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Click here to subscribePair: Private J. Roberts, Oxford Light Infantry Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein (4567 Pte. J. Roberts. 1/Oxfd. L.I.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4561 Pte. J. Roberts. Oxford: L.I.) note error in regimental number, light contact marks, otherwise very fine (2) £140-£180
Pair: Private L. W. Jeffery, Oxford Light Infantry Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (5475 Pte. L. W. Jeffery. 1/Oxfd. L.I.) last clasp clearly belongs to next medal; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 1 clasp, South Africa 1902 (5473 Cpl. L. W. Jeffery. Oxford L.I.) light contact marks, otherwise very fine (2) £120-£160
Pair: Corporal J. McGuirk, Royal Irish Fusiliers Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (1955 Cpl. J. Mc.Guirk, Rl. Irish Fus:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (1955 Corpl: J. Mc.Guirk. Rl: Irish Fus:) light contact marks, very fine (2) £200-£240
Four: Leading Seaman J. Weller, Royal Navy, later Coast Guard Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (199287 J. Weller. Lg. Sea. H.M.S. Sheikh.); British War and Victory Medals (199287 J. Weller. L.S. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (199287 Janes Weller, Boatn. H.M. Coast Guard.) mounted as worn, light contact marks, otherwise very fine, the first rare (4) £180-£220 --- 17 European names shown on the roll for H.M.S. Sheikh, of which two are marked as ‘Returned’ and one marked ‘Run’.
Four: Private A. J. Moore, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, late Lincolnshire Regiment 1914 Star, with copy clasp (7239 Pte. A. J. Moore. 2/Linc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7239 Pte. A. J. Moore. Linc. R.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (5376426 Pte. A. J. Moore. Oxf, & Bucks. L.I.) the first three heavily polished, fine, the last good very fine (4) £120-£160 --- Albert James Moore served with the 2nd Lincolns in France from 5 November 1914. He afterwards served with the 2nd Battalion Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in the Burma campaign of 1930-32. Sold with copied extract from the Ox. & Bucks Regimental Journal including a photograph of Moore wearing his four medals.
Four: Artificer Engineer A. J. Daniels, Royal Navy, who survived the sinking of H.M.S. Warrior at the Battle of Jutland, 1 June 1916 1914-15 Star (Art. Eng. A. J. Daniells. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Art. Eng. A. J. Daniells. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (269428 A. J. Daniells, C.E.R.A. 2Cl, H.M.S. Antrim:) good very fine (4) £140-£180 --- A. J. Daniells was appointed Artificer Engineer in H.M.S. Black Prince on 2 January 1914, and transferred to H.M.S. Warrior on 27 October 1914. He served in Warrior during the Great War, and was present at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916. At Jutland the armoured cruisers H.M.S. Defence and Warrior, part of the 1st Cruiser Squadron, were closing with the disabled German light cruiser Wiesbaden, when they came under concentrated fire from the battlecruiser Derfflinger and four battleships at less than 8,000 yards. Defence blew up and Warrior was heavily damaged and was only saved from from further punishment when the German ships switched their fire to the more tempting target in the form of the battleship Warspite whose steering had become jammed. Badly damaged, Warrior was able to make her way out of the battle zone and was eventually taken in tow by the seaplane carrier Engadine who took off her surviving crew. However, the ship could not be saved and she was abandoned the next day and subsequently foundered, with the loss of 70 lives. Daniells was one of the survivors- he subsequently served as an Artificer Engineer in H.M.S. Ossory, before being appointed Warrant Artificer in H.M.S. Midge in October 1919.
Four: Chief Petty Officer R. Morgan, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (190792, R. Morgan, P.O. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (190792 R. Morgan. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (190792 Robert Morgan. P.O. 1 Cl. H.M.S. Weymouth) light contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Robert Morgan was born in Portland, Dorset, on 26 December 1878, and entered naval service on 30 September 1896. He enjoyed a long career until he was pensioned to shore in 1919, receiving his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1912.
Five: Private H. Perry, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, later Royal Engineers 1914 Star, with clasp (7241 Pte. H. Perry. 2/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (7241 Pte. H. Perry. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Defence Medal; Special Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (WR-36 Pnr. H. Perry. R.E.) nearly very fine (5) £400-£460 --- Special Reserve L.S. & G.C. Army Order 21 of January 1921. Nine awards of this medal to the Royal Engineers. Harry Perry served in France with the 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, from 20 September 1914, and later transferred to the Royal Engineers. Sold with copied Medal Index Card.
Three: Leading Stoker G. A. Moore, Royal Naval Reserve 1914-15 Star (C. 2909, G. A. Moore, A.B., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (2909C, G. A. Moore. L.S. R.N.R.) very fine Three: Engineman J. H. Rose, Royal Naval Reserve 1914-15 Star (DA. 1354, J. H. Rose. D.H., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (1354DA J. H. Rose. Engn. R.N.R.) light contact marks, nearly very fine (6) £80-£120
Three: Able Seaman T. Tassell, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (237735, T. Tassell, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (237735 T. Tassell. A.B. R.N.) very fine Pair: Electrical Artificer First Class R. C. Tassell, Royal Navy British War Medal 1914-20 (M.28977 R. C. Tassell. E.A.4 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (M.28977 R. C. Tassell. E.A. 1, H.M.S. Cornwall.) light contact marks, very fine or better (5) £80-£120 --- Thomas Tassell was born in Hastings, Sussex in September 1890 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in November 1906 as a Boy Second Class. In the Great War he saw operational service aboard the pre-dreadnought battleship H.M.S. Agamemnon and was in her crew at the time of the ship’s heavy engagement during the Dardanelles campaign of 1915. In February 1918, Tassell was posted to the battlecruiser H.M.S. Inflexible and was present at Scapa Flow for the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet on 21 November 1918. He joined the Royal Fleet Reserve in January 1920 and was recalled between April and June 1921 for service at the shore establishment H.MS. Pembroke. Reginald Clive Tassell was born in Rushden, Northamptonshire in October 1891 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in January 1918 as an Electrical Artificer Fifth Class, serving the remainder of the Great War at the shore establishment H.M.S. Vernon. After a posting aboard the dreadnought battleship H.M.S. Monarch, he was transferred to the icebreaker H.M.S. Alexander in October 1919, at the time it was handed over to the White Russians. Between 1925 and 1928, Tassell was attached to the Fleet Air Arm serving aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Furious and at R.A.F. Gosport. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in June 1933 while on the crew of the heavy cruiser H.M.S. Cornwall, having attained the rate of Electrical Artificer First Class. Tassell saw active service during the Second World War aboard the depot ship H.M.S. Sandhurst. He was admitted to the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital Barrow Gurney in September 1940 and was invalided out of the service in November 1945.
