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A partial roll of original Victory Medal riband, good condition £30-£40

Defective Medal: Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Paardeberg (Pte. Jos. Plamondon. R.C.R. 19th Brigade) naming re-engraved, very fine £30-£40

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (526 S. Sjt. A. Vines. M.W.S. Oxford Regt.) good very fine and probably unique to the regiment £300-£400 --- Confirmed under Sappers and Miners section (WO/100-101), Engineer Field Park, Major E. P. Johnson, R.E.; Conductor H. T. Gasson, R.E.; 2998 Staff Sergt. J. G. Harton, M.W.S. (Border Regt); and 526 Staff Sergt. A. Vines, M.W.S. (Oxford Regt.); together with 40 Indian troops. Sold with copied medal roll entry and some research notes.

The K.B.E., C.M.G. group of five miniature dress medals attributed to Sir Robert Smith, Governor of British North Borneo The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, K.B.E. (Civil) Knight Commander’s 2nd type badge, silver-gilt and enamel; The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; British North Borneo Company General Service Medal 1937, mounted as worn and housed in a Spink, London, case, good very fine, the last rare (5) £300-£400 --- Provenance: Christie’s, February 1982 (when sold alongside his full-sized medals). K.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1947: Charles Robert Smith, Esq., C.M.G., lately Governor of British North Borneo. C.M.G. London Gazette 1 January 1941: Charles Robert Smith, Esq., Principal Representative in North Borneo of the British North Borneo (Chartered) Company. Sir (Charles) Robert Smith was born on 13 November 1887 and was educated at Christ's Hospital, Horsham. He joined the North Borneo Civil Service as a cadet in 1913, and was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of North Borneo in 1937. Following the fall of North Borneo to the Japanese on 18 January 1942, Smith was interned by the Japanese at Berhala Island near Sandakan in North Borneo, and then at Batu Lintang camp, Sarawak, Borneo, until May 1943, after which time he was transferred to another camp in Manchuria. Following the cessation of hostilities, Smith resumed his Governorship on 11 September 1945, before retiring in October 1946. Created a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1947 New Year’s Honours’ List, he died on 4 November 1959.

An unattributed O.B.E. group of seven miniature dress medals The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type badge; British War Medal 1914-20; 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937; Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue, mounted as worn, good very fine An unattributed Boer War and Great War group of six miniature dress medals Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Orange Free State, Transvaal; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902; 1914 Star, with clasp; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R., mounted as worn, good very fine (13) £60-£80

A well-documented Belgian Great War group of seven awarded to Major U. Guffens, 8th Belgian Infantry Regiment, who was mortally wounded at Tervaete on the Yser Front on 21 October 1914, and died of his wounds on 20 November 1914 Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold, Military Division, Officer’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, French motto, with rosette and silver palm emblem on riband; Military Cross, Second Class, A.I.R., silver-gilt and enamel; Croix de Guerre, A.I.R., bronze, with bronze palm emblem on riband; King Leopold II Commemorative Medal 1865-1905, bronze-gilt; Yser Medal 1914, bronze and enamel; Commemorative Medal for the Great War 1914-1918, bronze; Allied Victory Medal, bronze; together with the recipient’s Chevalier’s badge for the Order of Leopold, Military Division, silver and enamel, French motto, good very fine and better (8) £300-£400 --- Ulysse Guffens was born in Namur on 18 February 1870 and was admitted to the Army Orphans’ School on 26 September 1881. Enrolling into the Belgian Army on his fourteenth birthday, he was promoted Corporal on 7 August 1886, and after a short period of service was selected for admission to the Royal Military College, arriving there on 4 January 1888. Commissioned Second Lieutenant on 4 January 1900, he was posted initially to the 11th Infantry Regiment, before transferring to the 14th Infantry Regiment. Promoted Lieutenant on 25 March 1896, Guffens attended the Staff College, and upon graduating was posted to the 2nd Guides Cavalry Regiment on 24 November 1898. After further Staff postings he was promoted Captain on 26 June 1904, and Captain-Commandant on 27 December 1908. He served with the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front, fighting with his unit all the way from Namar, to Antwerp, to the Yser Front. Holding the line at Tervaerte, waiting for British and French reinforcements to arrive, he was wounded on 21 October 1914 whilst repelling a massive German attack that had followed three days of bombardment. Evacuated to London, he died of his wounds on 2 November 1914. In 1920, Guffens was posthumously promoted Major, backdated to 19 November 1914. The 8th Infantry Regiment was awarded ‘Tervaete’ as a Battle Honour. Sold together with an extensive archive, including the Award Document for the Order of Leopold, Officer, with palm, and the Croix de Guerre, both retroactively awarded on 15 February 1915; Award Document for the Order of Leopold, Chevalier, dated 26 November 1910; Award Document for the Military Cross, Second Class, dated 8 May 1911; Award Document for the King Leopold II Commemorative Medal, dated 17 March 1906; Award Document for the Yser Medal, dated 1 June 1920; Award Document for the Great War Commemorative Medal, dated 15 May 1922; and the Award Document for the Allied Victory Medal, dated 15 May 1922; together with various commission and service record documents; a photographic image of the recipient; and copied research.

A Belgian Korean War group of fifteen awarded to Captain-Commandant J. A. P. de Schodt, Belgian Army, who was taken Prisoner of War during the Second World War, and served with the Para-Commando unit in Korea, where he was wounded Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Officer’s breast badge, gilt and enamel, with rosette on riband; Order of Leopold, Knight’s breast badge, Military Division, silver and enamel, bilingual motto; Order of Leopold II, Knight’s breast badge, silver and enamel, bilingual motto; Military Cross, Second Class, gilt and enamel, with Belgian lion to both obverse and reverse centres; Korea, Republic, Order of Military Merit, Fourth Class, silver and enamel, reverse officially numbered ‘873’, with Star emblem on riband, with fitted case of issue; United States of America, Bronze Star, reverse engraved ‘J. A. P. de S.’; Belgium, Kingdom, Commemorative Medal for the Second World War 1940-45, bronze, 1 clasp, Chatkol, with crossed swords, crown, and red cross emblems on riband; Korea Medal, bronze, 1 clasp, Coree-Korea; Medal of the War Volunteer, bronze, 2 clasps, Pugnator, Korea-Coree; Volunteer’s Medal 1940-45, bronze, 1 clasp, 1940-1945; U.N. Medal for Korea 1950-54, French language issue; Korea, Republic, Korean War Participation Medal, bronze; Netherlands, Kingdom, Four Day March Cross, silvered and enamel, these all mounted as worn on two riband bars; Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, L.III.R., bronze, with bronze palm on riband; King Albert Commemorative medal, bronze, these both loose; together with the recipient’s Chevalier’s badge of the Order of the Crown, silver and enamel, with silver palm on riband, generally very fine and better (16) £600-£800 --- Jean Alphonse Paule de Schodt was born in Serinchamps on 16 July 1911 into a prominent Brussels family (at least one of his ancestors had their portrait painted by van Dyck), and joined the Belgian Army just after his 19th Birthday, enlisting into the prestigious 1er Guides Cavalry Regiment. Advanced Sergeant on 20 December 1932, he transferred to the Reserve on 15 November 1937, but was recalled following the outbreak of the Second World War. Captured and taken Prisoner of War on 29 May 1940, he was released soon after. Joining the ‘Mouvement National Royaliste’ Resistance Movement as a Second Lieutenant on 6 March 1945, de Schodt was subsequently assigned to the Belgian Occupation Forces in Germany, and was promoted Lieutenant on 26 September 1949. Proceeding to Korea, he served with the Para-Commando Regiment, arriving in Korea on 14 February 1953. On the night of 9 March 1953, whilst second in command of a Company, he was supervising two sections in preparation for a counter-attack when a mortar shell landed and exploded close by. He suffered a pierced right arm, diagnosed as ‘acuptic trauma’. On 2 April 1953 he was appointed commanding officer of the HQ Company, and was promoted Captain on 26 September 1953. For his services in Korea de Schodt was appointed a Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II (Royal Decree 15 May 1954); the United States of America Bronze Star; and the Korean Order of Military Merit. The citation for the Bronze Star states: ‘Captain de Schodt, a member of the Belgian United Nations Command, is cited for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in Korea during the period 19 February 1953 to 10 February 1954. As Headquarters Company Commandant, Captain de Schodt performed his duties in a highly commendable manner. He also assumed numerous additional responsibilities, displaying unusual resourcefulness and initiative in performing every phase of his tasks with the utmost of efficiency, When approached by the logistical and tactical problems inherent in such a command position, Captain de Schodt put into practice his comprehensive knowledge of military techniques and procedures, and through his untiring efforts and superior leadership contributed materially to the combat effectiveness of the Belgian Battalion. His loyalty, initiative, and devotion to duty earned him the respect and admiration of all those with whom he served. The meritorious service rendered by Captain de Schodt throughout this period reflects great credit on himself and the Belgian Battalion.’ De Schodt was appointed a Chevalier of the Order of the Crown on 15 November 1954, and a Chevalier of the Order of Leopold on 15 November 1957, the latter whilst serving in the Congo. Returning to Belgium, he was promoted Captain-Commandant on 26 March 1960, and was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the Crown on 15 November 1961. He was awarded the Military Cross, Second Class, in recognition of twelve years’ service as an Officer on 6 April 1962, and finally retired on 1 October 1965. For his Military service during the reign of King Albert (1909-34), de Schodt subsequently received the King Albert Commemorative Medal by Royal Decree on 12 July 1962. Following changes in the statutes to the Order of the Crown, he was further entitled to the Croix de Guerre, with palm, and received this, by Royal Decree, on 7 April 1967. He died two days later, on 9 April 1967. Sold with the recipient’s riband bar for the first thirteen medals; various other cloth and metal insignia; a portrait photograph of the recipient; and copied research.

