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Click here to subscribeA SILVER HOT WATER JUG MAPPIN & WEBB LTD., BIRMINGHAM 1936 With a wood scroll handle and finial to the domed cover, a shaped border and on four stepped pad feet 17cm (6 3/4in) high 396g (12.74 oz) gross Condition Report: Marks are clear Hinge tight Cover sits well Play to the handle Wobbles No engraving Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
A SILVER OBLONG PIERCED DISH FRANK COBB & CO. LTD, SHEFFIELD 1944 With a chased and pierced grape vine border and on an oblong foot 37.5cm (14 3/4in) long 1016g (32.7 oz) Condition Report: Marks are clear Stands well No engraving Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
A SILVER OBLONG BALUSTER KETTLE MAKER'S MARK OBSCURED, BIRMINGHAM 1946 With a wood loop handle and lobed finial, a reeded border with foliage at intervals 22.5cm (9in) high 881g (28.3 oz) gross Condition Report: Maker's mark obscured, rest lightly rubbed Handle tight Hinge good Cover sits well No engraving Dent to the body 4.5cm long Dent to the body 2.3cm long Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
Y A SILVER ART DECO TEA POT COOPER BROTHERS & SONS LTD., SHEFFIELD 1947 With an ebony harp handle and finial 27.5cm (10 3/4in) long 710g (22.85 oz) gross Condition Report: Marks are clear Hinge and handle are tight Cover sits well Slightly wobbles No engraving Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
TWO SILVER ARMADA DISHES C. J. VANDER LTD., LONDON 1952 AND 1953 With a reeded border and chased with a Tudor rose 12cm (4 3/4in) and 13.5cm (5 1/4in) diameter 236g (7.6 oz) Condition Report: Marks are clear No engraving Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
A GEORGE III SILVER SHAPED NAVETTE SUGAR BASKET GEORGE SMITH II, LONDON 1790 With a threaded swing handle and threaded rims, on a shaped navette pedestal base, the interior gilt 13cm (5 1/8in) long 168g (5.4 oz) Condition Report: Marks to base clear, sterling standard mark to handle obscured No engraving Slightly wobbles Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
A PAIR OF SILVER THREE LIGHT CANDELABRA ALEXANDER SMITH, BIRMINGHAM 1957 With shaped oval sconces and capitals, reeded borders, twin scroll branches, tapering stems and on shaped oval bases 35.5cm (14in) high Condition Report: 1734g (55.75 oz) gross Maker's mark partially obscured, rest are clear Stand well One branch slightly bent No engraving Stand true Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
A PAIR OF SILVER TWIN BRANCH CANDLESTICKS WILLIAM COMYNS & SONS LTD., LONDON 1960 With turned capitals and circular sconces, knopped stems and on circular moulded spreading bases 23cm (9in) high Loaded Condition Report: Marks are lightly rubbed Both stand well No engraving Stand true Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
A SILVER COFFEE POT HANCOCKS & CO., LONDON 1966 With a turned finial to the domed cover, a wood scroll handle and on a moulded spreading foot 24cm (9 1/2in) high 917g (29.5 oz) gross Condition Report: Marks are clear Hinge tight Cover sits well Stands well Handle tight No engraving Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
A SILVER TAPERING COFFEE POT CARRINGTON & CO., LONDON 1967 With an orb finial to the domed cover, a wood scroll handle, engraved with a crest and a moulded spreading base 27cm (10 1/2in) 866g (27.85 oz) gross Condition Report: Marks are clear Engraving crisp Hinge good Cover sits well Slight play to the handle Stands well Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
A BRITANNIA STANDARD SHAPED CIRCULAR DISH WILLIAM WALTER ANTIQUES LTD., LONDON 1969 With a fluted body and on a circular foot 21cm (8 1/4in) diameter 429g (13.8 oz) Condition Report: Marks are well struck Wobbles No engraving Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
SEVEN SILVER ARMADA DISHES To include: four by William Comyns & Sons, London 1977 (2), 1979 (1) and 1982 (1), with reeded borders, 11.5cm (4 1/2in) diameter (2), 9.5cm (3 3/4in) diameter and 8.5cm (3 1/2in) diameter; together with three others Condition Report: Marks generally clear No engraving Light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Condition Report Disclaimer
FIVE MODERN SILVER MOUNTED WINE COASTERS To include: a pair of silver mounted wine coasters by Argyll Silver, Birmingham 1991, with a turned wooden base, 12.5cm (5in) diameter; another pair by M. C. Hersey & Son Ltd., London 1986, 12.5cm (5in) diameter; and another by Asprey & Co. Ltd., London 2001, with a beaded border, 12.5cm (5in) diameter Condition Report: All with light scratches and wear commensurate with age and use Marks are well struck Condition Report Disclaimer
Three: Lieutenant-Commander (Gunner) R. G. Marshall, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (224414, R. G. Marshall, P.O. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Gnr. R. G. Marshall. R.N.) light contact marks, otherwise very fine (3) £70-£90 --- Robert George Marshall was born at Exmouth, Devon, on 29 March 1886 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Northampton, on 9 January 1903. Advanced to Petty Officer in H.M.S. Active, in June 1914, he was promoted to Acting Commissioned Gunner on 31 December 1915. In 1916 the Navy List notes him serving in the Light Cruiser, H.M.S. Briton, and the 1921 Navy List has him serving in H.M.S. Snapdragon, for training in photographic duties. He was promoted Lieutenant in April 1932, and placed on the Retired List, but was recalled in 1939. He continued in service during the Second World War and was appointed to be Lieutenant Commander (retired officer, recalled for service) 12 December 1942. He was eventually released from Service in July 1946.
Three: Petty Officer W. G. Rich, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (221162 W. G. Rich, P.O. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (22162 W. G. Rich. P.O. R.N.) contact marks, nearly very fine Three: Joiner Fourth Class F. V. Young, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star M.8961, F. V. Young. Car. Cr., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (M.8961 F. V. Young. JR. 4 R.N.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (6) £80-£100 --- William George Rich was born at Shaldon, Devon, on 8 September 1885 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Impregnable on 2 June 1902. He was advanced Able Seaman in H.M.S. Donegal on 5 November 1903; Leading Seaman in H.M.S. Mutine on 17 October 1912, and Petty Officer on 1 November 1914. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Ramillies and was shore discharged on reduction of the Royal Navy on 9 June 1921, subsequently joining the Royal Fleet Reserve. Sold with copied record of service. Frederick Victor Young was born at Portsmouth on 11 July 1892 and joined the Royal Navy as Carpenters Crewman on 1 October 1914. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Tara, H.M.S. Vigourous, and H.M.S. Thetis, and was appointed Joiner Fifth Class in H.M.S. Vigourous on 1 October 1918. He was shore discharged in the rate of Joiner 4th Class from H.M.S. Fisgard on 20 September 1926.
