THE HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT GROUPING TO MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD EDWIN ASERAPPA Engineer in Chief of the Indian Army and part of the recce for the Everest expedition in 1953Indian Independence MedalGVI Indian General Service Medal, Northwest frontier 1936 - 37 with MID, correctly impressed in Indian Army Style - Lt. R. E. Aserappa. Madras S. & M.War Medal with MID, correctly impressed in Indian Army Style - AI-649 T/LT Col R. E. Aserappa, R.I.E., Defence Medal, correctly impressed in Indian Army Style - AI-649 T/LT Col R. E. Aserappa, R.I.E.Court mounted as worn, condition NEFThe group comes with the following original pieces; Major Generals dress hat named to the recipient; a photograph album with silver/white metal plaque to the front, engraved 'First Visit of Major General R E Aserappa, MA, Cantab, MIE. Engineer in Chief, Army Headquarters 31st March 56 - 1st April 56', the album contains 52 photographs with annotations; Brigadier dress epaulettes; Major General epaulettes for field wear; divisional patches; staff officer collar tabs; two sets of miniatures medals, both swing mounted as worn; Madras Sappers and Miners in white metal, possibly Indian silver; newspaper clippings covering family history; several loose photographs of the recipient; an Officers Record of Service Army book; together with four Royal Engineers wall shields. Richard Edwin (Bunny) Aserappa was born on 27th December 1910 in Calcutta. He was of Ceylonese extraction; his father, Richard Humberto Aserappa, had qualified as an Engineer in England and subsequently joined the Indian Railway service. Bunny was educated at St Paul's, Woolwich, Peterhouse and read Engineering at Cambridge. He was commissioned in the Royal Engineers in 1935 and was quickly back in India serving with the Madras Sappers and Miners. He saw active service on the Northwest Frontier between 1936 and 1937 and was awarded an Indian general Service Medal. He was Mentioned in Despatches for this campaign and promoted to Captain. Promoted to Major in February 1940, During the Second World War, he first served in "Paiforce" ( Persia and Iraq Command), receiving his second Mention in Despatches for his service there. 'The King has graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq, Syria and Persia during the period April 1941, to February 1942.' He returned to India for the Staff College Course at Quetta, Where he passed out first and was then posted to Italy. Aserappa, taught himself fluent Italian in 20 days; unfortunately, he then found out this posting was a mistake, and he should have been posted to Burma. In Burma, he distinguished himself at Myitkynia; by the end of the war, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At the time of partition, he was in Peshawar and was instrumental in saving many lives in the conflict between rival religious groups. Although not a mountaineer himself, he did the preliminary reece for the Everest expedition in 1953. From October 1955 until April 1960, he was the first Indian to serve as Engineer in Chief of the Indian Army with the rank of Major General. He took the position after Lord Mountbatten persuaded him to stay in India. After retiring from the Army, he moved to England with his family. He worked as an Administrator for the RNLI and passed away in Eastbourne in 1988.
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AN AFGHANISTAN MEDAL ALI MUSJID TO CAPTAIN F E LINDOE 81ST FOOT Afghanistan 1878 -80, clasp Ali Musjid, correctly engraved Capt F E Lindoe 81st FootCondition NGEFWith the original postage envelope addressed to the recipient when he resided at the Naval and Military Club, Piccadilly, the lid of the medal box with 'Captain F E Lindoe 81st Foot' written on in ink; original transmittal letter dated 28th December 1887Frederick Ekins Lindoe was born on 9th March 1842 in Guernsey. The son of Dr Robert Frederick Lindoe and Eleanora Lindoe. Frederick matriculated to Exeter College, Oxford University and obtained a BA. Gazetted as an Ensign into the 81st Foot ( Loyal Lincoln Volunteers) on 11th November 1865, he saw service as a Captain in Afghanistan and was present at the capture of Ali Musjid. Promoted to Major soon afterwards, the medal was posted to him at the Naval and Military Club in Piccadilly. He retired as a Major in December 1881 with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Frederick passed away in Bath on the 25th of April 1919.
CAMPAIGN GROUP OF FOUR TO LIEUT HAWTREY 1 LOVAT'S SCOTS LATE ROYAL FUSILIERS Queens South Africa Medal 1899-02, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902, correctly impressed Lieut: G.V. Hawtrey. Rl: Fus.1914/15 Star, correctly impressed Lieut. G.V. Hawtrey. 1 - Lovat's Scts.British War Medal, correctly impressed Lieut. G.V. Hawtrey.Victory Medal, correctly impressed Lieut. G.V. Hawtrey, condition GVFGuy Vesey Hawtrey was born on the 21st of June 1870 in Eton, Buckinghamshire, the son of John William and Gertrude Hawtrey. His father was an Assistant Master in the lower school at Eton. Guy himself attended Eton, leaving in 1897. On the 18th of March 1899, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Bn Royal Fusiliers. Promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to the 5th Bn, he saw active service in the Boer War. He resigned his commission and moved into civilian life. He was commissioned in the 2/1st Lovat's Scots when the Great War broke out. Subsequently transferred to the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, Hawtrey fought in Egypt and Palestine. In June 1918 he contracted Malaria which saw him hospitalised. He was discharged and suddenly died on the 7th of April 1921 due to his illness contracted on active service.
A GROUPING OF WORLD MEDALSincluding a Crimea Medal, Balaklava and a copy Sebastopol bar, the medal is skimmed and in fine condition, a Third Reich War Merit Cross 2nd Class with swords, GV ISM correctly impressed Thomas John Thornley, a US Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, swing mounted Defence Medal and War Medal, and a St Helena Medal
A 1902 POLICE AMBULANCE SERVICE CORONATION AND MSM GROUP TO SGT MJR PALMER RAMC EDWARD VII - 1902 Coronation Police Ambulance Service medal, correctly engraved Pte C F Palmer, GV Meritorious Service medal, correctly impressed 515028 T S MJR C F Palmer RAMC, GV Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, engraved 515028 T S MJRC F Palmer RAMC, swing mounted as worn, condition VF (please see repair with solder to the claw of the coronation medal, also note the TFEM is engraved)Charles Frederick Palmer was a member of the RAMC Territorials. In civilian life he was an accountant. In 1902 he was awarded the 1902 Coronation Medal, for his service with the Police Ambulance Service, this is a very rare medal with only 204 being awarded.During the Great War he served at home and was awarded the MSM, announced in the London Gazette on the 3rd June 1919. The TFEM may be a 'self' award.