A Great War Belgian group of five awarded to Hildegarde, Viscountess Charlemont Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold II, Chevalier’s badge, silver and enamel, French motto; Commemorative Medal for the Great War, bronze; Allied Victory Medal, bronze; Red Cross Medal, silver and enamel, the reverse engraved ‘Melle Hildegarde Slock’; Serbia, Kingdom, Order of St. Sava, Fifth Class badge, 3rd type, silver and enamel, Bishop with green robes; together with a miniature Belgian Queen Elisabeth Medal, bronze; and a St. John of Jerusalem brooch badge, silver, good very fine (7) £200-£240 --- Hildegarde, Viscountess Charlemont, was born in Belgium, the daughter of Rodolphe Slock-Cotell, of Malstapel, Ruiselede, Belgium, and served with the Belgian Red Cross during the Great War. She married James Edward Geale Caulfeild, 8th Viscount Charlemont, on 25 July 1940, and died on 22 January 1969. Sold with the Bestowal Document for the Serbian Order of St. Sava, named to Hildegarde Slock; and the parchment writ summoning her husband, Lord Charlemont, to the Parliament of Northern Ireland in 1933, with affixed seal.

Canada, Peacekeeping Medal; South West Asia Medal; Gulf Medal; Kuwait Medal 1990-91, with clasp; Somalia Medal 1992-93, all unnamed as issued, good very fine or better (4) £40-£60

A People’s Republic of China group of seven China, People’s Republic, Order of August 1st, Star, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, reverse officially numbered ‘05907’, with pin-back suspension and riband bar; Order of Independence and Freedom, Star, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, reverse officially numbered ‘10718’, with pin-back suspension and riband bar, in damaged case of issue; Order of Liberation, Star, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, reverse officially numbered ‘43336’, with pin-back suspension and riband bar; Military Medal, bronze and enamel, reverse officially dated ‘1954.2.17’, with riband suspension; Liberation of North China Campaign Medal 1950, bronze and enamel, with riband suspension; Liberation of Central and Southern China Campaign Medal 1950, silvered and enamel, with pin-back suspension; Friendship with the Soviet Union Badge, bronze and enamel, with pin-back suspension, enamel damage in places, especially to last, nearly very fine or better, scarce (7) £600-£800 --- Provenance: Sotheby’s, December 1990.

Finland, Merit Medal of the Order of the White Rose, 2nd Class, silver; Medal for the campaign against the Soviet Union 1941-45; Medal of Physical Education and Sports, bronze; Mounted pair, comprising Medal for Bravery of the Order of Liberty, 1st Class silver medal for 1939, and Winter War Medal 1939-40, with Swords and Home Guard clasp on ribbon, very fine (5) £40-£50

France, Third Republic, Medal of Honour (5), for the Navy, silver, reverse inscribed ‘Bono, Jules Andre, 1920’; for the Merchant Marine, silver, the reverse inscribed ‘Martin, Charles Eugene, Capitaine au Long Cours 1905’; Ministry of the Interior, silver, unnamed, with wreath suspension; Ministry of Public Works, silvered, unnamed; Ministry of Public Works and Social Welfare, bronze, with wreath, the reverse inscribed ‘J. Marty’, generally very fine (5) £60-£80

France, Republic, Order of the Academic Palms, Knight’s breast badge, 38mm x 27mm, silver and enamel; Medaille Militaire (7), silver-gilt and enamel, all with trophy of arms suspension, significant enamel damage throughout; French Foreign Legion Medal of National Defence, gilt, 1 clasp, Mission D’Assistance Exterieure (2); Medal of Honour for French Railway Workers, silvered, the reverse inscribed ‘Mle. M. Paris, 1943’; Medal of Honour for the French Railways (2), silvered, the reverse inscribed ‘M. Millot 1967’; gilt, the reverse inscribed ‘M. Millot 1977’; together with a number of miscellaneous mainly European medals, badges, and buttons, including an Austrian commemorative medal for the Great War; a Belgian Decoration for Industry and Agriculture; a British War Medal 1914-20 (94515 Pte. C. E .Thompson. Sea. Highrs.); an Allied Victory Medal 1914-19 (29614 Pte. J. Mutimer. Dorset. R.); and a European Union Veterans’ Medal, gilt and enamel, generally very fine and better (lot) £60-£80

Germany, Third Reich, Medal for the Spanish ‘Blue Division’ for Service on the Russian Front 1941-43, bronze, nearly extremely fine £80-£120

Germany, Third Reich, Iron Cross 1939, Second Class breast badge, silver with iron centre, silver frame split in angles; War Merit Cross 1939, Second Class breast badge (3), bronze, one with crossed swords, two without; Long Service Medal, Fourth Class, for 4 Years’ Service, silvered, with eagle emblem on riband; Faithful Service Decoration, Second Class, for 25 Years’ service, silver, in card box of issue; Police Long Service Cross, Second Class, for 18 Years’ service, silver, with original embroidered riband; Winter Campaign Medal 1941-42, zinc; Cross of Honour of the German Mother (3), First Class, 2nd type, gilt and enamel (2), one in case of issue; Third Class, 2nd type, bronze and enamel, generally good very fine (11) £140-£180 --- Sold together with a display of Third Reich Badges, some of which are reproductions, comprising Hitler Youth Sports Award Badge dated 1938; Hitler Youth Jugundfest Badge 1937; a Labour Say Badge 1939; a Military Assault Badge; a Gautag Stuttgart Badge June 1937; two N.S.D.A.P. lapel badges; ansd a D.V.G. Westmark Badge.

A Japanese pair awarded to Gunto (Sergeant) Masaaki Yorioka, Imperial Japanese Army, who died of wounds in China in October 1937 Japan, Empire, Order of the Rising Sun, Eighth Class breast badge, silver, with lapel rosette, in original rio-nuri lacquered case of issue; China Incident Medal 1937, bronze, in case of issue, extremely fine (2) £60-£80 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2010. Masaaki Yorioka was born on 17 July 1909 in the Kochi Prefecture. As a Gunto in the Imperial Japanese Army, he died of wounds in the 2nd Imperial Field Hospital on 29 October 1937. Sold with the recipient’s original named Service Book; ‘Gunto’ collar rank patch; and a photograph of the recipient in uniform.

Japan, Empire, Order of the Rising Sun, Eighth Class breast badge, silver, with original riband with full hook and eye suspension, in original printed paper wrapper; Order of the Sacred Treasure, Seventh Class breast badge, silver-gilt, with original riband with full hook and eye suspension, in original printed paper wrapper; War Medal 1894-95, dark bronze, in original rio-nuri lacquered case of issue, the two Orders extremely fine, traces of verdigris to War Medal, this nearly very fine (3) £50-£70

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Order of the Patriotic War, Second Class, 3rd ‘1985 issue’ type, silver and enamel, reverse officially numbered ‘1252900’, with Monetny Dvor mint mark and screwback suspension; Capture of Budapest Medal, bronze-gilt; Capture of Koenigsburg Medal, bronze-gilt; Capture of Vienna Medal, bronze-gilt; Capture of Berlin Medal, bronze-gilt; Liberation of Belgrade Medal, bronze-gilt; Liberation of Warsaw Medal, bronze-gilt; Liberation of Prague Medal, bronze-gilt; Medal for Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-45, bronze-gilt; Medal for Victory over Japan 1945, bronze-gilt; Medal for Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941-45, bronze, minor traces of verdigris, generally very fine, the Belgrade medal scarce (11) £200-£300

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Defence of Leningrad Medal, bronze-gilt; Defence of Odessa Medal, bronze-gilt; Defence of Sevastopol Medal, bronze-gilt; Defence of Stalingrad Medal, bronze-gilt; Defence of Moscow Medal, bronze-gilt; Defence of Kiev Medal, bronze-gilt; Defence of the Caucasus Medal, bronze-gilt; Defence of the Arctic Medal, bronze-gilt, minor traces of verdigris in parts, generally very fine and better, the Odessa and Sevastopol medals scarce (8) £200-£300

Vatican, Holy See, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, 2nd issue, gilt, in fitted case of issue; Jerusalem Pilgrim’s Cross, silver, with top ‘Jerusalem’ riband bar; together with a Pope Leo XIII Papal Medal in silver, in fitted case; a Pope Leo XIII Papal Medal in bronze; and a copy Pope Innocent XI Papal Medal in bronze, generally very fine (5) £60-£80 --- Sold together with a Vatican belt buckle.