Five: Sergeant Frank Bell, 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1914-15 Star (8917 L. Cpl. F. Bell. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.; British War and Victory Medals (8917 Sjt. F. Bell. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (8917 Sjt: F. Bell. 1/O. & B.L.I.); Serbia, Cross of Karageorge, 1st class with swords, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (5) --- M.S.M. London Gazette 16 August 1917. Cross of Karageorge London Gazette 15 February 1917. Only 82 1st Class awards to British recipients. Frank Bell enlisted in 1908-09 and served with the 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, in the Asiatic theatre of war from 5 December 1914. He was discharged to Reserve ‘B’ on 12 March 1919.
Three: Private A. Dale, Suffolk Regiment 1914-15 Star (16037 Pte. A. Dale. Suff. R.); British War and Victory Medals (16037 Pte. A. Dale. Suff. R.) Three: Corporal A. Stillwell, Royal Field Artillery 1914-15 Star (1545. Bmbr. A. Stillwell. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (1545 Cpl. A. Stillwell. R.F.A.) Pair: Private E. Gillott, Yorkshire Light Infantry 1914-15 Star (21821 Pte. E. Gilott. Yorks: L.I.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (21821 Pte. E. Gilott. Yorks. L.I.) Pair: Private C. Harbury, 19 Canadian Infantry British War and Victory Medals (48811 Pte. C. Harbury. 19-Can. Inf.) generally very fine or better (10) £80-£120 --- Private E. Gillott was killed in action on 8 August 1918, and is buried in St Ever Cemetery Extension, Rouen. Private Charles Harbury was killed in action on 15 September 1916, and is commemorated by name on the Vimy Memorial.
Three: Lance-Corporal J. Charlett, 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was taken prisoner at Kut-al-Amara and died on the march at Angora on 28 March 1917 1914-15 Star (6162 Pte. J. Charlette. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (6162 Pte. J. Charlett. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (John Charlett) and a ‘Church War Cross’, extremely fine (5) £300-£400 --- John Charlett was born at Beckley, Oxon, and enlisted into the 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, in 1899 and was discharged to Army Reserve in 1907. He was re-called for service in 1914 and served in the Asiatic theatre of war from 5 December 1914. Taken prisoner at Kut-al-Amara in April 1916 and died at Angora on the 28 March 1917.
Family group: 1914-15 Star (15256 Pte. J. Finlay. R. Sc: Fus:) good very fine Pair: Private J. Finlay, Royal Scots, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 27 September 1915 British War and Victory Medals (15218 Pte. J. Finlay. R. Scots.); Memorial Plaque (James Finlay) in card envelope, good very fine Pair: Private A. Finlay, Liverpool Regiment, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 9 April 1917 British War and Victory Medals (5407 Pte. A. Finlay. L’Pool. R.) good very fine Pair: Private H. Finlay, Scottish Rifles British War and Victory Medals (975 Pte. H. Finlay. Sco. Rif.) initial corrected on both; together with a Royal Navy and Army Boxing Association prize medal, reverse engraved ‘9 (Scottish) Division Boxing Competition 12.3.19. B.E.F. Germany Light Weight Runner Up’, in Mappin & Webb fitted case; and three Vimy Pilgrimage medals, good very fine (12) £140-£180 --- James Finlay (also listed as ‘Findlay’) was born in Glasgow, the son of John and Jeanie Flinlay, of 76, Central Street, South Side, Glasgow, and attested for the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He served with the 6th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 10 July 1915, and died of wounds on 24 April 1917. He is buried in the Faubourg d’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France. John Finlay, the brother of the above, was also born in Glasgow, and attested there for the Royal Scots. He served with the 11th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 June 1915, and was killed in action on 27 September 1915. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France. Archibald Finlay, the brother of the above, was also born in Glasgow. He served initially during the Great War with the Lowland Divisional Cyclist Company, prior to transferring to the 19th Battalion, Liverpool Regiment, and was killed in action on the Western Front on 9 April 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Hugh Finlay, the brother of the above, served with the Scottish Rifles was the only one to survive the Great War.
Ten: Sergeant A. R. Walker, 5th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry 1914-15 Star (1391 Pte. A. R. Walker. High: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (1391 Pte. A. R. Walker. High. L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937; Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (3299099 Sjt. A. Walker. 5-H.L.I.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, with additional long service bar (3299099 W.O. Cl. II. A. Walker. 5-H.L.I.); Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful), (1391 Pte. A. Walker 5/H.L.I. Aboukir. Egypt. 24/6/15) suspension claw re-fixed, the first nine mounted as worn, nearly very fine or better 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals; 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937; Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R.; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial; Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (10) £180-£220 --- R.H.S. Case No. 42329. Claimant: Pte. A Walker, 1/5 Btn. H.L.I. Subject: Pte. J. Fraser. Time/Place: 11 a.m. 24th June 1915 - Aboukir, Egypt. Particulars: While bathing “Fraser” got outside a reef into deep water where the current was strong. 25 yds. out. Exertions of claimant: “Walker” swam out and brought him some way in when help was given in landing him. Witness: Case sent by the O.C. Battalion. Successful. Alexander R. Walker first served overseas with 1/5th Highland Light Infantry in the Balkan theatre of war (2B) at Suvla Bay on 2 July 1915. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and several extracts from the regimental journal confirming the award of the Territorial Efficiency Medal and Coronation Medal.
