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Click here to subscribeIn order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteAshton-under-Lyne Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, bronze open-work badge, unnamed, with integral ‘Pro Rege Lege et Grege’ brooch bar, good very fine £100-£140
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteBristol Tramways and Carriage Co. Ltd. Medal for Loyalty 1901, 38mm, silver, the obverse featuring St. George and the dragon, the reverse inscribed ‘Presented to Dvr. A. Boyles for Loyalty’, with top silver brooch bar, extremely fine £60-£80 --- Archie Boyles was born in Bristol on 12 March 1878 and entered the service of the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company in 1899, and was employed for them for a period of 47 years, retiring on 30 September 1946. He died in Horfield, Bristol, on 26 December 1956. In 1901 there was a major dispute between the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company and its employees, caused by the change over from horse-drawn to electric trams, which culminated in the majority of the Company’s employees walking out of their jobs over the August Bank Holiday week-end. Those workers who went on strike were dismissed, but 302 of the 1,200 employees refused to strike and continued working, even though they suffered much abuse from the strikers. In recognition of their loyalty they were presented with the above specially commissioned medals at a dinner held at Colston Hall on 20 December 1901. Sold with copied research.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteSold by Order of the Family for the Benefit of the Fawcett Society. The Women’s Social and Political Union Medal awarded to Miss Nellie Godfrey, who was arrested and imprisoned for throwing a missile at Winston Churchill’s car as he attended an election rally in Bolton in December 1909 Women’s Social and Political Union Medal for Valour, 22mm, silver, the obverse inscribed ‘Hunger Strike’, the reverse named ‘Nellie Godfrey’, the suspension bar dated ‘December 7th. 1909’, complete with integral top ‘For Valour’ brooch bar, the lettering on the top brooch bar, suspension bar, and medal obverse enamelled in the colours of the W.S.P.U., in original case of issue, the inside silk interior lining of lid with gold blocked inscription, ‘Presented to Nellie Godfrey. by the Women’s Social & Political Union in recognition of a gallant action, whereby through endurance to the last extremity of hunger and hardship a great principle of political justice was vindicated’, the lining now somewhat distressed and worn but name still legible, the medal nearly extremely fine £6,000-£8,000 --- Nellie Godfrey joined the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1909, and was first arrested in the summer of 1909, appearing before Bow Street Magistrates on 9 July 1909. She was arrested for a second time on 7 December of that year, charged with throwing a missile at Winston Churchill’s motor car, as he travelled to an election rally in Bolton in the run-up to the January 1910 General Election. At the time Churchill, the Member of Parliament for Dundee, was President of the Board of Trade, and was undertaking a campaign tour of Lancashire. Suspecting trouble ahead of his address, the police had erected strong barricades along the route of his journey, but Miss Godfrey managed to break through the timber barriers and threw a piece of iron at his car. The iron was wrapped in paper bearing the message ‘Thrown by a woman of England as a protest against the Government’s treatment of political prisoners.’ (Votes for Women, 9 December 1909 refers) Appearing at Bolton Magistrates Court the following day, Miss Godfrey pleaded guilty, and was fined 40 shillings. Refusing to pay, she was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment. Released from Manchester Prison on medical grounds (most likely under the ‘cat and mouse’ system, whereby those political prisoners who embarked upon a hunger strike were released as soon as their condition started to deteriorate, in order that they should not become a political martyr), she returned to London, and two years later appeared again before Bow Street Magistrates on 27 November 1911. Sold with a portrait photographic image of the recipient wearing her medal, and various photographic images of the recipient in later life.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteThe Royal Warrant Holders Association Medal awarded to the fashion designer Hardy Amies, who rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel while organising sabotage assignments with the Special Operations Executive in Belgium during the Second World War and subsequently built a hugely successful fashion label, his designs finding favour with the young Princess Elizabeth who granted him a Royal Warrant on her accession to the throne Royal Warrant Holders Association Medal, E.II.R., 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal (Hardy Amies) nearly extremely fine £400-£500 --- Edwin Hardy Amies was born on 17 July 1909 at Maida Vale, London and was educated at Latymer Upper School and Brentwood. It was suggested that he should work for a scholarship to Cambridge, but Amies wanted to become a journalist. His father arranged a meeting with R. D. Blumenfeld, the editor of the Daily Express, who told him: ‘We don’t want academics in the journalistic world. We want men of international culture. Send him abroad to learn French and German. Make him work.’ After spending three years in France and Germany - learning the languages and working for a customs agent, an English School and a wall tile factory - Amies returned to England and became a weighing-machine salesman for W & T Avery. It was his mother’s contacts in the fashion world together with his own facility with the written word that secured him his first job in fashion. His vivid description of a dress, written in a letter to a retired French fitter and brought to the attention of the owner of the Mayfair couture house Lachasse, made a strong impression. The wearer of the dress was the owner’s wife. In early 1934, with no previous experience, he succeeded the designer manager, Digby Morton, who had left Lachasse to set up his own house. By the time war intervened, he was designing the whole collection. At the outbreak of the Second World War, with his language experience, Amies was called to serve in the Special Operations Executive. