, silver, gold and enamel; Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 5 clasps, Sudan 1897, Abu Hamed, The Atbara, Khartoum, Sudan 1899 (El Kaim Blewitt Bey. E.A.) clasps mounted in order as listed, nearly extremely fine (6) £3,600-£4,400 --- Order of Medjidieh London Gazette 11 March 1902. M.I.D. London Gazette 25 January 1898: ‘3rd Battalion Egyptian Army.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 24 May and 30 Sept. 1898: ‘brevet Major.’ Arthur Blewitt was born at Pinner, Middlesex, on 19 February 1861. He was educated at Eton and was gazetted to his first commission in the West Yorkshire Militia in 1881 and transferred to the 4th Battalion 60th Rifles later, in 1883 at Ferozepore, India. He served in India and Burma until 1893, having in 1891 taken part in the Manipur Expedition. In 1897 Blewitt was selected for service with the Egyptian Army, and took part in the Nile Expedition of 1897, being present at the action of Abu Hamed (mentioned in despatches), also the Nile Expedition of 1898 and was present at the battle of Atbara and capture of Khartoum (twice mentioned in despatches). He again served in the Nile Expedition of 1899, when he received the third class Order of the Medjidieh. He was selected by Lord Kitchener as Governor of Fashoda 1900-02 and Gezira 1902 - a post he held with much success until 1903, when he re-joined his regiment at Malta and retired in 1905. Blewitt was a keen sportsman, big game hunter and traveller, frequently having shooting expeditions in India, Burma, Tibet, North America, South Africa and New Zealand. He was so attracted to New Zealand that he settled there, buying a farm at Teneko in 1905. Being a gallant Englishman, he returned to England to the call of duty at the outbreak of the Great War and volunteered for service. In September 1914, he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel to command 13th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifles, which he successfully did in the U.K. until June 1915. He was in charge of training camps and was subsequently sent to China to recruit a team of coolies to work in France, bringing them back to Europe in a chartered steamer. Lieutenant-Colonel Blewitt died of wounds received in an air raid while commanding a Chinese Labour Battalion at Andrique, France on 4th September 1917, aged 56. Sold with research saved to CD and an original portrait photograph by Russell & Sons of Southsea.
![Four: Private H. J. Holdaway, Cameron Highlanders Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (2991. Pte. H. Holdoway [sic] 1/Cam. Hrs.); Queen’s](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/dafd15ef-e239-4afc-a011-aeb000ae1771/d259d984-2a6e-4fab-b60e-af35012f1373/468x382.jpg)
Lot 256
Four: Private H. J. Holdaway, Cameron Highlanders Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (2991. Pte. H. Holdoway [sic] 1/Cam. Hrs.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (2991. Pte. H. Holdaway. 1: Cam’n: Hdrs:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2991 Pte. H. Holdaway. Cameron Highrs:); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 2 clasps, The Atbara, Khartoum (2991. Pte. Holdaway 1 Cam Highrs) contemporarily engraved in the usual Regimental style, the obverses of the first three and the reverse of the last abrasively cleaned, heavy contact marks partially obscuring naming, suspensions somewhat loose, therefore fair to fine, the reverses generally very fine (4) £500-£700 --- Harry James Holdaway was born at Chalvey, Buckinghamshire, in 1874 and attested for the Cameron Highlanders at Inverness on 1 February 1892, having previously served with the 5th (Militia) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. He served with the 1st Battalion in Egypt and the Sudan from 4 October 1897 to 2 March 1900, and then in South Africa during the Boer War from 3 March 1900 to 7 November 1902. He transferred to the Reserve on 1 February 1904, and that same year commenced work at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, as a Cadets’ servant. The 1939 Register still lists him as being employed at the College, and hand-written date calculations on the cover of his service papers tally to 46 years and 10 months, possibly an indication as to his time spent in the army and then at Sandhurst. He died in Camberwell, London, in January 1956. Sold with copied record of service; medal roll extracts; and copied research.