Three: Lieutenant H. S. Middleton, Lincolnshire Regiment, late Royal Army Medical Corps 1914-15 Star (33096, Pte. H. S. Middleton. R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. H. S. Middleton.); Egypt, Kingdom, Order of the Nile, Fifth Class breast badge, by Lattes, Cairo, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, scratch marks to reverse of Star, nearly very fine (4) £220-£260 --- Herbert Shelton Middleton was born in 1891 at Stamford, Lincolnshire. He served with the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Great War in the Egyptian Theatre from 27 July 1916 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant into the Lincolnshire Regiment on 29 August 1917. Serving with the 6th (Service) Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, he was subsequently attached to the 1st Reserve Garrison Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and relinquished his commission on 1 September 1921, retaining the rank of Lieutenant. Order of the Nile not confirmed. Sold together with an “Active Service” New Testament 1917, inscribed by hand inside the front end leaf ‘To my godson. A memento of the Great War from the Rev: H. W. Kingsley. Chaplain to the Forces.’
Three: Private William Neal, 1st Battalion, late 8th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who died in the Persian Gulf on 6 June 1915, when the battalion was ravaged by fever, dysentery and paratyphoid at Amara 1914-15 Star (5372 Pte. W. Neal. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (5372 Pte. W. Neal. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (William Neal) extremely fine (4) £100-£140 --- William Neal was born at St Barnabas, Oxford, and enlisted at Oxford into the 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, with whom he served in the Asiatic theatre of war from 4 December 1914. He died on 6 June 1915, when the battalion was garrisoned at Amara in extreme heat and ravaged by fever, dysentery and paratyphoid. He was the son of William Neal, of Great Clarendon Street, St Barnabas, Oxford, and is commemorated by name on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.
Three: Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist F. G. Statham, Royal Navy, who during the Second War survived the sinking of both H.M.S. Latona and Medway British War and Victory Medals (J.64651 F.G. Statham. B. Tel. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (J.64651 F. G. Statham. L. Tel. H.M.S. Nelson.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £70-£90 --- Frederick George Statham was born at Leicester in July 1901. He enlisted into the Royal Navy in November 1916 as a Boy 2nd Class and saw operational service during the Great War aboard the battleship H.M.S. Benbow, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in August 1934 while serving with the battleship H.M.S. Nelson. In the early stages of the Second World War, Statham, by this time having attained the rate of Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist, was stationed at H.M.S. St Angelo, Malta and H.M.S. Nile, Alexandria. He later saw service with the battleship H.M.S. Royal Sovereign and was on the ship’s crew of the minelayer H.M.S. Latona on 25 October 1941 while she was supporting the besieged garrison at Tobruk. Carrying 1,000 Polish troops Latona came under air attack north of Bardia, was hit in the engine room by a bomb from a Junkers Ju 87, causing her to sink two hours later with the loss of 4 officers, 16 crew members and 7 soldiers. Following this Statham was posted to the submarine depot ship H.M.S. Medway and was present on 30 June 1942 when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-372 off Port Said. He was invalided out of the service in June 1944 following a spell in Haslar Royal Naval Hospital.
Three: Stoker Petty Officer H. R. Piggott, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (308750 H. R. Piggott. S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (308750. H. R. Piggott, Sto. P.O. H.M.S. Pembroke.) polished, nearly very fine (3) £60-£80 --- Herbert Richard Piggott was born in London in November 1883 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in September 1905 as a Stoker Second Class, having previously served as a Private in the Royal Marine Light Infantry (CH/13462). He saw operational service during the Great War aboard the sloops H.M.S. Azalea and H.M.S. Heliotrope, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in September 1917 whilst serving with the shore establishment H.M.S. Pembroke, having attained the rate of Stoker Petty Officer. He was discharged from the service with a pension in January 1923.
Three: Stoker Petty Officer W. Spence, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (302530 W. Spence. S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (302530. William Spence, S.P.O. H.M.S. Astraea.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £60-£80 --- William Spence was born at Edinburgh, Scotland, in November 1884 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in January 1903 as a Stoker Second Class. During the Great War he saw active service aboard the cruiser H.M.S. Astraea and the destroyer H.M.S. Tara. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in July 1918 while serving with the former, and was shore pensioned in February 1925, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve the following October.
Three: Acting Stoker Petty Officer P. Marshall, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (S.S. 119454 P. Marshall. Sto. 1 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (K. 65985 P. Marshall. A/S.P.O. H.M.S. Dunedin.) contact marks, nearly very fine or better (3) £70-£90 --- Percy Marshall was born at Hull, Yorkshire in September 1899 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in December 1918 as a Stoker Second Class. He was awarded his Great War campaign medals for his service in the Black Sea aboard the dreadnought battleship H.M.S. Iron Duke, during the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War. He was demobilised in March 1922, but re-enlisted in May 1925 with a new service number and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in February 1938 while on the crew of the light cruiser H.M.S. Dunedin. At the outbreak of the Second World War he was serving aboard the minesweeper H.M.S. Hebe and was part of her crew during her involvement in evacuation of Dunkirk, where she rescued 365 officers and men, and sent a gig to rescue Lord Gort on 29 May 1940. He later served with the corvette H.M.S. Gentian operating in the Western Approaches, escorting convoys across the North Atlantic.
Three: Private R. Donaldson, 2nd Battalion, late 8th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who died of wounds in France on 28 June 1917 1914-15 Star (15466 Pte. R. Donaldson. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (15466 Pte. R. Donaldson. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (Robert Donaldson) extremely fine (4) £100-£140 --- Robert Donaldson was born at Deritend, near Warwick, and enlisted at Birmingham. He served in France with the 8th Battalion from 18 September, and later in Salonika, before transferring to the 2nd Battalion for further service in France. He was wounded on 28 June 1917, and died of his wounds later the same day. He is buried in Cambrin Military Cemetery, France.