NAVAL INTEREST: A SMALL COLLECTION OF EPHEMERA including a commemorative medal depicting the John Williams Missionary ship, launched 1844, named after the missionary killed by Pacific island natives in 1839, white metal in oak frame, 3.8cm wide; together with a British replica of the medal designed in Germany, commemorating the sinking of the Lusitania, a British anti-German propaganda tool, in original pictorial box, 5.3cm wide; and a £5 piece commemorating the 250 year anniversary of the birth of Admiral Lord Nelson, 3.6cm wide (3)Provenance: All three were purchased from The Hayhurst Collection in 2016.
WWII Medal group (5) with his assorted associated paperwork, books, photos etc. Spr. Robert Bruce (Born Robert Bruce Oldham 11th Oct 1916 SOT) Royal Engineers 125836 39/45 star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence medal & 39/45 War Medal. Together with a WWI silver medal to GHT Harley N Staffs regt., and other related items.
WWII second World War DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal) group of 5 medals and associated documentation. Awarded to 4199944 WS Sjt. A/CSM J Chapman 4th Battalion RWF (Royal Welch Fusiliers). Includes document from Montgomery dated 23rd Dec 1945, DCM documentation of action leading to the award, defence medal, 39 / 45 medal, France & Germany Star & 39 / 45 Star. Please note that the DCM medal, which is guaranteed to be original, has been removed from the frame and kept securely, viewing of which is by request only, for security reasons.
RAOB (Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes) large & heavy 9ct gold hallmarked medal / jewel with enamel decoration and gemstone eyes. - Awarded to Herbert Simcock of Shelton Lodge No. 1924 GLE. Hallmarked for 1922, weight of medal only (excluding everything attached to the crimson ribbon) is 18.81g. The ribbon has three gilt metal elements attached which may or may not also be gold, but are NOT included in the weight. Some very minor damage to enamel decoration.
Large & heavy 9ct gold hallmarked medal / jewel. - Awarded to Herbert Simcock, titled Provincial Grand Lodge of North Staffordshire. Hallmarked for 1939, marking his retirement from PG chair, weight of medal only (excluding everything else attached) is 34.52g, but includes some material loading within the body of the medal. The ribbon has three silver gilt elements attached are NOT included in the weight.
RAOB (Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes) heavy 9ct gold hallmarked Roll of Honour medal / jewel - Awarded to Herbert Simcock of Shelton Lodge No. 1924 GLE. Hallmarked for Chester 1934, weight of medal only (excluding everything attached to the ribbon) is 29.44g. Minor damage to enamel decoration.
Polish military history: Second World War documents in two wallets relating to a soldier in the renowned 3rd Carpathian Infantry Division of the Polish Army's 2nd. Corps under the command of General Anders. This Division was immortalised by its capture of Hill 593 at the battle of Monte Cassino, Italy. The 2nd. Corps was part of the British Eighth Army in the North African and Italian campaigns. The documents, many of them scarce, belonged to Lance Corporal Idzi Cyranlowski (1923-2013) from TorunThe lot to include -his folding identity card with military cachet including the Polish eagle and references to the battles of Tobruk, Monte Cassino, Ancona and Bologna. With colour illustrations including the 3rd. Division's 'Christmas tree' emblem, and printed signature of its Commander, General Duch1946 leaflet (4 pages) with a section in Polish by British Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin, 'To all members of the Polish armed forces' and a further section on how 'soldiers of the Polish armed forces returning to the country' should be treated.1946 document in Polish, 'Extract Command of the 2nd. Corps Base, Command No. 5', over the name of the Commanding Officer in Italy, General Przewlocki.'Calendar for the year 1946', published in Polish in Bari, Italy in December 1945 by the Soldiers' Welfare Department of the 2nd. Corps Base. The book has the embossed mermaid emblem of the 2nd. Corps on the front cover. There are references to facilities in Italian towns for Polish soldiers, and sections written by two generals of the 2nd. Corpsa different calendar in Polish, 'Soldier's Calendar, 2nd. Corps 1946', published in Italy in late 1945 (192 pages).typed confirmation of Lance Corporal Cyranlowski's War Medal, 1939-1945his notebook of names and addresses, with many entries in Polish and English, including Polish servicemen and their units and the Polish Research Centre (agency of the Polish Government-in-exile in London)coloured folding leaflet, White Eagle Polish Forces Club, Knightsbridge, London SW1Allied military currency notes36 military photographs showing soldiers and a few airmen with aircraft, a soldier wearing Polish Cross of Valour etc.letter in Polish, family photographs and other documents in Polish and English, some relating to the soldier's home town of Torun
A quantity of commemorative coins and tokens to include Nelson medals struck from copper of the Foudroyant, Newark token for one penny 1811, Cornish penny 1811, Birmingham penny 1812, Nova Scotia one penny token 1824, Sheffield one penny token 1813, John Wilkinson iron master 1787, Parthenon medal, Charles I copper medal, flint lead works token 1813, etc
Mixed medals and commemorative to include a silver 1936 Polytechnic ladies fencing club championship second place medal, 1939 women's E. Pee competition third place, British Services Tattoo Berlin 1947, RAF Athletics 1951/52 Shooting medal awarded to Captain D. D Truman along with a Victoria 1897 Jubilee commemorative and Edward VII example, 1929 Half Crown in Silver mount and othersLocation:
A quantity of mostly British post-1947 and decimal coinage to include commemorative Crowns, 1951, Churchill and others, shillings, sixpence, pennies, a 1971 UK uncirculated coin set, 40% silver USA coin set, an album of George V - Elizabeth II shillings and others, medals to include WWI miniature Victory and War examples, WWII Defence Medal campaign stars, and others Location:
Six: Head Naval Nursing Auxiliary Gladys Robson, A.R.R.C., Royal Navy and Hampshire Voluntary Aid Detachment 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (0043 G. E. Robson. H.N.N.A. H.M.S. President); Women’s Voluntary Service Medal, silver, with 3 additional service bars and ‘V.A.D.’ top suspension bar (Miss Gladys Ethel Robson) edge prepared prior to naming, mounted for display, nearly extremely fine and very scarce (6) £300-£400 --- Gladys Ethel Robson was born on 28 June 1908. She enrolled into 12 V.A.D., Hampshire, on 22 February 1931, and served at R.N. Hospital, Haslar, 1939-42, then served in the Middle East until 1944, when she returned to Haslar. She was awarded the Naval L.S. & G.C. medal in May 1960, and was made an Associate member of the Royal Red Cross in 1963 (London Gazette 8 June 1963, Miss Gladys Ethel Robson, Head Naval Nursing Auxiliary).