The 1914-15 Star awarded to Private Frederick Hutchins, 1/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action at St Julien on 16 August 1917 1914-15 Star (4109 Pte. F. Hutchins. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); Memorial Plaque (Frederick Hutchins) extremely fine (2) £60-£80 --- Frederick Hutchins/Hutchings served in France with the 1/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, from 28 June 1915. He was killed in action at St Julien on 16 August 1917, and is commemorated by name on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Sold with copied Medal Index Cards for 1914-15 Star (Hutchins) and British War and Victory Medals (Hutchings).

A Great War ‘Pozieres 1916’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private L. W. H. Hawkins, 1/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, later Second Lieutenant, Lincolnshire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (3057 Pte. L. W. Hawkins. 1/4 O. & B.L.I.); 1914-15 Star (3057 L. Cpl. L. W. Hawkins, Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. L. W. H. Hawkins.) very fine (4) £600-£800 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1916. Awarded for the Somme, the recommendation states: ‘During the night attack S. W. of Pozieres on 23/7/1916 and during the morning following he constantly carried messages up to and from the front line across the open and under heavy shrapnel fire.’ Leonard Wells Herbert Hawkins served in France with the 1/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, from 29 March 1915. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant into the Lincolnshire Regiment on 29 August 1917.

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (14513994 Pte. A. J. MacArthur. Oxf & Bucks) together with related 1914-15 Star trio (19513 Pte. A. McArthur. High. L.I.), and 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, War Medal 1939-45, these three unnamed and mounted as worn, very fine or better (7) £80-£100

Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., dated ‘1847’ on edge (Serjt. Maj: George Elliott 52nd Regt. 1847) contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine £600-£800 --- Provenance: Glendining’s, July 1928. M.S.M. with £15 annuity, 4 December 1847. 107 M.S.M.’s of the first type issued, dated 1847 on the edge, including 2 to the 52nd.

Army L.S. & G.C., W.IV.R. (James Lacey, Serjeant 52nd Regiment Foot. 1836) replacement steel clip and small ring suspension, engraved correction from ‘62nd’ to ‘52nd’, edge bruising, nearly very fine £300-£400 --- James Lacey, Sergeant, 62nd Foot; Pension year 1837; medal delivered to Collector of Excise at Nottingham on 21 March 1839.

A Great War ‘Western Front - attack on Ronssoy 1917’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal Bernard Batts, 1/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (200793 L. Cpl. B. Batts. 1/4 O. & B. L.I.-T.F.) nearly extremely fine £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 25 May 1917. The recommendation states: ‘On 5.4.1917 during the attack on Ronssoy he displayed great initiative, coolness and courage and when he became detached from his platoon he led his section through the village, driving the enemy before him until he reached the final objective some 500 yards beyond.’ Bernard Batts enlisted on 14 September 1914, aged 30, and served in France from 29 March 1915. He was discharged from wounds on 26 November 1917 and was awarded Silver War Badge No. 291799. Sold with copied pages from the battalion history, Medal Index Card and War Badge roll.

Volunteer Force Long Service Medal (2), V.R. (713. Corpl. E. Whiting. 2/V.B. Oxf: L.I.); E.VII.R. (2192 Pte. E. Bates. 2/V.B. Oxford L.I.) light scratching to the first, otherwise very fine (2) £70-£90

Volunteer Force Long Service Medal, E.VII.R. (2), (2329 Sjt. C. Lewendon. 2/V.B. Oxford L.I.; 2062 Sjt: A. E. Piper 2/V.B. Oxford L.I.) first good fine, second very fine (2) £70-£90

Volunteer Force Long Service Medal, E.VII.R. (2), (1727 C. Sjt: H. Swain. 2/V.B. Oxford L.I.; 1998 Cpl. A. A. Kempin. 2/V.B. Oxford L.I.) very fine (2) £70-£90

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (758 Sjt: H. R. Webb. 4/O. & B.L.I.) good very fine £70-£90

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (888 Pte. G. F. Harris. 4/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.) extremely fine £60-£80 --- T.F.E.M. awarded in 1913.

Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., Territorial (5376049 Pte. W. G. Bradbury. 4-Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) good very fine £50-£70

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant William Lake, 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (10440 Sjt: W. Lake. 5/O. & B.L.I.); 1914-15 Star (10440 Cpl. W. Lake. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (10440 Sjt. W. Lake. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); Belgium, Croix de Guerre, nearly extremely fine (5) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 28 January 1918. Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 12 July 1918. William Lake came from Woodford Halse, Northampton, about 10 miles north of Banbury. He served in France from 20 May 1915 and received his Croix de Guerre on 6 February 1918 (Divisional Order of same date refers) and is one of only 9 issued to the Regiment in WWI.

A post-War C.B. group of eight awarded to Engineer Rear-Admiral J. E. Cooke, Royal Navy, who joined up as a fifteen year old Boy Artificer, was commissioned in 1923, served 15 months as Engineer Lieutenant in H.M.S. Hood, and was mentioned in despatches whilst Engineer Commander of the aircraft carrier Furious following her attack on the battleship Tirpitz in 1943 The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels, complete with full neck cravat; British War Medal 1914-20 (M.11328 J. E. Cooke. B. Art. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Coronation 1953, the last seven mounted court-style as worn, good very fine (8) (8) £700-£900 --- C.B. (Military) London Gazette 9 June 1955: ‘Engineer Rear-Admiral, Portsmouth Dockyard.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1945: ‘Engineer Commander, H.M.S. Furious.’ John Ernest Cooke was born at Bicester, Oxfordshire, on 7 April 1899, and joined the Royal Navy from school as a Boy Artificer, aged 15, in January 1915. After training, and over eight years service as a rating, ashore and afloat, in war and peacetime, he was promoted to commissioned rank in 1923. He held the rank of Engineer Lieutenant during his fifteen months’ service in the battleship Hood from 1927-28. Further service in destroyers, cruisers and the battleship Royal Oak, saw him promoted to Engineer Commander in 1936. The early years of the Second World War saw him serving ashore but, in 1943, as Chief Engineer of the aircraft carrier Furious, he was mentioned in despatches following her attack on the battleship Tirpitz. He was promoted to Engineer Captain in 1946, and to Engineer Rear-Admiral in 1953, one of very few former ratings to achieve such high rank. He retired in 1957, and in civilian life held several senior positions in industry, mostly in connection with ship building and ship repairing. He retired in 1964 and died in 1980 at R.N. Hospital, Haslar, aged 81.

A Second War C.I.E. group of four awarded to Captain G. L. Vivian, C.S.I., Indian Army Reserve of Officers and Indian Civil Service The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, C.I.E., Companion’s 3rd type neck badge, gold and enamel, with neck riband, minor red enamel damage to extremity of one petal, otherwise nearly extremely fine; British War Medal 1914-20 (Lt. G. L. Vivian, I.A.R.O. Attd. 12 Cav.); Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued, very fine and better unless otherwise stated (4) £800-£1,000 --- C.I.E. London Gazette 1 January 1944: ‘Graham Linsell Vivian, Esq., Indian Civil Service, Officiating Chief Secretary to the Government of the United Provinces, and lately Commissioner, Allahabad Division, United Provinces.’ C.S.I. London Gazette 13 June 1946: ‘Graham Linsel Vivian Esq., C.I.E., Indian Civil Service, lately Advisor to His Excellency the Governor of the United Provinces.’ Graham Linsell Vivian was born on 1 August 1887, the son of Richard Thomas Vivian of Roseville, Winchmore Hill North. He was educated at Epsom College, from where he won a open classical scholarship to Selwyn College Cambridge. Appointed after examination to the Indian Civil Service in 1910, he arrived in India, 25 November 1911, and served in the United Provinces as Assistant Magistrate and Collector and Assistant Settlement Officer in October 1916 and Joint Magistrate in June 1917. He then took leave from the civil service while serving as a Captain in the Cavalry Branch of the Indian Army Reserve of Officers from 13 September 1917 (London Gazette 25 January 1918). Vivian returned to the Indian Civil Service in the United Provinces in 1919 following military service and was assigned special duties at Lucknow from October 1922 to February 1923. Appointed Settlement Officer in October 1923, he served for one year until appointed Officiating Magistrate and Collector in October 1924. Confirmed in July 1928. Vivian was briefly appointed Officiating President, Court of Wards, from February to November 1935, and was appointed Commissioner, Allahabad Division, United Provinces from 1941 to 1943. He was Officiating Chief Secretary to the Governor of the United Provinces, 1943-44, receiving recognition in 1944 when he was created a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire. He served as Advisor to the Governor of the United Provinces until retirement in 1946 for which services he was further rewarded, this time as a Companion of the Star of India. He died at Hastings on 18 February 1978 at the age of 91. Sold together with an Epsom College Propert Prize Medal, 1867, a bronze award medal by J. S. & A. B. Wyon, bust of John Propert left, rev. legend in and around wreath, 57mm, edge impressed (G. L. Vivian, 1906.)

