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A fine O.B.I. group of eleven awarded to Subadar Major (Hon. Captain) Bakhshish Singh, 2/2nd Punjab Regiment (late 69th Punjabis) Order of British India, 1st Class, 2nd type neck badge, gold and enamel; 1914-15 Star (No. 1785 Nk. Bakhshish Singh, 1/69/Punjabis.); British War and Victory Medals (1785 Nk. Bakhshish Singh 1-69 Pjbis.); India General Service 1908-35, 4 clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Waziristan 1919-21, Waziristan 1921-24, North West Frontier 1935, with M.I.D. oak leaf (1785 Havr. Bakhshish Singh, 1/69/Pjbs.); India General Service 1936-39, 2 clasps, North West Frontier 1936-37, North West Frontier 1937-39 (1090 Subdr. Maj. Bakhshish Singh, 2-2 Punjab R.); War Medal 1939-45, unnamed; India Service Medal (IO 2173 Sub/Maj. Bakhshish Singh, 2 Punjab R.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, these last three unnamed as issued, the last ten mounted court-style, nearly very fine or better (11) £1,400-£1,800 --- Bakhshish Singh joined the 1/69 Punjabis as a Sepoy on 1 August 1910, and served the War of 1914-21 at the following: Shaik Said, 10 November, 1914; Egypt, 19 November 1914 to 28 April 1915, and 16 December 1915 to 12 January 1916; Gallipoli, 1-15 May 1915; France and Belgium, 30 May to 3 December 1915; Aden, 19 January 1916 to 11 November 1918; Afghanistan N.W.F., 1919; Waziristan, 1921-23 (Despatches London Gazette 18 November 1924). He also served at: North West Frontier of India (Mohmand), 1935; North West Frontier, 1936-37; Jemadar, 17 January 1924; Dubadar, 1 July 1931; Subadar-Major, 1 July 1937; O.B.I. 2nd Class (Bahadur), 11 May 1937; O.B.I. 1st Class (Sardar Bahadur) 1942. In 1943 he was appointed Honorary Captain and Aide-de-Camp to General Officer C-in-C North Western Army. Sold with full research.

United States of America, Congressional Medal of Honor, Army, 6th (current) issue, gilt and enamel, unnamed specimen, reverse of suspension engraved ‘The Congress to’, the reverse marked ‘1/10 of 10K G.F. H.L.P. N.Y.C.’, with neck cravat with pop stud attachments, reverse pad with three support hooks, extremely fine £300-£400

United States of America, Congressional Medal of Honor, Navy, 10th (current) issue, bronze, unnamed specimen, with neck cravat with pop stud attachments, reverse pad with three support hooks, extremely fine £240-£280

United States of America, Congressional Medal of Honor, Air Force, gilt and enamel, unnamed specimen, the reverse marked ‘H.L.P.’, with neck cravat with pop stud attachments, reverse pad with three support hooks, extremely fine £260-£300

International Medal for Supervision and Control in Vietnam, Canadian issue, bronze (Maj E. S. C. Murdoch) good very fine, scarce to Commonwealth Forces £100-£140 --- Ernest St. John Charles Murdoch, M.C., was one of a small number of officers who was specially employed to make up the Military Component Canadian Delegation (M.C.C.D.), which was set up to implement the terms of the Geneva Agreement from 1954 when the First Indo China War had ended, to the International Commission of Control and Supervision (I.C.C.S.). Only three countries, Canada, India, and Poland, were sent to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia from 1954 to 1973, and only 1,500 ‘Peace’ Medals were awarded in total for 90 days’ service. Murdoch had previously been awarded the Military Cross for his services with the Royal Canadian Artillery in Sicily (London Gazette 23 September 1943), and Mentioned in Despatches for his services in Korea (London Gazette 3 October 1953).

An interesting Order of St. John group of nine awarded to Surgeon W. R. Haigh, Serbian Relief Fund The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Officer‘s (Brother’s) breast badge, gilt and enamel, with heraldic beasts in angles; British War and Victory Medals (W. E. Haigh.) VM officially re-impressed; British Red Cross Society Medal for War Service, bronze; Montenegro, Principality, Order of Danilo, 1st type, Knight’s breast badge, silver and enamel, unmarked; Serbia, Kingdom, Order of St. Sava, Knight’s breast badge, silver and enamel, bishop in green robes, unmarked; Order of the White Eagle, Knight’s breast badge, Civil Division, silver-gilt and enamel, unmarked; Red Cross Society Cross, silver and enamel; Serbian Red Cross Society of London, silver medal for service to Serbia during the War 1914-1918, unnamed, mounted for display purposes, good very fine and better (9) £800-£1,000 --- William Edwin Haigh ‘was born on 29 August 1878 and received his medical education at University College, London, and St. Bartholomew's Hospital, qualifying in 1909. After resident appointments he took the D.T.M. of Liverpool in 1910 and the F.R.C.S. of England in 1911. Thereafter he had a colourful career, for after working at the Wesleyan Mission Hospital in Hankow he served as a medical officer in the Balkan War. During the Great War he was seconded to the Serbian Army and received several Serbian decorations. Afterwards he became a member of the medical staff of the League of Nations and carried out some important investigations, the most impressive being his inquiry into the severe incidence of typhus fever in Poland and Russia. He was also the author of a report on malaria in Albania. Soon after taking the D.P.H. in 1926 Haigh joined the public health staff in Derby, arriving there with a richly deserved reputation as an epidemiologist. He is remembered in Derby mainly for the organisation of the immunisation services, which he raised to a high degree of efficiency. He became deputy medical officer of health in 1941, holding this post up to his retirement in 1946. He was a man of restless energy, whose vital interests in research and quest for perfection were fully sustained. Among his many successes was the award of the Neech prize in 1930 for a thesis on the ventilation of the Derby cinemas: it was probably the first time that the kata thermometer had been used for such a purpose. Dr. Haigh had a wonderful memory and possessed great integrity, knowledge, and professional skill, and his opinions were always greatly valued. Although essentially a quiet man, he was always friendly, and without doubt he was very much liked and respected by all who knew him. His death, in Geneva on 29 November 1961, has evoked many expressions of admiration from his former colleagues.’ (the recipient’s obituary in the British Medical Journal, 13 January 1962, refers). Haigh served as a Surgeon with the Serbian Relief Fund during the Great War in Serbia from 7 March to 1 August 1915 (not entitled to a 1914-15 Star)