A Second War ‘Battle of Cape Matapan’ D.S.C. group of nine awarded to Lieutenant G. E. Allen, Royal Navy, Gunnery Officer in H.M.S. Warspite during the battle of Calabria in July 1940 when the ship achieved one of the longest range gunnery hits from a moving ship to a moving target in history, hitting Giulio Cesare at a range of approximately 24 km; and also in the same battleship at the battle of Cape Matapan in March 1941 when he was decorated for his ‘efficiency and successful results’ obtained by the ship during the action, three Italian cruisers and two destroyers being sunk Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1942 and additionally engraved ‘Lieut. G. E. Allen R.N.’; 1914-15 Star (J.12853. G. E. Allen. A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.12853 G. E. Allen. P.O. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted for display together with a ‘Portsmouth Port Rifle and Revolver Meeting’ prize medal with ribbon bar inscribed ‘General’s Cup’, nearly very fine (10) £2,600-£3,000 --- One D.S.O., two D.S.Cs. and one Bar, and 20 D.S.Ms. awarded for the battle of Cape Matapan. D.S.C. London Gazette 3 February 1942: ‘For bravery and enterprise in the Battle of Cape Matapan.’ The recommendation for the Immediate award of the D.S.C. states: ‘Commissioned Gunner George Enos Allen. Battle of Cape Matapan. As officer in charge of the 15” Transmitting Station, Mr Allen contributed very materially to the Gunnery efficiency and successful results obtained by H.M.S. “Warspite” during the action. Mr Allen has been in charge of the 15” T.S. during the action off Calabria and for three bombardments of shore positions, in all of which he has performed most valuable service.’ George Enos Allen was born at Deptford, London, on 14 September 1894, and joined the Navy directly from school on 24 July 1911, as a Boy 2nd Class in H.M.S. Ganges II. He joined the Gunnery branch and advanced through the rates to become Petty Officer by the end of the Great War, having served throughout the war aboard H.M.S. Emperor of India from October 1914. He passed for Gunner in January 1919 and was promoted to Acting Gunner and transferred to the Officers’ Section on 1 July 1923 and appointed to Excellent. His ability as a gunner is noted throughout by his various Captain’s reports with frequent ‘Above Average’, and ‘Has outstanding technical ability and is of great value to the (G) Dept., but he is not naturally good at imparting his wide knowledge to others. Has exceptional ability and experience of Fire Control - Capt. Crutchley.’ Allen was promoted to Commissioned Gunner on 1 July 1923, and qualified as a ‘Dagger Gunner’ in November 1925, giving him a particular emphasis on director control identified by a dagger suffix to his rank title in the Navy List. In this rank he joined the battleship Warspite under Captain Victor Crutchley in December 1936, whilst she was undergoing a comprehensive refit which included a new fire control system and the addition of two Fairy Swordfish float-planes. Warspite took a very active part in the battles of Narvik in 1940, the gunnery proving to be exceptionally effective. Battle of Calabria Moving to the Mediterranean, now under the overall command of Admiral ‘A.B.C.’ Cunningham, the fleet engaged the Italian fleet at the battle of Calabria on 9 July 1940. During the battle Warspite achieved one of the longest range gunnery hits from a moving ship to a moving target in history, hitting Giulio Cesare at a range of approximately 24 km (26,000 yd), the other being a shot from Scharnhorst which hit Glorious at approximately the same distance in June 1940. Captain Douglas Fisher noted of Allen, ‘An extremely able officer with exceptional technical knowledge who has carried out his duty as officer in charge of Warspite’s 15in. T.S. with marked ability’, recognition, if any were needed, of his success in this action. Battle of Cape Matapan On 27 March 1941, Admiral Cunningham took his fleet to sea, flying his flag in Warspite, to intercept the Italian fleet which had sailed to intercept Allied convoys between Egypt and Greece, in an attempt to support the German invasion of the Balkans. On 28 March the British cruisers encountered the Italian fleet and were forced to turn away by the heavy guns of Vittorio Veneto. To save his cruisers Cunningham ordered an air strike, prompting the Italians to retreat. Subsequent air attacks damaged the battleship and the cruiser Pola, slowing the former and crippling the latter. Vittorio Veneto escaped to the west as dusk fell, but the British pursued through the night, first detecting Pola on radar and then two of her sister ships. Warspite, Valiant, and Barham closed on the unsuspecting Italian ships and, aided by searchlights, destroyed the heavy cruisers Fiume and Zara, and two destroyers at point blank range. Pola was also sunk once her crew had been taken off. Having established by aerial reconnaissance that the rest of the Italian fleet had escaped, Warspite returned to Alexandria on 29 March, surviving air attacks without suffering any casualties. The Battle of Cape Matapan had a paralysing effect on the Italian fleet, providing the Royal Navy with an opportunity to tighten its grip on the Mediterranean theatre. Allen left Warspite in April 1941 and was promoted to Lieutenant (G) on 12 November 1941, receiving his well-earned D.S.C. early in the following year. He spent the remainder of the war on the Staff of Excellent, employed on ‘Dagger’ duties as a gunnery instructor and was placed on the Retired List in February 1948. Sold with copied record of service and recommendation for D.S.C.
