*A WW2 D-Day Interest Group of 4 attributed to Flying Officer Edward Henry Donne, No. 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force, who having bailed out successfully from his damaged ‘Typhoon’ over Caen on ‘D-Day’ - 6th June 1944, returned to action just 48 hours later. He was killed in action when his aircraft was hit by flak over Lingen on 1 April 1945, comprising: 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, with clasp ‘France and Germany’; Defence and War Medals, 1939-1945, all four medals privately engraved (F/O E. H. Donne 266 Rhod. Sqdn., R.A.F.); Group court-mounted, good extremely fine (4) Ex A.A. Upfill-Brown collection. DNW, 25 June 2008, lot 1093. Edward Henry Donne was born in Wimbledon, London on 27 August 1923, being educated at Prince Edward School, Salisbury, Rhodesia. Here he served in the Prince Edward School Cadets as an N.C.O. and first class shot. Having worked previously as a Clerk in the Native Development Department, and based at Umtali, he first was attested for service with the R.A.F. as an A.C. 2, pilot under training in the Royal Air Force on 29 January 1942. Completing his training in Rhodesia, he proceeded overseas to the U.K. in March 1943, joining No. 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron, a Typhoon unit, as a Sergeant Pilot, in January of the following year. Compelled to take to his parachute five miles north-west of Caen on D-Day, he reported back to his unit 48 hours later. He was soon after commissioned, and ‘Ted’ Donne remained actively employed on numerous sorties with No. 266 until he was reported missing on 1 April 1944. His death was subsequently confirmed when his Typhoon - downed by flak in the Lingen area during armed reconnaissance – was discovered as a wreckage at Lonneker, near Enschede, Holland, and his remains interred in the local cemetery. His mother was sent his campaign medals in August 1949. This lot offered with a file of related research, including a photocopied photograph of 266 Squadron personnel, including Donne, and an original but later Rhodesian Government condolence / transmission slip, and an original Record of Service supplied by the H.Q. of the Rhodesian Air Force in 1979.
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*The Superb Triple Sea Gallantry (Foreign Services) Group of 3 awarded to Patrão Joaquim Lopes, an Honorary Officer in the Portuguese Navy and one of the most important life-saving figures in the Portuguese history. He became something of a national hero through a series of famous life-saving incidents off the coast of Portugal near Lisbon in the 19th century, including saving lives from the crews of 3 British ships. King Luis I of Portugal visited his home to personally thank him after one life saving incident, and he latterly returned his 3 British awards to the Government in London in protest against the British Ultimatum to Portugal in 1890 concerning expansion in Colonial Africa, comprising: Sea Gallantry Medal (Foreign Services), V.R, small size in gold (Joaquim Lopes), reverse inscribed ‘For Gallant and Humane Service to the crew of the Schooner British Queen. 1858.’; Sea Gallantry Medal (Foreign Services), V.R, small size in gold (Lieut: Joaquim Lopes. 1880), reverse inscribed ‘For Gallantry and Humanity’; Sea Gallantry Medal (Foreign Services), V.R, small size in silver (Joaquim Lopes. 1856.), reverse inscribed ‘For Saving the lives of British Subjects’; Medals swing mounted on relatively modern bar and offered with one red box of issue by ‘J. Spilling’ of London (hinge broken), light contact marks and once lightly polished, otherwise toned good very fine to extremely fine, with some lustre. Joaquim Lopes was born in the Portuguese town of Olhão on 19 August 1798, the son of a fisherman. He started his own career as a fisherman at the age of 10, working with his father, and at that age he was already capable of jumping from the boat, bringing in the sails, climbing the masts and spreading the nets. At the age of 18 he moved to Gibraltar and also to the Algarve, but returned to the Lisbon area of Paço des Arcos at the age of 22. The sea in this area was well-known for its treacherous currents, caused by the confluence of the Oeiras and Tagus rivers and the presence of the Atlantic Ocean, and no doubt Joaquim Lopes had an intimate knowledge of the waters around Lisbon and the Portuguese coast. He joined a local ‘falua’ as a rower, and soon became recognized as the most skilled man in the boat despite his age. As recorded in the article ‘Patrão Lopes, our Hero’ by Carolina Sa Bandeira, his first rescue took place in 1823, when he saved the lives of a local man and his child as they attempted to cross a river despite its strong current, with both falling in. He successfully saved both in two attempts, and was celebrated in the local town. During his long career as a live-saver and seaman, Joaquim Lopes rescued many sailors from certain death including the crew of three British ships, one of which was the schooner Howard Primrose, the French vessel Stephanie, the Spanish brigandine Achilles and numerous local Portuguese boats. It is worth noting that no formal life-saving service existed at this time, and that such work was provided on a local, volunteer basis. The wreck of the first British vessel – the schooner ‘Howard Primrose’ is not recorded by British sources, but Portuguese records confirm that it took place in February 1856. An alarm was sounded by the Forts of São Julião and São Bugio, and Lopes and some other volunteers quickly launched a boat to rescue the ship’s crew. After some 6 hours of rowing and battling with the heavy swell and wind, the lifeboat returned to port at Paço des Arcos without having been able to reach the stricken vessel. The decision was then taken to return once again, but this time in a more maneuverable fishing vessel, and as a result the lives of the British Captain and 5 other members of the crew. For this Lopes was awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal (Foreign Services) in silver, as well as some gold sovereigns to share with the crew. The second incident concerned the wreck of the schooner ‘British Queen’ on 24 February 1858. This vessel had become wrecked upon the south bank, west of the Bugio Fort, South Bar of Lisbon, where Lopes (as Master), Joaquim Pedro (also a Master) and Carlos Augusto (Crewman) assisted in the saving of the lives of William Bell and Peter O’Connor of the British ship - who were rescued from ‘immediate peril, in a gale of wind and a heavy rolling sea’. For this, Lieutenant Lopes was awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal (Foreign Services) in gold. The third related to the wreck of the barquentine ‘Lucy’ of Brixham, Devon, which was wrecked upon rocks near Bujio Laho on 17 February 1880 as it attempted to enter Lisbon Harbour. A lifeboat was sent out once again under the command of Joaquim Lopes, now at the advanced age of 82 years old, who displayed ‘remarkable coolness and courage’ throughout (The Sea Gallantry Medal by Scarlett refers), and effected the safe recovery of the British crew who had been in ‘extreme peril’. For this incident one gold medal and 11 silver were issued to Lopes and his crew. Also of note was his participation in the rescue of the crew of the yacht Admiral in 1862. Lopes and his companions saved the entire crew of this vessel which had ‘shattered’ in a thunderstorm, and for this King Luis made a visit in person to Joaquim Lopes’ humble home. When asked how many lives Lopes had saved, he answered: “I counted up to three hundred. But after that I lost count!” As a result he was awarded the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword chain by King Luis for courage, loyalty and merit in 1866. Many other countries including France, Spain and Britain also bestowed awards on Joaquim Lopes for his life-saving work - receiving a reported 11 medals in total. Some years later in 1890, Patrão (or Captain) Joaquim Lopes returned his British awards to the government in London in protest against the 1890 British Ultimatum. This ultimatum was seen as being in breach of the Treaty of Windsor of 1386, as it forced the retreat of Portuguese military forces in Africa between the Portuguese colonies of Angola and Mozambique (most of present-day Zimbabwe and Zambia), which were claimed by Portugal but which directly clashed with British aspirations of creating a Cape to Cairo Railway. When Portugal eventually gave in to British demands, it was seen as a national humiliation and serious insult against Portugal - Britain’s oldest ally. Violent protests duly followed in Lisbon and the Union flag was publicly burnt, and clearly Patrão Lopes felt that he could not wear his British medals in good conscience as a result. As Joaquim Lopes grew older he became unable to take to sea, but he reportedly remained on watch outside his house for hours on end, making sure all was well on his ‘patch’ of the coast. Never a rich man, he always made a point of sharing any money for his rescues with his poorer colleagues. Joaquim Lopes died at the age of 92 on 21 December 1890, and a funeral cortege of ships took him along the Tagus River to São Roque for his funeral service. He was then buried in the nearby Occidental Cemetery. Many years later a statue was erected in the seafront gardens at Olhão in 1972 to his lasting memory. Ex Glendining, 15 December 1966, lot 522.
