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Lot 328
1948 LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES 8x12 photo multi signed by GB Medal winners David Bond, Dorothy Tyler, Robin Lindsay, Bill Griffiths, Mike Lapage & Bert Bushnell. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95.
Lot 402
ENGLAND WORLD CUP WINNERS MEDAL 1966 Postcard Signed by Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst & George Cohen. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95.
Lot 215
*A Sudan Campaign Pair awarded to Private J. Gallacher, 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, comprising: Queen’s Sudan, 1896-98 (5395. Pte J. Gallacher 1/Sea Hrs); Khedive’s Sudan, 1896-1908, 2 clasps, The Atbara, Khartoum (5359 [sic] Pte J. Gallacher 1st Sea.. Highrs), second with slack suspension, pair lightly toned, good very fine (2). Private J. Gallacher (service number 5395) is confirmed on the medal roll for the Sudan Campaign of 1896-98.
Lot 272
An Interesting Metropolitan Police Group of 4 awarded to Police Constable Edward Gaston, of ‘D’ (Marylebone) Division, Metropolitan Police, comprising: Jubilee 1887, Metropolitan Police issue, with clasp ‘1897’ (PC, E. Gaston. D. Divn); Coronation 1902, Metropolitan Police issue (P.C. E. Gaston. D. Div.); Coronation 1911, Metropolitan Police issue (P.C., E. Gaston.); Hearts of Oak Benefit Society, silver commemorative medal, 50mm, reverse engraved ‘Edward Gaston’; First and third lacking ribbons, medals generally about extremely fine (4)
Lot 191
*A Rare Officer’s Prisoner of War MGS awarded to Captain George Tito Brice, 3rd Dragoon Guards, who was severely wounded by a cannonball at Talavera and captured by the advancing French forces whilst lying wounded on the field of battle. He was initially held at the infamous prison-fortress & town of Verdun until the end of the Peninsular War, when his passport was reportedly signed by Napoleon himself at the time of his release, comprising: Military General Service, 1793-1814, single clasp, Talavera (G. T. Brice, Capt 3rd Dragn Gds.), offered with complete box of issue and original ribbon, old cabinet tone, just one or two tiny marks, otherwise practically as struck and rare with original box. Ex Spink, December 1986; Ex DNW, 23 September, 2011; Ex Baldwin, 2013, retail purchase. George Tito Brice was born in 1872 in Wimborne, near Poole, Dorset, the first son of Reverend George Tito Brice – Vicar of Great Canford, Dorset. As a young man of some private means, he purchased a Cornetcy in the 3rd Dragoon Guards for £630 on 17 October 1799, being promoted to Lieutenant on 24 April 1801, and then being reduced to half-pay. He was re-appointed Lieutenant on 2 September 1802, and was very soon after promoted to Captain on 17 December 1803. Serving in the Peninsular War, he landed with the 3rd Dragoon Guards at Lisbon on 26-27 April 1809 as part of Fane’s cavalry brigade. Marching on 4 May to join Wellington’s army they took part in the battle of Talavera on 27 and 28 July, where he was wounded by a cannonball during abortive preparations for a cavalry charge against the opposing French infantry. Captain Brice and one other Trooper were wounded and subsequently captured and taken as prisoners of war from the battlefield as the British troops withdrew to Portugal. According to analysis in Michael Lewis’ ‘Napoleon and his British Captives’ the Army accounted for only 25%, or 1,000 officers and other ranks, of a total of 4,000 British sailors and soldiers held as prisoners of war by Napoleon. Lewis indicates that a total of 229 Army officers were held as prisoners during the Napoleonic War, so a medal to one is really quite rare. A particularly high number of officers were taken prisoner – with many wounded – after Talavera; Lewis indicates no less than 52. In addition, analysis suggests that perhaps 16 Surgeons and Assistant Surgeons elected to attend to the needs of the wounded after the battle in full knowledge that they would fall into captivity as Wellington’s forces left the field. After presumably being treated and transported to France, he arrived at the military fortress of Verdun on 13 May 1810 for registration as a P.O.W. High-ranking officers such as Brice were given the opportunity to live on parole and to pay for their own lodgings elsewhere within the town itself, having given their word as gentlemen not to escape, but with strict curfews issued and daily rolls enforced nonetheless. He remained in Verdun until April 1814 (having in the meantime received the brevet of Major in May of the year before), and for his wounds received at Talavera he was issued an annual pension of £100, dated from 25 December 1811. His death was erroneously announced in The Gentleman’s Magazine in January 1814 (Vol. 84, Part I) with other accurate details included beside it, where it stated: ‘At Great Cranford, where he had lately arrived from France, Capt. Brice, 3rd drag. guards, son of the Rev. George Tito B. vicar of that parish. He was severely wounded at the battle of Talavera, and had been a prisoner four years at Verdun. Bounaparte signed his passport, with those of four other wounded officers, at Dresden, the beginning of September.’ Returning to ‘life’ in Britain alive, he was confirmed as Major in January 1818, and in due course settled in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. In later life he became a local magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for his county, and he died at Packham House on 29 March 1862, aged 80. His son Major-General George Tito Brice C.B., of the 17th (Leicestershire) Regiment of Foot, served with distinction in the Crimea and in Canada, and his medals are held by the Leicester City Museum.
