A Great War Western Front M.M. group of four awarded to Private G. Bains, 16th Battalion Manchester Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (6828 Pte. G. Bains, 16/Manch. R.); 1914-15 Star (6828 Pte. G. Baines, Manch. R.); British War and Victory Medals (6828 Pte. G. Bains, Manch. R.) note variation in surname, good very fine (4) £800-850 M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1916. George Bains, a Warehouse member of Messrs. Simpson & Godlee Ltd., enlisted on 1 September 1914 and is shown in the Manchester Battalions Book of Honour as being a member of XI Platoon, C Company, 16th (Service) Battalion Manchester Regiment. Private Bains entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 9 November 1915. Awarded the Military Medal for the 16th Manchester Pals attack on Montauben, 1 July 1916 - one of the first Military Medals awarded to the battalion. The War Diary for 1/2 July 1916 reports, Captured two guns and 16th Manchester Regt. written on them, also names of the men who captured them and about a hundred prisoners. It is possible that Bains was one of the two men responsible. Later wounded and invalided to the U.K., he was then transferred to the Welsh Regiment and posted to their 52nd (Graduated) Battalion. He was discharged from the Army on 28 October 1918 and was awarded the Silver War Badge (not with lot). With a quantity of copied research, including m.i.c., gazette, roll and war diary extracts.
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A Great War M.M. group of four awarded Sapper T. Wellings, Royal Engineers Military Medal, G.V.R. (56512 Sapr., 102/F. Coy. R.E.); 1914-15 Star (56512 Spr., R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (56512 Spr., R.E.); Memorial Plaque (Thomas Wellings) extremely fine (5) £450-550 M.M. London Gazette 28 July 1917. Thomas Wellings was born in and enlisted at Cardiff. Serving as a Sapper in the 102nd Field Company, R.E., he was awarded the Military Medal. He died of wounds when serving in Italy on 25 February 1918, aged 30 years. He was the son of William and Clara Wellings of Cardiff. He was buried in the Giavera British Cemetery..
A Great War Western Front M.M. group of four awarded to Petty Officer C. E. Gibson, Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, twice wounded in action Military Medal, G.V.R. (TZ-1271 P.O. Hawke Bn. R.N.V.R.); 1914-15 Star (TZ.1271 A.B., R.N.V.R.); British War and Victory Medals (T.Z. 1271 P.O., R.N.V.R.); with Strike Hawke cap badge, minor contact marks, very fine (5) £700-900 M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919. Charles Edward Gibson was born on 13 December 1895. Living in Ashington, Northumberland and a Miner by occupation, he entered into the R.N.V.R. on 6 November 1914. Posted to the Hawke Battalion in 1915 he was promoted to Able Seaman in February 1916. With the battalion he served firstly in Salonika and then in France, arriving in Marseilles in May 1916. Serving at the front, he was admitted to the 1st Canadian General Hospital at Etaples in November 1916 having received multiple shrapnel wounds to his arm and left leg. From there he was invalided to England. Making a recovery, he returned to the Hawke Battalion in France in June 1917. In action, he was again wounded, suffering shrapnel wounds to his right arm on 31 December 1917. For his bravery in action during operations in early September 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal. Rated as an Acting Petty Officer in August 1918, he was demobilised at Ripon on 25 March 1919. With copied service papers and war diary extracts..
A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant T. F. Moore, 1/20th London Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (632924 L. Cpl. T. F. Moore, 1/20 London R.); British War and Victory Medals (5958 Sjt. T. F. Moore, 20-Lond. R.), extremely fine (3) £300-350 M.M. London Gazette 6 August 1918. Thomas Frederick Moore served in France from mid-June 1916 until late September 1916, and again from May 1917 until the end of the War. The 1/20th (Blackheath and Woolwich) Battalion, London Regiment arrived on the Somme in late August 1916, and carried out a successful attack on High Wood on 15 September, bombing down the German trenches and clearing the wood entirely - at a cost of 268 casualties. Having then participated in further actions on the Flers Line, the Battalion was entrained for Ypres in October.
A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Serjeant Thomas L. Brown, 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment, who was killed in action on the 1st Day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (6930 Sjt., 1/Hants. R.); British War and Victory Medals (8930 Sjt., Hamps. R.) mounted court style for wear, very fine (3) £400-450 M.M. London Gazette 19 February 1917. .... for bravery in the Field to the under-mentioned Non-commissioned Officers and Men, since deceased, who have been killed in action or died of wounds or disease subsequent to the date of the award .... Lance-Corporal Thomas L. Brown, 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment, entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 23 August 1914. The Hampshire Regimental Journal of February 1915 records that as a Sergeant he had sprained his left elbow at Boulogne on 7 January 1915. The Journal of June 1915 records Sergeant Brown as being recommended for distinguished service within the period, 25 April-4 May 1915, for gallant command of section. Sergeant Brown was killed in action on 1 July 1916, the first day of the battle of the Somme. He was buried in the Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps, Somme, France. With copied research including modern photo of headstone.
