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Lot 235
Boer War Princess Christian’s Army Nursing Service Reserve badge. A scarce unmarked silver 1897-1907 example. The front depicting a cross within a circlet inscribed ‘Princess Christian’s Army Nursing Service Reserve’ and thistle, oakleaf, shamrock and rose devices between each arm. Original stout pin fixing to reverse which is impressed with issue number 94. Some service wear, GC Issued to Edith Porter of the London Temperance Hospital. She resigned from the Reserve shortly after the start of the Boer War and thus did not qualify for the Queen’s South Africa Medal.
Lot 25
Scottish. 1st Fifeshire Rifle Volunteer Corps Victorian OR’s helmet plate circa 1880-87. A fine and scarce die-stamped white medal example . Crowned star bearing laurel wreath and strap inscribed ‘1st Fifeshire Rifle Volunteer Corps’, Thane of Fife to voided centre. Three loops to reverse (two replacements). VGC 1st Fifeshire RV became a VB of the Black Watch in 1881, redesignated 6th (Perthshire) VB Black Watch in 1887.
Lot 370
ARP Northamptonshire County Transport car badge and another. Chrome plated County Rose over ‘County Transport’ resting on ARP lozenge with blue enamel background. Issue No 158. Some wear to plating ... together with general pattern chromed example with blackened background by the Birmingham Medal Co. (2 items)
Lot 388
Scottish 5th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders 1918 Edinburgh hallmarked silver Captain’s small size badge, dog tags and photograph. An interesting attributed grouping. A good scarce cast example by HT (Henry Tatton). Mountain Cat within ‘Sans Peur’ oval strap with applied two feathers. Stout pin to reverse. VGC (as KK 1756 but 5.5 cm)... pair of dog tags impressed ‘Lt. S.M. Blake Sea Hrs’ ... full length photographic portrait of Blake in cuff ranked Highland service dress sporting Tam o’Shanter. VGC Captain Stanley Melville Blake who served in France. Copy of medal entitlement included (1915 Star,War & Victory)
Lot 403
Welsh. South Wales Borderers metal insignia. SWB 1916 all brass economy by Smith & Wright ... bi-metal cap badge ... OSD with 1 blade ... pair of facing OSD collars ... 2 facing OSD collars ... 3 x Sphinx OR’s collars ... 5 x anodised collars ... single small plated Sphinx collar ... S-W-B title ... 5 x Eversley rank pips ... pair of cuff links ... Welch Brigade chromed badge by Gaunt on screw posts ... scroll from Officer’s helmet plate (no fixings) ... Army Temperance Society medal ... 4 assorted SWB buttons ... Wound Stripe on official backing plate. (31 items)
Lot 435
14th (Buckinghamshire) Foot Assistant Surgeon Crimea Medal Clasp “Sebastopol” Awarded to “ASSIST SURGEON W.H. PRICE 14TH REGT”. Medal Regimentally impressed. Surgeon William Henry Price was born near Llangnefni Angleseain 1830. He joined the 14th Foot as an Assistant Surgeon on the 29th June 1855. On the 1st August 1856 he is shown as serving on the Staff. He would later serve with the 89th, 14th and 46th Regiments of Foot before being placed on the Half Pay list on the 6th September 1873. He retired in 1875.
Lot 436
1st (Royal Scots) Hospital Sergeant Crimea War Long Service Group of Four Medals. Awarded to “2185 HOSPL SERJT BENn WISEMAN 2ND BATTN 1ST FOOT”. Comprising: Crimea Medal, clasp “Sebastopol”,“2185 CORPL BENJAMIN WISEMAN 2. BTTAN 1ST ROYALS” (Regimentally Impressed), China Medal, two clasps “Taku Forts 1860”, “Pekin 1860”, “HOSPL SERJT BN WISEMSN 2ND BN 1ST THE RL REGT” (impressed), Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal”, “2185 HOSPL SERJT BENn WISEMAN 2ND BATTN 1ST FOOT”, Turkish Crimea Medal. Medals loose with contact marks. Hospital Sergeant Benjamin Wiseman joined the 1st Foot in 1846 and was promoted to the rank of Hospital Sergeant in 1859. He was discharged at his own request in 1868. His campaign medals and clasps are confirmed.
