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The Highly Emotive Edward Medal for Mines to Workman T. Birkett, Who Helped With the Attempted Rescue of Miners Trapped by a Terrible Fire in the Wellington Pit, Whitehaven, 11.5.1910; Of the Original Shift of 143 Miners Only 7 Survived Edward Medal (Mines), E.VII.R., bronze (Thomas Birkett), nearly extremely fine E.M. London Gazette 11.2.1911 Thomas Birkett, Workman `On account of conspicuous bravery in connection with the attempt made to rescue their fellow workmen at the Wellington Pit, Whitehaven, on the 11th of May, 1910.` The original citation, London Gazette 22.7.1910, states: `On the 11th May, 1910, a terrible fire occurred in the Wellington Pit, Whitehaven, at a point about 4,500 yards from the shafts. Various rescue parties, with great courage and self-devotion and at considerable risk, descended the mine and endeavoured to extinguish the fire and penetrate to the persons in the workings beyond the same. Thorne and Littlewood, fitted with breathing apparatus, reached within a distance of 150 yards of the fire, but were driven back by the great heat and effusion of gases. The others got to within about 300 yards of the fire, working in the smoke backing from the fire. It was found impossible to penetrate to the scene of the fire or to rescue any of the entombed miners. Had an explosion occurred - a by no means unlikely eventuality, seeing that the mine is a very gassy one - they would undoubtedly all have been killed. Special gallantry was shown by John Henry Thorne, to whom the Edward Medal of the First Class has already been awarded, and by James Littlewood.` For this action John Henry Thorne and James Littlewood were awarded silver Edward Medals (the award to Thorne being a Second Award bar); and 64 men, including Graham, were awarded bronze Edward Medals, the greatest number of Edward Medals ever to be given for one incident. The Wellington Pit Disaster `The first indication something was wrong reached the shaft top about eight o`clock on the evening of Wednesday, 11th May, 1910. An exploration party was dispatched down the shaft and news quickly spread around the town. A large party of police was almost immediately on the spot but there was no issue of keeping order – the huge crowds, which soon grew to thousands, stood quietly on the clear, starlit night. A terrible explosion involving a large loss of life was feared. An entire shift of men, numbering 143, had entered the mine the previous evening. Only seven had managed to escape immediately after the explosion, leaving 136 men still unaccounted for. Right through the night and all the next day, rescue parties were at work trying to reach the workings where the missing men were entombed, but it was extremely difficult, the atmosphere dense. Some of the timbering in the mine was on fire while the only means of ventilating the portion of the pit where the men were trapped was entirely cut off. At the pithead there were heart-rending scenes. Women, with children, in pain and anxiety waited for news of their loved ones. Many of them stayed at the pithead all night and the whole of the following day refusing to leave for rest or refreshment and a number collapsed, worn out by their vigil. As the day wore on and successive rescue parties reported the stupendous difficulties underground, hopes of saving the imprisoned men diminished and the distress of the crowd grew more acute. The demonstration of grief was extreme. Weeping women and children would not leave as it became extremely doubtful any further lives would be saved. The mine was on fire, many fire extinguishers and other fire appliances had been sent to the scene. In Whitehaven itself business was at a standstill. The fishermen and dock labourers all volunteered any assistance they could render. And a large number of doctors and nurses had mustered waiting to give aid. The police were engaged keeping the crowd from surging on to the pit shaft. Mr. J.B. Atkinson, H.M. Chief Inspector of Mines for the Northern District, arrived at four o`clock in the afternoon, accompanied by Mr. H.A. Abbott, Inspector of Mines for the North-Eastern District, and they were briefed on the situation. They both then descended the shaft to inspect the progress that had been made. The fire by now had taken hold at the friction gear. With the risk to the rescue teams and the possibility of a further explosion, Mr. Atkinson ordered the mine be cleared of all men. He stated it would be impossible for anyone to be alive on the other side of the fire and ordered every man to proceed to the surface. Some of the rescue party, concerned for trapped men, needed to be forcibly dragged away. A conference was held at the pit top at nine o`clock that Thursday evening between the Inspectors and Colliery Officials. It was decided to wait until special rescue teams arrived from Armstrong Whitworth and Co. at Elswick, and The Sheffield Mining Company. The teams arrived around eleven o`clock that evening and proceeded to enter the shaft with their special breathing apparatus. The Sheffield men, John Thorne and James Littlewood, were well known in mining circles as the two most experienced men available. The party descended the shaft at 11:25pm, accompanied by the Inspectors, Colliery officials, and a party of the best miners that they could find. On reaching the bottom, they walked for just under three miles before stopping to set their equipment. Thorne and Littlewood then set off on their own in an attempt to pass the fire and get into the workings beyond, to check the air there. After battling ahead for 170 yards the smoke was so thick that they could not see their torches. Thorne, who led, with Littlewood a few steps behind, tripped over some fallen telegraph wires which were so hot they badly burned his legs. On reaching the brattice cloth, he put his hand around the side and described it "like putting your hand inside an oven". They could hear the crackling of the fire but could see nothing for the smoke. The heat was so intense that the soldered name plates on the helmets were melted and caused a blister on each of the men`s faces. Reluctantly, they decided to turn back after twenty minutes, no longer able to stand the heat and fearing for another explosion. On arrival back at the shaft top, it was realised that nothing further could be done for the trapped men. Mr. Atkinson made the decision to build a two foot thick stopping in the main passageway in an attempt to starve the oxygen of fire. This was achieved by Friday morning. On Friday morning a large congregation of around 3,000 miners assembled in the Market Place demanding to be allowed to continue the search for their trapped comrades. A telegram had already been sent, by the miners, to the Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, asking for such permission. On Sunday morning, a party of seven entered the mine hoping to reach the seat of the fire by the return airway. About one and a half miles in, the doors separating the intake from the outtake were opened and four men entered with breathing apparatus. Mr. Steel, the Mine Manager; Mr. Blair, the Assistant Manager; Mr. Henry, the Under Manager; and John Thorne had travelled about 190 yards when their canary fell from its perch. Further on, their safety lamps went out. Undaunted, they continued over many falls until the heat was 85 degrees Fahrenheit and they could no longer see their electric lamps for the smoke. They had reached a point 500 yards beyond the stopping in the intake and within 400 yards of the fire. They reluctantly came to the decision that no one could make it past the fire and all beyond must be long since dead. It was decided to build another stopping in the return and a further stopping in the intake as the only possible course to put the fire out. View Terms & Conditions