Three: Stoker Petty Officer F. J. H. Burt, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (K. 10238, F. H. J. Burt, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.10238 F. H. J. Burt. S.P.O. R.N.) light contact marks, very fine Three: Wireman Second Class W. Smallwood, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (M.14134 W. Smallwood, Wmn. 2. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (M.14134 W. Smallwood. Wmn. 2. R.N.) good very fine (6) £80-£100 --- Frederick Harold John Burt was born in Southampton on 2 September 1887 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class in H.M.S. Nelson on 23 January 1906. He was advanced to Stoker First Class in H.M.S. Royal Arthur on 19 November 1906, and to Stoker Petty Officer in H.M.S. Venus on 1 November 1913. During the Great War he served in several ships including H.M.S. Attack, and was most likely aboard H.M.S. Attack, when it was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in March 1921, and was appointed Chief Stoker in H.M.S. Coventry the following month. He died in service, of injuries sustained in an accident on board H.M.S. Coventry, on 8 March 1923. William Smallwood was born in Birmingham on 16 October 1892 and joined the Royal Navy as an Armourer’s Crewman in H.M.S. Vernon on 9 July 1915. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Victory II, H.M.S. Phaeton and H.M.S. Acteon, and was shore discharged on 4 March 1919.
Three: Stoker Petty Officer J. Roberts, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when H.M.S. Monmouth sank with the loss of all hands at the Battle of Coronel on 1 November 1914 1914-15 Star (276533, J. Roberts, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (276533 J. Roberts. S.P.O. R.N.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £120-£160 --- James Roberts was born in Devon on 1 February 1873 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 19 April 1894. He was advanced to Leading Stoker in H.M.S. Donegal on 11 August 1905, and to Stoker Petty Officer in H.M.S. Monmouth on 17 January 1907. After service in several other ships he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in May 1913, and returned to H.M.S. Monmouth in July 1914, serving in her during the Great War. He was killed in action during the Battle of Coronel on 1 November 1914, when H.M.S. Monmouth was lost with all hands, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Three: Able Seaman W. J. Buttling, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (195109, W. J. Buttling, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (195109 W. J. Buttling. A.B. R.N.) good very fine Three: Able Seaman W. S. Ford, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.13119, W. S. Ford, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.13119 W. S. Ford. A.B. R.N.) scratches to reverse of Star and light contact marks, nearly very fine (6) £80-£100 --- William Joseph Buttling was born at Mile End, London, on 30 August 1881 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Impregnable, on 30 August 1897. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Diadem on 30 August 1899, and Able Seaman, H.M.S. Argonaut on 17 January 1902. He was discharged to shore in 1905, but enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve in 1906, and re-enrolled on 10 July 1911. He was recalled for service in H.M.S. Sutlej, on 2 August 1914. During the Great War he also served in H.M.S. Pembroke I, H.M.S. Actaeon (for service in Torpedo Boats) and H.M.S. Wellington. He was invalided out of the service on 21 June 1916, on account of disease of the eyes. Walter Sydney Ford was born at Woolwich, Kent, on 21 October 1895 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Impregnable on 24 July 1911. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Antrim, on 21 October 1913, and to Able Seaman, on 5 October 1914. During the Great War he served in H.M.S. Actaeon, H.M.S. Vernon (for service in Torpedo Boat No. 6), and H.M.S. Pembroke I. He was discharged from H.M.S. Pembroke II (Stork) on expiration of his period of service on 20 October 1925.
Three: Ordinary Seaman R. Stanley, Royal Navy, who was killed when H.M.S. Vanguard suffered a series of explosions at anchor in Scapa Flow on 9 July 1917 1914-15 Star (J.31560, R. Stanley, Ord., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.31560 R. Stanley. A.B. R.N.) light spotting to VM, otherwise good very fine (3) £80-£100 --- Reginald Stanley was born at Birmingham on 19 July 1896 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Vivid I, on 10 June 1914. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Impregnable, on 10 December 1914 and Able Seaman, H.M.S. Vanguard, on 19 July 1916. He was killed when H.M.S. Vanguard, at anchor in Scapa Flow, suffered a series of magazine explosions shortly before midnight on 9 July 1917: she sank almost instantly, killing 843 of the 845 men aboard. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Three: Trimmer D. Knights, Royal Naval Reserve 1914-15 Star (T.S. 722. D. Knights. Tr., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (722 T.S. D. Knights. Tr. R.N.R.) light contact marks, nearly very fine Three: Able Seaman E. Cronk, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve 1914-15 Star (L.Z. 2864, E. Cronk, A.B., R.N.V.R.); British War and Victory Medals (L.Z. 2864 E. Cronk. R.N.V.R.) very fine (6) £70-£90 --- Daniel Knights was born at Darsham, Suffolk, on 19 June 1877 and enrolled for service in the Royal Naval Reserve on 24 September 1914. During the Great War he served in H.M.S. St. George (Terrier), H.M.S. Wallington, H.M.S. Pekin, H.M.S. Pembroke, H.M.S. Attentive, and H.M.S. Actaeon. He was sent to the R.N. Hospital Chatham, ‘sick’, on 18 November 1918, and was invalided from H.M.S. Pembroke on 1 January 1919, being awarded a Silver War Badge. Edwin Cronk, a native of Margate, Kent, was born on 27 November 1886 and enlisted in the London Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, on 8 August 1915. He was initially posted to the R.N.V.R. Depot at Crystal Palace, and served during the Great War attached to the 6th Battalion, R.N.V.R., as well as in H.M.S. Victory I, H.M.S. Hercules, H.M.S. Excellent and H.M.S. President III. He was demobilised on 2 July 1919.
Three: Private H. D. Cornish, Liverpool Regiment, who was killed in action at Loos on 28 September 1915 1914-15 Star (2569 Pte. H. D. Cornish. L’pool R.); British War and Victory Medals (2569 Pte. H. D. Cornish. L’pool R.) VM renamed, with named card box of issue, good very fine Three: Private T. E. Middleton, York and Lancaster Regiment, who was severely wounded in April 1917 1914-15 Star (18346 Pte. T. E. Middleton, York & Lanc. R.) British War and Victory Medals (18346 Pte. T. E. Middleton, York & Lanc. R.) some light scratches to naming on reverse of Star but fully legible, otherwise nearly very fine Pair: Sergeant A. G. Barker, Liverpool Regiment British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (408141 Sgt. A. G. Barker. L’pool R.) nearly very fine (8) £120-£160 --- Harry Douglas Cornish was born at Liverpool and attested for the Liverpool Regiment at Southport on 8 September 1914. He served with the 1st/7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 7 March 1915, and was killed in action at the Battle of Loos on 28 September 1915. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. Sold with named Record Office enclosure for the British War Medal. Thomas Ernest Middleton attested for the York and Lancaster Regiment on 8 January 1915 and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 1 May 1915. He later transferred to the Yorkshire Regiment, and received a severe gun shot wound to the right thigh on 27 April 1917, being admitted to hospital on 8 May 1917. He survived the Great War and was transferred to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 28 February 1919. Albert George Barker attested for the Liverpool Regiment and served with the 1st/5th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front. For his services during the Great War he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 8 July 1919).