A Great War Western Front M.M. group of three awarded to Serjeant J. OBrien, 15th Battalion Hampshire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (19142 Cpl.-L. Sjt., 15/Hants. R.); British War and Victory Medals (19142 Sjt., Hamps. R.) mounted court style for wear, some contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £240-280 M.M. London Gazette 11 December 1918. The recipient came from Carlow. With copied m.i.c. and gazette extracts.
A Great War M.M. group of six awarded to Private S. Clarke, Royal Military Police, late Machine Gun Corps Military Medal, G.V.R. (86062 Pte., 232/Coy. M.G.C.); British War and Victory Medals (86062 Pte., M.G.C.); Defence and War Medals, these unnamed; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (4193449 Pte., M.M., R.M.P.) edge bruising, contact marks, fine and better (6) £220-260 M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917. The recipient came from Chorbury.
A Great War Western Front M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal A. W. Browne, alias Cooper, 42nd Battalion Australian Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (2052 Pte. A. Cooper, 42/Aust. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals (2052 Cpl. A. W. Browne, 42 Bn. A.I.F.) note different surname, nearly extremely fine (3) £1000-1200 M.M. London Gazette 16 August 1917. Albert William Browne was born near Mildenhall, Suffolk. Later emigrating to Australia and being employed as a Labourer, he enlisted at Rockhampton, Queensland, into the Australian Imperial Force on 24 May 1916, aged 30 years, 6 months. The name given at the time of his enlistment was Albert Cooper. Posted to the 3rd/42nd Battalion he embarked on the Clan MacGillivray at Brisbane on 7 September 1916 and arrived in Plymouth on 2 November. He entered France on 7 February 1917. Corporal Cooper was awarded the Military Medal for his brave service in France on 24 June 1917. He was wounded in action on 3 August 1917 - suffering a mild gunshot wound to the left arm which resulted in a compound fracture. He was invalided to England and admitted to the V.A.D. Hospital, Cheltenham. Recovering, he returned to France on 19 December 1917. On 12 March 1918 he officially declared that the name he had enlisted under was incorrect and that his real name was Albert William Browne. In October 1918 as a Corporal he was transferred to the 11th Field Ambulance. He was discharged and demobilised from that unit on 20 May 1919. With a quantity of copied service papers.
A Great War Western Front M.M. group of three awarded to Serjeant Francis Leo Ryan, Auckland Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (14887 A.L. Cpl., 2/Auckland R.); British War and Victory Medals (14487 Sjt., N.Z.E.F.) very fine and better (3) £400-500 M.M. London Gazette 17 April 1917. Recommendation states: Between Corner Fort and Le Brideaux east of Fleurbaix, during the raid by his battery on 21 February 1917 he led a section throughout the operation and single handed attacked and silenced an enemy bombing post of eight men. He displayed the greatest coolness and initiative and was a splendid example to his men.
A Great War Western Front M.M. pair awarded to Private J. Ryan, Leinster Regiment, killed in action, 31 July 1917 Military Medal, G.V.R. (5018 Pte., 2/Leins. R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (5018 Pte., Leins. R.) good very fine (2) £400-500 M.M. London Gazette 9 July 1917. John Ryan was born in Dublin, lived in Cardiff and enlisted at Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Serving with the 2nd battalion Leinster Fusiliers, he was killed in action at the battle of Passchendaele, 31 July 1917. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
A Great War Western Front M.M. / M.S.M. pair awarded to Serjeant Alfred O. Edwards, 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (the Stockbrokers Battalion), awarded the M.M. for a V.C. action on 8/9 March 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (Stk.-389 Sjt., 10/R. Fus.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Stk-389 Sjt., 10/R. Fus.) good very fine (2) £340-380 M.M. London Gazette 25 April 1918. M.S.M. London Gazette 17 June 1918. ... in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war. On 12 August 1914 the Lord Mayor of London raised the first of many Pals Battalions from the businessmen of the City of London. It was the 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, known colloquially as the Stockbrokers Battalion. One of those who joined at that time, reporting for duty at the Throgmorton Street Recruiting Centre was Mr Alfred O. Edwards who came from Balham. Alfred Edwards was accepted and given the early 10th Battalion number ðSTK/389. On 22 July 1915 after an inspection by King George, the Battalion landed at Boulogne and concentrated near Tilques; Private Edwards landed on 30 July 1915. The 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers became part of 111 Brigade, 37th Division. The battalion remained in France and Flanders for the whole of the war. From 9 July to 17 November 1916 they took part in the Battle of the Somme, fighting at Poizieres, High Wood and Mametz Wood. In 1917 they fought in the Third Battle of the Somme, at the Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele. On the night of the 8/9th March 1918 the Battalion was heavily involved in the intense fighting following the launch of the last major German assault. In this battle Lance-Corporal Charles G. Robertson earned an immediate Victoria Cross ôFor most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in repelling a strong attack by the enemy - although severely wounded he mounted his gun on the parapet of a shell hole and although alone, put up the most determined resistance and undoubtedly prevented the enemy from making a more rapid advanceö. Twelve days later on 21 March, the Corps Commander Lieutenant-General Sir A. J. Godley inspected the Battalion and presented Sergeant A. O. Edwards with the Medal Ribbon of the Military Medal and congratulated the battalion on its fine work on the night of the 8th/9th March. He went on to say that he was proud to have such a battalion under his command and that he felt that wherever the battalion was, the line would be safe. In 1923 Quarter Master Sergeant Alfred O. Edwards retired from the Army. He was one of 219 soldiers awarded both the M.M. and M.S.M. for the Great War. With copied m.i.c. and roll and war diary extracts.
