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.
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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.)](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4524d18e-5125-460a-a80e-ae9201157f52/549c4a88-cd02-4b31-9fa0-ae9300b1303c/468x382.jpg)
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...
Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 5 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, Suakin 1884, El-Teb, The Nile 1884-85, Kirbekan (158. Pte. W. Hogg. 1/R. Hrs.) suspension a little slack and light pitting from star, otherwise very fine £500-£700 --- William Hogg was born in the Parish of Hawick, Roxburgh, and attested for the Black Watch at Edinburgh on his 19th birthday, 6 August 1881, a stocking maker by trade. H served abroad in Egypt and the Soudan from 8 August 1882 to 30 April 1886, at Malta until 7 August 1889, at Gibraltar until 7 October 1889, and the remainder at Home until his discharge on 5 August 1893. He signed up for 1 year’s service in the U.K. during the Great War, attesting for the 4th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers (T.F.) on 23 June 1915 and served until 3 December 1915. Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm Medal and clasps as well as entitlement to Khedive’s Star. Note: A renamed Egypt Medal to this man in known to exist.
‘After having heard the battle raging around his craft, he left his engines under the charge of his assistant, picked up his sten gun, and joined in the gun battle.’ The unique Brunei D.S.M. pair awarded to Petty Officer Mechanician P. J. D. Kirwin, Royal Navy, Stoker Petty Officer of the leading lighter at the opposed Royal Marines Commando raid against heavily armed Indonesian supported rebels at Limbang, Brunei, on 12 December 1962, who, ‘when his craft came under heavy fire, left the safety of his engine room, grasped his automatic weapon, and engaged the rebels himself at very close range’ - one of just four D.S.M.s awarded to the Royal Navy in the period from the Korean War in 1953 until the Falklands War in 1982 Distinguished Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (P/KX.869578 P. J. D. Kirwin. P.O.M. (E) R.N.); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Brunei (KX.869578 P. J. D. Kirwin. P.O.M. (E). R.N.) this with officially re-impressed naming, together with original Royal Mint case of issue for D.S.M., extremely fine (2) £16,000-£20,000 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 31 May 1963: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in operations in Brunei during the period 8th to 23rd December 1962.’ Revolt in Brunei Up to 1962, the island of Borneo was divided into the vast southern area under Indonesian rule and three British dependencies, Sarawak, North Borneo and, sandwiched between them, the tiny but very wealthy protectorate of Brunei. With the sun gradually setting on British interests in this part of the Far East, a proposal to include these three northern Borneo states into the new Federation of Malaysia was opposed by Indonesia which then proceeded to back the dissident TNKU in mounting an insurrection in Brunei with the aim of maintaining a North Borneo Union. To further this, in December 1962 the rebels occupied several towns, including Brunei town and at Limbang across the border in Sarawak, they held a number of hostages, including the British Government’s Agent - the ‘Resident’, ‘Dick’ Morris - his wife and a nursing sister. There were indications that the hostages were to be executed on 12 December. At this time 42 Commando, who were awaiting Christmas in Singapore, were put on short notice, and two days later ‘L’ Company, under Captain Jeremy Moore (later to command British Land Forces during the Falklands War), flew to Brunei Town where the Gurkhas had restored order. In fact, most of the trouble had been quickly stamped out, except at Limbang, only accessible by river. Amphibious Assault on Limbang Tasked with rescuing the Limbang hostages, Moore’s urgency was further sharpened when it was learned that the TKNU had murdered some hostages at Bangar. At the waterfront in Brunei he met the Senior Naval Officer, Lieutenant-Commander J. J. Black (who by coincidence would also rise to senior command during the Falklands War as Captain of the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Invincible) who had requisitioned two Z-Lighter landing craft for the raid, the Nakhoda Manis and the Sindaun, and provided these with five man crews from the minesweepers Fiskerton and Chawton under his command. Lieutenant Willis, being Black’s First Lieutenant, was appointed as the Senior Naval Officer charged with ensuring that the task force arrived off Limbang but once the assault landing was under way, the lighters would then come under the tactical direction of the senior Royal Marine on board. None of the Royal Navy men under Willis had any experience in handling Z-Craft or landing craft operations but they were now being committed to the daunting