Three: Leading Seaman A. J. J. Tobitt, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (J. 81853 A. J. J. Tobitt. Boy 1. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (J.81853. A. J. J. Tobitt. L.S, H.M.S. Excellent.) contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £60-£80 --- Arthur Jesse Joseph Tobitt was born at Dorking, Surrey in April 1902 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in December 1917 as a Boy Second Class. He saw operational service during the Great War aboard the light cruiser H.M.S. Inconstant and was later awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in February 1936 while stationed at the shore establishment H.M.S. Excellent. Between April 1936 and September 1938 he was attached to the Fleet Air Arm, serving aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Courageous, and during this posting he passed a parachute course. He saw active service during the Second World War aboard the destroyer H.M.S. Nubian and the corvette H.M.S. Snapdragon.
Three: Acting Leading Seaman H. A. Holding, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (J.52710 H. A. Holding. A.B. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (J.52710 H.A. Holding. A/L.S. H.M.S. Suffolk.) contact marks, very fine and better (3) £60-£80 --- Henry Albert Holding was born at Worcester in August 1899 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in May 1916 as a Boy First Class. He saw operational service during the Great War aboard the battlecruiser H.M.S. Inflexible and was later awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in October 1932 while part of the crew of the heavy cruiser H.M.S. Suffolk. During the Second World War Holding served aboard the light cruiser H.M.S. Colombo and was released from the Navy in October 1945.
Three: Engine Room Artificer First Class A. V. M. Roberts, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (M.4782 A. V. M. Robert [sic]. E.R.A. 4 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (M.4782 A. V. M. Roberts. E.R.A. 1. H.M.S. Hermes.) polished and worn in parts, good fine (3) £60-£80 --- Albert Victor Maxey Roberts was born at Portsmouth in June 1896 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in July 1912 as a Boy Artificer. He saw operational service during the Great War aboard the battleship H.M.S. Royal Oak and the destroyer H.M.S. Marvel. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in July 1929 whilst serving with the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Hermes, having attained the rate of Engine Room Artificer First Class. Demobilised in October 1938 he was recalled the following August and saw active service during the Second World War aboard the light cruiser H.M.S. Caledon.
Six: Pioneer Sergeant Owen Frewin, 1/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1914-15 Star (1753 L. Cpl. O. Frewin. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (1753 Sjt. O. Frewin. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Defence Medal; Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (200176 Sjt. O. Frewin 4/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, with clasp ‘Long Service, 1949’ (Owen Frewin) nearly very fine or better (6) £180-£220 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919: ‘In recognition of valuable services rendered with the British forces in Italy.’ The recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous good work and devotion to duty as Battalion Pioneer Sergeant during the whole period the Battalion has been abroad.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 30 May 1918. Owen Frewin was a pre-war territorial and went to France with the 1/4th Battalion on 29 March 1915. After the war he joined the Special Constabulary, receiving the Long Service medal in 1939 and a bar in 1949. Sold with ribbon bars, two OBLI collar badges, and two Pioneer Sergeant’s stripes, one in cloth with brass insignia, the other entirely in cloth.
Pair: Private A. C. Harris, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry British War and Victory Medals (21535 Pte. A. C. Harris. D. of Corn. L.I.) Pair: Private E. A. Hartis, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry British War and Victory Medals (26080 Pte. E. A. Hartis. D. of Corn. L.I.) Pair: Private E. Harvey, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry British War and Victory Medals (33836 Pte. E. Harvey. D. of Corn. L.I.) naming officially re-impressed Pair: Hilton C. Turnbull, Mercantile Marine British War and Mercantile Marine War Medals (Hilton C. Turnbull.) generally nearly extremely fine (8) £100-£140
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain R. F. Cuthbery, 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Military Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. F. Cuthbert.); together with hallmarked silver regimental badge, extremely fine (4) £600-£800 --- M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1918. Robert Frederick Cuthbert served in France from 23 May 1916, with the 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, for the most of the war as Adjutant of the battalion. He was wounded at Arras on 14 November 1917, by a bomb which fell inside the trench.
Three: Lance-Corporal H. E. Long, 1/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action at Pozieres on 23 July 1916 1914-15 Star (2622 Pte. H. E. Long. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2622 Pte. H. E. Long. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (Herbert Edward Long) extremely fine (4) £100-£140 --- Herbert Edward Long served with the 1/4th Battalion in France from 29 March 1915, and was killed in action at Pozieres (Sickle Trench) on 23 July 1916. He was the son of Henry Long, of Witney, Oxon, and is commemorated by name on the Thiepval Memorial.
Pair: Second Lieutenant H. C. Faulks, Royal Air Force, who died of wounds sustained in aerial combat on 8 August 1918 British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. H. Faulks. R.A.F.) good very fine (2) £160-£200 --- Herbert Clayton Faulks was born in Cardiff in 1898 and attested for the Army Service Corps in June 1916. He was mobilised in February 1917 and applied for a temporary commission in November of that year. He transferred to the Durham Light Infantry in December and was attached to No.2 Cadet Wing, Royal Flying Corps, at Hastings, Sussex. Following training he was commissioned Second Lieutenant Observer Officer on 6 July 1918 and he arrived in France on 14 July. On 8 August, whilst serving with 8 Squadron, he was Observer with Pilot Lieutenant J. R. M. G. MacCallum. Their aircraft was attacked and Faulks was mortally wounded. He died of his wounds later that day at F4, Australian Main Dressing Station, Fouilly, and is buried at Fouilloy Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. Sold with copied research.
Three: Private Benjamin Pitt, 6th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action on 8 July 1916 1914-15 Star (11559 Pte. B. Pitt. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (5372 Pte. B. Pitt. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (Benjamin Pitt) extremely fine (4) £100-£140 --- Benjamin Pitt was born in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, and enlisted at Birmingham. He served with the 6th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, in France from 6 August 1915, and was killed in action on 8 July 1916, aged 20. The son of Mr and Mrs Samuel Pitt, of West Bromwich, Staffordshire, he is buried in Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery.
Pair: Chief Petty Officer T. Munday, Royal Navy British War Medal 1914-20 (181238 T. Munday. Act. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (181238. Thomas Munday, C.P.O, H.M.S. Acacia.) light contact marks, very fine and better (2) £50-£70 --- Thomas Munday was born at Southwick, Sussex, in December 1878 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in August 1894 as a Boy Second Class. He served with numerous ships including H.M.S. Royal Sovereign, Stork, Irresistible and Dominion. Throughout the Great War Munday served at the shore establishment H.M.S. Pembroke and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1919 while on the crew of the sloop H.M.S. Acacia, having attained the rate of Chief Petty Officer. He was demobilised in July 1919.