Lot 437
WW1 4/5th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 1917 Casualty Group of Medals. Awarded to “244795 PTE F.N. MILLICAN L.N.LAN. R.”. Comprising: British War Medal, Victory Medal, Bronze Memorial Plaque “FRANK NORMAN MILLICAN”. Private Frank Norman Millican was born at Gateshead and recruited at Alston in Cumberland. He was Killed in Action whilst serving with the 4/5th Bn on the 26th October 1917. He was awarded the Pair of Medals only.
Lot 438
WW1 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Bn Northumberland Fusiliers 1917 Casualty Group of Medals. Awarded to “204382 PTE J.M. ARCHER NORTH’D FUS.”. Comprising: British War Medal, Victory Medal, Bronze Memorial Plaque “JOHN MATTHEW ARCHER”. Victory Medal Polished. Private John Matthew Archer was born at Blaydon in Durham . He was Killed in Action whilst serving with the 22nd Bn on the 9th April 1917. He was awarded the Pair of Medals only.
Lot 439
WW1 Westmoreland & Cumberland Yeomanry Casualty Group of Medals. Awarded to “2385 PTE R RENNEY WEST & CUMB. Y”. Comprising: 1914/15 Star “PTE WEST & CUMB Y”, British War Medal, Victory Medal, “PTE WEST & CUM Y”, Bronze Memorial Plaque “ROBERT RENNEY”. Private Robert Renney a native of Broughton Cumberland enlisted into the 2/1st Westmoreland & Cumberland Yeomanry and landed in France on the 24th July 1915. Converting to Infantry the Yeomanry formed the 7th (West & Com Yeo) Bn of the Border Regiment. He was Killed in Action on the 28th October 1917.
Lot 440
WW1 Royal Flying Corps RFC Medal Pair and original Ephemera. Awarded to “24458 2.AM. C.S. CULLEN RFC”. Comprising: British War Medal, Victory Medal. The medals are accompanied by a quantity of original ephemera including: Pay Book. .... Discharge Papers. ... Photograph in uniform. .... WD Issue Road Map of First Army Area, with pencil notes etc. ... Also original ID Dog Tag. 2nd Air Mechanic Cecil Spencer Cullen enlisted into the RFC on the 4th March 1916, his trade being Motor Driver. He embarked to France on the 18th August 1916 and served with 40 Squadron. Returning to the UK in May 1917. He received his discharge on the 5th January 1919.
Lot 441
WW1 Royal Marines Long Service Group of Four Medals. Awarded to PO.18174 Company Sergeant Major Charles Bennett who served 33 years with the “Royals”. Comprising: 1914/15 Star “PTE RMLI”, British War Medal, Victory Medal, “PTE RMLI”, Royal Navy Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (GVR Admiral Bust), “SGT RM” Medals loose contact marks. Company Sergeant Major Charles Bennett enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry in November 1914 and during the war served on HMS Kent. Remaining with the “Royals” in the post war years, his posting included HMS Hood in 1933. He was awarded the LS&GC Medal in 1931. During WW2 he appears to have served on home establishment and was promoted to Acting CSM on the 6th September 1941. He received his final discharge on the 10th January 1947.
Lot 442
WW1 20th Hussars 1914 Star & British War Medal Pair. Awarded to “5120 PTE J CLIFFE 20-HRS”. Comprising: 1914 Star, “PTE 20/HRS”, British War Medal, “PTE 20-HRS”. Both medals in box of issue, with original silk ribbons. also registered envelope addressed Birmingham. PLEASE NOTE VICTORY MEDAL ABSENT Private James Cliffe landed in France on the 16th August 1914 and later served with the Corps of Hussars.
Lot 444
Boer War 1st Bn Border Regiment Officer’s Queen’s South Africa Pair of Medals. Awarded to “CAPT P.F.B. HAWES BORD REGT’. Comprising: Queen’s South Africa Medal “LIEUT 1/BORD REGT”, three clasps, “Natal”, “Orange Free State”, “Transvaal”, King’s South Africa Medal, “CAPT BORD REGT”, two clasps “South Africa 1901”, “South Africa 1902”. Correct engraved style naming. Medals loose. Captain Percy Frederick Brunel Hawes was born in October 1871. He was commissioned into the Border Regiment on the 21 January 1893 and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in January 1896. He posted to South Africa with the 1st Battalion and took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, Transvaal and east of Pretoria. On 15 July 1902 he was promoted to Captain. Remaining with the Regiment after the war, he qualified on the Linguist Course and Ordnance Course and was attached to the Army Ordnance Department. He retired from the Army with the rank of Captain on 14 August 1914.