A rare Great War ‘Hamel, March 1918’ D.C.M. and ‘Somme, 1916’ M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant Joshua Fishwick, 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (D6581 Sjt: J. Fishwick. M.M. 2/D. Gds:); Military Medal, G.V.R. (6581 Cpl. J. Fishwick. 2/D. Gds:); 1914 Star, with clasp (6581 L. Cpl. J. Fishwick. 2/D. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (D-6581 Sjt. J. Fishwick. 2-D. Gds.); Defence Medal, mounted as worn, together with Silver War Badge (B235707) with tatty certificate, generally nearly very fine (6) £2,600-£3,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led a small reconnoitring party to inspect the enemy’s disposition, and, having got behind an advance post, he attacked it, causing severe casualties and bringing back one prisoner and three machine guns. This was done under heavy hostile machine-gun fire.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Hamel, 31 March 1918.’ M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1916. Believed to be an award for the operations in the Carnoy Valley, 14-16 September 1916. Joshua Fishwick enlisted into the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays) on 1 January 1912, and served in France from 16 August 1914. He was discharged on 7 May 1919. Sold wIth copied research including gazette notices, War Diary extracts, and Medal Index Card.

A Great War ‘Ypres-Menin Road’ September 1917 D.C.M. and ‘Hindenburg Line’ May 1917 M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant J. Ellis, 1st (attached 4th) Battalion, Liverpool Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9637 Sjt: J. Ellis. 1/L’pool: R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (9637 Sjt: J. Ellis. 1/L’pool: R.); 1914 Star (9637 Pte. T. Ellis. 1/L’pool R.) note initial; British War and Victory Medals (9637 Sjt. J. Ellis. L’pool R.) mounted for display, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (5) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 26 November 1917; citation published 6 February 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was largely responsible for the steadiness with which the men of his company met and repulsed a strong enemy counter-attack. His great courage, resource and initiative were an inspiring example to the men at a critical time.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Ypres-Menin Road, 27 September 1917’. The War Diary for this date describes the attacks during operations in the Reutelbeer Sector, 25-28th September 1917. M.M. London Gazette 28 July 1917. Probably an award for the 33rd Division attack on the Hindenburg Line on 20 May 1917. John Ellis went to France with the 1st Battalion, Liverpool Regiment on 12 August 1914 (initial shown as ‘T’ on Medal Index Card). He was subsequently attached to the 4th Battalion and won both of his awards with the 4th. Sold with copied research including gazette entries, D.C.M., M.M. and Medal Index Cards, and War Diary extracts.

A fine Great War Gallipoli ‘Gully Ravine’ D.C.M. and inter-War B.E.M. group of six awarded to Colour-Sergeant J. M. Wood, 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment, later 4/5th Battalion, Royal Scots Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9402 L. Sjt: J. M. Wood. 1/Bord: R.); British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (3589460 Cr. Sgt. James M. Wood, D.C.M.); 1914-15 Star (9402 Pte. J. M. Wood. Bord. R.); British War and Victory Medals (9402 Sjt. J. M. Wood. Bord. R.); Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., Territorial (3589460 C. Sjt. J. M. Wood (D.C.M.) 4/5 R. Scots.) mounted for display, together with silver shooting medal (1908 Pte. J. Wood. 9402 G Coy) good very fine (7) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 6 September 1915: ‘For gallant conduct on the 28th June, 1915, on the Gallipoli peninsula. He led a reinforcing party into an enemy trench under heavy fire, and proceeded down it until he joined up with the unit on his flank. The section he passed down was strongly held by the enemy, 64 of whom surrendered.’ One of three D.C.M.’s awarded to the Border Regiment for the attack on Gully Ravine, 28 June 1915. The regimental history records: ‘”A” Company had more trouble with Turkey Trench, for they were throughout exposed to a particularly murderous fire from a hitherto unlocated enemy trench running from Turkey Trench to H.12, and every man of the assaulting party was either killed or wounded, Captain Hodgson, leading the attack, being bayoneted. “A” Company’s supports fared little better and suffered much from shell and rifle fire, but reinforcements under Sergeant Wood were gradually pushed forward and joined up with “B” Company in Boomerang Redoubt, the garrison of which then surrendered, 64 Turks becoming prisoners and being sent to the rear. The whole operation was thoroughly well organized, and was carried through with the greatest boldness and dash.’ B.E.M. (Military) London Gazette 8 June 1939: ‘No. 3589460 Colour-Sergeant James Milburn Wood, D.C.M., 4/5th Battalion, (Queen’s Edinburgh) (52nd Searchlight Regiment) The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment), Territorial Army.’ Sold with copied research including gazette notices, Battalion War Diary entries covering the Gallipoli landings on 25 April and Gully Ravine action, together with extracts from the regimental histories.

A Great War ‘Egypt’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private W. Hitchcock, Queen’s Own Dorset Yeomanry and Machine Gun Corps Cavalry, who was killed in action in Egypt on 21 November 1917 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (96187 Pte. W. Hitchcock. M.G.C.); 1914-15 Star (1445 Pte. W. Hitchcock, Dorset. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (1445 Pte. W. Hitchcock. Dorset Yeo.) mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the other members of his machine-gun team had become casualties, during an action, he assisted his officer to get the gun into action, showing great determination and resource.’ William Hitchcock was born at Wellington, Somerset, and attested for the Queen’s Own Dorset Yeomanry at Sherborne, Dorset. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War in the Balkan theatre of War from 30 October 1915, before transferring to the Machine Gun Corps Cavalry, and saw further service with them as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was killed in action in Egypt on 21 November 1917; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Battery Sergeant-Major E. P. Faulkner, Royal Field Artillery Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (34695 B.S. Mjr: E. P. Faulkner. A.149/Bde: R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (34695 B.S. Mjr. E. P. Faulkner. R.F.A.) first digit of number stamped over ‘2’; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (34695 W.O.Cl.2. E. P. Faulkner. R.A.); Defence Medal; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1017643 W.O.Cl.II. E. P. Faulkner. D.C.M. R.F.A.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Edward P. Faulkner.) overall contact wear, otherwise nearly very fine (7) £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After several failures he succeeded in getting the gun teams through the hostile barrage to the guns. There he found himself surrounded by the enemy, but by his coolness and daring succeeded in getting the teams away.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 14 December 1917. Edward P. Faulkner was a native of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and served in France from 21 August 1915.