Three: Private E. F. Butson, Somerset Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 18 August 1916 1914-15 Star (10312 Pte E. F. Butson, Som: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (10312 Pte. E. F. Butson. Som. L. I.); Memorial Plaque (Edward [sic] Frederick Butson) small patch of verdigris on back of star, otherwise generally very fine (4) £120-£160 --- Edwin Frederick Butson was born in Barton Hill, Bristol, and attested there for the Somerset Light Infantry. He served with the 6th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 May 1915, and was killed in action on 18 August 1916, on which date the Battalion was involved in an attack on Delville Wood, suffering a total of 280 casualties. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Sold with two unofficial commemorative medals.
A Great War O.B.E. group of five awarded to Lieutenant-Commander E. Duffett, Royal Navy, whose career in the Royal Navy spanned almost half a century The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1918; South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (E. Duffet [sic], Ldg. Sean., H.M.S. Active.), this a slightly later issue impressed in the style associated with the Egypt and Sudan Medal; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (E. Duffett, Gunr. R.N. H.M.S. Cygnet.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. E. Duffett. R.N.); Khedive’s Star, dated 1884-6, unnamed as issued, very light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 1 April 1919: ‘For valuable services in connection with recruiting.’ Edward Duffett served very nearly fifty years in the Royal Navy, commencing his time as a Boy 2nd Class in 1870 and ultimately receiving the O.B.E. as a Lieutenant-Commander on 1 April 1919. Born in Portsea, Hampshire, on 3 September 1855 he joined the service as a Boy 2nd Class serving in H.M.S. Inconstant on 13 April 1870. He served in H.M.S. Spartan for two years and was advanced Able Seaman in June 1875. Drafted to H.M.S. Active on 15 April 1877, he served in her during the South African War, rising to Leading Seaman in April 1878 and to Petty Officer 2nd Class in April 1879 with immediate advancement to Petty Officer 1st Class one month later. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 1 November 1883 as a Petty Officer 1st Class aboard H.M.S. Neptune just two months prior to his promotion to Gunner, R.N., on 4 January 1884, when he was appointed to H.M.S. Cygnet for her commission ending on 15 March 1887. Duffett subsequently served as a Gunner R.N. aboard H.M. Ships Cygnet (1884-87), St. Vincent (1887-90), Gannet (1890-94), Excellent (1894-1900), and Tamar (1900-02), and received promotion to Chief Gunner R.N. on 1 April 1903. He served on the books of H.M.S. President (1906-08) and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in October 1908. When due to be placed on the Retired List on reaching the age of 55 years in September 1910 he received special dispensation, retaining employment in the Recruiting Service since he was ‘very largely responsible for working up the recruiting in his District’, serving on the books in H.M.S. Pembroke from April 1911 to the cessation of hostilities for duties with the East London Recruiting District. He received promotion to Lieutenant-Commander on 1 October 1916, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire at the end of the War. Reverting to the Retired List on 1 January 1920, he died from chronic bronchitis on 26 February 1942, aged 86 years. Sold with copied research. Note: A duplicate South Africa Medal and clasp was issued to the recipient on 16 February 1887; given the style of naming on the South Africa Medal in this lot the medal included here is almost certainly the duplicate medal.
Pair: Private J. Davidson, 1st County of London Yeomanry (Middlesex Hussars) British War and Victory Medals (1868 Pte. J. Davidson. 1-Co. of Lond. Y.) light spotting to VM, otherwise very fine Pair: Private C. H. Carter, 9th (Queen Victoria’s Rifles) Battalion, London Regiment British War and Victory Medals (5688 Pte. C. H. Carter. 9-Lond. R.) very fine (4) £80-£100 --- Charles Herbert Carter attested for the London Regiment and served initially with the 9th (Queen Victoria’s Rifles) Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, before transferring to the 20th (Blackheath and Woolwich) Battalion, and was wounded by gun shot to the thigh ands ribs on 27 April 1917.
A Second War O.B.E. pair awarded to Colonel R. Matthews, Indian Army The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Lieut. R. Matthews, 39 C.I. Horse); mounted for display purposes together with an erased British War Medal 1914-20 and an erased Victory Medal 1914-19, light contact marks, good very fine (4) £200-£240 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 8 June 1944. Reginald Matthews was born on 14 June 1894 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the County of London Yeomanry on 24 February 1915. Promoted Lieutenant on 24 November 1916, he transferred to the Indian Army on 13 January 1918, and served initially with the 39th Central India Horse, before being appointed to the Army Remount Department. He was advanced Lieutenant-Colonel on 24 November 1941, and was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1944. Sold with the Bestowal Document for the O.B.E., named to Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Matthews, Indian Army, and dated 8 June 1944; a portrait photograph of the recipient; a mounted group of six miniature awards, comprising O.B.E. (Military) 2nd type; British War and Victory Medals; India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; and cap badge, sundry rank pips, and Army Remount Department insignia.
Three: Lieutenant N. H. N. MacLeod, Royal Air Force, late Surma Valley Light Horse British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. N. H. N. MacLeod. R.A.F.) surname partially officially corrected on BWM; Volunteer Force Long Service Medal (India & the Colonies), G.V.R. (L-Sgt. N. H. N. MacLeod. S.V. Lt. Horse A.F.I.) very fine (3) £120-£160
Four: Corporal R. G. Evans, Royal Air Force India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Waziristan 1919-21 (247411 A.C. 1. R. G. Evans. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (247411 Cpl R. G. Evans. R.A.F.) mounted for display, light polished, therefore nearly very fine (4) £140-£180 --- L.S. & G.C. awarded in January 1936.
Seven: Corporal H. W. Mellors, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (5378585 Pte. H. W. Mellors. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) suspension claw re-affixed; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (5378585 Cpl. H. W. Mellors, Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); together with the recipient’s O.B.L.I. cap badge and Second World War ‘For Loyal Service’ lapel badge, heavy edge bruising, contact marks and polishing to first, otherwise generally very fine and better (7) £100-£140 --- H. W. Mellors served as a Bandsman in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (September 1928 Regimental Journal refers).
