Five: W. L. Costa, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr. W. L. Costa, 221 Gloucester Road, Croydon, Surrey’, extremely fine Four: H. Millow, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr. H. Millow, 102 Ariel Road, North End, Portsmouth, Hants.’, extremely fine Four: J. B. Muckells, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr. J. B. Muckells, 81 Newcombe Road, Fratton, Portsmouth’, extremely fine Pair: R. Kitson, Royal Navy Defence and War Medals 1939-45, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr. R. Kitson, 41A Henry Street, Chatham, Kent’, extremely fine (15) £80-£120
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Seven: Attributed to Lieutenant-Commander T. Hand, M.B.E., Royal Naval Reserve, later Harbour Master, Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1977, unnamed as issued; Malta George Cross 50th Anniversary Medal 1992, unnamed as issued; Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Jubilee Medal for the 40th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1985, bronze; together with an unofficial ‘Arctic Convoy’ Medal 1939-45; together with seven miniature awards, including that of the M.B.E., all mounted for display along with a plaque for the S.S. Bryony, and a coloured photograph of the recipient wearing his medals being introduced to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, generally good very fine and better (8) £200-£240 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1978: Captain Thomas Hand, lately Harbour Master, Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority. Thomas Hand was born in South Shields on 4 January 1914 and was a merchant seaman by trade. First apprenticed on a Tyne Tramp running to New Zealand, amongst other experiences he was shipwrecked on the New South Wales coast, saw the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and arrived in New York after a 79 day voyage from the Philippines the day before the end of prohibition. He received his Master’s ticket in 1941, and was granted a commission in the Royal Naval Reserve on 19 May of that year. He served during the Second World War as a temporary Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve, and commanded the Flower-class corvette H.M.S. Bryony from 9 December 1942 to mid 1945, serving on convoy escort duties in the Atlantic, Arctic, and Mediterranean, including taking part in the celebrated Russian Convoy PQ-18. On 3 November 1943 Bryony picked up 14 survivors from the French merchantman Mont Viso that was sunk in convoy KMS-30 by the German submarine U-593 about 40 miles north-east of Tenes, Algeria. Shortly afterwards she attacked the U-boat with eight depth charges, causing sufficient damage to the submarine that it was forced to break out of its patrol. Hand relinquished his commission on 2 February 1946, and resumed his career with the mercantile marine, ultimately becoming Harbour Master of Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority in 1955. He retired in 1978, and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in that year’s Birthday Honours’ List. Sold with the recipient’s Board of Trade Continuous Certificate of Discharge; a portrait photograph of the recipient, and a coloured photograph of him being introduced to the Queen; and other ephemera.
Four: Marine S. Carter, Royal Marines 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (PO.216865 S. Carter. Mne. R.M.) good very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Sold with the following associated items: RM and RMLI cap badges; RM Rifle Association silver medal ‘1923 D of Edinburgh’s Aegean Cup’ (S.Carter PO.216865); RM Rifle Association bronze medal (Won by Royal Marines H.M.S. Malaya S. Carter PO.216865 Gibraltar Cup 1925); Royal Tournament silver medal (1927 Tug of War 130 Stone Royal Marines R.M. Portsmouth Marine S. Carter); and Royal Tournament bronze medal (Plymouth Royal Marine Command Tug of War 130 Stone Portsmouth 1927).
Six: Trooper A. T. Dive, Life Guards 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937 (295009 Tpr. Dive L.G.) contemporarily impressed naming, mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £60-£80 --- Arthur Thomas Dive was born at Rye, Sussex in 1912. He is confirmed on the roll of the King George VI 1937 Coronation Medal. Sold with a Life Guards cloth arm badge in gold wire embroidery with blue silk on black cloth ground; a Life Guards shoulder title; two ‘red on khaki’ war service chevrons and a 7th Hussars cloth sleeve badge embroidered with the Warsaw Mermaid.
Six: Lance-Bombardier E. J. Harvey, Royal Artillery, formerly Surrey and Sussex Yeomanry, who served as the personal Driver to Major-General E. C. Mansergh, and was Mentioned in Despatches for his services in Burma 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, with Army Council enclosure, in named card box of issue addressed to ‘Mr. E. J. Harvey, 175 Fair Oak Road, Eastleigh, Hants’; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (897071. Gnr. E. J. Harvey. R.A.) nearly extremely fine (6) £180-£220 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 5 April 1945: ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma and on the Eastern Frontier of India 16 November 1943 to 15 May 1944.’ Edwin John Harvey was born in Richmond, Surrey on 14 October 1920, and enlisted in the Surrey and Sussex Yeomanry at Midhurst, Sussex, on 19 April 1939. He served during the Great War with the Royal Artillery as the personal driver to Major-General E. C. Mansergh, and for his services was Mentioned in Despatches- he was the only man from his unit to receive the Burma Star. Post-War he served as a Motor Transport Driver for the Admiralty at the Royal Naval Air Station, Eastleigh. Sold together with a presentation silver cigarette case, 117mm x 84mm, the outside engraved ‘E. J. H.’, the inside engraved ‘L/Bdr. E. J. Harvey, Surrey & Sussex Yeo., from Brigadier E. C. Mansergh. 1940: Dursley - H.M.T. Highland Bde. Middle East 1941: Gallabat - Keren - Massawa - Amba Alagi - Western Desert - Almaza 1942: Libya - Matruh - Fuka - Ruweizat Ridge - El Alamein - Iraq 1943: India - Arakan 1944: Imphal - Kohima Rd. - Tiddim Rd. - Burma’ Sold also with the recipient’s Mentioned in Despatches Certificate, this mounted in a glazed frame; the recipient’s Record of Service; Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; Soldier’s Release Book; and Driving Licence; a H.Q. 5th Indian Division, SEAC letter of testimonial signed by Major-General E. C. Mansergh, and dated 22 March 1946; and various other ephemera including buttons, letters, newspaper cuttings, and postcard photographs.
Three: Bombardier W. Connelley, Royal Artillery, who was killed in action during Operation Lustre, 26-27 April 1941 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., Territorial (751491 Bmbr. W. Connolley. R.A.) edge bruising to last, nearly very fine (3) £80-£120 --- William Connelley, a native of Bradford, Yorkshire, served during the Second World War in 106 (Lancashire Hussars) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, and was killed in action during Operation Lustre. On the night of 26-27 April 1941, following the fall of Greece, H.M.S. Wryneck sailed with H.M.S. Diamond to assist in the rescue of British personnel from the Dutch troopship Slamat, which had been disabled in air attacks. After picking up 700 crewmen and troops, the two ships came under sustained air attack from a force of Ju87 dive bombers. Wrynack and Diamond were both sunk around 20 nautical miles east of Cape Maleas, Greece. Of the 983 men from all three ships, only 66 survived. Connelley was amongst those killed, and is commemorated on the Athens Memorial, Greece.