Lot 446
WW1 2/4th Bn Border Regiment IGS Medal Group of Three. Awarded to “2235 PTE H. FIRTH BORD R”. Comprising: British War Medal, Victory Medal, “2235 PTE “, India General Service Medal, clasp “Afghanistan NWF 1919” “200896 PTE 2-4 BORD R” Medal loose. Private Harold Firth, medal entitlement and Regimental numbers are confirmed.
Lot 453
WW1 1st Bn Border Regiment 1917 Casualty Group of Medals. Awarded to “11000 PTE R SKURR BORD R”. Comprising: 1914/15 Star “PTE BORD R”, British War Medal, Victory Medal “PTE BORD R”, Bronze Memorial Plaque “RICHARD SKURR”. Private Richard Skurr a native of Workington Cumberland he first saw action at Gallipoli landing on the 20th July 1915. Transferring to the Western Front, he was Killed in Action whilst serving with the 1st Bn Border Regiment on the 19th May 1917.
Lot 454
2/4th Bn Border Regiment Two India General Service Medal Clasp “Afghanistan NWF 1919” The first example was awarded to “201128PTE J FLETCHER BORD R”. ... The second example “203665 PTE O JOHANSEN BORD R”. (2 medals) Private John Fletcher is entitled to the BWM. Private Oscar Johansen was awarded the IGS only with the Border Regiment.
Lot 455
5th Bn Border Regiment 1914 Star Group of Three Medals. Awarded to “2144 PTE A DIXON BORD.R”. Comprising: 1914 Star, “PTE 5/BORD R”, British War Medal, Victory Medal, “PTE BORD R”. Medals loose. Private Arthur Dixon enlisted on the 17th September 1914, just over a month later he landed in France with the Battalion. He was discharged on the 21st February 1919 with the issue of the silver war badge as a result of wounds.
Lot 456
WW1 Border Regiment India Service Group of Four Medals. Awarded to “201491 PTE A PARKINSON BORD R”. Comprising: British War Medal, Victory Medal, “2891 PTE BORD R”, India General Service Medal, clasp “Afghanistan NWF 1919”, “201491 PTE BORD R”, Special constabulary Medal (GVR Coinage head), “ARTUR PARKINSON”. Medals loose. Medal entitlement confirmed.
Lot 457
WW1 11th (Lonsdale) Bn Border Regiment Group of Three Medals. Awarded to “16329 PTE G.H. HEWITT BORD R”. Comprising: 1914/15 Star, “PTE BORD R”, British War Medal, Victory Medal, “PTE BORD R”. Medals loose. Private George H. Hewitt landed in France on the 23rd November 1915, this being the date the Lonsdale Bn landed in France. He appears to have been wounded transferring to the 43rd Bn Royal Fusiliers and later the Labour Corps. PLEASE NOTE Attribution to the 11th Bn Border Regiment made by the vendor.
Lot 460
WW1 15th Bn Durham Light Infantry DCM Group of Six Medals. Awarded to “3-10569 WO CL1 R.G. COGHLAN DURH L.I.”. Comprising: Distinguished Conduct Medal (GVR), “3 -10569 S. MJR R.G. COGHLAN 15/DURH L.I.”, Queen’s South Africa Medal, five clasps: “Cape Colony”, “Driefontein”, “Johannesburg”, “Diamond Hill”, “Witterbergen”, “4546 PTE R.G. COGHLAN DURHAM LT INFY”, King’s South Africa Medal, two clasps, South Africa 1901”, “South Africa 1902”, “CORPL. DURHAM L.I.”, 1914/15 Star, “10569 S. MJR DURH.L.I.”, British War Medal, Victory Medal, “WO CL1 DURH L.I.” Medals are highly polished. The announcement of the award of the DCM appeared in the London Gazette on the 13th February 1917. “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has performed consistent good work throughout, and has at all times set a splendid example of courage and cheerfulness”.