A Great War 1918 ‘French theatre’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Battery Sergeant Major H. C. Cook, 173rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (L-5069 Sjt:-A.B.S. Mjr:- H. C. Cook. R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (L-5069 B.S. Mjr H. C. Cook. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (L-5069 W.O. Cl. II. H. C. Cook. R.A.) BWM suspension claw, re-pinned, generally very fine or better (4) £600-£800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1919 (citation appearing London Gazette 3 September 1919): ‘For consistent gallantry and devotion to duty over the period 25th February, 1918 to 17th September 1918, which includes the operations at St. Quentin in March, and the subsequent retreat. He acted continually as battery sergeant major at the guns, and on numerous occasions set a splendid example of coolness and courage under fire.’ Henry C. Cook was a native of Tring. He served during the Great War with the 173rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery in the French theatre of war from 26 November 1915.

A fine Great War ‘Battle of Loos 1915, V.C. action’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private Saxon Smith, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, for gallantry at Hulluch on 8 October 1915; he was killed in action on the Somme on 15 September 1916 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (12702 Pte. S. Smith. 3/C. Gds.); 1914-15 Star (12702 Pte. S. Smith. C. Gds:); British War and Victory Medals (12702 Pte. S. Smith. C. Gds.) mounted court-style for display; Memorial Plaque (Saxon Smith) this in its card envelope with Buckingham Palace enclosure, extremely fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry when bombing the enemy, retaking a sap and advancing forward to bomb an enemy sap.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘8 October 1915.’ Saxon Smith was born in July 1891 at Hollinwood, Lancashire. He landed in France on 7 April 1915, and joined the 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, who had been in France since the start of the war. In late September and October 1915 the Battalion took part in the Battle of Loos, and it was for his actions near Hulluch on 8 October that Smith was awarded the D.C.M. For this same action Lance-Sergeant Oliver Brooks, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, was awarded the Victoria Cross: ‘The 3rd Battalion Grenadiers were holding an advanced trench, difficult to defend and almost surrounded by the enemy, who succeeded in bombing two of their companies out of it to a second position in rear; and the consequences of the mishap might have been serious. The 3rd Battalion Coldstream were posted on the immediate right, and behaved with admirable courage and promptitude; they stood quite firm and at once went to the aid of their comrades in trouble. At the time they too were being pressed, and the enemy got a momentary footing in one of their advanced saps, but No. 3 Company, well supported by No. 1, quickly bombed him out of it, capturing three prisoners. Another effort was however necessary to restore the situation, and No. 6738 Lance-Sergeant O. Brooks, of his own initiative, followed by six bombers, and supported by a section, all of them of the 3rd Battalion, started bombing down the captured trench. A fierce fight followed lasting three-quarters of an hour, which ended by driving the intruders out of their gains; so confident were the bombing party that they were eager to continue operations and invade the German lines, but enough had been done for present. The trench that had been temporarily lost was then reoccupied, and the original position entirely recovered. The expenditure of bombs by the Battalion that afternoon was 5,000.’ (Regimental history refers) Whilst the six bombers that accompanied Brooks were each awarded the D.C.M. for the same action, it has been established that Smith was not one of that party, he having performed similar deeds on the same day. He was killed in action, whilst still serving with 3rd Battalion, in the Battle of the Somme on 15 September 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Sold with an original news cutting with portrait announcing award of D.C.M.; and copied research.

A superb Great War ‘Ypres, June 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergerant-Major R. E. Page, 8th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5777 C.S. Mjr: R. E. Page. 8/E. Kent R.); 1914-15 Star (G-5777Sjt. R. E. Page. E. Kent R.); British War and Victory Medals (G-5777 A.W.O.Cl.1. R. E. Page. E. Kent R.) medlas unmounted, the first with edge bruise and polished, good fine, otherwise very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 August 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a night attack he personally bombed several dug-outs full of the enemy and shot others who refused to surrender. He also showed great ability in consolidating the captured position and was of invaluable assistance to his company commander.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Ypres, 14-15 June 1917.’ Ronald Eric Page was born at Bexhill, Sussex, and attested for the army at Brighton on 1 September 1914, aged 20 years 6 months; although a shop assistant by trade, he had had some previous service in the R.N.V.R. Posted to the 8th Battalion, The Buffs on 12 September, his abilities brought him rapid promotion. Page entered France with the battalion at Boulogne on 31 August 1915, and went on to win his D.C.M. with the 8th when they were in action clearing out the enemy defenders in a strongly fortified area in the Ypres sector known as the ‘Spoil Bank’. On the night of 14-15 June 1917, stiff resistance was encountered and the deep dug-outs in this labyrinth had to be neutralised by the successful use of a combination of phosphorous bombs and Mills grenades. Page was discharged to ‘Z’ Reserve on 25 February 1919. Sold with copied research including attestation papers, gazette notices, Medal Index Card, and battalion War Diary for June 1917.