The India General Service Medal with clasp ‘Pegu’ awarded to Lieutenant Edward St John Daniel V.C., R.N. – this, his first campaign medal. Having served in the Second Anglo-Burmese war, he later became Aide-De-Camp to Captain Robert Peel throughout the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny. At the age of just seventeen, Daniel was the youngest of the recipients of the new ‘Victoria Cross’ awarded in early 1857, and his citation records no fewer than 3 separate occasions upon which he showed his bravery. These included carrying powder under fire at Balaklava, remaining at a dangerous and exposed post at the Battle of Inkermann, and then ultimately saving Captain Peel’s life through the timely application of a tourniquet to his superior’s arm upon the glacis of the Redan - afterwards returning him to safety on the 18th of June 1855. Lieutenant Edward Daniel remains the only officer to have had his V.C. forfeited, having deserted his ship at Corfu to avoid a court-martial regarding his increasingly erratic behaviour, comprising: India General Service, 1854-1895, single clasp, Pegu (Edd. St. J. Daniel. Nl. Cadet. “Winchester”), officially impressed in small upright capitals, with length of old and possibly contemporary ribbon, attractively toned,just one or two tiny surface marks, good very fine. V.C.: London Gazette: 24 February 1857: ‘Sir Stephen Lushington recommends this Officer: 1st. For answering a call for volunteers to bring in powder to the Battery, from a waggon in a very exposed position under a destructive fire, a shot having disabled the horses. (This was reported by Captain Peel, commanding the Battery at the time.) 2nd. For accompanying Captain Peel at the Battle of Inkermann as Aide-de-camp. 3rd. For devotion to his leader, Captain Peel, on the 18th June, 1855, in tying a tourniquet on his arm on the glacis of the Redan, whilst exposed to a very heavy fire.’ Lieutenant Edward St John Daniel (1837-1868) was born 17 January 1837 at Nailsea, near Clifton, Somerset, and was baptised on 6April that year. He was the first child of Edward Daniel, a well-known local solicitor, and Babara Daniel (née Bedford), the granddaughter of the 12th Baron St John, and together they would have a further 4 children. Edward Daniel enlisted into the Royal Navy as a naval cadet with H.M.S. Dauntless on 7 January 1851, just prior to his 14th birthday. After just over a year, in March 1852 he had a short spell aboard H.M.S. Blenheim, before transferring to the frigate H.M.S. Winchester in March 1852, commanded by Captain Granville Loch. Edward saw action soon afterwards in the Second Anglo-Burmese War of 1852-53. Arriving in late 1852, and with Martaban, Rangoon, Bassein and Pegu successfully occupied, Captain Loch; upon whom the Irawaddi command had devolved, continued in October that year to pacify areas further up the Irawaddi River. He proceeded upstream in ships’ boats taken from the Winchester, Hastings, Fox and Sphinx and other H.E.I.C. vessels, and launched various combined naval and military expeditions ashore, including the reduction and storming of a fortified position at Prome. Pegu meanwhile saw further fighting, but was once again captured and held in November and December 1852. With most of the key coastal areas now secure, an expedition was despatched to attack the jungle stronghold of Donabew; commanded by a rebellious local warlord called Nya Myat Toon, who continued to resist to the British annexation of Pegu. In February 1853 Captain Loch led a party of 185 seamen, 62 marines and 25 officers from H.M.S. Winchester alongside 300 troops of the 67th Bengal Native Infantry under Major Minchin to confront the enemy. Tragically; and whilst leading the approach through a narrow jungle defile, Loch was mortally wounded by gunshot through the body, and his troops met with deadly resistance in this unexpected reverse for the British forces. This defeat would later be avenged, but for his part in the campaign, Cadet Daniel was awarded the India General Service Medal with clasp ‘Pegu’. It is recorded that during his time in Burma, Edward Daniel would begin to suffer from painful leg ulcers (possibly the very serious bacterial skin infection now known as ‘jungle rot’) which troubled him throughout his life, and seems to confirm a direct involvement in the latter expedition. After this experience in the East he transferred in March 1853 to H.M.S. Contest for a period of 6 months before again transferring to H.M.S. Diamond, under the command of Captain William Peel – an officer who would play a major role in his life thereafter, and would also earn the Victoria Cross. Cadet Daniel was promoted to Midshipman on 8 September 1853 - the following day - and remained with H.M.S. Diamond when it was despatched soon afterwards to the Crimea in 1854. Upon arrival, men from Diamond formed part of the Naval Brigade of Captain Stephen Lushington, of H.M.S. Albion. It was here that Midshipman Daniel was appointed A.D.C. to Captain Peel, alongside his other A.D.C. Midshipman Evelyn Henry Wood, of H.M.S. Queen, another man who would later gain the Victoria Cross. As described in the aforementioned citations, Edward Daniel displayed remarkable bravery during some of the bloodiest battles of the Crimean War, remaining always beside the gallant Captain Peel. His first display of bravery took place on 18 October 1854, as British forces made preparations for the Siege of Sebastopol. Diamond’s guns were now set up as a battery ashore, and it was here that Daniel volunteered to bring up heavy zinc-lined boxes of ammunition (each weighing 112 pounds) from a nearby cart whose horses had already been shot and killed.
*An IGS Punjab Frontier and LSGC Pair awarded to Colour-Sergeant J Ewan, 2nd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, comprising: India General Service, 1895-1902, single clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (3006 Sergt. J. Ewan 2nd Bn. Arg: Suth’d Highrs.); Army Long Service and Good Conduct, E.VII.R. (3006 C. Sjt. J. Ewan. A. & S. Hdrs); Medals loose, suspension to first somewhat slack with some edge bruises in places, about very fine, the second somewhat better (2). Offered with copied medal roll entry confirming his IGS.