A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Private Charles Frowley, 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who was killed in action on 3 October 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (10571 Pte., 7-E. Surr. R.) good very fine £280-320 M.M. London Gazette 21 September 1916. Charles Frowley was born in Watford, Warwickshire; after joining the Army in Birmingham he was given the regimental number 94119 and posted to the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). He subsequently transferred to the R.F.A. and finally to the 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment and given the regimental number 10571. As part of the 37th Brigade 12th (Eastern) Division, the 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment moved to the Front Line on 7 July 1916 and very early on 8 July attacked South West of Ovillers. The Division adopted the sensible tactic of advancing across no-mans land while the artillery bombarded the enemy and then rushing the last few yards when it lifted. From 8 July to 13 August the Battalion were heavily engaged in attack and counter attack and lost 169 casualties. On 1 October 1916 the 7th Battalion East Surreys took over the forward trenches at Guendecourt, which were described as in Appalling Condition. Private Charles Frowley was killed in action on 3 October 1916. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. At the time of his death his next-of-kin was his sister ð Mrs A. M. Thomas who lived in Canada at Okanagaw Falls, near Penticton, British Columbia. With copied research.
A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Private W. Bonnar, 1/5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, who was killed in action on 23 July 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (201087 Pte., 1/5 Sea. Highrs.); Memorial Plaque (William Bonnar) M.M. extremely fine (2). £320-360 M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. William Bonnar was an Irishman born in County Antrim. He joined the Army in Belfast and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. In July 1918 the 1/5th were fighting alongside the French near Chalons in the final battles of the War. At 0800 hrs. on 21 July the 5th Seaforth Highlanders and the 6th Gordons advanced into the Bois de Coutron which was strongly held by the enemy, an advance of 400 yards was achieved and the line consolidated. At 0630 hrs. on the 23rd in the open ground near Bullin Farm with its right flank on the River Ardre, the 1/5th attacked again with the 6th Seaforth on their left. As they moved across the River they were met by enfilade machine gun fire but this was overcome using the bayonet. Six machine guns were captured and their crews destroyed. During this battle on 23 July, William Bonnar, aged 19 years, was killed and was later buried in Marfaux Cemetery. On 28 July the Battalion was relieved and moved back to Bullin Farm. During the eight days of the heaviest fighting ever experienced by the 1/5th Seaforth Highlanders, the casualties had been 7 officers killed and 8 wounded, and 67 soldiers, including William Bonnar, killed with 275 wounded. His Next of Kin were his parents, George and Helen Bonnar who lived at 2, Oldpark Village, Belfast. With Memorial Scroll mounted on card, together with copied research.
A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Private C. Goldfarb, 7th Battalion East Kent Regiment, who died of wounds on 1 October 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (G. 25211 Pte., 7/E. Kent R.) edge bruising, very fine £240-280 M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. Cecil Goldfarb was a brave Jewish Soldier who was born in Warsaw, Poland. His Family moved to London but by 1915 he was living in Canterbury, Kent. In 1917 he enlisted into his local Regiment, the 7th East Kent Regiment (The Buffs), and joined them in France as part of the 55th Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. In 1918, the 18th Division took part in the battles at Crozat Canal, Baboeuf, Villers-Bretonneux, Murlancourt Ridge, Trone Wood and Ronssoy but their last major battle was the breaking of the Hindenburg Line. This was a combined attack using American, Australian and British Divisions. At 0530 hrs on the 29th September after a "terrific bombardment" the attack began. At 0845 hrs. the 55th Brigade were ordered forward but came under intense fire from Guillemont Farm and eventually the Brigade Commander ordered the 7th Buffs to halt in the Fleesceall-Pomponious Lanes area. Although German morale was low, troops were hungry and ammunition in short supply the German soldiers fought with bravery and determination. The Buffs came under "withering machine gun and artillery fire". As darkness fell the battalion was ordered to hold the line of Cochrane Avenue- Lion Trench- Egg Post and prepare for a counter attack. Gradually the German resistance slackened and on the night 30th September/1st October the 7th Buffs were ordered to advance to Vendhuile. On 1 October 1918 Private Cecil Goldfarb died of his wounds and was buried in the Doingt Communal Cemetery near Peonne. He was the husband of Mrs W. F. Goldfarb of 5, Stour Street, Canterbury. In the year of 2000, the British Legion in Canterbury realised that Private Cecil Goldfarbs name was not recorded on the Canterbury War Memorial. To remedy this situation a ceremony was held on the 82nd Anniversary of his death when a new memorial plaque bearing Private Goldfarbs name was dedicated. The Lord Mayor of Canterbury, the Chairman of the Canterbury Branch of the Queens Own Buffs and representatives of the British Legion laid wreaths. The Mayor stating that ôIt was fitting that this plaque has been dedicated on the anniversary of his deathö. With copied research.