A Second War ‘Battle of Cape Matapan’ Immediate D.S.M. group of five awarded to Leading Seaman A. Blaney, Royal Navy, who was killed in action during Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid, on 19 August 1942 Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (SSX. 21349 A. Blaney. A.B. H.M.S. Valiant.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, extremely fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 29 July 1941: ‘For courage, coolness, and devotion to duty in the Battle of Cape Matapan.’ The original Recommendation states: ‘Battle of Cape Matapan. Distinguished service in action with the enemy on 28 March 1941, in connection with the efficient operation of the searchlights.’ Alfred Blaney was born in Birmingham on 1 January 1920 and served during the Second World War as an Able Seaman in H.M.S. Valiant, being awarded an Immediate D.S.M. for his gallantry at the Battle of Cape Matapan. Battle of Cape Matapan On 27 March 1941, Admiral Cunningham took his fleet to sea, flying his flag in Warspite, to intercept the Italian fleet which had sailed to intercept Allied convoys between Egypt and Greece, in an attempt to support the German invasion of the Balkans. On 28 March the British cruisers encountered the Italian fleet and were forced to turn away by the heavy guns of Vittorio Veneto. To save his cruisers Cunningham ordered an air strike, prompting the Italians to retreat. Subsequent air attacks damaged the battleship and the cruiser Pola, slowing the former and crippling the latter. Vittorio Veneto escaped to the west as dusk fell, but the British pursued through the night, first detecting Pola on radar and then two of her sister ships. Warspite, Valiant, and Barham closed on the unsuspecting Italian ships and, aided by searchlights, destroyed the heavy cruisers Fiume and Zara, and two destroyers at point blank range. Pola was also sunk once her crew had been taken off. Having established by aerial reconnaissance that the rest of the Italian fleet had escaped, Warspite returned to Alexandria on 29 March, surviving air attacks without suffering any casualties. The Battle of Cape Matapan had a paralysing effect on the Italian fleet, providing the Royal Navy with an opportunity to tighten its grip on the Mediterranean theatre. Advanced Leading Seaman, Blaney was subsequently borne on the books of H.M.S. Dinosaur, and was killed in action during Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid, on 19 August 1942. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Six: Able Seaman C. G. Coe, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Warspite at the Battles of Narvick and Cape Matapan 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (6) £100-£140 --- Colin George Coe was born at Tendring, Essex, on 1 March 1921, and joined the Royal Navy on 25 October 1938. Posted to H.M.S. Warspite on 28 September 1939, he was promoted Able Seaman on 1 February 1940, and was present in her during the Battles of Narvick and Cape Matapan. He saw further service in H.M.S. Resolution from 23 August to 13 October 1941, and in H.M.S. Bonadventure from 26 January to 2 December 1943. He was released Class ‘A’ on 7 May 1946, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. Sold with the recipient’s original Parchment Certificate of Service; Gunnery History Sheet; Admiralty enclosure; a postcard photograph of the recipient’ various photographs of H.M.S. Warspite; various passes and permits; and other ephemera.
A good Second World War B.E.M. group of six awarded to Senior Commissioned Ordnance Engineer E. W. T. Sainsbury, Royal Navy, who was mentioned in despatches for his services in H.M.S. Norfolk during the sinking of the Bismarck British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (C.O.A. Edwin W. T. Sainsbury, D./M. 37652 R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (M. 37652 E. W. T. Sainsbury, C.O.A. 2, H.M.S. Apollo) good very fine and better (6) £600-£800 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1943. M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1942. Edwin William Thomas Sainsbury was born at Queenstown, Co. Cork in June 1900 and entered the Royal Navy as an Ordnance Artificer 4th Class in August 1923. Advanced to Ordnance Artificer 3rd Class in H.M.S. Thunderer in August 1926, his inter-war seagoing appointments also included the monitor Erebus, the battleship Rodney and the cruiser Apollo, aboard which latter ship, as an Ordnance Artificer 2nd Class, he was awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in July 1938. His subsequent wartime awards of the B.E.M. and a mention in despatches were in respect of services in the cruiser Norfolk, the latter more particularly for his part in the Bismarck action (Home Fleet Honours List, refers). The Norfolk’s role throughout the pursuit of the Bismarck was a significant one and she came under the Bismarck’s direct fire on at least one - hair-raising - occasion. Ludovic Kennedy’s Pursuit takes up the story: ‘Norfolk, meanwhile, fifteen miles away inside the fog, had picked up the first of Suffolk’s signals: her Captain Alfred Phillips was in his sea-cabin eating cheese on toast when the Yeoman of Signals burst in with the news. Phillips at once increased speed and steered for the open water, but in his eagerness not to lose touch, he misjudged the direction, and emerged from the fog to find Bismarck only six miles ahead, coming straight at him. This time there was no doubting her readiness. As Norfolk swung to starboard to get back to the safety of the fog, Bismarck’s guns roared in anger for the first time. On the Norfolk’s bridge they saw the ripple of the orange flashes and brown puffs of cordite smoke, heard the scream of the shells - a sound which some have likened to the tearing of linen and others to the approach of an express train. Admiral Wake-Walker saw the sea to starboard pocked with shell splinters, observed one complete burnished shell bounce off the water fifty yards away, ricochet over the bridge. Great columns of milk-white water rose in the air, two hundred feet high. Five salvoes in all Bismarck fired before Norfolk regained the mist: some straddled, and splinters came aboard; but there were no casualties or hits.’ The 8-inch guns of Norfolk, alongside the heavier armaments of the Rodney and King George V, subsequently contributed to the final bombardment of the Bismarck and, as the Dorsetshire’s torpedoes delivered the coup-de-grâce, so ended one of the greatest threats ever placed upon allied convoys in the North Sea. Sainsbury undoubtedly remained actively employed in the Norfolk during her subsequent service on the Arctic run 1941-43, including the ill-fated P.Q. 17 operation. Advanced to Warrant Ordnance Officer in May 1943, he was still serving at the time of his death at Drake on 14 November 1954, by which stage he had been promoted to Senior Commissioned Ordnance Engineer. He was buried in Weston Military Cemetery, Plymouth. Sold with a file of copied research.