Four: Bombardier D. P. C. Ledger, Royal Artillery, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War following the fall of Crete 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (1458405 Bdr. D. P. C. Ledger. R.A.) good very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Douglas Philip Capon Ledger was born on 27 August 1916 and attested for the Royal Artillery (Territorial Army) in May 1939. He served with them during the Second World War, and was taken Prisoner of War following the fall of Crete in June 1941. He escaped whilst on Crete but was re-captured owing to malaria, and was held for the rest of the War predominately at Stalag VIII B, being liberated on 21 April 1945. Sold together with a copy of the recipient’s M.I.9 P.O.W. Questionnaire.
Six: Bombardier T. G. Marshall, Royal Artillery 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (6015061. Bdr. T. G. Marshall. R.A.) mounted as worn, contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine or better (6) £50-£70
Five: Captain R. L. Pryce, Royal Engineers, attached Royal Bombay Sappers and Miners, Indian Army, who was Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service in Burma 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (Lt. R. L. Pryce. R.E.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (5) £100-£140 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 19 July 1945. Ray Leighton Pryce was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 4 January 1942. Promoted Lieutenant on 1 October 1942, he served during the Second World War in the Arakan from 1944 to 1945 with the 93rd Field Company, Royal Bombay Sappers and Miners, as part of the 25th Indian Division. The regimental history of the Royal Bombay Sappers & Miners 1939-1947 includes the following account by Captain W. W. Guthrie, M.C.: ‘We arrived in the Maungdaw area in late March 1944. Contact with the enemy was taking place mainly high up on the west side of the Mayu Range inland from Maungdaw and slightly south of the tunnel road to Buthedaung... Besides manning our perimeter… we improved the single access road to the tunnel area… At other times we played infantry, making shallow reconnaissances to the south… After the monsoon there was more extensive patrolling in force and we accompanied the infantry on these sorties. On an expedition with the Oxford & Buckinghamshires… we were subject to mortar fire from the foothills. One round landed among Ray Pryce’s Mahrattas leaving one man with severe leg wounds.’ For his distinguished services in Burma, Pryce was Mentioned in Despatches. He subsequently joined the Bath branch of the Burma Star Association in 1976.
‘It seemed that Walker had decided to meet this threat on his own. Alone, entirely without orders, he was running down the hill with the gun on his hip, firing as he went. I think it was more his fierce determination than the bullets he fired that deterred the Chinese. To a man they ran back round the edge of the ridge. It was so like Walker: he was an independent type.’ The Edge of the Sword by Anthony Farrar-Hockley The outstanding and rare Korean War ‘Battle of Imjin River’ M.M. group of six awarded to Private D. M. R. Walker, Gloucestershire Regiment, late Black Watch and Highland Light Infantry, who was severely wounded in a lone charge against the encroaching enemy on the slopes of Gloster Hill at the Battle of the Imjin, 24 April 1951: ‘slinging his Bren gun to the hip position, he sprang into position and started shooting- almost immediately he himself was hit and severely wounded, but his objective had been achieved.’ Taken Prisoner of War he was again wounded during an American air attack, before escaping, only to be recaptured by the Communists and spending a further two years in captivity Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (22530161 Pte. D. M. R. Walker. Glosters.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (22530161 Pte. D. M. R. Walker. Glosters.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, extremely fine (6) £20,000-£26,000 --- Provenance: Christie’s, November 1990. M.M. London Gazette 8 December 1953: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea.’ The original recommendation states: ‘During the second phase of the battle of the Imjin River on the night of 23-24 April 1951, the position of the Battalion’s HQ became untenable and a hurried move was made to a ridge immediately south of the original position. This new position had only just been reached and was yet unorganised when, at dawn, an attack materialised. The enemy were engaged by members of the Signal Platoon and among them was Private Walker. Failing in their direct assault up the line of the ridge, some enemy worked unseen along the precipitous slope of the ridge. Their close approach remained undiscovered until grenades and automatic fire started clipping the crest of the ridge. The Signal Platoon replied with grenades but no direct fire could be brought to bear over the crest. The enemy could only be located by one standing on the edge of the crest, who would then be exposed to the close range fire of the enemy. Grenades failing to dislodge the enemy, Private Walker decided to shoot it out with them. Slinging his Bren gun to the hip position and shouting for some grenades to be thrown to cover his action, he sprang to the very edge of the crest and started shooting down the steep slope. Almost immediately he himself was hit and severely wounded, but his objective had been achieved. The enemy made a rapid withdrawal and there was no further trouble at this point. Private Walker’s initiative, fighting spirit, and great gallantry were most praiseworthy.’ Douglas Michael Robertson Walker was born in Croydon on 26 November 1926, and volunteered for wartime service on 14 April 1943, adding 18 months to his age. After initial training with the General Service Corps, he joined the Black Watch on 1 July 1943, and saw active service in France and Germany. From D-Day, 6 June 1944, the Highland Division supported the Airborne Division in the Eastern Salient between Caen and the Normandy coast. By July the 1st, 5th, and 7th Battalions were fighting around the Caen countryside and took part in the drive to Falaise, thundering south in Armoured Personnel Carriers by the light of searchlights reflected off the clouds. Walker was wounded on 17 August 1944 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion. He was not officially 18 years old. On 8 February 1945 the 1st and 7th Battalions led the assault on Germany, the 1st Battalion being the first troops to set foot on the Reich. On 22 March 1945 the Black Watch crossed the Rhine, and swept up towards Bremen and Bremerhaven, mopping up pockets of last ditch resistance. From April 1945 Walker served in Palestine, before moving to the Canal Zone on rotation in December 1945, spending Christmas Day 1945 at Ismalia, Egypt. Returning to Palestine in April 1946, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry on 3 August 1946. During this month the H.L.I. were overseeing the return to Greece of King George of the Hellenes, and were based at Vouliagmeni on the outskirts of Athens, before moving later in the year to Drama in North Greece. In February 1947 Walker moved with the Battalion to Salonika, before being posted to a wireless outpost in the Konitza Mountains on the Albanian frontier. He returned to Scotland with the Battalion on 7 November 1947, and was discharged on 10 April 1948 having completed 5 years with the Colours. Battle of Imjin River On the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950 Walker was employed as a salesman in Bristol. He immediately volunteered for service in Korea, and re-enlisted at Bristol on 22 August 1950. Posted to the Gloucestershire Regiment he sailed with them aboard the Empire Windrush for Korea, landing at Pusan on 10 November 1950. Posted to the Signal Platoon under Captain R. A. St. M. Reeve-Tucker, he was present at the Battle of Imjin River where, on the night of the 22 April 1951, a Chinese attack developed along the whole of the Regiment’s front. Over the next three days a large number of Chinese troops subjected the Battalion’s positions to almost continuous assault. At 8:00 a.m. on 24 April Colonel Carne ordered ‘B’ Company to break contact with the enemy, with whom they had been strongly engaged, and to join the Battalion on the steep and rugged feature known as Hill 235, and later renamed ‘Gloster Hill’. Their final dash for safety however was threatened by enemy forces which had worked unseen along the precipitous slope of the ridge. Taking matters into his own hands, Private Walker embarked on a lone mission to repel the encroaching enemy. Witnessed through the field glasses of both the Adjutant, Captain Anthony Farrar-Hockley and the Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Henry Cabrel. It appeared to this watching group, now joined by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel James Carne, that, had it not been for Private Walker’s heroic act of gallantry, their survival of B Company would have been in jeopardy. In his book The Edge of the Sword, Anthony Farrar-Hockley recalls Walker’s lone charge: ‘Private Allum, a signaller in HQ Company, declared: “You’d better come up quick Sir, there’s another party of Chinks just around the end of the ridge and they’re going to head B Company off. Walker’s got the Bren on them.” Accompanied by the Colonel we hurried up the slope only to discover Walker gone. “Where’s Walker?” I asked. “I thought you said he was here with a Bren?” “He was Sir”, said Allum. “He was right by this rock when...” “There he goes” shouted Henry Cabrel, pointing down the hill. It seemed that Walker had decided to meet this threat on his own. Alone, entirely without orders, he was running down the hill with the gun on his hip, firing as he went. I think it was more his fierce determination than the bullets he fired that deterred the Chinese. To a man they ran back round the edge of the ridge. It was so like Walker: he was an independent type.’ Walker, now wounded by a bullet to the lung, was taken by his comrades to the Regimental Aid Post. That night the battalion again beat off a determined enemy attack, inflicting heavy ...