Pair: Chief Engine Room Artificer F. A. B. Haynes, Royal Navy, who during the Second World War served with the destroyer H.M.S. Wrestler and was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal for his involvement in the Malta Convoy Operation Harpoon British War Medal 1914-20 (M.26933 F. A. B. Haynes. B. Art. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (M.26933 F.A.B. Haynes. E.R.A. 2. H.M.S. Garry.) light contact marks, very fine (2) £100-£140 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 22 September 1942: ‘For bravery and resolution ... while escorting an important Convoy to Malta’ Frederick Arthur Boulton Haynes was born at Usk, Monmouth in June 1901. He enlisted into the Royal Navy in July 1917 and was posted to the mechanics' training establishment H.M.S. Indus as a Boy Artificer Second Class, remaining there until August 1920, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in July 1934 while serving with the naval trawler H.M.T. Garry. Haynes served on the crew of the destroyer H.M.S. Wrestler throughout the Second World War, having attained the rate of Chief Engine Room Artificer. In July 1940, Wrestler was present at the attack on Mers-el-Kébir, where she rescued crews from the French battleship Strasbourg, which had been sunk by the Royal Navy. On 18 October 1940 she assisted in sinking the Italian submarine Durbo, east of Gibraltar. From July 1941 to April 1942 Wrestler was stationed at Freetown and was then transferred to the Malta Convoys as part of Force H and ‘Operation Harpoon’, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. The ship later served as one of the naval escorts for ‘Operation Torch’. On 2 May 1942 she assisted in the sinking of the German submarine U-74 and then on 15 November 1942 single-handedly sunk the U-98. In 1943 Wrestler took part in ‘Operation Husky’ off Sicily until July that year, when she returned to Atlantic and Arctic convoy duties. On 6 June 1944, whilst participating in ‘Operation Neptune’, she was mined off Juno Beach, declared a total loss and later sold off as scrap.
Six: Lieutenant-Commander R. B. Poland, Royal Navy, who served as one of Queen Elizabeth’s Gold Staff Officers during her 1953 Coronation 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (Lieut. R. B. Poland. R.N.); Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, very fine or better (6) £140-£180 --- Richard Bengt Poland was born in London in June 1923 and was a resident of Seal, Kent. He was the great grandson of Sir W. H. Poland, Sheriff of London and son of Commander John A. Poland, R.N., City Marshal of London. He entered the Royal Navy as a Midshipman in 1940 and saw operational service during the Second World War, serving aboard the light cruiser H.M.S. Edinburgh, the battleship H.M.S. Malaya and destroyer H.M.S. Eggesford. Following the war he was on the crew of the destroyer H.M.S. Venus, which between 1946 and 1949 was part of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, based in the Mediterranean. The ship was involved in Royal Navy patrols preventing illegal Jewish immigration into Mandatory Palestine. In 1951 he was serving aboard the frigate H.M.S. Loch Quoich. Poland was promoted to Lieutenant-Commander in March 1952 and was selected to act as one of the 400 Gold Staff Officers on duty during Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 Coronation. These men were appointed by the Duke of Norfolk, hereditary Earl Marshal, to act as ushers responsible for admission and seating of the 8,000 guests at Westminster Abbey. Poland’s Gold Staff Officer appointment is confirmed in the 1953 Coronation Medal roll. A photograph of Poland in full dress uniform at his wedding, wearing his medals, was published in the 31 March 1954 edition of The Tatler. He died in April 1996, aged 72.
Three: Corporal T. S. C. Joiner, 8th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who died in Salonika on 24 September 1918 1914-15 Star (15649 L.Cpl. T. S. Joiner, Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War Medal 1914-20, naming erased; Victory Medal 1914-19 (15649 Cpl. T. S. C. Joimner. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (Thomas Samuel Carlisle Joiner) good very fine (4) £80-£120 --- Thomas Samuel Carlisle Joiner was born in Birmingham and attested there for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 18 September 1915, and subsequently in Salonika, and died there on 24 September 1918. He is buried in Taranto Town Cemetery Extension, Italy
Three: Private J. W. T. Harris, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, and 25th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, who was taken prisoner and died in captivity in Germany on 12 October 1918 1914-15 Star (10314 Pte. J. W. T. Harris. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (10314 Pte. J. W. T. Harris. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (John Walter Thomas Harris) in card envelope, extremely fine (4) £140-£180 --- John Walter Thomas Harris was born in Stratton Audley, Oxon, and enlisted at Oxford, the husband of Fanny Harris. He served with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in France from 1 January 1915, and also served with the 25th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). He died on 12 October 1918 whilst in a Prisoner of War camp and is buried in Niederzwerhren Cemetery, Kassel Hessen, Germany.
Pair: Private A. W. Franklin, 2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, late Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action on 3 September 1916 British War and Victory Medals (21321 Pte. A. W. Franklin. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (Albert William Franklin) extremely fine (3) £60-£80 --- Albert William Franklin was born at Overthorpe, Northants, and enlisted into the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry at Banbury, Oxon. He was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, No. 30008, when he was killed in action on 3 September 1916. He is buried in Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt.
Three: Warrant Officer C. H. Belshaw, 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (3122 W.O. Cl. 2. C. H. Belshaw. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.; France, Third Republic, Medaille Militaire, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, together with Royal Humane Society silver medal for proficiency in swimming (Charles H. Belshaw, Higher Grade School, Bolton 1905) extremely fine (4) £200-£260 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 4 January 1917. Medaille Militaire London Gazette 1 May 1917. Charles Herbert Belshaw was a scout master of 3rd Atherton Troop prior to enlistment. He served in France with the 2/4th Battalion, O.B.L.I. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and other research. See Lot 120 for the medals to his brother.