A rare ‘Rhodesia 1896’ D.S.O. group of nine awarded to Brigadier-General R. H. F. McCulloch, C.M.G., Royal Artillery, who remained with his gun after having been wounded in the attack on Skimbo in August 1896 Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar converted for mounting; British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Lieut. R. H. F. McCulloch. R.A.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901 (Capt: R. F. H. McCulloch, D.S.O., R.G.A.) last letter of surname officially corrected; 1914 Star, with clasp (Major R. F. H. McCulloch. D.S.O. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Brig. Gen. R. F. H. McCulloch.); Italy, Kingdom, Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus, Officer’s breast badge, gold, silver-gilt, and enamel, with rosette on riband; France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer’s breast badge, gold and enamel, with rosette on riband; Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1914-1917, mounted court style for display, nearly extremely fine (9) £4,000-£5,000 --- One of only 7 Distinguished Service Orders awarded for this campaign, this being unique to the Royal Artillery. D.S.O. London Gazette 7 May 1897: ‘In recognition of services in the recent operations in South Africa, 1896.’ Italian Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus London Gazette 12 September 1918. French Legion of Honour London Gazette 13 February 1917. French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 17 August 1918. Robert Henry Frederick McCulloch was born in October 1869 and joined the Royal Artillery in 1888, receiving promotion to Lieutenant in 1891. He commanded a section of 10 Mountain Battery, R. A., during the Matabeleland operations of 1896, was slightly wounded, Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the D.S.O. In his report, Major-General F. Carrington stated that McCulloch ‘worked his gun with great coolness and steadiness when the enemy were in force within 50 yards of him in the attack on Sikimbo on 5 August 1896. He remained with his gun after having been wounded.’ McCulloch's section had been operating in co-ordination with a force of men raised by the British South Africa Company. He had already witnessed a great deal of fighting during the advance on Bulawayo, which culminated with the capture of the Matabele strong holds in the Matoppo Hills. The incident referred to in Major-General Carrington’s report was probably the biggest of the campaign, five Impis being attacked by a combined Imperial Force of 800 men. The enemy were completely routed. However, at the outset of the action, when McCulloch and another gunner subaltern were ordered to detach themselves from the main force, and set up position on a ridge, the fast moving Matabele swept in for the kill, creeping up gullies under the cover of the bush. But for the prompt actions of McCulloch and his compatriot, it is probable the detachment would have been wiped out. Promoted to Captain in 1899, McCulloch served throughout most of the Boer War as D.A.A.G. on the lines of communication in Cape Colony. He afterwards became a Divisional and Militia Adjutant and held the rank of Major by the outbreak of hostilities in 1914. Picked out for command of heavy artillery, he held several senior positions, ultimately as Brigadier-General, Heavy Artillery, 11 Army Corps, France. He was created a C.M.G. in 1918, was twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 15 June 1916 and 30 May 1918) and was decorated by the French and Italians. He retired in 1921 and died in Hayling Island, Hampshire, on 16 October 1946.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Corporal P. G. Cook, 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (18608 L. Cpl. P. G. Cook. 5/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.) official correction to final letter of surname; 1914-15 Star (18608 Pte. P. G. Cooke. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (18608 Pte. P. G. Cooke. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) nearly very fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 6 August 1918. Percival G. Cooke/Cook came from Stanton St John, near Oxford, and first served in the Balkan theatre of war from 30 September 1915. Sold with Fourth Army certificate of commendation for Military Medal, dated 20 May 1918.

A Great War ‘Mesopotamia’ D.S.O. group of ten awarded to Major G. E. O. De Smidt, Indian Telegraph Department, later Royal Engineers and South African Corps of Signals Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with unofficial top suspension brooch, pin lacking; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Abor 1911-12 (Asst. Supdt. G. E. O. de Smidt Telg. Dept.); 1914-15 Star (Mr. G. E. O. Desmidt, Ind. Telgph. Dept.; British War and Victory Medals (Major G. E. O. Desmidt.); War Medal 1939-45 (289698 G. E. De Smidt) officially impressed; Africa Service Medal (289698 G. E. De Smidt) officially impressed; Delhi Durbar 1911; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, these last three unnamed as issued, the first with chips and repairs to both centres, nearly very fine or better (10) £1,200-£1,600 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 25 August 1917: ‘For distinguished service in the field in Mesopotamia. Temporary Captain Gerald Ewald Overbeek De Smidt, Royal Engineers.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 15 August 1917 and 5 June 1919. Gerald Ewald Overbeck de Smidt was born in 1885, son of Abraham de Smidt and Hermine Overbeek. He is believed to have served during the Second War as Lieutenant-Colonel with the South African Corps of Signals.

A Great War ‘Aberdeen Wireless Transmission Station’ O.B.E. group of nine awarded to Commander H. J. G. Good, Royal Navy The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Benin 1897 (H. J. G. Good, Midsn. H.M.S. Theseus); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1908-10 (Lieut. H. J. G. Good, R.N., H.M.S. Philomel); 1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. H. J. G. Good, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Commr H. J. G. Good, R.N.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, privately named (Commdr. H. J. G. Good, R.N.); Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake 1908, silver, unnamed, mounted as worn, together with companion mounted set of nine miniature medals, very fine or better (18) £1,800-£2,200 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 11 June 1919: ‘For valuable services as Officer in Charge of the Aberdeen W/T Station.’ Invested at Buckingham Palace on 27 November 1919. Henry John Graham Good was born in London on 5 August 1879, and entered the Navy aboard the Training Ship Britannia on 15 January 1894; Midshipman, 15 November 1896; Acting Sub-Lieutenant, 15 May 1900; Lieutenant, 26 June 1902; Lieutenant-Commander, 26 June 1910; Acting Commander, 22 June 1916; Commander (Retired) 22 August 1920. He served aboard H.M.S. Theseus from January 1896 to July 1897, including operations against the King of Benin (Medal with clasp). Transferred for duties with submarines in April 1903, he was seriously injured in an accident on board Submarine A5 at Queenstown on 16 February 1905, and admitted to Haulbowline Hospital ‘suffering from shock, burns and a fractured skull requiring operation.’ Lieutenant Good was in command of A5 with a sub-lieutenant and eight crew, when an explosion occurred inside A5 toward the stern, followed by a second explosion some thirty minutes later. The second explosion was located in the conning tower area. So great was the force of the explosions that members of the crew were actually blown out of the boat through the main hatch into the water. The sub-lieutenant and four ratings were killed or died of their injuries. Good was discharged from hospital on 29 March 1905 and granted 2 months sick leave suffering from perforation of the left ear drum. As a result of the enquiry into the fatal accident on Submarine A5 it was found to be due to ‘Lt. Good not having rigidly adhered to orders - Their Lordships severe displeasure passed.’ Unsurprisingly Good did not continue in the submarine branch but despite this black mark on his record he received an expression of appreciation for ‘devising and fitting experimental Telephonic system for Fire Control in Foresight’ in 1907, satisfaction at a report of an inspection of Philomel in November 1908, and of his good work during the blockade of the Somali coast by “Philomel” in August 1909. He also received the Italian Medal for services at the Messina Earthquake in December 1908 when he was one of the small party landed ashore from Philomel. In July 1914 he was lent for service with the Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve for a period of 3 years but was recalled home during his outward passage upon the outbreak of war. In December 1914 he was appointed to assist the Officer in Charge of Aberdeen Wireless Transmission Station and in March 1915 was commended for the efficiency and alertness of the stations which contributed to the success of the operations which resulted in the sinking of the German submarine U.12 on 10th March. He was appointed in charge of Aberdeen Sub-Base Intelligence Office and Wireless Transmission Station from 12 July 1918 until 17 May 1919, and duly received the O.B.E. for these services in June 1919. He was placed on the Retired List with rank of Commander on 22 August 1920, but was recalled for Naval Control Service duties on the outbreak of war in 1939, initially at Kingston, Jamaica, from 22 August 1939, and later in the U.K. at H.M.S. Cochrane (Methil) from January 1941 and H.M.S. Calliope from July 1944. He reverted to the Retired List on 12 April 1946. Sold with copied record of service.