Lot 263
Family Group: Four: Private T. Nicholson, Imperial Yeomanry, later 28th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 190229424 Tpr: T. Nicholson. 24th. Coy. Imp: Yeo:); 1914-15 Star (673 Pte. T. Nicholson. 28 Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (673 Pte. T. Nicholson. 28 Bn. A.I.F.) cleaned, nearly very fine and better Three: Private F. Nicholson, 11th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who landed at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day, 25 April 1915 1914-15 Star (1028 Pte. F. Nicholson. 11/Bn. A.I.F.) officially re-impressed naming; British War and Victory Medals (1028 Pte. F. Nicholson. 11 Bn. A.I.F.) cleaned, very fine (7) £600-£800 --- Thomas Nicholson was born in Penrith, Westmorland, in 1871 and attested there for the Imperial Yeomanry on 1 March 1901. He served with the 24th (Westmorland and Cumberland) Company in South Africa during the Boer War from 16 March 1901 to 31 August 1902, and was discharged on 7 September 1902. He emigrated to Australia just prior to the Great War, and attested for the Australian Imperial Force at Perth on 8 March 1915. He served with the 28th Battalion in Gallipoli from 10 September 1915, and then to the Western Front. He was admitted to hospital with bronchitis on 6 April 1916, and was evacuated to England. He returned to Australia for home service on 24 June 1916, and was discharged, medically unfit, on 16 August 1916. He subsequently re-enlisted, and having sailed for England was discharged there, medically unfit, on 9 October 1917. He died in Perth, W.A., on 10 December 1938. Francis William Nicholson, the son of the above, was borne in Penrith, Westmorland, on 3 February 1892 and having emigrated to Western Australia along with his father just prior to the Great War attested for the Australian Imperial Force on 17 September 1914, declaring previous service with the 4th Battalion, Border Regiment. He served with the 11th Battalion during the Great War at Gallipoli from the first day of action, 25 April 1915, and was evacuated on 22 July 1915, suffering from a perforated eardrum and a cut hand due to shell concussion. He was invalided home on 16 September 1915, and subsequently served with the S.C.R. Staff Recruitment Section. He died in Albany, W.A., on 24 July 1964. He is mentioned twice in the book Game to the Last by James Hurst. Sold with an Australia Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League badge; and copied research.
Lot 269
Pair: Private J. Halloran, Royal Irish Regiment Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen, unofficial rivets between third and fourth clasps (6416 Pte. J. Halloran, 1st. Rl: Irish Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (6416 Pte. J. Halloran. Rl: Irish Regt.) initial official corrected on first, and latter part of surname officially corrected on latter, contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £180-£220 --- John Halloran was born at Cashel, Co. Tipperary, in 1880 and attested for the Royal Irish Regiment at Clonmel on 4 August 1898, having previously served in the 5th (Militia) Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers. He served with the 1st Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War from 16 December 1899 to 10 February 1905 (entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with the clasps Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, and Johannesburg only; and the King’s South Africa Medal with the two date clasps), and subsequently in India from the latter date to 22 January 1906. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 3 August 1906, and was discharged on 3 August 1910, after 12 years’ service. The Royal Irish Regiment were not present as a unit at the actions represented by the clasps, and approximate numbers of clasps issued to men of the Royal Irish Regiment were 137 for the Relief of Kimberley, 138 for Paardeberg, and 105 for Johannesburg. Approximately 15 men were awarded this combination of clasps, including one Officer, Lieutenant Galbraith. Sold with copied record of service.