The Unique and Historically Important K.C.H. and Five Clasp Naval General Service Medal Group to Rear Admiral of the Blue Sir Thomas Ussher [C.B.], Royal Navy; A Master Exponent of Both the Boat Action and the Broadside, He Always Led from the Front Even when on Crutches. Seriously Wounded Several Times, `Equivalent to the Loss of a Limb`, And Taken Prisoner of War, He was a Daring Officer who Reconnoitred The Entire French Fleet in Brest Harbour on His Own Initiative- Entering the Harbour in a Gig under the Cover of Darkness He Obtained Exact Intelligence on the Disposition of the Enemy Fleet and was Only Discovered when His 4-Oared Vessel was Abreast of the French Admiral`s Ship: Ussher Made Good His Escape from 3 Boats and 11 Pursuing Gun-Brigs. Whilst In Command of the Redwing He Obliterated 7 Spanish Vessels With a Broadside Delivered at Pistol Shot Range Off Cape Trafalgar, 7.5.1808; He Captured Almuñecar Castle With The Aide of Spanish Partisans, Before Being Given the Honour of Conveying Napoleon in H.M.S. Undaunted to Start His Exile on Elba, 1813 a) The Royal Guelphic Order, Military Division, Knight Commander`s (K.C.H.) set of Insignia, by Rundell, Bridge, and Rundell, London, neck Badge, 87mm including crown and crossed swords suspension x 58mm, gold and enamel, Hallmarks for London on suspension ring; Star, 78mm, silver, gold, and enamel, the reverse engraved `Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. Jewellers to Their Majesties & Royal Family, London`, with gold retaining pin, very minor green enamel damage b) Naval General Service 1793-1840, five clasps, 1 June 1794, Redwing 7 May 1808, Redwing 31 May 1808, Malaga 29 April 1812, 2 May Boat Service 1813 (Thos. Ussher, Capt. R.N.), last lightly lacquered, nearly extremely fine (3) Thomas Ussher served as Midshipman in H.M.S. Invincible for the Fleet action that became known as `The Glorious First of June.` A total of seven Large Naval Gold Medals and 15 Small Naval Gold Medals were awarded for this action; Ussher served as Commander in H.M.S. Redwing (brig), when under his command she captured or destroyed a convoy of 12 Spanish merchant vessels escorted by seven armed vessels (including the schooners Diligente and Boreas), 35 miles off Cape Trafalgar, Spain, 7.5.1808. During this spirited action the 18-gun Redwing got within point blank shot of the enemy. The seven Spanish escorts formed in close line and advanced with the intention of boarding. Ussher, however, brought his guns to bear with such devastating effect that within two hours only two of the armed vessels remained afloat. Both schooners turned over and were lost with all hands, a number of gunboats ran ashore and four merchant ships, in their attempts to scatter, were sunk by the Redwing; Ussher served as the same rank and in the same vessel for the capture of two Spanish vessels, and the destruction of a third in the Bay of Bolonia, near Cape Trafalgar, and the silencing of a gun battery, 31.5.1808. The Redwing chased a mistico and two feluccas into the Bay of Bolonia, which took shelter under a gun battery of six long 24-pounders. Ussher landed with a party of 40 seamen armed with pikes, stormed the battery area, spiked the guns and destroyed the magazine. The mistico was then destroyed and the two feluccas brought out. For this and several earlier actions Ussher was advanced to post rank; Ussher served as Captain in H.M.S. Hyacinth, and officer commanding of a small squadron, for the capture of the French privateers Brave and Napoleon, lying within the mole of Malaga, Spain, 29.4.1812. The squadron consisted of the Hyacinth, Goshawk (Commander James Lilburne), the gun-brig Resolute (Lieutenant John Keenan) and No. 16 gunboat (Lieutenant Thomas Cull). British merchant shipping had consistently come under attack by several fast rowing French privateers under the command of a Chief named Barbastro. Unable to flush the privateers out of the mole, Ussher decided to attack them in port by employing boats. Despite the harbour entrance being defended by a 15-gun battery and being overlooked by a castle Ussher pressed on with his attack - taking the lead boat himself. Lieutenant Hustings carried the mole-head battery, whilst Commander Lilburne with the gunboat and other boats boarded and captured the enemy rowboats. Guns from the castle opened up on the attackers and French infantry entered the mole-head battery just as Captain Ussher left after spiking the guns. British losses were Commander Lilburne and 14 men killed and 53 officers and men wounded; Ussher served as Captain in H.M.S. Undaunted, when the marines from the Repulse, Volontaire, and Undaunted, under Captain Michael Ennis R.M., were landed and destroyed some newly erected works near Morgiou, Toulon, while the boats from the same ships, under the command of Lieutenant Isaac Shaw of the Volontaire, covered by the launches and H.M.S. Redwing, brought out six laden merchant vessels, 2.5.1813. Approximately 7 `Redwing 7 May 1808` clasps issued Approximately 5 `Redwing 31 May 1808` clasps issued Approximately 17 `Malaga 29 April 1812` clasps issued Approximately 48 `2 May Boat Service 1813` clasps issued Rear Admiral of the Blue Sir Thomas Ussher, C.B., K.C.H. (1779-1848), son of the Reverend Henry Ussher, a Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin and first Astronomer Royal of Ireland; Thomas Ussher joined the Royal Navy as Midshipman (under the patronage of Colonel W.B. Conyngham, M.P., uncle of the then late Marquess Conyngham), 1791. He was appointed to H.M.S. Squirrel (Captain W. Drury) later that year, and, `in that vessel, after serving on the Irish station, he proceeded to the coast of Africa; where, to avenge an insult offered to the British flag, he assisted in driving the Portuguese Governor of Prince`s Island, in the Bight of Benin, with severe loss, from the two batteries (one mounting 22, the other 4 guns) defending the harbour` (O`Byrne, refers). His return passage to England was one of hardship - with the officers and crew of the Squirrel reduced to a daily allowance of 1 oz of bread and a single cup of water each. Ussher was appointed to H.M.S. Invincible (Captain the Hon. T. Pakenham), September 1793. He served in the latter vessel during `The Glorious First of June`, before following his Captain for service in H.M.S. La Juste. Both Captain and Ussher had been instrumental in the capture of La Juste during Lord Howe`s action. Between 1795-1796 Ussher served in H.M. Ships Prince George, Glory and Thunderer (all bearing the flag of Sir Hugh Christian). He made passage with H.M.S. Thunderer to the West Indies. On the way out, `he removed with Sir H.C. Christian to the Astraea frigate. During the operations of May 1796, against Ste. Lucie, Mr. Ussher, who had been nominated Acting-Lieutenant of the Minotaur... was employed on shore in command of a party of seamen attached to the army under Sir Ralph Abercromby. Subsequently to the surrender of the island, he was ordered to act as Lieutenant in the Pelican brig (18-guns)... under Capt. Searle the latter vessel, with only 97 men on board, beat off in the most dashing manner, near Désirade, the French frigate Médée of 40 guns and 300 men, after a close action, in which the enemy sustained a loss of 33 men in killed and wounded... This affair took place on the morning of 23 Sept. 1796; and in the course of the same day the sloop retook the Alcyon, late a British army victualler, and then a prize to the Médée` (O`Byrne, refers). A Liking for Boats In September the following year he took part in the destruction of the French privateer La Trompeur off St. Domingo. View Terms & Conditions

A `Military Division` O.B.E. Group of Six to Wing Commander W.L. Milburn, Royal Air Force, A Great War R.E. 8 Pilot with 16 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Officer`s (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt b) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. W.L. Milburn. R.A.F.), BWM with minor official correction, VM erased c) Defence Medal d) Coronation 1953 e) Cadet Forces Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (Act. Sqn. Ldr. W.L. Milburn. R.A.F.V.R. (T.)), generally very fine, with several newspaper cuttings picturing recipient in uniform (6) O.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1959 Acting Wing Commander Wilton Legender Milburn (65119), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) Wing Commander Wilton Legender Milburn, O.B.E., born Sunderland, 1899; studied as a Dental Student at Durham University, 1915-1917, and was a member of the University O.T.C.; enlisted as 3/A.M, Royal Flying Corps, 29.5.1917; became a Cadet, June 1917; after training was posted as a Pilot to 16 Squadron (R.E. 8`s), Bruay, France 27.3.1917; the squadron was mainly tasked with reconnaissance and artillery observation; returned to the Home Establishment, 25.1.1919; transferred to the Unemployed List, 27.1.1919; re-engaged as Acting Pilot Officer, Training Branch, R.A.F.V.R., for service with A.T.C., 1.2.1941; advanced Squadron Leader, 26.7.1943; Wing Commander, Durham Wing, A.T.C., 25.11.1947; retired 1965. View Terms & Conditions

Family Group: The M.B.E. Group of Five to Warrant Officer E.H. Robbins, Royal Air Force a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Member`s (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver, in Royal Mint case of issue b) 1939-1945 Star c) France and Germany Star d) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaf, extremely fine, the Second War awards in named card box of issue, addressed to `Sgt`s Mess R.A.F Eastern Ave, Gloucester`, with named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the M.B.E. Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R. (Edward William Robbins), extremely fine, in Royal Mint case of issue (6) M.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1946 Warrant Officer Edward Henry Robbins (215630), Royal Air Force. M.I.D. London Gazette 1.1.1945 Warrant Officer E. H. Robbins (215630). 215360 Warrant Officer Edward Henry Robbins, M.B.E., served during the Second World War with the Royal Air Force; discharged, 31.3.1949. Mr. Edward William Robbins served as a Telephonist, London Telecommunications Region. View Terms & Conditions