Lot 14
*China, Kuang-Hsu Envoy Medal, circa 1902 (year 28), in base silver and blue enamel, obv., two dragons around central character, legend above, all on a pale blue enamel ground, rev., impressed characters, 34mm (excluding suspension), with integral suspensionto which a suspension clip on a short chain is fitted, very fine
Lot 131
*Afghanistan, Hazarajat Medal AH 1311 (1894), in silver (2), 27.6mm, 11.77 and 10.40g (Tammann 83 (incorrectly described as Herat Medal); Haynes 1061; Barac 3), fine or better (2) In 1891 a renewal of Hazara raiding caused Abdur Rahman to launch a campaign to subdue the mountainous and inhospitable territory of the Hazaras in central Afghanistan. Those who were not killed or enslaved moved over the border into Baluchistan.
Lot 187
*The 2-Clasp N.G.S. awarded to Rear-Admiral John Skekel, who served as Lieutenant aboard H.M.S. Courageux at the reduction of St. Lucia, was wounded in action aboard H.M.S. Hero during Sir Richard Strachan’s action the 4th of November 1805, and ‘highly distinguished himself’ whilst in command of one of H.M.S. Bellerophon’s small boats during the cutting out of Russian gunboats off Percola Point on 7 July 1809. He was later shipwrecked off St. Edward’s Island whilst Captain of H.M.S. Bold in September 1813 comprising: Naval General Service, 1793-1840, 2 clasps, 4 Novr. 1805, 7 July Boat Service 1809 (John Shekel Lieut.), with reverse brooch pin to ribbon, and modern case, once polished, lightly toned, extremely fine, and a scarce combination of clasps. Ex Glendining, June 1952, lot 9. Rear-Admiral John Skekel (note spelling) was born 29 March 1778, at Mortlach, co. Banff, Scotland, the son of John Skekel and Katherine Skekel (née Wilkie). Whilst genealogical information is relatively scant concerning his family, two men, by the names of Alexander Skakel/Skekel and John Skekel undertook studies at the King’s College Aberdeen, and both were from Banffshire. The former became an educator of great importance in Montreal, Canada, and may be a direct relation (perhaps his brother). John Skekel joined the Royal Navy on 10 December 1795, as an Able Seaman on board the Thisbe (28) under Capt. John Oakes Hardy, with whom he served in various ships until the end of 1802, at Halifax and on the Home station as Midshipman and Master’s Mate. On the breaking out of war in 1803 he sailed with Captain John Oakes Hardy in the Courageux (74), for the West Indies, where, in June of the same year, he served as Acting Lieutenant at the reduction of the island of St. Lucia. Being confirmed as Lieutenant aboard Pandora 44 on 21 Feb. 1804, under the command of Captain John Nash, he was present during the expedition against Surinam and took part in the operations which resulted in the surrender of the colony, serving in the flotilla located on the Commewyne River. O Byrne’s ‘Naval Biographical Dictionary’ also records that he had previously been engaged in the boats which prevented supplies from being thrown into Martinique; and had been, 13 March, present at the cutting out of the Privateer Mosambique of 10 18-pounder carronades close to Pearl Rock. Once the Pandora was paid off in February 1805, Lieutenant Skekel was transferred to H.M.S. Hero (74) under the command of Captain Hon. Alan Hyde Gardner, where he would see his first major actions. He fought in Sir Robert Calder’s action against the combined French and Spanish Fleets on 22 July 1805 - the Battle of Cape Finisterre, and was wounded in action whilst assisting in the capture of 4 French ships of the line on 4 November 1805 – sometimes called The Battle of Cape Ortegal or ‘Sir Richard Strachan’s Action’. Here, a squadron of French ships which had escaped at Trafalgar were successfully discovered, chased down and battered into submission. Skekel’s ship H.M.S. Hero played the major part in this action, and took just shy of half of the British casualties, with 10 killed and 51 wounded (from the total of 24 killed and 111 wounded). Lieutenant Skekel was wounded in the process, and was duly mentioned in the London Gazette despatch of 8 October 1805). For his wounds, he received a donation from the Patriotic Society. He also was present on 13 March 1806 at the capture of the French ship Marengo(80), the Flagship of Rear-Admiral Linois, and at the subsequent capture of the Frigate Belle Poule (40) on 23 May 1807. After a year’s service aboard the Ville de Paris (110), he joined HM.S. Bellerophon (74) on 15 July 1808, Flagship of Admiral Lord Gardner in the Channel, and soon after commanded by Captain Samuel Warren as a private ship on the Baltic station. It was here that he was placed in command of one of Bellerophon’s boats and ‘highly