A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Able Seaman E. Harris, Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, three times wounded in action Military Medal, G.V.R. (WZ-995 A.B. E. Harris, Hawke Bn. R.N.V.R.) edge bruising, very fine £600-700 M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919. Eddie Harris was born on 2 October 1896. Living in Neath and a Collier by occupation, he enlisted into the R.N.V.R. on 11 May 1915. He was promoted to Able Seaman in August 1915 and Leading Seaman in November 1915. Posted to the Hawke Battalion, he entered France on 10 July 1916 and reverted to Able Seaman at his own request in November that year. In March 1917 he was admitted to hospital at Etaples suffering from Trench Feet but was able to rejoin his unit during the following month. He was admitted to the 7th Canadian General Hospital in Etaples in November 1917 suffering from the effects of gas. Recovering he was able once more to return to his unit but in March 1918 he was again wounded - suffering from a gunshot wound and the effects of gas, for which he was invalided to England. In August 1918 he returned to the Hawke Battalion in France but was wounded for the third time in September 1918 - suffering a gunshot wound to the chest, leg and foot, for which he was invalided to England. For his brave services Able Seaman Harris was awarded the Military Medal. He was demobilised on 13 January 1919. With copied service papers.
A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Leading Seaman G. R. F. Rees, Anson, late Nelson Battalions, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, three times wounded in action, who died of wounds, 1 October 1918. Military Medal, G.V.R. (B.Z.145 L.S. G. R. F. Rees, Anson Bn. R.N.V.R.) nearly extremely fine £800-900 M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919. George Richard Francis Rees was born on 13 December 1896. Living in Cardiff and a Gasman by occupation, he enlisted into the R.N.V.R. on 17 October 1914. Posted to the Nelson Battalion in December 1915, he joined the unit at Mudros in January 1916. In July 1916 his unit was posted to Alexandria but he remained at Mudros being treated for acute appendicitis. After rejoining his unit he was posted to France in September 1916. Rees was admitted to hospital at Dannes Chamiers in January 1917 suffering from Trench Feet and was later invalided to England. He returned to his unit in the field in July 1917. Rees was wounded on 3 January 1918, being buried by shell explosion and suffering from shell shock. Posted to the Anson Battalion in March 1918 he was wounded in action on 26 August 1918 - receiving a mild gunshot wound to his cheek. Returning to duty he was wounded for the third time - receiving gunshot wounds to his buttocks and leg. Sadly his wounds proved to be fatal and he died of his injuries on 1 October 1918. He was buried in the Sunken Road Cemetery, Boisleux St. Marc, near Arras. He was the son of James Francis and Kate Elizabeth Rees of 169A Clive Street, Grangetown, Cardiff. With copied service papers and war diary extracts - these covering the period 10 September-8 October, when the Anson Battalion, part of the 63rd (R.N.) Division, was in action in the Cambrai Sector.
A Great War Western Front M.M. awarded to Corporal Frank West, 55th Battalion Australian Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (2019 A.L. Cpl., 55/Aust. Inf.) extremely fine £550-650 M.M. London Gazette 11 January 1918; Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 23 May 1918. Recommendation states: This man displayed great devotion to duty and courage during the attack on Polygon Wood on 26th Sept. 1917. On the night of 26/27th he took a Lewis Gun out to an exposed position between two companies and captured an Officer & 5 men of the enemy, bringing them into our lines. His coolness was very noticeable throughout the engagement. Frank West was born in Greys, Essex, England. Living in Australia and a Contractor by occupation, he attested for the Australian Imperial Force on 2 March 1916, aged 32 years, 7 months. With the 55th Battalion Australian Infantry, he proceeded to France in November 1916. West was wounded in action on 10 March 1917, suffering a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, and was invalided to England. Returning to France and rejoining his unit in June 1917, he was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in action on 26/27 September at Polygon Wood. In August 1918 he was transferred to the 14th Training Battalion based at Tidworth, England. Corporal West returned to France once more in early 1919 and as a Temporary Serjeant was attached to the Australian Burials and Graves Registration Detachments. Returning to England in April 1919 he embarked for Australia and was demobilised in July 1919. Frank West died on 19 April 1957. At the time of his M.M. award, the 55th Battalion Australian Infantry was part of the 14th Australian Infantry Brigade; 5th Australian Division, I Anzac Corps. With copied service papers in folder.
A Second World War 1940 operations M.M. group of six awarded to Company Sergeant-Major W. Whittaker, Royal Army Service Corps Military Medal, G.VI.R. (T-92503 Cpl. W. Whittaker, R.A.S.C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine and better (6) £800-1000 M.M. London Gazette 27 September 1940. Walter Whittaker was later taken P.O.W. and held at Stalag 18A at Wolfsberg, Karnten.