Five: Company Quarter-Master Sergeant G. H. V. Cornille, Royal Signals 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (7685343 C.Q.M.S. G. H. V. Cornille, R. Sigs.) mounted as worn Five: Sergeant F. J. Wilson, Royal Signals 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (22828995 Sgt. F. J. Wilson. R. Sigs.) mounted as worn, very fine and better (10) £100-£140
Four: Sergeant P. Lynch, Royal Irish Fusiliers, who was Mentioned in Despatches during the Second World War 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (7043341 Sgt P Lynch R Ir F) the last a somewhat later issue with officially re-impressed naming, generally good very fine and better (4) £70-£90 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 29 November 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’ The original Recommendation states: ‘During the recent period on the east bank of the Senio, Sergeant Lynch has acted both as Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander. In either capacity, he has been outstanding as an example to his men, whether it be at hurling grenades, or firing the 2 inch mortar and the PIAT, from which the latter his Platoon fired 300 bombs during one night. His enthusiasm at tormenting the enemy had a great effect on the morale of his men.’
Five: Sergeant P. A. Leonard, Royal Army Medical Corps 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named lid of card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr. Ph. A. Leonard, 19 Perth Str.’; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (7344719 Sjt. P. A. Leonard. R.A.M.C.) good very fine (5) £60-£80 --- Sold together with the recipient’s two identity tags stamped ‘(CE) 7344719 Leonard P.A.’ and ‘Leonard CE 7344719’; a very small silver and enamel badge bearing the dates ‘Aug 22 Sep 22’; a compass in a plastic and metal case inscribed Pioneer; a small book entitled ‘The Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Masonry’ and a booklet containing the by-laws of Leopold Lodge, these in card box envelope addressed to ‘P.A. Leonard Esq., 132 Manchester Road, Accrington, Lancs.’, post dated 6 January 1972.
A Second War D.F.M. awarded to Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Flight Sergeant A. M. McKelvie, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action when his Lancaster was shot down over Waterloo on 3 June 1942 during the 1,000 Bomber Raid on Cologne Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (971310 Sgt. A. M. Mc.Kelvie. R.A.F.) suspension claw sympathetically repaired, cleaned, good very fine £1,400-£1,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 22 August 1941. The original Recommendation, dated 25 June 1941, states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during raids into enemy territory. This N.C.O.’s work both in the air and on the ground has never left anything to be desired. The majority of his flights have been during the winter months and he has shown great skill in the working of the set under most adverse conditions. His determination and enthusiasm have had an excellent effect on the other Wireless Operator/Air Gunners in this Squadron.’ Alastair Macnab McKelvie was born in Cowdenbeath in 1907 and enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1939. Qualifying as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, he served with 144 Squadron, and having completed his first operational tour was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Embarking upon his second Operational Tour with 61 Squadron in 1942, McKelvie was killed in action on 3 June 1942 when his Lancaster R5613, piloted by Pilot Officer R. E. Clark, D.F.M., was shot down homeward-bound by a Bf110 4km east of Waterloo, having taken part in the 1,000 Bomber raid on Essen. There was only one survivor, the Air Gunner Sergeant W. R. Griffiths, who managed to evade capture. McKelvie is buried alongside four of his crew in Brussels Town Cemetery; the final crew member has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Sold together with a photographic image of the recipient, and copied research.
Five: Warrant Officer Class II E. E. Bottom, Royal Military Police 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (7685599 W.O. Cl.2. E. E. Bottom. R.M.P.) minor official correction to last, nearly extremely fine (5) £60-£80 --- Edward E. Bottom ‘joined the Corps in September 1939 and served in Venice and Egypt and amongst many home Command Provost Units. He served for a period at Mytchett and finished his service in the Depot as R.Q.M.S. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in January 1962 and retired to open a greengrocer’s ship in Knaphill on 6 April 1962.’ (extracts from the Royal Military Police Journal refer).
Seven: Sergeant D. J. James, Royal Military Police, later Royal Artillery 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (1063965 Pte. D. J. James. C.R.M.P.); Efficiency Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (1063965 Sgt. D. J. James. R.A.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (7) £100-£140
Four: Private N. V. Brownhill, Royal Military Police 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (4745845 Pte. N. V. Brownhill. R.M.P.) good very fine (4) £70-£90 --- Norman Victor Brownhill was born on 24 May 1917 and attested for the Corps of Military Police on 2 September 1939. Sold together with the recipient’s Soldier’s Service and Pay Book.
Three: Private F. Phillips 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Army Council enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs L. Phillips, 1 Ashvale, Ashvale, Caerleon, Newport, nearly extremely fine 1939-45 Star; Africa Star (3); Pacific Star; Burma Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal (5); War Medal 1939-45 (9), generally good very fine and better (24) £80-£120 --- F. Phillips served and died during the Second World War.
Three: Squadron Leader J. B. S. Monypenny, Royal Air Force, who was killed in action on 20 July 1940 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Air Council enclosure, extremely fine (3) £300-£400 --- John Blackwell Sinclair Monypenny was commissioned Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force on 27 June 1930 and was promoted Flying Officer on 27 February 1932, Flight Lieutenant on 27 February 1936, and Squadron Leader on 1 December 1938. He served during the Second World War with 9 Squadron, based at R.A.F. Honnington, and was killed in action on 20 July 1940. Taking off at 20:10 on an operational sortie to Wismar, his Wellington L7795 was reported to have crashed into Eckernforder Bay, approximately 25 km north-west of Kiel. All the crew were killed. Monypenny has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Sold together with a number of original letters concerning various gifts given posthumously on his behalf, including his R.A.F. Officers’ Sword which was presented to the R.A.F. by his widow, and is used by the R.A.F. Ensign bearer at the annual Battle of Britain Service in Westminster Abbey.