Lot 281
Three: Stoker First Class A. Scott, Collingwood Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Navy, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War in 1914 1914 Star (293661. A. Scott, Sto. 1Cl. Collingwood Bttn. R.N.D.); British War and Victory Medals (293661 A. Scott. Sto. 1. R.N.) BWM officially re-impressed, edge bruise, good very fine (3) £120-£160 --- Alexander Scott was born at Brechin, Forfarshire, on 20 February 1880 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 31 October 1899. He was advanced Stoker First Class on 1 July 1905, and was shore demobilised on 1 February 1907. He re-enrolled on 17 July 1911, and served with the Collingwood Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 17 September 1914. He was captured and taken Prisoner of War prior to 20 December 1914, and was held for most of the rest of the War in Germany. Repatriated on 1 March 1918, he was invalided out of the service on 5 September 1918.
Lot 283
Three: Stoker First Class F. Cooper, Howe Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Navy 1914 Star (278587 F. Cooper, Sto. 1Cl. Howe Bttn. R.N.D.); British War and Victory Medals (278587 F. Cooper. Sto. 1 R.N.) very fine (3) £120-£160 --- Frank Cooper was born at Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, on 21 July 1875 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 28 December 1894. He was advanced Stoker First Class on 1 July 1906, and was shore discharged on 9 January 1907. He re-enrolled on 1 July 1911, and served during the Great War with the Howe Battalion on the Western Front from 17 September 1914. He was demobilised on 17 February 1919.
Lot 298
Four: Stoker First Class F. Booth, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (290773. F. Booth. Sto. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (290773 F. Booth. Sto. 1. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (290773. Frank Booth. Sto. 1 Cl. H.M.Y. Enchantress.) ‘Y’ of ‘HMY’ officially corrected on last, nearly extremely fine (4) £80-£100 --- Frank Booth was born in Brighton, Sussex, on 23 February 1875 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 12 December 1898. He was advanced Stoker First Class on 1 July 1906, and served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments. He served in the Yacht Enchantress from 27 January 1919; was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 16 January 1920; and was shore pensioned on 27 June 1921.
Lot 299
Pair: Stoker First Class H. Marsh, Royal Navy, who died on 16 July 1917 1914-15 Star (K.15052. H. Marsh, Sto.1, R.N.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (K.15052 H. Marsh. Sto. 1 R.N.) very fine Pair: Ordinary Telegraphist R. R. Rolling, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (J. 47069 R. R. Rolling. O. Tel. R.N.) good very fine 1914-15 Star (121 W.T.S. F. Thorpe, W.T.O., R.N.R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (K.24024 W. R. Thomas. Sto.1 R.N.) very fine (6) £70-£90 --- Henry Marsh died on 16 July 1917 while serving in H.M.S. Gloucester and is buried at Bari War Cemetery, Italy. R. R. Rolling died on 13 February 1921 while serving in H.M.S. Pembroke and is buried at Sutton and Cheam Cemetery, Surrey.
Lot 335
Four: Private J. Beech, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was wounded in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916, and was wounded and taken Prisoner of War at the Battle of Arras on 3 May 1917 1914-15 Star (R-1118 Pte. J. Beech. K.R. Rif: C.); British War and Victory Medals (R-1118 Pte. J. Beech. K.R. Rif. C.); Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (James Beech); together with the recipient’s Silver War Badge, the reverse numbered ‘439070’, good very fine (5) £100-£140 --- James Beech was born in Birmingham on October 1895 and attested there for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 2 September 1914. He served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 August 1915, and was present at the Battle of Loos. He saw further service at the Battle of the Somme, and was wounded in action at Roclincourt on the first day of the Battle, 1 July 1916: ‘At 10:50pm, the Germans exploded a mine under the Battalion’s forward trenches (creating a crater 160 feet wide) and launched an attack supported by heavy artillery fire with 5.9's, 4.2's and trench mortars on the front and communication trenches. The Germans entered the front trenches and commenced to bomb their way forward but were “bombed out” of the trenches by the Battalion’s bombers and a battle developed over the mine crater lips. Breastworks were constructed in the shattered trenches and crater whilst this was going on, with the work parties building it under heavy machine gun and trench mortar fire. By dawn the position was defensible. Casualties were 8 other ranks killed, and 3 Officers and 25 other ranks wounded.’ Beech was again wounded (gun shot wound to the right arm) and taken prisoner of war at the Battle of Arras on 3 May 1917, on which date Battalion casualties were 10 Officers and 270 other ranks. Repatriated to England on 5 May 1918 he was admitted to the King George Hospital, London with his wound still being classified as severe. As a result of his wound, he was medically discharged on 12 August 1918 and was awarded a life disability pension at 30%, as well as receiving a Silver War Badge. He subsequently worked as a telephone mechanic, and was awarded his Imperial Service Medal on retirement in 1960. Sold with copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient.
