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Lot 247
Box of books to include: 'Billy Bunter's First Case'; 'The Children's Casket', by Annie Hone; 'Treasure Island', by Robert Louis Stephenson; 'Alice in Wonderland Painting Book', 1896 Sunday volume; 'Chatterbox Annual'; 'Little Treasure Island', Arthur Mee; 'The Boys Own Annual'; 'Alice in Wonderland Stories Old and New'; 'Little Dot'; 'Among the Camps'; 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', Beatrix Potter; 'The Bells of London Town'; 'Britain's Story Told in Picture'; 'The Pied Piper of Hamlin' etc. (B.P. 24% incl. VAT) CONDITION REPORT: Peter Rabbit - 85 pages. No "wept tears". Some discolouring with age. No dust jacket but in tact and good overall. Alice in Wonderland - One picture is coloured in.
Lot 2579
An exceptional pair of cased Precussion Officers Pistols by Ross of Edinburgh, provenance owned by the late Admiral George Hathorn. A very fine cased pair of percussion Officer's pistols by Ross of Edinburgh, 7.75inch sighted octagonal browned damascus barrels engraved Ross Edinburgh in Gothic script, scroll engraved case colour hardened breeches with platinum plugs, border and scroll engraved case colour hardened stepped and bolted locks signed Ross, three-quarters stocked with blued steel mounts including spur trigger guards engraved with the serial no. 173, shield shaped white metal escutcheons engraved with owner's initials G.H., swivel ramrods, contained in their brass bound oak case, the lid with flush fitting carrying handle and circular escutcheon engraved George Hathorn Esq, sliding catches, the green baize lined interior with commensurate accessories to include red leather wrapped three-way powder flask. The pistols retain all of their browned finish to the barrels, all of the varnish to the stocks, all of the case colour hardening to the locks and breeches and virtually all of the blueing to the trigger guards. We would like to thank Clare County Library for providing the image of Admiral George Hathorn and granting permission to use it. Possibly Admiral George Hathorn, the following extract taken from The Naval Biographical Dictionary. George Hathorn, born 17 Nov. 1803, is son of Geo. Hathorn, Esq., of Brunswick Square, London, and is of the family of Hathorn, of Castle Wigg, co. Wigtoun, N.B. He is brother-in-law of Commander Matt. Dixon, R.N. This officer entered the Navy, 9 Aug. 1817, on board the Active 46, Capt. Sir Jas. Alex. Gordon; passed his examination in 1824; obtained his first commission 30 April, 1827; and was afterwards appointed, 22 Jan. 1829, and 25 Nov. 1833, to the Vanguard 76, Capts. Wm. Henry Shirreff, Sam. Burgess, and Chas. Talbot, and Canopus 84, Capt. Hon. Josceline Percy, on the South American and Mediterranean stations. Having officiated for a considerable time as First-Lieutenant of those ships, he was advanced, 10 Jan. 1837, to the rank of Commander; and, on 9 April, 1839, he was nominated Second-Captain of the Benbow 72, Capt. Houston Stewart; his services in which ship on the coast of Syria and at the bombardment of St. Jean d'Acre procured him a Post-commission dated 4 Nov. 1840. He has since been on half-pay.
Lot 338
A porcelain sculpture of two dancers probably by Royal Dux, model no.2993. modelled in exotic costume, probably based on Rudolf Nureyev, glazed in blue and white, highlighted in gilt, and a Royal Dux model of a pierrot holding a guitar, first group unmarked, second with applied factory mark, losses to guitar, 30cm. high (dancer group), (2)
Lot 810
Three stamp albums containing a quantity of British and worldwide stamps, an exercise book containing a quantity of British stamps, many mint, a collection of first day covers together with a small collection of postcards of Sheerness, a 1933 Christmas card from the 8th Field Battery RA and an oval over-painted photograph of a young lady dated 1912 (displayed in cabinet).