A Second World War B.E.F. 1940 operations M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal W. H. Stout, Kings Own Regiment, afterwards Kings Royal Rifle Corps Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3709824 A. Cpl. W. H. Stout, Kings Own R.), re-pinned suspension claw and one or two edge bruises, otherwise good very fine £1000-1200 M.M. London Gazette 20 December 1940. The original recommendation states: During an enemy attack at Bourghillis on 27 May, Private Stout went out across the open under heavy fire and single handed brought in a wounded man, whom he then carried on his back, himself crawling for 400 yards down a shallow communication trench. He left the wounded man under cover and crossed the open again under heavy fire to find a motor transport vehicle, and to this he, still single-handed, safely conveyed the wounded man. Throughout the action he set a high example of courage and devotion to duty. Having enlisted in the Kings Own Regiment in March 1931, Stout transferred to the Army Reserve in April 1938. Recalled to the 5th Battalion on the renewal of hostilities, his unit joined the B.E.F. as of 126 Infantry Brigade, 42nd (East Lancashire) Division, in which capacity he was awarded his M.M. for the above cited deeds. He subsequently transferred to the Kings Royal Rifle Corps in November 1941.
A very rare Second World War Chindit operations M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant C. McCluskey, Black Watch, a veteran of Crete and Tobruk who was twice wounded in the act of winning his M.M. in Burma in June 1944 Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2752845 Sjt. C. McCluskey, Black Watch); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, minor double-stamping to unit on first, some contact wear but generally good very fine or better (6). £2500-3000 M.M. London Gazette 4 January 1945. The original recommendation states: On 10 June 1944, Sergeant McCluskey was ordered to take two infantry sections from his platoon and carry out an offensive patrol in the valley east of the Kysenlei Pass. The patrol encountered enemy in the position in an unnamed village near Kontha and came under heavy and accurate fire, which wounded Sergeant McCluskey and caused other casualties in the patrol. In spite of his wound, however, Sergeant McCluskey retained full control of his small force and hotly engaged the enemy, and only when it became apparent that the enemy was present in considerably superior force did he start to organise a withdrawal. This he did with inspiring coolness and disregard for his personal safety going from one section to another and organising the evacuation of our wounded. While engaged on this task, Sergeant McCluskey was again severely wounded, and although in considerable pain, continued to retain full control of his force. Sergeant McCluskey had for some weeks been in command of a platoon and has on many occasions shown himself to be an outstanding leader, while his conduct on 10 June was beyond all praise. He has previously served with distinction in the Carrier Platoon in Crete and Tobruk. Charles McCluskey was born in Cumbernauld, Dumbarton in January 1914 and enlisted in the Black Watch in June 1932, direct from the Territorials. Originally posted to the 1st Battalion, he transferred to the 2nd sometime before the outbreak of hostilities, and saw action in the Carrier Platoon in Crete and Tobruk, prior to joining Order Wingates Chindits in Burma in March 1944. The following extracts, taken from The Black Watch, by Philip Howard (part of the Famous Regiments series), neatly summarise the actions and experiences shared by McCluskey and his comrades in the 2nd Battalion: Crete In May 1941, after a tremendous battering by dive-bombers, the sky suddenly filled with puffs of thistle-down. There was a gasp of amazement, and a moments hush along the whole Black Watch position. It was the first big parachute invasion in history. The Black Watch picked off the German paratroops as they fell, like plump pigeons. But for the next ten days more and more were dropped, prudently behind the mountains now, and out of range of Heraklion. The Battalion hung on grimly by its finger-nails, in isolated pockets unable to move by daylight, except for the piper who always played Reveille around the airfield after the dawn air raid. At last London decided to evacuate the island. At midnight the Highlanders crept down to the beach to the cruisers waiting to ferry them away. They had a terrible journey to Alexandria, dive-bombed and torpedoed all the way through the narrows at the eastern end of Crete. More than 200 of the Black Watch were killed on the voyage. A year later the Commanding Officer of the first German parachute battalion dropped at Heraklion was captured in Libya. He told his interrogators: My first surprise was when I found the position held. The second was when I discovered who the infantry were. The battle continued with great ferocity for two days. The Black Watch never surrendered. Had it been any other regiment, any other, all would have been well. I had but 80 men left of my 800, no food, little ammunition; our food was being eaten by the Jocks. Tobruk Next the Battalion was put into Tobruk to relieve the Australians, who had been besieged in that bull-dogged citadel for six months. The short dusty perimeter was defended by wire, mine-fields, and subterranean galleries. Dismembered vehicles and litter lay everywhere. The big German gun called ôBardia Billö barked and boomed over the fortress. In November the Battalion broke out of Tobruk on a sortie to link up with the Eighth Army advancing from Egypt. The plan was far more complex than the things which the Black Watch had been asked to do in old-style battles of far-off forgotten wars. But for once the Highlanders had been given a generous ration of infantry tanks. In fact the tanks lost themselves in the flat, featureless desert, in which the only landmarks were tangles of wire. And there was plenty of wire around to confuse the issue. So the Black Watch had to go in alone with the bayonet, as they had been doing ever since Fontenoy. The pipers played the Battalion in with ôHighland Laddieö, the regimental march, and ôThe Black Bearö. This last tune has a pause for a yell at intervals, and is traditionally played when a final effort is needed from tired men. Two hours later 8 officers and 60 men were left to take the final objective