Lot 343
Three: Company Sergeant Major A. J. Maddocks, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, later 1st Divisional Salvage Company, Canadian Infantry 1914-15 Star (107424 Pte A. J. Maddocks. 2/Can: Mtd: Rif:); British War and Victory Medals (107424 A.W.O. Cl. 2. A. J. Maddocks. 2-C.M.R.) very fine Three: Sergeant J. A. Patterson, 1st Motor Machine Gun Brigade, Canadian Machine Gun Corps, late Fort Garry Horse 1914-15 Star (14632 Pte J. A. Patterson. Can: M.M.G. Bde:); British War and Victory Medals (14632 Sjt. J. A. Patterson. C.M.G.C.) good very fine (6) £60-£80 --- Arthur Joseph Maddocks was born in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales in November 1889. He was a Civil Engineer by occupation, and initially served during the Great War with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. Maddocks advanced to Company Sergeant Major and transferred to the 1st Divisional Salvage Company, Canadian Infantry. John Alex Patterson was born in Stonewall, Manitoba, Canada in July 1895. Initially a Trooper with the Fort Garry Horse, he was part of the First Canadian Contingent to sail across to the UK. Patterson subsequently advanced to Sergeant, and transferred to 1st Motor Machine Gun Brigade, Canadian Machine Gun Corps. He died in June 1979.
Lot 355
Three: Supply Petty Officer H. B. Sarah, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (M.27276 H. B. Sarah. V.A. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (M.27276 H. B. Sarah. Sy. P.O. H.M.S. Rodney.) contact marks, nearly very fine Three: Electrical Artificer First Class R. E. Tozer, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (M.28934 R. E. Tozer. E.A.5. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (M.28934 R. E. Tozer. E.A.1. H.M.S. Vernon.) contact marks, polished, good fine (6) £80-£100
Lot 365
Pair: Lieutenant F. Roberts, East Kent Regiment British War and Victory Medals (G-18346 Pte. F. Roberts. E. Kent R.) very fine 1914-15 Star (3) (Lieut. J. B. Andrews. R. Scots.; 2238 Pte. A. Spong. Leic: R.; 3-8160 Pte. F. J. L. Durrant. Dorset: R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (.17-... Pte. R. S. Law. R. Ir. Rif.) heavy pitting and edge bruising to last that has partially obscured number, otherwise generally nearly very fine and better £140-£180 --- Frank Roberts attested for the East Kent Regiment and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front. He was subsequently commissioned Second Lieutenant, but presumably given the rank on his pair did not serve overseas as an Officer. J. B. Andrews was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Scots and served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre from 10 August 1915. He subsequently transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps and served as an Acting Captain with the Camel Transport. Albert Edwin Spong was born in Belgrave, Leicestershire, in 1886 and attested for the Leicestershire Regiment at Leicester on 10 August 1914, having previously served with the Militia. He served with the 1st/4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 2 March 1915, and was wounded by gun shot to the head on 2 May 1915. He was subsequently killed in action at the Hohenzollern Redoubt during the Battle of Loos on 13 October 1915, on which date the battalion suffered total casualties of 20 officers and 453 other ranks killed. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Lewis Frederick James Durrant was born in Sherborne, Dorset, in 1875 and was a special reservist in the National Reserve, having previously served in the Dorset Yeomanry. He served with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 January 1915, and died of wounds on 22 February 1915. He is buried in Wulverghem Cemetery. Robert Sydney Law was born in Belfast in 1896 and attested for the Royal Irish Rifles on 27 October 1914. He served with the 10th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 October 1915, and was wounded on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, on which date the Battalion was involved in an attack on the Schwaben Redoubt in Thiepval Wood, with the fighting described by one soldier as ‘a Belfast riot on top of Mount Vesuvius.’ Battalion casualties that day were 117 men killed and several hundred wounded. Law was amongst those wounded, and was evacuated to England, where his left arm was ultimately amputated. He was medically discharged on 14 March 1918, and was awarded a Silver War Badge no. 353,320. Sold with copied research.