Lot 75
1943 Wireless Operator’s Distinguished Flying Cross Medal And Log Book Group Awarded to Pilot Officer Andrew Duff Todd Who Was Awarded His DFC For a Very Eventful Tour of Operations in Halifax’s With No 76 Squadron Where on Numerous Occasions His Plane Has Returned Hit by Flak and on His 4th Operation His Halifax Returned on 3 Engines. After serving with an OTU as an instructor, Todd trained to become a Pathfinder and joined 635 Pathfinder squadron in late 1944 and flew a further hard 22 missions where his Lancaster again returned with damage on different occasions and also returned with the Flight Engineer wounded. He flew other operations including a brace of 1000 bomber raids and an operation where the Master Bomber of the raid was in his crew and another two as the Deputy Master bomber during the raid on Kiel that the famous German cruiser Admiral Scheer was sunk.Distinguished Flying Cross dated 1944 to the reverse, 1939-45 star, Air Crew Europe star, Defence medal, British War medal 1939-1945. Medals are swing mounted for wear. Accompanied with the recipients original log book which covers from his initial training in 1942 to when he left the RAF in 1951, as well as two original snapshot photographs of the crew and of their Lancaster. Also accompanied by a Signaller’s brevet as well as a pathfinder tunic badge. Original Royal Mint case for the Distinguished Flying Cross.The award appeared in the London Gazette 15th February 1944: The recommendation for the award was as follows, “This officer has completed 28 sorties as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, a flown a total of 173 operational hours. He has carried out attacks against many of the heaviest defended targets, including Berlin, Two to Cologne, Two to Hamburg and eleven to the Ruhr. He has an outstanding fighting spirit, and has displayed initiative and determination of a very high order. He has at all times shown a very high degree of endurance and fine offensive spirit in action, and his resourcefulness and cheerfulness has inspired confidence in all those whom he has come in contact.”Remarks by the Station Commander: “A member of a very gallant crew who by his cooperation and skill in his duties has materially contributed to the success of the crew. Recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross”Andrew Duff Todd enlisted into the RAF and trained as a wireless operator and an air gunner in 1942 before being posted to No 76 squadron at RAF Linton in May 1943. Throughout his first tour, there were some very Hair raising moments such as on his 3rd operation to Essen he described it as “shaky trip! Heavy flak” and on his 4th operation to Wuppertal his Halifax was “Hit by flak” and it returned on 3 engines. Other missions includes Cologne on the 3rd of July 1943 where he reported there being “Barrage Flak” and also on an operation on the 9th July to Gelsenkirchen he reported “Heavy flak”. In the second half of his first tour, Todd also flew a mission “over the Swiss frontier” on the Le Peugeot works, as well as on a mission to Milan on the 12th August 1943 they went “over the Alps in moonlight”. On the 23rd of August 1943 his crew flew a mission to Berlin where he describes it as “a sticky trip” and that “58 missing”. He flew his final mission of his first tour on Kassel on the 3rd of October 1943, after this tour he was awarded the DFC and was screened for instructor duties with 10 OTU.After he finished his time as an instructor, Todd commenced training to become a Pathfinder and joined 635 Squadron, Pathfinder Force on in September 1944. His first operation was on the 14th October 1944 on Duisburg where he flew in the crew of the Master Bomber of that raid under Wing Commander Sidney “Tubby” Baker DSO DFC. Todd flew a further 22 operations with 635 squadron , many of them daylight, including on the 23rd of December 1944, his Lancaster returned home “Hit 6 times” with the “engineer injured”, as well as two 1000 bomber daylight raids on the 11th and 12th of March 1945 on Essen and Dortmund. He flew a further two operations flying in the crew of the Deputy Master Bomber, one on the 27th March 1945 to Paderborn and another on the 11th April 1945 to Kiel, where Todd notes that the famous cruiser Admiral Scheer was sunk. His final Operational sortie on the 25th April 1945 was on the Berchtesgaden, also known as Hitler’s “Eagle’s nest”. After a couple of sorties carried out during operation Exodus near the end of the war, the war was over. Todd carried on flying with the RAF and retired in1951.
Lot 52
Great War Medals of the Newton Family, consisting of 1914-15 star trio awarded to “14515 PTE. J. NEWTON. E.YORK.R.” accompanied by a East Yorkshire regiment cap badge and two brass wound stripes, bronze memorial plaque named to “GEORGE NEWTON” housed in a small glazed frame. (7 items)James Newton served with the East Yorkshire regiment in the First World War and landed in France on the 8th of May 1915. There are numerous George Newton’s listed as casualties of the Great War.
Lot 486
Rare Air Transport Auxiliary (A.T.A) Pilots Wing Attributed to American ATA Pilot First Officer Wilbur Washington “Bee” Acton, Who Was Killed in 1944, the fine quality, possibly American made wing is constructed from gilded silver. American style wings with central oval having finely exposed ATA. Reverse of the wing is stamped “SILVER” and a American style brooch pin and catch fixing is present. The Wing remains in very good condition. Accompanying the wing is a hand written note from Michael Wells stating, “Very rare one of 3 known examples of ATA wings belonging to American ATA Pilot First Officer Wilbur Washington (Bee) Acton, USA, ATA who was killed in the course of Ferrying duties with the ATA 1944”. On the 8th July 1944 First Officer Wilbur Acton was flying an Anson I NK773 when an Oxford X7134 descended below the cloud cover and collided with Wilbur’s Anson. Both planes crashed north of Hullavington, Robourne, Wiltshire. RAF Pilot B N Philips of the Oxford was killed, as was Squadron Leader W A Law. The incident and death of Acton was reported in Flight Magazine on 20th July 1944.