A Good `Mau Mau` M.B.E. Group of Seven to District Military Intelligence Officer, Major W.S. Watson, Royal Armoured Corps, Whose Leadership in the Thomson Falls and South Nyeri Reserve Districts, Resulted in the Death of Over One Hundred Terrorists, and the Capture of Twenty-Four Others, in Addition to the Wounding of Thirty-Nine Terrorists, and Capture of Four Precision Weapons a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Member`s (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver b) 1939-1945 Star c) Defence and War Medals d) Africa General Service 1902-56, E.II.R., one clasp, Kenya (Major W.S. Watson. R.A.C.) e) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Malaya (Major W.S. Watson. M.B.E. R.A.C.) f) Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., with `Territorial` scroll suspension (Lt. W.S. Watson. R.A.C.), minor contact marks, very fine and better, mounted as originally worn (7) M.B.E. London Gazette 27.1.1956 Major W.S. Watson, Royal Armoured Corps ‘In recognition of distinguished services in Kenya during the period 21 April to 20 October, 1955.’ The Recommendation states: ‘Major Watson has served as a District Military Intelligence Officer for the last two years, first at Thomsons Falls, and then at South Nyeri Reserve. As a result of his leadership and devotion to duty, he built up an efficient intelligence organisation in both Districts, which directly contributed to Security Force successes. In South Nyeri Reserve, his organisation has been responsible for the death of over one hundred terrorists, and the capture of twenty-four others. In addition, thirty-nine terrorists have been wounded, and four precision weapons recovered. He has taken part himself in many intelligence operations, some of a hazardous nature. He has maintained excellent relations with the Police, Administration and Army, and has thereby assisted to build up confidence in the Intelligence organisation.’ View Terms & Conditions

x A Second War `1945` Bomber Command D.F.C. Group of Seven to Warrant Officer I C.H. Jack, 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated `1945` b) 1939-1945 Star c) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar d) Defence Medal e) Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with Overseas clasp f) War Medal g) Canadian Forces Decoration, E.II.R. (Sgt. C.H. Jack), generally very fine or better, mounted for display, with similarly mounted miniature awards (lot) D.F.C. London Gazette 17.4.1945 Warrant Officer Clayton Hugh Jack (Can/R.75219), 35 Sqn., Royal Canadian Air Force. The Recommendation (jointly with several other Commonwealth Servicemen) states: `W.O. Clayton Hugh Jack (C/R75219), R.C.A.F., 35 Squadron (Air Bomber, Sorties 41, Flying Hours 164). The officers and airmen marked have completed, in various capacities, numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which they have invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.` 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron flew Lancasters for the latter stages of the War, and played `a major part in historic Bomber Command raids - Le Creusot (19/20th June, 1943), Peenemunde (17/18th August 1943)... and in the early hours of D-Day, 6th June, attacked two German coastal batteries - one at Maisy and the other at Longues. Later in the year the gun batteries on Walcheren Island, key to the vital port of Antwerp, and communications centres supporting Von Runstedt`s Ardenne offensive, felt the weight of the squadron`s bombing. The closing months of the war saw a series of successful raids on industrial targets, hastening the enemy`s final collapse.` (Bomber Squadrons of the R.A.F. and Their Aircraft, P.J.R. Moyes, refers) View Terms & Conditions

x An O.B.I. Group of Six to Subadar Dalel Khan, 1st Punjab Regiment, Late 56th Rifles a) Order of British India, First Class neck Badge, gold and enamel, with neck riband b) India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., four clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Waziristan 1919-21, Waziristan 1921-24, North West Frontier 1935 (1530 Sepoy Dalel Khan, 2-56 Rfls.) c) India General Service 1936-39, one clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (Subdr. Dalel Khan, 5-1 Punjab R.), unit partially officially corrected d) 1939-1945 Star e) War Medal f) India Service Medal, nearly very fine or better, the OBI good very fine (6) M.I.D. London Gazette 8.5.1936 Dalel Khan, Jemadar, 5th Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment `For distinguished services rendered in connection with the Mohmand operations, North West Frontier of India, 15th/16th August to 15th/16th October, 1935.` View Terms & Conditions

The Great War 1918 `Hindenburg Position` D.C.M., `Western Front` M.M. Group of Five to Company Sergeant Major A.R. Sykes, Scottish Rifles a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9986 Sjt: A.R. Sykes. M.M. 1/Sco: Rif:) b) Military Medal, G.V.R. (9986 L.Sjt: A.R. Sykes. 1/Sco: Rif:) c) 1914 Star, with later slide Bar (9986 Pte. A. Sykes. 1/Sco: Rif.) d) British War and Victory Medals (9986 Sjt. A.R. Sykes. Sco. Rif.), edge bruise to last, generally nearly very fine or better, with the recipient`s Soldier`s Pay Book, and two post card photographs of the recipient (5) D.C.M. London Gazette 16.1.1919 9986 Sjt. A. R. Sykes, M.M., 1st Bn., Sco. Rif. (London, E.) `For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Villers-Guislain on 21st September, 1918. Acting as C.S.M., he was of great assistance to his Company Commander when all other officers were casualties. He made repeated and determined attempts against uncut wire, silenced a machine gun, and dispersed a bombing post. He also brought in several wounded, and his fine example kept the men steady under heavy fire.` M.M. London Gazette 9.7.1917 9986 L./Sjt. A.R. Sykes, Sco. Rif. Company Sergeant Major Albert R. Sykes, D.C.M., M.M., born 1894; enlisted as a Musician in the 1st Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), 28.4.1908; served with the Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 15.8.1914; awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry during an attack before the main Hindenburg Position, 21.9.1918; promoted Company Sergeant Major, 17.2.1919. View Terms & Conditions

A Great War `French Theatre` 1918 D.C.M., 1916 M.M. Pair to Bombardier T. Evans, Royal Artillery a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (22828 Gnr: T. Evans. 401/By: 14/A. Bde: R.H.A.) b) Military Medal, G.V.R. (22828 A. Bmbr: T. Evans. 35/By: R.F.A.), nearly very fine (2) D.C.M. London Gazette 1.1.1918 22828 Gnr. T. Evans, R.H.A. (Barnfurlong, nr. Wigan) `For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed great coolness and resource in the performance of his duties, often under difficult and trying conditions.` M.M. London Gazette 11.11.1916 22828 Actg. Bombr. T. Evans, R.F.A. Bombardier Thomas Evans, D.C.M., M.M., served with the 37th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 23.8.1914. View Terms & Conditions

Family Group: The Great War 1915 `Ypres` D.C.M., `Tower of London` R.V.M. Group of Eight to Battery Sergeant Major G. Trott, Royal Artillery, Later Curator of the Jewel House, Tower of London a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (19497 Sjt: G. Trott. 108/Hvy: Bty: R.G.A.) b) 1914 Star, with later slide Bar (19497 Sjt. G. Trott. R.G.A.) c) British War and Victory Medals (19497 W.O. Cl.2. G. Trott. R.A.) d) Jubilee 1935 e) Coronation 1937 f) Army Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st `Field Marshal`s bust` type (19497 By: S.Mjr: G. Trott. R.G.A.) g) Royal Victorian Medal, G.VI.R., silver, unnamed as issued, the mounted group polished and worn, therefore nearly fine, the RVM extremely fine, the first seven awards mounted as worn, with the following related documents &c.: - Bestowal Document for the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver), named to Battery Sergeant Major George Trott, D.C.M., Royal Artillery (retired), and dated 7.6.1951 - Named Buckingham Palace enclosure document for the Silver Jubilee Medal 1935 - Named Buckingham Palace enclosure document for the Coronation Medal 1937 - Royal Mint case of issue for the R.V.M. - Warrant Appointing Mr. George Trott, D.C.M., Curator of the Jewel House, Tower of London, for the Reign of King Edward VIII, dated 21.7.1936 - Warrant Appointing Mr. George Trott, D.C.M., Curator of the Jewel House, Tower of London, for the Reign of King George VI, dated 1.3.1937 - The recipient`s Army Discharge Certificate - The recipient`s vellum Battery Rough Rider Certificate, dated Rawalpindi, 15.5.1907 - Various individual and group photographs of the recipient from his time at the Tower of London - Souvenir Album of the Tower of London Four: Warrant Officer G.D. Trott, Royal Air Force 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals, extremely fine, in named card box of issue, addressed to `G.D. Trott, Esq., 131A Purewell, Christchurch, Hants`, with Air Council enclosure and award entitlement slip, together with a Loyal Service Badge Pair: Mrs. A.E. Trott Defence and War Medals, extremely fine, in named card box of issue, addressed to `Mrs. A.E. Trott, 131A Purewell, Christchurch, Hants`, with Air Council enclosure (lot) D.C.M. London Gazette 5.8.1915 19497 Serjeant G. Trott, 108th Hy. By., R.G.A. `For gallant conduct at Regensburg Camp, Ypres, on 11th May, 1915, when he assisted in the rescue of a mortally wounded Officer under heavy shell fire. He has rendered excellent service throughout the Campaign.` 19497 Battery Sergeant Major George Trott, D.C.M., R.V.M., born 1879; enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery, April 1897; served with the Regiment in India and during the Great War on the Western Front; awarded L.S.&G.C., 1917 (Army Order 125); discharged, 27.12.1919; after the War served as Curator of the Jewel House, Tower of London, and awarded the Royal Victorian Medal on retirement in 1951. View Terms & Conditions