Seven: Chief Petty Officer Air Mechanic H. Wilkinson, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Ark Royal during the sinking of the Bismarck, and later survived the sinking of H.M.S. Ark Royal off Gibraltar in November 1941 Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1936-1939 (FX.76888 H. Wilkinson. A.B. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Malta George Cross 50th Anniversary Medal 1992, unnamed as issued, nearly extremely fine (7) £200-£240 --- Harold Wilkinson was born in St. Helens, Lancashire, on 1 April 1913 and joined the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman on 21 March 1933. He served in H.M.S. Boreas from 18 October 1933 to 21 September 1936, being advanced Able Seaman on 21 August 1934, and it was in this ship that he qualified for the Naval General Service medal with the pre-War Palestine clasp. Appointed Air Mechanic First Class on 1 April 1940, he served during the Second World War in H.M.S. Ark Royal from 19 July 1940, and was present in her, as a Leading Air Mechanic, during the pursuit and sinking of the Bismarck. Wilkinson was still serving in Ark Royal when she was hit by a torpedo fired by the German submarine U-81 when returning from Malta to Gibraltar as part of the convoy Force H on 13 November 1941 - the crew of the Ark Royal were safely taken off before she sank the following day and miraculously, out of a total complement of 1,488, only one man was killed. Wilkinson served for the rest of the War borne on the books of various Royal Naval Air Stations, and was advanced Chief Petty Officer Air Mechanic on 1 June 1945, prior to being shore released, Class ‘A’, on 1 December 1945. Sold with original parchment certificate of service; Admiralty enclosure; and copied research.
Seven: Stoker First Class E. C. Foster, Royal Navy, late Royal Fusiliers, who was killed in action on 1 June 1941 during the evacuation of Crete British War and Victory Medals (1910 Pte. E. C. Foster. R. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, these unnamed; Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (SS.119958 (Ch.B.18521) E. C. Foster. Sto. 1, R.F.R.) mounted for wear, fine and better (7) £180-£220 --- Edward Charles Foster was born in Marylebone, London on 12 March 1899 and served in the Royal Fusiliers and Machine Gun Corps during the Great War. In December 1919 he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker and served until 1924. Thereafter he served in the Royal Fleet Reserve. Recalled to duty in the Second World War, Stoker First Class Foster was killed in action during the evacuation of Crete when serving on the anti-aircraft cruiser H.M.S. Calcutta on 1 June 1941. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
A Second War 1942 Malta ‘Immediate’ D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Stoker Petty Officer A. A. Gill, Royal Navy, for his gallantry during the bombing and sinking of H.M.S. Maori in the Grand Harbour, Valetta, on 12 February 1942 Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (K.63381 A.A. Gill S.P.O.); 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (K.63381 A. A. Gill. S.P.O. H.M.S. Defiance.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (7) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 12 May 1942. The original Recommendation, dated 20 February 1942, states: ‘When His Majesty’s Ship Maori was hit by a bomb at about 0115 on 12 February 1942, this rating was in charge of one of the Fire Parties under Chief Stoker Worrall. He showed great determination and courage in his efforts to check the spread of fire. When it became evident that further efforts in this direction were useless, he assisted in the shutting of water-tight doors and the lowering of boats. He was one of the last to leave the ship. He conducted himself throughout with exceptional zeal and devotion to duty and showed no regard for his personal safety when in great danger of being hit by splinters from exploding ready-use ammunition, thereby setting a fine example in accordance with the highest traditions of the Service.’ H.M.S. Maori (destroyer) served during the Second World War as part of the Mediterranean Fleet; she had been earlier involved in the pursuit and destruction of the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941, and served with the 14th Destroyer Flotilla during the Battle of Cape Bon in December 1941. The Maori (Commander R. E. Courage, RN) was attacked by German aircraft and sank at her moorings in the Malta Grand Harbour on 12 February 1942; the commanding officer’s report adding the following: ‘H.M.S. Maori, while lying at No. 3 Buoy, Grand Harbour, was hit by a bomb in the Engine Room and Gearing Room... The attack was unexpected as the aircraft was not engaged by any ship or shore battery, with the result that nearly all the Officers and Ship’s Company were asleep at the time. A large fire developed rapidly in the vicinity of the Gearing Room, separating the Officers, who were all in the after part of the ship, from the Ship’s Company; and this fire grew and spread to the ready use ammunition lockers on the after superstructure, causing continuous explosions with flying splinters as round after round of ammunition exploded. Finally, a large explosion took place, probably caused by the Depth Charges in the War Head Magazine... The fact that the Officers were aft and the Ships Company forward, threw the responsibility of initiating the fighting of the fire onto the senior ratings. Chief Stoker C. J. Worrall... and Stoker Petty Officer A. Gill... showed outstanding efficiency and zeal and courage in organising and carrying out this duty.’ Miraculously, despite the loss of the ship, only one of the crew was killed. Maori was raised and scuttled off Malta on 15 July 1945; located a few hundred metres off the shore of Valletta, she is now a popular dive site. Sold with a contemporary H.M.S. Maori Christmas Card, inscribed ‘To My Darling Wife, Your Loving Hubby, with the Seasons Compliments, xxx’; and copied research.