Lot 461
WW1 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry Military Cross Group of Four Medals. Awarded to Captain William Percival Gill MC for gallantry at Ypres whilst serving with the Battalion Machine Gun section. Comprising: Military Cross, engraved to the reverse “CAPT W.P. GILL DLI 1915 YPRES HOOGE”, 1914/15 Star, “LIEUT W.P. GILL DURH L.I.”, British War Medal, Victory Medal, “CAPT”. Medals loose small impressed naming. The announcement of the award of the MC appeared in the London Gazette on the 1st January 1916. Captain William Percival Gill MC landed in France with the 6th Bn on the 18th April 1915. The Bn history states that the Battalion was rushed into the line for the first time on the 25th and Lieutenant Gill was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry the following day, the 26th April 1915, whist serving with the MG section at Ypres, this being only the second day the fresh Battalion was in the trenches. Trio Issued 26th January 1923.
Lot 462
WW2 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry Fine Fighting Citation Battle of France 1940 Military Medal. Awarded to “4447343 CPL J CANT DURH L.I.”. Edge knocks and contact marks. London Gazette 10th July 1940.“On the night of 27/28 May 1940 this NCO’s section held a post on the Yser Cannel North of Ypres. This Section was the forward right hand section of the Company. During the whole of the day of the 28th May, his Coy was in close contact with the enemy and there was concentrated shell fire and mortar activity while enemy snipers had approached to close range. Late during the afternoon, the Section on Cpl Cant’s right and left were driven from their positions by shell fire. However Cpl Cant kept his section under excellent control and refused to vacate his position. In fact observing that a LMG had been left behind he personally crossed the front under fire, obtained the gun and thereby increased his Section’s fire power. Throughout the whole day he handled his Section with resolution and coolness”. The DLI received only 4 Military Medals while serving with the BEF. CQMS J Cant served with the BEF in France from the January to June 1940. In July 1941 he was posted to Cyprus and saw action in Palestine 1941/42, North Africa, Sicily and in November 1943 was posted back to UK and saw action in North West Europe. He was presented with the Military Medal from the hand of the King on the 16th May 1944.
Lot 463
HMS Canopus Naval General Service Medal Clasp “St.Domingo” Awarded to “George Bond” Landsman George Bond is confirmed as serving on the 84-gun third rate ship of the line HMS Canopus at the the Battle of San Domingo. She was the flagship of Rear-Admiral Thomas Louis who was second in command of the British Fleet. During the action she engaged the 74-gun Diomède among other ships and sustained casualties of eight dead and 22 wounded. Two Men of the name George Bond appear on the NGS Roll. This medal is recorded as being sold in 1910 and later in 1986.
Lot 464
HMS Lion Naval General Service Medal Clasp “Lion 15th July 1798” A unique issue awarded to “WILLIAM BOARDY”. Some contact wear and edge bruising William Boardy is confirmed as serving onboard HMS Lion as Ordinary Seaman at the action on the 15th July 1798. HMS Lion a 64 gun frigate under the command of Captain Manley Hall Dixon when she engaged 4 Spanish and French Frigates off Carthagena. One of the enemy the San Dorotea lagging behind her consorts, Lion engaged, despite attacks from the three other frigates, she successfully fought them off and destroyed the San Dorotea.The NGS Roll confirms this to be a unique issue and shows the rank of Ordinary Seaman. However the Ships Roll shows the rank of Midshipmen. It is also interesting to note that a Seaman of the name William Boardy is listed as a French Prisoner of War 1799 have been captured from HMS Peggy. A HMS Peggy is listed as a Armed Cutter 8 Guns.Approx. only 23 clasps claimed for this action.
Lot 465
HMS Victorious Royal Marines Naval General Service Medal Clasp “Victorious with Rivoli” Awarded to “William Allen” Private William Allen is confirmed as serving onboard HMS Victorious during the action with the French Rivoli, 74, during the Battle of Battle of Pirano. The Rivoli was taken with heavy loss to her crew. The ship was taken as a prize sold into service with the Royal Navy. 67 Clasps were awarded. Seven medals were awarded to men of this name including a Royal Marine “Trafalgar” also a RM Officer. This medal is recorded as being sold in 1989.