Lot 376
Pair: Air Mechanican First Class S. R. Mansfield, Royal Air Force British War and Victory Medals (218992 1. A.M. S. R. Mansfield. R.A.F.) very fine Pair: Air Mechanican Second Class F. Cornelius, Royal Air Force British War and Victory Medals (60801 2. A.M. F. Cornelius. R.A.F.); together with a silver named lawn bowls medallion, very fine Pair: Air Mechanican Third Class W. Mc L. Harvie, Royal Air Force British War and Victory Medals (165279 3. A.M. W. Mc L. Harvie. R.A.F.) very fine (6) £80-£100 --- Sidney Robert Mansfield, a Fitter from Bethnal Green, London, was born on 7 November 1895. He attested for the Royal Air Force for service during the Great War on 9 August 1916 and saw service with 206 Squadron. He transferred to the Royal Air Force Reserve on 3 July 1919. Frank Cornelius attested for the Royal Air Force for service during the Great War on 9 August 1916 and saw service with 111 and 113 Squadrons. He was discharged on 29 March 1920, living at 45 Hyde Park Gardens Mews, Paddington, London. William McLean Harvie, a native of Lanarkshire, was born on 28 July 1900. He attested for the Royal Air Force for service during the Great War on 8 May 1918 and saw service attached to the Inland Water Service of the Royal Naval Division on the Western Front from 30 October 1918. He transferred to the Royal Air Force Reserve on 11 February 1919.
Lot 385
Pair: Lance Corporal F. J. Forrest, 54th Battalion (Kootenay), Canadian Infantry, who was killed in action on the Western Front, 1 March 1917 British War and Victory Medals (760623 A. L. Cpl. F. Forrest. 54-Can. Inf.) nearly extremely fine British War Medal 1914-20 (478031 Pte. C. R. Woodford. 11-Can. Inf.; 3775 Pte. G. Rhodes. H.L.I.; 43757 A. Bmbr. W. McPhee. C.F.A.) first with Silver War Badge, reverse numbered ‘C496’, generally very fine or better (5) £70-£90 --- Frederick John Forrest was born in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, Scotland in April 1886. He was the son of Mr and Mrs T. Forrest of 63 Havelock St., Mayfield, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia. Forrest served during the Great War with the 54th Battalion (Kootenay), Canadian Infantry on the Western Front, and was killed in action, 1 March 1917. Lance Corporal Forrest is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Grant Rhodes was born in Canada and served during the Great War with the 1/5th (City of Glasgow) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry in the Egyptian theatre of war. Private Rhodes was killed in action in Palestine, 30 November 1917, and is buried in the Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. William McPhee was born in Dalhousie Township, Ontario, Canada in July 1876. He served during the Great War as a Driver with 1st Divisional Ammunition Column, Canadian Field Artillery on the Western Front. McPhee Died (Accidental Injuries) - while on duty on the morning of 13 April 1916, between the hours of 6 and 7 o'clock, he was found lying on the floor of a stable in great pain, having been kicked in the abdomen by a horse. He was placed on a stretcher and evacuated to No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station where he died two days later at 1.45 p.m. from wound of abdomen caused by a kick from a horse resulting in a ruptured kidney and internal haemorrhage. Driver McPhee is buried in the Lijjsenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Sold with copied research.