A Second War O.B.E. group of seven awarded to Commander H. S. Pugh, Royal Navy, for services in H.M.S. Rodney 1942-43, including escorting the Operation Pedestal convoy to Malta in August 1942 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, gilt mostly worn off; British War and Victory Medals (Mid. H. S. Pugh. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, nearly very fine (7) £300-£400 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1944: ‘Commander (Retd.) Hugh Smith Pugh, H.M.S. Rodney.’ Hugh Smith Pugh was appointed Midshipman in the Royal Navy on 1 February 1918, and joined H.M.S. Monarch later the same month. He was promoted Sub-Lieutenant in July 1919, Lieutenant in February 1921, and Lieutenant-Commander in February 1929. He retired at his own request on 23 December 1930, but was recalled in 1939 and appointed as Commander (Retd.) to H.M.S. Hawkins, 3 October 1939; to Rodney, 7 January 1942; to Vulture, 16 December 1943; and to Warren, 16 January 1945.
A rare Second War ‘Malta’ B.E.M. group of seven awarded to Leading Stoker H. E. Sutton, Royal Navy British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Ldg. Stoker Henry E. Sutton, C/KX. 116593) minor official correction to number; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, generally very fine or better (7) £400-£500 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 16 June 1942: ‘For bravery in the rescue of two buried persons in an air raid on Malta.’ Henry Edward Sutton was decorated for the above deeds on 1 March 1942, most probably whilst borne on the books of the Malta base H.M.S. St. Angelo - the fort suffered nearly 70 direct hits during the period 1940-43.
Eight: Warrant Mechanician F. G. Hall, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Nigeria including when damaged by a torpedo escorting the Operation Pedestal convoy to Malta in August 1942 British War and Victory Medals (K.27996 F. G. Hall. Sto. 1, R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Jubilee 1935, these unnamed; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (K.27996 F. G. Hall. Mech., H.M.S. Pembroke) mounted as worn, good very fine and better (8) £200-£240 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1942. Frederick George Hall was born in Bermondsey, London on 2 September 1897. Employed as a Locomotive Fireman, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 6 September 1915. Serving on the destroyer Fairy, January 1916-June 1917, he was advanced to Stoker 1st Class in September 1916. Promoted to Leading Stoker in September 1920, Stoker Petty Officer in November 1922, Mechanician in August 1926 and Chief Mechanician 2nd Class in March 1933. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. in November 1930. During the Second World War Hall served in the cruiser Nigeria, August 1940-July 1943, including when damaged by a torpedo on 12 August 1942 when escorting the Operation Pedestal convoy to Malta. For his services aboard Nigeria he was mentioned in despatches in the New Years Honours of 1942. In February 1944 he was promoted Temporary Acting Warrant Mechanician. With original Certificate of Service; letter appointing him Temporary Acting Warrant Mechanician, dated 12 February 1944; slip confirming service at that rank at H.M.S. Pembroke, February 1944-February 1945; and three photographs.
A rare Second War escaper’s group of six awarded to Able Seaman G. V. Wilson, Royal Navy: captured on the occasion of the loss of the destroyer H.M.S. Bedouin on the Malta run in June 1942, he ‘jumped ship’ on being entrained for Germany from Italy in September 1943 and reached Allied lines some three months later - in a subsequent letter to his counterpart in Naval Intelligence, the Deputy Director of Military Intelligence recommended this gallant rating for mention in despatches 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Naval General Service 1915-62, 2 clasps, S.E. Asia 1945-46, Malaya (C/JX. 158999 G. Wilson, A.B., R.N.), good very fine and better (6) £800-£1,000 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 30 May 1944: ‘For enterprise and devotion to duty.’ The following information has been taken from a letter written by the Deputy Director of Military Intelligence, addressed to his naval counterpart at the Admiralty and dated 26 March 1944: ‘Able Seaman Wilson was captured off Pantelleria on 15 June 1942. He was sent via Pantelleria and Castelvetrano to Campo 52 (Chiavari). This camp was taken over by the Germans after the Armistice and on 12 September 1943, the prisoners of war were entrained for Germany. In Wilson’s cattle truck the prisoners worked all day and finally managed to force an opening. They then got out of the truck and jumped off the train - Wilson made his way South and finally met Allied troops at S. Vincenzo on 16 December 1943.’ The Deputy Director of Military Intelligence closed his letter with the following observation: ‘Had this man been in the Army, D.M.I. would have forwarded to the Military Secretary a recommendation for the award of a Mention in view of his brave conduct.’ George Vitty Wilson was born in Hartlepool, Durham in July 1922. In which year he joined the Royal Navy remains unknown, but he may have witnessed active service in H.M.S. Bedouin off Norway in 1940-41. Certainly he was among the ship’s complement by the time of the ship’s deployment to the Mediterranean in June 1942. Of her subsequent loss, the following account has been taken from Hocking’s Dictionary of Disasters at Sea in the Age of Steam: ‘The destroyer Bedouin, Commander B. G. Scurfield, was leader of a small flotilla which formed part of a force escorting a convoy to Malta in June 1942. The force, which had left Britain on the 5th, was known as the “Harpoon Convoy”. On the 15th, when about 30 miles S. of Pantelleria, British aircraft reported the presence of two Italian cruisers and five destroyers some 15 miles to the northward. The Bedouin and her flotilla were despatched to engage this force which was superior to them, both in number and gun power. The action began at 6.45 a.m., the 6-inch guns of the Italian cruisers outranging the lighter weapons of the British destroyers. The Bedouin and Partridge were hit and badly damaged, but the three remaining destroyers managed to get within range and scored three direct hits on an Italian destroyer. Meanwhile the light cruiser Cairo, 4.220 tons, five 6-inch guns, with four ‘Hunt-class’ destroyers had joined in the action and forced the Italians to turn away. This engagement, though very brief, deprived the convoy of its naval escort, and during this time it suffered a succession of bombing attacks in which two merchantmen were sunk. The Bedouin was taken in tow by the Partridge, but, as both ships were disabled, their progress was slow. Later the Italian squadron returned and the Partridge was compelled to cast off the two and the Bedouin was left to face both warships and torpedo bombers. She was hit by an aerial torpedo and sank at 2.45 p.m.’ The torpedo hit Bedouin’s engine room, blasting clear through the ship. She immediately rolled over to port and sank with a loss of 28 men. At dusk, an Italian floatplane and an Italian hospital ship picked up 213 survivors, Wilson among them. Following his gallant escape - and release from the Royal Navy - Wilson returned to Hartlepool and was employed as a Millwright. He died there in December 2004. Sold with copied research.