The Crimea `Heavy Brigade` D.C.M. Group of Three to Private J. Thomas, 1st Dragoons a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (John Thomas. 1st. Rl. Drags.) b) Crimea 1854-56, three clasps, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol, lugs broken in places with clasps loose on riband (Pte. J. Thomas 1st. Rl. Drags.), contemporarily engraved in large serif capitals c) Turkish Crimea, Sardinian die, with contemporary silver ring suspension, light contact marks, otherwise very fine (3) D.C.M. Recommended 9.1.1855. 626 Private John Thomas, D.C.M., born Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire; enlisted in the 10th Hussars, March 1838; transferred to the 1st Royal Dragoons, June 1839; served with the Regiment in the Crimea as part of the Heavy Brigade; discharged, January 1863, after 24 years and 50 days with the Colours. Eight D.C.M.s were awarded to men of the 1st Dragoons, and they were all Recommended on the same date, save for one to the Troop Sergeant Major (Recommended 7.2.1855). Interestingly, the Distinguished Conduct Medals awarded to men from the other Regiments of the Heavy Brigade for the Battle of Balaklava were Recommended over the period 3-21.1.1855; and those to men of the Light Brigade for the Battle of Balaklava were Recommended over the period 10.1-13.2.1855. View Terms & Conditions

A Good Afghanistan `Peiwar Kotal` D.C.M. Group of Five to Private D. Bonar, Seaforth Highlanders a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (1489 Pte. D. Bonar 72nd. Regt.) b) Afghanistan 1878-80, four clasps, Peiwar Kotal, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (1489 Pte. D. Bonner [sic]. 72nd. Highrs.) c) Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1489 Private Danl. Bonnar [sic] 72nd. Highlanders) d) Egypt 1882-89, dated, one clasp, Tel-el-Kebir (1489 Pte. D. Bonar. 1/Sea: Highrs.) e) Khedive`s Star 1882, unnamed as issued, heavy contact marks throughout, therefore good fine (5) D.C.M. Recommendation submitted to the Queen, 7.6.1879. 1489 Private Daniel Bonar, D.C.M., served with the 72nd (Duke of Albany`s Own) Highlanders in Afghanistan and wounded by a bullet to the left arm at Charasia, 6.10.1879. One of six D.C.M.s for Peiwar Kotal, 2.12.1878. View Terms & Conditions

The Boer War D.C.M. Group of Three to Private J. Hamilton, Seaforth Highlanders a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (6272 Pte. J. Hamilton. 2/Seaforth Hdrs.) b) Queen`s South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal, Wittebergen (6272 Pte. J. Hamilton. 2: Sea: Highrs:) c) King`s South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (6272 Pte. J. Hamilton. Seaforth Highrs:), contact, marks, nearly very fine, the DCM better (3) D.C.M. London Gazette 27.9.1901 Private J. Hamilton, Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany`s) `In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa.` View Terms & Conditions

A Good `1918` Great War D.C.M. Group of Four to Sergeant T. Williamson, King`s Own Scottish Borderers a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13007 Cpl. T. Williamson. 7/8 K.O. Sc: Bord:) b) 1914-15 Star (13007 Pte. T. Williamson. K.O. Sco: Bord:) c) British War and Victory Medals (13007 Cpl. T. Williamson. D.C.M. K.O.S.B.), VM officially renamed, good very fine or better (4) D.C.M. London Gazette 21.10.1918 13007 Cpl. T. Williamson, K.O.S.B. (Glasgow) `For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During several raids he worked his Stokes mortars with excellent effect, and during an attempted enemy raid, when no officer was present in the sector, he controlled his guns with great skill during a heavy bombardment. Immediately the attempt was over, he got up more ammunition, and got his guns in working order again on his own initiative.` 13007 Sergeant Thomas Williamson, D.C.M., served with the 6th Battalion King`s Own Scottish Borderers during the Great War on the Western Front from 12.5.1915; discharged, 20.2.1919. View Terms & Conditions

The Unique 1946 `Anti-Terrorist` King David Hotel Bomb Attack G.M. Group of Four to Sergeant E.A. Smith, Palestine Police; Who Rushed to the Scene of the Attack Immediately After the 770lb Bomb Had Exploded; He Initiated Rescue Operations and After 6 Hours Solid of Tunnelling Through Tonnes of Rubble and Debris He Secured the Rescue of 3 Seriously Injured Soldiers. 91 People Were Killed in the Attack, With 46 Injured. After 3 Days of Continuous Work Only 6 Survivors Were Pulled From the Rubble a) George Medal, G.VI.R. (Sgt. Edward S.[sic] Smith, Palestine Police) b) General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., two clasps, Palestine, Palestine 1945-48 (1316 Const. E.A. Smith. Pal. Police), minor edge nicks c) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine or better, mounted as originally worn, with a photographic image of recipient, several newspaper cuttings and an original copy of The West London Press (Chelsea, Westminster and Pimlico News), dated 24.1.1947 (4) G.M. London Gazette 21.1.1947 Edward Alfred Smith, Sergeant, Palestine Police Force `On July 22nd, 1946, Jewish terrorists attacked the Secretariat and Force Headquarters situated at the King David Hotel, Jerusalem and by means of high explosives completely destroyed part of the building. At the time of the explosion Sergeant Smith was off duty but he immediately turned out all the available personnel and at once initiated rescue work. With assistance he made a hole in the debris large enough to insert himself in a prone position and in this manner tunnelled his way into the wreckage until he reached three soldiers who were seriously injured. Smith spent 6 hours under the debris in an atmosphere choked with dust and explosive fumes before he succeeded in extricating the three men. There was a real and constant danger of further explosions, of fire and of the collapse of the tunnel. Throughout his ordeal Smith displayed courage of the highest order with complete disregard of his own safety.` 1316 Sergeant Edward Alfred Smith, G.M., `born 44 years ago [1903] at Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His father was Irish, his mother Australian. For 12 years he served in the Regular Army. On the Rhine he met his Dutch-born wife, and married in 1933. In 1937 he left the Army and went into coal mining. But a coal slump was on, so he turned to the Palestine Police... he was turned down. Too short; chest not big enough, they said... Sergeant Smith appealed to Sir Charles Augustus Tegart, then advisor to the Government on Police Organisation in Palestine [of Tegart Fort fame - many of these Police Fortresses, although built in 1938, are still in service use in Palestine today]. For Mrs. Smith was Sir Charles`s housekeeper. "I promise to do well, sir, if I am accepted," said Sergeant Smith. In 1938 he went to Palestine, a member of the force. Early last year [1946] Sergeant Smith wrote to his wife: "Tell Sir Charles I was promoted Sergeant today... still trying." (Newspaper cutting included with the lot refers) The King David Hotel During the afternoon of the 22nd July 1946 an attack was carried out on the King David Hotel, Jerusalem. The attack was perpetrated by the Zionist underground movement the Irgun. The southern wing of the hotel was principally occupied by the central offices of the Secretariat of the Government of Palestine and the Headquarters of the British Forces in Palestine. A 770lb bomb was placed by the terrorists in the basement underneath the southern wing of the hotel. The explosion occurred shortly after half past twelve that afternoon, and caused half of the southern wing to collapse. Smith, who was off duty but in the vicinity, rushed to initiate rescue work, "I just started digging, and kept on digging until I got them out" (Newspaper cutting refers). After 6 hours solid of tunnelling he managed to extricate 3 seriously injured soldiers. Only 6 survivors in total were rescued from the rubble. The Royal Engineers, using heavy equipment, removed 2,000 lorry loads of rubble over the course of three days. As a result of the terrorist attack 91 people were killed, and 46 injured. Smith was presented with his George Medal by Nicol Gray, the Inspector General of Palestine Police, at a ceremony in Jerusalem, January 1947, `everyone knew "Ted" Smith in the Stanley Arms, World`s End, just before the War. When he left to join the Palestine Police they lost one of their best darts men. But "Ted" meant to make good at other things... And this week it was announced he had been awarded the George Medal` (Newspaper cutting refers). View Terms & Conditions