A particularly fine Second War ‘Arakan and Kohima operations’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Major T. Casey, 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who later commanded the lead Company in the assault crossing of the 2,000 yards wide River Irrawaddy, 14 February 1945, and was mentioned in despatches for his gallantry during the assault Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Major T. Casey. M.C. S. Lan. R.) rank and initial officially corrected; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (Capt. T. Casey. (M.C.) S. Lan. R.) mounted for wear, very fine (7) £2,000-£2,600 --- M.C. London Gazette 22 March 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘On 12 June 1944, Capt. Casey was commanding a platoon of “B” Coy in a battalion attack on Kidima village. There was a mist and Capt. Casey’s platoon suddenly found itself under heavy L.M.G. fire from a bunker at close range. Capt. Casey personally brought a L.M.G. into action and engaged the enemy post to enable his platoon to move into a more favourable position for attacking the bunker. Shortly afterwards while manoeuvring into a position on the enemy’s right flank in order to support the main coy attack, Capt. Casey’s platoon came under enfilade fire from another enemy bunker. By skilful use of ground and firepower he was able to neutralise this enemy post and at the same time fulfil his task of covering the coy attack. Later in the day the Coy was ordered to withdraw. Just at this time a man from Capt. Casey’s platoon was seriously wounded in close proximity to an enemy position, Capt. Casey, again by skilful use of ground and direction of his available firepower enabled the wounded man to be safely evacuated and his platoon to withdraw without further loss. By his leadership, resource and complete disregard for personal danger Capt. Casey proved a source of inspiration to all ranks under his comd. Capt. Casey commanded a Coy in the Arakan and in the later stages of the Kohima battle. His work throughout has been outstanding. M.I.D. London Gazette 10 January 1946. Thomas Casey resided at 67 Hectorage Road, Tonbridge, Kent. He ‘enlisted in 1928, being promoted Corporal in 1930 and Sergeant in 1935. Commissioned early in the War, he was awarded the Military Cross.’ (Obituary included with the lot refers) Casey served with the 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, and his service during the Second War is highlighted in the Regimental Chronicle: ‘During this period the Battalion continued Combined Operations Training and in February, 1944, entrained for Calcutta to take part in a Combined Operation Exercise called “Porpoise.” From Calcutta they were diverted to the Arakan, where the Battalion took part in various actions against the Japanese in the Mayu Range. Casualties: 3 Officers and 35 Other Ranks.... In April, 1944, the Battalion left Combined Operations Formation and were transferred to the 7th Indian Division, and moved from the Arakan to Kohima. There the Battalion assisted in the final clearing of the Japanese from Kohima, and continued the pursuit through the jungle towards Mao Songsang on the Kohima-Imphal road. Casualties: 2 Officers and 30 Other Ranks (approx.) Awards: Capt. T. Casey M.C. Sergeant Green M.M. Pte. Davies M.M. Capt. H. J. Smith M.B.E. R.S.M. Oliver M.B.E. The Battalion returned to Kohima, where they rested, reformed and trained during the period July to November, 1944. On the 30th November, 1944, commenced what was later to be a 600 miles march - Kohima - Imphal - Tamu - Ganggaw Valley - Irrawaddy, arriving west bank of Irrawaddy early February, 1945. The Battalion, now commanded by Lieut. Colonel T. W. M. Mitchell, was selected to be the leading Battalion in the assault crossing of the 2,000 yards wide River Irrawaddy. “C” Company, commanded by Major T. Casey, M.C., was selected to be the leading Company for the assault crossing. The Company made a successful, silent crossing before first light. The remainder of the Battalion, which consisted of “A” and “D” Companies, came under heavy fire just after first light and were forced to return to the West bank after suffering heavy casualties. The leading Company of the Battalion consolidated its position on the enemy-held side of the river and remained until reinforced later in the day. The partial success of the Battalion in establishing itself on the East bank resulted in the successful crossing of the remainder of the 7th Indian Division , thus enabling the 17th Indian Division to make its brilliant breakthrough to Meiktela. Casualties: 4 Officers and 80 Other Ranks (approx.) Awards: Pte. Stewart M.M. Pte. Helsby (deceased) M.M. Lt. Col T. W. M. Mitchell M.I.D. Major T. Casey M.I.D. Major T. A. G. Sprague M.I.D. Capt. Harvey (Posthumous) M.I.D.’ Casey’s personal account of the river crossing adds the following: ‘We could see the cliffs against the stars and as the beaches drew nearer the tension grew, for we did not know whether a reception committee awaited us or not. One hundred yards, fifty, twenty and we were there. The men climbed out of the boats very quietly and those detailed formed a shallow bridgehead to protect the remainder of the Coy whilst disembarking. The boats were carried across the beach and laid at the entrance to a chaung at the foot of the cliffs. Our objective was the high ground just above and to the East if the Eastern beach objective.’ Casey led his men to the objectives, dug in, and signalled back for the rest of the Battalion to join them. Despite his success, the Japanese were alerted to the arrival of the next waive of boats and hammered them with machine gun fire. Casey’s men tried to clear Japanese positions with the bayonet, but it was to no avail as they were entrenched in caves in the cliff face. The remainder of Battalion suffered heavily and were beaten back. Casey was eventually relieved by men of the 4th Battalion, 14th Punjabis after an aerial bombardment on the Japanese positions. After the war Casey served during the Mau Mau Rebellion in Kenya, and ‘Major Casey became ill in Kenya, East Africa, where he was employed after he retired from the army. He had expected fly home in April, but it was not to be. He will long be remembered as a man with a kindly disposition, a great sense of duty with a keen sense of loyalty. In the furtherance of well-being of those under his command he never spared himself.’ (Obituary refers) Sold with copied research, including photographic images of recipient in uniform, and a typed account of recipient’s personal account of the Irawaddy River Crossing.
Six: Temporary Captain J. G. Dixon, South African Engineering Corps, late Royal Durban Light Infantry 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, these all officially named ‘215486 J. G. Dixon’, good very fine (6) £60-£80 --- John George Dixon was born at Durban in 1905 and enlisted into the Royal Durban Light Infantry, for service in the Union only, on 24 June 1940. Discharged on 2 January 1941, he re-enlisted on 21 January 1941 into the South African Engineering Corps and served in No. 2 Docks Operating Company, South African Railways and Harbours Brigade. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant on 1 January 1942; Temp. W.O. I, 6 January 1944; Temp. 2nd Lieutenant, 3 July 1944; War Substantive Lieutenant, 3 January 1945; and to Temp. Captain, 1 October 1945. He was released from service on 4 Febraury 1946. Sold with metal I.D. bracelet (S/Sgt Dixon. J. G. No. 216486), U.D.F. medal entitlement slip, M.O.T.H. membership certificate dated 18th February 1946, and copied record of service.