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant from Officer Cadet Training Company on to the British Army General List on 18 May 1940, and was transferred from the General List to the Intelligence Corps on 15 July 1940. Amies suspected that S.O.E.’s commander Major General Colin Gubbins did not regard a dressmaker as suitable military material; but his training report stated: ‘This officer is far tougher both physically and mentally than his rather precious appearance would suggest. He possesses a keen brain and an abundance of shrewd sense. His only handicap is his precious appearance and manner, and these are tending to decrease’. Posted to Belgium, Amies worked with the various Belgian resistance groups and adapted names of fashion accessories for use as code words, while he organised sabotage assignments and arranged for agents to be parachuted with radio equipment behind enemy lines, into the Ardennes. Amies rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, but outraged his superiors in 1944 by engaging famed photographer Lee Miller and setting up a Vogue photo shoot in Belgium after D-Day. In 1946, he was created an Officer of the Belgian Order of the Crown on 17 September 1948 by the prince regent of Belgium. Amies was an integral part of Operation Ratweek, an assassination project developed by the S.O.E. to eliminate double agents and Nazi sympathisers in Belgium. In 2000, a BBC 2 documentary entitled Secret Agent named Amies as one of the men who helped to plan the killing of dozens of Nazi collaborators, but Amies disclaimed all knowledge of the matter. Hardy Amies was quirky, yet conservative; for example, having his British Army uniform tailored on Savile Row. Years later, Hardy recalled that Kim Philby was in his mess; and, on being asked what the infamous spy was like, Hardy quipped, ‘He was always trying to get information out of me, most significantly the name of my tailor.’ On demobilisation, Amies bought the lease of a house in Savile Row, built by Lord Burlington in 1735 and damaged in the Blitz, and set up his own business. It was not long before he was designing clothes for Princess Elizabeth. ‘A very grand lady asked me to make coats and skirts for what she called her “gels”’, he recalled, ‘and they turned out to be ladies-in-waiting to Princess Elizabeth. The Princess saw them and asked me to make clothes for her visit to Canada in 1948.’ His royal warrant dated from her accession to the throne. The Queen wore a Hardy Amies pink silk dress and coat for the Silver Jubilee and a Hardy Amies yellow coat on her 60th birthday. In 1950, recognising a need for cheaper, instantly available clothes, Amies expanded his business by opening a ready-to-wear boutique. He designed uniforms for the police, British Airways, the South African defence force, male nurses at Broadmoor and the staffs of W H Smith, the London Hilton, and Wall’s ice-cream. In 1967, he was commissioned by director Stanley Kubrick to design the costumes for 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). In 1973 Amies sold his business to Debenhams, with a view to further expansion, but in 1980 bought it back with the profits of his success with menswear in Canada, Australia, Japan, America and New Zealand (where, he estimated in 1979, 55 per cent of men wore suits in whose design he had a hand). Eventually, he had more than 40 overseas licensees. Handsome, with aquiline features and a full head of hair, Amies was proud of his athletic figure and played tennis well into his eighties. His other principal love was gardening, and he built from scratch an elaborate traditional garden. Hardy Amies was appointed CVO in 1977 and KCVO in 1989. In 2000, Amies sold the house to the Luxury Brands Group and announced his formal retirement. He died at home in 2003, aged 93, and is buried in the village churchyard at Langford, Oxfordshire.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteA Selection of Licensed Victuallers Asylum, Benevolent Institution, and School Badges, comprising the Asylum Coronation Medal 1902; Trustee’s Badge; and Governor’s Badge; the Benevolent Institution Stewards Badges for the 97th Anniversary Dinner in 1924; the Centenary Anniversary Dinner in 1927; the 102nd Anniversary Festival in 1929; and the 106th Anniversary Festival in 1933; three School Badges, for 1900, 1901, and undated; a City of London Committee Member’s Badge; a York Member’s Badge; ands a Licensed Victuallers Association (Ireland) President’s Badge 1900, the obverse impressed ‘W. T. Paulin Esq. President’, silver, silver-gilt, gilt, and enamel, generally good very fine (13) £140-£180
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteAn Autographed Naval Memorandum signed by Captain John Stewart, Captain of H.M.S. Seahorse, to Captain Mitford of H.M. Brig L’Espoir, instructing him to complete his ship’s water and other provisions, and to join Rear Admiral Martin at Milazzo, dated Palermo, 14 June 1810, 1 page, 12 x 8 inches, folds, three small holes, and some water stains, therefore reasonable condition £60-£80 --- John Stewart was responsible for the clasp on the Naval General Service Medal 1793-1840 ‘Seahorse with Badere Zaffer’ for his daring exploits against two Turkish ships on 5-6 June 1808. One frigate left the battle after one broadside from Seahorse, but the Badere Zaffer continued fighting all day and night, but due to her terrible plight was forced to surrender in the morning, having had all her masts shot away and no fewer than 170 men killed and 200 wounded. By contrast, Seahorse’s casualties amounted to only five killed and ten wounded- a magnificent example of fine gunnery, seamanship, and tactics.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteNine: Major (Quartermaster) G. H. Batten, Royal Field Artillery 1914 Star, with copy clasp (70450 Tptr. G. H. Batten. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (70450 Gnr. G. H. Batten. R.A.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (1036827 Bmbr. G. H. Batten. R.A.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, Regular Army (1036827 W.O. Cl. II G. H. Batten. R.A.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 3rd issue (1036827 W.O. Cl.2 G. H. Batten. R.A.): Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial, reverse officially dated 1950, with G.VI.R. Second Award Bar, edge bruise to VM, polished and lacquered, generally very fine and better (9) £600-£800 --- Provenance: John Tamplin Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2008. George Harry Batten attested for the Royal Horse Artillery and served during the Great War as a Trumpeter on the Western Front from 5 November 1914. After the war he served in Iraq as a Bombardier. In 1931, as a Warrant Officer Class 2, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Being discharged from the Regular Army in the mid-1930’s, Batten was appointed Lieutenant (Quartermaster) of the University of London Contingent Senior Division, O.T.C., General List, Territorial Army, with seniority 30 October 1937. With the outbreak of the Second World War, Batten was appointed an Instructor in Gunnery (Field) and then served in Northern Command as an I.G. from 30 May 1941. In November 1941 he was transferred from the General List, T.A., to the R.A. (T.A.) as a Lieutenant (Q.M.). He was then advanced to Temporary Captain in July 1941; War Substantive Captain (Q.M.) in November 1942; Captain (Q.M.), R.A. (T.A.) in April 1945 and Major (Q.M.), R.A. (T.A.) in May 1947. In 1950 Major (Q.M.) Batten was awarded the Efficiency Decoration and first clasp (London Gazette 21 April 1950). He was awarded the M.S.M. without Annuity by Army Order 98 of 1953. Sold with copied research.