Lot 33
An Outstanding Great War, 1st Day of the Battle of Cambrai Gallantry Distinguished Service Order Group of Three Awarded to Second Lieutenant William Joffe, who won His DSO for Gallantry with the 7th Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, during the attack on La Vacquerie on the 20th November 1917, Later Transferring to the Royal Air Force with No 1. Squadron and Flew Missions in Se5a Fighters Before Being Shot Down and Killed on the 1st October 1918,Distinguished Service order GVR, British War Medal and Victory Medal, named to “2.LIEUT. W. JOFFE. R.A.F.”. Medals have been court mounted for display.The Distinguished Service Order appeared in the London Gazette 5th July 1918: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Before reaching the finial objective which his Company had been detailed to capture, his Company Commander becoming a casualty, he immediately organised a party consisting of an NCO and twelve and in the face of extremely heavy machine gun and rifle grenade fire and point blank fire from an enemy field gun. Though wounded he showed great courage and determination and the successful capture of the finial objective was entirely due to his fine leadership and quick initiative.”William Joffe was born in 1895 into a Jewish South African family and lived in Kimberly, South Africa. When war was declared, Joffe enlisted into the R.A.M.C. and landed in Egypt on the 14th July 1915. He later commissioned into the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on the 31st July 1917 before transferring to the 7th Battalion. On the 20th November 1917, on the first day of the Cambrai offensive, along with I battalion, Tank corps his battalion was tasked with attacking the French hamlet of La Vacquerie on the Hindenburg line. It was during this attack; Joffe led his dozen men against a defended 77 mm. gun, which continued firing point blank until they were within fifty yards of it. The position was captured, but Joffe was wounded. For this action Joffe was awarded the DSO, remarkable whilst he was still as 2nd Lieutenant. Shortly after, he transferred to the RAF where he trained to be a fighter pilot. Joffe transferred to 1 Squadron on the 31st August 1918 and flew SE5a fighters throughout the period of Black September. On the 1st of October 1918, Joffe along with other members of his patrol shared in the shooting down on a Fokker DVII. Later on in the day the Squadron histories record Joffe as failing to return from the same patrol and it is believed that he was himself shot down and killed by ObIn. Schmidt of Jasta 5 in a combat over De Pavilon. William Joffe is one of two men buried in Esqueheries Communal Cemetery.
Lot 74
Outstanding Double Gallantry Medal, Insignia and Paperwork Group of Lieutenant James Arthur Riccomini Royal Army Service Corps, Army Air Corps, Attached 2nd Special Air Service Regiment (S.A.S), Awarded the MBE for Escaping Captivity and Serving with Italian Partisan Fighters, Military Cross Awarded for Operations Behind Enemy Lines with the 2nd Special Air Service, Finally Being Killed in Action during the SAS Raid on Villa Rossi on 27th March 1945, The medals consisting of Order of the British Empire M.B.E Military type with engraved to the reverse of the crown “J.A.R”, George VI Military Cross officially engraved to the reverse 1945 and additionally engraved “James A Riccomini”, 1939-45 star, Africa star, Italy star and 1939-45 War medal, these have all been privately engraved by the current vendor “LT J A RICCOMINI MBE MC 2ND SAS”. The medals have been mounted onto a display board along with two brass rank pips, Africa star ribbon, RASC sweetheart brooch and printed recommendations for both awards. Loose from the display is the original named condolence slip, OHMS forwarding box addressed to his wife (who had re-married) in Maidstone and Royal Mint cases for both the MBE and Military Cross.Accompanying the medals are the following items of cloth insignia which belonged to Lieutenant Riccomini including his embroidered sky blue on maroon 2nd S.A.S cloth shoulder title, embroidered WW2 period Special Air Service parachute wing, embroidered S.A.S wartime winged dagger beret badge and embroidered Free French arm badge. These have all been tacked to a piece of khaki cloth for display.An archive of original and photocopied research accompanies this grouping, which has been professionally collated and displayed in a file. The paperwork includes his marriage certificate, hospital release documents, Special Orders, telegrams from home, receipt for an Egyptian Antiquity he purchased whilst stationed in Egypt, typed reconnaissance reports, etc.Amongst the paperwork is a very interesting forged Italian identity card given to Riccomini by the Partisans, which has his photograph inside and gives his name as Enrico Riccomini, from Roma Italia. He would have been carrying this on him whilst trying to get to Switzerland.Archive continues with various letters and photographs taken whilst in Switzerland, official