Lot 390
Family group: Five: Chief Petty Officer Writer Q. H. Dibnah, Royal Canadian Volunteer Reserve and Royal Canadian Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Canadian Forces Decoration, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar loose, (CPO I/c. Q. H. Dibnah) mounted as originally worn, very fine Pair: Sergeant E. G. Dibnah, Fort Garry Horse British War and Victory Medals (14429 Sjt. E. G. Dibnah. F.G.H.) mounted for wear, good very fine (7) £360-£440 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1945: ‘For gallantry or outstanding service in the face of the nenemy or for zeal, patience and cheerfulness in dangerous waters and for setting an example of wholehearted devotion to duty, upholding the high traditions of the Royal Canadian Navy.’ Quentin Harold Dibnah resided in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in November 1940. Service during the Second War included at H.M.C.S. Venture and Cornwallis, prior to serving with the St. Laurent and the Stadacona. Dibnah advanced to Chief Petty Officer Writer and transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy (awarded Canadian Forces Decoration in November 1952, and his Second Award Bar in November 1962). He was discharged in August 1964, and died in December 2008. Sold with copied Service Records - which are at variance with medals as worn - listed as entitled to France and Germany Star with Atlantic clasp. Ewart Gladstone Dibnah was born in Leeds, Yorkshire in April 1886. He was employed by the Railways in Manitoba, Canada, and served with the Canadian Militia. Dibnah was an original member of the First Canadian Contingent as Sergeant Bugler of the 6th Battalion (Fort Garrys), which later was reformed as the Fort Garry Horse. He served with the latter on the Western Front.
Lot 395
Family Group: Pair: Lance-Corporal W. J. Richards, 9th South African Infantry British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (L/Cpl. W. J. Richards. 9th S.A.I.) good very fine Four: Private D. V. Richards, Union Defence Force 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially named ‘577447 D. V. Richards’, good very fine Rhodesia, General Service Medal (065719H Vdt P. D. Richards) nearly extremely fine (7) £120-£160 --- William John Richards was born at Bendigo, Vicoria, Australia in 1885 and attested for the South African Forces at Potchefstroom on 4 December 1915, declaring previous military service with the 8th Australian Infantry and the Australian Field Artillery. He served with the 9th South African Infantry during the Great War in East Africa, and was discharged medically unfit on 8 May 1916. Douglas Vivian Richards, the son of the above, was born in Johannesburg on 1 June 1922 and attested for the Union Defence Force on 5 August 1942, declaring previous military service with the 1st Battalion Transvaal Scottish. He served during the Second World War as an aircraft handler with the South African Air Force, and was then with the 52nd Anti-Aircraft Regiment, before serving in Italy with the combined S.A.A.F. / Natal Mounted Rifles Regiment. P. D. Richards, the son of D. V. Richards, and the grandson of W. J. Richards, served with the Rhodesian Forces. Sold with copied service papers for the first two recipients.
Lot 396
Pair: Chief Engine Room Artificer First Class T. H. S. Westaway, Royal Navy British War Medal 1914-20 (268843 T. H. Westaway. C.E.R.A. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (268843 T. H. S. Westaway, C.E.R.A. 1 Cl, H.M.S. Challenger) minor edge bruise, good very fine Pair: Senior Reserve Attendant R. Morris, Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve British War Medal 1914-20 (M.8822 R. Morris. S.R.A. R.N.); Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1928. R. Morris. LG. Sea. R.N.A.S.B.R.) contact marks, otherwise very fine (4) £80-£100 --- Thomas Holman Stanbury Westaway, a Boilermaker from Plymouth, Devon, was born on 14 January 1874 and joined the Royal Navy on 18 September 1896. Advanced Chief Engine Room Artificer First Class on 30 December 1908, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 29 October 1911. He saw service during the Great War in the Depot Ship H.M.S. Impregnable, thus his British War Medal was his sole campaign medal entitlement for the Great War. He was demobilised on 29 December 1919. Richard Morris, a Collier from Hindley, Lancashire, was born on 17 February 1889 and attested for the Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve on 2 August 1914. Advanced Senior Reserve Attendant on 5 March 1915, he saw service during the Great War in the Naval Hospital at Plymouth and H.M.S. Eaglet, thus his British War Medal was his sole campaign medal entitlement for the Great War. He was demobilised on 27 February 1919.