distinguished himself in a most brilliant and successful attack upon a Russian flotilla’ (John Marshall’s ‘Royal Naval Biography’ refers), for which he was mentioned in the subsequent despatch (London Gazette 8 July 1809). The squadron of small boats attacked a fortified squadron of 8 Russian gunboats off Percola Point, 7 July, 1809, which were situated between two large rock outcrops. The British boats attacked directly, without firing, waiting until they were able to reach the enemy boats before boarding and storming the vessels ‘sword in hand’. Six gunboats were carried, one was sunk, and one escaped, but 12 supply craft and a number of Russian prisoners were taken. Soon afterwards, and probably as a result of his gallant conduct at Percola Point, he was promoted to Acting Commander and placed in charge of the Fly sloop (16) on 25 June 1811 from which vessel he exchanged soon afterwards into the Gluckstadt (18) as full Lieutenant on 1 September 1811. Whilst aboard the Gluckstadt a violent storm nearly sunk the ship, but narrowly escaped once Skekel took the decision to part with all the ship’s guns. Commander Skekel had another encounter with severe weather aboard his next command – the Bold (14) on the North America Station, which was this time wrecked during a strong north-east gale off the North end of Prince Edward’s Island whilst proceeding with the convoy up the St Lawrence on 27 September 1813. He attained the Post-rank of Captain 27 May, 1825; and accepted Retirement on 1 October 1846. Captain Skekel married in July, 1835, Louisa Madalina Hughes, of York Street, Portman Square, London, and was given the rank of Rear-Admiral in his retirement. He later died on 20 June 1854 at his home in Kensington, London. The original N.G.S. medal roll held at the National Archives shows the recipient’s signature in the remarks column and a date of ‘19/2/49’ suggesting the date of issue of his medal. Only 8 officer’s medals were awarded for the action of 4 November 1805, and just 4 for 7 July Boat Service 1809.
Lot 68
Miscellaneous Medals and Awards, comprising: Belgium, Victory Medal; France, Croix de Guerre, 1914-1918; Croix de Guerre (Foreign Service); Great War Commemorative Medal, 1914-1918; Victory Medal; and U.S.A., Bronze Star, Air Medal, Merit Medal and three other related medals; Great Britain, two Victorian Temperance Medals in silver; ‘Elect Cocoa’ 1911 Coronation Commemorative Medal; Coronation 1937; and South Vietnam, Gallantry Cross, gilt metal; a mixed lot, generally very fine to extremely fine (16)
Lot 268
*A Scarce and Interesting Falklands Group of 3 awarded to Lance-Bombardier G. Wallace, of 8 (Alma) Commando Battery, this unit known as the ‘Black 8’, part of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery. This unit provided three 105mm guns in support of the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment during the attacks upon Darwin and Goose Green on 27-28 May 1982, where their guns were ‘in action almost continuously’ comprising: General Service Medal, 1962-2007, 2 clasps, Northern Ireland, N. Iraq & S. Turkey (24268811 Lbdr G Wallace RA); South Atlantic, 1982, with rosette (24268811 Gnr G Wallace RA); United Nations Medal for Cyprus, UNFICYP; Medals court-mounted on bar with reverse brooch pin as worn, with matching miniature group, the first a proudly polished very fine, remainder good very fine or better (6). Private research confirms that the above recipient served with 8 (Alma) Commando Battery, 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery. This Regiment formed part of 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, during the Falklands War. From early on 27 May until 28 May, 8 (Alma) Commando Battery, Royal Artillery, provided artillery support in the form of three 105mm L118 light guns / howitzers to assist the main attacking force of the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment (roughly 500 men) during the attacks upon Darwin and Goose Green, which were at that time held by the Argentine 12th Infantry Regiment. Despite challenging high winds, a limited supply of equipment and ammunition, being strafed by enemy Pucara aircraft and receiving enemy artillery fire in return, 8 Commando Battery directed their fire towards the enemy targets. As Mark Adkin writes in ‘The Battle for Goose Green’: “During the 14-hour struggle to reach and secure Goose Green these three guns were in action almost continuously.” At the end of the battle, a total of 17 British and 47 Argentine soldiers were killed, with 30 to 40 members of 2 Para wounded, and a reported 961 Argentine troops (including 202 Argentine Air Force personnel of the Condor airfield) taken prisoner.