out of 32 officers and 600 men who set off from the Start Line. A Gunner Major wrote after the battle: I class this attack of the Black Watch as one of the most outstanding examples of gallantry combined with high-class training that I have seen. Not one of us who was there will forget such supreme gallantry. Burma and the Chindits Over on the other side of the world, the 2nd Battalion had become guerillas themselves - Chindits dropped for long range penetration beyond the Chindwin. The Battalion was split into two columns, numbered, inevitably, 73 and 42. They were flown into blind green jungle in March 1944, and for the next six months skirmished, and marched, and survived the monsoon, the steaming heat, and accidents by flood and field. It was probably the most unpleasant terrain for fighting into which the Black Watch had ever been plunged, worse even than the fever-swamps of the West Indies in the eighteenth century, or the dense jungles of Kandy. They were gnawed by starvation and disease. In one month alone 70 men died of typhus. It was a dripping world where clothes were never dry, and leeches had to be stripped from bodies at night. Tracks were often waist-deep in water and mud. Leather girths rotted on mules. A 10-mile march took four days. And once it took two days to haul their tottering half-dead bodies to the top of a four-mile pass. Most of the actions were small and untidy - the general strategy of the Chindit campaign lost direction after the death of Wingate. In May, at an ambush to cover the evacuation of ôWhite Cityö, 200 Black Watch scattered 1,200 Japanese. In August the last emaciated remnants charged and captured the village of Labu with the bayonet, played in on pipes specially dropped by parachute for the occasion. They were then flown back to India to recuperate. And of McCluskeys individual heroism near Kontha in June 1944, The Black Watch & The Kings Enemies states: There were reports, however, that the Japs were in various villages below the pass; and it was in one of these, Kontha, that the second patrol was sent. It consisted of a weak platoon under Sergeant McLuskey. Leaving at 8 a.m. on 10 June, he approached Kontha and was engaged by fire. The paddy round the village was three feet under water, but he took up his position in elephant grass and returned the fire with Bren guns and grenades from a cup discharger. As the enemy began to work round them, the patrol withdrew, having had one man killed and several wounded, but having got their information. They returned with their wounded at 6 p.m. The difficulty of keeping weapons in a working condition in circumstances such as these may be imagined.
A Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant W. A. Evans, Royal Artillery - who was originally recommended for a D.C.M. for his gallant deeds in an anti-tank unit in April 1943 Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1064397 Sjt. W. A. Evans, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, minor contact marks, good very fine or better (5) £800-1000 M.M. London Gazette 22 July 1943. The original recommendation - for a D.C.M. - states: Sergeant Evans is Troop Sergeant of K Troop, 88th Anti-Tank Battery, 14th Anti-Tank Regiment. Two guns of K Troop were ordered into action on Sidi Amellah (?) ridge during the morning of 29 April. The route for the Troop was through a minefield, and then over an open slope which was exposed to shell and small arms fire. The position was just below and defiladed by the lip of the top of the ridge, firing backwards. The guns which should have covered the top of the ridge were either destroyed or unable to occupy the selected positions because of accurate machine-gun and mortar fire. Tanks were reported on the far side of the ridge. It was necessary to manhandle the gun over the crest of the ridge. Sergeant Evans collected some infantry and assisted to manhandle the gun over the top of the hill onto the forward slope which was in full view of the enemy. Enemy tanks were engaged by the gun and two tanks were destroyed in three rounds. Just after this gun opened fire, Sergeant Evans and the infantry he had collected manhandled the second gun on to the crest and the gun opened fire and destroyed a tank. Early in the tank attack, the Troop Commander had been wounded, and Sergeant Evans took over command of the guns. He collected the infantry to assist in manhandling, helped load the guns, and later conducted the most dangerous operations in order to get the guns and ammunition under cover. William Alfred Evans was a native of Rotherham.
A Second World War North Africa operations group of four awarded to Lance-Sergeant W. F. Davey, Royal Artillery Military Medal, G.VI.R. (791729 L. Sjt. W. F. Davey, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine and better (4) £800-1000 M.M. London Gazette 18 February 1943. The original recommendation states: This Sergeant Fitter has done some magnificent work both in maintaining the Batterys vehicles and recovering vehicles from dangerous country in front of our O.Ps. On several occasions, he has worked on abandoned vehicles under heavy shell fire until he has been able to drive them back into our lines. On one occasion, in the last campaign, he continued to work on a broken down portee while in the middle of a tank battle. This N.C.Os consistent courage, cheerfulness and complete disregard of his own safety has been an outstanding example to the other men in the Battery, and he has been responsible for saving a large number of vehicles from either falling into the enemys hands or being destroyed. William Frederick Davey was decorated for his services in 3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, a unit of the famous 7th Armoured Division, the ôDesert Ratsö, in the period leading up to October 1942. He had earlier won a ômentionö for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East (London Gazette 9 Sept 1942 refers), on which occasion he was originally recommended for the B.E.M. In November 1941, a troop of the regiments guns under 2nd Lieutenant G. W. Gunn, attached to the Rifle Brigade, participated in the famous action at Sidi Rezegh, Gunn being awarded a posthumous V.C. - with the position under attack from 60 tanks, he personally manned his last operational gun on a burning portee, alongside the only Sergeant of crew left, and managed to destroy two more tanks before falling shot through the forehead.