Three: Flight Sergeant W. P. S. Rae, Royal Air Force, a prisoner of war in Germany after his Wellington III bomber failed to return from a ‘Gardening’ operation in November 1942 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, all unnamed as issued, together with his German P.O.W. identity disc stamped ‘896 Stalag Luft Barth-Vogelsang’, good very fine (3) £300-£400 --- William Petrie Smart Rae was born in the Parish of Woodside, Aberdeen, on 21 April 1921, and enlisted into the Royal Air Force on 15 July 1940. He was appointed Air Gunner on 28 May 1941, and joined No. 142 Squadron on 31 August 1942. He became a prisoner of war at Stalug Luft I when his Wellington III bomber failed to return from a mine-laying operation on the night of 16/17 November 1942, all five of the crew being taken prisoner. His ‘effective date of release’ is recorded as 3 November 1945. Sold with copied record of service, together with brass Path Finder Force badge, various cloth insignia including sergeant’s stripes and air gunner’s wing, four ‘Lagergeld’ P.O.W. camp currency notes and a French banknote.
A rare Burma Police Medal for Distinguished Conduct awarded to Head Constable Sheik Ahmed, Rangoon Police Burma Police Medal, G.VI.R. (Sheik Ahmed, Hd. Const. Rangoon Police) in its Royal Mint case of issue, sometime lightly gilded, now worn in parts, otherwise very fine and rare £1,200-£1,600 --- According to British Gallantry Awards, for the period 1938-48, there were 53 awards for gallantry and 80 for meritorious service, plus a further 8 unclassified awards in 1942.
Six: Navigator H. G. Philpott, Royal Air Force, who was shot down during the Second World War over occupied France on 8 August 1944, and successfully evaded capture 1939-45 Star, 1 clasp, Bomber Command; Atlantic Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (II. Nav. H. G. Philpott (1334255). R.A.F.) mounted court-style, about extremely fine (6) £300-£400 --- Hubert Gerald Philpott was born in London on 14 September 1921 and served during the Second World War as a Flight Sergeant in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve from 28 February 1941. Posted to 106 Squadron, on the night of 27-28 May 1944 he was the Navigator of Lancaster LM549 taking part on a bombing raid on Nantes. They took off from R.A.F. Metheringham at around 22.30hrs and bombed the target area at 01.43hrs from 8,400 feet. On the return flight their Lancaster was attacked and damaged by enemy night fighters but was eventually driven off by the return fire from the Lancaster’s air gunners. Diverted north to land at the emergency landing strip at Carnaby because of the damage, they made a one-wheeled landing there at 05.30hrs. On the night of 7-8 August 1944 Philpott and his crew were involved in an operational sortie on a target in France when their Lancaster ME831 was shot down. All the crew successfully bailed out and survived the landing; two of the crew were taken prisoner of war, but the remainder, including Philpott, evaded capture: ‘I baled out at 01.00hrs on 8 August 1944 and landed in the grounds of a factory at Elbeuf. On landing I was approached by two Frenchmen. They took me to a house in Elbeuf where I remained until Allied Forces arrived on 27 August. I was sent thence to Bayeux.’ (the recipient’s evasion report refers). Sold together with a circular piece of sheet metal (presumably taken from the damaged Lancaster) inscribed ‘R Roger, Carnaby (Yorks) 28th May 1944. Tours, Brunswick, Kiel Bay, Nantes, 106 Sqdn.’; a 78 Squadron cloth badge; a 1970 25th Anniversary commemorative French medallion, white metal, the reverse engraved ‘H. Philpott’; and a football prize medal, silver, the reverse engraved ‘H.M.S. Vindictive. Inter-Part League Winners 1928-29, Stokers C., H. Philpott’.
Three: Lance-Naik Belam Sing Bisht, 1/18th Royal Garhwal Rifles, Indian Army, who was killed in action during operations on Ramree Island on 4 February 1945 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, all officially impressed ‘8796 L/Nk Belam Sing Bisht, R. Garh. Rif.’, very fine (3) £40-£50 --- Belam Sing Bisht served with the 1st Battalion, 18th Royal Garhwal Rifles during the Second World War, and was killed in action during operations on Ramree Island on 4 February 1945. He is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Burma.
Six: T. C. Hewes, 2/5th Field Regiment Artillery, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘NX23883 T. C. Hewes’, very fine Three: R. Abrahams, 53 Australian Composite Anti Aircraft Regiment, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘NX83811 R. Abrahams’, good very fine (9) £70-£90 --- Thomas Charles Hewes enlisted into the Australian Army at Paddington, New South Wales, on 3 June 1940, and served with the 2/5th Field Regiment Artillery during the Second World War. He was discharged on 12 March 1945. R. Abrahams enlisted into the Australian Army at Paddington, New South Wales, on 14 January 1942, and served with the 53 Australian Composite Anti Aircraft Regiment during the Second World War in New Guinea and Borneo. He subsequently served with the Liverpool Prisoner of War and Internee Camp Garrison.
Six: E. R. Charles, 2/25th Field Park Company Engineers, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, the Stars all unnamed, the three medals all officially named ‘NX55552 E. R. Charles’, good very fine Four: N. A. Gant, 53rd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘NX190553 N. A. Gant’, good very fine Pair: J. H. Barrows, 16th Garrison Battalion, Australian Forces War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, both officially named ‘N104454 J. H. Burrows.’, contact marks, very fine (12) £100-£140 --- The 16th Garrison Battalion was responsible for the Hay Internment Camps.
Five: A. C. Gibson, 2/33 Battalion, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘NX57383 A. C. Gibson’, good very fine Five: J. L. Welsh, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘NX134662 J. L. Welsh’, mounted as worn, very fine (10) £70-£90 --- Allan Chapple Gibson was born in Watson’s Bay, New South Wales, on 2 June 1919 and attested for the Australian Forces at Paddington, Sydney, on 12 July 1940. He served with the 2/33 Battalion in the Middle East. New Guinea, and Morotai from 27 July 1941, and was discharged on 21 January 1946. He died on 17 January 2013. Sold with copied photographic image of the recipient.
Five: E. A. Iliff, 17th Field Ambulance, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘VX134772 E. A. Illiff’, mounted court style, nearly extremely fine Four: E. J. Power, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘SX16770 E. J. Power’, nearly extremely fine Pair: J. A. Thompson, Royal Australian Air Force War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, both officially named ’440587 J. A. Thompson.’, mounted as worn, good very fine (11) £100-£140 --- Ernest Andrew Iliff attested for the Australian Forces on 23 April 1940 and was posted to the 6th Field Ambulance, Mount Martha as a driver. He left Darwin on 12 March 1942 with the 17th Field Ambulance during the Japanese Air Raids, and, attached to 121st Australian General Hospital, served during operations in New Guinea. He was discharged on 5 November 1945. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient, and copied research.