*China, Order of the Striped Tiger, Nationalist Issue, First / Second Class set of insignia, in silver-gilt and enamels including Nationalist standard placed on ground before the seated tiger, comprising First Class sash badge, width 77.2mm, on First Class sash and Second Class breast star, width 80mm, all in original lacquer case for a Second Class set, sash badge mounting hook strained and both pieces of insignia showing some wear and minor enamel damage, generally good very fine, seemingly worn as a set and extremely rare (lot)
*A Rare N.G.S. with clasp ‘25 July Boat Service 1809’ awarded to Able Seaman David Hume, R.N., for service aboard H.M.S. Princess Caroline during the bloody and hard-fought night time action against a group of Russian Navy Gunboats at Frederickshamn in the Gulf of Finland, with one enemy ship – gunboat No.62, suffering 100% casualties before being forced to surrender, comprising:Naval General Service, 1793-1840, single clasp, 25 July Boat Service 1809 (David Hume.), light, attractive toning, occasional tiny marks, extremely fine or better, and rare. Ex Whalley, 1877; Ex Lord Cheylesmore, July 1930; Ex Dalrymple White, Glendinings, June 1946; Ex Christies, November 1988; Ex Spink, 21 July, 2011; Ex Baldwin, 2012 retail purchase. Able Seaman David Hume was born and baptised in the Scottish coastal village of Kinghorn, Fife on 7 May 1779 to David Hume and Margaret Drysdale. According to his service records, David first served in H.M.S. Texel, a third rate converted to operate as a guard ship and floating battery in Leith Roads, between May and August 1807. The ship’s musters indicate that he was ‘pressed’ into service with the Royal Navy, possibly in Prestonpans, on the southern side of the Firth of Forth, being rated as an Able Seaman. In August 1807 he was transferred to the third rate, HMS Monmouth. On 15 September 1807, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral William O’Bryen Drury. Monmouth sailed with a convoy of nine Indiamen to the East Indies, and during the voyage, on 25 January 1808 Monmouth captured the Danish ship Nancy. On 12 February she arrived off the Danish possession of Tranquebar on the Indian coast, just in time to observe the landing of troops of the 14th Regiment of Foot and the Honourable East India Company’s artillery. The British immediately went on to capture the settlement and fort, which fell without resistance. Monmouth returned to Britain in September 1808, having escorted home a convoy of Indiamen, and paid off. He was soon after present aboard H.M.S. Princess Caroline during the bloody and hard-fought cutting out expedition against Russian Naval gunboats at Frederikshamn; in the Gulf of Finland near the Aspo Roads, on 25 July 1809. A British force of seventeen boats (from the vessels H.M.S. Cerberus, Minotaur, Princess Caroline and Prometheus) was led by Captain Thomas Forrest of the Prometheus against a small but resolute Russian force of 4 gunboats and an armed transport brig, with a night-time attack commencing at 10.30pm. Four of the Russian vessels were captured, with roughly 150 prisoners taken, but the defence was so fierce in the case of Russian gunboat No.62 that its entire crew of 44 was either killed (24) or wounded prior to the vessel’s capture. The British forces suffered 3 officers and 6 men killed, with approximately 50 wounded (including Captain Forrest), and the Russian forces lost 28 killed and 59 wounded. David Hume served in Princess Caroline until February 1811, and then transferred to H.M.S. Cressy, another third-rate. He was on board Cressy on 23 – 24 December 1811 when the ship was off the west coast of Jutland in the company of H.M.S. St. George, under Rear-Admiral Robert Carthew Reynolds, and HMS Defence. A hurricane blew up but, because St. George was jury-rigged, Captain Atkins of the Defence refused to leave her without the Admiral’s permission. As a result both St. George and Defence were wrecked near Ringkøbing. Cressy, aware of the danger of the nearby shore, broke away from the other two ships. Both Captain’s and Master’s Logs paint a graphic picture of the storm: “Weather was worsening throughout 23 December and the Master frequently adjusted sail to maintain contact with the squadron. Whilst ‘heaving the lead’ the Quartermaster ‘fell overboard and was drowned.” The ship’s logs state that at 9.15 ‘wore ship having broke off….seeing no possibility of clearing the land.’ Ominously at the end of the day the Logs report ‘St. George, Defence…..out of sight’. The storm continued into 24 December and the chain-pumps were rigged because ‘the hand (pumps were) not sufficient to keep her free’. Both St. George and Defence lost almost all their crews, including the Admiral. Most of the bodies that came ashore were buried in the sand dunes of Thorsminde, which have been known ever since as ‘Dead Men’s Dunes’. Continuing to serve on board Cressy, David Hume was made a Petty Officer (Quartermaster’s Mate) on 2 March 1812 and served on convoys to the West Indies and Brazil. He was discharged from Cressy to H.M.S. Prince on 7 May 1814. Prince would seem to have been serving as a receiving ship, and within a week David was discharged from the Navy. This is a scarce NGS for an action against the Russian Navy, and is offered with a copied statement of service, and some useful research. Approximately 36 clasps were issued for this action, of which 15 are known to the market (with two of these held by the National Maritime Museum, one by the Royal Naval Museum, and another in the Patiala Collection at the Sheesh Mahal Museum in India).
The Extremely Rare Swedish Gold Medal for Valour awarded to Commander Joshua Kneeshaw, R.N., for ‘valour in the field’ whilst a Lieutenant in command of the gun-brig H.M.S. Pincer during the Siege and Capture of Glückstadt, 1813-14. ‘An old officer’ who had ‘lost his right arm in the service of his country’, he was given the honour of carrying home Captain Arthur Farquhar’s subsequent despatch – this medal his only entitlement, and one of just 5 issued to British officers, comprising: Sweden, The Order of the Sword, Gold Medal for Valour in the Field (För Tapperhet I Fält), in gold, unnamed as issued, 30.75mm width, 15.00g, offered with original named warrant document, dated 17 January 1814, and with an old, most-likely original ribbon, occasional hairlines and surface nick by first line of reverse inscription, otherwise lustrous, good extremely fine, and extremely rare, particularly so with surviving warrant document. Official Warrant in formal, diplomatic French, states as follows: “Lieutenant Joshua Kneeshaw Esq., the Crown Prince would like to give you, Sir, his public thanks for the thoroughness, energy, zeal and bravery which you have shown during the present war. It is my honour to send you, for your services, the gold medal awarded to officers of all ranks, for your remarkable deeds and bravery, which are only awarded in times of war.” Commander Joshua Kneeshaw, was born on 10 November 1773 at Whitby, York, and joined the Royal Navy c.1793-4 as Midshipman aboard H.M.S. Bellona (74). Whilst aboard this ship he was present at the Defence of Fort Matilda on the island of Guadeloupe in 1794, and at the destruction of the privateers at Deseada in 1795 (including the vessels Duras (20) and La Duquesne (44), and an attack upon a French squadron at St Eustacia. He also took part in the unsuccessful attempt upon San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1795, as well as the capture of Trinidad and the attack upon a Spanish squadron in 1797. In September 1800 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and in 1802 he was given a pension of £200 per annum for the loss of his right arm during his naval service (although at present, the details of this wound/injury are not yet known). After a short period as Commanding Officer of the schooner Corso, he came aboard H.M.S. Georgiana. During a reconnaissance of French forces up the River Seine he was forced to scuttle his armed cutter on the river banks near Honfleur on 25 September 1804. Setting his ship to explode before it could fall into French hands, he escaped with his crew in her boats. Despite having lost the ship, Kneeshaw was not only exonerated, but was praised for his conduct. Some years later he took part in the Walcheren expedition of 1809 whilst commanding the gun-brig H.M.S. Martial, and soon afterwards came aboard H.M.S Piercer in June 1811. His ship formed part of the Heligoland squadron, under the orders of Captain Arthur Farquhar, where British Naval and Military forces gave assistance to a division of the army under the command of the Crown Prince of Sweden, first taking the fortress of Cuxhaven on 1 December 1813, and then seeking to capture the fortress of Glückstadt, at the mouth of the River Elbe. The six British ships (with eight supporting gunboats), assaulted the town itself with cannon and carronade (in the case of the Piercer) whilst also landing a force of artillery (two 6-pounders, six 18-pounders, two 32-pounders and mortars) and men to assist with the reduction of the fortification’s outer walls. H.M.S. Piercer inevitably drew a certain amount of the enemy fire from the water, and was much damaged in the process After a fierce and continued ‘red-hot-shot’ bombardment of 16 days the fortress capitulated, and it was then that Captain Arthur Farquhar wrote in his despatch of 5 Jan 1814 : “To Lieutenants Kneeshaw and Sir George Keith every praise is due, for their able support during the bombardment. Lieutenant Kneeshaw, who will have the honour of carrying home this despatch, is an officer of great merit his attention to his duty since he has been under my command, claims my warmest approbation. He is an old officer, and has lost his right arm in the service of his country.” Given the honour of returning home with this despatch, on 12 January 1814 - the day of his arrival at the Admiralty - Lieutenant Kneeshaw was promoted to the rank of Commander. In addition to this honour, he was just a few days later awarded the Swedish Gold Medal of the Order of the Sword, for ‘Valour in the Field’ on 17 January 1814. Just 5 such awards were given, to Lieutenant (now Commander) Kneeshaw, Sir George Keith of the Red Breast, Lieutenant Charles Haultain for command of the batteries, Lieutenant Hanmer as Senior Lieutenant of the gun boats, and Lieutenant Strangways, R.A., who succeeded the command of the Rocket Brigade upon the death of Captain Bogue. Strangely, none of the above men appear to have received either a Naval (or Military) General Service Medal, and in most cases the Swedish Gold Medal mentioned above remains their only official entitlement. Commander Joshua Kneeshaw afterwards re-appointed to the Piercer, then rated a sloop of war, and also commanded H.M.S. Censor the following year – retiring in 1816. He died at his home in Union Street, Troy Town, Rochester, Kent, on 1 November 1843, at the age of 70. It is not known how many of these very rare medals survive up to the present day, let alone with their original warrants. Just two Naval General Service Medals were awarded to H.M.S. Piercer for this action, those to Midshipmen Thomas Scriven, and Ordinary Seaman George Slowly.