prospect of an opposed landing. At 10pm on 11 December, the understrength ‘L’ Company of 87 men, faces blackened, all wearing green berets with glinting cap badges for identification, filed on to the waiting Z-Craft. On board the lead lighter, Nakhoda Manis - commanded by Willis - was Captain Moore, his reconnaissance group, part of Company HQ, and 5 Troop. Also aboard as guide was Captain Muton, the Brunei Director of Marine who would later receive the M.B.E. for his efforts and four more Royal Navy crew including Petty Officer Mechanician Kirwin. The assault went in at first light: ‘When they were 300yds from the Limbang police station, and as the leading craft came abreast of the huts south of the town,‘it erupted like a disturbed ants' nest as the rebels stood to’. At 200yds the Commando Intelligence Sergeant called through the loud-hailer in Malay: ‘The rebellion is over . . . you should lay down your arms.' They replied with automatic weapons - an LMG, three or four SMGs - and some dozen rifles, supported by over 100 shotguns. The instantaneous counter-fire from both craft gave the commandos, thanks to their Vickers machine-guns, the initiative, enabling the leading craft to beach half a minute later only 30yds from the police station. Two marines of the leading No.5 Troop were killed before the craft gained the bank and their OC, Lt ‘Paddy’ Davis, was wounded as he jumped ashore. Sgt Bickford led two Sections of the Troop against the police station, which was quickly cleared, but the naval coxswain of the leading craft had been wounded and as the craft drifted off the bank, Lt D.O. Willis, RN, drove it hard back ashore; but this shallow draught lighter broached to 150yds upstream between the hospital and the home of the British Resident. Capt Moore sent the reserve section ashore, with HQ personnel led by TSM McDonald, and they cleared the hospital. As they came through to the back of this building, the Troop sergeant and two marines were killed, ‘for the jungle comes literally right down to the back door of the hospital’. The grounding of the craft up-river had been a fortunate accident, for Capt Moore found some of the hostages in the hospital. A rebel had fired at them but missed, and no one was hurt. While the ground between the hospital and the police station was being cleared, as was the Resident’s house, the Company Commander was told of more hostages. Therefore, he organised the clearing of the rest of the town to the south, and by the afternoon had released another eight hostages but at nightfall there were still rebels inside the Company’s perimeter, two of whom were killed close to the marines’ positions. Next day the town was secured. Five marines had been killed and six wounded (including a sailor), but the action here, coupled with those of the Gurkhas and Queen's Own Highlanders elsewhere in Brunei, had broken the rebellion. At Limbang alone 15 rebels had been killed and 50 captured from a force of 350, - twice the expected size. They had been taken by surprise, as the commandos now discovered. The Vickers guns in the second craft had been masked, the Company Commander also learnt, by the leading craft, until QMS Cyril Quoins asked the officer commanding this lighter if he could pull out of line to give them a clearer shot. ‘Sergeant Major’, the officer replied, ‘Nelson would have loved you’, and promptly swung his craft into a more exposed position.’ (The Royal Marines by James D. Ladd refers.) It is also worth quoting Captain Jeremy Moore’s observations, made much later: ‘It is perhaps interesting to note that, though my assessment of where the enemy headquarters might be was right, I was quite wrong about the hostages. Furthermore, it was chance that the second beaching happened where it did, that resulted in us taking the hospital from the direction we did. It could be that this saved us heavier casualties, though I assess the most important factor in the success of the operation was first class leadership by junior NCOs. Their section battle craft was a joy to watch...
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant S. Lees, Royal Horse Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (51160 Sjt. S. Lees. E.3/Bde. R.H.A.); 1914 Star, with clasp (51160 Bmbr: S. Lees. R.H.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (51160 Bmbr: S. Lees. R.A.) light contact marks, generally very fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917 Sydney Lees, a native of Worcester, attested for the Royal Horse Artillery and served with ‘O’ Battery during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1914. M.I.D. unconfirmed. Sold with copy research.
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (2467 Pte. A. Cook. 1/Oxfd. L.I.) engraved naming, minor edge bruise, toned, nearly extremely fine £60-£80 --- A Cook appears on the medal roll for 3rd Battalion Oxford Light Infantry, but it is noted that he served in South Africa with 1st Battalion, and confirms entitlement to the clasps for Cape Colony and Orange Free State.