x A Great War `Mesopotamia` I.D.S.M. Group of Four to Kot Daffadar Daud Khan, 23rd Cavalry a) Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (1357 Kot Dfdr. Daud Khan 23rd, Cavly F.F.) b) British War Medal (1357 S.D.M. Daud Khan, 23 Cavy. F.F.) c) Victory Medal, erased d) India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., one clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (1357 K.D. Daud Khan. 23/Cavy.), light contact marks, scratch to obverse field of IDSM, nearly very fine (4) I.D.S.M. Indian Government General Order 879 1919 Daud Khan, 1357 Kot-Dafadar, 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) (Mesopotamia). View Terms & Conditions

x A Second War `Panthal, Burma` I.D.S.M. Group of Seven to Sepoy Mohammed Said, 7th Rajputs a) Pakistan, General Service Medal, one clasp, Kashmir 1948 b) Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (19542 Sep. Muhammad Said, 4-7 Rajput R.) c) 1939-1945 Star d) Africa Star e) Burma Star f) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine or better, mounted for display purposes in this order (7) I.D.S.M. London Gazette 20.4.1944 No. 19542 Sepoy Mohd Said, 7th Rajput Regiment `In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.` The Recommendation, dated 5.2.1944, states: `In the Arakan on the 15th January 1944 Sepoy Mohammed Said was detailed to accompany a line party under Naik Mulaim Singh. The party was ordered to lay a line from Razabil North to a forward isolated Company established by night in Razabil South, whose original line had been badly destroyed by enemy action. The party left at about 11:30 hours and whilst crossing the flat open cut paddy separating the two villages was fired on from the dominating heights of the Tortoise and Boomerang features. The party was pinned down and the Commander Naik Mulaim Singh was wounded. Naik Mulaim Singh then attached his telephone and reported to the Signal Officer, who ordered him to return and the rest of the party to find such cover as they could behind low paddybunds and wait for dark. Sepoy Mohammed Singh however after the departure of the N.C.O. personally took charge of the line party and insisted on carrying on which he did in spite of repeated bursts of light Machine Gun fire on his party every time they moved. However, by crawling most of the way a distance of about 800 yards, with little or no cover he at last succeeded in reaching the Company at about 15:00 hours, thereby enabling L/T communication to be established and orders for that night regarding D.F. tasks and patrolling to be got to that Company with reasonable security before dark. This Sepoy`s courage, tenacity of purpose, and complete disregard of his own personal safety was of the very highest order and was a splendid example to all his comrades of extreme devotion to duty.` View Terms & Conditions

x A Good Second War 1941 Submariner`s D.S.M. Group of Six to Chief Engine Room Artificer C.H. Toms, H.M.S. Urge, Royal Navy, Killed in Action When the Urge was Sunk By An Italian Aircraft, With the Loss of All Hands, Off Ras Hilal, 29.4.1942 a) Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (D/M. 35358. C.H. Toms. C.E.R.A. H.M.S. Urge.) b) 1939-1945 Star c) Atlantic Star d) Africa Star e) War Medal f) Naval Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd `coinage head` type (M.35358. C.H. Toms. A/C.E.R.A.2. H.M.S. Severn.), light contact marks, very fine (6) D.S.M. London Gazette 16.12.1941 Chief Engine Room Artificer Charles Herbert Toms, D/M.35358, H.M.S. Urge `For courage, skill and resolution in successful Submarine patrols.` D/M.35358 Chief Engine Room Artificer Charles Herbert Toms, D.S.M., of Gosport, Hampshire; served during the Second World War in H.M. Submarine Urge, 1st Submarine Flotilla (based in Malta) in the Mediterranean, during which time she torpedoed and damaged the Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto, 13.12.1941, during the operations around the First Battle of Sirte, and sank the Italian light cruiser Giovanni delle Bande Nere, on 1.4.1942; Toms was killed in action when the Urge, whilst engaging the Italian sailing vessel San Giusto in the Mediterranean off Ras Hilal, was attacked by an escorting Italian bi-plane and was sunk with the loss of all hands, 29.4.1942. Toms is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. View Terms & Conditions

x The Great War `Western Front` M.M., Italian War Cross Group of Five to Driver J. Billington, Royal Field Artillery a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (700075 Dvr: J. Billington. R.F.A.) b) 1914-15 Star (618. Dvr. J. Billington. R.F.A.) c) British War and Victory Medals (618. Dvr. J. Billington. R.A.) d) Italy, Kingdom, War Merit Cross, bronze, generally good very fine (5) M.M. London Gazette 13.3.1919 700075 Dvr. Billington, J., 80th By., 15th Bde., Royal Field Artillery (Blackburn). View Terms & Conditions

x A Great War `Western Front` M.M. Group of Four to Lance Corporal H.J. Eaborn, Coldstream Guards a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (19208 Pte. L.Cpl. H.J. Eaborn. 1/C. Gds.) b) British War and Victory Medals (19208. Pte. H.J. Eaborn. C. Gds.) d) Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R. (Harold J. Eaborn.), good very fine M.M. London Gazette 23.7.1919 19208 Pte. (L./C.) Eaborn, H. J., 1st Bn., Coldstream Guards (Portsmouth). View Terms & Conditions

The Second War 1943 `Sidi Brahim` M.M. Group of Four to Lance Corporal E.G. Hughes, Coldstream Guards a) Military Medal, G.VI.R. (882306 L.Cpl. E.G. Hughes. C. Gds.) b) 1939-1945 Star c) Africa Star d) War Medal, edge bruise to first, otherwise very fine (4) M.M. London Gazette 23.9.1943 No. 882306 Lance-Corporal Edward Gordon Hughes, Coldstream Guards (Sheffield) `In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.` The Recommendation, dated 30.4.1943, states: `At Sidi Brahim, on the 26th April 1943, this Lance Corporal, on of the Company signallers, showed the greatest coolness and fearlessness in helping to evacuate wounded under heavy Machine Gun and shell fire. After carrying one many away he returned to Company Headquarters to collect a Bren Gun although most of the Company had withdrawn. He remained there, still under heavy fire, until ordered to withdraw by an officer. His courage and efforts were the greatest inspiration to all those around him. Throughout the campaign the conduct of this Lance Corporal in every action has been of the very highest order.` View Terms & Conditions

x A Second War M.M. Group of Eight to Driver Mehtab Khan, Royal Indian Army Service Corps a) Military Medal, G.VI.R. (Mtn 898783 Dr. Mehtab Khan.) b) Pakistan Independence Medal 1947, unnamed as issued c) Pakistan, General Service Medal, one clasp, Kashmir 1948 d) Pakistan, Republic Medal 1956 e) 1939-1945 Star f) Italy Star g) Defence and War Medals, generally good very fine, mounted for display purposes in this order (8) M.M. London Gazette 14.9.1944 No. 898783 Driver Mehtab Khan, Royal Indian Army Service Corps `In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.` View Terms & Conditions

A Second War Indian Police Medal Group of Six to Second Officer W. Fraser, Calcutta Fire Brigade, Late Mechanical Transport Unit, Indian Army Service Corps a) Indian Police Medal, G.VI.R., 1st `Distinguished Conduct` type (W. Fraser, 2nd Officer, Calcutta Fire Brigade,) b) 1914-15 Star (No.14 Cpl. W. Fraser, Mechl. Transpt.) c) British War and Victory Medals (14 Cpl. W. Fraser, Mech. Transport.), BWM officially renamed d) Association of Professional Fire Brigade Officers Long Service Medal, silver (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1928) (Station Officer W. Fraser. 1929), e) National Fire Brigades` Association Long Service Medal, silver (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1932), with `Twenty Years` clasp, edge engraved `4646 Station Officer W. Fraser`, reverse engraved `Calcutta Fire Brigade`, generally very fine or better (6) Second Officer William Fraser, served with the Mechanical Transport Unit, Indian Army Service Corps, during the Great War; awarded Indian Police Medal, Calcutta Gazette 14.1.1943. View Terms & Conditions