A Fine Great War D.S.O. and Bar Group of 4 awarded to Brevet-Major Robert McCowan Hill, Royal Army Medical Corps, who was recommended for his first D.S.O. for ‘gallantry and devotion to duty’ whilst attached to the 2nd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders at Cuinchy on 23 March 1916, where he amputated the leg of a wounded officer – apparently in the field – ‘on the spot and under heavy fire’. On a second occasion, despite being wounded himself, he went forward into an advance position to treat a full machine-gun team which had been severely wounded, before returning to his post to treat wounded ‘all round him’ – working in such conditions for a further 16 hours, comprising: Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., in silver-gilt and enamels, by Garrard & Co., with bar denoting second award sewn onto ribbon, clasp with reverse brooch pin, in fitted case with named gilt plaquette marked ‘Capt. R. McCowan Hill. M.B., R.A.M.C., March 23. 1916’; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. R. M. Hill. R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. M. Hill) the second with MiD bronze spray of oak leaves attached to ribbon; With original ribbons as worn, well-toned, good very fine (4) D.S.O.: London Gazette: 16.05.16 – (attached 2nd Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He went to an area which was under intense bombardment, amputated the leg of a wounded officer, and attended to other wounded under most difficult and dangerous circumstances. Finally, he accompanied two stretcher cases back under shell fire.’ Bar to D.S.O.: London Gazette: 26.11.17 (details published London Gazette: 06.04.18) - ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on the way to battalion headquarters his party was caught in an enemy barrage and four of them were wounded. He at once dressed their wounds on the spot in a most exposed position and under heavy fire. On arriving at the aid post he was informed that a whole machine-gun team were casualties in an advanced position. No stretcher-bearers were available, and he at once went forward and attended to them on the spot under heavy fire. He then returned and worked at his aid post under intense shelling; often attending to cases in the trench outside when the aid post was full. Casualties were being caused all round him, and he was wounded himself, but, though suffering severely, he ‘remained at duty for sixteen hours until the battalion was relieved. He set a most inspiring example of courage and devotion to duty to all ranks.’ MiD: London Gazette: 05.06.1919 (Brevet-Major) Major Robert McCowan Hill was born c.1882 at Ayr, Scotland, the son of William Hill, a commercial traveller from Cambusnethen and who was for a time Provost of Cumnock, and Jeanie Hart Hill (née McCowan) – the daughter of the auctioneer John McCowan, also a Provost, & keeper of the Eagle Inn, Cumnock. He was educated at Glasgow University and took a position as House Surgeon at Paisley Royal Alexandra Infirmary, where he married Jeanie McCowan (a nursing sister) in the first ceremony to take place in the Infirmary’s chapel, as recorded in newspapers at the time. They then settled in Upper Tooting, London, where he set up a practice before the war. During the Great War he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Lieutenant on 5 October 1914. Attached to the 2nd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, it was at Cuinchy (between Béthune and La Bassée) that he was recommended as Temporary Captain for his first D.S.O in performing an amputation upon a wounded Argyll’s officer’s leg under ‘heavy fire’ as well as helping numerous other wounded men on 23 March 1916. He subsequently received his D.S.O. from the King at Buckingham Palace on 27 May 1916. He was awarded a second D.S.O. in mid-late 1917 for once again treating a large number of wounded during an enemy barrage ‘in a most exposed position’. His citation records that he went forward under heavy fire to treat a machine gun team ‘in an advanced position’ and that he continued to work for over sixteen hours in this way. He was also later mentioned in despatches in 1919 and given the rank of Brevet Major on 5 June 1919. After WWI service he returned to medicine, working in South London in Balham/Tooting, and he died on October 8 1958, at Rosedene, 56 Buckingham Way, Wallington, Surrey, aged 75. Worthy of further research regarding the precise location of his second award. For the medals awarded to his nephew, Captain David Hunter, 7th Battalion Parachute Regiment, see lot 282.
*An Egypt and Sudan Campaign Pair awarded to Private J Banham, 1st Royal West Kent Regiment, comprising: Egypt and Sudan, 1882-1889, reverse dated 1882, single clasp, The Nile 1884-85 (2208. Pte J. Banham. 1/R. W. Kent. R.); Khedive’s Star, 1884, unnamed as issued, the first with light contact marks from star, otherwise good very fine (2). Private J. Banham (service number 2206) is confirmed on the medal roll for the Egypt Campaign.
*An Egypt and Sudan Campaign Pair awarded to Private James Busby, 1st Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment, comprising: Egypt and Sudan, 1882-1889, undated reverse, single clasp, El-Teb_Tamaai (1859 Pte J. Busby. 1/York & Lanc: R.); Khedive’s Star, 1884, unnamed as issued, pair lightly toned, the first with traces of lacquer and small pawn broker’s marks by suspension, otherwise about extremely fine (2). Private James Busby’s name is confirmed on the medal roll for the Egypt Campaign.
The Rare ‘Pegasus Bridge’ M.C. Group of 6 awarded to Captain David ‘Jock’ McCowan Hunter, No. 3 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion, Army Air Corps, late Royal Scots. His battalion was parachuted in as part of ‘Operation Tonga’ to provide immediate reinforcements for the 2nd Battalion Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry who had famously seized the key bridges over the River Orne (Horsa Bridge) and the Caen Canal (Pegasus Bridge) between Benouville and Ranville shortly before. He was recommended for the M.C. for leading his platoon ‘all through the day’ at Benouville, despite his own serious wounds, and in the face of repeated German counter-attacks led by elements of the 21st Panzer Division, until they were relieved by Lovat’s Commandos many hours later. Hunter also served soon after in the Ardennes and Rhine crossing operations, where his Platoon for a time formed the spearhead of the entire 21st Army Group advance into Germany, with Lieutenant Hunter leading his unit from the front. He later , comprising: Military Cross, G.VI.R. ‘GRI’ type, reverse engraved to lower terminal of cross ‘1944’; 1939-1945 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; General Service Medal, 1918-1962, single clasp, S. E. Asia 1945-46 (Lt. D M Hunter AAC); Operation Overlord Commemorative Medal, gilt metal; Group swing-mounted on bar as worn, lightly toned, extremely fine (6) M.C.: London Gazette: 31 August 1944 – ‘for gallant and distinguished services in Normandy’ (The original recommendation states: ‘During the airborne action at Benouville on 6 June 44 this officer received a very painful head wound early on in the day. The fighting was of a most strenuous nature but despite his wound Lt Hunter was always to the forefront of the fight encouraging his men by his own outstanding example. He continued to fight with the Company all through the day and was eventually evacuated when his Company was relieved by a counter attack. The example and devotion to duty of this officer was quite outstanding and contributed largely to the success of the operation.’) Captain David McCowan Hunter was born on 28 August, 1922, at Burnholme, Cumnock, Scotland. He joined the army in January 1942, having obtained his OTC certificates from George Watson’s College in Edinburgh and at St Andrews, he went straight to O.T.C.U. at Barmouth, Wales in June 1942, being commissioned into the Royal Scots as 2nd Lieutenant on 6 June 1942. In December 1943 he volunteered to join the Parachute Regiment, transferring from the oldest regiment to the newest (mainly ‘to impress the girls’, as recorded in his personal memoir), and after four weeks of intense physical tests and parachute training he joined the 7th (Light Infantry) Battalion, Parachute Regiment, part of the Army Air Corps in late January 1944. This new elite unit, created in 1942, initially included the Glider Pilot Regiment, seventeen Battalions of the Parachute Regiment, the Air Landing Regiments, Air Observation Post Squadrons, and by 1944 would include elements of the Special Air Service. The 7th Battalion formed part of the larger 6th Airborne Division which would play a major role on ‘D-Day’. Lieutenant Hunter was initially posted to a reserve company, but once ‘Haggis’ Fleming was injured by a dropped grenade, ‘Jock’ Hunter was recommended by the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel R. G. Pine-Coffin (aptly nicknamed ‘Wooden Box’) to lead “A” Company’s No.3 Platoon as Platoon Commander. This came at the expense of several more-established English officers, as the platoon contained a number of Scotsmen amongst its number. This turn of events led to his participation in ‘Operation Tonga’. Lieutenant Hunter’s superb memoir recalls the tension ahead of the parachute drop: “We arrived at the airfield in the evening of 5th June. We then filed past the WAAF parachute packers who handed us our parachutes. “I hope that’s not your dirty washing in there”, I said to the attractive girl who handed over my bag. We took off just before midnight and in about an hour we were over the DZ (drop zone). Anti-aircraft flak exploded around us causing the plane to shudder… Six planes carrying our brigade, the 5th Parachute Brigade, were in fact shot down, at least one of them was with our battalion and these men were all lost… Finally the green light came on and one after another we plunged through the large hole in the floor of the plane. As I jumped I felt the sudden swish of the plane’s slipstream and, before I had time to panic, the sudden tug on my shoulders as my chute opened. It wasn’t the WAAF’s underwear after all. As I floated down I could briefly admire the view and quite dramatic it was as lines of red tracer bullets shot through the darkness criss-crossing in different directions…” “The 7th Battalion pathfinder was Lieutenant John Rogers. I saw his green lamp flashing and eventually made contact with him. He told me that he was in the wrong place but he was able to direct me to the RV, a small wood in a gully. Colonel Pine-Coffin and my company Commander Major Nigel Taylor were already there. By 2.30 am less than 40% of the battalion had turned up. The other half of my platoon had not turned up (they had been dropped some miles away and turned up some days later). The CO had received the signal from the bridges that the assault by the glider coup de main force had been successful and the bridges were held intact….The CO decided he could not delay further. He left his second in command Major Steele-Baume (where do the English get these names?) to pick up any stragglers. A Company was sent over the bridges. One was later to be called “Pegasus Bridge” after the insignia of the Airborne Forces. I went first, leading my depleted platoon. It was still dark. There were a few bodies lying on the bridges. I couldn’t make out whether they were ours or theirs. It was my very first experience of death. I was still only 21.