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteRibands for the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (2nd type), comprising four partial rolls for the broad sash riband for both the Knight Grand Cross (G.C.B.) of 102mm width and Dame Grand Cross (G.C.B.) of 57mm width, in both Civil and Military Divisions; two partial rolls for the neck ribands for both the Knight and Dame Commanders (K.B.E. and D.B.E.) and Commanders (C.B.E.) of 45mm width, in both Civil and Military Divisions; four complete rolls of the breast ribands for both the Officer’s and Member’s (O.B.E. and M.B.E.) of 38mm width, all Civil Division; and two complete rolls of the breast ribands for the British Empire Medal (B.E.M.) of 32mm width, in both Civil and Military Divisions; together with various other partial rolls, all manufactured by Toye, Kenning, & Spencer, London, the complete rolls still in cellophane wrapping, generally extremely good condition (lot) £200-£240
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFive: Sergeant G. T. Palmer, Royal Engineers (Special Reserve) 1914 Star, with clasp (393925 Sjt. G. T. Palmer. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (3925 Sjt. G. T. Palmer. R.E.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (236804 Sjt: G. T. Palmer. No. 3 W.B. Sec: R.E.); Special Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (236804 Sjt. G. T. Palmer. R.E.) edge bruising to last two medals, very fine or better (5) £600-£800 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 1.1.1918. George T. Palmer attested for the Royal Engineers Special Reserve and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 3 November 1914. He was awarded his Meritorious Service Medal for his services with No. 3 Water Boring Section, and was awarded his Special Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 309 of July 1920, one of only 9 Special Reserve L.S. & G.C.s awarded to the Royal Engineers.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteCopy Medals (4): Jummoo and Kashmir 1895, 1 clasp, Chitral 1895, cast copy; British North Borneo Company Medal 1897-1916, 1 clasp, Punitive Expeditions, silver issue, edge stamped, ‘copy’ ; British North Borneo Company Medal 1897-1916, 1 clasp, Punitive Expedition, bronze issue, edge stamped, ‘copy’ ; British North Borneo Company Medal 1898-1900, 1 clasp, Tambunan, bronze issue, edge stamped, ‘copy’, the first very fine, otherwise nearly extremely fine (4) £60-£80
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteRenamed and Defective Medal: Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Guadaloupe, naming erased, nearly extremely fine £300-£360
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteRenamed and Defective Medal: South Africa 1877-79, 1 copy clasp, 1877-8-9 (Corpl. E. Olver No. 9 Troop. C.M.R.) renamed, good very fine £100-£140
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteThe mounted group of four miniature dress medals worn by Physician Frederick Montizambert, C.M.G., I.S.O., Medical Officer, Quebec Military District, during Fenian Raid 1866 The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, silver-gilt and enamels; The Imperial Service Order, G.V.R., silver, gilt and enamels; The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, silver and enamel; Canada General Service 1866-70, 1 clasp, Fenian Raid 1866, very fine (4) £150-£200 --- Frederick Montizambert was born in Quebec on 3 February 1843. He was educated at Montreal High School; Grammar School, St Johns, Quebec; Upper Canada College; Laval University; Edinburgh University (M.D., 1864)’ Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.; Lennoxville University (D.C.L., 1888). He practised at Quebec up to the time of entering public health service of Canada; served as Principal Medical Officer, Quebec Military District, during the Fenian Raid of 1866 (Medal and Clasp); Medical Superintendent, St Lawrence Service, 1869; General Superintendent, St Lawrence Service, 1894; Director-General of Public Health and Sanitary Adviser of the Government of Canada, 1899; Deputy Minister by Order-in-Council, 1899; Deputy Minister by Statute, 1905; C.M.G., 1916; F.R.C.S., Edinburgh, 1884; I.S.O., 1903; President, Canadian Branch, St John’s Ambulance Association, 1910-14; Knight of Grace, Order of St John of Jerusalem, in England, 1911; author of numerous reports and papers bearing on public health. Confirmed on the roll for Fenian Raid 1866 as Surgeon, Quebec Garrison Artillery.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteThe Lembcke family group of miniature medals: The D.S.O. group of ten miniature dress medals attributed to Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. Lembcke, Northumberland Fusiliers, late Royal Fusiliers and Gloucestershire Regiment Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902; 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves, these first five mounted as worn; Peru, Republic, Commander of the Order of Ayucucho, silver-gilt and enamel; Order of Aeronautical Merit, including condor suspension, 1st issue, silver-gilt and enamel; Bronze Cross of the Society of the Founders of Independence, 1st issue; Centenary of Independence Medal 1921, silver-gilt; Centenary of the Battle of Ayacucho Medal 1924, silver-gilt, these last five mounted as worn, good very fine The group of three miniature dress medals attributed to P. E. Lembcke, Peruvian Army, later Peru’s Consular General and Charge d’affaires in London Coronation 1902, silver; Coronation 1911, silver; Peru, Republic, Cross for Callao (1866), being a five pointed star, silver and enamel, mounted as worn, minor enamel damage to last, good very fine (13) £200-£300 --- Provenance: Acquired by the vendor direct from the granddaughter of Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. Lembcke. For the two recipient’s full-sized medals see Lots 183 and 604.