A Good 1967 `Aden` B.E.M. Group of Nine to Warrant Officer G.O. White, Royal Air Force a) British Empire Medal, Military Division, E.II.R. (Y1036822 Sgt. George O.White, R.A.F.) b)1939-1945 Star c) Burma Star d) Defence and War Medals e) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Malaya (1036822 Sgt. G.O. White. R.A.F.) f) General Service 1962-2007, one clasp, South Arabia (Y1036822 Sgt. G.O. White R.A.F.) g) Coronation 1953 h) Royal Air Force Long Service & G.C., E.II.R. (1036822 Sgt. G.O.White. R.A.F.), minor contact marks throughout, generally good very fine, with the following related items: - The recipient`s related miniature awards - Silver-plated presentation rose bowl, inscribed `Presented to W.O. G. White B.E.M. from Fellow Members of the Sergeants Mess R.A.F. Biggin Hill on his Retirement 11th Sept. 1975` - Silver-plated presentation Salver, 205mm diameter, inscribed, `W.O. G.O. White B.E.M.` R.A.F. Biggin Hill 1974-75` - R.A.F. Station Abingdon Presentation Plaque, inscribed `Presented to W.O. G. White from R.A.F. Abingdon 1972-1974` - Parachute Regiment Presentation Plaque, inscribed `Presented to W.O. G. White from P.C.A.U.` - Buckingham Palace enclosure for the B.E.M., framed and glazed - Warrant appointing George Oliver White, B.E.M., a Warrant Officer in the Royal Air Force, dated 1.1.1974, framed and glazed - Royal Air Force Strike Command Commendation by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Certificate, named to Flight Sergeant G.O. White, and dated 3.6.1972, framed and glazed - Royal Air Force No. 46 Group Commendation by the Air Officer Commanding Certificate, named to Warrant Officer George Oliver White BEM, and dated 20.1.1974, framed and glazed - The recipient`s Certificate of Qualification and Certificate of Discharge - The recipient`s photograph album, containing photographs from his time at Marham, Abingdon, and Biggin Hill, together with various other photographs - Various newspaper cuttings, including one of the recipient`s obituary - Two Royal Air Force Warrant Officer`s wooden canes (lot) B.E.M. London Gazette 10.6.1967 Y1036822 Sergeant George Oliver White, Royal Air Force. Y1036822 Warrant Officer George Oliver White, B.E.M., born 5.11.1920; enlisted in the Royal Air Force, 10.2.1941, and served during the Second World War in Burma during the Japanese occupation; on the island of Ghan in the Indian Ocean, where he helped construct the island`s runway; and in Malaya; Awarded L.S.&G.C., 19.10.1959; served in Aden from June 1966 at the height of hostilities, and awarded the B.E.M. `for sterling qualities under duress` (newspaper cutting refers); posted to RAF Marham, 1968; awarded an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Strike Command, Commendation `for outstanding devotion to duty and setting the highest example whilst working in the Engineering and Manning Control at RAF Marham since 1968`, 3.6.1972; posted to RAF Abingdon, 1972; RAF Biggin Hill, 1974, where he was involved with organising two of the Biggin Hill air displays; retired, 5.11.1975. In retirement Warrant Officer White served as a member of the Wisbech branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, and helped organise events to raise money to provide special Christmas dinners for veterans of the Great War. He died at home in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, 4.11.1982. View Terms & Conditions

x Kaisar-i-Hind Medal, G.VI.R., First Class, gold, with integral top riband bar, extremely fine, in case of issue View Terms & Conditions

x Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (4977 Naik Barmayya 64th Pioneers.), very fine I.D.S.M. Indian Government General Order 1360 1917 Barmayya, No. 4977 Naik, 64th Pioneers (Mesopotamia). M.I.D. London Gazette 15.8.1917 Barmayya, No. 4977 Naik, Pioneers, Indian Army (Mesopotamia). View Terms & Conditions

Military Medal, G.V.R. (25749 Sjt: G. Baxter. 85/By: R.F.A.), lacking retaining rod, very fine M.M. London Gazette 18.7.1917 25749 Sjt. G. Baxter, R.F.A. 25749 Sergeant Gilbert Baxter, M.M., served with 45th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 6.11.1914. View Terms & Conditions

Military Medal, G.V.R. (9-4561 Pte. P. Kenny. 6/R. Muns: Fus.), nearly very fine M.M. London Gazette 24.1.1919 9/4561 Pte. Kenny, P., 6th Bn., Royal Munster Fusiliers (Tralee) (Salonika). 9/5461 Private Patrick Kenny, M.M., served with the 6th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers during the Great War on the Western Front from 19.12.1915. View Terms & Conditions

British Empire Medal, Military Division, E.II.R. (T/23184602 Dvr. Malcolm T. Bignall, R.A.S.C.), nearly extremely fine B.E.M. London Gazette 22.10.1957 T/23184602 Driver Malcolm Trevor Bignall, 19 Company, Royal Army Service Corps `Driver Bignall was driving a fifty ton transporter carrying a Centurion tank down a steep hill into the village of Hurstbourne Tarrant, when the brakes failed completely. He endeavoured to steer the vehicle into the left hand bank in order to slow its momentum, but owing to the combined weight of the tank and trailer this manoeuvre was unsuccessful. Realising that an accident was now inevitable he ordered his co-driver to jump from the vehicle, whilst he remained at the wheel in an effort to control the vehicle`s passage, but as it gathered speed and momentum the flywheel disintegrated and the flying pieces injured him. Even so he managed to slew the vehicle across the road into a field and avoid the village of Hurstbourne Tarrant. In the resultant crash he received serious injuries. Driver Bignall acted with great courage and with complete disregard for his own safety by remaining at the wheel of his vehicle. His action in bringing the transporter to rest in the way he did undoubtedly saved extensive damage to property and probably saved injuries and loss of life to the population of the village.` The Hurstbourne Hill Incident `A massive tank transporter weighing about 20 tons, carrying a 50-ton Centurion tank from Tidworth to Chilwell, hurtled down Hurstbourne Hill (gradient 1 in 5) on Tuesday, 18th June, at 12:15pm. The brakes failed and the 70-ton mass careered crazily down the hill with the driver, 22-year-old Driver Malcolm Bignall, of the 19th R.A.S.C. Depot, Retford, Nottinghamshire, straining to save it from smashing to pulp the houses at the bottom of the hill. Miraculously he steered the transporter into the left bank, braking it a little, but the vehicle with its massive load continued down the hill, swerving as it did so. At the bottom of the hill it swung hard to the right, parting company with the tank it was carrying, which shot to the left. The lorry and carrier ploughed into the garden of the first house at the bottom of the hill, where a tank trap stopped them from going any further. Driver Bignall, whose right leg was broken and right hip badly damaged, was thrown clear before his lorry came to a halt, facing the way it had come. Bignall told the nurse who attended him: "I did all I could to stop the thing from hitting the houses." The tank, which had broken free of its lashings, careered down the left side of the road, tearing up the road surface, flattening fences and poles, tearing up a huge yew tree and piling it against the nearest house, and completely flattening a newly-built garage in the garden of that house. The co-driver, Driver M. Elliott, was pushed clear by Bignall half-way down the hill. He escaped without injury. For almost the full length of the hill, which is half-a-mile long, pieces of brake drum and wreckage were scattered. The road at the beginning of the line of houses was ripped up and fences and bushes each side flattened as if a bomb had been dropped nearby. When the ambulance and police arrived the scene was utter chaos. Traffic was held up in both directions, parts of the crashed vehicle lay all over the road, telephone wires were strewn about; everyone there appeared dazed. The one person who saw the final frightening scene, when the army lorry, transporter, and its Centurion tank load broke apart, was Mr. John Powell, the landlord of the George and Dragon, Hurstbourne Tarrant. "I heard that tanks were coming through Andover. I half expected an accident, knowing that the hot day would melt the brake fluid and make it pretty difficult for anything of that size to come down that hill. I was outside when it happened. As soon as I saw it out of control I dashed back to telephone the police. I did not wait to see what would eventually happen." When Mr. Powell got back to his house he told his wife and she bundled her nanny, 22-year-old nurse Miss Eileen Downing, into a car and they drove to the crash. "I went to tend the driver who was beside his lorry," said Eileen Downing. "I washed his face, cleaned the facial and shoulder lacerations, and put a disinfected compress on his broken leg. It was only after I had done this that I recognised him. I told him that I knew his mother, father, and wife- they live in London near where I used to work- but he did not recognise me. The last time I saw him was last Christmas." A doctor was called from a nearby surgery and arrived with the ambulance. He treated Driver Bignall, then Bignall was driven to Tidworth Military Hospital with his co-driver, Elliott.` Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, who are the owners of the house on the right-hand side of the road where the tank came to rest, were away for the day. They moved into this house, The Limes, a few months ago. Now a 50-ton tank lies on top of their new garage, built two months ago.` (Andover Advertiser, 21.6.1957 refers). Gift from the Village After the accident the Rev. K.M.C. Melrose, vicar of Hurstbourne Tarrant, visited Bignall in hospital. Thinking that the villagers owed the driver a debt of gratitude, he appealed to his flock for a gift: `They eagerly responded, and before the end of Bignall`s first week in hospital he was presented with an inscribed table lamp and a gift voucher.` (Andover Advertiser, 25.10.1957 refers). View Terms & Conditions