A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist G. W. Starkiss, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Cossack, who was shortly afterwards mentioned in despatches for the Bismarck action in May 1941, and was killed in action when Cossack was torpedoed by U-563 on 23 October 1941 British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (C.P.O. Tel. George William Starkiss, P/J.53278. R.N.) mounted on original investiture brooch with small M.I.D. oak leaf on ribbon, extremely fine £300-£400 --- B.E.M. (Military) London Gazette 1 July 1941 (Birthday Honours List). M.I.D. London Gazette 14 October 1941: ‘For mastery, determination and skill in action against the German Battleship Bismarck:- Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist George William Starkiss, H.M.S. Cossack.’ One of four ratings of H.M.S. Cossack mentioned for the Bismarck action, the recommendation stating, ‘For exceptional efficiency in the execution of their Duties under heavy fire.’ George William Starkiss, C.P.O. Telegraphist, Royal Navy, was killed in action when H.M.S. Cossack was torpedoed by U-563 on 23 October 1941, and is commemorated by name on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. On 26 May 1941, the Cossack leading the 4th Destroyer Flotilla was ordered to join with the Home Fleet battleships searching for the Bismarck. The Fleet's own Destroyers were running short of fuel and needed to be relieved as a matter of urgent priority. That night the Polish destroyer Piorum sighted the Bismarck and at 2200 hrs Admiral Vian ordered his Destroyer flotilla into the attack. Despite being seriously outgunned Cossack managed to launch three torpedoes from 6,000 yards at 0140 hrs, two hits on the mighty German battleship being recorded. The other Destroyers made similar attacks and kept the Bismarck engaged until the Royal Navy battleships arrived at dawn to finally finish off the job. Cossack and her sisters next joined Force H at Gibraltar, seeing much activity in defending convoys to Malta from U-boat and E-boat attack, as well as escorting the capital ships Ark Royal, Nelson and Renown. Sadly, on 23 October 1941, Cossack received a hit from a torpedo fired by the U-563 which killed Captain Berthon and 158 officers and men, with another 29 injured. Remarkably Cossack did not sink immediately and soon the fires went out. Seeing that Cossack was still very buoyant, she was reboarded , the engine started and, going astern, tried to make the long voyage back to Gibraltar. For a night and a day they kept the Cossack moving, but ultimately all was in vain, and the gallant little Cossack finally slipped beneath the waves on the following day.
Four: Flying Officer R. R. Aitken, Royal Australian Air Force 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘37783 R R Aitken’, very fine Four: J. P. Smyth, Royal Australian Air Force Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially named ‘25194 J P Smyth’; together with the recipient’s cap badge and Air Force Association lapel badge, lacquered, good very fine Pair: Squadron Leader H. B. Moloney, Royal Australian Air Force War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, both officially named ‘20646 H. B. Moloney’, good very fine (10) £80-£120 --- Robert Ross Aitken was born in Doncaster, Victoria, on 9 November 1912 and enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in Sydney on 10 July 1941. He served as a Flying Officer during the Second World War, and was discharged on 2 April 1946. J. P. Smyth enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force at Bowen, Queensland, on 28 February 1942. Harold B. Moloney enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in Sydney on 9 January 1941, and was promoted temporary Squadron Leader on 1 July 1944.
Three: Station Officer Joseph Calderwood, Lanarkshire Fire Brigade, who died of injuries sustained whilst fighting a fire at Colvilles steelworks at Bellshill in January 1963 Defence Medal; Fire Brigade L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (Stn. Offr. Joseph Calderwood) in its named card box of issue; British Fire services Association, bronze medal for 10 years, with additional bronze ribbon bar (J. Calderwood) in box of issue, nearly extremely fine (3) £160-£200 --- A Commemorative plaque bearing the names of Assistant Firemaster Stanley McIntosh and Station Officer Joseph Calderwood who died as a result of the incident on Monday the 7th of January 1963 at Colvilles Limited, Mossend Works, Bellshill was unveiled 10-30am on Thursday the 8th of August, 1985, at Motherwell Fire Station. The fire was a in Metal lean-to shed 20 feet by 8 feet used as a Paint Store and containing flammable liquids, paraffin, diesel, petrol, paint, etc., in containers 1 gallon to 4 gallons. 5 Appliances from Motherwell, Coatbridge and Hamilton attended. Apparently Deputy Firemaster McIntosh was showing new Firemaster (Firemaster John Stewart) round the stations in the area when they received a call about the fire and decided to attend the incident. When they arrived Station Officer Calderwood took them into the paint store; they were at the door when there was an explosion, the Firemaster was blown off his feet and saved by the heavy overcoat he was wearing, Deputy Firemaster McIntosh was killed and Station Officer Calderwood was seriously burned and died of his injuries a week later.
Five: Attributed to W. Zalewski, Polish Forces Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with Army Council enclosure in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr Zalewski W., 17 Tamworth Road, Two Gates, Tamworth, Staffs.’; Poland, Republic, Cross of Merit, 1st issue, 3rd Class, bronze, with separate crossed swords suspension; Monte Cassino Cross 1944, reverse numbered, ‘47115’; Vatican, Holy See, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, bronze; together with a miniature Defence Medal; Monte Cassino Cross 1944; and Polish Army Medal, generally good very fine (5) £80-£120 --- Sold together with the recipient’s identity tag named to ‘Wawrzyniec Zalewski’; an Italian Air Force religious protection medal, 26mm, the obverse with the words ‘Maria Virgo Lauretana Aeronautarum Patrona’, the reverse inscribed ‘Dio Protegga Le Ali D’Italia’; a miniature medal, with short chain, the obverse featuring an aeroplane and a tower, the reverse with the words ‘Vergine Lauretana Benedici I Tuoi Figli In Volo’; and a Hepolite Pistons metal and enamel lapel badge inscribed ‘Hepolite for Speed’.
A rare inter-War ‘North West Frontier 1935’ Immediate D.S.O. group of eight awarded to Captain F. J. Doherty, Indian Medical Service, attached 5th Battalion (Queen Victoria’s Own Corps of Guides), 12th Frontier Force Regiment, for gallantry in the action on Point 4080 against Mohmand tribesmen, on which occasion Captain Godfrey Meynell, M.C., of the same regiment won a posthumous Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top ribbon bar; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. F. J. Doherty, I.M.S.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Service Medal of the Order of St John (W/784 Dr. F. J. Doherty. P. for W. 1962) mounted court-style, nearly extremely fine (8) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 24 December 1935: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in action in connection with the recent Mohmand operations, North West Frontier of India, 1935:- Captain Francis John Doherty, M.B., Indian Medical Service, attached 5th Battalion (Queen Victoria’s Own Corps of Guides), 12th Frontier Force Regiment, Indian Army.’ This same gazette announced the award of the Victoria Cross to Captain Godfrey Meynell, M.C., 5th Battalion (Queen Victoria’s Own Corps of Guides), 12th Frontier Force Regiment, who was killed in action in the attack on Point 4080. This was the only V.C. awarded in the rein of King Edward VIII. Lieutenant Godfrey John Hamilton, of the same regiment also received the D.S.O. for the same action; his wife was the author M. M. Kay. M.I.D. London Gazette 8 May 1936. Francis John Doherty was born on 5 August 1909, son of Bernard Doherty and Mary McWilliams. He was educated at Queen’s University, Belfast (M.B.); Lieutenant (on probation), Indian Medical Service, 5 February 1934; Captain, 23 August 1935 (Seniority 5 February 1934); married Enid Joan Watkins of Cardiff, 1936. Served in the operations against the Mohmand tribesmen, North West Frontier of India, 1935, including the V.C. action on Point 4080, 29 September 1935 (D.S.O. and M.I.D.); Staff Captain, G.H.Q. India, 13 October 1936 to 18 October 1937; acting Major, 1 May-18 July, 1941, and 10-21 February 1942; temporary Major, 22 February 1942; Major, 5 February 1944; Retired 11 December 1948, with Hon. rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and took up practice in Wales; Serving Brother of the Order of St John, London Gazette 19 April 1968. On 29 September 1935 at Mohmand, in the Nahaqi Pass within the Khyber Pass on the North West Frontier, in the final phase of an attack, Captain Meynell, seeking information on the most forward troops, found them involved in a struggle against an enemy vastly superior in numbers. He at once took command, and with two Lewis guns and about thirty men, maintained a heavy and accurate fire on the advancing enemy, whose overwhelming numbers nevertheless succeeded in reaching the position and putting the Lewis guns out of action. In the hand-to-hand struggle which ensued, Captain Meynell was mortally wounded, but the heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy prevented them from exploiting their success. Regimental records suggest that when the bodies of his men were mutilated by the enemy (as was their custom), Captain Meynell sought to defend those bodies even as he himself was dying. Captain Meynell was five times wounded, and his last words were, ‘Be brave, we shall soon get help.’ The total British losses were 24 killed, 49 wounded, and nine missing. The tribesmen's casualties were 150. The British withdrew under cover of artillery fire and aerial bombing. The troops re-occupied the position next day, and within a few hours the tribesmen sued for peace.