*Afghanistan, Nishan-i-Serdar (Order of the Leader), type 2 (1922-23), First Class set of insignia, comprising sash badge, in silver and gold, with double engraved inscription on ring, width 42mm, 29.05g, and breast star, in gold, with engraved inscription on lower left ray, 87.5mm, 88.75g (Tammann 39; Haynes 1006.200; Barac 34), badge with a few scratches, good very fine, star extremely fine, with sash and in fitted case of issue, rare (lot)
HM Queen Elizabeth II, a printed letter on Buckingham Palace headed paper, personalised 'to Cyril' (Cyril Dickman was the Head Palace Steward for 50 years) and signed 'yours sincerely Elizabeth R', thanking him for his good wishes on her sixtieth birthday, dated 1986, together with another printed letter relating to the death of Bobo (Margaret MacDonald, nanny, dresser and confidante of HM Queen Elizabeth II), also personalised and another manuscript note written on memorandum paper dated 1987, thanking Cyril for his good wishes sent on her fortieth wedding anniversary and a typed note from Sir Kenneth Scott (Private Secretary to HM Queen Elizabeth II for 10 years) (3) Provenance: The late Cyril Dickman who was the Head Palace Steward for 50 years, and by descent Other Notes: Margaret "Bobo" MacDonald, once described as the Queen's closest confidante, was a farmer's daughter from Inverness and served Her Majesty for 67 years - first as nursemaid and then as dresser, looking after her clothes and jewels. "Bobo" is thought to have been the Queen's first spoken word. 21 X 15cm Folded in the envelope. Minor yellowing and envelope with expected wear.
1994 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.3E, formerly the personal conveyance of Diana, Princess of Wales, First registered on 7th March 1994, L449 TRP. The car was presented to the Princess of Wales by Dovercourt Audi for her personal use and was the family car in which the Princess was photographed on several occasions - most notably at the Chelsea Harbour Club and driving their Royal Highnesses, Prince William and Prince Harry, in 1994. This car is finished in metallic Gomera green paint work with the original light beige hide interior, an automatic transmission, electric hood and windows as well as a sports steering wheel and walnut dashboard. This car has only 21,856 recorded miles from new and is in very good original condition, with expected minor marks to the original paint and aluminium wheels. This car is presented with the original handbook and copies of past V5 registrations and a current MOT certificate until 16th November 2017. Note: We have seen dresses and jewellery sell for exceptional prices over the last 20 years since the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales and consider this to be a rare opportunity to purchase one of only a handful of cars that can be directly connected to the Royal Princess, seen so regularly in the press in 1994. Buyer's premium will be charged at 10% + VAT on the hammer price. Provenance: L449 TRP was sold-on by Dovercourt in July 1994 having travelled 4,000 miles in the possession of Diana, Princess of Wales, to Ian Campbell Dale a well-known political commentator and broadcaster who owned the car for two years, sold again to the third owner, who coincidentally happened to live in Kensington, next to Kensington Palace, who was the custodian for 17 years and maintained the vehicle to a high standard. Purchased a fourth time by a collector in 2013 and again in 2016 by the present vendor who has only covered approximately 450 miles.
James Tassie: two 18th century bust length paste portrait medallions, the first of Dr John Hunter 1791, the other of Dr William Cullen MD 1786, impressed T, each 9.4cm oval in moulded ebonised frames Other Notes: James Tassie was born in Pollokshaws, near Glasgow, in 1735. Of Italian descent, he worked as a stonemason before moving to Glasgow to study art. He then moved to Dublin and became an assistant to Dr Quin and together they invented the white enamel composition. Exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1769-1791 and at the time of death in 1799, his work was said to number 20,000 pieces. Dr John Hunter (1729-1793) was the founder of Scientific Surgery and this portrait may have been commissioned when he was made Surgeon General in 1791. Dr William Cullen (1710-1790) was a physician, chemist and agriculturalist and was one of the most important professors at the Edinburgh Medical School.
Jean Loubeau (French, first half of the 19th century) Forty six studies of moths and butterflies, assembled on different papers and stuck down onto the same sheet, each numbered and with names below signed lower left "J. Loubeau pinxit" ink and watercolour 59 x 42cm (23 x 16in) Discoloration to the papers varies. Few visible tears, especially to numbers 3 and 10.