A rare Great War ‘Guillemont Farm’ D.C.M. and ‘1916 operations’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant W. Dykes, 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (6063 Sjt: W. Dykes. 2/Dgns:); Military Medal, G.V.R. (6063 A. Sjt: W. Dykes. 2/Dgns:); 1914 Star, with copy clasp (6063 Pte. W. Dykes. 2/Dns.); British War and Victory Medals,with M.I.D. oak leaves (2DN-6063 Sjt. W. Dykes. 2-Dns.) mounted court-style for wearing, light contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine or better (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- One of 14 D.C.M.’s awarded to the Scots Greys in the Great War, two of whom additionally won the M.M. D.C.M. London Gazette 26 July 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, in making several personal reconnaisances of enemy trenches, thereby gaining information which was of the greatest assistance towards the success of the raid which followed. He showed great initiative and and coolness, and with his officer remained to the last to see his party safely in.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Gillemont [sic] Farm, 9/10th June 1917’. M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1916. William Dykes served in France with the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) from 17 August 1914. He won the Military Medal in 1916 and was decorated with the M.M. ribbon by G.O.C. 2nd Cavalry Division on 30 October 1916. The successful attack on Guillemont Farm on the night of 9/10th June 1917 was one of precision planning and execution due, very largely to the reconnaisances carried out by Sergeant Dykes prior to the attack. The narrative of this raid in the 2nd Dragoons war diary states: ‘The garrison of the enemy is known to have been 60. In addition, there was an enemy working party of 16 on drainage duty. Of these 76, the known casualties inflicted, are 56 killed and 11 taken prisoner, of whom 4 were wounded (One died later in Hospital). Our Casualties: 2 other ranks killed. 14 other ranks wounded, of whom 2 severely.’ One of the officers reported of the raid: ‘Everyone enjoyed themselves very much.’ Sergeant Dykes is amongst the list of men to have been slightly wounded in the raid but who remained at duty; he was subsequently awarded the Silver War Badge. Sold with copied research, including, Medal Index Card, gazette entries and extracts from the 2nd Dragoons War Diary which contains an Appendix with detailed narrative of the raid on Guillemont Farm. Note: M.I.D. unconfirmed.
Four: Warrant Officer Class 1 N. Gilbert, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (6345109 W.O. Cl. 2. N. Gilbert. R.E.M.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (6345109 W.O. Cl. 1. N. Gilbert. R.E.M.E.) mounted for wear, light contact marks overall, very fine (4) £50-£70
Five: Flight Sergeant R. H. Flintham, Royal Air Force Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (565897 F. Sgt. R. H. Flintham. R.A.F.) mounted for wear, light contact marks overall, very fine (5) £60-£80
Four: Marine D. A. J. Hoggett, Royal Marines, later Metropolitan Police Armed Response Team Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Brunei (R.M. 18780 D. A. J. Hoggett. Mne. R.M.); General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Borneo (RM. 18780. D. A. J. Hoggett. Mne. R.M.); Police L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (Const Dennis A J Hoggett); Cadet Forces Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue, with Second Award Bar (Sgt (SCC) D A J Hoggett); Malaysia, Federation, Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal, the first four mounted as worn, the last with miniature award and riband bar, in case of issue, light contact marks, very fine (5) £300-£400 --- Dennis Alfred Jack Hoggett was born in Twickenham on 30 April 1943 and joined the Royal Marines on 24 June 1959. Having completed his training he was drafted to 40 Commando, and having been promoted Corporal became a Motor Troop Section Commander. He retired on 29 April 1970, after nine years’ man’s service, but was subsequently involved with the Cadet Force at Steadfast (Kingston-on-Thames) as a Cadet Instructor. Joining the Metropolitan Police on 22 June 1970, Hoggett served with the Armed Response Team. Over the next two decades he was involved with the Iranian Embassy Siege, the Brixton Riots, various Royal Weddings and State Visits, and numerous terrorist incidents. He retired in 1998. Sold with copied research including two photographic images of the recipient.
Three: Leading Stoker W. H. Hare, H.M.S. Blanche, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (K.21117, W. H. Hare, Sto. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.21117 W. H. Hare. L. Sto. R.N.) nearly extremely fine (3) £60-£80 --- The light cruiser H.M.S. Blanche was launched on 25 November 1909 and was part of the 4th Light Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland. William Henry Hare was born at Hornchurch, Essex, on 20 September 1893 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 27 October 1913. Promoted Stoker First Class on 27 October 1914, he served during the Great War in H.M.S. Blanche, and was advanced Leading Stoker on 1 March 1917. He was invalided out of the service in July 1919, suffering from neurasthenia.
Three: Chief Petty Officer E. Lightfoot, H.M.S. Champion, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (236188, E. Lightfoot, L.S., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (236188 E. Lightfoot. P.O. R.N.) contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £70-£90 --- The light cruiser H.M.S. Champion was launched on 29 May 1915 and was the flagship of the 13th Destroyer Flotilla at the Battle of Jutland. Everitt Lightfoot was born at Peterborough, Northamptonshire, on 1 May 1890 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 25 April 1906. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. London on 1 May 1908, to Able Seaman in H.M.S. Endymion on 21 October 1909, and to Leading Seaman in H.M.S. Pembroke I on 1 April 1914. He served during the Great War initially borne on the books of H.M.S. Actaeon (for service in Torpedo Boat 6), before transferring to H.M.S. Champion on 8 December 1915. He was promoted Petty Officer on 1 May 1917, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in May 1923. Advanced Chief Petty Officer in H.M.S. Carlisle on 10 March 1927, he was shore pensioned on 30 April 1930. Sold with copied record of service.
Three: Telegrapher S. G. A. Harriss, H.M.S. Falmouth, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.25519, S. G. A. Harris [sic], O.Sig., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.25519 S. G. A. Harriss. Tel. R.N.) very fine (3) £60-£80 --- The light cruiser H.M.S. Falmouth was launched on 20 September 1910 and was the flagship of the 3rd Light Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland, firing a total of 175 shells during the battle, the most of any British light cruiser. Sydney George Allen Harriss was born at West Ham, Essex, on 3 July 1897 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 13 June 1913. He was appointed a Signal Boy, H.M.S. Ganges, on 1 January 1914, and served during the Great War in H.M.S. Falmouth, being advanced to Signaller on 14 April 1916. Advanced Telegrapher, H.M.S. Courageous, on 26 September 1918, he was invalided out of the service on account of defective vision on 16 July 1919.
Three: Stoker Petty Officer S. C. Lincoln, H.M.S. Inconstant, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (289397, S. C. Lincoln, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (289397 S. C. Lincoln. S.P.O. R.N.) very fine (3) £60-£80 --- The light cruiser H.M.S. Inconstant was launched on 6 July 1914 and was part of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland. Sidney Charles Lincoln was born at Norwich on 17 January 1880 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 7 July 1898. He was promoted Stoker First Class in H.M.S. King Edward VII on 7 February 1905, Leading Stoker in H.M.S. Fisgard on 31 August 1911, and Stoker Petty Officer in H.M.S. Duke of Edinburgh on 1 October 1913. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Inconstant, and was shore pensioned in August 1920.