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4589 Pte. H. T. Froude. 3rd Dragoon Gds.) suspension claw re-affixed, nearly very fine £80-£100 --- Herbert Thomas Froude was born at Long Ashton, Bristol, and attested for the Dragoons of the Line at Bristol on 15 June 1900, having previously served with the 4th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, and the Devon and Somerset Royal Engineers Volunteers. Posted to 3rd Dragoon Guards, he served with them in South Africa during the Boer War from 10 August 1901 to the cessation of hostilities, before transferring to the Royal Artillery on 19 February 1904, and then to the Army Reserve on 26 June 1906. Discharged in June 1912, he rejoined the Royal Garrison Artillery for home service in the Great War, with service number 284587. Sold with copied service papers and other research.
Family Group: A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Sergeant A. C. Taylor, 15th (Civil Service Rifles) Battalion, London Regiment, later Second Lieutenant, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 23 October 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (1365 L. Sjt: A. C. Taylor. 1/15 Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. A. C. Taylor) nearly extremely fine Pair: Air Mechanic Second Class F. W. Taylor, Royal Air Force British War and Victory Medals (59947. 2.A.M. F. W. Taylor. R.A.F.) very fine (5) £400-£500 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1916. Alfred Cecil Taylor attested for the London Regiment and served with the 15th (Civil Service Rifles) Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 17 March 1915. Advanced Lance-Sergeant, he was awarded the Military Medal in 1916, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry on 30 April 1918. He was killed in action on 23 October 1918, whilst serving with the 1st Battalion, and is buried in Amerval Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
A fine Second World ‘Burma operations’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Corporal A. H. Ford, West Yorkshire Regiment, who, as a member of his battalion’s “Guerilla Platoon”, regularly penetrated enemy lines in the Arakan Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4390907 L. Cpl. A. H. Ford, W. York. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp 8th Army; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (4390907 Cpl. A. H. Ford, M.M., W. Yorks), generally very fine (7) £2,400-£2,800 --- M.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘On the night of 9-10 January 1944, Lance-Corporal Ford was Bren-gunner during the time when the Guerilla Platoon was ambushing the enemy as they withdrew across the Iron Bridge, Kanyindan, Arakan. The enemy opened fire with L.M.Gs from three sides, but Lance-Corporal Ford continued to fire his gun, inflicting casualties on them, and then covering the Platoon withdrawal. Not until the whole of his Platoon was clear of the bridge did he himself move back. On arrival at the leaguer, Lance-Corporal Ford volunteered to take a message to Kanyindan to ‘C’ Company, which involved passing through the enemy positions. This he did, and being unable to locate ‘C’ Company, who, as it happened, were not there, then returned to his platoon, again passing through the enemy. Throughout the whole operation he showed a complete disregard for his personal safety. Recently Lance-Corporal Ford has led a number of small reconnaissance patrols, and has always succeeded in obtaining accurate information without loss to his own men. On 1 May 1944, in the Wakan area, Manipur, he was ordered to patrol the “Buttertubs” feature with a view to locating enemy positions, and sniping any movement seen there - this feature was known to be strongly held by the enemy. Lance-Corporal Ford led his patrol with great skill into the middle of the enemy locality in daylight and discovered the layout of their positions - he then found that a number of the enemy were asleep in their trenches and dugouts, and succeeded in killing three of these with T.S.M.G. and grenades before the alarm was given. He then withdrew his patrol without loss in spite of heavy enemy L.M.G. fire. The forgoing is typical of the way he has discharged his duties throughout the campaign.’ Alex Havelock Ford, a native of Skelton-in-Cleveland, was serving in the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment at the time of the above cited deeds, which unit had already lent valuable service in East and North Africa. But in June 1943, the Battalion arrived on the Burma front, to face a very different type enemy, not least in the Arakan operations in early 1944, when the Japanese launched a furious counter-offensive against Slim’s 14th Army - and right in the centre of that determined thrust lay the West Yorkshires, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel G. H. Cree, who was shortly to be awarded the D.S.O. for his courage and leadership in what became known as the “Battle of the Admin Box”. The “Admin Box” battle proper raged throughout most of February, shortly after Ford’s exploits with a Bren-gun in the Guerilla Platoon at Kanyindan, the defenders comprising just two battalions of regular infantry, the West Yorkshires and the Gurkhas, together with artillery and two squadrons of tanks - and a mass of administrative troops, pioneers, sappers, signallers, ordnance and medical units, mule companies and native road builders, most of whom, by the month’s end, had taken up arms, often in hand-to-hand fighting: ‘Down in the bowl of the Admin Box, under the guns of the enemy on the surrounding hills, soldiers fought on, conscious only of the fact that the hour called for every ounce of courage and endurance that British and Indian could pull forth. All day long clouds of smoke rose from the target area and the sound of explosions echoed round the hills as another ammunition or petrol dump blew up. Four times stocks of ammunition were reduced to dangerously low level. Luckily, the Japanese did not realise it, and the airmen quickly replaced each loss. But the enemy continued also to pour in a torrent of mortar bombs, grenades and shells of every calibre up to 150 millimetre. Every part of the Box was vulnerable to fire, and a glimmer of light attracted an instant hail of bullets. Wounded men were operated on within 100 yards of the spot where they had fallen ... Green-uniformed snipers roped to trees and even “built” into tree-trunks took regular toll. A veteran of Dunkirk, who had spent two days on the beaches, said he would have been ready to spend two weeks there if he could be let off with two days in the Box ... ’ (The Campaign in Burma, H.M.S.O., 1946 refers). An understandable wish given Japanese atrocities: ‘There was no spot in the Box which was free from direct or indirect Japanese fire, and casualties were heavy, many being taken to a dressing station in the shadow of one of the smaller hillocks within the perimeter, known as MDS Hill, where life-saving surgery was carried out around the clock under incessant fire ... A week into the battle, MDS Hill became the scene of an infamous act. It was overrun by screaming Japanese soldiery who slaughtered the wounded on their stretchers, and then set about the medical staff, doctors and nursing orderlies alike. As the West Yorkshires mounted a counter-attack the surviving staff and patients were lined up by their attackers and used as human shields by laughing Japanese, who then shot most of them in cold blood. Finally, six doctors were put to death after tending the Japanese wounded. A few days later the West Yorkshires avenged this terrible deed when they ambushed a party of the enemy in a nearby river bed. On inspection of the bodies, many items identified as coming from the MDS were found ... ’ (The Unforgettable Army, Slim’s XIVth Army in Burma, by Colonel Michael Hickey, refers). In fact the West Yorkshires accounted for around 50 of the enemy in this river bed ambush, a feat they were to repeat on further occasions, as a result of which the river bed became known as “Blood Alley”; the Battalion also twice evicted the enemy from “Ammunition Hill”, costly work of a head-on nature that won the admiration and praise of Lieutenant-General Philip Christison, 15 Corps Commander - ‘Never has any regiment counter-attacked so successfully and so often as in that battle. It is rare in history that one regiment can be said to have turned the scale of the whole campaign.’ But turned it was, the Japanese offensive in the Arakan ending in huge loss, the likes of Corporal Ford adding to those losses over the coming weeks and months, initially in the operations that led to the relief of Kohima, and then in the advance along the Tiddim Road, when the Battalion fought an action about every three miles of its 200-mile length.
India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (4446285 Pte. W. Coates. Durh. L.I.) edge bruising, good very fine £60-£80 --- W. Coates attested for the Durham Light Infantry and is recorded as serving as a Bugler with the 2nd Battalion on the North West Frontier, 1930-31.
Pair: Boatswain Richard Bullmore, Royal Navy Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Syria (Richd. Bullmore) fitted with contemporary ribbon slide and brooch pin; St. Jean d’Acre 1840, silver, unnamed, fitted with contemporary swivel-ring bar suspension and brooch pin, first with light edge bruise and contact marks, both with old lacquer, otherwise very fine (2) £800-£1,000 --- Richard Bullmore is confirmed on the roll as a Boatswain 3rd Class aboard H.M.S. Carysfort. See Lot 54 for related family medals.