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteThe group of six miniature dress medals worn by Lieutenant-Colonel J. M. H. Hailes, Royal Artillery Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R. [sic], silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue; U.N. Korea 1950-54, mounted as worn, generally very fine and better (6) £200-£300 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 24 April 1953: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished flying services in Korea’. The original recommendation states: ‘Major Hailes has been in command of 1903 Air OP Flight RAF since July 1952. He joined the Flight at a time when two pilots had been shot down and two others had changed. There was therefore concern at the possibility of the operational efficiency of the Flight dropping considerably. In the event this did not happen and, in fact, the reverse was the case as the Flight went from strength to strength. The credit for this rests entirely with Major Hailes. From the very outset he was complete master of the situation and displayed leadership of the highest order in all spheres but most particularly from the operational aspect. He himself did far more flying than his duties as Flight Commander called for and it was characteristic of his him that he would always use the most doubtful aircraft leaving the others for the remaining pilots. His magnificent example, efficiency and courage during this difficult period was a great inspiration to the more experienced pilots and filled the younger ones with unshakeable confidence. While going to great pains to train his younger pilots he carried, at the same time, an even greater share of the operational sorties than would have been his in a normal situation. He has personally flown 125 sorties and conducted 166 shoots with guns of the Divisional and Corps artillery. In doing this he has been responsible for inflicting many casualties of both men and equipment on the enemy. The whole Division has the greatest respect and admiration for the Air OP Flight and this is a direct result of the magnificent leadership, courage and conscientiousness consistently displayed by Major Hailes throughout the period. His work in all spheres has been far above what one would expect in the normal line of duty and I recommend services of such a high order be recognised in the form of an appropriate award.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 7 January 1949 (Palestine) ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Palestine during the period 27 March to 26 September 1947.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 27 April 1951: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya during the period 1 July to 31 December 1950.’ John Martin Hunter ‘Jack’ Hailes was born on 27 January 1920 in Maymyo, a pleasant hill station in central Burma where, in the early 1920’s, George Orwell served as Assistant District Superintendent of Police. As a young boy he lived in Mandalay, where his father was a District Superintendent of Railways. He was educated at Cheltenham College, his father’s alma mater. As war approached, Hailes decided to join the regular army and entered the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich in January 1939. As war became inevitable, the pace of his training was accelerated and he was sent to 122 Officer Cadet Training Unit in August. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, on 9 December 1939, with regimental seniority from 4 November 1939, and was posted as a Troop Commander to 51st Anti-tank Regiment, 51st (Highland) Division, which landed in France in January 1940 to join the British Expeditionary Force. The Battle of France On 19 April 1940 the 51st Division was detached from the rest of the B.E.F. It was put under French command and moved to a section of the Franco-German frontier just south of Luxembourg and in front of one of the most powerful and impressive showpiece underground fortresses of the Maginot Line, the Ouvrage Hackenburg, which had been inspected by King George VI. The intent was to stiffen Allied defences at the northern end of the Maginot Line in case of a German attack on the western front during the invasion of Norway. France had briefly invaded German Saar in this sector in September 1940 when its ally Poland was attacked. Since Norway was now under German attack, the French High Command deemed it prudent to anticipate possible enemy action on the Western Front. The Germans did not oblige the French generals by attacking their Maginot defence works. They simply outflanked them and by the end of May had trapped the entire Allied northern forces in the Dunkirk beachhead. Meanwhile, the French desperately tried to form a new defence line along the River Somme in Picardy. Fortress Hackenburg was harassed by German forces but never directly attacked. The 51st Division was withdrawn from Lorraine and moved by train and road to Picardy. It saw much action assisting the French in their futile attempts to repulse the Germans from the Somme bridgeheads at Abbeville. After further clashes at Huchenneville, the Division was reduced to half its fighting strength by 6 June and was desperately short of supplies, especially ammunition. The only remaining option was evacuation by sea. 154 Brigade was rescued from Le Havre and Cherbourg but the rest of the Division was encircled. The Royal Navy landed at the small port of St Valery-en-Caux near Dieppe on 10 June to try to snatch as many men as possible. Unfortunately, the retreat of 51th Division to the coast had been held up, and a thick fog descended during the night of 11-12 which made it too risky for ships to enter and leave the port. All artillery ammunition had run out and the Division was forced to surrender to overwhelming German forces on 12 June. Hailes joined some 10,000 men who were marched off to prisoner-of-war camps in the Reich. Hailes was promoted to Lieutenant on 9 June 1941 and remained a Prisoner of War in various camps in Poland, Germany and Austria until 13 April 1945. After his return to England, Hailes was assigned to a number of refresher courses and training appointments to prepare him for his promotion to Captain on 1 July 1946. Northern Italy, Egypt, Palestine and Malaya Early in 1946 Hailes decided that he wished to become a Royal Artillery Air Observer. The tethered kite balloons of the Great War had been very effective in acquiring targets far behind the frontlines and directing artillery to neutralise them, but balloons were useless for mobile warfare. They were replaced by small light aircraft, fitted with radios. Controlling artillery from the air was a specialised and technical skill, which the RAF had no interest in developing. However, since the days of Trenchard, the RAF hierarchy had insisted that anything that flew ‘belonged to them’. The agreed compromise was that the Air Observation Post (AOP) units themselves were part of the RAF, as were the aircraft and the more skilled members of the ground crew. The artillery would provide all the observers, and the non-technical ground staff. To be an air observer, Hailes had first to learn to fly a...