recommendation for the MBE, letter to his wife in 1947 confirming her visit to Buckingham Palace to collect his award and a letter which he smuggled out of Italy in which he wrote to his wife, within this letter he states, “On September 19th last year I was lucky enough to escape from the Germans & since that time I have been hiding & running, always finding wonderful friends among the Italian people. Today another chap and I are starting out for Switzerland. We hope to be there in two or three days time. If we are lucky this will not be sent, but if we fail you will receive this after the war. Sorry darling that I cannot write more, but this note has to be hidden securely. My love to all at home Janey I’m hoping to see you before long & remember that I love you, Your Husband Jim”The archive then moves onto his service with the SAS and his involvement in Operation Gallia, which is what he was awarded his Military Cross for. This includes a number of letters and extracts from books giving history and testimonials about James Riccomini. Then continues with information about operation Tombola and his death during the attack on Villa Rossi, including his last letter home to his wife and also a letter written by Major R Walker-Brown about his death, “I am most sad to have to tell you that Ricci was killed in action in Italy on the 27th March 45. Ricci as we all called him, died a brave and gallant death at the head of his men, during one of the most dangerous and effective attacks ever undertaken by this regiment against the enemy.” He goes on to state that he has enclosed an image of his grave and where it is located, this image is also in the archive. Other paperwork in the archive includes his bestowal document for the MBE, painting of his parachute drop, two of his original diaries and a quantity of books about the SAS in which he is mentioned in most.M.B.E. London Gazette 1 March 1945, The recommendation for his award of the MBE was as follows, “Lieutenant James Arthur Riccomini (137803) 286 Coy R.A.S.C, Lieutenant Riccomini was captured at Halfaya Pass on the 16th June 1941 and was imprisoned in camp 5 (Gavi) at the time of the Italian Armistice. This camp was taken over by the Germans on the 9th September 1943 and the main body moved to Germany on 13th September 1943. With several other officers, Lieutenant Riccomini hid in the camp while the move took place, but was discovered three days later and moved by bus to Mantova. On the evening of the 18th September 1943, he and 16 other officers were locked in a cattle truck for transportation to Germany. Immediately the train started they began to cut a hole in the back of the truck, this was completed in about three hours and they drew lots as to who should jump first. Lieutenant Riccomini and another officer jumped from the moving train just north of Roverto at about 0430 Hrs on the 19th September 1943 and walked South-East making for Yugoslavia. A week later they joined a Partisan band led by an Italian ex-officer. Lieutenant Riccomini and his companion remained with this band until January 1944, helping to organise resistance, getting together dumps of ammunition and obtaining intelligence reports. The band was broken up by Germans and these officers then organised a route to Switzerland by which they themselves and several other Ex Prisoners of War in the area crossed the Swiss border on the 11th January 1944.” Military Cross London Gazette 1 March 1945. The recommendation for his Military Cross was as follows, “Lieutenant James Arthur Riccomini (137803) R.A.S.C, This officer dropped behind enemy lines by parachute on 27th December 1944 as 2nd in command of an S.A.S troop. On the 11th January 1945 he was commanding a detachment which ambushed a German column on the Genoa-Spezia road near Bocca Del Pignone. One lorry was completely destroyed and a staff car was riddled with Machine Gun fire. 30 casualties in killed and wounded were inflicted on the Germans. The success of this operation was entirely due to this officers personal skill and courage. He directed the fire attack on the column in full view of the enemy, completely ignoring the fire returned by them. On 19th January 1945 he again ambushed two vehicles on the road Pontrmoli-Spezia as they were crossing a bridge. One truck was destroyed and a number of casualties were inflicted on the Germans. When 10,000 enemy troops were conducting a Rostrellimento against the SAS contingent on several occasions it was entirely this officers skill and personal courage which prevented the enemy from capturing or killing personnel under his command. Despite a badly poisoned foot, in arctic conditions of gales, sleet and snow, he made his way through deep snow drifts with his men, never failing to carry out any task allotted him. Throughout the operations lasting from 27th December 1944 to 20th February 1945 he was a personal source of inspiration and encouragement to his men. His conduct could not have been excelled in any way being far above the normal call of duty.”