Four: Corporal Frederick Belshaw, 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, later 1st Garrison Battalion, attached 52 Wing R.A.F. in Afghanistan British War and Victory Medals (200909 Cpl. F. Belshaw. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (200909 Cpl. F. Belshaw, Oxf & Bucks. L.I.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (200909 Cpl. F. Belshaw. 4/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.) extremely fine (4) £300-£360 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 14 May 1920: ‘In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with operations on the North-West Frontier, India:- 200909 Cpl. Belshaw, F., 4th Bn., Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Atherton).’ M.S.M. is unique to the regiment for Afghanistan. Belshaw’s I.G.S. is confirmed on the roll of the 1st Garrison Battalion, O.B.L.I., ‘attch. 52 Wing, R.A.F. (Originally 4th Bn.), one of only 3 I.G.S. medals for Afghanistan to the battalion. See Lot 119 for the medals to his brother.
The excessively rare MGS with ‘Benevente’ clasp awarded to Lieutenant-General John Chester, who was present in the action with Eveleigh’s C Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and was one of only two officers to receive this clasp, Captain Eveleigh himself being the other recipient, whose medal is in the Royal Artillery museum Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Benevente (J. Chester, 2nd Capt. R. Arty.) nearly extremely fine £12,000-£16,000 --- The single-action ‘Benevente’ clasp was issued to just 2 Royal Horse Artillery officers and 10 men from the 7th, 10th and 18th Light Dragoons. John Chester was born at Chicheley, Newport Pagnall, Buckinghamshire, on 3 August 1779, son of Charles Chester and Catherine Legge. He was appointed a Gentleman Cadet on 12 October 1795, and gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery on 29 April 1798; Lieutenant, 6 October 1799; 2nd Captain, 29 December 1805; Captain, 7 October 1813; Brevet Major, 12 August 1819; Lieutenant-Colonel, 3 September 1831; Colonel, 9 November 1846; Major-General, 20 June 1854; Lieutenant-General, 4 February 1857. In September 1779, Chester accompanied his battery to Holland under the command of the Duke of York, and was engaged in the action near Bergen-op-Zoom on 2 October. His promotion to Lieutenant came just 4 days later. The years 1800 to 1806 found Chester on duty in England, where he served in “B” Troop R.H.A. from 1803 to 1805. He was promoted to 2nd Captain in “I” Troop R.H.A. in December 1805, and joined “C” Troop R.H.A. in 1806, under the command of Captain Henry Eveleigh, who later rose to the rank of General and served as Colonel Commandant of the Royal Artillery. Lieutenant-General Chester served in Holland in 1799, and was present in the action near Bergen on 2nd October, under the Command of His Royal Highness the Duke of York. He served also in the campaign of 1808-09 in Spain, including the action at Benevente in Spain, December 1808, under the Command of Sir John Moore, and also at Villa Franca and Lugo on the retreat to Corunna. ‘He has received the War Medal with one Clasp for Benevente’ (Hart’s Army List refers). Chester also served in Canada between July 1824 and August 1825. He retired on full pay in April 1847, and died at Ashtead, Surrey, on 19 May 1857. There is a memorial tablet to him in St Lawrence’s Church, Chicheley, Buckinghamshire.
The rare M.G.S. medal for ‘Chrystler’s Farm’ awarded to Lieutenant Hector Munro, 49th Foot, who carried the colours and was slightly wounded in this action, for which only 7 officers of the regiment lived to claim the clasp; he was later a Captain in the Royal Canadian Rifles and settled in Canada Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Chrystler’s Farm (Hector Munro, Lieut. 49th Foot) clasp face slightly bent at left side, small edge bruise, otherwise good very fine £14,000-£18,000 --- Only seven M.G.S. medals with ‘Chrystler’s Farm’ clasp issued to officers of the 49th Foot, out of a total of only 17 officers to receive this clasp from British or Canadian regiments. Hector Munro was born on 28 November 1796, and entered the army as an Ensign in the 89th Foot on 5 September 1811, aged 15 years 6 months. He served in North America from July 1812 until July 1816, initially with the 89th but was promoted to Lieutenant in the 49th Foot on 19 May 1813. He exchanged into the 103rd Foot in February 1817 and was placed on half-pay the following month. He was appointed Lieutenant in the Royal Newfoundland Veterans on 25 December 1838, transferred as Lieutenant to the Royal Canadian Rifles on 16 July 1841, and was promoted to Captain in that regiment on 14 December 1845. He exchanged to the 2nd Foot on 4 August 1848, and retired by the sale of his commission. His services are given in Hart’s Army List thus: ‘Lieut. Munro served in the American war with the 49th Regt. and was present in the actions at Prescot, Chrystler’s Farm, and Plattsburg, besides various skirmishes.’ However, as can be seen from the following biographies, Munro carried the 49th colours and was wounded at Chrystler’s Farm. The latter was almost certainly a light wound as it is not mentioned in either the casualty lists or in his record of service; not uncommon for light and in particular non-pensionable wounds. Presumably Munro carried the colours after young Ensign Richmond had been wounded. ‘Captain Hector Munro, fourth son of Captain John of Kirkton, whose descendants now represent this family in the male line, was born on the 28th of November, 1796, and entered the army in 1811, in his sixteenth year, as an Ensign in the 89th Regiment. Two years later he was promoted Lieutenant in the 49th Regiment and carried the colours at Chrystler's Farm for which he received a medal and was wounded. He was also present at Plattsburg and Lundy's Lane. He was placed on half-pay on the 25th of March, 1817, from the 103rd Regiment, but on the 25th of December, 1838, was again placed on full pay as Lieutenant in the Royal Newfoundland Veterans, and when the Royal Canadian Rifles were formed he obtained a company in 1846. He soon after exchanged into the 2nd Regiment of Foot, or Queen's, and retired by sale of his commission in 1848. In 1859 he was appointed Surveyor of Customs at Galt, Ontario, an office which he held for the remainder of his life. He was for several years President of the Galt and Hamilton Highland Societies, and it was largely owing to his patriotic exertions that the fine and striking monument, on which his name appears as hon. secretary, was erected at Queenston to the memory of Sir Isaac Brock.’ (History of the Munros refers). ‘HECTOR MUNRO, deceased, father of L. H. R. Munro, was born at Dornoch, Scotland, in 1796. He came to Canada in 1812 with the 49th Regiment, being a brother officer of Sir Allan McNab. He participated in the battles of Chrystler’s Farm, Queenston Heights, and Lundy’s Lane, and carried the colours at Chrystler’s Farm. After the war he retired on half-pay; and, when again placed on full pay, was stationed at St. John’s, Newfoundland, from which he removed to Toronto, having been transferred to the Royal Canadian Rifles. He subsequently filled the position of Collector of Customs at Galt, until 1854, when he died, leaving eight children. His son, George T. Munro, who had been retired as a captain on half pay on the disbanding of the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment with his wife and child and youngest sister were lost at sea on one of the Allan vessels the Hazeldean, in 1870.’ (History of Toronto and County of York, Ontario, Volume 2, refers) Hector Munro died at Galt, Ontario, on 12 February 1868. Sold with comprehensive research on CD.