Lot 218
*A Boer War Pair awarded to Private James Calderwood, 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, comprising: Queen’s South Africa, 1899-1902, 2nd type reverse with ghosted dates, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (6712 Pte J. Calderwood, 2: Sea: Highrs:); King’s South Africa, 1901-1902, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (6712 Pte J. Calderwood. Seaforth Highrs:); with two handsome regimental prize medals for Cricket, both hallmarked for Birmingham and engraved with the recipient’s name for ‘Cricket Shield’ prizes in 1904 and 1907;lightly toned, once polished, about very fine (4). Private James Calderwood was born c.1880 in Perth, Scotland, and had previously worked as a Cabinet Marker. He joined the Seaforth Highlanders on 2 September 1899, and served in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. His name is recorded in the ‘Military History of Perthshire’ which includes a portrait photograph of the recipient in uniform, and confirms his service and medal entitlement (also confirmed in the rolls). He continued to serve until 1 September 1911, having completed 12 years with the colours. This group offered with copied attestation papers.
Lot 205
*South Africa, 1877-79, single clasp, 1879 (1150, Pte H. Vaughan, 1st Dn Gds), suspension post somewhat loose, solder marks to reverse of clasp - probably from previous pin fitting, minor edge bump, otherwise good fine / about very fine. Private Henry Vaughan’s name is confirmed in the ‘South African War 1877 – 8 -9 Medal Roll’ by Forsyth as having served with the 1st (King’s) Dragoon Guards.
Lot 190
*The Unique Chaplain’s N.G.S. Medal for Martinique awarded to Chaplain Edward Brice, Royal Navy, who was present aboard H.M.S. York during the reduction of the island of Martinique and the Saintes between January and April 1809, as well as the subsequent defeat and capture of the French 74-gun ship Haupoult. He went on later to become the Senior Chaplain of the Royal Navy, comprising: Naval General Service, 1793-1840, single clasp, Martinique (Edwd Brice, Chaplain.), once cleaned with two minor reverse nicks, otherwise a lustrous extremely fine, and a unique Chaplain’s N.G.S. for Martinique. Ex Glendining, 1931; Ex DNW, 12 December, 2012; Chaplain Edward Brice was born in 1874 in Wimborne, near Poole, Dorset, the second son of Reverend George Tito Brice – Vicar of Great Canford, Dorset. He matriculated at Wadham College, Oxford on 14 March 1803, and received his B.A. in 1806. He soon afterwards joined the Royal Navy as a Chaplain on 24 November 1807, initially serving aboard H.M.S York (74) under the command of Captain Robert Barton. He saw service in the West Indies, and whilst there was present at the reduction of Martinique and the Saintes, as well as the capture of the French ship Haupoult (74). In 1810 he left the York and joined H.M.S. Medway (74) at the Cape of Good Hope in 1812, and in April 1816 he joined the Salisbury (50) at Jamaica, where he served for two years as the Acting Chaplain to the Naval Hospital at Port Royal. He saw service aboard the ships Hyperion (32), Windsor Castle (74), Ocean (110) and Britannia (120), the latter flagship of Sir James Saumarez and Lord Northesk, between the years 1818 and 1827, based largely at Plymouth. He finally served aboard H.M.S. Victory (104) between 1 May 1827 and 8 June 1829, when he was placed on the retired list. He continued to serve The Church as a Greenwich Pensioner, and became incumbent of Humshaugh – a ‘living gift’ in the possession of Greenwich Hospital (O’Byrne’s Naval Biography, refers) between 1832 and 1868, and was latterly Rector of Thorneyburn, also in Northumberland. He died at Tynemouth on 1 July 1873, at the age of 90, and his various obituaries published at the time record that he was at one time ‘Senior Chaplain in the Royal Navy’. Other research appears to confirm that he served as Assistant Chaplain of Convicts at some stage in his career. A total of just 26 N.G.S. medals were issued to Chaplains in the Royal Navy, and more than half of these were issued clasps for Navarino or Syria. This N.G.S. medal with clasp for Martinique is unique to a Chaplain. Two of his brothers served in the Army (Captain George Tito Brice, 3rd Dragoon Guards) and Navy (Commander Nathaniel Brice) respectively. The medal to his brother George is offered in the following lot.