A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Carpenter G. E. Cooper, Mercantile Marine, for services aboard S.S. Strathaird British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (George Edgar Cooper) good very fine --- B.E.M. (Civil) London Gazette 12 June 1941 (Birthday Honours List): ‘George Edgar Cooper, Carpenter, S.S. Strathaird.’
Pair: Sergeant M. W. Caldicott, Royal Military Police General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya, second clasp a tailor’s copy loose on riband (14453410 Sjt. M. W. Caldicott. R.M.P.); Malaysia, Pingat Khidmat Berbakti (General Service Medal), silver, unnamed as issued, edge bruising, very fine (2) £70-£90
Pair: Staff Sergeant L. P. Harris, Royal Military Police General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (22248941 Sgt. L. P. Harris. R.M.P.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (22248941 S. Sgt. L. P. Harris. RMP.) edge bruising and contact marks, very fine (2) £100-£140 --- L. P. Harris was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 65 of May 1964.
Family group: A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Sergeant Josephine R. Rudder, Auxiliary Territorial Service, for services with Headquarters Combined Operations at Whitehall British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (W/178061 Sgt. Josephine R. Rudder A.T.S.) mounted on Lady’s bow Four: Cardew Rudder, Technical Service Corps 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially impressed (138443 C. A. Rudder) the last officially re-impressed, mounted as worn, good very fine (5) £200-£260 --- B.E.M. (Military) London Gazette 1 January 1946: ‘Sergeant Josephine Ruth Rudder, Auxiliary Territorial Service.’ An accompanying news cutting with portrait states ‘Sergeant Josephine Rudder, A.T.S., daughter of Mr and Mrs H. S. Evenden, of “Windy Ridge,” 7, The Woodfields, Sanderstead has been awarded the B.E.M. Military Division Star (sic) for services with Headquarters Combined Operations, Whitehall. Mrs Rudder is the wife of a South African ex-prisoner-of-war and leaves England to rejoin her husband in Durban early February.’ Also sold with portrait photograph of Cardew Rudder in uniform.
Three: Sergeant P. Griffiths, Durham Light Infantry General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (19123126 Cpl. P. Griffiths. D.L.I.); General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Borneo (19123126 Sgt. P. Griffiths. DLI); U.N. Medal, on UNFICYP ribbon, mounted as worn, toned, good very fine (3) £160-£200
A post-War B.E.M. awarded to Health Care Worker Mrs. Eileen W. Mason British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Eileen Winifred Mrs Mason) on lady’s bow riband, extremely fine £100-£140 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 31 December 1983: Eileen Winifred, Mrs. Mason ‘For services to renal dialysis patients in Dorset.’
Four: Corporal P. Kitson, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers N.A.T.O. Medal 1994, 1 clasp, Kosovo; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (25058547 Cfn P Kitson REME); Iraq 2003-11, no clasp (25058547 LCpl P Kitson REME); Jubilee 2002, unnamed as issued, about extremely fine (4) £180-£220 --- Phillip Kitson was born in Perivale, Middlesex, on 14 September 1973 and joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as a Metalsmith in October 1996. Advance Corporal, he served in Britain, Germany, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, and Iraq, and was discharged on 23 January 2009, his last posting being with the 21st Signals Regiment (Air Support). Sold with copied Service Testimonial; a group photograph; and other research.
Four: Sergeant A. S. McGhee, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Royal Artillery N.A.T.O. Medal 1994, 1 clasp, Former Yugoslavia; Iraq 2003-11, no clasp (25105741 Cpl A S McGhee REME); Operational Service Medal 2000, for Afghanistan, 1 clasp, Afghanistan (25105741 Sgt A S McGhee REME); Jubilee 2012, unnamed as issued, in card box of issue, extremely fine (4) £240-£280 --- Alastair Stuart McGhee attested for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers on 22 November 1999 and was promoted Corporal on 16 January 2003 and Sergeant on 16 January 2007. He transferred to the Royal Artillery on 1 April 2010, and was discharged on 29 June 2013. Sold together with the recipient’s copied Record of Service and two modern photographs.
Military General Service 1793-1814, 7 clasps, Talavera, Albuhera, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse (A. McIntosh, Qr. Mr. 31st Foot) minor edge bruising and nicks, otherwise good very fine £1,800-£2,200 --- Andrew McIntosh was born in 1778, and was commissioned as Quarter-Master into the 31st Foot on 12 April 1810. He served in the Peninsula with the 31st and was present at the battles of Talavera, Albuhera, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nive, Orthes, and Toulouse, for which he received the War Medal with seven clasps. He was promoted to Lieutenant in the 4th Royal Veteran Battalion on 25 December 1814. The regimental history of the 31st states that he was wounded at Pamplona.
New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (Surgn. Major W Hemphill. 50th. Regt.); together with an erased New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1866, traces of brooch mounting to reverse of first with suspension re-affixed, rank partially corrected/ enhanced, edge bruising, nearly very fine; the erased medal better (2) £300-£400 --- William Hemphill was born in Castlederg, Co. Tyrone, on 16 February 1830 and qualified M.D. from the University of Glasgow in 1851. He entered the Army Medical Department as an Assistant Surgeon on 14 July 1854 and served with the 48th Foot in the Crimea from 21 April 1855, being present at the Siege and Fall of Sebastopol. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon to the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment of Foot on 13 July 1858, and was advanced Staff Assistant Surgeon on 9 April 1861. He served On Duty with the 50th Foot in New Zealand 1864-66, and was advanced Staff Surgeon on 1 February 1867, and Surgeon Major on 14 July 1874. He retired with the honorary rank of Deputy Surgeon-General on 22 July 1879 and died at Southend-on-Sea, Essex, on 20 February 1898. Sold with copied research.