Pair: Private W. Kerry, 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who died as a prisoner of war in Germany on 28 July 1918 British War and Victory Medals (4119 Pte. W. Kerry. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (William Kerry) good very fine £60-£80 --- William Kerry was born in Oxford and enlisted there for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He served with the 2/4th Battalion in France and died on 28 July 1918, whilst in a Prisoner of War camp and is buried in Niederzwerhren Cemetery, Kassel Hessen, Germany.
Pair: Private T. W. Kitchen, 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who died of wounds in France on 1 April 1918 British War and Victory Medals (26306 Pte. T. W. Kitchen. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (Thomas William Kitchen) the reverse of the plaque additionally engraved with his regimental details and ‘Born Quinton, Glos. Enlisted Stratford-on-Avon, Warks. D of W. 1st Apr. 1918. France. Lest We Forget’, nearly extremely fine (3) £60-£80 --- Thomas William Kitchen died of wounds on 1 April 1918, and is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen. He was married to Helen Kitchen, of Shakespeare Street, Stratford-on-Avon.
Pair: Private T. Rhodes, Coldstream Guards Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (8626 Pte. T. Rhodes, Cldstm: Gds:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (8626 Pte. T. Rhodes. Coldstream Guards.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (2) £220-£260
Pair: Private W. A. Smith, 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action at Bois de Blancy, France, on 4 April 1918 British War and Victory Medals (30105 Pte. W. A. Smith. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (William Allan Smith) drilled with three holes for mounting, very fine (3) £60-£80 --- William Allan Smith was born at Berts Mourton, Worcestershire, and enlisted at Worcester into the 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action on 4 April 1918 at Bois de Blancy, east of Hamel: ‘Heavy bombardment opens at 5.25 am; about 8.00 Germans attack employing at least 4 waves of troops. Both flanks go, Battalion forced to evacuate position. Line taken up South of Varied. 1 2/Lt killed and 6 wounded. 1 Major and 1 Lt missing. 160 other ranks killed, wounded or missing.’ He was the son of Mrs Annie Smith, of Castlemorton, Malvern, Worcestershire, and is commemorated by name in Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres.
Pair: Private R. Maclennan, Highland Light Infantry Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Modder River, Wittebergen (4080 Pte. R. Maclennan, 1: High: Lt. Inft.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4080 Pte. R. McLennan. Highland L.I.) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (2) £200-£240 --- The 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry was not present at Belmont.
A Great War ‘Kut-al-Amara’ D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant T. W. Armitt, 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who died in captivity after the fall of Kut Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8397 Sjt: T. W. Armitt. 1/O. & B.L.I.) nearly extremely fine £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917. No citations were published for the 65 awards of the D.C.M. announced in this gazette. It is believed that they were all rewards for services prior to the fall of Kut-al-Amara or whilst in captivity. M.I.D. London Gazette 13 July 1916: ‘Officers, N.C.O.’s, and men under Major-General C. V. F. Townshend, C.B., D.S.O., brought to notice for Gallant and Distinguished Service in the Field from 5th October 1915 to 17th January 1916.’ Thomas William Armitt served with the 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, and entered the Asiatic theatre of war on 5 December 1914. The battalion history records that he was wounded at the capture of One Tower Hill on 31 May 1915 (p 61) and that he led “R” Company (67 men) on the march to captivity (p 225). He was captured at Kut and died in captivity at Afiun Qarahisar on 4 November 1916. He is commemorated by name in the Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq. Banbury Guardian, 20 January 1916: ‘Sgt. T. W. Armitt of the 1st Oxf. & Bucks. L.I., son of Mr W. Armitt, 50 Calthorpe St., has been wounded in the Persian Gulg and his parents received notification a few days ago. This is the second time Sgt. Armitt has been wounded. Mr & Mrs Armitt have three other sons serving with the colours.’ Banbury Guardian, 29 June 1916: ‘Mrs Armitt, 50 Calthorpe St., has been advised that her youngest son L/Cpl. Edward Armitt was killed in action on the 16th inst. He was serving with the South Wales Borderers and was only 18 years of age. Sgt. T. W. Armitt, the eldest son, is presumed to be a prisoner of war with the Turks having been with General Townshend’s force at Kut-al-Amara, and another son Pte. Charles Armitt was wounded by a shell a year ago and is still in hospital. A fourth son is serving with the local territorial battalion at the front.’ Banbury Guardian, 15 February 1917: ‘Mr William Armitt of Calthorpe St has this week been notified of the death of his eldest son Sgt. T. W. Armitt of the Oxford & Bucks L.I. which occurred from intestinal inflammation at Afiun Karahisar on November the 4th. Sgt. Armitt was with General Townshend’s force throughout the defence of Kut and died a prisoner in the hands of the Turks. He was mentioned in despatches for bravery and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.’
Pair: Private William Fox, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who later served with the 8th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment and was killed in action 26 October 1918 British War and Victory Medals (24376 Pte. W. Fox. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (William Fox) and R. Berks cap badge, good very fine (4) £60-£80 --- William Fox was born in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire and enlisted at Oxford into the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He later served with the 8th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment and was killed in action on 26 October 1918. He is commemorated by name on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.