Lot 289
*A Scarce M.M. and Bar Group of 4 awarded to Acting-Corporal Arthur James Bates, 2/2 London Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, comprising: Military Medal, G.V.R., with silver bar denoting second award (510338 Pte A. J. Bates. 2/2 Lond: F.A.R.A.M.C.-T.F.); British War And Victory Medals, 1914-1919 (516 A. Cpl. A. J. Bates. R.A.M.C.); France, Croix de Guerre, with star on ribbon; Offered with original riband bar for M.M., rosette & pair, single riband bar for M.M. with rosette, and R.A.M.C. brass cap badge, medals toned, the first three extremely fine, the latter very fine (4). M.M.: London Gazette: 18 June 1917 – 510338 Pte. A. J. Bates, R.A.M.C.; Bar to M.M.: London Gazette: 23 July 1919 – 510338 Pte. (A.L.C.) A. J. Bates, M.M., R.A.M.C. (Catford). ;France: Croix de Guerre: as yet unconfirmed.
Lot 201
*An Intriguing 2- Clasp ‘Shannon Brigade’ Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Able Seaman Silas Batters, who served as part of H.M.S. Shannon’s Naval Brigade under Sir William Peel V.C. in India, taking part in the Relief of Lucknow. In later life he survived the shipwreck of the merchant barque Seatoller off Tierra del Fuego, only to be taken prisoner with his 4 surviving shipmates and subjected to months of brutal hard labour, comprising: *Indian Mutiny, 1857-58, 2 clasps, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow (Silas Batters, A.B. Shannon.), lightly toned, clasp carriage once refitted, tiny rim nick to lower reverse and occasional scratches to obverse, about extremely fine. Able Seaman Silas Batters was born 18 September 1832 at Plymouth, Devon. He first attested for Royal Naval service on 14 October 1849 aboard H.M.S. Illustrious, and then later aboard H.M.S. Leopard in the Crimea, and then aboard the famous H.M.S. Shannon during the Indian Mutiny. H.M.S. Shannon’s Captain, Sir William Peel V.C. of Crimean War fame, led a brigade of sailors inland to assist with the Relief of Lucknow. Peel’s ‘Naval Brigade’ served with distinction during this campaign with its 8-inch naval guns, assisting with the destruction of fortified positions, and gaining a remarkable five Victoria Crosses in the process. Offered with collector’s index card, copied medal roll entries, and copied service papers. The remarks column on the Indian Mutiny roll shows that his medal was ‘sent to Edinburgh’ (likely refers to ship). He afterwards returned to a civilian life at sea, serving in later life as a Steward & Cook in the Merchant Navy, serving aboard the barque Seatoller. En route to Valparaiso in early April 1890, she endured a week of very rough seas which severely damaged the ship, blowing away her sails and washing away her boats. Some days later she encountered the dismasted and sinking Cambrian Duchess near the Falkland Islands, and subsequently took her stricken members on board. She managed to limp into port at the Falklands on 22 April, where she disembarked the crew of the Cambrian Duchess’s and undertook essential repairs, continuing toward her destination some months later on 26 July. As she approached the east coast of Tierra del Fuego on 28 July she again encountered strong winds and failed to clear a formation of rocks. Many of the crew were washed into the sea, with 5 crew and Captain Jennings able to cling to the rigging. The Captain drowned in an attempt to reach the shore with a line, and the remainder stayed a night in the rigging until they could reach the land nearby. Reaching a lighthouse some miles distant (and without food or footwear) they were fed, but soon after put to hard labour ashore by the local ‘major’ in October, with one man put in irons. They were later put on board the transport Villaino where once again they were subjected to cruel enforced labour, working from 4 in the morning until 8 at night, and sleeping exposed on the open deck. At Ushant Bay they reportedly had to discharge 200 tons of coal from the hold to the bunkers ashore. They attempted to refuse work, but were subsequently refused food, and so their ordeal continued until the 5 men reached Sandy Island, where they were put aboard the John Elder, which finally returned to Plymouth in late January / Early February 1891 – nearly a year after they originally set off on the original journey.