Three leather Government document boxes, the first black leather with gilt VR cypher and initials WHF, stamped Wickwar & Co., Poland Street, 46cm wide; the second with brown leather impressed in gilt H.R.M Attorney General Gibraltar, 37cm wide; the third with brown leather, impressed in gilt with Royal crest and "Government of the Orange River Colony", 41cm wide (3)
610 Squadron, February 1943 - Charlie, Stewie, Doug, Feathers, Johnnie, Arnt, South, Gerry, Sammy; and Mike, Reg, Dave, Jeff, Paddy, Doris, Hoppy, Dai and Williesigned lower right "Olive Snell / March 1943" and "Olive Snell / 610 Squadronwatercolour and charcoal, each 56 x 39cm (a pair)On fine linen paper and stuck down. Under glass. One large foxing spot in the second lot of men.The Tatler and Bystander, 16 June 1943, "Men of the 610 Squadron - Portraits by Olive Snell", illlus. p.341610 SquadronThe present portrait studies were probably initiated towards the end of February, 1943 while the Squadron was based at Westhampnett, a satellite airfield to the main base at Tangmere. The pilots depicted - several referred to by their nicknames - are as follows:First PaintingCharlie: Dubbed "Polish Charlie", most probably Sgt. Karol Michalkiewicz, born 1921, joined 610 Squadron on 21 November 1941 from 316 (The City of Warsaw Polish Squadron) . Left 610 on 3 April 1943. No information about his subsequent service but it seems that he stayed in Britain after the War and died in Birmingham on 27 September 1988.Stewie: P/O Andrew Stewart Barrie was educated at Harrow, studied law and trained in Canada. Shot down and killed on 22 June 1943 aged 25 whilst on a "Ramrod" escorting mission over Rotterdam. Fighter Pilots intensely disliked Ramrod duties which involved escorting bombers to ground level targets in daylight hours at slow speed . He is buried in the Hook of Holland General Cemetery.Doug: F/Lt. Douglas Owen Collinge, DFC. On his second appointment to 610 Squadron he became one of two Flight Commanders to his Commanding Officer Johnnie Johnson. Prior to co-joining 610 on 4 September 1942 he had been recommended for the DFC and received his medal from the King at Buckingham Palace on 20 November 1942. Shot down and killed in Cayeux on 21 April 1943.Feathers: Squadron Leader W A Laurie, DFC. A Liverpudlian, he joined 610 on 8 September 1942 and became one of the Flight Commanders. Succeeded Johnnie Johnson as Commanding Officer of 610 from March 1943 until January 1944. He retired from the RAF in 1961.Johnnie: Squadron Leader James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson , DFC and Bar, had been officially posted to 610 Squadron as its Commanding Officer on 13 July 1942 and remained in that position until 19 March 1943, when, concurrently being promoted to Wing Commander, he left to take command of the Canadian wing comprising 403 and 416 Squadrons at Kenley.During his eight months as 610's Commanding Officer there were innumerable changes to the pilot personnel in the squadron for various reasons, not least numerous casualties. His time at 610 was a difficult one for the squadron, particularly because the Mk V Spitfires with which they were equipped were no match for the German Focke-Wolf Fw B190 fighters which were very formidable machines. 610 was also heavily involved in the Dieppe raid on 19 August 1942 which was a disaster for the ground forces and not much less dire for all of the squadrons of Fighter Command involved. On that operation Johnson came perilously close to being shot down.Arnt: 2nd Lt. Arnt Hvinden. A Norwegian, who was a Civil pilot before the War and who had been awarded the Norwegian King's Medalie for gallantry during operations in Norway. Born 1917. Instructed in Canada prior to joining 610 Squadron on 20 January 1943 and posted elsewhere (by then a Captain) 12 September 1943. Died 1987.South: P/O Southwell C Creagh, Australian, Joined 610 on 3 April 1942 and was the squadron's "Eye" who could spot German fighters before the other pilots. Shot down over the sea, 19 August 1942. Rescued and returned to 610. In early September 1942 he was credited, jointly with Sgt. Greggory, with shooting down the first Messerschmitt Me 210 to be downed over mainland England. Gerry: Lt. Gerry Volkhersz, Royal Netherlands Naval Air Service. Joined 610 February 1943, left March 1943 to join the Fleet Air Arm. Living in Germiston, South Africa, in 1987. Died 1994.Sammy: F/O George Samuel Malton, a Canadian and one of the Squadron's youngest pilots. Joined 610 26 August 1942. Shot down and killed 28 March 1943 while escorting American bombers near Fecamp. Ironically, he should not even have been flying on that day as he was still on sick leave with a broken jaw following a fight in the Regent Palace Hotel, London, with American servicemen.Second PaintingMike: Sgt. H Dallow had been in the Durham Light Infantry during the retreat from Dunkirk and subsequently transferred to the RAF. Nothing is known about this pilot's subsequent service or life.Reg: F/O Pearson, a former rear-gunner in Coastal Command, who saw action at Dunkirk and in the Far East before training as a pilot, and then became an instructor. Nothing is known about this pilot's subsequent service or life.Dave: P/O Alan Hubert Davidson was in the Buffs before transferring to the RAF. Joined 610 from 521 Squadron on 29 January 1943 and posted elsewhere on 5 May 1943. Born Putney in 1917.Doris: F/Lt. Peter Pound, a fighter pilot in Libya early in the War, was wounded and joined 610 on 19 February 1943. No more is known about this pilot's subsequent service or life.Jeff: P/O Jeffrey Martin Cremer. Joined 610 on 23 February 1943. Killed aged 19 on his first operational flight 14 March 1943 when he stalled his Spitfire over Bognor and crashed in the sea.Paddy: Probably Sgt. (later F/O) J G A Small, a fiery Irishman from Limerick with a particular penchant for blowing up steam engines. Joined 610 in January 1942. Posted from 610 Squadron to Montrose, Scotland, 19 January 1944 for an Instructor's Course.Hoppy: F/Lt. Colin G Hodgkinson. Joined 610 from 131 Squadron on 20 January 1943, having previously been in the Fleet Air Arm. He had lost both legs at the age of 19 in a Fleet Air Arm flying accident but, inspired by Douglas Bader, was determined that this would not keep him from flying. Dai:F/Sgt. Dai T Jones was formerly a docker's foreman. Joined 610 on 28 August 1942. Promoted to P/O on 18 May 1943. Transferred from 610 on 19 January 1944.Willie: F/Lt. P I Howard-Williams, DFC, a regular RAF officer who had been in action during the retreat from Dunkirk. Awarded the DFC in November 1941, thereafter joining 610 on 22 February 1943. He was a regular RAF Officer who had been in action at Dunkirk. Transferred in April 1943 but returned to 610 June-November 1943. After the War he remained in the RAF until retiring as a Squadron Leader in 1958. He bought the Pandora Inn at Restronguet in Cornwall. He retired to Spain from 1979-1991 and died in England in 1993. His brother Jeremy was also a fighter pilot and was also awarded the DFC but was killed in 1940.Olive Snell (1888-1962) married Colonel Ebenezer Leckie Pike, CBE, MC, of Dale Park, Arundel, Sussex Born in Durban, South Africa Lived in London and Petersfield, Hampshire Olive Snell studied under Boris Anrep and Augustus John, and exhibited at the Goupil Gallery, Fine Art Society, Grosvenor Gallery and the New English Art Club, Portrait Painters, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and The Society of Women ArtistsOlive Snell was related to Hugh "Cocky" Dundas (later Group Captain Sir Hugh Dundas, DSO and Bar, DFC) who was Johnson's great friend in the war and indeed his best man at his wedding, so it is possible that it was through this connection that Olive Snell came to be asked to paint these portraits, although she is believed to have done similar pilot portraits of 610 Squadron in 1941..Olive Snell's work is in the Imperial War Museum, London.
§ Dennis Griffin (British, 20th Century) Touchdown in the Solent, a Saro SR AI prototype seaplane signed lower left "Dennis Griffin '93" oil on canvas laid to board 34 x 45cm (13 x 18in) Exhibited: The Guild of Aviation Artists, Annual Open 1994 Exhibition, No. 83 The Saro SR A1 was the world's first and only single seat jet flying boat to date. The craft first flew on 16 July 1947. Condition is fine.
An 1880's Russian Silver Commemorative Medallion, relating to the opening of the Syzran Bridge, cased (7.5oz), together with a Victorian 1837-97 Jubilee silver medal and a bronze medal, both cased (3) Other Notes: The bridge was first named Alexandrosky, commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the reign of Emperor Alexander II of Russia and after the October revolution, it was renamed Syransky. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the bridge received its old name back again and this 'new' name remained - hence the bridge now being known by two names (Alexandrovsky and Syzransky).