Lot 466
HMS Astraea Naval General Service Medal Clasp “Off Tamatave 20 May 1811” A unique issue awarded to “GEORGE SNOOK” E Erased. George Snook served as a Caulker onboard HMS Astraea a 36-gun fifth rate Apollo-class frigate, during the action she engaged the French Frigate Renommée and captured her. George Snook would continue service with Astraea until been paid off in 1815, he would later serve 20 years with the Coast Guard service. He is listed as wounded.
Lot 468
HMS Isis Two Clasp Naval General Service Medal Clasp “Camperdown”, “Copenhagen 1801” A unique issue awarded to “JOHN SPALDING”. Small scratches to monarch’s cheek and obverse field. John Spalding is confirmed as receiving the NGS with two clasps, whilst serving as a Landsman onboard HMS Isis, a 50-gun Portland-class fourth-rate at both actions.
Lot 469
HMS Caroline Two Clasp Naval General Service Medal Clasp “Banda Neira”, “Java” A unique issue awarded to “JAMES CAWLEY” Light contact wear James Cawley is confirmed as receiving the NGS with two clasps, whilst serving as Coxswain’s Mate onboard HMS Caroline a 36-gun fifth rate. On the 9th August seamen and Marines of Caroline aided in the capture of the fortified Dutch island of Banda Neira.
Lot 470
HMS Arrow Ship’s Officer Two Clasp Naval General Service Medal Clasp “St. Vincent”, “Arrow 3 Feby 1805” A unique issue awarded to “A. GRAY CARPENTER” Suspension tightened, polished with contact wear. Ships Standing Officer Carpenter Archibald Gray is confirmed on the NGS Roll as receiving both clasps. At the Battle of St.Vincent he served as a Caulker’s Mate on HMS Barfleur a 90-gun second-rate ship of the line and the Flag of Vice-Admiral William Waldegrave. Appointed as Carpenter to HMS Arrow Sloop on the 28th October 1802, he was with her on the 3rd February 1805 when the Arrow in company with HMS Acheron were escorting a convey engaged two French frigates Hortense and Incorruptible. The French held the advantage in weight of shot and men. Arrow was struck several times below the waterline and was taking in water badly, four cannons were dismounted, all ships boats lost and heavy casualties among the crew. She had no choice but to Strike her Colours. Within a short time Arrow sunk below the waves, with the loss of 13 Killed and 27 wounded. Archibald Gray continued with the Royal Navy with further appointments as Ships Carpenter until 1829. Only 8 “Arrow 3 Feby 1805” clasps are recorded as been awarded. The NGS is recorded as being sold by Spink 2000
Lot 471
HMS Active Royal Marines Naval General Service Medal Three Clasps. Awarded to “JOHN SPARKES”. Bearing Three Clasps “Boat Service 28 June 1810”, “Lissa”, “Pelagosa 29 Nov 1811”. Light contact wear. Private John Sparks Royal Marines is confirmed as serving onboard HMS Active a fifth-rate frigate, the NGS records the issue of the clasps “Lissa” and “Pelagosa 29 Nov 1811” and notes the third clasp present. The Medal with three clasps was sold by Glendinings in May 1904 and again by Glendinings in 1986.The Boat Service clasp of which only 25 were issued was awarded for a cutting out expedition which resulted in the capture of some 30 vessels in Grado Harbour. At the Battle of Lissa, she lost nine men killed and 26 wounded. The clasp “Pelagosa 29 Nov 1811” was granted for an action when Active along with Alceste and Persanne engaged three French frigates resulting in the capture of two.The NGS Roll shows two medal issued to men with this name.