A Second War ‘D.E.M.S. Operations - Russian Convoy PQ 16’ D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Acting Petty Officer H. Tomlinson, Royal Navy Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (P/JX.200147 H. Tomlinson. A/L. Smn.) on original mounting pin; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Medal for the 40th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1945-85, edge bruise to first, otherwise extremely fine (8) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 10 November 1942: ‘For bravery while serving in defensively equipped Merchant Ships on North Russian Convoys.’ Harry Tomlinson, a native of Coventry, was employed prior to the Second World War at the Renold and Coventry Chain Co. Ltd. He served during the Second Wold War in defensively equipped merchant ships, and was awarded the D.S.M. for his services in S.S. Empire Selwyn, which formed part of the famous PQ 16 Russian Convoy in May 1942. Advanced Acting Petty Officer, he was invested with his D.S.M. on 16 March 1943. Sold with various original documents including an Order to report to Buckingham Palace to be awarded the D.S.M., dated 11 March 1943; card of issue for the Soviet award; War Gratuity forms; card box of issue for the campaign awards; H.M.S. Excellent naval cap tally; and other ephemera.
A fine post-War ‘Royal Visit to South Africa 1947’, B.E.M. group of nine awarded to Quartermaster-Sergeant A. Rendell, Royal Marines, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War whilst serving in H.M.S. Sikh during Operation Agreement, the disastrous raid on Tobruk on the night of 13-14 September 1942 Royal Victorian Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, silver, unnamed as issued; British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (Q.M.S. Albert Rendell, Ply.X.1448, R.M.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Ply.X.1448 A. Rendell. Q.M.S. R.M.), mounted court-style for display, minor edge bruise to last, otherwise good very fine and an unusual combination (9) £800-£1,000 --- R.V.M. A.F.O. 2392/47. Awarded for the Royal Tour to South Africa in H.M.S. Vanguard, Medal presented 25 June 1947. B.E.M. London Gazette 13 June 1957. Arthur Rendell was born in Wolverhampton on 23 November 1917 and enlisted into the Royal Marines in November 1935. He was promoted Corporal on 21 January 1937 and Sergeant (Temporary) on 22 August 1941. ‘Massacre at Tobruk’
The objective of Operation “Agreement”, the raid on Tobruk, was to gain control of the harbour and to demolish the installations of a port which saved the Germans 260 miles of road transport. Prepared in the greatest secrecy - and timed to coincide with land operations undertaken by the Long Range Desert Group - the main thrust of the assault fell to the men of the 11th Battalion, Royal Marines, all of whom were embarked in H.M.S. Zulu and her fellow Tribal-class consort H.M.S. Sikh at Haifa. They had in addition attached elements from the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers - both ships had Italian red and white diagonal identification stripes painted on their fo’c’sles, in addition to other minor modifications to try and confuse the enemy, but in the event such alterations proved utterly ineffective. Having then received a good luck signal from Winston Churchill, Zulu and Sikh escorted by the cruiser H.M.S. Coventry - also sunk in the raid - and two Hunt-class destroyers (Croome and Hursley), made their way towards Tobruk for “zero hour” on the night of the 13-14 September 1942 and, on nearing their destination, broke away from their escort and steamed due west at top speed until, at midnight, they altered course and turned south for the final run-in. At this moment, 60 R.A.F. Wellingtons began a three hours’ bombardment of the town and at 2 a.m. the code word was received, indicating that the L.R.D.G. had taken a coastal battery at the mouth of the harbour, thereby setting in motion the lowering of the first wave of assault craft from Sikh and Zulu. As it transpired, these were the only Marines disembarked, for the ferocity of the enemy’s response by shore battery and small-arms was immense - in fact fewer than 100 Marines survived the terrible passage from ship to shore where, after numerous acts of gallantry, the survivors were taken prisoner. Meanwhile, in their attempt to close the shore and try and rescue assorted men in heavily damaged assault craft, Sikh was caught in enemy searchlights and swept by a heavy fire, so much so that she was eventually stopped dead in the water, her guns and engines out of action. Rendell was in the water by this time. Zulu fared little better, taking three or four hits, but nonetheless made a bold attempt to get the seriously damaged Sikh in tow. Owing to the scale of the enemy’s fire, however, Commander White was compelled to abandon the task and sheer off for Alexandria, but not before closing with the shore to lay a smokescreen: not long afterwards the Sikh went down with the loss of two officers and 20 ratings. Rendell’s own account of the action, as given to a subsequent court of inquiry, states: 'I was a 3" Mortar Platoon Commander of the 11 Battalion. I was in A.2 dumb lighter in the 1st Flight which left the ship and formed up at 0345hrs approximately. There was a heavy sea running and approximately ten minutes later [we] parted. Contact was lost with A.1 owing to the sea and darkness and A.3 was cast off so that we could use our paddles. At 0415hrs, shore searchlights started to sweep the sea and passed over us many times. Shortly afterwards, shore batteries opened fire, presumably at H.M.S. Sikh which had been illuminated many times. About 0445hrs, Sikh came between us and the shore and at approximately 0500hrs she was seen to be hit aft.
About 0510hrs Sikh hailed us to come alongside as she was waiting for us. Approximately 0520 we came alongside Sikh which immediately got underway. An officer and 2 men were left in the boat and were picked up later by the Italians. Sikh's engines had now seized up.