Lot 402
Five: Engine Room Artificer First Class E. B. Manwaring, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (M.34672 E. B. Manwaring. E.R.A. 1. H.M.S. Scott) very fine (5) £100-£140 --- Edward Brooke Manwaring was born on 18 August 1893 in Sheffield, Yorkshire, and joined the Navy as an Acting E.R.A. 4 Class, H.M.S. Pembroke II, on 25 March 1919, at the age of 25. He was confirmed as E.R.A. 4 Class, H.M.S. Dublin (Mudros Base) on 23 March 1920, but whilst in H.M.S. Egmont from 4 January to 2 February 1921, he seems to have spent 28 days in detention (for absence). Afterwards, he was clearly still unhappy and he deserted ("Run") on 24 April 1921, and there is a note on his service record that his "effects to be sold". He was not recovered until 12 October 1921, six months later, and was then sentenced by Warrant to 42 days detention. Subsequently he was advanced to E.R.A. 3 Class, H.M.S. Royal Sovereign, 16 August 1923, and to E.R.A. 2 Cass. H.M.S. Cyclops on 16 August 1927. He was further advanced to E.R.A. 1 Class, H.M.S. Medway, 16 August 1932, in which rate he remained for the rest of his naval career. It seems that his conduct was such that the stigma of desertion was erased ("Run Removed") on 26 October 1927. Although due for release and pension he was retained in service for the Second World War and was released finally on 13 August 1945, after 26 years service, at the age of 52. His L.S. & G.C. medal was eventually issued on 27 February 1940, and was sent to H.M.S. Scott.
Lot 404
Three: Able Seaman W. B. Watson, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when H.M. Submarine Oxley was accidentally torpedoed and sunk by H.M.S. Triton on 11 September 1939 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Admiralty enclosure, in card box of issue addressed to ‘Mr. J. Watson, Avonlea, Aberoer, Rhostyllen, Wrexham, Denbighshire, N. Wales’, extremely fine (3) £100-£140 --- William Bradford Watson was killed when H.M. Submarine Oxley was accidentally sunk by H.M.S. Triton about 28 nautical miles south-west of Stavanger, Norway, in the Royal Navy’s first major friendly-fire incident of the war. There where only two survivors. One of the very first casualties of the Second World War, Watson is commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial. Sold with modern ‘H.M. Submarines’ cap-tally and copied research.
Lot 413
Six: Private F. R. Arkell, Army Catering Corps 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (1487398 Pte. F. R. Arkell. A.C.C.) nearly extremely fine Five: Private H. Wilkins, Army Catering Corps 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, all contemporarily engraved ‘5506173. Pte. H. Wilkins. A.C.C.’, good very fine 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45 (3), the first four mounted as worn, very fine (17) £80-£100
Lot 414
Five: Flight Lieutenant R. E. V. Boyanton, Royal Air Force 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn; together with the recipient’s card identity tags, good very fine Four: Ordnance Artificer First Class J. A. Havill, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 1st issue (M.929271 J. A. Havill. O.A.1. H.M.S. Pembroke) mounted as worn, good very fine (9) £100-£140 --- Robert Ernest Victor Boynaton was born on 12 February 1906 and attested for the service with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was commissioned Pilot Officer on 14 October 1941. Sold with the recipient’s passport dated 11 July 1947.
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