Lot 472
HMS Royal Sovereign “Trafalgar” Naval General Service Medal Four Clasps. A unique issue awarded to “WILLIAM BOUND”. Bearing Four Clasps “Egypt”, “Trafalgar”, “Java”, “Algiers”. Confirmed on the NGS Roll as an unique issue and with four clasps.Able Seaman William Bound was born at Portsea in 1770, he originally served with the Merchant Service before entering the service of King George in 1801 appearing on the Muster Books of HMS Regulus a fifth rate of 44 guns. He was with her at Aboukir Bay disembarking Troops, earning the “Egypt” clasp. Returning to England in 1805 he was paid off and then joined HMS Royal Sovereign 100 guns first rate ship of the line. He would be on her at the Battle of Trafalgar, as she led one of the columns and was the first to cut the line and engage the enemy, Nelson pointed to her and said, 'See how that noble fellow Collingwood carries his ship into action!'. So heavily engaged Royal Sovereign lost 5 Officers, 29 seamen, and 13 marines killed, and 9 Officers, 69 seamen, and 16 marines wounded. Surviving the action Bound later served in the 5th Rate Frigate of 38 guns HMS Nisus, which formed part of the Fleet that invaded Java. Returning to England in 1814 he was once again paid off and found a berth on HMS Queen Charlotte a 104-gun first-rate ship of the line. At this time she was serving as a guard ship and Flag Ship of Lord Exmouth, she later sailed and led the bombardment of Algiers, earning Bound his fourth clasp. Returning to England once more he received his final pay off on the muster role shown as “unsuitable”. In 1851 he was recorded as an In Pensioner at Greenwich Hospital and died at the age of 81 in April 1851. This medal is recorded as being part of the Murray Collection in 1926 and later sold by Glendinings in 1990.
Lot 473
Special Air Service Regimentally Important SAS Founding Father’s Military Medal & Bar Group of 8 Medals. Awarded to Warrant Officer Robert “Bob”Duncan Tait MM & Bar Founding member of “L Detachment”, later the Special Air Service and credited with the design of the most coveted Military Badge in the world “The Winged Dagger”. Comprising: Military Medal with second award bar, “2888693 L/CPL D.R. TAIT GORDONS”, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, clasp “8th Army”, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, General Service Medal, clasp “Palestine 1945-48”, “2888693 WO CL2 R.D. TAIT MM AAC”, Royal Air Force Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (EIIR), “P4040670 F.SGT R.D. TAIT RAF”. ... Accompanied by a small quantity of original ephemera, including WW2 Scrap book with newspaper cuttings of SAS Operations, W.O. Tait’s trip to the United States in 1945. 1965 dated personnel letter from David Stirling, SAS signed Menu.... Miniature Medal group, mounted as worn, please note EIIR MM. .... Operational maps of Libya, some with pencil notes. ... Certificate of Service. ... Original photographs. ... etc. The Recommendation for the award of the Bar to the Military Medal was raised by Lt Col A.D. Stirling DSO. “A/Sgt Robert Tait MM The Gordons (London Scottish), L Det SAS Bed. Sgt Tait under an Officer and with two OR’s destroyed 37 aircraft on Agedabia aerodrome 1942. The party showed the highest degree of skill in arriving undetected on the aerodrome and great determination in fighting their way out on the completion of their task. The same party on their next raid in the Marble Arch area succeeded in spite of not being picked up at their RV in returning to our lines 180 miles distant. On this occasion their Officer was sick and they were obliged to hold up enemy trucks on two occasions to provide transport for the party. They returned with information on enemy dispositions and minefields most valuable at the time. This NCO has since taken part in many raids”. Recommendation for the award of the Military Medal was raised by Col Laycock of Layforce.L/Cpl Robert Tait S.S. Bde (Layforce) 26.6.41.“Litani River (Syria) 9-10 June 1941. L/Cpl Tait showed considerable initiative and enterprise throughout the action. When his section was attacked by A.F.Vs he himself set one of them on fire and he and his detachment drove off 5 others. When his detachment was eventually surrounded and surrendered on the orders of an Officer L/Cpl Tait made good his escape, swam the river and rejoined his Battalion.”Warrant Officer Robert Duncan Tait MM & Bar a native of Greenock joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16. In 1940 he enlisted into the Gordons (London Scottish). Posted to Aberdeen for training he decided on a more exciting army career and volunteered for Commando training. Joining 11 Commando he was posted to the Middle East in January 1941 to serve with the Special Service Brigade Layforce under the command of Col.