Lapel Badges. A miscellaneous selection including a scarce miniature silver wound badge, Old Contemptibles, two On War Service, a Ypres gilt and enamel medal, an RAF arm eagle, an enamel GQ Parachute, and sundry other lapel badges and riband bars; together with an H.M.S. Warspite copper circular tray, and another smaller example for H.M.S. Jamaica, overall good condition (lot) £50-£70

A Great War ‘Mesopotamia 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant William Challoner, 6th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (6741 Sjt: W. Challoner. 6/R. Lanc: R.); 1914-15 Star (6741 L. Cpl. W. Challoner. R. Lanc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (6741 Sjt. W. Challoner. R. Lanc. R.) medals unmounted, very fine and better (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 22 October 1917; citation published 26 January 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack upon the enemy’s position. He led a party of twenty men to the enemy’s communication trench, where he held on although subject to heavy enfilade fire, by which twelve became casualties, eventually blocked the trench and put a Lewis gun in position, thus preventing the enemy from making any further advance. He was wounded himself and set a splendid example of initiative and determination.’ Annotated gazettes states: ‘Mespot.’ William Challoner was born in the Parish of St John's near Manchester on 25 March 1883. He worked as a labourer and on 4 March 1901, he enlisted into the King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, having previously served in their Territorials. He was posted to the 1st Battalion on 8 May 1901, serving at Malta from November 1901 until September 1903, and then in India until January 1909 when he returned to the U.K., serving until 5 April 1909, when he was transferred to the Army Reserve having attained the rank of Lance-Corporal. Mobilized on 5 August 1914, at the outbreak of the Great War, he was posted to the 1st Battalion King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment with the rank of Lance-Corporal. He landed in France on 4 December 1914, to join the 1st Battalion who were by then already serving in France, having suffered heavy casualties at Le Cateau. Challoner returned to the U.K. on 27 March 1915, and on 26 July 1915 he was posted to the 6th Battalion, King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, a New Army battalion preparing to depart for Gallipoli. Landing in Gallipoli on 24 July 1915, he remained there until the peninsula was evacuated. He was promoted Corporal on 6 August 1915, and a week later promoted Sergeant. The 6th Battalion went from Gallipoli to Egypt and from there to Mesopotamia, where they landed on 13 February 1916. On 8 May Challoner was appointed acting C.Q.M.S., a position he held until reverting to Sergeant on 6 November 1916. Challoner was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his services in Mesopotamia in early 1917, most likely for the action at the Dahra Bend in February 1917. On 15 April 1918, he returned to England, being posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, with whom he remained for the remainder of the war. He was demobilised on 11 March 1919. Sold with copied research including discharge papers, gazette notices, Medal Index Card and medal rolls.

A Great War stretcher bearer’s D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private Ernest Stockman, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (28796 Pte. E. Stockman. 2/Devon: R.) minor official correction to number with ‘8’ over ‘3’; British War and Victory Medals (28796 Pte. E. Stockman. Devon. R.) medals unmounted, nearly extremely fine (3) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as a stretcher bearer. Seeing a man hit between the enemy’s line and our own he rushed out in broad daylight to within 100 yards of the enemy, picked him up and, followed by a hail of bullets, carried him back to the aid post. On many other occasions he has saved lives by his coolness and devotion to duty.’ Battalion War Diary entry for 9 July 1918 confirms award of D.C.M. for ‘gallantry and devotion to duty between the Aisne and Marne.’ The 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, was awarded the Croix de Guerre with bronze palm as a unit for actions at Bois de Buttes (Aisne) 27 May 1918. Sold with large portrait photograph of Stockman in uniform with ‘SB’ arm badge, this rolled and folded with marginal tears; Ypres League membership certificate; and 8th Division Parchment Certificate for Gallant Conduct, dated 26th May, 1918, awarded to Private Ernest Stockman, 2nd Devonshire Regiment. Action for which Commended:- ‘Near Villers Bretonneux on 24th April, 1918, Private Stockman carried out his duties in the open for many hours under heavy fire. When returning from the Regimental Aid Post, though he was cut off from his Company, he at once reported for duty to the nearest Company and carried on his work as stretcher bearer with untiring zeal and determination.’

A Great War ‘Pusieux Trench, Battle of the Ancre’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Lieutenant William Henman, Gloucetershire Regiment, late 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9004 C.S. Mjr: W. Henman. 8/Som: L.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9004 Cpl. W. Henman. Som: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. W. Henman.); War Medal 1939-45, mounted for display, contact pitting, otherwise very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 March 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He took command of a large party of his company, and handled them with great gallantry under most trying conditions.’ The Battalion War Diary notes: ‘Distinguished Conduct Medal. No. 9004 C.S.M. William Henman. For conspicuous skill and gallantry on the 18th November and in particular for taking command of a large part of his Company when no officers were present, his Company Commander being killed. He kept them together and assisted them greatly by his example and coolness.’ [This was during the attack upon PUSIEUX TRENCH, near Beaucourt, Battle of the Ancre, 1916] M.I.D. London Gazette 3 March 1917. William Henman served in France from 21 August 1914. He was admitted to 1st Casualty Hospital with influenza on 18 September 1914, but rejoined the battalion on 7 October, and returned to England on 7 December 1914. He afterwards served with the 8th Battalion on the Somme, and won the D.C.M. for gallantry during the Battle of the Ancre on 18 November 1916. His name is recorded on the Wounded List from 5 January 1917. Henman was granted a commission as 2nd Lieutenant to the 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, on 26 November 1917, and to be Temporary Lieutenant, for service with West African Frontier Force, on 2 October 1918. Placed on the retired list on 27 February 1924, he was recalled fro the Reserve of Officers, to be Garrison Adjutant, on 23 August 1939. He retried as War Substantive Captain, on account of ill-health, on 11 July 1942. Sold with copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded Private to E. Thynne, 10th Battalion (Hull Commercials), East Yorkshire Regiment, for gallantry in the attack on Gars Brugghe Farm east of Foret de Nieppe on 28 June 1918 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3-5555 Pte. E. Thynne. 10/E. York: R.); 1914 Star (3-5555 Pte. E. Thynne. 1/E. York: R.); British War and Victory Medals (3-5555 Pte. E. Thynne, E. York. R.) mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an advance this soldier was ever in the forefront of the attack. When the advance was delayed at a farm that was determinedly held by the enemy, he rushed forward through heavy machine-gun fire and forced his way into the buildings. Pte. Thynne captured three prisoners; the remainder of the garrison retired precipitately. The final objective having been reached, he volunteered to take back the information to battalion headquarters. After making his way through a heavy hostile barrage, he safely delivered his message, together with a most useful account of the precise situation and the requirements of the front line. His behaviour throughout was distinguished by brilliant gallantry.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘E. Forest of Nieppe, 28 June 1918. Ernest Thynne was a native of Felling-on-Tyne and went to France with the 1st Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment on 2 November 1914. Sold with copied research including gazette notices, D.C.M. card and Medal Index Card which also shows entitlement to a Silver War Badge.