Lot 49
Great War 1916 16th (Church Lads Brigade) Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps Casualty 1914-15 Star Medal Trio and Memorial Plaque Awarded to Private William Chappell, medals named to “C-402 PTE W. CHAPPELL. K.R.RIF:C.”, bronze memorial plaque named to “WILLIAM CHAPPELL”. All medals in their original boxes of issue and plaque in its original sleeve of issue. Also accompanied by Private Chappell’s original ‘soldier’s small book’.William Chappell was born on the 20th October 1895 in Batley, the son of Arthur and Hannah Maria Chappell, who were both born in Ossett. William Chappell was baptised at Ossett Holy Trinity church on the 15th January 1902, when he was aged six years. The Chappells lived at 6, Groudle Place, Broadowler Lane, Ossett, with William (known as "Willie"), his brother Joe (born 1894), sister Mary (born 1905), and his cousin Bertram Allsopp (born 1891), who was the adopted son of the Chappells. Willie joined the Church Lads Brigade in 1909, and the boys were disciplined locally in rifle drills and various military style exercises. In 1911 the small movement became recognised by the War Office as part of the Territorial Cadet Force and when the call to arms came in the summer of 1914, they formed the 16th (Service) Battalion (Church Lads Brigade) of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) under Field Marshal Lord Grenfell at Denham in Buckinghamshire. In November the Division received a warning order to prepare to sail for France, and the Brigade moved by train to Southampton with a total contingent of 30 officers and 994 other ranks, 64 horses and mules, 19 vehicles and 9 bicycles. Willie and the 16th Battalion (Church Lads Brigade) of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps ended their journey into war with a night Channel crossing and landed on 17th November in the Haute-Normandie region of France at Le Havre. The following is an account from records of the KRRC 16th Battalion: “From the Le Havre, the battalion moves first by train via Abbeville to Thienne on 19th November and then after a few days in Boesegham it marches on to Annezin by the 30th November. Various course and training continue while different parts of the battalion are giving some trench familiarisation in rotation. Others are attached to the 180th Tunnelling Company RE as working parties for mining activities. They move to St.Hilaire on the 12th December, where they remain until the 28th December. Christmas day 1915, passes without any special note and on the 28th/29th December they move to billets in Bethune. The Battalion gets the bath house on New Year's day, but there is no clean kit available”. On 2nd January 1916, the first Sunday of the New Year, the battalion moves into the firing line for eight days in trenches near Bethune. The battalion's position comes under an intense bombardment that lasts for hours. As the firing and shelling dies down, the damage has to be repaired. This work, together with digging out the buried men, goes for the next few days while the enemy continue to snipe, shell and machine gun. The battalion is relieved on the 10th of January. Their losses for that first Sunday alone were 9 killed and 27 wounded. William Chappell's service record shows that he was wounded in action on 28th January 1916 with gunshot wounds to the foot and head resulting in a fractured skull. He died of his wounds on the 31st January 1916 aged 20 years. William "Willie" Chappell is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery in the Pas de Calais area of France.
Lot 70
WW1 & WW2 Royal Navy Long Service Medal Group of Eleven, awarded to Able Seaman William Palmer, group consists of 1914-15 star “J28062 W PALMER BOY 1 RN”, British War and Victory medals “J28062 W PALMER AB RN”, 1939-45 star, Atlantic star, Africa star, Italy star, 1939-45 War medal, 1935 Jubilee medal, 1937 Coronation medal and George V Royal Navy Long Service Good Conduct medal “J28062 W PALMER AB HMS VERNON”. The WW1 service medals are heavily polished, others remain in generally good condition. Accompanied by his original certificate of service.William Palmer was from Tottenham, North London. He enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1913. He served during the First World War on HMS Defiance, including at the Battle of Jutland where he received the Jutland Prize Fund. He continued to serve on various training and shore establishments, it was whilst on HMS Vernon that he received the LSGC medal. From 1942 until the end of the war he was stationed at President III.
Lot 98
A Selection of Royal Red Cross Medals, Hallmarked Silver St John’s Ambulance Association medal named to “469594 HARRIET MAKINSON”. A Royal Red Cross medal with a “proficiency in Red Cross first aid” bar, named to “021662 L.L RYE”. A Royal Red Cross “3 yeas service” medal, numbered on the reverse “31850”. A Royal Red Cross medal with a “proficiency in Red Cross first aid” bar, unnamed. A St John’s Ambulance Association medal named to “200625 NELLIE JONES” with 1918 bar. Two identical Junior Royal Red Cross medals, both unnamed. (7 items)
Lot 61
Great War ‘Manchester Pals’ and ‘Oldham Territorials’ Ypres Casualty Memorial Plaque, the bronze memorial plaque named to “FIELDEN CRABTREE”, housed in the original card case. Remains in good condition. Accompanied by two Great War period bi-metal cap badges for the Manchester regiment and Lincolnshire regiment.Fielden Crabtree was born in Todmorden, Lancashire in 1894. He enlisted into the 22nd Battalion (7th City Pals) battalion of the Manchester regiment and landed in France on the 12th November 1915. On the 1st July, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the 22nd, as part of 7th Division, would be attacking Fricourt in a pincer movement. The 22nd’s objectives would be Bucket trench and Danzig alley. During the fighting on the first day, the battalion paid a terrible price, of the 796 men that started the day, they suffered 472 casualties. It was during the battalion’s fighting on the 1st of July that Crabtree was wounded and was sent home to recover. At some point after this event, Crabtree transferred to the 24th (Oldham) battalion of the Manchester regiment. Shortly after returning to France in February 1917, Crabtree was gassed and spent time in hospital with gas poisoning. Within a month of returning to his unit for the third time, Crabtree was mortally wounded fighting in Ypres in late August, early September 1917, and died of wounds on the 2nd September 1917. Fielden Crabtree is buried in Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Ypres.