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteThe Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, breast badge, gold and enamel, with gold riband buckle; Royal Niger Company Medal 1886-97, silver, 1 clasp, Nigeria 1886-1897, nearly extremely fine (2) £80-£120
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteAustria, Empire, Honour Decoration of the Red Cross, Second Class breast badge, 47mm x 38mm, silver and enamel, with War Decoration wreath, in G. A. Scheid, Vienna, case of issue; Silver Medal (2), silver and enamel, both with War Decoration wreaths, one on lady’s bow riband; Red Cross Medal, silver and enamel; Military Merit Medal, Karl I, silver, edge bruise to last, generally very fine Austria, Republic, Medal for Distinguished Services in the Austrian Fire Brigades, Second Class Cross, silver and enamel, very fine (5) £140-£180
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Second Empire, Medaille Militaire, silver, gilt, and enamel, with Eagle suspension, nearly very fine France, Third Republic, Medaille Militaire, silver, gilt, and enamel, with Trophy of Arms suspension, very fine France, Fourth Republic, Medaille Militaire (2), silver, gilt, and enamel, with Trophy of Arms suspension; Korea Medal, bronze; U.N. Korea Medal, French issue; Indochine Medal, bronze, 2 clasps, Indochine, Die Bien Phu, nearly very fine and better (7) £100-£140
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteSeven: Warrant Officer Class 1 P. R. C. Miller, Royal Engineers, later Second Lieutenant, Home Guard 1914 Star (6961 Cpl. P. R. C. Miller. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (6961 W.O. Cl.1. P. R. C. Miller. R.E.); Defence Medal; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (WR/125049 T. Supdt.: Clk: P. R. C. Miller. R.E.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (6961 E. C. Sjt: P. R. C. Miller. R.E.); Romania, Kingdom, Medal for Hardihood and Loyalty, bronze, with crossed swords suspension, the crossed swords suspension crudely re-affixed and repaired; together with the recipient’s Royal Engineers Association membership medal, gilt and enamel, the reverse engraved ‘P. R. C. Miller 1964’, light contact marks, generally very fine and better (7) £700-£900 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1917. Romanian Medal for Hardihood and Loyalty, First Class London Gazette 24 October 1919 Percy Richard Clarke Miller was born on 6 September 1886 and attested for the Royal Engineers, serving with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 29 October 1914. Advanced Warrant Officer Class I, for his services during the Great War he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 15 June 1916) and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Appointed Superintending Clerk on 5 February 1925, he was discharged to pension on 27 June 1936. During the Second World War Miller served in the 9th Hertfordshire Battalion, Eastern Command, Home Guard, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 12 November 1943. Sold with copied research.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Third Republic, Order of Agricultural Merit, Officer’s breast badge, 60mm including wreath suspension x 37mm, silver-gilt and enamel; Croix de Guerre, bronze (3), reverse dated 1914-1916; reverse dated 1914-1918 (2), both of the latter with bronze star emblems on riband; Croix de Guerre des Theatres Operations Exterieures, bronze; Cross for Military Valour, bronze, with bronze star emblem on riband; Croix du Combattant, bronze; Medal of Honour of Civil Merit, bronze; Wound Medal, gilt and red enamel; Aeronautical Medal 1945, gilt and enamel, in case of issue; together with an unofficial colonial award for Service in North Africa, modelled on the Order of Saharan Merit, silver and enamel, with ‘blue hand’ of the Order of Djebel suspension, generally very fine (11) £100-£140
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre (2), bronze, reverse dated 1914-1918, with bronze star emblem on riband; another, bronze, reverse dated 1939; Cross for Exterior Operations, bronze; Croix du Combattant (2), bronze; Political Deportees Medal, bronze, with claps Deporte; Evaders Medal (2), bronze; Prisoner of War Medal, bronze, generally very fine and better France, Vichy Government, Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1939-1940, good very fine (10) £70-£90
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Third Republic, Cross of Military Valour, bronze, with gilt star emblem on riband; Levant Campaign Medal (4), bronze, with collectively 4 clasps, Levant (2), 1925 Levant 1926, Levant 1941; Orient Medal, bronze; Volunteer Combatant’s Cross, bronze; Medal of the Resistance, bronze, with rosette on riband, good very fine France, Vichy Government, Combatant’s Cross, bronze, good very fine France, Fourth Republic, Cross of the Combatant Volunteer, gilt-bronze, extremely fine (10) £70-£90
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Third Republic, Medal of Honour for Acts of Devotion, Ministry of the Interior, silver, reverse embossed ‘Riout Pierre M.A. 1876’; Medal of Honour for Merchant Marine, silver, reverse officially named ‘J. Couvelard 1937’; Medal of Honour for Social Service (2), silver-gilt, with rosette on riband, naming erased from reverse; another, silver, reverse officially named ‘G. F. Thevénin 1925’; Medal of Honour for Trade an Industry, silver, reverse officially named ‘J. Perret 1898’; Medal of Honour for Industry, silver, unnamed, in card box of issue; Medal of Honour for Commerce and Industry, silver, reverse officially named ‘J. Renaud 1908’; Medal of Honour for Social Insurance, bronze, unnamed; Medal of Honour for Police Service (2), silver, one unnamed, the reverse of the other officially named ‘Pasqualin Ange’, both with wreath suspension, very fine (10) £180-£220