The extremely rare Naval General Service Medal awarded to John Joyce, Midshipman aboard the 36-gun frigate Phoebe at the capture of the French 36-gun frigate Néréide after a long running fight and a severe close broadside contest in the Bay of Biscay on 21 December 1797 Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Phoebe 21 Decr 1797 (John Joyce.) dark toned, nearly extremely fine and extremely rare £14,000-£18,000 --- Provenance: A recent discovery from the north-east of England, never before offered for sale. John Joyce is confirmed on the Admiralty Claimants List, his rating of ‘Midshipman’ indicated by a ditto mark under the entry above his name for Midshipman S. J. B. Pechell. Although his name has been overlooked by Captain Douglas-Morris and also in British Battles & Medals, he is properly recorded in all other published rolls (Colonel Hailes, Newnham, and Message). The absence of his rank on the edge of his medal would seem to indicate that he progressed no further in his pursuit of becoming a commissioned officer. Nevertheless, it is a unique name on the rolls and one of only 6 clasps issued for this action that resulted in the capture of the French frigate Néréide, taken into the Royal Navy under the same name. Of the other five medals with this clasp, one each are held by the National Maritime Museum and by the Museum of the Royal Navy, and two are held in private collections. The whereabouts of the final medal to Stephen Lawrie is not known but it was remarkably issued with all six clasps won by this frigate, namely Phoebe 21 Decr 1797, Phoebe 19 Feb 1801, Trafalgar, Off Tamatave 20 May 1811, Java, and Phoebe 28 March 1814. Capture of the Néréide On the 21 December 1797, at 10:00 am, the Phoebe observed a ship standing towards her which by 11:30 am was identified as the French Néréide. Captain Barlow immediately gave chase, came up within gunshot of the enemy ship at 9:00 pm, which commenced firing her stern-chasers into Phoebe, considerably damaging her masts, sails, and rigging. A running fight continued until 10:00 pm when the two ships came fairly alongside each other and, after a close action of 45 minutes, the Néréide received considerable damage in her masts, rigging, and sails, some falling on board the Phoebe. At 10:45 pm, just as the British ship was about to renew the attack, the Néréide hauled down her light and hailed that she had surrendered. The prize was later purchased by the Royal Navy.
Five: Private C. E. Filler, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (5379379 Pte. C. E. Filler. Oxf, & Bucks. L.I,); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine (5) £100-£120 --- Sold with a small portrait photograph, OBLI cap badge, Dunkirk Veterans enamelled lapel badge, Belgian Veteran Association cross and Dunkirk 1940 Commemorative medal, the last two mounted for wear.
Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Syria (G. T. M. Martin, Asst. Surgn.) light marks, otherwise nearly extremely fine £800-£1,000 --- Provenance: Sotheby’s, June 1971. Gilbert Thrift Meldrum Martin entered the Royal Navy as an Assistant Surgeon serving in H.M.S. Britannia on 3 May 1838, transferring to H.M.S. Hastings on 14 July of that year. He served in that ship during operations on and off the coast of Syria in November 1840, before transferring to H.M.S. Illustrious on 15 September 1841. Promoted Surgeon on 17 June 1842, he served in H.M.S. Eurydice from 23 February 1844, and in H.M.S. Wanderer from 28 October 1846 to 20 March 1849. His name disappears from the Navy List in 1851. Sold with copied record of service and several copied news reports concerning the murder of Surgeon Martin’s father, Doctor William Martin, at Malta by a soldier of the 88th Foot on 6 March 1843.
Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Nivelle, Orthes (J. McMurray, Corpl. 51st Foot.) light marks and edge bruising, otherwise very fine £1,200-£1,400 --- Provenance: Murray Collection 1891; Sotheby, May 1926; Glendining’s, October 1950. Only 2 officers and 4 other ranks, all from the 51st Foot, received the M.G.S. with these two clasps.
Military General Service 1793-1814, 5 clasps, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Orthes (T. Horrocks, Corpl. 51st Foot) light contact marks, nearly very fine £2,000-£2,400 --- Provenance: Watters Collection 1913; Elson Collection 1963; Hayward 1971; Glendining’s 1979 and 1988. Thomas Horrocks (Horricks on service papers) was born in Manchester and attested there for the 51st Foot on 20 May 1809, aged 19. He was promoted to Bugler in April 1810 and served in that rank until June 1827, when he became a Private, and promoted to Corporal in May 1832. He was discharged on 26 June 1835, in consequence of general debility and length of service. He served ‘in Spain and Portugal from January 1811 to July 1814; France and Netherlands 23rd March 1815 to 3rd January 1816; Ionian Islands from 21st June 1821 to 12th June 1834. The remainder at Home.’ He also served at the battle of Waterloo and is shown on the roll in the rank of Drummer. Sold with copied discharge papers.
Four: Private C. Kendall, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (5373575 Pte. C. Kendall. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Civil Defence Long Service Medal, E.II.R., unnamed as issued, good very fine (4) £60-£80
Five: Private F. Ratcliffe, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (5378605 Pte. F. Ratcliffe. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, nearly very fine or better (5) £140-£180 --- Private F. Ratcliffe was awarded a Certificate of Gallantry from the Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces, on 12 January 1942, ‘in consideration of his conduct as guard commander at Appledore, Kent, when the bridge was blown.
Crimea 1854-56, no clasp (Qr. Mr. J. Leahy. 4th. Regt.) officially impressed naming, light scratches to rank, generally very fine and a scarce casualty to the Regiment £240-£280 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 2011. John Leahy attested for the 4th Regiment of Foot on 23 January 1839 and was appointed Probationary Orderly Room Clerk (with the rank of Sergeant) on 26 July 1840. He was promoted Quartermaster Sergeant on 8 November 1848, and was commissioned as Quartermaster of his regiment on 9 December 1849, having received a glowing testimonial from the Regimental Commanding Officer. The 4th Foot landed at Old Fort, Calamita Bay, in the Crimea on 14 September 1854. Four days later the Cholera that had been raging through the invading army took the life of Quartermaster Leahy, the first of only three officers of the regiment to lose their lives in the Crimea. He is buried by Lake Tuzla, north of the river Alma. His widow was granted a pension of £36. Sold with copied research.
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