A Great War 1915 ‘Ypres - Hill 60’ D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant J. Thompson, 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7229 A. Cpl. J. Thompson. 2/K.O.S.B.) nearly very fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 June 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry on “Hill 60” on the night of 17th April, 1915, when he superintended his section digging a communication trench under heavy fire, and set a fine example to his men.’ John Thompson served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers in the French theatre of war from 29 November 1914. Thompson distinguished himself at ‘Hill 60’ - the latter was formed largely from debris dug out to form a cutting in the Ypres-Comines-Lille railway. The hill, held by the Germans since December 1914, was mined in seven places. The mines were exploded at 7pm on 17 April 1915. The Royal West Kent Regiment were detailed to storm and clear the ‘exploded’ hill; ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies of the 2nd Battalion K.O.S.B. were detailed to consolidate the position when won - though during the attack, many of the K.O.S.B. joined in, reportedly using their picks and shovels! The cratered hill was taken and a rough firing trench constructed in the face of fierce German counter-attacks and bombardment which continued into the following day. Sold with copied research.

Three: Private J. G. Coughlan, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 22 October 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (8348 Pte. J. Coughlan. 1/D. of Corn: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (8348 Pte. J. G. Coughlan D. of Corn. L.I.) all in separate named card boxes of issue, with named Record Office enclosure and OHMS transmission envelope for the 1914 Star addressed to ‘Mrs. A. E. Coughlan, 44 Rodney Place, New Kent Road, SE17’; Memorial Plaque (Joseph George Coughlan) extremely fine (4) £200-£240 --- Joseph George Coughlan was born in Kingsland, Middlesex, on 4 November 1887 and attested for the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry at Stratford, Essex, on 26 March 1906. He served pre-War with the 2nd Battalion in Cape Town and Hong Kong, before returning to the U.K. in March 1914 to serve with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 August 1914. He was killed in action on the Western Front on 22 October 1914 (according to the medal roll and his medal index card, although de Ruvigny and Soldiers Died both list him as dying of wounds), one of 148 other ranks from the battalion reported as ‘missing, almost certainly either killed or wounded’ on that date; he has no known grave and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France. Sold with copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front - Bois du Beugneux, July 1918’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Corporal E. J. White, 4th Battalion, Royal Susex Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (200318 Cpl. E. J. White. 4/R. Suss: R.); 1914-15 Star (4-1861 Pte. E. J. White. R. Suss. R.); British War and Victory Medals (4-1861 Cpl. E. J. White. R. Suss. R.) medlas loose, nearly very fine or better (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took over command of his company when all the officers and non-commissioned officers had become casualties. Under heavy fire and under his own initiative he reorganised the line with great skill and courage. At a critical period his grasp of the situation was largely responsible for the steadiness of his company in the advance.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Bois du Beugneux’, date illegible. The Battalion War Diary confirms the action at Bois du Beugneux on 28/29 July 1918. The following article was published in the West Sussex Times, 26 October 1918, page 4: ‘The Great War - Horsham and District Jottings And last but not least Corporal Edward J. White, Royal Sussex Regiment, was recently awarded the D.C.M. This young soldier had landed at Suvla Bay on the 8th August 1915 and fought through the Dardanelles Gallipoli campaign. Following this up by good work in Palestine, he was at the capture of Gaza and after over three years’ absence, was on the “road home” when he was called in on another front, was wounded, and is now in Blighty until his services are again required. Corporal White was one of captain & Adjutant Teague’s boys and was winner of the Boxing Competition at General Hutton’s Fete, just before the war.’ Sold with copied research including Attestation papers, gazette notices, Battalion War Diary extracts, and Medal Index Card.

A Great War 1916 ‘Mesopotamian theatre - Sheikh Sa’ad’ D.C.M. awarded to Company Sergeant Major A. Milligan, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders, who served with the Battalion from 1914 all the way through to the Armistice
 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (204 Pr. Sjt: A. Milligan. 2/R. Hdrs) good very fine £600-£800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 15 April 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry. Serjeant-Drummer Simpson and Serjeant Milligan maintained the supply of ammunition during an action, and showed great indifference to danger.’ Alexander Milligan served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders in the French theatre of war from 12 October 1914. He served with the Battalion all the way through the war to the Armistice, 11 November 1918. Milligan left France with the Battalion in November 1915, and served with them in the Mesopotamian theatre of war from January 1916. He initially served as Pioneer Sergeant with Battalion Headquarters, and the Battalion were engaged at Sheikh Sa’ad, Wadi and Hanna. The Battalion War Diary gives Simpson and Milligan as performing the above during the Battle of Sheikh Sa’ad on 7 January 1916. Milligan subsequently served as Company Sergeant Major with No. 1 Company on the Palestine front from January 1918.