A rare and impressive Palestine 1947 operations B.E.M. awarded to Gunner F. D. Keillor, Royal Artillery, for great gallantry in responding to a terrorist attack in Haifa - severely wounded by two through and through revolver shots fired at close range, and in great pain, he nonetheless drove his wounded comrades in a jeep to the nearest hospital British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 2nd issue (14148108 Gnr. Frederick D. Keillor, R.A.), minor official correction to surname, nearly extremely fine £800-1000 B.E.M. London Gazette 2 July 1948: In recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner. The original recommendation states: On 12 December 1947, at about 1300 hours, Gunner Keillor was driving a jeep along Herzl Street, Haifa, proceeding north in the direction of Acre. An officer, together with two other gunners who were acting as escorts to the party, were also travelling in the vehicle. Opposite the New Cinema, the jeep was stopped in a small traffic jam. At this moment two or three dissidents, believed to be Jews, came out of a side turning and, at point blank range, fired at them with revolvers. All were hit several times and seriously wounded; one of the escort later died after admission to hospital. Gunner Keillor received a through and through gun shot wound of the right upper arm and a through and through gun shot wound of the left shoulder. Despite the severity of his wounds, which had the effect of almost completely paralysing his arms, and of causing him very considerable pain, Gunner Keillor drew his revolver to return the fire but the attackers, in keeping with their character, had disappeared. One effect of the firing was completely to clear Herzl Street of all traffic, shoppers and pedestrians. No one, therefore, either Jew or Arab, came forward to render assistance to the wounded men though some could be seen peering fearfully at them from doorways and windows. The officer was seriously wounded, having been shot in the stomach, and the two escorts were already unconscious. Gunner Keillor, realising the necessity of reaching medical assistance as soon as possible, managed to start the engine and get the jeep going. By this time his right arm had become completely useless and little strength remained in his left. Nonetheless, however, he drove the jeep to a British Military Hospital, a distance of some two miles, along a route with many turns and steep inclines. The conduct of this young soldier throughout this incident is deserving of the highest praise. Though severely wounded, he showed that he had in him the best qualities of the British soldier of courage, determination and devotion to duty. Frederick Davidson Keillor was from Angus, Forfar. On the day he won his his B.E.M., Haganah terrorists launched a series of attacks against Arab and British targets in Haifa and Ramleh, over 20 people being killed and another 30 wounded - two of the former were British soldiers, and one of them, as cited above, a comrade of Keillor.
A post-war B.E.M. group of three awarded to Flight Sergeant R. Heather, Royal Air Force British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (639638 Flt./Sgt. Ronald Heather, R.A.F.); General Service 1918-621 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (639638 F. Sgt. R. Heather, R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (639638 F. Sgt. R. Heather, R.A.F.), minor contact wear, good very fine or better (3) £300-350 B.E.M. London Gazette 1 June 1953.
WWII medal group for Henry Sills, 1939-1945 War Medal, 1939-1945 Defence Medal, 1939-1945 Star and the Italy Star, soldiers service and pay record book, his regimental panel for The Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers, two albums containing black and white photographs relating to the WWII period, etc.
Webster family medals, comprising; the 1914-18 British War Medal and the 1914-19 Victory Medal to 24340 PTE.H.WEBSTER. W.YORK.R. with the two accompanying forwarding slips and the First World War period memorial plaque, detailed HENRY WEBSTER, with the original folding card case, died 18th September 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, the 1914-18 British War Medal and the 1914-19 Victory Medal to 4640 PTE.E.WEBSTER. W.YORK.R. (correction to the last letter of the naming of the Victory Medal) and five further items.
A large quantity of costume jewellery, including; imitation pearl necklaces, other necklaces, earnings, brooches, a green onyx set trinket box, an Imperial Service Medal, Elizabeth II issue to William Jackson, with the original case, a Coronation 1911 Shelley Commemorative mug, two cameo brooches, a marcasite necklace, a brass whistle, detailed The Acme Boy Scouts, an oval pendant locket and sundry.
A grey agate set oval brooch, a grey agate set oval pendant with engraved decoration, a Victorian rectangular brooch, the centre decorated with two birds, seven further brooches, a pair of gold back and front oval cuff links, three rings, two pairs of earrings, a silver and enamelled fob medal and sundry.
GROUP OF SIX MEDALS AWARDED TO PRIVATE W. JAMES OF THE GRENADIER GUARDS, SIX MEDALS IN TOTAL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT INCLUDES THE QUEENS SUDAN MEDAL 1899, QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA 1899 - 1902 MEDAL WITH SIX ATTACHED BARS FOR SOUTH AFRICA 1901 DIAMOND HILL JOHANNESBURG, DRIEFONTIN, MODDER RIVER AND THE LAST IS BELMONT (ONLY 26 BARS WERE ISSUED FOR THIS CAMPAIGN AND A MAXIMUM OF SIX ON ANY MEDAL), A 1902 KHEDIVE`S SUDAN MEDAL WITH BAR FOR CHARTAM WWI STAR 1914 - 1915, WAR MEDAL 1914 - 1918, VICTORY MEDAL, ALL MEDALS ARE CONTAINED WITHIN A BOX MARKED A.H. BALDWIN AND SONS LTD NUMISMATISTS
Three Second World War medals, comprising 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star and 1939-45 War Medal, with ribbons and packets of issue, Army Council forwarding slip confirming these three awards, and original box of postage, together with a Special Constabulary Faithful Service Medal, George VI issue, to `Frederick W. Bettesworth`, with the original box of issue and West Sussex Constabulary forwarding letter, and seven various unrelated badges.