A Georgian Butler & Harding London mahogany apothecary cabinet, the rectangular case fitted with a pair of hinged doors over a drawer, with a sliding door to the back, the pair of doors opening to reveal a shelf fitted with five square glass bottles, over a recess flanked by two covered drawers, over two graduated long drawers, the first fitted with compartments for glass measures and various glass phials, the lower drawer fitted with various glass pots, four with silver plated lids, the doors fitted with square glass bottles, the base drawer containing apothecary scales, the slide to the reverse containing a further five square glass bottles, the case with recessed handles, 12.25ins x 8.5ins x 17.5ins Condition report: Cabinet - Fading to mahogany, some loss around the internal frame of the slide compartment to the back, missing internal locking pin for the drawer to the front.Central internal section - central bottle badly chipped round neck, bottles stained and stoppers all stuck. Possibly a small drawer missing. Bottles and jars fitted in lower jar are all fine, some stopped stuck.Base drawer with label to back Butler & Harding LondonDoors - One bottle missing, two are chipped round the neck, one you cannot remove and all have the stoppers stuck.Slide compartment - middle bottle not original, one bottle chipped, most stoppers stuckThere is a set of pan scales in the bottom drawer, they are rusty. There are some glass measures in another drawer which are in good condition
George Macdonald Fraser, Flashman first edition 1969, unclipped, together with Flash for Freedom first edition 1971 Condition report: Both books have a plastic cover so the dust jackets are free from stains, rips and marks, the spines though are faded. There is some minor spotting to both on a few of the pages
Russia - The Present State Of Russia by Christian Friedrich Weber. London: W. Taylor. 1722. Two volumes, first English edition, 352 & 432 pages. Giving an interesting account regarding Russia during the time of Peter the Great stated on title page thus; "An Account of the Government of that Country, both Civil and Ecclesiastical, of the CZAR's Forces by Sea and Land, the Regulation of his Finances, the several Method she made use of to civilize his People and improve the Country" etc. large folding engraved map, large folding plan of St. Petersburg, some spotting and soiling, contemporary panelled calf, 8vo, Each size 5" × 8", an early book about Russia
India First Sikh silver coin issued under Maharajah Ranjit Singh 1799 AD VS 1856 diameter approx 21mm. Fine condition bearing Persian inscription and the pipal leaf symbol. In 1799, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore from the Bhangi Misl and later made it his capital. This was the first important step in his rise to power. In the following years he brought the whole of the central Punjab, from the Sutlej to the Jhelum under his sway. After several campaigns, he conquered the other misls and created the Sikh Empire
1934 Bradshaw's International Air Guide Issue Number 1 The first Bradshaw Aviation timetable, a 176 page time table booklet listing and detailing European Airlines including Luftschiffbau Zeppelin, International and Overseas flights, times, fares, distances etc. Extensively detailed and informative publication about air travel at that time. Size 5" x 6½"
1854 'The Russian Shores Of The Black Sea In The Autumn Of 1852 With A Voyage Down The Volga, And Through The Country of Don Cossacks' Book First Edition a 380 page book with over 30 illustrations with in the text. Also 2 maps. Giving extensive account about the great Cities, Travel on the Railway. Nobility & Merchants, Bondage of the Russian, Peasantry. Travel on the post roads by Tarantasse Life among Tartars and the Don Cossack, Crimea etc. Attractive presentation marble binding with extensive gold tooling on leather spine, pages have minor marks and foxing, otherwise in A/G condition
1622 The Description of Leicestershire Book containing Matters of Antiquity, History, Armorye and Genealogy, written by William Burton. London: John White first Edition. Folio, engraved title, engraved portrait frontispiece, folding map by C. Saxton, coats-of-arms in text, 330 pages as called for including index, eighteenth century panelled calf, a little light spotting, professionally re-backed, corners repaired. Size 20 x 30cm approx. (William Burton (24 August 1575 - 6 April 1645) was an English antiquarian, best known as the author of the Description of Leicester Shire (1622). On 29 September 1591 he entered Brasenose College, Oxford (B.A. 22 June 1594). He was admitted, on 20 May 1593, to the Inner Temple. He was one of a group of antiquaries there, including Sir John Ferne, Thomas Gainsford, and Peter Manwood. His county history, the Description of Leicester Shire, was begun by 1597. It appeared in print in October 1622, dedicated to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. It was one of the earliest county histories of that time).
Russia - 1819 Journey From Moscow to Constantinople Book first edition With 6 most attractive aquatint plates, minor foxing, modern calf, 4to. This rare travel account of Russia, Turkey, and the surrounding region includes wonderful images drawn by the author himself. He arrived in Russia during a frozen winter; the frontispiece even shows women in Kiev washing clothes in a hole made in the ice. His descriptions of Moscow are particularly interesting for his observations of the great reconstruction following the fire of 1812 (coinciding with Napoleon's arrival), which decimated most of the city. Many of the iconic neoclassical buildings that come to mind - the Kremlin and the Bolshoi to name a few - were built during this period. MacMichael (1784-1839) was an English physician and scholar. He was elected a Radcliffe traveling fellow in 1811 and made several journeys to the same areas. In fine rebound leather board cover and gold tooled spine, size 21 x 27cm
Cuba - Antonio Núñez Jiménez Signed 'CUBA: Dibujos Rupestres' Book 1975 published by Sociedad Espeleológica de Cuba, Jiménez was a Cuban revolutionary and academic, with a personal inscription to first page, cover appears to have been repaired, otherwise pages have minor marks c/w Cuban Patrimony Export Certificate stating original
Aviation - The Conquest Of The Air by John Alexander 1902 First Edition a detailed attractive 160 page book with chapters regarding Famous Aerial Voyages, Achievements of Recent Balloonists, Long distance records France to Russia etc. Airship developments etc. A fine illustration of a Balloon in flight on front cloth board cover, size 5" × 7¼".
A unique archive of dispatches from the Falklands War 1982 - a remarkable, detailed archive of dispatches issued and received during the Falklands War of 1982, comprising approx. 115 sheets of pre-printed/cyclostyled log forms, either completed in manuscript or typescript, together with approx. 27 further sheets of photocopies of reports. This is considered to be the only such archive currently outside an institution. The archive commences with the first signal issued on May 22nd 1982 at the opening of the conflict when British forces arrived in the islands to take on the occupying Argentinian forces. It ends on June 15th and includes this signal: 'Maj Gen Menendez surrendered to me all the Arg armed forces in East and West Falkland together with their impediments. Arrangements are in hand to assemble the men return to Argentina, to gather in their arms and equipment and to mark and make safe their munitions. The Falkland Islands are once more under the government desired by their inhabitants. God Save the Queen. Signed J J Moore'. In between there are considerable operational signals providing historians with a unique insight into the operations of the only war of the 20th century which Britain fought on its own. Many of these signals are in the codes and abbreviations which were conventional at the time, and give an almost minute by minute digest of what was happening, as it happened - particularly as the conflict escalated throughout May. Considering that the Falklands War only lasted for such a short period of time, these papers provide a unique record of a British War from beginning to end, and will provide historians and analysts with an unrivalled insight into how British forces went about their tasks, and the way in which the three separate forces on land, sea and air combined to bring about ultimate victory. They also stand as a testament to the courage both of the fighting men and women and of the Falkland Islanders themselves, who never asked to be part of the conflict and yet suffered both from the treatment they received from occupying Argentinian forces, and from the necessary conflict which ensued. They also bear witness to the terrible sacrifice of lives lost on both sides of the conflict - and during the present debates reignited by Argentina over the sovereignty of these islands in the far South Atlantic, these papers should remind us, 30 years on from the events of that previous war, that the ambitions of politicians, safely protected far away from the conflicts they create, are paid for by the lives of brave men and women who they send into battle. Offered directly from a Royal Marine active during the conflict and kept at the end of the conflict when many other papers relating to the war were destroyed. Note: these papers do not have any information on the sinking of the Argentinian Battleship the Admiral Belgrano
Bands of the British Army Book by W. J. Gordon, illustrated by F. Stansell with coloured plates of Representative Bandsmen and Instruments and the Drum-Banners and Drum Horses, published Frederick Warne and Co, London, with coloured plates, HB in wrappers and cloth spine, some wear to cover, first page loose, otherwise in good, clean condition
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) remarkable 'The Channel Tunnel' document dated June 12th 1914 being the original printed note by Churchill as First Lord of the Admiralty, discussing the feasibility of building a Channel Tunnel and considering the risks posed if France were to become England's enemy. Signed by Churchill to the base with full version of his signature. The document also bears the initials of various members of the Committee of Imperial Defence who sponsored the document. As far as we are aware no other version of this document signed by Churchill is in existence. The Churchill Archives in Cambridge have a copy of this document but is unsigned. In the present document, Churchill expresses his opinion as to how the nation could be defended in the event of an attack: '…the tunnel should be brought to the surface of the sea not less than a quarter of a mile from the shore and the railway should run from the tunnel mouth to the shore on a bridge…', an interesting item in A/G condition overall
A fine scarce Boys own adventure of the Napoleonic Wars 'Narrative of a Voyage in The Indian Seas in the Nisus Frigate during the years 1810 and 1811 Book by James Prior, first edition 1819. 112 page book, folding engraved map frontis showing Indian Ocean, Africa, the routes; plan of that coast of Isle of France; plan of landing of British army in Mapou Bay at the Isle of France; engraved view of Cape of Good Hope, later marble board with gold tooled leather spine. The ship was commanded by Captain Philip Beaver. Much of the work describes the British attack on the Isle of France (Mauritius), The ship then took Seychelles for Britain and involved in the capture of Java. (Prior was born at Lisburn Ireland in 1790. He entered the navy as a surgeon, served aboard the "Nisus. Later was at the surrender of Helgoland in 1814, he was on the coast of La Vendée, and present at the surrender of Napoleon on 15 July. Later became staff surgeon to the Chatham division of the Royal Marines, & to three of the royal yachts, became Deputy-Inspector of Hospitals in 1843, was knighted in 1858), in good clean condition
India - Mahatma Gandhi and Jewish Holocaust Nazis Publication 1939 a scarce publication 'The Bond' Pamphlets of the Group The Bond, Jerusalem, 'Two Letters To Gandhi from Martin Buber and J. L. Magnes', Rubin Mass, Jerusalem April 1939, Gandhi's statement: the letters are a response by two leading Jewish adherents of non-violence to Gandhi's advice to the Jews of Germany to adopt the tactics of passive resistance [Satyagraha] in the face of the Nazi persecution of Jews in Germany. This method was offered to combat oppression and genocide, to refuse expulsion or treatment of discrimination and challenge the German to shoot or cast in into the dungeon. This conversation is the first between the Jews and Gandhi and Israel and India. This is a scarce publication, appears in good condition
1714 War of Spanish Succession Secretary of States Copy of Letter appointing George Hamilton The Earl of Orkney to be Governor of Edinburgh Castle Whitehall 6 April. Signed by Francis Gwyn Secretary of War. Size 18x 22cm approx. Note: Gwyn had held a number of official positions and was a close associate of the Earl of Rochester, the Queen's Uncle. Hamilton was a distinguished soldier who took an important role in Marlborough's victories and led the final charge at the Battle of Blenheim. He was the first office to be promoted to Field Marshal.