A Great War Transport Officer’s O.B.E. group of six awarded to Captain S. de B. Lockyer, Royal Naval Reserve, who commanded the hospital ship Simla during the Boer War The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; Transport Medal 1899-1902, 1 clasp, S. Africa 1899-1902 (S. de B. Lockyer, In Command); 1914-15 Star (Commr. S. de B. Lockyer, R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Commr. S. de B. Lockyer, R.N.R.); Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.V.R., silver and silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1918, very fine or better (6) £1,800-£2,200 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 4 July 1919: ‘In recognition of the services of the under mentioned officers of the Royal Naval Transport Service during the War.’ Sydney de Bohum Lockyer was born in Middlesex in 1855 and took his Master’s certificate in Liverpool in 1887, while employed by the P. & O. Steamship Company. He subsequently commanded the S.S. Simla in South African waters during the Boer War, which ship had accommodation for 278 sick or wounded, and was presented with his Transport Medal & clasp by King Edward VII at a ceremony held in November 1903. Meanwhile, in his capacity as a qualified ship’s master, he had been commissioned as a Sub. Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve, and had risen to the rank of Commander before being placed on the Retired List in October 1901. Duly recalled on the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, he went to sea in the following year and, by the end of hostilities was serving as a Transport Officer 1st Grade, in which capacity he was awarded the O.B.E. Awarded the R.N.R. Decoration (London Gazette 14 May 1918, refers), Lockyer reverted to the Retired List, upon which he was advanced to Captain prior to his death in July 1924. Sold with copied research.

An inter-War O.B.E. group of five attributed to G. R. Storrar, Esq., Chief Engineer, Sudan Government Railways The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt hallmarks for London 1927; Ottoman Empire, Order of the Medjidieh, Fourth Class breast badge, silver, gold, and enamel, with silver mark and mint mark to reverse, and rosette on riband; Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, no clasp, unnamed as issued; Khedive’s Sudan 1910-21, 2nd issue, 1 clasp, Darfur 1916, unnamed as issued, these four mounted court-style as worn and housed in a Spink, London, case; Defence Medal (Mr. G. R. Storrar.) contemporarily impressed naming, minor red enamel damage to Medjidieh, otherwise good very fine (5) £500-£700 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 4 June 1928: George Ronald Storrar, Esq., M.B.E., Chief Engineer, Sudan Government Railways. M.B.E. London Gazette 7 June 1918: George Ronald Storrar, Esq., Divisional Engineer, Soudan Government Railways. George Ronald Storrar served in the pre-War period as an Assistant Engineer with the Sudan Government Railway, and for his services was awarded the Ottoman Order of the Medjidieh, Fourth Class (London Gazette 9 May 1911). He remained in the service of the Sudan Government throughout the Great War, and took part in the operations against the Sultan of Darfur, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 25 October 1916) and awarded the Egyptian Order of the Nile, Fourth Class (London Gazette 31 August 1917). For his services during the Great War he was also created a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Advanced Chief Engineer in the inter-War period, Storrar was advanced O.B.E. and was awarded the Egyptian Order of the Nile, Third Class (London Gazette 5 August 1925). Retiring to the U.K., he was subsequently commissioned Second Lieutenant, General List, on 11 March 1941.

A post-War O.B.E., Great War ‘Salonika’ M.C. and Serbian Order of the White Eagle group of six awarded to Second Lieutenant L. B. Greaves, South Wales Borderers, late Royal Fusiliers The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (P.S.2720 Pte. L. B. Greaves, R. Fus.) middle initial officially corrected; British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut. L. B. Greaves.); Serbia, Kingdom, Order of the White Eagle, 2nd type, Fifth Class breast badge, with crossed swords, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, very fine and better (6) £1,600-£2,000 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 8 June 1950: ‘For missionary educational services in the Gold Coast’. M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 25th September 1918, during the ascent of Point 1472. He led the advance of the mountain scouts over the precipitous and thickly wooded ground, and when within 1,500 yards of the objective silenced enemy rifle and machine-gun fire with the help of Lewis guns, and continued to advance. His skill and judgement contributed greatly to any success achieved by his battalion. As battalion Intelligence Officer, he has previously done good work on patrol duty.’ Serbian Order of the White Eagle, Fifth Class with Swords London Gazette 16 January 1920. Lionel Bruce Greaves was born in Cardiff in 1895, and won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1914, but in November of that year attested for the 21st (4th Public Schools) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 November 1915, and later as a Lance-Corporal in the 17th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers on 4 August 1916, he served with the 8th Battalion in Salonika. After a spell in hospital with Malaria in November 1917 he recovered, and on 25 September 1918, the 8th Battalion, as part of 65th Brigade, with the 67th Brigade in support, was ordered to attack Point 1472 near Lake Doiran. Lieutenant Greaves and the battalion scouts rushed a rocky knoll which was believed to be Point 1472 but was nearly 1000 yards N.W. of it. The regimental history continues: ‘This position was quickly made good, despite considerable opposition from riflemen and machine guns, which Lieutenant Greaves’ skilful handling of his Lewis guns soon overcame’. For his bravery and leadership in action, Greaves was awarded the M.C. and Serbian Order of the White Eagle. In civilian life Greaves had a keen interest in the church and missionary work and between 1922-1932 was Vice-Principal of the Wesley College, Kumasi, (Gold Coast), Ghana. During the period he wrote many articles and several books on Faith and Central Africa. For another five years he was a supervisor at various Methodist Schools in Africa, then Educational Advisor to Non-Roman Missions in East Africa until 1947, when he returned to management of Methodist Schools. In 1946 he had survived a plane crash, when the small plane he was travelling in was forced to land in the bush and he and the other passengers and pilot had to wait several days to be rescued. Between 1947-1950 he was General Manager of Methodist Schools, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in June 1950. He returned to the UK with his family in the mid-1950’s and continued his writing and research. After living in London for some time, his family emigrated to New Zealand, where he died in 1984. Note: The recipient’s Medal Index Card notes that the recipient’s 1914-15 Star was initially issued named ‘L. V. Greaves’, and was returned in September 1921 to be corrected to ‘L. B. Greaves’. Sold with copied research.

A most unusual Second War ‘Station Master’s’ M.B.E. and Great War ‘Railway Operations Division’ D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant James Bridger, Royal Engineers The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, in its Royal Mint case of issue; The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Serving Brother’s breast badge, silver and enamels, in its case of issue; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (WR-269264 Sjt: J. Bridger, R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (256771 C.Q.M. Sjt. J. Bridger. R.E.); Defence Medal; France, Third Republic, Order of the Black Star of Benin, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver and enamels; Romania, Kingdom, Order of the Star, 2nd type, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver and enamels, the last six mounted semi-court style as worn, good very fine (8) £1,200-£1,500 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 4 January 1943: ‘James Bridger, Esq., D.C.M., Station Master, Victoria and Battersea Park, Southern Railway Company. For services to Civil Defence.’ Order of St John, Serving Brother, London Gazette 6 January 1956. D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1919; citation London Gazette 3 September 1919: ‘WR/269264 Sjt. J. Bridger, Rly. Oper. Div., R.E. (Dulwich). He was i/c of Vlamertinghe station from August, 1917, to April, 1918. Throughout this period, and particularly in April, 1918, when his station was regularly bombed and shelled, he showed a fine example of devotion to duty and courage. Since April he has been stationed at Berguette, where he has also displayed his fine qualities under trying conditions.’ Sold with original Diploma and Buckingham Palace letter granting permission to wear insignia of Chevalier of the Order of the Star of Roumania conferred upon him by His Majesty the King of Roumania on the occasion of his recent State visit to this country’, dated 12th December, 1938; and with Buckingham Palace letter granting permission to wear insignia of Chevalier of the Order of the Black Star of Benin conferred upon you by the President of the French Republic, dated 9th May, 1939. James Bridger was born in London on 1 August 1890, and entered the service of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway as Learner in 1904; War Service 1916-1919; appointed Assistant Station Master, Victoria, 1927; Deputy Chief, Freight Section, Waterloo, S.R. 1928; Yard Master, Norwood Marshalling Yard, 1929; Station Master, Guildford, 1935; Station Master, Victoria, 1938; Assistant Divisional Superintendent, Redhill, afterwards redesignated District Traffic Superintendent, Southern Region,1945. James Bridger, M.B.E., D.C.M., retired on 31 July 1955.