Dewsbury Light Horse Volunteers, oval silver engraved medal, raised floral rim, 65mm x 51mm, obverse: Arms of Dewsbury, on a scroll above ‘Dewsbury Light Horse Volunteers’ and below ‘Merit Rewarded’; reverse: ‘Presented to James Knowles by the Members of the Troop A Reward for his Skill as a Swordsman and Proficiency at Military Exercises 1801’, integral loop and ring for suspension, good very fine £200-£300 --- Referenced in Balmer’s unpublished work on Volunteer Medals (September 1985), V245. Note: Owing to the uncertainty that exists with the original provenance and manufacture of some early engraved Volunteer Medals, this lot is sold as viewed.
The Memorial Plaque to Lieutenant A. G. Bareham, M.C., 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who was killed in action at Niergnies on 8 October 1918, during the action for which he was awarded the Military Cross Memorial Plaque (Archibald George Bareham) in card envelope, nearly extremely fine £120-£160 --- M.C. London Gazette 30 July 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Niergnies on 8 October 1918. When the enemy accompanied by tanks attacked our position, posts on this officer’s right and left were compelled to withdraw. This allowed the enemy’s tanks to take up positions in rear of his company. He immediately rallied all available men, including some of other units, and with great dash succeeded in forming a defensive flank to the left. He inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and later succeeding re-establishing the whole line and taking up original positions. Throughout the whole operation he showed great courage and initiative.’ Archibald George Bareham enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and was advanced Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor of Musketry. He was commissioned Lieutenant in the Royal Marines on 18 January 1916, and served with the 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Naval Division, during the Great War on the Western Front. He was killed in action at Niergnies on 8 October 1918, during the action for which he was awarded the Military Cross; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.
A most unusual Crimean War ‘sweetheart brooch’ formed from the campaign medal awarded to Private James Watts, 17th Lancers, who was severely wounded in the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava Crimea 1854-55, the Roman warrior and figure of Victory skilfully cut out from the reverse of the medal to form a skeletal brooch within the original rim which is engraved in serif capitals ‘Jas. Watts. ..th Lancers’, the four clasps for Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann and Sebastopol mounted around the circumference, reverse with pin fitting, ‘17’ obscured by solder deposit, bright cleaned, otherwise very fine £300-£500 --- James Watts, Private, No. 1153, 17th Lancers, was severely wounded at Balaklava, 25 October 1854, and is confirmed in all sources as a participant of the charge of the Light Brigade. Note: An impressed 4-clasp medal named to ‘J. Watts’ is recorded by the noted collector E. E. Needes as having been offered by auction at Debenham’s on 2 June 1905, and re-offered on the 30th of the same month. The same medal was sold by Glendining’s on 12 December 1918, 28 March 1924, and 21 October 1927. Needes was of the opinion that this ‘impressed’ medal was ‘doubtful’, a conclusion that is perhaps reinforced by its chequered auction history. There is no man of this name in the only other lancer regiment to serve in the Crimea, the 12th Lancers. Sold with copied research including medal roll entries and relevant pages from Needes’ detailed notes.
‘Certificate of the Waterloo Prize Money’, a most rare survival in the name of Frederick Aue, Private in the late First Battalion of Light Infantry Kings German Legion, who was discharged 24th February 1816, the certificate dated ‘Hannover the 14th March 1817’ and signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Hartwig, two old reinforcing repairs, otherwise good condition but fragile from age £140-£180 --- Frederick Aue served in the 1st Light Battalion K.G.L. from 1 November 1803 to 24 February 1816. He served in the expedition to Copenhagen in 1807, in the Peninsula and at the battle of Waterloo. His ‘6th Class’ Prize Money would have amounted to £2-11-6, together with two years extra service towards pay and pension. Sold with various copied pay and muster lists confirming presence at Copenhagen and at Waterloo.