1815 The Waterloo Medal in Silver Issued by The Waterloo Committee this medal was engraved by Benedetto Pistrucci to commemorate the victory of the Allies at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. The obverse shows the conjoined busts of the Prince Regent (later George IV), Francis II of Austria, Alexander I of Russia and Frederick William III of Prussia; around allegorical and mythological allusions to the Treaty of Peace which resulted from the battle. The reverse shows the two equestrian figures of Wellington and Blucher being guided to the conflict by Victory; around are figures symbolizing the battle of the giants. This is a framed reproduction of the full-sized medal in silver, taken from the original dies, made by the authority of the Waterloo Committee in 1975. It is number 228 of a limited edition, the silver mark is LH (probably Stuart Devlin silversmith).The diameter is 133 mm and dimensions of the frame are 39 cm x 24.5 cm. Note: The Waterloo medal was commissioned in 1815 by the Duke of Wellington to mark the end of the Napoleonic wars, but was never produced, its mammoth dimensions and the complexity and intricacy of its design meant it took 30 years to finalize the dies needed to make it. By the time Pistrucci had completed the work, all the sovereigns of Britain, Austria, Russia and Prussia, most notables and Generals who had been due to receive the medal had died, only the Duke of Wellington remained alive. Britain has belatedly honoured the nations in 2015 which defeated Napoleon at Waterloo with these huge commemorative silver medals, nearly 200 years after the awards were first commissioned. Ambassadors from Austria, Russia and Germany were given the medal at a ceremony at Apsley House, Wellington's London home at Hyde Park Corner. The Queen received one later
Japan - Narrative Of My Captivity In Japan During The Years 1811, 1812 & 1813 Book With Observations On The Country And The People by Captain Golownin of the Russian Navy. 1818. First Edition. In two volumes 302 and 348 pages. Extensively detailing the 3 years of captivity of himself, some of his officers and crew in Japan. Giving an interesting account of life in that very closed country at that time & their later kindly treatment there. In original cloth board binding
India & Punjab - Detailed First Sikh War Letter Autograph letter from Edward Dundas Hale, Lieut. 44th Bengal Native Infantry to his aunt giving a first-hand account of the Battle of Ferozeshah during the 1st Anglo Sikh War on 21st December 1845. Dated 'Camp near Ferozepur, Jan'y 1st', the Sikhs have been threatening us for some time, about the 10th of last month they crossed the river and encamped within 7 miles of us, their force supposed to be 60,000 men with 100 guns, our force under Sir J. Litler 7,000 with 20 guns... On the 18th the Sikhs made a night attack upon the advance guard of the Com'der in chief's force but were driven back with loss, we captured 17 guns. On the 21st we marched from Ferozepur... 11 hours without water! We even advanced to the Batteries & truly I have no great desire to be under such fire again. Waterloo officers say they never saw anything like it...the Com'der in Chief attacked with all his force, carried the entrenchment & took 93 guns in position...We were too much knocked up to follow them, officers & men having had nothing to eat for 48 hours. It has been a most glorious victory over an overwhelming force. Our artillery were nearly destroyed by their superior force. The enemy fought bravely but could not stand the British Bayonet. Our loss is not yet published in Gen. Orders but I have heard it stated at 50 Officers killed, 94 wounded & 4,300 men killed or wounded. The Gov. General has promised us a Medal." etc. Excellent first-hand account of this important battle during the Sikh Wars. 4pp, Usual fold marks, traces of mounting on left hand margin
Show Card for Travel Agents Display entitled 'The Airport of London, Croydon' c.1938 printed from a beautiful painting by C.E. Turner. (Probably specially commissioned). Also the printed text on the reverse states; "The painting shows the arrival at the London Airport, Croydon of the Imperial Airways Liner "Atlanta" the first of the type specially designed for service to South Africa. In the background a huge "Heracles" type biplane is being made ready for her midday flight to Paris" etc. Attractively printed on a type of mottled thick paper mounted on card so as to look like an oil painting, size 38 x 25cm approx.
Union Flag marked CJP 6 Jack flown from HMS Coventry (D118) in March 1982. The flag was sent home from Gibraltar on orders of HMS Coventry's captain, David Hart Dyke before HMS Coventry sailed south on the 2nd April 1982. Documented letter from Lt Commander C.J Pollard RNR who was the Master Gunner on HMS Coventry in 1982. This ship was later bombed and sunk by two bombs from low flying Argentinian A4 Skyhawk aircraft on 25 May 1982 with the loss of 19 crew and 30 injured. After the ship was struck, her crew, waiting to be rescued, sang "Always look on the Bright Side of Life" from Monty Python's Life of Brian., also including an Original Royal Navy Sea Dart Missile Load and Fire Control Unit from a Type 42 Destroyer similar to HMS Coventry HMS Coventry was the first warship to fire Sea Dart surface-to-air missiles in anger when she fired three on 9 May at two Argentinian Learjets which missed the aircraft. Confirmed kills was an Puma helicopter and two A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft, an Original Royal Navy Sea Dart Missile Loading/Jettison Synchro Panel, Original Radar Type 909 Control Unit taken from a Type 42 Destroyer for the Sea Dart Missile System this radar was used to illuminate the target aircraft for the Sea Dart missile to lock onto the signal. This unit proved ineffective with low flying Argentinian Skyhawk aircraft with the radar unable to distinguish between the aircraft and the land and was unable to lock on to the attacking aircraft and Argentinian Skyhawk Aircraft C-215 Identification Panel and Indicator Angle of Attack Panel from Mariano Velasco's Skyhawk used to sink HMS Coventry and shot down by HMS Intrepid in San Carlos waters. 27th May 1982 Skyhawk Identification Panel of Neil Wilkinson HMS Intrepid shot down pilot sunk HMS Coventry 40mm cannon firing off six rounds. Lt Mariano Velasoco one of Skyhawk pilots credited for leading the attack and sinking of HMS Coventry and the only survivor in a squadron of 13 pilots. Plane crashed on Falklands West Island and pilot ejected and after suffering leg injuries walked in below zero temperatures to meet Argentinian forces on the island. Model: L A4D-2 Skyhawk, Model: D676, Serial Number 142102 assigned Number C-215: A4 Skyhawk info reference. Argentinian Air Force Skyhawk
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