Three: Able Seaman E. R. Watson, H.M.S. Inconstant, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.27925. E. R. Watson. Ord., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.27925 E. R. Watson. A.B. R.N.) contact marks, polished, better than good fine (3) £60-£80 --- The light cruiser H.M.S. Inconstant was launched on 6 July 1914 and was part of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland. Ernest Ralph Watson was born at Buckingham on 21 February 1898 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 9 October 1913. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. Inconstant on 23 September 1915, and served in her during the Great War, being promoted to Able Seaman on 21 February 1916. He was shore discharged, time expired, on 20 February 1928.
Three: Able Seaman W. Aldridge, H.M.S. King George V, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.14594, W. Aldridge, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.14594 W. Aldridge. A.B. R.N.) light contact marks, otherwise very fine (3) £60-£80 --- The dreadnought battleship H.M.S. King George V was launched on 9 October 1911 and was the flagship of the 2nd Battle Squadron at the Battle of Jutland. William Aldridge was born at Hadlow Down, Sussex, on 2 September 1895 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 21 September 1911. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. Liverpool on 2 September 1913, and to Able Seaman on 10 September 1914, and served during the Great War in H.M.S. King George V from 14 May 1915. He was shore discharged on 3 February 1920.
Three: Stoker Petty Officer W. J. Stevens, H.M.S. Lion, Royal Navy, late Royal Marine Light Infantry 1914-15 Star (K.4078, W. J. Stevens. L. Sto., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.4078 W. J. Stevens. S.P.O. R.N.) polished, contact marks and edge bruising, good fine (3) £70-£90 --- The battle cruiser H.M.S. Lion was launched on 6 August 1910 and was Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty’s fleet flagship of the Battle Cruiser Fleet at the Battle of Jutland. She was hit a total of 14 times during the battle, including sustaining near-catastrophic damage to Q-turret, and suffered 99 dead and 51 wounded. Although mortally wounded, Major Francis Harvey, Royal Marines, the Q-turret gun commander, ordered the magazine and turret to be flooded, which although costing him his life saved the magazine from exploding, which would undoubtedly have sunk the ship; for his bravery and self sacrifice he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. William John Stevens was born at Swindon, Wiltshire, on 26 November 1888 and enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, with service number Ply.13840, at Deal, Kent, on 22 August 1906. Posted to the Plymouth Division, he served in H.M.S. Niobe and H.M.S. Suffolk before transferring to the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 31 July 1909, and was re-numbered K.4078. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Lion from September 1914 to 28 September 1917, and was advanced to Stoker Petty Officer on 28 September 1917. He was shore pensioned on 25 November 1928. Sold with copied service papers.
Three: Stoker First Class E. Peplow, H.M.S. Midge, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (222266, E. Peplow, Sto. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (222266 E. Peplow. Sto. 1 R.N.) light contact marks, very fine and better (3) £60-£80 --- The destroyer H.M.S. Midge was launched on 22 May 1913 and was part of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla at the Battle of Jutland. Ernest Peplow was born at Handsworth, Staffordshire, on 15 February 1886 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 19 August 1902. Advanced to Stoker First Class in H.M.S. Fox on 1 July 1906, he served during the Great War borne on the books of H.M.S. Hecla (for service in H.M.S. Midge), and was shore demobilised in February 1919.
Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Syria (Chas. Hardy.) edge bruise, light cabinet marks to obverse field, otherwise nearly extremely fine £500-£700 --- Charles Hardy (a unique name on the roll) served as a Sailmaker in H.M.S. Hazard during the operations on and off the coast of Syria in 1840.
A Great War ‘Western Front 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant-Major W. F. Dachtler, 23rd London Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (700861 C.S. Mjr: W. F. Dachtler. 1.23 Lond: R.); 1914-15 Star (3268 Pte. W. F. Dechtler. 23-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (3268 W.O. Cl. 2. W. F. Dechtler. 23 Lond. R.) mounted court-style for display, light pitting from star, otherwise good very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1918; citation published 17 April 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an engagement he reconnoitred the enemy’s position under very difficult conditions, and obtained valuable information. He always showed great courage and determination at his work.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 25 May 1917. William Frederick Dachtler was born in London on 23 April 1894, and was a wharf clerk on the River Thames prior to his enlistment into the 23rd London Regiment on 15 October 1914. He served in France from 14 March 1915 until 24 March 1918, when he was taken prisoner. He remained a prisoner of war in German hands until released on 14 December 1918. After the war he spent some time recovering at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and was granted a Disability Pension. He migrated with his wife to Australia in April 1928 and was afterwards an Insurance Inspector with the Colonial Mutual Life Company until retirement. He was resident at Mount Lawley, Western Australia, and had two sons: William Benjamin, who served in the Royal Australian Navy, and James Frederick, who was Australian Catamaran Champion in 1968, and a Champion Yachtsman in 1975. Sold with original Chelsea Hospital letter concerning D.C.M. Gratuity and Disablement Pension, together with copied research and some family notes.
Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (Wm. Batchelor, Stkr. H.M.S. Agamemnon.) contemporary engraved naming in sloping plain capitals, light edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine £140-£180 --- William Batchelor entered H.M.S. Agamemnon on 12 October 1852, as a Stoker, aged 21. He was paid off at Portsmouth on 12 July 1856. Sold with confirmation of this service together with a contemporary news cutting describing Agamemnon in action.