(later Major General) Robert Edward Laycock KCMG CB DSO KStJ. The Battle of Litani River took part on the 9th June 1941. 11 Commando were tasked with the capture of a vital bridge, but due to delay the Vichy French blew the bridge. The commando secured a small bridgehead via pontoon bridges, it appears that Bob’s group became separated and came under direct heavy attack from armoured cars. It was about this point that Bob disobeyed the order to surrender and swam the river to meet up with Allied forces. The CO of 11 Commando was killed and the later Lieutenant-Colonel Geoffrey Charles Tasker Keyes, VC, MC took command and the crossing was later secured.Later in 1941 Bob was invited to join L Detachment Special Air Service Brigade under the command of Col David Stirling DSO and took part in the first operation of the Regiment in November 1941. This was a parachute drop in support of the Operation Crusader offensive. Due to German resistance and adverse weather conditions which resulted in the loss of valuable RAF aircraft, the mission was a disaster; 22 men, a third of the unit, were killed or captured. Bob survived this and was selected to take part in the second operation. The future of the SAS in the balance, they would attack three German airfields in Lybia. Transported by the LRDG the raid has become legendary and confirmed the SAS’s place in the British Army and it’s reputation as the premier unit of the world’s Special Forces. The recommendation confirms Bob took part in a number of operations and one newspaper reports him being wounded. He returned to the UK in early 1944 in readiness for D-Day. After the landing he took part in operations and is believed at one time attached to an American unit as a scout and other recon duties. In April 1945 he was selected to visit the USA and many of the newspaper cuttings and photographs record this trip. Returning to the UK in 1946, the SAS had been disbanded in October 1945 and Bob reenlisted into the Army Air Corps in September 1946 seeing service in Palestine during the troubles. Discharged in 1949 he completed the Military Trio by joining the Royal Air Force Regiment being awarded the LS&GC Medal and with the rank of Flight Sergeant. In 1963 he was posted as an instructor to RAF Henlow, nearing retirement age he drew on his SAS skills for one last covert operation, by breaking into the Headquarters block retrieving his personal records and changing the date of Birth on them. Alas his tampering was discovered and at age expired received his final discharge. However “Bob” Tait will not only be remembered as a founding member of the SAS and his daring operations, but being the man who put pencil to paper and designed the most famous and coveted military cap badge in the world “The Winged Dagger”.
Lot 476
Edwardian Royal National Life Boat Institution Silver Life Saving Medal Kingsdown Kent An Edwardian Silver example awarded to “MR JAMES LAMING VOTED 14TH NOVEMBER 1907”. This RNLI Silver Medal was awarded to Coxswain James Laming who gave a remarkable 41 years service to the Kingsdown Life Boat. Voted in 1907 on his retirement the following citation was published: “‘In recognition of his long and gallant services in the lifeboat extending over a period of forty-one years (i.e. since the station was opened in 1866)’. Prominent services included those to the ship Glendora and the barque Hony Sverne (1870), the barque Richard and Harriett (1871), the s.s. Sorrento (1872), the brig Dillwyn (1877), the brig Breeze (1884), the steamer Dolphin (1885), the schooner Excel (1897), the brig Unione (1898), the S.S. Carlotta (1900), and the brig Mersey (1901).He died in 1912 at the age of 70 years.
Lot 477
Victorian Royal National Life Boat Institution Silver Life Saving Medal Penzance Cornwall A Victorian Silver example awarded to “MR H TREWHELLA VOTED 11TH MARCH 1897”. Mr Henry Trewhella was a qualified Trinity Pilot and a long time resident of Penzance. In 1891 he volunteered to be Coxswain of the Life Boat and was voted for the silver medal in 1897, the citation published stated “Henry Trewhella was Coxswain of the Penzance Lifeboat from 1891 until 1897, when he retired being awarded the Silver Medal ‘in acknowledgement of his long and gallant services in saving life from shipwreck’. For the last six years Mr. Trewhella served in the post as Coxswain, during which period services were given to the schooner Joseph Nicholson (1891), the schooner Express (1892), a man who fell from the quay (1892) and the barque Lady Gladys (4 March 1897). He was Coxswain firstly of the Lifeboat Dora (1891-1895) and then Elizabeth and Blanch (1985-1897)”.