A Great War ‘Western Front 1918’ D.C.M. and ‘Salonika 1917’ M.S.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant-Major Septimus Pugh, 4th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, later King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (6321 C.S. Mjr. S. Pugh. 4/K.R. Rif: C.); 1914-15 Star (6321 C.S. Mjr. S. Pugh. K.R. Rif: C.); British War and Victory Medals (6321 W.O.Cl.II. S. Pugh. K.R. Rif. C.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (6321 C.S. Mjr: S. Pugh. 4/K.R.R.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (6837120 W.O. Cl. 1. S. Pugh. D.C.M. K.O.Y.L.I.) medals unmounted, light contact marks,. otherwise good very fine (6) £1,200-£1,600 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919; citation published 11 March 1920: ‘He has since 24th September, 1918, taken part in all the heavy fighting in which the battalion has been engaged during that period. His work throughout has been of the highest order, and of the utmost value to the battalion.’ M.S.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917 (Salonika). Septimus Pugh was born on 24 July 1881, and joined the army around 1905. At the outbreak of war he was serving with 4/K.R.R.C. at Gharial, India, who sailed from Bombay in October 1914 and arrived at Plymouth on 18 November, from where they proceeded to Winchester to join the 80th Infantry Brigade, 27th Division. In December 1914, the Division embarked at Southampton and landed in France at Le Havre on the 20. The Division spent most of 1915 in France, taking part in the Second Battle of Ypres, before sailing from Marseilles for Salonika in November 1915. The Division took part in various minor actions in Salonika during 1916 and 1917 in the Struma Valley. In June 1918, 4/K.R.R.C. left 27th Division in Salonika and travelled via Itea (Greece) and Taranto (Italy) to Serqueux (France). On 16 July 1918, they joined 151st Infantry Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division at Martin Eglise. This Division had suffered very heavy casualties in the German Spring offensive and needed reinforcements. The Division took to the field again in October 1918 and took part in the battles of the Hindenburg Line and the final advance into Picardy. 4/K.R.R.C. remained with the Division for the rest of the war, being at St Remy-Chaussee to the north-west of Avesnes on 11 November 1918. In early October 1918, 4/K.R.R.C. marched from Epehy to trenches at Bony, and on 3 October attacked the villages of Le Catelet and Gouy. Both villages were captured although the battalion suffered heavy casualties, whilst capturing 253 prisoners and 35 machine guns. Further attacks were made on 4 October, although this time casualties were light and they were relieved on the 5th, withdrawing to trenches in the Hindenburg Line. On the 8th the battalion attacked again in the vicinity of Marliches and Petit Verger Farms, withdrawing to billets in Aubencheul that evening, having suffered 57 casualties that day. On 10 October the battalion proceeded to Maretz and on the 17 were in position around St Souplet and advanced to attack, crossing the River Selle. On the 19 the battalion marched to Avelu, reaching Maurois on the 29, and Le Cateau on the 30. The battalion had suffered 351 casualties in killed, wounded and missing during the month of October. The battalion was in action on 4 November, suffering a further 33 casualties and again on the 5, when casualties were light. On the 6 the battalion went into billets at Noyelles, and on the 7 proceeded to St Remy-Chaussee, being in action that day and on the 8, prior to the armistice on 11 November. Pugh stayed in the army after the war, and by 1922 was a Sergeant-Major on 2/K.R.R.C. In August 1922 he was transferred to the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, with whom he was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal in November 1923 in recognition of 18 years exemplary service. He was discharged from the army on 4 January 1826, becoming a publican at The Fox and Hounds at Tadley, near Basingstoke, Hampshire. Sold with copied research including gazette notices, D.C.M., M.S.M. and Medal Index Cards.

A Great War ‘Epehy, March 1918’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Acting Corporal F. J. Greenall, ‘K’ Siege Park, Army Service Corps (Motor Transport), attached 227th Siege Battery Ammunition Column Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (M2-265421 Pte.-A.L. Cpl. - F. J. Greenall. ‘K’ Sge: Pk: M.T. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (M2-265421 A. Cpl. F. J. Greenall. A.S.C.) medals unmounted, good very fine (3) £600-£800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Being in charge of four lorries with ammunition for a siege battery in a forward position, he was obliged, owing to the very heavy shelling of the road by the enemy, to leave two lorries behind, while he attempted to reach the position with the other two. One of these, however, was hit and disabled by a shell and the driver severely wounded. Corpl. Greenall pushed on under very heavy fire, and eventually arrived at the position, where he unloaded the ammunition himself, as there was no unloading party available at the time. On returning he endeavoured to bring back the damaged lorry, but it was impossible to move it, so he returned to park with the other two he had left behind, after traversing an area that had by now become almost impassable from shell fire. His resolute determination to carry out his instructions in spite of all danger and difficulty was worthy of the highest praise.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Epehy, 21 March 1918.’ Frederick J. Greenall was a native of Waltham Abbey, Essex. Sold with copied gazette notices and Medal Index Card.

A scarce Posthumous K.P.M. for Gallantry awarded to Subedar Mir Zaman Yusafzai, Frontier Constabulary, North West Frontier Province King’s Police Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue, for Gallantry (Late Mir Zaman Yusafzai. Subedar, Frontier Constabulary, N.W.F.P.) very fine £900-£1,200 --- K.P.M. For Gallantry London Gazette 1 February 1937: ‘His Majesty has graciously consented to the King’s Police Medal being handed to the nearest relative of each of the deceased officers whose names appear below and who would have received the Decoration had they survived: 6 names including ‘Mir Zaman, Yusafzai, late Subedar, Frontier Constabulary, North-West Frontier Province Police.’ Recommendation for award of K.P.M. on 1 January 1937: ‘No. 26 Frontier Province. For conspicuous gallantry Mir Zaman Yusafzai, deceased Subedar, Frontier Constabulary. On the 8th April 1936, Subedar Mir Zaman was returning from a patrol on the Jani Khel border to Jani Khel Frontier Constabulary Post, when he noticed an armed man in the neighbourhood of Nananur village, about a mile from the border of the Tribal territory. The Subedar quickened his pace in order to find out who the man was and whether his rifle was licensed. The man immediately started to run in the direction of the border, and in view of this suspicious conduct the Subedar divided his party in two in order to prevent his escape. The Subedar himself with three rifles overtook the man, but when the latter saw that escape was impossible, he fired at a range of about seven yards and the Subedar was struck in the abdomen and fell. The man was closing in on the Subedar when the latter raised himself from the ground and fired four rounds from his revolver and killed him. On hearing the noise of the shots a number of people emerged armed from the village of Kui Ali Khel nearby across the border. The Subedar realised that the people were hostile and outnumbered his party considerably. So he stood up and having seized the dead man’s rifle began to conduct a retreat. In a short time, however, the Subedar collapsed, and as he was clearly dying the party halted and took up defensive positions as a result of which a fight with the armed villagers was averted. The Subedar’s action in thus pursuing and killing his assailant when he was mortally wounded, following by his continuing to lead his men up to the moment of his collapse, showed gallantry and devotion to duty of a very high order. Subedar Mir Zaman had nearly 25 years of good record of Military and Frontier Constabulary service to his credit and was on the verge of retirement. During the last three years he had been a prominent figure in the campaign launched in Bannu to reduce illicit armament, and he had been instrumental in recovering 6 firearms with 53 live rounds and arrested 25 outlaws and other criminals partly in conjunction with Police and partly in conjunction with Frontier Constabulary parties under his command.’