Cases of Issue (4): Distinguished Service Order, by Garrard, London; Distinguished Service Cross, by Garrard, London; Military Cross (2), the first unnamed, the second by Royal Mint, the first three all Great War period, the last Second War period, light scuffing, generally good condition (4) £100-£140
Three: Colour Sergeant H. Evans, Royal Marine Artillery Queen’s Sudan 1896 (3339 Sgt. H. Evans, R.M.A.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Hugh Evans, Col. Sergt., No. 3339 R.M.A.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 4 clasps, Hafir, Sudan 1897, Khartoum, Sudan 1899 (3339. Sgt. H. Evans. R.M.A.) contemporarily engraved naming, light contact marks, otherwise very fine and rare (3) £800-£1,000 --- One of only 30 Queen’s Sudan Medals awarded to the Royal Marine Artillery. Hugh Evans was born in Liverpool in October 1867, and was a Clerk prior to enlisting in the Royal Marines. He joined the Recruit Depot at Walmer on 24 February 1887 and on completion of training was posted to the Royal Marine Artillery as a Private on 27 February 1888. He embarked aboard his first ship H.M.S. Inflexible on 18 July 1889 and disembarked to the Depot (September 1889) prior to joining H.M.S. Collingwood in November 1889, where he was promoted to Bombardier on 8 August 1890. He returned to the R.M.A.Depot in September 1892 and was promoted to Corporal on 21 April 1893. He next embarked aboard H.M.S. Rupert in October 1894, and H.M.S. Thunderer in May 1895, and was promoted to Sergeant in April 1896 prior to disembarking to the R.M.A. Depot. Evans was transferred to the Egyptian Army as an Instructor in May 1897 and served in Egypt and the Sudan for ten years, being present at numerous actions in the Sudan. His service record carries the following note: ‘Recommended to the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty by Lord Kitchener Sirdar of the Egyptian Army for Meritorious Service during the Sudan Campaigns of 1897 and 1898. Specially promoted to Colour Sergeant in consequence.’ Evans was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in July 1902 after 15 years’ service, and was discharged from the Corps whilst in Egypt on 24 February 1908. He was called up for War service on 10 August 1917 at the age of 59 and joined H.M.S. Queen on 20 September 1917. He transferred to the Royal Marine Artillery Headquarters on 9 December 1918 and was demobilised on 26 February 1919, being entitled to the British War Medal. Sold with copied record of service and other research.
A Selection of South African Military Cap Badges c.1900-60. Including Natal Mounted Rifles, Durban Light Infantry, Transvaal Scottish, Pretoria Regiment, Scottish Horse, Wits Rifles, Kimberley Regiment, 1st City Regiment &c.; together with various sundry collar badges, generally good condition (lot) £160-£200
A Selection of Military Badges c.1900. Comprising Pagri badges of the 4th Hussars, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, and King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Pagri badges; Royal Army Medical Corps Volunteers cap and collar badges; Medical Staff Corps collar badge; and 4th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers collar badge, good condition (7) £120-£160
A German Second World War Afrika Korps 1st Pattern Field Cap. A service worn stained and lightly bleached size 56 1940 dated M.41 field cap with its original Carl Halfar zigzag sewn eagle and matching cockade, light apple green inverted waffenfarbe indicating Panzer Grenadiers. A lot of sweat around the join between the main body of the cap and the peak. Name block is indistinct but the stitching tells us how to identify the maker. Faint traces of a hand applied name of an Obergefreiter Otto (?) to the red lining, reasonable condition £800-£1,000
A German Second World War Army 2nd Pattern Tropical Tunic. A medium size tropical tunic, this is the later pattern without pleats to the four pockets, all having flaps, all original removable buttons intact with slight oxidisation to the buckles. Bevo woven gold on blue collar patches. A tropical double rank strip indicating the rank of Gefreiter to the right hand sleeve as the tunic is worn. Soldier sewn loops to the upper right breast for two awards. Correct Bevo woven blue on tan breast eagle which is the correct type but has been replaced, Fitted with a set of shoulder boards with light apple green piping. Faint traces of original issue stampings to the interior of the tunic, also further double stamped when turning back the inside section of cloth. Complete with its original belt hooks, very faint traces of the letters PG painted to the back panel of the tunic indicating this soldier was a prisoner of war of the French authorities, good condition £300-£400
German Second World War Luftwaffe Collar Patches. 15 individual single collar patches for all branches of the Luftwaffe services, comprising four collar patches for air traffic control in light green; three for Luftwaffe Air Ministry in Black, one still attached to a section of its collar; two Red for Luftwaffe flak artillery; one in yellow for flight; two for Luftwaffe signals in brown; and three for Luftwaffe medical services in Blue, generally good condition (15) £120-£160