A superb ‘Special Forces’ Second War 1943 ‘Immediate’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant W. Robinson, Durham Light Infantry, attached 143 Special Service Company, who led a section of three men during a behind the lines amphibious raid, carried out under the cover of darkness at Maungdaw, 16-17 May 1943. The plan went awry, and Robinson found himself faced by a bayonet charge from 20 Japanese soldiers. He decided to stand his ground and fight it out. In the brutal hand to hand fighting that ensued, ‘two of Sergeant Robinson’s men were bayoneted but their assailants in each case had their skulls battered in by other members of the party. It finally ended in unarmed combat which resulted in two more of the enemy being destroyed by various methods, making a grand total in that affair of twelve or thirteen dead Japs and only two survivors.’ Robinson, who, ‘when he wasn’t killing Japs... was laughing in sheer enjoyment’, managed to extricate his wounded men by Sampan down the Naf River to Teknaf in the early hours of the following morning Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (4264669 Sjt. W. Robinson. Durh. L.I.) mounted on investiture pin; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, campaign awards mounted as worn, with a portrait photograph of recipient in uniform - reverse of which is annotated ‘This is for you Mother’, very fine (5) £14,000-£18,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 22 July 1943: ‘Sergeant Robinson commanded a section of three men who were part of a covering party on an R.E. enterprise at Maungdaw (then in enemy hands) on the night 16/17 May 1943. It was Sgt. Robinson’s party who withstood an enemy bayonet charge after the enemy had sustained heavy causalities in their MG positions. The bayonet charge was made with the greatest ferocity and was met by firing from the hip with LMG’s. In the subsequent proceedings two of Sgt. Robinson’s men were bayoneted but their assailants in each case had their skulls battered in by other members of the party. It finally ended in unarmed combat which resulted in two more of the enemy being destroyed by various methods, making a grand total in that affair of twelve or thirteen dead Japs and only two survivors. At that stage Robinson was ordered to embark, but as the launch had been destroyed he took his wounded with him and searched for and subsequently found a sampan in which they all reached Teknaf in safety. Sgt. Robinson’s part in the operation was simply outstanding. When he wasn’t killing Japs he was laughing in sheer enjoyment, and the reliance of his men in his personal courage, quick appreciation and decisive action ensures the success of any future enterprise under his command.’ William Robinson initially served with the Durham Light infantry during the Second War, prior to being attached to 143 Special Service Company for operations behind enemy lines in Burma. The official report of the night action at Maungdaw, 16/17 May 1943, offers further insight into Robinson’s remarkable bravery: ‘A party composed of R.E.’s I.W.T. personnel and some volunteers from 143 Special Service Company proceeded to Maungdaw on 16 May with the object of retrieving some R.E. folding boats. The party from 143 S.S. Coy was to protect the R.E.’s and to cause a diversion if needed. The composition was as follows: Officer i/c Party Lieut. G. F. Kirkland. No. 1 Section Sgt. Robinson Cpl. Weatherhead Pte. Thorne (Bren Gun) L/C Kelly. No. 2 Section Sgt. McGeachy Cpl. Robinson Pte. Bain Pte. Hill Cpl. Dunne and Pte. McQueen were detailed to remain as escort to the launch with one Bren Gun and L/C Hindmarch as escort to Lieut. Kirkland. The entire party entered Maungdaw creek in an R Boat at 2020hrs and Lieut. Kirkland and his two sections landed at the Western Jetty. The R Boat went upstream towards the folding boats lying just beyond the F.S.D. Jetty. All was quiet on shore. Kirkland and No. 1 Section went along the road that leads behind the B.O.C. Building while No. 2 Section went along the jetty road. Both sections met at the road junction N.E. of the B.O.C. Building. Almost at once firing was heard from the trees to the N.W. of them. Medium and light automatics were identified and fire was obviously aimed at the R. Boat in the creak. It was afterwards learnt that the first burst struck Cpl. Dunne in the chest before he had time to fire a single shot. Kirkland ordered No. 2 Section to make for the enemy, accompanying this section himself and Sgt. Robinson to follow at a short interval. Sgt. McGeachy made his way down the road parallel to the water, crossed a small concrete bridge and engaged the enemy guns. As soon as the enemy L.M.G. was located definitely the Bren gunner fired at it and the enemy gun did not fire again. The medium M.G. turned from the launch on to McGeachy’s section. Kirkland considered this too big a task for four men and sent Hindmarch to bring up the other section intending to outflank the enemy gun. Hindmarch returned later and said he could not find Sgt. Robinson. Sgt. McGeachy’s section crawled to within forty yards of the M.M.G. which was firing red tracer and had a big muzzle flash. Again Pte. Hill with a loud chuckle, fired a complete magazine. The M.M.G. did not fire again. At once three men were seen making for the original enemy M.M.G. position. Sgt. McGeachy fired TS.M.G. and three dropped. They did not move again. At this point shouting and firing were heard from the direction of the road junction previously mentioned and where Sgt. Robinson had last been seen. Since no more fire was being directed on the launch Kirkland ordered McGeachy’s section to return with him to the road junction. Mortar bombs were observed falling in the water - one so near that Kirkland thought that it must have damaged the R Boat’s prop and rudder. They made along the road and Bain, who was leading, reported that he had seen men on the road to his left and that fire was still going between them and Sgt. Robinson. Two toots were heard on the R Boat’s horn and Kirkland figured that something was amiss. Mortars were firing on the water and the northern bank of the creek. The R Boat was in mid stream mid way between F.S.D. and Western Jetties. Kirkland and McGeachy’s section made for the water’s edge and the R Boat. While they were swimming out they had to scuttle their weapons despite the fact that they thought that they would have to fight to get Robinson away, because of the danger of drowning. They reached the R Boat and Cpl Robinson told them it was U/S and ordered them to make for the northern bank following himself with McQueen. The account of Sgt. Robinson’s action is as follows: Just after Kirkland and McGeachy left Robinson the latter observed fifteen to twenty Japs coming down the road. Despite orders and the fact that he was greatly outnumbered, Sgt. Robinson appreciated that this new development threatened not only McGeachy’s rear but also the operation in general. He therefore decided to stand his ground and fight it out. The enemy with fixed bayonets came down the centre of the road, broke into a double and the tallest of whom was leading shouting ‘Charge’ in English. The Bren gunner (Thorne) sprayed the road with one magazine firing from the hip and the leading five men dropped. The remainder made for Robinson’s section and the following events, though not necessarily chronologically correct, followed. Two enemy attacked Sgt. Robinson. First one Robinson shot and he dropped. Second turned on Bren gunner and before he could fire had scratched his ey...
India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Perak (W. Triggs, Ord: H.M.S. “Hart”) some light scratching in obverse field, otherwise good very fine £200-£240 --- Woodman Triggs was born at Bodmin, Cornwall, on 24 April 1854, and joined the Navy aboard the training ship Impregnable on 12 August 1869, aged 15. Sold with copied medal roll entry and some service details.
India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (950 Pte. E. Smith 2d Bn. Som. L.I.) very fine £100-£140 --- Edward Smith was born in the Parish of Bermondsey, Southwark, Surrey, and enlisted into the Somerset Light Infantry, upon release from the 4th East Surrey Militia, on 1 January 1885, aged 18 years 5 months, a carman by trade. Posted to the 1st Battalion, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion on 15 February 1886, for service in India, where he served until 2 November 1892, including operations during the Third Burmese War. In June 1888 he was tried by Regimental Court Martial for offering violence to his superior officer and sentenced to 42 days imprisonment with hard labour. He was tried by District Court Martial in May 1890 for a repeat of the same offence and sentenced to 84 days imprisonment with hard labour. Transferred to ‘A’ Reserve in November 1892, he was finally discharged at Taunton on 31 December 1896, his conduct being described as ‘Very Bad’. Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm medal and clasp.