A post-war M.B.E. group of five awarded to Mr R. E. Manly, Air Traffic Control Officer at London Airport, formerly a Sergeant in the Royal Air Force who flew Spitfires with No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, in its Royal Mint case of issue with instructions for wearing; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these all unnamed with their named card box of issue addressed to Manly at London Airport, together with the ‘Gundabherunda’ silver medal presented to the pilots of 129 Squadron by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1942, named on the reverse ‘Sgt. R. E. Manly’ and hallmarked Birmingham 1941, in its presentation case, nearly extremely fine (6) £400-£500 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 31 May 1956: ‘Richard Edward Manly, Air Traffic Control Officer II, London Airport.’ The Operations Record Book for No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron for the period January to April, 1942, based at Westhampnett, has the following mentions of Sergeant Manly: Jan. 7 - Sgt. Manly reported for flying duties. Feb. 14 - 2 Spitfires Mark VB, Sgt. Tucker, Sgt. Manly. Scramble to investigate X raid over the Isle of Wight but plot faded and they were recalled. Mar. 12 - 4 Spitfires Mark VB, including Sgt. Manly take off for patrol over damaged Destroyer with escort making for Portsmouth. Mar. 22 - Captain Binstead, the Trade Commissioner for Mysore, Mr Goodchild of the India Office, and Sir Frank Brown of the East India Company visited the squadron, and after lunch with the Station Commander at Chopwyke House proceeded to the Dispersal where after speeches by Capt. Binstead and Sir Frank Brown, the latter presented Mysore Medallions to new pilots and to the 10 Senior N.C.O’s. Mar. 25 - 6 Sections, each of 2 Spitfires Mark VB, including Sgt. Manly, ordered to patrol over Newhaven area to intercept possible enemy Rhubarb but nothing seen to report. Apl. 10 - ... in the evening the Squadron took part in a Rodeo in the Hardelot-Desires area. They provided high cover on the instructions of the Wing Leader, while many dog-fights took place below them, in the course of which the Wing Leader (Wing Commander Robinson) and the C.O. of 340 Squadron were lost. Sgt. Manly of “B” Flight had to return on the way out owing to engine failure and crash landed between Brighton and Lewes, his aircraft being Cat. E. and he himself being severely shaken and bruised. He was post N/E. sick to Tangmere and admitted to Sick Quarters. Sold with relevant copied O.R.B. extracts.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant W. Woodcock, 6th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (7707 Sjt: W. Woodcock. 6/O. & B.L.I.) contact marks, otherwise very fine £280-£320 --- M.M. London Gazette 27 October 1916. M.I.D London Gazette 15 June 1916. William Woodcock served with the 2nd Battalion in France from 14 August 1914, and is entitled to the 1914 Star and clasp. He won the M.M. with the 6th Battalion and finished the war as a Warrant Officer 2nd Class.

A post-War M.B.E. group of four awarded to Matron Miss Mildred F. Hughes, President of the Royal College of Nursing 1944-46 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type badge, silver; Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued; Voluntary Medical Services Medal, with two Additional ‘Geneva Cross’ Award Bars (Miss Mildred F. Hughes) mounted as worn; together with the recipient’s British Red Cross Society State Registered Nurse Badge, gilt and enamel, nearly extremely fine (5) £240-£280 --- Miss Mildred F. Hughes trained at the Evelian Hospital for Children, and at Guy’s Hospital, London, where she subsequently held several residential posts. She was President of the Leicester Royal Infirmary Nurses’ League, and was employed as a Matron at Leicester Royal Infirmary during the Second World War. She was President of the Royal College of Nursing from 1944 to 1946.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C., D.C.M. group of five awarded to Captain C. H. Lewis, Royal Field Artillery Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily engraved ‘Lieut. C. H. Lewis. D.C.M. 119th. Bty. R.F.A. 1918.’; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (54513 Sjt: C. H. Lewis. 53/By: R.F.A.); 1914 Star, with clasp (54513 Cpl. C. Lewis. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. H. Lewis.) light contact marks, very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the officers of the battery were wounded this officer took command and, assisted by two new officers, led it with great success, moving several times and on each occasion coming quickly into action again in well-selected positions. A few days later, during a pause in a covering barrage , he made a forward reconnaissance and led his battery to a better position for recommencing the barrage.’ D.C.M. London Gazette 13 February 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown great courage and determination on many occasions, repeatedly repairing wires under very heavy fire.’ Clifford Hugh Lewis was born in Cardiff in 1891 and attested for the Royal Field Artillery at Newport on 22 December 1908, having previously served with the Royal Horse and Field Artillery Special Reserve. He served with the 53rd Battery, 2nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 September 1914, and had several spells in hospital with fever. In February 1917, he was granted additional pay whilst performing duties of Battery Rough Rider, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal the same month. A month later, on 16 March 1917, he received a commission in the field as Second Lieutenant. In October 1917 Lewis suffered from gas poisoning and was hospitalised. Recovering, he was advanced Captain and was awarded the Military Cross. He returned to civilian life in 1919 in Peckham, London, but was recalled briefly between April and June 1921 due to a National Emergency being declared due to widespread strike action in Britain. He died in 1944. Sold with copied research.

A fine St John Ambulance Brigade group of five awarded to Honorary Surgeon H. C. Howard, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., holder of the Honorary Associate’s badge of the Order of St John Honorary Associate’s Badge of the Order of St John, silver; Jubilee 1897, St. John Ambulance Brigade (Hony. Surg. H. C. Howard); Coronation 1902, St. John Ambulance Brigade (H. C. Howard Hon. Sur.); Coronation 1911, St. John Ambulance Brigade (Hon. Surg. H. C. Howard.) Service Medal of the Order of St John, Silver, ring suspension (Hon. Surg. Heaton C. Howard. 1906) mounted ‘cavalry’ style as worn, together with related ribbon bar, extremely fine and a scarce group (5) £400-£500 --- Heaton Clark Howard was appointed an Honorary Associate of the Order on 31 July 1906, as an Honorary Surgeon. This was not actually a grade in the Order of St John and did not confer membership but was a favoured and usual way of rewarding people of a certain social standing such as doctors who performed good service for the Order. In 1926 this Honorary award ended with a Royal Charter and living holders of the Badge were offered the privilege of becoming Officers of the Order. Dr Heaton Howard died in 1923 and the following obituary notice appeared in First Aid in April 1923: ‘Dr Howard was born in Lancashire in 1855 and took his medical degree in 1880. The cyclist division of the old Metropolitan Corps was founded in 1889 by Mr Alan Palmer in conjunction with Dr Howard, who was appointed its Hon. Surgeon. The late Dr Howard carried on practise in Stockwell, where he was known as the friend of the poor. His surgeries in Clapham-road and Wandsworth-road have been for years the refuges of the sick, the outcast, and the distressed, while the pauper and the orphan knew that the brave old man would respond to their call at any hour of the night. Dr Howard fell victim to blood poisoning and died in St George’s Hospital where he had been a student 43 years before.’

A Boer War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Warrant Officer Class I G. F. Walker, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (4145 Lc. Serjt: G. Walker, 1/L.N. Lanc: R.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (4145. Cpl. G. F. Walker. 1st. L.N. Lnc: Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4145 Serjt: G. Walker. L.N. Lanc: Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (4145 C.Sjt: G. F. Walker. L.N. Lanc: Regt.) contact marks and minor edge bruising throughout, therefore nearly very fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 1999. D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1901. George Frederick Walker was born in Beckton, Eseex, in 1874 and attested for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at Woolwich on 21 July 1893, having previously served in the 4th Volunteer Battalion, Essex Regiment. He served with the 1st Battalion in India from 7 February 1895 to 19 February 1896; in Ceylon from 20 February 1896 to 10 February 1899; and in South Africa from 11 February 1899 to 17 September 1902, being promoted Corporal on 29 December 1897. He served with the Mounted Infantry Company during the Boer War, was promoted Sergeant on 15 September 1900, and was Mentioned in Lord Roberts’ Despatch of 4 September 1901, as well as being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Promoted Colour-Sergeant on 16 March 1907, he was awarded his Long Service Medal per Army Order 104 of 1912, and was discharged on 20 July 1914, after 21 years’ service. Re-enlisting into the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment following the outbreak of the Great War on 28 September 1914, Walker spent the entire War at home, being advanced Warrant Officer Class I. He was finally discharged on 8 February 1919, and was awarded a Silver War Badge. Sold with a Loyal North Lancashire Regiment cap badge; and copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant Thomas Maddick, 24th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, later Devonshire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (34633 Sjt. T. Maddick. 4/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (7790 Sjt. T. Maddock. Devon. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (5608070 Sjt. T. Maddock. Devon. R.) note spelling of surname, good very fine (4) £260-£300 --- M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. Thomas Maddick/Maddock came from Exeter. Sold with copied M.M. and Medal Index Cards.