Lot 585
Imperial German M16 Camouflaged Steel Combat Helmet, fine untouched example of a Model 16 steel combat helmet as worn in the Trenches of the Western Front during the First World War. The helmet has textbook block camouflage paint finish in greens, yellows and browns separated by thick black border lines. The helmet interior retains the leather liner band and the three leather liner pads, these are suffering from dry rot and some of the tongues are damaged or absent. Rear skirt of the shell is painted in white with the original owners name. Overall a very good example of a model 16 steel combat helmet with a strong camouflage paint finish.
Lot 77
A Fascinating Photographic Reconnaissance and Metrological Spitfire Pilot’s Air Force Cross Medal and Log Books Group of Six Awarded to Flying Officer Ronald George Brown, who briefly flew Convoy and Anti/Submarine Patrols stationed in Ireland in 1940 during the Battle of Britain, before completing a tour of operations flying Photo Reconnaissance Spitfires, flying numerous operations on France, Germany as well as Denmark. Winning the Air Force Cross for his dedication to duty whilst flying Spitfire’s with a Metrological flight, where his “total flying hours are 1588 of which 200 have been performed in the last 6 months” as well as “in one period of three months he made 90 ascents, not missing a single day, although in many cases visibility at take off and on landing was practically nil”Air Force Cross “1944” accompanied with original box of presentation, 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star (Air Crew Europe bar), Defence Medal, British War Medal and an Air efficiency medal, named to “FG. OFF. R. G. BROWN R.A.F.V.R.” Accompanied by three Royal Air Force Pilots flying log books covering October 1939 until August 1947 and an archive of photographs, all from Brown’s service in the RAF, including Group photographs, a number of Brown’s Reconnaissance Photo’s and some photos of Brown in his flying gear by his Spitfire.Air Force Cross London Gazette: 8th June 1944, and the citation was as follows, “F/O. Ronald George Brown. (128366) I have the honour to recommend the above named officer for the A.F.C. in recognition of his work in 1402 Meteorological Flight as Pilot of the high altitude ascent Spitfires for the past year. During this time he has made 250 ascents to 40,000 ft. frequently under the most adverse weather conditions imaginable. In one period of three months he made 90 ascents, not missing a single day, although in many cases visibility at take-off and landing was practically nil. In spite of the heavy strain imposed on him by this intensity of work, his cheerfulness and keenness to fly set a high example to the remainder of the Flight. All these ascents have been made in a Spitfire VI, in which the difficulties of the Pilot include nil forward visibility in rain, and the fact the hood of the pressure cabin remains locked in the position throughout the sortie. It is solely due to the Keenness and zeal of this officer, that the Prata sortie has been completed with such unfailing regularity, since for long periods no other qualified Spitfire pilots were available for the bad whether sorties. The fact that meteorological reports arising from the sortie have been available every day during the past year has been made possible only by the selfless devotion to duty of F/O. Brown, who has never allowed consideration of personal safety to prevent him from flying. His ability as a Pilot is of the highest order, and this is amply demonstrated by the fact that, in spite of having made well over 350 flights during the year, on no occasion has he damaged and aircraft in any way”.Ronald George Brown Enlisted into the RAFVR on the outbreak of war, and immediately commenced his flying training. His first operational squadron was 48 squadron, where he flew Anson’s in Anti/Submarine and convoy patrols from August 1940 to the end of January 1941. From 48 squadron, Brown commenced training in Spitfires and was transferred to No 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit in March 1941, flying his first operation on the 19th March, a Photo recce mission to Caen and two days later another mission to the cape de la Hague. Flying no less than 65 photo recon Missions, to targets such as the Dortmund-ems canal, Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo, Lannion, St. Malo among many others. After other postings, Brown was transferred to 1402 Meteorological Flight based at Aldegrove, where He was a high altitude spitfire Pilot and made no less than 350 flights whilst with the Unit, with an unblemished crash record. Because of his behaviour, skill and devotion to duty to duty in this period, that Brown was awarded the Air Force Cross. Brown Continued to fly with the RAF until August 1947.