The outstanding Indian Mutiny medal awarded to Assistant-Surgeon H. M. Greenhow, 1st Oudh Irregular Cavalry, an original Defender recommended for the Victoria Cross for acts of bravery undertaken on the night of the arrival of Havelock's Relieving Force into the Residency; he was the last surviving Surgeon of the Defence of Lucknow Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Defence of Lucknow, Lucknow (Asst. Surgn. H. M. Greenhow, 1st Oudh Irreg. Cavy.) good very fine £3,000-£4,000 --- Greenhow's claim for the Victoria Cross is detailed in the Fort William Military Proceedings( WO 32/7353 - February 1864). He was first recommended on 27 May 1861, by Major W. T. Johnson, of the 12th Irregular Cavalry, that on the night of 27 September 1857, after the Relieving Force under General Havelock had fought their way into Lucknow, Dr. Greenhow voluntarily left the protection of the Residency, of which he was an original defender, and at great personal risk brought in some 12 to 15 wounded soldiers of the relieving Force. Many wounded men were left outside the Residency who would have died but for the exertions of Greenhow. He zealously persevered in this good work from 10 pm until near daylight, issuing out on 3 or 4 occasions. The Committee replied “The Board considers this act of devotion well worthy of the decoration but it wants the further conformation of eye-witnesses and should be returned for that purpose to Surgeon Greenhow”. The recommendation was resubmitted with Brevet Surgeon Bird stating, “that he met Greenhow without the walls of the Residency engaged in bringing in the wounded of the Relieving Force. This was work of great difficulty and danger and I believe that several men and officers owe their lives to the exertions of Mr. Greenhow.” By December 1860 the large numbers of late claims for the Crimean campaign were exercising minds in Horse Guards as to what to do with the similar numbers being submitted for the Mutiny. The Duke of Cambridge ordered a halt in further Mutiny submissions but then changed his mind as it was recognised that the Indian Service had reasons for complaint. Many were on sick leave so the time was extended with the last awards being gazetted in February 1862. Unfortunately the last awards for the Mutiny did not arrive until December 1863. Lord de Grey as Secretary of State pronounced that no more submissions could be countenanced so Greenhow together with those of Assistant-Surgeon J. Lumsdaine, Bombay Medical Service and Major J. Edmondstoune, 32nd Foot were all refused. Interestingly the last claim for the mutiny was approved and gazetted in 1907 for Lieutenant Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillipps, 11th Bengal N.I. who was killed at Delhi in 1857 (The Evolution of the Victoria Cross by M. J. Crook refers). Henry Martineau Greenhow was born on 6 September 1829, at Hanover Square, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, into a prominent medical and political family. His father, Thomas Michael Greenhow, was an illustrious medical man, who co-founded Newcastle’s Eye Infirmary and the Newcastle University Medical School, later co-founding Durham University. His sister, Frances Elizabeth, married into the Lupton family and worked tirelessly for women's educational rights. His mother was Elizabeth Martineau, sister of the political and social theorist Harriet Martineau, a devout Unitarian and believer in Mesmerism (Note: Catherine “Kate” Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, is a direct descendant from Greenhow's mother Elizabeth Martineau). He was educated at Newcastle and University College London; M.R.C.S. 1853; F.R.C.S. Edin. 1859. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon on 20 January 1854; Brevet Surgeon, 5 September 1858; Surgeon, 1 January 1866; Surgeon Major, 1 July 1873; retired 1876. He died at Esher, Surrey, on 26 November 1912. Surgeon H. M. Greenhow was present and served with the Oudh Irregular Cavalry throughout the Mutinies in Oudh in 1857 and 1858. He was mentioned for his untiring and extreme devotion and for his great skill in the despatches of Brigadier Inglis, Commanding the Garrison at Lucknow and received the thanks of the Government (Despatches London Gazette 16 January 1858; medal with two claps). He was the author of a variety of Medical books including "Notes Medical and Surgical, taken during the late Siege of Lucknow", and several novels including The Bow of Fate, 1893; The Tower of Ghilzean, 1896; Brenda's Experiment, 1896; Amy Vivian's Ring, 1897; The Emperor's Design, 1901; and Leila's Lovers, 1902. Greenhow was recognised as an excellent surgeon and as such Sir Dermot Daly was keen to recruit him to join the newly raised Oude Irregular Force. Irregular surgeons not only treated the troopers and families of the regiment, they were also charged with the medical and vaccination duties for all residents of the district. For this knowledge he was given command of the Native Hospital during the siege and messed with the Engineers and Artillery. His book “Notes Medical and Surgical, taken during the late Siege of Lucknow” is a fascinating account of the conditions in which he operated. Nowhere was safe from shot or shell and his description of treatments would seem esoteric today. In the case of Cholera he wrote, “Creosote” and water to allay vomiting, I found most useful. Turpentine frictions and garters tied around the legs, relieved cramp. Congee water and dilute sulphuric acid made useful drinks”. He was also called upon to observe and treat no fewer than 40 Europeans and Eurasians. He lists no names but instead gives each case a number from which, together with their injuries and where wounded, it is possible to put names to several cases; i.e. Number 27 on the list is Lieutenant J. H. T. Farquhar, 7th Bengal Light Cavalry, ‘aged 21, wounded at Chinhut – Bullet wound of mouth, breaking jaw. Ball swallowed and after 3 weeks ball passed per anum. Recovered.’ He further enumerates the total garrison which he deduced as being 2,983 men, women, children and natives, a figure accepted today as the most accurate. Among the many copied letters that accompany the lot is an unpublished 50-page lecture written over 30 years after the siege in which he attempts to bring to a new generation his intimate knowledge of events. From the opening fears of mutiny he relates his acute recollections of the horrors of death, injuries, disease, stench and, above all, flies that shrouded the Residency like a ghastly pall of death. However, parts of his monologue are interspersed with black humour, pathos, tragedy and joy. The following are but a few of his experiences and have been paraphrased: I was stationed at Secrora, 64 miles from Lucknow, where 6 or 8 European Officers were in charge of 1,500 native troops. All was quiet until the fall of Delhi when the demeanour of the men was visibly felt. Saving the women and children was the first priority but it was only when 50 Sikh Oudh Cavalrymen arrived from Lucknow commanding them to enter the residency that we made any move. Marching at night the anxiety became more intense as the men now took no pains to conceal their mutinous spirit singing blood-thirsty songs awaiting their opportunity to revolt. We halted when one of the Sepoys came up to me and clasping my knee said, “Sir, not one of you will escape to Lucknow; we shall kill you all.” With that he raised his loaded musket to his shoulder and took deliberate aim at the commanding officer's wife sitting on top of an elephant only for a Native Sergeant to take away his weapon saying quietly “Not now. Not now.” My revolver was ready to shoot the man but I did not fire as a shot at that moment would have brought catastrophe to the party... The enemy surrounding the Residency were, in places, o...
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![Three: Telegrapher S. G. A. Harriss, H.M.S. Falmouth, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.25519, S. G. A. Harris [sic], O.Sig., R.N.)](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4524d18e-5125-460a-a80e-ae9201157f52/549c4a88-cd02-4b31-9fa0-ae9300b1303c/468x382.jpg)