Three Second World War medals, comprising 1939-45 Star, Italy Star and 1939-45 War Medal, with the Army Council forwarding slip confirming three awards and box of postage, together with a silver menu stand, designed as a sword and flaming grenade motif with motto `Ubique`, and a quantity of mostly naval officer`s buttons.
A 1914-18 British War Medal and a 1914-19 Victory Medal, both to `2.Lieut C. Edkins`, a First World War period memorial plaque detailed `Charles Edkins`, and a silver oval identity disc, engraved `2nd Lt C. Edkins. CofE. 4th London Reg`, Birmingham 1917 [shown as serving with the London Regiment, died 30th October 1918, buried in the Tournai Communal Cemetery Allied Extension].
A Queen`s South Africa Medal with four bars, `Cape Colony`, `Orange Free State`, `Transvaal` and `South Africa 1901`, to `360 36 Pte P.E. Stannard. 108th Coy Imp: Yeo:`, together with a bronze medallion, the obverse with the portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh 1552-1618 and engraved to the reverse `Tobacco W.D.C. 1921 P.E. Stannard`, five Second World War period medals, comprising 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with bar `First Army`, Italy Star, 1939-45 Defence Medal and 1939-45 War Medal, all named in impressed capitals to `RQMS E.P. Stannard`, mounted on a bar, and a miniature 1939-45 Defence Medal (spelt `Defense`).
A 1914-18 British War Medal and a 1914-19 Victory Medal, both to `L-14431 Gnr A.E. Green. R.A.`, together with an aluminium dog tag, a dress Albert chain, various badges and buttons, a tin containing shrapnel, a cloth badge detailed `The British Red Cross Society First Aid`, an `R.F.A.` cloth badge, coins, a brass button-polishing stick and a group of related paperwork and photographs, including `Soldier`s Pay Book Army Book 64`, a `Certificate of Transfer to Reserve on Demobilization`, a `Protection Certificate and Certificate of Identity`, a `Certificate of Proficiency Home Guard`, dated 8 Aug 1944, and sundry.
An Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, George V last issue, with `Regular Army` suspension to `1853648 Sjt. C.E. Seal. R.E.`, fitted to a ribbon bar also showing the ribbon of the 1939-45 Star, together with a silver fob medal, detailed `R.E.B.L Winners 1918 Bugler C.E. Seal`, and a silver gilt and enamelled RAOB jewel, detailed `Propaganda Jewel Presented to Primo C.E. Seal 1923`.
Two First World War period medals, comprising 1914-18 British War Medal and 1914-19 Victory Medal, both to `G-36237 Pte. A.C. Bugg. R.Fus.`, together with a 1914-18 British War Medal to `2.Lieut. E.L. Bayley.`, a 1914-19 Victory Medal to `2 Lieut. W.M. Banks.`, and four 1914-18 British War Medals to `47476 Pte. E.W. Bullard. K.R.Rif.C.`, `9762 Sjt. J. Turnbull. A.Cyc.Corps.`, `91964 Gnr. D. Winfield. R.A.` and `214463 Bmbr. D.T. Gossage. R.A.` (the last probably officially renamed).
An MBE, Civil issue, mounted on a sterling brooch pin, a St. John Ambulance Brigade Long Service Medal, with one further service bar, to `5623 A/Sis. E. Parrington Preston NSG. DIV. No 401S. S. JA. B. 1927`, a Fire Brigade Long Service Medal for Exemplary Fire Service, Elizabeth II issue, to `Ldg. Fireman Charles E. Pledger`, and an Efficiency Medal, with bar `Territorial`, George VI issue, to `72581 Sjt. C.N. Hooker. R.E.M.E.`.
A 1914-18 British War Medal and a 1914-19 Victory Medal, both to `2.Lieut. H.J. Harrison.`, a 1939-45 Defence Medal to `Sub/Cmdr H.J. Harrison` and a Special Constabulary Faithful Service Medal, George VI issue, to `Sub Cmdr. Harold J. Harrison`, with one bar detailed `Long Service 1944`, these four mounted on a bar as originally worn, together with four unnamed Second World War period awards, comprising 1939-45 Star, Burma Star, 1939-45 Defence Medal and 1939-45 War Medal.
Three First World War period medals, comprising 1914-15 Star, 1914-18 British War Medal and 1914-19 Victory Medal, all to `227964 O.C. Moore. A.B. R.N.`, together with a 1914-18 British War Medal and a 1914-19 Victory Medal, both to `9336 Pte. H.C. Gilbert. Durh. L.I.`, mounted on a bar [died 26th October 1916 aged 24, buried in the Warlencourt British Cemetery], and a 1914-18 British War Medal and Victory Medal to `73220 Gnr. W.T. Price. R.A.`.
A First World War period sepia photograph of an R.F.C. 2nd Air Mechanic, within a brass and composition frame, possibly constructed from a nine cylinder radial engine distributor, overall diameter approx 19cm, together with a small R.F.C. gilded sterling silver medal, inscribed `Drill Competition February 28th 1918 2/A.M. C. McCormack`.
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