Lot 604
Fine Imperial German Prussian Model 1889 Officers Sword Given by Leutnant Kemmer to Leutnant Vondran on Graduation from Military College in 1910, Leutnant Vondran was Killed in Action in August 1914, standard Prussian Infantry officers sword with folding front and rear guards, brass knuckle guard and pommel. Original grip retaining the wire binding and brass monogram. Original leather and bullion officers sword knot / portopee attached. The blade has two presentation panels to each side, both originally would have been blue and gilt, gilt remains only, “Kemmer s/l Vondran” and “Danzig 1909/10”. Blade has double fuller and is single edged. Housed in its original scabbard. Some light surface staining / spotting to the blade but generally a very good example. It was common practice for German officers to present fellow officers with a sword on graduation from Military College. The vendor has carried out research on the two officers relating to this sword. Both officers were commissioned as Leutnant’s in 1910. Kemmer served with Infantry Regiment 88 and later transferred to Infantry Regiment 97, by 1914 he had left the army. Vondran first served with Infantry Regiment 99, at the outbreak of the First World War he was temporarily detached from Infantry Regiment 99 and was serving with Field Artillery Regiment 84, the records state that he was killed in action on the 25th August 1914 and that he was born in New York, USA.
Lot 383
Canadian 20th The Lorne Rifles (Scottish) Cross Belt Plate, being a post WW1 example of the brass rectangular plate with white metal regimental insignia to the centre having battle honours for the First World War. Reverse of the plate has three screw fixing posts and four stud fittings. Generally good condition.
Lot 78
WW2 Royal Air Force 1945 Fighter Pilots Casualty Medals and Log Book Grouping of Sergeant Pilot J K Holden 56 Squadron RAFVR, consisting of boxed medal group addressed to Holden’s father in Wisbey, Bradford. His medals consist of 1939-45 star, France & Germany star, Defence medal and 1939-45 War medal. Original Air Ministry casualty forwarding slip housed inside the box. Accompanying the medals are his two flying log books, the first covers his training from December 1941 until February 1944, where he flew various aircraft including Tiger Moth, Stearman PT-17, Vultee BT-13, Hawker Hurricane, Spitfire, etc. The second log book in the group covers the period January 1944 until his death in February 1945. The second log is also mostly training as it appears that Holden was killed on just his second operation which was an Armed Reconnaissance sortie with 56 Squadron on 2nd February 1945, flying Tempest V aircraft. Other items in the grouping include a pocket diary from 1941 with hand drawn illustrations, handwritten diary from 1942 detailing his time spent training in Canada and the USA, 2x pairs of RAF padded pilots wings, 2x framed photographs of Holden in RAF uniform (one with a pair of RAF pilots wings), 1942 Gunter Field USAAF Training Centre Yearbook, USAAF Pilot Training certificate, 3x period publications relating to USAAF training base airfields, selection of black and white photographs including two of his parents by his grave and book “Planes of the Great War 1914-1918 – Fifty of Howard Leigh’s Popular Prints Reproduced by Collotype” by Howard Leigh. Grouping all housed in suitcase that grouping was stored in from 1945 until the death of Holden’s mother, when the case and contents was thrown into a skip but rescued by a former school friend of Holden and Royal Air Force veteran.The vendor states that Sergeant Pilot John Kenneth Holden was killed in action when he failed to pull up after strafing a German troop train, but we have been unable to confirm this. John Kenneth Holden was form Wisbey Bradford in Yorkshire. He was 23 when he was killed.