At approximately 0610hrs the order was passed to place scuttling charges and destroy R.D. gear instantly. I passed the order on the men's deck to mount all automatic weapons on the upper deck for A.A. This order was carried out efficiently. Shortly afterwards, Sikh was hit and caught fire on the for'ard and men's deck. Many men were killed and badly burned.
At 0710hrs the order 'Abandon Ship' was passed. The ship was being hit very frequently by this time.
At approximately 1100hrs I was picked up by a German 'E' Boat.' Rendell was taken aboard and taken Prisoner of War. He was eventually returned via a prisoner exchange with the Italians on 21 March 1943. In October that year he was asked to present his experiences to fellow Marines:
'At 0720 the abandoned ship started to list to starboard - it was hopeless. The Captain was the last man to leave - 20 minutes after we had gone. We took everyone we could, even those who had been burnt though the salt water did not do them much good and many died. The enemy continued to shell us until 0920hrs even after the ship had gone. I saw a Carley Float which received a direct hit and it just disappeared. I had a shell very near me - about 5 yards away - which exploded and I felt as if somebody had hit me below the belt. After the ship had disappeared the Italian Air Force put in its appearance and began to machine-gun us in the water. About 11 o'clock having been in the water since 7.20 some E Boats started to leave Tobruk and came towards us. We were picked up. Warnings about security and other orders were shouted in the water. It was just the same when the Bismark was sunk. The only thing we can say is 'I cannot say'. I was hooked up by my shorts and hoisted on board and left to dry out on the quarter deck of an E Boat. I was with all the other fellows, one being a Lieutenant who was hit in the head - a piece of skull was missing - and then he was babbling away, therefore people started to sing so that the Germans could not hear him if he said anything secret. One of my opposite numbers took his shirt off and put it over the German Ensign - a very unwise thing to do. It was not over there for long, however.' Having seen further service in Burma, Rendell was appointed to H.M.S. Vanguard for the Royal Visit to South Africa in 1947 and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 9 December 1950. His B.E.M. was awarded for his services at the Royal Marines Initial Training Centre, and he was presented with his B.E.M. by Major-General Fellowes on 16 October 1957. He finally retired to Exmouth on 25 November 1962. Sold with a copy of the book ‘Massacre at Tobruk’, by Peter C. Smith; and extensive copied research.
Four: Able Seaman R. N. Cain, Royal Navy, killed when H.M.S. Curacao collided with the R.M.S. Queen Mary whilst escorting her to the Clyde, 2 October 1942 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Admiralty enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. E. M. Byrne, 90 Beacon Road, Luton, Chatham, Kent’; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue (J.78777 R. N. Cain. A.B. H.M.S. Cairo.) light contact marks to last, otherwise nearly extremely fine (4) £200-£240 --- Reginald Norman Cain was born in 1902 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in 1917. He served during the Great War in home waters in the battleships H.M.S. Impregnable and Royal Oak, and received a War gratuity. Advanced to Able Seaman, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct medal in June 1936, and served in this rate during the Second World War in H.M.S. Curacoa. In September 1942 Curacoa was deployed with the Western Approaches Command at Belfast, to escort convoys in the N.W. Approaches and the Irish Sea. On 2 October 1942 the escort group was tasked to escort R.M.S. Queen Mary on the final stage of a trans-Atlantic passage. The famous Cunard liner, built on the Clyde in the 1930s, displaced 81,125 tons and was the greatest and most luxurious of the pre-war liners. On her maiden voyage she won the ‘Blue Riband’ for the fastest Atlantic crossing. On the outbreak of war she had become a troopship, carrying an entire division (15,000 men) at a time and often steamed without an escort, relying on her great speed for protection. On 27 September 1942 Queen Mary left New York bound for the Clyde, carrying about 15,000 U.S. servicemen. By the morning of 2 October she was some 40 miles north of Tory Island, off the northern coast of Ireland. Just after 7 a.m. the bridge watch sighted Curacao, which signalled that she would take up station five miles ahead, while six destroyers assumed flanking positions a few miles on either side of the liner. For the next five hours the convoy moved steadily towards Scotland, all hands scanning the clear skies for German aircraft. A stiff wind from the north-east was making life difficult for the destroyers racing about in search of U-Boats, but the Queen Mary steamed on majestically, untroubled by the choppy seas. Though the Cunarder was steering a zig-zag course her great speed allowed her gradually to overtake the slower cruiser, and by two o’clock in the afternoon Curacao was only a few hundred yards off the liner’s bow. The Queen Mary’s officer of the watch was increasingly concerned about the Curacao’s proximity and ordered the helmsman to turn slightly away. However, at the same time the cruiser turned even closer to the liner. Queen Mary’s helmsman made a last-ditch attempt to avoid disaster and turned hard-a-port, and for a moment it looked as if the manoeuvre might work. However, the liner’s massive stem struck the Curacao eleven feet forward of her stern at an acute angle, spun the warship round and sliced through her. Staff Captain Grattidge, resting in his cabin, felt a jolt that at first he thought was the near miss of a bomb. But when he reached the bridge he saw, ‘150 feet from the bridge on the port side, almost smothered in awesome clouds of black smoke ... the forepart of a vessel going down. Running to starboard I could see the after end of the same vessel, trembling to settle beneath the waves.’ Both sections of the Curacao were on fire and began to sink. The escorting destroyers raced to the scene but were only able to rescue 101 survivors. Queen Mary herself was under strict orders not to stop for any reason and steamed on. However, her bows had been stoved in below the water line and she had to reduce speed to 10 knots. She arrived safely at Gourock on the morning of 3 October. News of this disaster was blacked out and the loss of Curacao was not publicly announced until 1945, when a formal court of enquiry was convened to examine the cause of the accident. After almost four years of protracted litigation which went to the House of Lords it was held that Curacao was two thirds responsible for the collision and Queen Mary, one third. In total 338 Officers and crew lost their lives when the Curacoa was sunk, including Cain. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial. Medals issued to the recipient’s widow, Eleanor Mary Cain, who had subsequently remarried.
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