A Great War ‘Neuve Chapelle, November 1914’ D.C.M. and ‘Battle of Dujaila Redoubt 1916’ Second Award Bar, Russian Cross of St George pair awarded to Colour-Sergeant Thomas Duffy, 1st Battalion, Manchester Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (899 Cpl. T. Duffy. 1/Manch: Regt.); Russia, Empire, Cross of St George, 3rd Class, the reverse numbered ‘104 759’, very fine (2) £2,000-£2,600 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1915; citation London Gazette 1 April 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry near Neuve Chapelle on 27th November 1914, in the attack on the enemy’s sap-heads, and subsequently for great courage in leaving his trench under very heavy machine-gun fire, and bringing three wounded men into cover.’ Bar to D.C.M. London Gazette 20 October 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. Sjt. Duffy and his officer were the first men in a redoubt, and when the latter was wounded he led the men forward with great coolness and bravery.’ Russian Cross of St George, 3rd Class, London Gazette 24 August 1915. M.I.D. London Gazette 17 February 1915 (France); 19 October 1916 (Mesopotamia); 15 August 1917 (Mesopotamia). Thomas Duffy served with the 1st Battalion, Manchester Regiment in France and Flanders from 27 August 1914. The 1st Manchesters embarked for the Mesopotamian campaign, accompanying the infantry element of the Indian Corps, from France in late 1915. The battalion took part in the Battle of Dujaila in March 1916, which was intended to relieve the British forces in Kut-al-Amara, which was being besieged by Ottoman forces. In the battle, the 1st Manchesters seized the trenches of the Dujaila Redoubt with the 59th Scinde Rifles (Frontier Force); however, they were subsequently displaced by an Ottoman counter-attack, being forced back to their starting lines. During the withdrawal, Private Stringer held his ground single-handedly, securing the flank of his battalion. He was awarded the Victoria Cross. The battalion diary records that ‘Lieutenant Morris and Sergeant Duffy were the first to enter the trenches, two lines of them being quickly occupied while the supporting companies followed up in a few minutes...’

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Acting Company Sergeant Major C. Elles, Royal Engineers, who was wounded in 1915, and was later awarded the M.S.M. for his services with Eastern Command Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (15129 Sjt: C. Elles. 54/F. Co. R.E.); 1914 Star (15129 2.Cpl. C. Elles. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (15129 Sjt. C. Elles. R.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1851953 Sjt. C. Elles. R.E.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (15129 Sjt.-A.C.S. Mjr.- C. Elles. D.C.M. R.E.) mounted as worn, contact marks and minor edge bruising, nearly very fine and better (6) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 10 March 1916: ‘For consistent good work throughout the campaign. His energy and coolness have set a fine example at all times; he carried out work under heavy fire with cheerfulness and great personal bravery.’ M.S.M. London Gazette 30 May 1919. Conrad Elles attested for the Royal Engineers at Haverhill and served with the 54th Field Company during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 October 1914. Listed as ‘wounded’ on the Casualty List issued by the War Officer on 15 October 1915, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Advanced Acting Company Sergeant Major, he was subsequently awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his services with Eastern Command, and received his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 145 of April 1923. Sold with the recipient’s diary for 1915, recording his service on the Front; and a postcard photograph presumably of the recipient.

A Great War ‘Gallipoli’ D.C.M. group of nine awarded to Acting Regimental Sergeant Major D. Christie, Highland Light Infantry, who was Mentioned in Despatches for his gallantry under fire during the Occupation of Crete in September 1898, and received a further Mention during the Great War. Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (4737 A.R.S. Mjr: D. Christie. 1/6 H.L.I. -T.F.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Wittebergen, Transvaal, unofficial rivets between third and fourth clasps (4737 Sgt. D. Christie, 1st. High: Lt. Infy.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4737 Clr:-Serjt: D. Christie. Highland L.I.); 1914-15 Star (4737 C.Sjt. D. Christie. High. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (4737 C-Sjt. D. Christie. High. L.I.); Coronation 1937 (David Christie.) contemporarily engraved naming; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (4737 C.Sjt: D. Christie. H.L.I.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (David S. Christie.) edge bruising to the QSA and KSA pair, light contact marks throughout, generally very fine and better (9) £800-£1,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 19 August 1916: ‘For conspicuously good work rendered during the performance of a difficult operation. He has set a fine example to his Battalion.’ David Christie was born in Edinburgh in 1874 and attested there for the Royal Scots on 20 June 1892. He transferred to the Highland Light Infantry on 30 November 1892, and served with them during the Occupation of Crete, 31 July to 26 December 1898, being Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 24 January 1899). Major I. C. Conway-Gordon, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, was an eye-witness to Christie’s act of gallantry, and later wrote the following testimonial: ‘On 6 September 1898 fire was suddenly opened on the troops stationed at Kandia, Crete, by the Bashie Bazouks. Sergeant D. Christie immediately turned out “A” Company, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, of which Captain A. G. Balfour was in command. Captain Balfour took up a position with his Company and shortly afterwards Private Walton was wounded. The Hospital was situated about 100 yards from the position occupied by “A” Company, and the ground between was open all the wire to fire. Sergeant Christie volunteered to take Private Watson to the Hospital. He succeeded in doing so although exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy. Against the advice of the Medical Officer he returned across the zone of fire and rejoined his Company. I was an eye-witness of this action on the part of Sergeant Christie and consider he showed the utmost bravery and coolness under fire in carrying out the duty he had volunteered for. Throughout the remainder of the action he continued to display the same gallant spirit and much assisted and encouraged the men by his example.’ Christie saw further action in South Africa during the Boer War from 23 October 1899 to 11 January 1903, and received the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Wittebergen, and Transvaal (his entitlement to the Transvaal clasp appearing on a supplementary roll), as well as the King’s South Africa Medal with both date clasps. Remaining with the Regiment, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, before transferring to the permanent staff of the 6th Battalion (Territorial Force), and served with them during the Great War in Gallipoli from 2 July 1915 as Acting Regimental Sergeant Major. For his services in Gallipoli he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, as well as being once more Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 25 September 1916). Embarking for England from Alexandria on 3 September 1916, he was discharged at Hamilton on 20 October 1916, after 24 years and 123 days’ service, and was awarded a Silver War Badge.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Staff Sergeant T. Bradshaw, 1st Tunnelling Company, Australian Engineers, Australian Imperial Force Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (60 S.Sjt. T. Bradshaw. Aust: E.); British War and Victory Medals (60 S.Sjt. T. Bradshaw Min. Cps. A.I.F.) minor edge bruising, nearly very fine (3) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919: ‘For great gallantry and devotion to duty during the period 29 September to 11 November 1918, during the advance from Bony to Avesnes. When in charge of parties detailed for forward roads and bridges, he successfully effected repairs under fire. Later, when in charge of parties detailed to search for and unload mines in the Pusigny-Bohain area, he personally unloaded several mines.’ Thomas Bradshaw was born in Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, in 1881 and having emigrated to Queensland attested for the Australian Imperial Force at Townsville on 27 September 1915. Posted to the Mining Corps, Australian Engineers, he was promoted Corporal on 13 January 1916, and embarked from Australia on 20 February 1916. He transferred to No. 1 Tunnelling Company on 21 December 1916, and was promoted Sergeant on 13 February 1917, and Staff Sergeant on 26 September 1918. For his services during the latter months of the Great War he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and he was discharged in London on 26 March 1919. Sold with copied research.

A K.P.F.S.M. and ‘double’ Medal of the Society for the Protection of Life From Fire group of nine awarded to Superintendent G. A. Bainbridge, Cardiff City Fire Brigade King’s Police and Fire Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, for Distinguished Service (George A. Bainbridge. Div. Offr. No. 20 F.F.); Defence Medal; Jubilee 1935 (Supt. G. A. Bainbridge. 1935) contemporarily engraved naming; Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued; Cardiff City Watch Committee Conspicuous Bravery Medal, silver, the reverse engraved ‘Supt. C. A. Bainbridge. 11 March 1929.’; Medal of the Society for the Protection of Life From Fire, silver (Superintendent Bainbridge, Cardiff, 21-2-37.) rank corrected; Medal of the Society for the Protection of Life From Fire, silver (C. [sic] A. Bainbridge, Cardiff. 6-3-40.); Association of Professional Fire Brigade Officers Long Service Medal, silver, with two ‘10 Years’ award bars (Supt. G. A. Bainbridge. 1916); National Fire Brigades Association Long Service Medal, silver, with one ‘Twenty Years’ and four ‘Five Years’ bars (6086 George A. Bainbridge.) all mounted for display purposes in a Spink wooden frame, generally good very fine (9) £600-£800 --- K.P.F.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1945. George Allen ‘Dick’ Bainbridge was born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire in 1879 and worked first in Sheffield for the City Police and Fire Brigade (1900-10) before moving to Eccles (1910-15), and then St. Helens, Lancashire (1915-20). However, it was the move to Cardiff in 1920 that was to make his name: some twenty five years of service and three bravery awards that saw him attend countless fires. He transferred to the Pontypridd area in 1941 as part of the National Fire Service, and was awarded the King’s Police and Fire Service Medal in January 1945 as Divisional Officer (part-time), No. 20 (Cardiff) Fire Force. The inventor of various implements for use by fire fighters, he died in Cardiff in 1969. Sold with a large quantity of copied research, giving details of some of the fires that he attended as a Superintendent; and various photographic images of the recipient.