The Indian Mutiny medal awarded to Lieutenant-General Francis Rowcroft, C.B., Brigadier Commanding the Sarun Field Force, to which Pearl’s naval brigade was attached from November 1857 to January 1859 Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Brigr. F. Rowcroft, Comg. Sarun Field Force.) toned, nearly extremely fine £1,800-£2,200 --- Francis Rawdon Edward Rowcroft was born in London on 29 August 1802. He was appointed Ensign in the Bangal Native Infantry on 7 October 1819; Lieutenant, 14 September 1821; Captain, 7 August 1829; Major, 26 May 1843; Lieutenant-Colonel, 14 November 1849; Brevet Colonel, 28 November 1854; Colonel 15 May 1859. Rowcroft was commanding the 8th Native Infantry as Brevet Colonel when it mutinied at Dinapore on 25 July 1857. He afterwards transferred to the newly-raised 6th Bengal European Infantry. Colonel Rowcroft commanded the Sarun and Goruckpore Field Force with the Naval Brigade of H.M.S. Pearl, in the Goruckpore District, during the Indian War of 1857 and 1858. He served in Command of the Field Force in the successful actions of Shohunpore, 26th December 1857; Phoolpore, in Oude, on the Gogra, capturing three guns, 20th February 1858; of Amorah, near Fyzabad, capturing eight guns, 5th March 1858. Appointed Brigadier from 1st January 1858. Commanded in the actions of 17th and 25th April 1858, near Amorah; of the 26th November and 3rd December 1858, on the Raotee; and present at the battle of Toolseepore, near the Nepal Hills, against Balla Rao and Mahomed Hussun, capturing two guns, 23rd December 1858: in the several actions captured sixteen guns (Medal; C.B. London Gazette 16 November 1858). Promoted to Major-General, 1 January 1862, and to Lieutenant-General, 25 June 1870. Lieutenant-General Rowcroft died at Holcombe, Dawlish, Devon, on 22 March 1877, aged 74. The following account of the operations of the Sarun Field Force and Pear’s Naval Brigade, under the command of Brigadier Francis Rowcroft is taken from Naval Brigades in the Indian Mutiny by W. L. Clowes: [H.M.S. Pearl’s Naval] Brigade was attached to the Sarun Field Force, of which, on November 27th [1857], Colonel Rowcroft took command at Myrwa. It first came into action with the mutineers on December 20th at Sohunpore, where an entrenched position was taken, and the enemy was dispersed. No one belonging to the Brigade was hurt. By February 8th, 1858, the force arrived at Burhul, whence it moved up the Gogra in 150 boats, escorted by the small steamer Jumna,reaching Ghopalpur on the 10th; and on the 17th the strong fort of Chanderpur was captured by Captain Sotheby with 130 of the Brigade, 85 Sikhs, and 60 Gurkhas, acting in concert with the Jumna, which was under the orders of Second-Master John Fowler. Two guns were captured. The casualties on the side of the attack were insignificant, only about four people being wounded. On the evening of February 19th, Nourainie Ghat was reached. That night a fort on the Oudh side of the river was seized; and, on the afternoon of the following day, an attack was made upon a body of rebels at Phoolpur. After a gallant and well-sustained action, the enemy was driven from the field, with a loss of three guns. Two days afterwards, the Brigade recrossed the river by a bridge of boats which it had constructed. There had been some friction with the native allies; and it was deemed advisable to keep a British force to guard the rear of the advance, large numbers of rebels being reported in the vicinity of Fyzabad. The Brigade marched to Amorha on March 2nd. Colonel Rowcroft was there informed that the fort of Belwa, seven miles further on, was occupied by the mutineers. In the afternoon, 168 men of the Brigade, with four guns, some 24-pr. rockets, 35 Sikhs, and a regiment of Gurkhas, moved to Belwa, and, being there joined by the Bengal Yeomanry Cavalry, 250 strong, opened fired on the fort at 5 p.m. The place, however, proved stronger than had been anticipated; and, when darkness came on, the whole force withdrew to the Yeomanry camp, and, on the day following, returned to Amorha. That night and the succeeding day the rebels received very large reinforcements, chiefly from Fyzabad, but also from Nawabgunge, Gondah, and elsewhere. The retirement from before Belwa had been interpreted as a British defeat; the Sarun Field Force, including the sick, was not then more than 1500 strong; and the mutineers, having collected many thousands of men and fourteen guns, were eager and confident. The little camp was, therefore, rendered as defensible as possible by means of an enclosing line of rifle-pits, and the clearing away of all jungle and houses which could shelter an advance. On the morning of March 5th, it was reported that the rebels were about to attack. The force thereupon moved out, and took up a position about half a mile to the west of the village of Amorha, with the Naval Brigade and four guns under Captain Sotheby in the centre, astride of the road, a Gurkha regiment and the small detachment of Sikhs on the left, and another Gurkha regiment on the right. On each flank was a squadron of the Bengal Yeomanry Cavalry. The enemy was in such force as to overlap the British force by at least a mile in each direction; and he came on in excellent order in rear of a cloud of skirmishers. The naval guns, under Lieutenant Turnour, opened, and were replied to by ten pieces. After an artillery duel which lasted for some time, Colonel Rowcroft threw out his skirmishers, and began a steady forward movement, which never ceased until the mutineers were driven from the field; for the cavalry, supported by the Gurkhas, cleared the foe from the flanks of the advance. As soon as it was evident that the enemy had been checked, Rowcroft reinforced his Royal Marines, who were in the skirmishing line, with a detachment of seamen, and pressed the foe all along his front. One of the first guns abandoned by the rebels was turned upon them, and worked by Lieutenant Grant, Assistant-Engineer Shearman, Midshipman Lord Charles Scott, and a seaman named Jesse Ward; and, as there was no port-fire wherewith to fire it, a rifle was discharged into the vent, and the retreating foe was plied with his own grape. A brilliant cavalry charge threw the left wing of the mutineers into confusion; and soon the entire body fled, leaving behind it eight unspiked guns. The enemy was pursued for six miles, and, making a brief stand at one point, killed Second-Master John Fowler (actg.) and one Gurkha. Heat and fatigue at length put a stop to the action, which had lasted from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The rebels had attacked with about 14,000 men and ten guns, and had been completely defeated, with a loss of about 500, by 1261 men, with but four guns. The Naval Brigade had 1 officer killed and about 15 people wounded. After the battle, in order to indicate to the enemy that the forces of the Government were confident of being able to take care of themselves, the line of rifle-pits was filled up, and the camp at Amorha was pitched in the open plain. A small fort, however, was built to contain the sick, and the spare ammunition and baggage. There were many alarms until the end of April; and, during that period, the force was joined by the left wing of Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry, while one of the Gurkha regiments was withdrawn from it and sent to Goruckpur. On April 17th, a detachment went out and defeated a body of marauding rebels near the village of Tilga, capturing a gun; and, on April 25th, another body was met near Jamoulee. Owing to the intense heat, this affair was an unsatisfactory one, for the rebels would not stand and could not be followed far. On the next day, the force moved to Kuptangunge. The enemy was then all round it. With a view to freeing it somewhat, an attack was made on April 29th on the fort of Nuggur by a detachme...