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Third Republic, Commemorative Medal for the Franco-Prussian War 1870-71 (4), bronze, two with clasp Engagé Volotaire; Commemorative Medal for the Great War 1914-18 (3), bronze, one with clasp Engagé Volotaire; Victory Medal 1914-19 (2), official type by Morlon, bronze; unofficial type by Charles, bronze; Verdun Medal, by Vernier, bronze, generally very fine (10) £60-£80
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Third Republic, Colonial Medal (10), silver and silvered base metal, with collectively 12 clasps, Afrique, Extreme-Orient (2), Fezzan, Indochine, Libye, Maroc (2), Maroc 1925, Tonkin (2), Tunisie, generally very fine (10) £80-£120
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Third Republic, Commemorative Medal for the Great War 1914-18, bronze (6); Verdun Medal 1916, ‘Prudhomme’ issue, bronze; Dardanelles Campaign Medal, bronze; Orient Medal, bronze (3); Victory Medal 1914-19, bronze (3), officially issue, by Morlon; unofficial issue by Pautot-Mattei; unofficial issue by Charles; Lebanon Medal 1926, bronze; Medal of the Society for the Relief of the Military Wounded 1864-1866, silver, with original embroidered riband; Union Nationale des Combattants Medal, bronze, generally very fine (17) £80-£120
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In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Third Republic, Wound Medal (2), for combatant’s, gilt and red enamel; another, for non-combatant’s, gilt and white enamel; French Red Cross Medal for the Franco-Prussian War 1870-71, bronze, with original embroidered riband with laurel palms riband emblem; French Red Cross Medal for the Great War 1914-18, bronze, with original embroidered riband; French Red Cross Medal (2), silver, both with original embroidered riband; Serbian Units Branch Red Cross Medal, bronze, with top riband bar; Army Veterans Decoration, bronze and enamel, with ‘1870-1871’ riband bar, generally nearly very fine and better (8) £70-£90
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Fourth Republic, Commemorative Medal for the Second World War (8), bronze, with collectively 12 clasps, 1940, 1944, Allemagne, Defense Passive, France (3), Libération, Mediterranee, Mer du Nord, Norvege, U.R.S.S., generally good very fine (8) £60-£80
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Fifth Republic, Overseas Medal (11), silvered base metal, with collectively 19 clasps, Afghanistan (2), Arabie Saoudite, Haïti, Liban, Mali, Moyen-Orient (3), République de Côte d’Ivoire (3), Republique du Congo, Rwanda (2), Tchad (2), Timor-Oriental, Yougoslavie, generally good very fine (11) £80-£120
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteSix: Sergeant E. J. Hill, Royal Army Service Corps 1914 Star (S-16771 Pte. E. J. Hill. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (S-16771 T-Sjt. E. J. Hill. A.S.C.); Defence Medal; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (S-16771 T. Sjt. E. J. Hill. R.A.S.C.); France, Third Republic, Medal of Honour, bronze, unnamed as issued, generally good very fine (6) £140-£180 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 2011. French Medal of Honour, Bronze London Gazette 16 January 1920. Edmund John Hill, a native of Ilfracombe, attested for the Army Service Corps and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 10 August 1914. For his wartime services he was awarded the French Medal of Honour in Bronze.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFrance, Fifth Republic, National Defence Medal (6), bronze (1); silvered, for Five Years’ Service (5), collectively with 11 clasp, Afrique du Nord, Cyber, Defense, Legion Etrangere, Missions d’Assistance Exterieure (2), Securite Civile, Troupes Aeroportees, Troupes de Marine (3), generally good very fine and better (6) £60-£80
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteGermany, Baden, Civil Merit Medal, 1882-1908, silver, Friedrich at centre, very fine Germany, Saxony, Kingdom, Work Medal, silver, Friedrich August at centre, good very fine Germany, Wurttemberg, Military Merit Medal, silver, Wilhelm II at centre, very fine (5) £80-£120 --- Sold together with a German Commemorative Medal for the Franco-Prussian War; and a 1921 Wedding Medal.
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In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFive: Regulating Petty Officer H. Penfold, Royal Navy, who served for most of the Great War in the battleship Inflexible and was awarded the Russian Medal of St George for services at the Battle of Jutland 1914-15 Star (160468 H. Penfold. Sh. Cpl. 1, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (160468 H. Penfold. Sh. Cpl. 1. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (160468 Hugh Penfold, Sh. Cpl. 1Cl., H.M.S. Osea.); Russia, Empire, Medal of St George, 4th Class, silver, reverse officially numbered ‘1273102’, very fine (5) £400-£500 --- Hugh Penfold was born at Pulborough, Sussex, on 22 December 1875, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 29 April 1891, a farm labourer by trade. By February 1900 he had achieved Petty Officer status, becoming P.O. 1st Class in July 1901. He became a Ship’s Corporal 2nd Class in September 1901, and was advanced to Ship’s Corporal 1st Class in January 1903. In that rate he joined the battleship Inflexible on 5 November 1912, and served in her throughout the war until 16 June 1918, seeing action in the Falkland Islands 8 December 1914, the Dardanelles 1915, and the battle of Jutland 31 May 1916. He was awarded the silver Medal of St George for his services at Jutland (ADM 116/1493 refers). After leaving Inflexible he joined H.M.S. Osea, the Coastal Motor Boat base on Osea Island, Clacton on Sea, on 20 August 1918, and received his L.S. & G.C. medal there on 18 January 1919. Promoted to Regulating Petty Officer 1st Class on 26 April 1919, he was discharged to shore and pension on 30 August 1919.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteGermany, Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, War Commemorative Medal 1814-15, for Officers, bronze-gilt, original ribbon, edge bruising and worn in parts, therefore good fine £400-£500