Lot 258
*An Interesting ‘Operation Market Garden’ Arnhem Casualty G.S.M. with Palestine Clasp awarded to Sergeant Frank Herbert Chesson, Army Air Corps, late Royal East Kent ‘Buffs’. He was killed in action during an ambush whilst commanding a section of No. 4 Platoon of the 10th Parachute Battalion, 6 miles from Arnhem on 19 September 1944. He was awarded an M.i.D. for Palestine, reputedly for service in connection with the Palestine Police, and may have served as Major-General Roy Urquhart’s bodyguard, comprising: General Service Medal, 1918-62, single clasp, Palestine (6285440 Pte. F. H. Chesson. A.A.C.), second digit of service number and unit officially re-impressed, toned extremely fine. M.i.D.: London Gazette: 13.01.1944 – ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’ Sergeant Frank Herbert Chesson was born c.1914 in Kent, and initially joined the Army for service in the Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). Having served in Palestine with the 1st Battalion Buffs, where he may have played a role with the Palestine Police, for which he reputedly earned a Mention in Despatches (this as yet unconfirmed) he later transferred to the Army Air Corps (later the Parachute Regiment). Research suggests that he may have served as bodyguard to Major-General Robert ‘Roy’ Urquhart before Operation Market Garden, with the nickname ‘Crankie Frankie’, and that he may possibly have had some LRDG / SAS involvement. During Operation Market Garden he served in the 10th Parachute Battalion, and commanded No.4 Platoon, landing by Glider at Ginkel Heath. Whilst details are scant, the 9 men in his group appear to have been ambushed and killed instantly alongside the Amsterdamseweg, beside the 6 mile marker from Arnhem. He and his comrades were there given a field burial, before later being re-interred at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. Chesson’s name is confirmed on the roll for the G.S.M. with Palestine clasp, but it does not appear in the book ‘The SAS and LRDG Roll of Honour 1941-47’ by Ex-Lance-Corporal X, Q.G.M. Concerning the re-impressed unit on the medal, it is quite understandable that the unit may have been amended to reflect his later service either prior or after issue. His portrait photo clearly shows a riband bar with ribbons for the GSM and Africa Star only.
Lot 24
Germany, A WWI Iron Cross and Memorial Cup Pair with original citation card, comprising: Imperial, Iron Cross, 2nd Class, dated 1914, in silver and iron, with ‘M’ mark on suspension ring; A named and engraved 800 silver Memorial Cup and original citation & photo card, engraved ‘Sebastian Hofer 13 April 1918; Also offered with ‘Sterebild’ citation card & portrait picture, confirming the recipient as Sebastian Hofer, 2nd Reserve Infantry Regiment, killed in action on 13 April 1918 by an artillery shell, at the age of 37 years and 4 months old. Medal good very fine, cup somewhat unevenly toned, very fine or better, and rare (2). Many such ‘Ehren Pokal’ cups were sold for scrap during the post WWI depression in Germany, and as such they are rare to the market, particularly when offered with the original ‘Sterebild’ citation. The above recipient was also entitled to the military merit cross, as noted on the card. The 2nd Reserve Infantry Regiment appears to have been part of the 3rd Reserve Division, which at the time of Sebastian Hofer’s death is recorded as having been positioned in a trench system to the north of Ailette, France, near the Chemin Des Dames in the Aisne area.