A rare Second War K.P.F.S.M. for Gallantry group of four awarded to Inspector H. P. Withers, Lincolnshire Constabulary, for apprehending an armed absconder and making safe a dropped grenade, 26 October 1944 King’s Police and Fire Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, for Gallantry (Harold P. Withers, Inspr., Lincolnshire Constaby.); Defence Medal; Coronation 1953; Police Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Inspr. Harold P. Withers.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (4) £900-£1,200 --- K.P.F.S.M. for Gallantry London Gazette 14 June 1945. The recommendation states: ‘On 26th October 1944, Inspector Withers began investigations into the theft of stores from the Home Guard, and suspected George Ashford an absconder from an approved school. The following day, the Inspector was with Constable Selby in a car, when he saw Ashford in a soldier’s uniform. As Constable Selby approached the boy, he pulled a hand grenade from his pocket, and was about to pull the pin, as the Constable grabbed his arms, pinning them to his side. Inspector Withers came up as Ashford freed himself, but the Inspector punched him on the jaw, knocking him down. Ashford dropped the grenade, which Inspector Withers picked up, and made safe.’ Harold Poynton Withers served as an Inspector with the Lincolnshire Constabulary; both he and Police Constable Arthur Selby were awarded the King’s Police and Fire Service Medal for Gallantry for this action. Sold together with a copied photographic image of the recipient.

An Edward Medal for Industry awarded to Mr. W. C. Simmons, a Porter with the London and South Western Railway Company, for his gallantry in saving the life of a woman, intent on suicide, who had jumped in front of an express train at Bournemouth Railway Station on 20 August 1912
Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st issue, with 2nd type reverse, bronze (Walter Charles Simmons) very fine £1,400-£1,800 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, February 2015. E.M. London Gazette 17 December 1912:
‘On the afternoon of Tuesday, 20 August, 1912, as an express passenger train was entering Bournemouth Station, a woman jumped from the platform in front of the engine. The driver promptly applied the brakes and sounded the whistle; but was unable to stop the train until the engine had passed the spot where the woman jumped down. Simmons's attention was attracted by the whistle when the engine was about 12 yards away, and, without an instant's hesitation, he jumped off the platform on to the permanent way, and succeeded in lifting the woman clear of the rails and holding her against another train, which was stationary on an adjoining line, neither of them sustaining injury. There is no doubt whatever that the rescue was effected by Simmons at the risk of his life, and any delay or hesitation would, in all probability have resulted in fatal consequences.’

Walter Charles Simmons was employed by the London and South Western Railway Company as a Porter at Bournemouth Railway Station. Sold with copied gazette notice and four copied extracts from The Bournemouth Graphic concerning Simmons’s deeds and award of Edward Medal.

A scarce inter-War ‘Peshawar District’ I.D.S.M. awarded to Naik Surkhru Khan, 4-11th Sikh Regiment Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (3051 Nk. Surkhru Khan, 4-11 Sikh R.) polished and slightly worn, nearly very fine £300-£400 --- I.D.S.M. G.G.O. 562 of 1930. Awarded for services in the Peshawar District.

A Second War I.D.S.M. awarded to Sepoy Man Singh, 1-1st Punjab Regiment, Indian Army Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (18781 Sep. Man Singh, 1-1 Punjab R.) good very fine £600-£800 --- Provenance: Buckland, Dix & Wood, October 1993. I.D.S.M. London Gazette 20 April 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’. The original Recommendation for an Immediate award for Bunker Hill, Arakan, states: 'At Ahkaungbaukywa, Arakan, on the 25th January 1944 he showed the greatest courage and determination. In the assault he was in the fore and personally killed two of the enemy. When his V.C.O. was wounded he caused his evacuation. His platoon captured a bunker. He assisted in the consolidation, killing two more Japanese. One of his duties was to carry his Company Commander’s megaphone. When available he used it himself to shout diversion to the enemy and cheers to his comrades. His Company Commander likened him to a fox-terrier. All day he was dashing about, ferreting our Japs, firing an L.M.G. and throwing grenades.'

A set of five WWI miniature medals including DSO, 1914-15 Star, War medal, Victory medal and Croix de Guerre

The 46th (South Devonshire) Regiment of Foot was raised in 1741 and saw extensive service in North America during the latter half of the 18th Century and early 19th Century, including in the Caribbean, and subsequently took part in the Crimean War. It amalgamated with the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot in 1881 to become the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, and saw further service in the Egyptian campaign and in South Africa during the Boer War, as well as extensive service in both the Great War and the Second World War. Following the Second World War the Regiment amalgamated successively with the Somerset Light Infantry to form the Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry in 1959; with the Durham Light Infantry, the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, and the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry to form the Light Infantry in 1968; and then with the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire, and Wiltshire Light Infantry, and the Royal Green Jackets to form The Rifles in 2007. A Crimea War D.C.M. awarded to Corporal W. Bishop, 46th Regiment of Foot, who died of scarlet fever at Scutari in January 1855 Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Corpl. Wm. Bishop. 46th. Regt.) minor edge bruising, good very fine £1,000-£1,400 --- One of 16 D.C.M.s awarded to the 46th Foot for the Crimea. D.C.M. Recommended 15 January 1855. William Bishop was born in Stourport, Worcestershire, and attested for the 46th Regiment of Foot on 6 December 1844. He was advanced Corporal on 1 April 1854, and arrived in the Crimea on 14 September 1854 (entitled to a Crimea Medal with clasps for Alma and Sebastopol). He went absent sick on 23 September, and is recorded as having died of scarlet fever at Scutari on 22 January 1855.