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In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteGermany, Empire, South West Africa Campaign Medal (3), bronze medal for combatants (2), one with clasp Kalahari 1907, the other lacking ring suspension; silver medal for non-combatants, steel, generally very fine (3) £140-£180
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteGreece, Kingdom, War Star 1941-45, Land Operations issue, bronze, nearly very fine Italy, Kingdom, Vittorio Veneto Cross, bronze; East Africa Meal 1936, bronze, very fine Kuwait, Emirate, Liberation of Kuwait Medal 1991, 4th Grade, bronze and enamel, in case of issue complete with riband bar, extremely fine Spain, France Period, Campaign Medal 1936-39, gilt and blackened silver, with top gilt riband bar, in somewhat crushed card box of issue, nearly extremely fine (5) £50-£70
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteIreland, Free State, General Service Medal 1917-21, non-combatant’s type without Bar, bronze, unnamed, with integral top riband bar, nearly extremely fine £80-£120
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteIreland, Free State, Emergency Service Medal 1939-46 (3), Defence Forces issue, no clasp; another, Air Raid Precautions issue, no clasp; another, Local Defence Force issue, 1 clasp, 1939-1946, all with integral top riband bars, good very fine (3) £100-£140
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteIreland, Free State, Emergency Service Medal 1939-46, 26th Battalion issue, 1 clasp, 1939-1946, with integral top riband bar, good very fine £140-£180 --- The 26th Battalion comprised veterans of the 1916 Easter Rising.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteIreland, Free State, Emergency Service Medal 1939-46, Second Line Reserve issue, 1 clasp, 1939-1946, with integral top riband bar, good very fine £60-£80
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteIreland, Republic, 1921-71 ‘Survivors’ Medal, bronze, unnamed, with integral top riband bar, with compliments slip, in card box of issue, extremely fine £120-£160
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In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteFive: Seaman J. T. Edwards, Royal Naval Reserve, who served in H.M.S. Jupiter during the icebreaking mission to Archangel in February 1915 1914-15 Star (C.3303, J. T. Edwards. Smn. R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (3303C. J. T. Edwards. Smn. R.N.R.); Royal Naval Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (C.3303. J. T. Edwards. Sea. R.N.R.); Russia, Empire, Medal for Zeal, silver (C.3303. J. T. Edwards, Sea. R.N.R. H.M.S. Jupiter.) impressed naming, fitted with adapted silver bar suspension attached to original integral loop, good very fine (5) £600-£800 --- James Thomas Edwards was born at Trefechan, Aberystwyth, Cardigan, on 12 April 1878. After training in H.M.S. Spartan in October-December 1903, Edwards enrolled in the Aberystwith District Royal Naval Reserve on 1 January 1904. He re-enrolled on 19 January 1914, and was called up for service in H.M.S. Jupiter on 2 August 1914. In January 1915 the Admiralty received a request for assistance from the Russian Government, the latter’s icebreaker used to keep open the passage to Archangel in the White Sea having broken down. In response the Royal Navy sent out the Tyne Guard Ship H.M.S. Jupiter, an old Majestic-class battleship. She departed for Archangel in February 1915, freeing en-route a number of vessels stuck in the ice, occasionally by using explosive charges. She, too, sometimes became icebound, but still managed to make a major impression on the problem, improving the safe passage of numerous vessels, many of them laden with highly important war materials, among them the S.S. Thracia. The latter was taken in tow after the use of explosive charges to free her. Throughout these operations it was not unusual for the temperature to fall as low as minus 20 degrees, a hard test indeed on the morale and well being of the Jupiter’s crew. Her mission completed by May 1915, the Tzar expressed his gratitude by the presentation of a variety of Russian Honours and Awards to her crew. Edwards transferred to Vivid on 20 May 1915, and saw further service at sea in Endymion from June 1915 to December 1917, when he returned to Vivid for the remainder of the war. He was demobilised on 22 May 1919. Sold with copied record of service which confirms Russian Medal for Zeal, and other research including a copied page from The Cambrian News with photographs of ‘Aberystwyth Patriots’ including Seaman James T. Edwards, ‘who has received the Russian Medal for service in the White Sea on H.M.S. Jupiter in 1914 (sic).’
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteSweden, Kingdom, King Charles XIV John’s Medal 1854, 31mm, silver, the obverse with bust of King Charles XIV (Bernadotte) with the year dates ‘MDCCCXIII-MDCCCXIV’ below, the reverse with an equestrian figure of the King, with ‘DEN IV NOVEMBER MDCCCLIV’ in exergue, with replacement ring suspension, good very fine £140-£180 --- Presented by the King to officers who participated in the wars in Germany and Norway 1813-14.
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteUnion of Soviet Socialist Republics, Medal for the Defence of Leningrad, bronze, with Bestowal Document awarded to Woman Senior Lieutenant of the Medical Service Maria Alexandrovna Komarova, dated 15 June 1943; together with a commemorative medallion to the Lost Defenders of Leningrad, nearly very fine; the Bestowal Document folded with slight damage along the folds, therefore reasonable condition, rare to a female recipient £70-£90 --- Sold with four photographic images of the Defence of Leningrad.