Lot 479
WW2 Lloyd's Medal For Bravery at Sea SS Tucurinca 1943 Awarded to “FIREMAN EDWARD ANDREWS SS TUCURINCA 10TH MARCH 1943”. Edge knocks and pitting. (possibly being in a fire) Fireman Edward Andrews was serving onboard the Merchant vessel SS Tucurinca carrying ammunition on the trans Atlantic convoy HX-228. On the night of the 10th March she was attacked by the German U-Boat U221 who successfully fired a torpedo into her. Fireman Andrews actions can be gleamed from his British Empire Medal citation.“The ship, sailing in convoy, was torpedoed and sustained heavy damage which caused serious flooding. Owing to damage to the machinery, only ahead movements of the ship were possible, but she was got under way again at reduced speed and pumps were put into action to reduce the flooding. Later the weather became bad, flooding increased and it became necessary to abandon the ship.Fireman Andrews acted with great gallantry throughout. He was the first to volunteer to go below to raise steam after the ship was torpedoed. He remained in the engine-room maintaining steam, encouraging the other firemen and helping with the pumps. His courage and qualities of leadership set a high example.”The third engineer was lost. The master, 65 crew members, five gunners and ten passengers (RCAF officers) were saved. Fireman Andrews appears to have lived a charmed life, born in Liverpool in 1913 he joined the Merchant service and during WW2 as well as surviving the sinking of the Tucurinca he survived the mining and loss of the S.S. Chagris in Liverpool Bay, later bomb damage in the SS Oronsay in the Mediterranean and a mid-Atlantic collision in the SS Historian. Remaining with the Merchant service after the war he was finally beached in 1958.
Lot 483
1913 Weymouth Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal For Successfully Saving Live. Awarded to “SAMUEL H WALLIS 21st NOV 1913”. Mr Samuel Wallis was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal for the following act of gallantry. “At 7.30 p.m. on the 21st November 1913, a boy accidentally fell into the harbour at Weymouth, these being a strong tide, the depth 15 feet, and the night dark. Samuel H. Wallis, aged 60, jumped in fully clothed and supported him for twenty minutes, when they were picked up by a boat’.
Lot 485
Royal National Lifeboat Institution Bronze Medal For Fowley South Cornwall. Awarded to “JOHN WATTERS VOTED 15TH MAY 1947” John Watters was Coxswain of the Fowley Life Boat. His citation for the medal “23 March 1947. With Coxswain Watters in charge, the Watson class reserve lifeboat The Brothers launched at 4.40am, in a whole gale, a dark night and heavy seas. The auxiliary Merchant Vessel. Empire Contamar had run on to Callyvardor Rock, Par Bay, Cornwall, but the Coxswain had to search the bay before he found her, fast on the rock with only her bow and poop visible. The seven man crew was waist deep in water on the poop. In a difficult operation a line was got on board, the men were taken off and all landed at Fowey, 50 minutes after the lifeboat had reached the wreck.”
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The Life Saving Medal Group of The Reverend C.A.V. Robins RNLI Volunteer Crewman Lydd RNLI Life Boat. The reverend Cyril Ansgar Willberforce Robins had a 55 year association with the RNLI, first serving as Chaplain, Volunteer Crewman and later as a Committee member. Awards comprising: Lloyds Medal For Saving Life at Sea, Bronze Large Medallion (1839-1896). Engraved to the edge “TO REV C.A.W. ROBINS 11TH NOV 1891 “AEOLUS”. .... Norwegian Medal of Heroic Deed 2nd Class Silver “REV CYRIL ANSGAR WILLBERFORCE ROBINS NOVEMBER 11TH 1891 AEOLUS” (in fitted case). ... RNLI Gold Badge “PRESENTED TO THE REV. C.A. WILLBERFORCE ROBINS IN RECOGNITION OF HIS VALUABLE HELP 1944”. Hallmarked .585 Birmingham 1938. ... Also a small quantity of research. The reverend Cyril Ansgar Willberforce Robins was born in 1867. Following his father into the Church he was appointed curate at Lydd in Kent and in 1889 he was appointed Coast guard Chaplain Lydd and Dungeness Life Boat Stations. He also became a volunteer crewman. On the 11th November 1891 hurricane force winds swept across the coast, the Norwegian Brig Aeolus sent at a distress call and the Life boats of Dungeness and Lydd were launched, the former capsizing and killing two crew members. In the Lydd boat was Rev Robins, the boat suffering great difficulties managed to get to the wreck. Eight crew members were saved. In 1898 he moved to the Holy Trinity Church in Yeovil keeping ties with the RNLI. In 1935 he was living at Seaton and was Honorary Secretary of the Seaton Branch of the RNLI. In 1944 now at an age of 77 he resigned and was awarded the RNLI Gold Badge.
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