Lot 291
*A Documented and Attributed King’s Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom to Leroy H. Luckey, a Flying Instructor and Director of the Terrell Aviation School, Texas, who took part in the U.S. supported program to assist the British War effort by training R.A.F. pilots and aircrew in the United States, comprising: King’s Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom, G.VI.R., privately engraved (L. H. Luckey), with reverse brooch pin, offered with framed and glazed newspaper image of the medal being awarded, obverse well-toned, about extremely fine. Leroy H Luckey, of Miami, Oklahoma, U.S.A., left school to become a Pilot/Mechanic in 1920. Some years later, he became associated with a Flying School Operator, William F. Long, and the two men served as President & Vice President of the local civilian airline company ‘Essair’, based in Houston, Texas. In response to President Roosevelt’s call for a massive re-armament campaign in 1939, including a large expansion of the Army Air Corps, Long and Luckey were amongst the first civilian aviation instructors to be awarded contracts to assist with the project. In 1941, and although the United States had not yet entered the war, the country offered to accept British proposals for the overseas training of RAF pilots and aircrew at American sites. One of those chosen was the Terrell Aviation School, Texas – run by Long & Luckey, which became known as R.A.F. no.1 BFTS (British Flying Training School). As mentioned in ‘The Royal Air Force in Texas’ by Tom Killebrew, Long & his Operations Manager Leroy Luckey were a logical choice to help with this project, given their links to the Army Air Corps and the reputation they had built in the years previous. After reaching an agreement with the R.A.F. Squadron Leader Stuart Mills in late May 1941, training began later that year, whereby Luckey assisted the British war effort by helping to fill the increasing demand for new pilots. For this he work he was officially recognised with the King’s Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom: ‘(Sun Newspaper, Dec.14 1947) Americans Decorated By British – At a reception at the British Vice-Consulate, 4325 Avondale Ave., Friday night, Consul General Lewis Bernays, left, bestowed British decorations on two U.S. Army Officers and two civilians…The King’s Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom was bestowed upon Mrs Vida P. Bass…and L. H. Luckey, 4700 Bluff View Blvd. The decorations were awarded for distinguished services rendered in cooperation with British forces during the war.’ N.B. a further framed and glazed official award document for this medal exists, but has not been located at this time.
Lot 259
A Scarce WW2 Army Emergency Reserve Efficiency Group of 4 awarded to Staff-Sergeant F L Brown, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, comprising: Defence and War Medals, 1939-1945; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., Territorial clasp (2058371 S/Sjt. F. L. Brown. R.E.M.E.); Army Emergency Reserve Efficiency Medal, E.II.R. (22564970 S. Sgt. F. L. Brown. REME.); Group swing mounted on bar as worn with gilt metal cap badge, and additional War Medal, lightly polished, good very fine (6)
Lot 290
*A Fine WW2 ‘Bomber Command’ D.F.M. Group of 4 awarded to Flight Sergeant Jack Eric Ball, No. 76 Squadron, R.A.F.V.R., for his work as an Air Gunner in Halifax Bombers during the successful completion of 30 sorties and 167 operational hours over Germany, comprising: Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1544233. F/Sgt. J. E. Ball, R.A.F.); 1939-1945 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, with clasp ‘France and Germany’; War Medal, 1939-1945; Group court-mounted, with original air gunner’s patch and 76 Squadron badge attached, medals toned, extremely fine (4). D.F.M.: London Gazette: 13. October 1944 – ‘This N.C.O. has completed 30 sorties as Air Gunner and flown a total of 167 operational hours against the enemy. He has carried out attacks against many of the heaviest defended of targets including two against Berlin, two against Leverkusen and two against Stuttgart. Flight Sergeant Ball’s work as an Air Gunner has always been of the highest order whilst his coolness and presence of mind have contributed in a large measure to the successful completion of his crew’s many operational sorties, skilfully handling his guns with unyielding determination and supreme confidence. He has displayed a fine offensive spirit in action and gallantry of the highest order. He is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’ This lot offered with a quantity of copied entries regarding Flight Sergeant Ball’s service in 1943 and 1944 with No. 76 Squadron (which had earlier been under the command of Group Captain ‘Leonard’ Cheshire, V.C.), and a copy of Max Hastings’ book Bomber Command, which notes several of Jack Eric Ball’s counterpart’s from No.76 Squadron.
Lot 35
Netherlands, Red Cross Medal For Merit, in silver with red enamel cross, 35.4mm, edge bruise, good very fine; with a good dress miniature of the award, lapel badge, cloth badges and original award document dated 15 Feb. 1952 (lot) Provenance: Awarded to H.K.C. von Zeppelin-Obermüller. See also lots 2, 3, 8, 64 and 69.