x Alexander Davison`s Medal for the Nile 1798, 47mm, bronze, edge bruising, nearly very fine, with contemporary ring suspension View Terms & Conditions

Honourable East India Company`s Medal for Seringapatam 1799, 48mm, silver, Soho Mint, with contemporary silver `Seringapatam` Bar, extremely fine, with contemporary loop and detachable ring suspension and top silver florate riband bar View Terms & Conditions

Honourable East India Company`s Medal for Seringapatam 1799, 48mm, bronze-gilt, Soho Mint, gilding rubbed in parts, edge bruising, nearly very fine, pierced with later ring suspension View Terms & Conditions

Honourable East India Company`s Medal for Seringapatam 1799, 48mm, bronze, Soho Mint, minor dig to reverse, otherwise good very fine View Terms & Conditions

Honourable East India Company`s Medal for Egypt 1801, 48mm, silver, a fine quality later striking with die cracks to obverse, nearly extremely fine, with contemporary pillar suspension Provenance: Spink, April 2009 View Terms & Conditions

Matthew Boulton`s Medal for Trafalgar 1805, 48mm, white metal, good very fine, with contemporary silver loop suspension View Terms & Conditions

Honourable East India Company`s Medal for Java 1811, 50mm, gold, a later striking with die crack to obverse, extremely fine, with contemporary gold loop suspension View Terms & Conditions

Honourable East India Company`s Medal for Nepaul 1814-16, 51mm, silver, a slightly later striking, nearly extremely fine, with contemporary silver loop suspension Provenance: Spink, April 2009 View Terms & Conditions

Honourable East India Company`s Medal for Burma 1824-26, 38mm, silver, good very fine, with original steel clip and split ring suspension View Terms & Conditions

Ghuznee 1839, a fine quality `Officer`s Indulgence` privately made hollow cast medal, 37mm, gold, obverse impressed `Ghuznee 23rd. July 1839` within wreath, reverse impressed `Affghanistan`, unnamed, extremely fine, with contemporary gold double loop swivel suspension and gold riband buckle Provenance: Dr. Arthur B. King Collection, 2003 View Terms & Conditions

Sutlej 1845-46, for Ferozeshuhur, no clasp (Capt. W.B. Thompson. Dep. Asst. Comy. Genl.), officially engraved in large serif capitals, nearly extremely fine Major-General William Beveridge Thomson, C.B., born Edinburgh, May 1809; Commissioned Ensign, Bengal Army, June 1826; posted to the 67th Native Infantry, May 1827; promoted Lieutenant, April 1828; appointed Quartermaster, 67th N.I., October 1828; promoted Captain, August 1837; appointed Deputy Assistant Commissary General, November 1842, and served during the First Sikh War at the Battle of Ferozeshuhur, 21-22.12.1845; appointed Assistant Commissary General, September 1847; Deputy Commissary General, May 1853; transferred to the newly-raised 3rd Bengal European Regiment, November 1853; promoted Major, September 1854; served during the Indian Mutiny, and present at the siege and capture of Delhi (C.B. (London Gazette 18.6.1858), Medal and clasp, Brevet Colonel); promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, July 1858; appointed Commissary General, November 1858; transferred to the 57th Native infantry, September 1859; retired with the rank of Major-General, December 1861. Major-General Thomson died at home at St. Peter`s Square, Hammersmith, January 1863. View Terms & Conditions

India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Persia (Corpl. E. Chetwin, 78th Highlanders), contact marks, nearly very fine 2977 Sergeant Edwin Chetwin, born Nottingham, 1818; enlisted in the 17th (Leicestershire) Foot, March 1840; promoted Corporal, December 1844; transferred to the 78th Highlanders, February 1847; served with the Regiment in Persia and during the Indian Mutiny (Medal and clasps Defence of Lucknow and Lucknow); promoted Sergeant, July 1857; discharged, April 1861, after 21 years and 9 days with the Colours, of which 19 years were spent in India. View Terms & Conditions

x Crimea 1854-56, three clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol, last clasp loose on riband as issued later (Major Thos. N Dalton 49th. Foot), contemporarily engraved in `Hunt and Roskell` style, extremely fine Major Thomas Norcliffe Dalton, Commissioned Ensign, 61st (South Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot, June 1837; promoted Lieutenant, December 1840; Captain, April 1846; served with the Regiment during the Second Sikh War 1848-49, and was present at the passage of the Chenab, and in the Battles of Sadoolapore, Chilianwala, 13.1.1849, and Goojerat, 21.2.1849 (Medal with two clasps); later served with the Field Force in pursuit of the enemy to the Khyber Pass, March 1849; promoted Major, February 1851; transferred to the 49th (Princess Charlotte of Wales`s) Regiment of Foot, 1853, and served with the Regiment in the Crimea; Mentioned in Lord Raglan`s Despatch (London Gazette 10.10.1854); killed in action at the Battle of Inkermann, 5.11.1854- whilst leading his men in an assault he was struck by a musket ball in the head, and died on the battlefield. Had he survived, Major Dalton would have been recommended for the honour of the Third Class of the Order of the Bath (London Gazette 31.7.1855). View Terms & Conditions

x Crimea 1854-56, three clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (G. Hindle. 50th Regt.), officially impressed, nearly extremely fine Listed on Medal Roll as `Died 18.1.1855.` View Terms & Conditions

x A `Heavy Brigade` Crimea Medal to Sergeant D. Clay, 5th Dragoon Guards Crimea 1854-56, three clasps, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (David Clay 5th Dragoon Guar...), engraved in upright serif capitals, unofficial rivets, severe edge bruising, therefore good fine 80 Sergeant David Clay, born Cork, Ireland; enlisted in the 5th Dragoon Guards, 1841; promoted Corporal, 1856; transferred to the 5th Lancers, 1858, promoted Sergeant, 1858; discharged 1865, after 24 years and 136 days with the Colours: `he has the Crimean Medal with clasps for Balaklava, Inkermann, & Sebastopol, the Turkish Crimean Medal, and a Medal for Good Conduct and Long Service with a gratuity of ten pounds` (Service Papers refer) View Terms & Conditions

Indian Mutiny 1857-58, one clasp, Lucknow (W. Hyrons, 38th. Regt.), contact marks, nearly very fine 4378 Private William Hyrons, born Nuneaton, Warwickshire, 1827; enlisted in the 38th (1st Staffordshire) Regiment of Foot, March 1855; served with the Regiment in the Crimea (Medal and clasp for Sebastopol and Turkish Medal), and in India for 14 years; discharged, September 1874, after 19 years and 56 days with the Colours. View Terms & Conditions