German Second World War R.A.D. Single Collar Patches. Arbeitsfuhrer 2nd pattern, bullion embroidered on black velvet base; two company grade officers, bullion on black; one NCO high quality embroidery on black; three administrative branch officers, bullion on green; one justice legal branch company grade officer, bullion on light blue; one company grade officer medical branch, cornflower blue with bullion; six enlisted ranks, generally good condition (15) £80-£100
German Second World War R.A.D. Officers Shoulder Straps. Thirteen singles and one pair of mixed officer rank shoulder straps for the RAD. The matched pair is of the general branch with black underlay; one single on cornflower blue velvet for medical services; one on very light blue for the justice branch; the remainder a mixture of general and administrative branches. Some have residue of glue and paper on the reverse side where adhered to a collectors display board, generally good condition (15) £140-£180
Pair: Private G. Box, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg (4163 Pte. G. Box, 2: D. of C. Lt. Inft.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4163 Pte. H. Box, 2: D. of C. Lt. Inft.) note differing initials both of which are lightly scratched over, otherwise nearly extremely fine (2) £140-£180
Pair: Corporal C. Austin, Oxfordshire Light Infantry Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Transvaal (3964 Pte C. Austin, Oxford Lt. Infy.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3964 Cpl C. Austin. Oxford L.I.) contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £120-£160 --- Charles Austin was born at Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and attested for the Oxfordshire Light Infantry at Gosport, Hampshire, on 7 June 1892. He served with the Oxfordshire Light Infantry in South Africa during the Boer War, and was discharged on 15 November 1911. His discharge papers note ‘that he has been through Three Mounted Infantry Courses and served with the Mounted Infantry in the South African War. Good groom, used to horses, hardworking, sober and reliable.’ Austin was embodied for service in the Great War and was posted to No. 1 Supply Company, 2nd/4th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment in July 1915, and served ‘at Home’. He was later transferred to the Royal Defence Corps, being demobilized on 21 January 1919. Note: The recipient’s service papers note entitlement to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with 3 clasps, for Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal. The additional clasps to the Q.S.A. appear on a separate medal roll and there is no indication that they have ever been attached to the medal.
Three: Acting Corporal J. A. Thrower, 7th Dragoon Guards 1914 Star, with copy clasp (3878 Pte. J. A. Thrower 7/D. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (D-3878 Pte. J. A. Thrower. 7-D.Gds.) light contact marks, good very fine (3) £100-£140 --- James A Thrower as born at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and attested there for the 7th Dragoon Guards on 5 October 1909. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 October 1914, landing at Marseille as part of the 9th (Secunderabad) Cavalry Brigade in the 1st Indian Cavalry Division, and subsequently served in Egypt. He was discharged on termination of his engagement on 4 October 1921, after 12 years’ service.
Three: Driver G. Ronald, Royal Field Artillery 1914 Star, with clasp (64447 Dvr. G. Ronald. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (64447 Dvr. G. Ronald. R.A.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £80-£100 --- George Ronald attested for the Royal Field Artillery at Seaforth, Sussex, on 8 February 1911 and served with the 128th Heavy Battery. Discharged to the Army Reserve in February 1914, he was recalled for war service in August 1914, and served with 8th Brigade, R.F.A. during the Great War on the Western Front from 19 August 1914. Subsequently serving in Salonika, he contracted malaria whilst on active service, and was discharged on 12 April 1919, being awarded a Silver War Badge No. B329617.
Three: Driver T. Higgins, Royal Horse Artillery 1914 Star (61332 Dvr: T. Higgins. R.H.A.); British War and Victory Medals (61332 Dvr: T. Higgins. R.A.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £50-£70 --- Thomas Higgins attested for the Royal Horse Artillery and served with ‘A’ Battery during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 November 1914. He subsequently transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps.
A 9ct gold garnet and cultured freshwater pearl pendant, London 1974, suspended on a gold trace link chain with bolt ring clasp, tested as approximately 9ct gold, 3.53gThe chain is very light. In our opinion the pendant would be better strung on a heavier chain.Some wear to the chain links.Some wear to the pearl nacre.
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