Lot 264
A WW2 Group of 5 awarded to Sergeant H Wright, Royal Artillery, comprising: 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, 1939-1945; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., Territorial Clasp (1440160. Sjt. H. Wright. R.A. ); With silver Royal Artillery tie-pin and lapel badge, and two OMHS boxes of issue, one addressed to ‘Mr. H. Wright, 7 Cambray Rd., Balham, London’, extremely fine (7)
Lot 286
*The Rare George Medal Group of Four awarded to Lieutenant-Commander Thomas Albert Herriott, Royal Navy, who having served in the Boer War, the Boxer Rebellion at the ‘Relief of Pekin’ and also in WWI, re-joined the Royal Navy in 1940 at the age of 62, and was awarded the George Medal for ‘fortitude and devotion to duty’ at Tower Pier whilst fighting incendiaries during an air raid upon the Port of London during the Blitz on the night of 7-8 September 1940 – the first night of the ‘London Blitz’. His right arm was shattered during the incident, and was later amputated, and the rest of his party were either killed or wounded, comprising: George Medal,G.VI.R., 1st Type (1940-47) (Lieut. Cdr. Thomas Herriott, R.N.); Queen’s South Africa, 1899-1902, no clasp (T. A. Herriott, Lg. Sean. H.M.S. Terrible); China 1900, single clasp, Relief of Pekin (T. A. Herriott. Lg. Sean, H.M.S. Terrible,); 1914-15 Star (Gnr. T. A. .Herriott, R.N.); Medals swing mounted on bar with reverse brooch pin, lightly toned, occasional marks and small bumps, generally about good very fine (4) G.M.: London Gazette: 23 September 1941 – ‘for fortitude and devotion to duty while serving with a fire party during an air raid on the Port of London’ (Original recommendation states: ‘The ship was alongside the pontoon of Tower Pier during a heavy raid. Many fire-bombs were dropped. Lieutenant Commander Herriott led a party of two Officers and four Seamen on to the pontoon to put out fires, and to bring an A.F.S. pump into action. Soon after midnight a heavy bomb struck the pontoon, killing or mortally wounding the four Seamen and wounding both Officers. Lieutenant Commander Herriott’s right arm was shattered and has since been amputated. In spite of this he devoted himself, with total disregard to his own condition, to tending and encouraging the wounded. When a rescue party arrived, he refused to have anything done for himself. He took charge of the work removing the injured. This Officer displayed the greatest courage throughout the whole attack.’) With:Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct, G.VI.R. (M.35674 A. E. Herriott. E.A.I, H.M.S. Dainty); toned, extremely fine Lieutenant-Commander Thomas Albert Herriott, was born 3 September 1878 at Lillington, Sussex, and entered the Royal Navy in time to serve as Leading Seaman aboard H.M.S. Terrible towards the end of the Second Anglo-Boer War. He was also present aboard this ship during the Boxer Rebellion in China, where he took part in the Relief of Pekin. He reached the rank of Gunner, and served for a time aboard H.M.S. Drake between November 1904 and January 1910, where none other than Captain John Jellicoe considered Herriott ‘Zealous and Promising’. He continued to serve aboard Seahorse, Shannon, and Good Hope before the outbreak of WWI, often taking on additional duties as Navigating Officer. He served aboard H.M.S. Duncan on 8 August 1914, and later transferred to the General Craufurd on 6 January 1917 – thus being present in support of the First Ostend Raid in April 1918. He was promoted to the commissioned position of Chief Gunner soon after on 13 September 1918, and passed his officer examinations to become Lieutenant on 31 December 1921 whilst serving aboard Racer. He continued to serve in this capacity until repeated dislocation of his shoulder appears to have led to his discharge and retirement at Haslar on 3 September 1928, when he was placed on the retired list. He was then promoted to Lieutenant-Commander (Retired) on 21 December 1929. In civilian life he resided in Cowplain near Portsmouth, and took up the positions of Chairman of Havant and Waterlooville Urban District Council, member of Hampshire County Council. He re-joined the Royal Navy early in 1940 to serve in WW2, presumably for home service (given his age at 62). While doing so, he was recommended for the George Medal for battling with incendiaries which had fallen on Tower Pier, Tower Bridge, at the Port of London, on the night of 7-8 September 1940. This night was the first night of the London ‘Blitz’ which would continue unrelenting for a further 56 nights. Whilst specific details regarding the incident remain scant (other than those provided above), we know that Lieutenant-Commander Herriott was seriously wounded and most of his team were killed by a German bomb, and that Herriott lost his forearm as a direct result of his injuries. Tower Pier was located just in front of the Tower itself, and close by the iconic Tower Bridge (see photo, taken on the same evening of 7 September 1940). Herriott was awarded the George Medal the following year, and his picture was included in several important newspapers at that time. He sadly died soon after the culmination of war on 30 July 1946, at the age of 67, being buried at Waterlooville Cemetery. The associated Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to A. E. Herriott (confirmed), is presumed to be a close relation of the recipient, but further investigation is necessary. The remaining entitlement of Lieutenant-Commander Heriot (British War & Victory Medals, Defence Medal) is not present with the group, and may never have been received by the recipient.
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