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In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteA United States of America Second War Silver Star group of eight awarded to Commander J. F. Walling, United States Navy, who was posted Missing in Action, presumed killed, when his Submarine the U.S.S. Snook failed to return from a War patrol in the South China Sea, May 1945 United States of America, Silver Star, two-piece construction, with silver star placed upon a silver gilt star-shaped base, unnamed as issued; Purple Heart, two-piece construction, bronze gilt and enamel, reverse officially named ‘Comdr. Jon F. Walling USN’; China Service Medal, bronze; American Defense Service Medal, 1 clasp, Fleet, bronze; American Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze; with two bronze star emblems on riband; World War II Victory Medal, bronze; United States Navy Expert Rifleman Medal, bronze, all with original ribands with brooch pinback mounting); together with the recipient’s Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia with three stars, silver; and a Submarine Service Badge, bronze, nearly extremely fine (8) £1,000-£1,400 --- Silver Star awarded 30 January 1943. The Citation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229), during successful attacks against one enemy Kongo Class battleship and one enemy patrol vessel. One attack against a patrol vessel was followed by a severe enemy counter-attack during which the Flying Fish was severely damaged. With a badly leaking after trim tank, with an up angle of eighteen degrees and with depth charges exploding very close aboard, it was only by his skill and calm courage that proper depth was maintained and the boat was capable of returning to port. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.’ Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia awarded posthumously. The Citation states: ‘The U.S.S. Snook, on an offensive war patrol in confined and heavily patrolled enemy waters, failed to return as scheduled. Although there is no information as to the number of successful attacks delivered against the enemy during during this patrol, this vessel has continuously distinguished herself since her first appearance in enemy waters by her successful and relentless attacks against the enemy and it is believed the Snook undoubtedly was pursuing just such bold and aggressive tactics up until the time she was declared missing. As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Snook, Commander John Franklin Walling’s skill, daring, courageous leadership and unfailing devotion to duty contributed directly to his ship's many successful attacks against the enemy. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, forwards this commendation in recognition of the splendid performance of duty, which was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.’ John Franklin Walling was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on 2 February 1912, his hometown listed as Nantucket, Massachusetts. He was appointed a Midshipman on 15 June 1931, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis as an Ensign, U.S. Navy, on 6 June 1935. After service in the cruiser U.S.S. Tuscaloosa from 28 June 1935 to 1 June 1937, he transferred to the Submarines, and was assigned to U.S.S. S-37 on 12 November 1937. Advanced Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 6 June 1938, and qualified for command of submarines on 21 August 1940. Walling served initially during the Second World War in the U.S. Submarine Flying Fish from 10 December 1941, and received a Commendation on 19 October 1942 for his efforts while Engineering Officer of the Flying Fish: ‘The U.S.S. Flying Fish sank a 450 ton patrol vessel and seriously damaged a 29,300 ton enemy battleship, during the second patrol conducted by that submarine in enemy waters. This thirty-four day war patrol was made in an area adjacent to a strongly fortified, major enemy island base in the Pacific area, where antisubmarine measures were persistent and effective. After each submarine attack, aggressively, courageously and effectively consummated by the commanding officer, enemy depth charge and bombing attacks were made on the submarine. Although the Flying Fish was damaged by these attacks, the commanding officer dauntlessly patrolled his station until forced to effect jury repairs and return to a friendly base. As the Engineering Officer of the U.S.S. Flying Fish, your performance of duty was an important and material contribution to the success of this mission. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, is pleased to commend you on your splendid performance of duty.’ Advanced Lieutenant, Walling would earn a further Commendation, and the Silver Star, for the first attack on a Japanese Kongo class battleship on 28 August 1942, his Commendation, dated 12 January 1943 stating: ‘On the third war patrol conducted by the U.S.S. Flying Fish, she attacked and sank two Japanese destroyers of 1,368 tons each, both of these attacks being aggressively, courageously, and effectively conducted. As Executive Officer of the U.S.S. Flying Fish, your performance of duty was an important and material contribution to the success of this mission. The Commander Task Force Forty-two is pleased to commend you on you splendid performance of duty.’ Appointed Lieutenant-Commander on 1 May 1943, Walling was given the command of the U.S.S. Marlin from this date, and was advanced Commander on 1 March 1944. On 5 December 1944 he assumed command of the U.S.S. Snook and commanded her during her eight War patrol in the Pacific, 25 December 1944 to 17 February 1945. Departing for her ninth War patrol on 25 March 1945, she left Guam with orders to patrol Luzon Strait, the South China Coast, and waters along the east coast of Hainan. Her last radio message was near the Luzon Strait on 8 April 1945, and the submarine was never heard from again, the circumstances of her loss never determined. Japanese records of anti-submarine attacks do not account for her sinking and she had been fully informed of the location of minefields in the Sakeshima Gunto area. It is possible that she was the victim of a Japanese submarine. Five Japanese submarines were lost in waters of the Nansei Shoto during April and May of 1945, therefore, one of these may have sunk the Snook before its own sinking by United States warships. The official statement from the United States Navy states: ‘Presumptive 6 May 1946 - Officially determined to Missing in Action as of 5 May 1945, having served aboard the U.S.S. Snook when that submarine failed to return from a war patrol in the South China Sea. In compliance with Section 5 of Public Law 430, as amended, death is presumed to have occurred on the 6th day of May 1946.’ In all, 84 of the crew perished. Walling has no known grave and is commemorated on the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Philippines. Sold together with a Commendation Letter for the Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia; the recipient’s rank insignia shoulder boards; three embroidered Commemorative Patches (’Fish’; ‘U.S.S. Flying Fish’; and ‘U.S.S. ...
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's websiteUnited States of America, Massachusetts Volunteers’ Service Medal 1861-65, bronze (William A. Nye, Prvt. B. 3d. Btn. Rfn.) officially impressed naming, complete with ‘Massachusetts Minute Men 1861’ brooch bar, nearly extremely fine £240-£280 --- William A. Nye was born in Warren, Worcester County, Massachusetts in c.1838, and joined the 3rd Battalion (Rifles), Massachusetts Militia on 19 April 1861. He served in garrison at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, until being mustered out on 3 August 1861. He subsequently joined I Company, 27th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers on 9 October 1861 as a Sergeant. The Regiment was stationed at Annapolis Maryland, until January 1862 when it was placed under Brigadier General Ambrose Burnside and engaged in his North Carolina Expedition, taking part in the Battles of Roanoke Island (8 February) and New Berne (14 March). Nye was mustered out for disability on 1 October 1862 having started to show sighs of tuberculosis. He applied for a disability pension on 16 March 1863, and his mother applied for one on 29 June 1880, by which time Nye was presumably dead. Sold with copied research.
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