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Defence of Lucknow (J. Donaldson, 78th Highlanders) fitted with ‘mutiny’ style top ribbon brooch, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine £400-£500 --- John Donaldson served with the 1st Relief Force at Lucknow. Sold with copied medal roll entry which confirms unique name.
The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Private R. Jaques, 1st Madras Fusiliers, who distinguished himself, and was dangerously wounded, at the storming of the Charbagh Bridge during the first Relief of Lucknow, 25 September 1857: alone with ‘Young Havelock’ he stood firm on the Bridge until the entrance to Lucknow was won. He subsequently died of his wounds on 18 November 1857 Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Defence of Lucknow (R. Jaques, 1st. Madras Fusrs.) good very fine £800-£1,200 --- Robert Jaques (also spelt Jakes) was born in South Lincoln and attested for the 1st Madras Fusiliers in London on 19 February 1852. He served during the Great Sepoy Mutiny at Lucknow, and distinguished himself at the storming of the Charbagh Bridge on 25 September 1857, during the climax of the first Relief of Lucknow, standing firm under a withering fire with ‘young Havelock’. The Indian Mutiny of 1857, by G. B. Malleson, gives the following account: ‘A charge alone could remedy the position. Recognising this, young Havelock... dashed forward onto the bridge, and made for the barricade. Then the hurricane opened. Of the twenty-eight men who had dashed forward, only Havelock and a private named Jakes were unwounded. Unable to pass the barricade, Havelock, erect on his horse, waived his sword and called on the main body to come on. Jakes stood by his side, loading and firing as fast as he could. There they stood, the hero officer and the hero private, for fully two minutes exposed to the full fire of the enemy. They stood unharmed. Then suddenly there was a rush, and the Madras Fusiliers dashed forward, cleared the bridge, stormed the barricade, and bayoneted the enemy gunners where they stood. The bridge was gained. The entrance to Lucknow was won.’ Jaques was dangerously wounded in the left arm during the entrance into Lucknow, most likely from gunshot he received on the bridge, and died of wounds on 18 November 1857. Sold with copied research.
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Music Mr. W. Brandes, 90th. Lt. Inf.) edge bruising, very fine £300-£400 --- W. Brandes was appointed Music Master of the 90th Light Infantry, and served in Oude during the Great Sepoy Mutiny from 19 September 1857 to 15 October 1858, being engaged in the operations against Lucknow from 2-16 March 1858. He was wounded at Cawnpore by the rebel Gwalior Contingent. He saw saw further service in South Africa during the Zulu War (entitled to a South Africa Medal with clasp 1877-8), and died at Cawnpore on 21 April 1882. Sold together with a photographic image of the 90th Light Infantry on parade in 1866, showing the recipient wearing his Mutiny Medal.
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Sergt. Major A. Delahay, Attd. Goorkha Force) light contact marks, very fine £400-£500 --- A. Delahay served during the Great Sepoy Mutiny as Quartermaster Sergeant of the 66th Gurkha Light Infantry, and was in action at Chumpoora. The History of the 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, by R. Macdonnell and M. McCauley states: ‘The Gurkha force consisted of the 66th Gurkah Rifles with a detachment of the Extra Regiment under Sergeant Major Delahay. Colonel McCausland accordingly left Haldwani after dark on the night of 9 February 1858. He took 500 rifles, consisting of the 66th Gurkha Rifles and 70 of the Extra Regiment under Sergeant Major Delahay. A forced march of seventeen miles was made that night and before daytime the enemy were found encamped in a strong position some nine hundred yards off the road near Charpura. It was during this fight that Lieutenant Tytler was awarded the Victoria Cross. He dashed on horseback ahead of his men and rode single handed at an enemy gun, where he engaged the gunners in a hand to hand fight until his men arrived. Sergeant Major Delahay, with the detachment of the Extra Regiment, was also Mentioned in Despatches for conspicuous action. The Extra Regiment was awarded the Mutiny medal for the part it took in this engagement.’ Seven years later Delahay was still with the Regiment, and took part in the Umbeyla campaign 1863-64, where he was again Mentioned in Despatches for his conspicuous gallantry on Conical Hill on 15 December 1863- two Havildars and five Sepoys of the Regiment were awarded the Indian Order of Merit for the same action. Sold with copied research.
Cape of Good Hope General Service 1880-97, 2 clasps, Transkei, Basutoland (Pte: A. C. Maytham. Queenstown Burghers.) impressed ‘Cape style’ by Messrs Sceales and Armstrong, a few letters double-struck, suspension claw re-affixed and suspension repaired so no longer swivels, generally very fine £300-£400 --- Albert Maytham was born in the Eastern Cape in 1862 and joined the Queenstown Burghers (or Volunteers) at Qumbu, Basutoland, on 8 February 1881, seeing active service during both the Basuto Gun War, and the Transkei Campaign. In later life Maytham served on the East London City Council from 1904 to 1907, and then moved to Johannesburg, where he founded Maytham’s Ltd., the forerunner to the word-renowned company ‘Metal Box’. He died in Johannesburg on 17 November 1932. Sold with copied medal roll extracts and other research.
British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Matabeleland 1893, 1 clasp, Rhodesia 1896 (1535 Troopr. W. V. Banks-Wright. B.B. Police.) unit officially corrected, toned, nearly extremely fine £500-£700 --- William Vere Banks-Wright was born in Cheltenham, the son of Catherine and Henry Banks-Wright, of Lansdowne Lodge, Cheltenham. He served as a Trooper in the Bechuanaland Border Police in 1893, and later as a Sub-Lieutenant with the Bulawayo Field Force in 1896. He died from Malaria at Bulawayo Hospital on 15 January 1897, the following account of his last journey and death being prepared by the Intelligence Department in answer to an enquiry from Major-General Sir Frederick Carrington: ‘The deceased left Bulawayo about September last in company with Capt. Reid, and Messrs McCrery and Jones, for the Zambesi, which they reached allright, and then proceeded on their return journey to Bulawayo. All went well until they reached the banks of the Shangani, at which place the deceased, Messrs McCrery and Jones were attacked by fever, and after great difficulty managed to reach Inyati. Runners were then sent in to Bulawayo with the news, upon receipt of which Mr. C. Elliot Hutchinson immediately inspanned his donkeys to a wagon, and accompanied by Mr. A. E. Harris, took out a cartel and bed to bring the sick men in. They returned to town on the 12th January, on which date the deceased was admitted into Hospital, where, on the 15th January his death took place, cause of death being Malarial fever, accompanied by old Cardiac mischief (Aortic valves). The deceased lost consciousness at Inyati, and did not regain same up to the time of his death, except for a few moments on his reaching the Hospital, when he just recognised Mother Jacoba and Sister Francis, and relapsed again into unconsciousness.’
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