Lot 76
An Outstanding Wellington and Lancaster Wireless Operator’s Distinguished Flying Medal (D.F.M) Group of Four, Posthumously Awarded to Pilot Officer (late Flight Sergeant) George Edward Andrews 57 squadron, who began his operational flying career flying sweeps and reconnaissance’s over the North Sea during the Battle of Britain during September and October 1940. Awarded the DFM for one and a half, very eventful tours of operations in wellingtons during which he and his crew had to ditch in the Mediterranean Sea whilst en-route to Malta. After converting to Lancaster bombers, along with his crew, Andrews was reported missing on his 14th operation of his second tour on a Mission to Hamburg.Distinguished Flying medal, named to “751451 F/SGT G.E. ANDREWS. R.A.F.”, 1939/45 star, Air Crew Europe star, British War medal 1939-45. Accompanied with His Log book where all of his Missions are listed, various paperwork including the original tickertape telegram reporting his death and various letters and slips from Buckingham palace including his citation for the DFM. Also with the lot are various letters to and from the recipients wife after the war and photographs of the recipient and of his wife and parents collection his DFM from Buckingham palace.The award appeared in the London Gazette 10th April 1945, with effect from the 8th November 1942”, The citation for the award was as follows, “751451 Flight Sergeant (later Pilot Officer) George Edward Andrews, No 57 Squadron. Flight Sergeant Andrews is now serving on his second operational tour. He has taken part in many sorties, including the recent raids on Le Creusot, Genoa and Milan. He is an exceptionally fine wireless operator and an invaluable member of the aircraft crew. He has always displayed skill, initiative and keenness of the highest order.”George Edward Andrews was born in 1920 and originated from Hull. On the outbreak of war he enlisted into the RAFVR and qualified as a wireless operator in April 1940 and qualified as an air gunner in June 1940. H commenced his operational service with No 57 squadron in September 1940 and until October was flying reconnaissance missions and sweeps over the North sea during the battle of Britain. After converting to Wellington’s he completed his first bombing raid on Rotterdam on the 10th February 1941. Along with his crew, Andrews flew a further nine operation including Kiel, Bremen, Cologne and Hamburg before his crew was posted to Malta during the height of the Defence of Malta. The crew flew firstly to Gibraltar, and on the flight from Gibraltar to Malta, he records in his Log book that his Wellington “Crashed in the Mediterranean sea. Lost 3 of the crew. SGT. Griffiths, SGT. Richards and SGT. Hepple. Picked up by the SS Sante Irene”. After this ordeal the surviving members of the crew were flown back to the UK in a Short S.26 Golden Hind Flying Boat, and re-joined the squadron in May 1941. Remarkably after a short amount of time, Andrews was flying operationally again starting with an operation to Dusseldorf on the 2nd June and the crew completed the remainder of their tour flying such operations as Hamm, Brest, Cologne, Bremen and Essen, with is final mission of his first tour to Munster on the 6th July 1941. After a spell at No 15 OTU on instruction duties, Andrews returned to 57 squadron to commence his second tour of operations with his first mission to Bremen on the 25th June 1942, Along with his crew they flew a further eight operations including Duisburg, Hamburg, Mainz, Osnabruck and Frankfurt before being sent off to a short conversion course to be converted to Lancaster Bombers. The crew returned to the squadron in October 1942 and flew their first mission in Lancaster’s on Kiel on the 13th October before flying a further 5 missions including the famous Le Creusot raid where he describes it in his log book as “ Daylight attack on Le Creusot – 20 Feet trip over France (90 Lancasters)” as well as another daylight raid on Milan where Andrew’s Lancaster’s “port wing was holed”. His penultimate mission was a Gardening operation in the mouth of the river Gironde on the 6/7th November 1942, only a month before the famed Cockleshell raid took place in that same river. On the night of the 9th November 1942, Andrews and his crew was tasked with an operation on Hamburg, it was during this mission that their Lancaster was shot down and Andrews was killed. George Edward Andrews is Buried in Hamburg Cemetary.’
Lot 347
Three late 18th/19th Century basalt ware teapots the first example of plain oval form having a widow finial above a single band of geometric motifs, height 15cm, the second example of square form relief decorated with Nelson to one side and arms to the back, height 13cm, the finial example of circular form with incised geometric decoration, marked Harding, height 11cm CONDITION REPORT: Circular example: lacking cover and chip/piece missing from spoutSquare example: large crack and piece missing from body, piece on cover broken out and glued, chip to underside of cover, chip to spoutPlain example piece on cover broken out and glued back possible repair/respray to bodysee images
Lot 276
Scott, Sir Walter: 1- Woodstock. In 3 volumes; 1826, first edition; half titles present in vols. 2 &3. Full leather worn and chipped with loss; 2- Guy Mannering. In 3 volumes; 1815, first edition; no half titles; Full leather worn and chipped with loss; browning and foxing; 3- Kenilworth. In 3 volumes; 1821, first edition; half titles present; Full leather worn and chipped with loss; 4- The Lord of the Isles. New York,1815, first American edition; half title present; 5- Ivanhoe. In 3 volumes; 1820, second edition; covers worn detached. (13)
Lot 109
A George V long service and good conduct medal, presented to SJT C Miller of the Essex Regiment, complete with his full service history and copies of personal paperwork. Service record confirms Miller was wounded in action on 15 September 1914 during the First World War. Two militaria books, 'The Adventures of a Light Dragon in the Napoleonic Wars', and 'Australians in the Waikato War'
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