Indian Mutiny 1857-58, two clasps, Defence of Lucknow, Lucknow (Drumr. J. Milano, 78th. Highlanders), contact marks, very fine Drummer J. Milano does not appear on the latest published transcript of the Indian Mutiny Medal Roll. However, the medal is correctly named and appears entirely as issued. View Terms & Conditions

x China 1857-60, two clasps, Fatshan 1857, Canton 1857 (L.J.H.A. Crawford, L.S. H.M.S. Highflyer.), contemporarily engraved in upright serif capitals, minor edge nicks, otherwise good very fine Luke John H.A. Crawford (erroneously listed as L.F. Crawford on published transcription of medal roll), born Feakle, Clare, Ireland, 1831; joined the Royal Navy, 1845; service included as Leading Seaman in H.M.S. Highflyer, July 1856-July 1859; wounded in action at Peiho Forts, 25.6.1859; invalided July 1859; returned to service in 1860; served in H.M.S. Cockatrice, from March 1861; later service included in H.M.S. Falcon, 1863-1867; returned to the Highflyer as Quarter Master, 1868; discharged 1870. View Terms & Conditions

x The South African Campaign Medal to Private H. Perkins, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, Killed in Action at the Battle of Isandhlwana, 22.1.1879 South Africa 1877-79, one clasp, 1877-8-9 (1134 Pte. H. Perkins. 2/24th Foot.), toned, edge bruise, good very fine 1134 Private Hugh Perkins enlisted in the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, February 1877; served with the 2nd Battalion in the South African Campaign, 1877-79; killed in action at the Battle of Isandhlwana, 22.1.1879. View Terms & Conditions

x British South Africa Company`s Medal 1890-97, for Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Troopr. J.C. Blair. M.R.F.), remnants of lacquer, edge bruising, therefore nearly very fine View Terms & Conditions

x China 1900, one clasp, Relief of Pekin (W. Moore, A.B., H.M.S. Centurion.), very fine Medal presented to the recipient by H.M. The King, 8.3.1902. View Terms & Conditions

x 1914 Star (8526 Pte. F. Collins. 2/Oxf. & Bucks: L.I.), nearly very fine British War Medal (25815 Rflm. E. Cosgrave. N.Z.E.F.), very fine Mercantile Marine War Medal (Frank P. Jelfs), very fine Victory Medal (5) (50632 A. Cpl. A. Galloway. R.A.; 162574 Gnr. A.C. Hawkins. R.A.; 13542 Sjt. J. Martin. R. Scots.; 3917 Pte. W.R. Watson. R. Highrs.; 5845 Pte. A. Lawrie. Gordons.), generally good very fine British Red Cross Society War Medal (4), unnamed as issued, good very fine, all with integral top riband bar Defence Medal (2), good very fine War Medal (3) (NX66652 B.H. Johnston); unnamed (2), very fine Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (2), one with Maple Leaf Bar, good very fine New Zealand War Service Medal, extremely fine Africa Service Medal (M12172 J.K. Dyason), edge bruise, good very fine South African Medal for War Services, nearly extremely fine India Service Medal (31050 Gnr. Keso Ram, R.I.A.), very fine United Nations Medal for Korea, good very fine (24) 25815 Rifleman Edward Cosgrave served with the 1st Battalion, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade during the Great War; killed in action,19.8.1917, and is buried in Prowse Point Military Cemetery, Belgium. 3917 Private William Robert Watson, born Edinburgh; served with the 6th Battalion Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) during the Great War; died of wounds on the Western Front, 30.7.1916, and is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery, France. NX66652 Sergeant Bruce Hutton Johnston, of Cremorne, New South Wales, served with the 2/30th Battalion, Australian Infantry during the Second World War; taken Prisoner of War; died 8.7.1943, and is buried in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. View Terms & Conditions

1914-15 Star (Mid. H.S. King. R.N.), nearly very fine British War Medal (SS-8362 Pte. F.G. Kerby. A.S.C.), minor edge bruise, nearly very fine Victory Medal (46246 Pte. J. Collins. Lan. Fus.), very fine Miniature Awards: British War Medal; Victory Medal, very fine (5) Sub-Lieutenant Henry Stuart King, Commissioned Midshipman, Royal Navy, 15.1.1914; promoted Sub-Lieutenant, 15.1.1916; served during the Great War in H.M.S. Indefatigable, and killed in action at the Battle of Jutland, 31.5.1916, when the Indefatigable was sunk with the loss of all but two of its crew of 1,019 men, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. View Terms & Conditions

British War Medal, bronze issue (6352 E. Abdilla Maltese L.C.), edge nicks nad light scratches to obverse, good very fine View Terms & Conditions

Territorial Force War Medal (2036. Pte. J. Partington. L.N. Lan. R.), good very fine View Terms & Conditions

Second World War Awards (17), 1939-1945 Star, with copy Battle of Britain Bar; Atlantic Star (2), one with Air Crew Europe Bar; one with France and Germany Bar; Air Crew Europe Star, with copy Atlantic Bar; Africa Star (3), one with 1st Army Bar; one with 8th Army Bar; one with North Africa 1942-43 Bar; Pacific Star, with copy Burma Bar; Burma Star, with Pacific Bar; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal (2), one with King`s Commendation for Brave Conduct silver Laurel Leaves; War Medal (2), both with M.I.D. Oak Leaf; New Zealand Service Medal (2), generally nearly extremely fine Korea 1950-53, 2nd `Dei Gratia` type, stamped `Specimen`, good very fine Miniature Award: George Cross, good very fine (19) View Terms & Conditions

x Second World War Medals (10), 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal, good very fine or better (10) View Terms & Conditions

Second World War Medals (10), 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal, good very fine or better (10) View Terms & Conditions

Second World War Medals (9), Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 Bar; Defence Medal (36544 N.A. McKenzie); War Medal (2) (N28563 S. Phage); unnamed; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; Australia Service Medal (N236986 W.F. Ebert); New Zealand War Service Medal; Africa Service Medal; India Service Medal, generally good very fine Police Long Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Sergt. Alexander G. Campbell), good very fine Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R. (Alfred G. Coggan), extremely fine, together with a Metropolitan Special Constabulary Badge Civil Defence Long Service Medal, British type, unnamed as issued, extremely fine Pakistan Independence Medal 1947 (Mtn 826020 Naik Iqbal Uddin RPASC_MT), very fine Women`s Royal Volunteer Service Medal, unnamed as issued, extremely fine Japan, Empire, Red Cross Membership Medal, silver, nearly extremely fine, with rosette on riband Nigeria, Republic, National Service Medal 1966-70, bronze, nearly extremely fine Nigeria, Republic, Defence Service Medal 1967-70, silvered, nearly extremely fine Nigeria, Republic, Republic Medal 1963-73, bronze, extremely fine Pakistan, Republic, War Medal 1965, silvered, very fine Rhodesia, General Service Medal, silvered (R94391T Rfn R. Rajah), good very fine United Nations Medal for Cyprus, good very fine (21) View Terms & Conditions

x Pair: Private J. Gardner, 30th Foot Crimea 1854-56, three clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (James. Gardner. No.3015. XXX Regt.), contemporarily engraved in upright serif capitals, with unofficial rivets, top lugs pierced; Turkish Crimea, Sardinian die (NO3115 James Gardner 30th Regt.), engraved in upright serif capitals, last with corrections, edge bruising overall, otherwise very fine (2) Medal Roll does not give entitlement to `Inkermann` clasp. View Terms & Conditions

x Pair: Private W. Welsh, 7th Hussars Indian Mutiny 1857-58, one clasp, Lucknow (Wm. Walsh [sic], 7th. Husrs.); Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (1491 Pte. W Welsh 7th. Hussrs.), good very fine, mounted court style for display purposes (2) 1491 Private William Welsh, born Cork, Ireland, 1836; enlisted in the 7th Hussars, August 1855; served with the Regiment during the Indian Mutiny (the latest published transcript of the medal roll erroneously gives Welsh as being entitled to a no clasp medal; the recipient`s service papers confirm the Lucknow clasp); awarded L.S. & G.C., May 1877; discharged, May 1877, after 21 years and 293 days with the Colours, of which 12 years and 11 months were spent in India. View Terms & Conditions