A Great War ‘Minesweeping’ D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Engineman A. E. Arnold, Royal Naval Reserve Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (E.S.3244. A. E. Arnold, Engn. R.N.R. “Donalda” Minesweeping. 1917.) surname partially officially corrected; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star, 1clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War Medal; Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1951’, nearly extremely fine (7) £500-£700 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, April 2004. D.S.M. London Gazette 17 April 1918: ‘In recognition of services in mine-sweeping operations between the 1st April and 31st December 1917.’

A rare Second War ‘cloak and dagger’ D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Petty Officer A. G. Biddle, Royal Navy, for gallantry aboard H.M. Submarine Regent in her daring enterprise in entering into the port of Kotor to try and embark His Britannic Majesty’s Envoy-Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary accredited to the Government of Yugoslavia, and in remaining there for nine hours though surrounded by large forces of the Italian army and subjected to attacks from the air, during which Biddle was wounded in the thigh Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (J.114128 A. G. Biddle. P.O. H.M.S. Regent); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, very fine (7) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 30 September 1941: ‘Attempted embarkation of the British Minister to Yugoslavia at Kotor on 22 April 1941. Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Browne, commanding H.M. Submarine Regent was awarded the D.S.O. on this occasion, ‘For daring, enterprise and coolness in taking H.M. Submarine ‘Regent’ into the port of Kotor to try and embark His Britannic Majesty’s Envoy-Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary accredited to the Government of Yugoslavia and in keeping her there for nine hours though surrounded by large forces of the Italian army.’ His recommendation for the award of the D.S.M. to Petty Officer Albert George Biddle states: ‘This Petty Officer volunteered to remain in the ship to light the fuses of both demolition depth charges in the event of the ship having to be abandoned. Subsequently he was on watch on the bridge when the bombing attacks commenced. He assisted in clearing the bridge of men not required and calmly remained himself until ordered below at the end of the attack. While on the bridge he was wounded in the thigh.’ A most unusual award of the D.S.M. for a ‘cloak and dagger’ action, and especially interesting as it was an attempt to rescue a British Senior Diplomat from falling into enemy hands. The Diplomat concerned was Ronald Ian Campbell (later Sir, K.C.M.G., C.B.), the British Minister to Yugoslavia. When the Germans and Italians were overwhelming Yugoslavia in the Spring of 1941, Mr Campbell and his staff were cut off and unable to get away. It was decided to try to embark them in a British submarine and, accordingly Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Browne took the Regent into the Adriatic. Having passed through two minefields which the Italians regarded as impassable, he steamed boldly into the harbour of Kotor, better known as Cattaro, to bring off the British Minister and his staff. Moving into port just after dawn, the Captain soon learned that the Italian army had reached the coast and were already in occupation of the town. This unexpected move by the Italians placed the Regent in jeopardy, but the Captain did not waver. Having been sent to effect the rescue of Mr Campbell, he was determined to do everything possible to bring him off, so he detailed an officer to go ashore. With the utmost coolness this officer went to the Senior Italian naval officer in charge of the port and explained that the Regent had come to evacuate the British Diplomatic Staff, whereupon he was permitted to go off in search of Mr Campbell while an Italian Army Staff officer went on board the Regent to act as hostage until he returned. Throughout the morning the Regent lay in harbour flying her biggest White Ensign. Around her was the Italian army with enough gun-power to blot her out of existence. For hour after hour the Regent lay there, flying the flag in the face of her enemies, while the officer strove to find Mr Campbell and conduct him back to the boat; unhappily he failed to make contact. The afternoon was advanced when two Italian dive bombers suddenly swooped down on the Regent and dropped several bombs which all missed. As they flew over, they opened fire on the conning-tower with their machine-guns wounding the Captain, the First Lieutenant and a petty officer. Captain Browne wasted no time. Diving without delay and carrying his Italian hostage with him, he escaped from the harbour, after remaining in the midst of the enemy for nine hours, picked his way safely through the minefields again and returned to his base. Awards for this episode included a D.S.O. for Captain Browne, two D.S.C.’s, three D.S.M.’s and one Bar to the D.S.M. Biddle was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 5 May 1942) upon completion of eight Mediterranean War Patrols by H.M. S/M Regent from October 1940 to August 1941. The Submarine Regent was sunk by a mine off Monopoli in the South Adriatic on 18 April 1943, but Petty Officer Biddle was evidently serving elsewhere by this time. Sold with copies of Operational Report and recommendations for awards.

A Second War ‘Operation Torch’ D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Chief Stoker A. L. B. Burman, Royal Navy Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (KX. 79507 A. L. B. Burman, Ch. Sto.) impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (KX. 79507 A. L. B. Burman, Ch. Sto. H.M.S. Cadmus) mounted as worn, good very fine (7) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 6 April 1943: ‘For bravery and skill in the hazardous operations in which the Allied Forces were landed in North Africa.’ The original Recommendation states: ‘For energy and devotion to duty in carrying out repairs whilst at sea, and for leadership and steadiness during air attacks.’ Albert Llewellyn Bird Burman was born in Bristol on 2 November 1908, the son of Albert Burman, a marine engineer in the merchant service. During the early part of the war he served aboard the destroyer H.M.S. Punjabi. He joined H.M.S. Cadmus, an Algerine Class Minesweeper, on 20 March 1942, and remained in her until the end of the war. He was awarded the D.S.M. whilst serving aboard H.M.S. Cadmus during Operation Torch, the Allied landings in North Africa in 1942. Cadmus was adopted by the civil community of Clevedon, Somerset, after a successful Warship Week National Savings campaign held in January 1942. Albert Burman died at Portishead on 5 September 1997, and is buried in All Saints Churchyard, Clevedon. Sold with a good quantity of original documents and effects, including Certificate of Service, various other certificates, technical Exercise Books, ribbons, buttons and rank insignia, together with additional copied research.

A Second War D.S.M. group of five awarded to Petty Officer W. Foster, Royal Navy Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (P.O. W. Foster. D/J112980), with named Buckingham Palace enclosure; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; War Medal 1939-45, with Admiralty enclosure; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J.112980. W. Foster. P.O. H.M.S. Foliot.) mounted as worn; together with the recipient’s silver Anti-submarine and Minesweeping Badge, nearly extremely fine (6) £800-£1,200 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1946. William Foster was born in Cogan, Penarth, in 1909 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in 1924. During the Second World War he served exclusively on minesweeping duty, being awarded the coveted Silver Anti-submarine and Minesweeping badge in June 1940. He was based at the Minesweeping base at Hartlepool and on the MS Trawler Lilac, and later returned to Drake, where he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1943, by which time he was an Acting Petty Officer. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his services during the Second World War, he subsequently served at the shore establishment on the Firth of Forth, H.M.S. Lochinvar, and in January 1947 was commended in a Special Order of the Day. His final posting was to H.M.S. Goldcrest, the Royal Navy Air Direction School at Haverfordwest. He left the Navy at the end of 1949 and died in Newport in 1986. Sold together with the recipient’s original Parchment Certificate of Service; various Naval testimonials; and copied research,

A Second War D.S.M. group of five awarded to Engineman D. Fielding, Royal Naval Patrol Service Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (LT/KX.101257 D. Fielding. Engn. R.N.P.S.) on original investiture pin; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, extremely fine (5) £600-£800 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1942. Douglas Fielding was born in Burnley, Lancashire, and after leaving school entered the Merchant Navy, sailing trawlers from Fleetwood. Following the outbreak of the Second World War he joined the Royal Naval Patrol Service, and served in minesweepers, ‘and served in one of the ships which operated off the beaches at Dunkirk’ (newspaper cutting with lot refers). He was awarded his Distinguished Service Medal for his service in H.M. Drifter Hosanna, and was invested with his D.S.M. at Buckingham Palace on 3 March 1942. Following the cessation of hostilities he went back to trawlers, before later being employed by the Blackpool Corporation Transport Department. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient, and newspaper cutting announcing his death.