Four: Corporal W. J. Moore, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry British War and Victory Medals (2569 Pte. W. J. Moore. D. of Corn. L.I.); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (5432144Cpl. W. J. Moore. 4/5-D.C.L.I.); War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn in this order, very fine (4) £80-£100 --- William John Moore was born in Illogan, near Redruth, Cornwall, in 1888, and attested for the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry on 27 August 1914, having previously served with the D.C.L.I. National Reserve. He served with the 1st/5th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 22 May 1916, and was discharged on 31 March 1919. Re-enlisting in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (Territorial Force) on 7 July 1921, Moore was promoted Corporal on 30 March 1928, and was discharged having reached the age limit on 20 October 1936. He saw further service during the Second World War with 368 Heavy A.A. Regiment, Royal Artillery (TA), before being discharged on 27 August 1942, just six days before he would have completed the qualifying period for a Defence Medal. He died in Redruth in 1968. Sold with copied research, including an interesting numismatic discussion regarding the scarcity of this exact combination of awards - the vendor being of the opinion that, of all the Territorial Efficiency Medal recipients, perhaps only 5% would have this exact combination of medals.

The Burma Gallantry Medal awarded to Naik Walu Naw, Northern Kachin Levies Burma Gallantry Medal (Levy Walu Naw N. Kachin Levies) officially impressed naming, in its somewhat damaged Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine and rare £3,000-£4,000 --- B.G.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945: 'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma and on the Eastern Frontier of India.’ The recommendation states: ‘During the period 16th Nov to 16th May 44, Levy Naik WALU NAW was in charge of a Bren Gun Section on the left bank of MALI UKA in the NEOPZUP area for 2 months. This N.C.O. displayed fine courage and skill under heavy Jap Mortar and MG fire. It has been established beyond doubt that WALU NAW killed or seriously wounded 26 Japs. On one occasion when the Japs attacked across the MALINKA to dislodge his section he calmly held his fire until the Japs presented a good target, he then broke up the attack, killing 22 Japs himself.’ Walu Naw ‘was born in Ning Hpum village, Mali Hkrang area, Burma, in 1916, and enlisted in the Northern Kachin Levies, November 1942. He was soon promoted to local Naik for being an expert in firing his gun. He fought against the Japanese several times at Lachyut Tu, Nlaw Hpumtsin Bum, Tayang Zup, Nsawp, Woi Shi, and Nawng Nang. In 1943 a section, led by Naik Walu Naw, ambushed the enemy between Hkrau Ngang Ga and Chyat Tu, killing 12 Japanese, and cutting off their ears of the enemy dead. In 1944 Walu Naw was part of the force that attacked the Japanese force camped in Nawng Nang village, 11 miles from Myitkyina, the capital city of Kachin state. Fighting began at 1:00am, and by 6:00am the two Companies had overrun the enemy camp, killing five Japanese soldiers and capturing much ammunition and rations. For this action Naik Walu Naw was awarded the B.G.M. He died at Gan Daru village, Mali Hkrang area, on 17 July 1989.’ (The above details extracted from letter written by the recipient's son and included with lot). Sold together with a photograph of the recipient wearing his medal.

A fine Great War submariner’s D.S.M. group of three awarded to Chief Petty Officer W. Dowell, Royal Navy, for his part in the E. 11’s famous patrol in the Sea of Marmora in May 1915, that resulted in the destruction of at least 90 enemy vessels and the award of the V.C. to his skipper, Martin Nasmith. Dowell was also awarded the Royal Humane Society Medal in bronze for his gallant attempts to save life during the ‘Blackwall Disaster’ of June 1898
 Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (146095. W. Dowell, Ch. P.O. H.M. Submarine. E.11.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901 unofficial rivets (W. Dowell, P.O. 1. Cl., H.M.S. Naiad); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (W. Dowell, P.O. 1 Cl., H.M.S. Naiad.) mounted for display, first very fine or better, contact marks to campaign medals, therefore nearly very fine (3) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 13 September 1915: ‘For service in submarines in the Sea of Marmora.’ R.H.S. Case no. 29,586: ‘At the disaster on June 21st, 1898, as detailed in Case 29,525, W. Dowell, petty officer, H.M.S. Mars, at great risk, rescued three persons.’ William Dowell was born in Poplar, Middlesex in January 1873. He joined the Royal Navy as Boy 2nd Class in August 1888, and advanced to Able Seaman in September 1891. Subsequent service included with H.M.S. Mars, January 1898 - January 1900, during which time he was involved in the ‘Blackwall Disaster’ and was awarded a bronze Royal Humane Society Medal for his actions during that event: ‘A special meeting of the Royal Humane Society was held on Wednesday, Col. Horace Montagu presiding, for the purpose of considering the merits of a number of cases arising out of the Blackwall disaster after the launch of the battleship Albion on the afternoon of June 21st last [1898]. Bronze medals have been awarded to Privates Dorrington and McMillan, of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, who were both standing near when the accident happened, and dived in and saved six between them. Dorrington was struck by wreckage, and then his comrade stuck to him. William Dowell, 26, petty officer, of the battleship Mars, Arthur Freeman, 20, A.B., and George Moir, A.B., both of the Pembroke, very gallantly rescued many persons by diving several times under the floating timbers and wherever people were thought to be. They have been awarded the medal in each case.’ (The Naval and Military Record, 1 September 1898, refers) Thousands of people had gathered to watch the launch of the Albion on the Thames. A wave created by Albion's entry into the water caused a stage from which 200 people were watching to collapse into a side creek, and 34 people, mostly women and children, drowned in one of the worst peacetime disasters in Thames history. Dowell advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class in April 1900, and served with H.M.S. Naiad, March 1901 - August 1904. He advanced to Chief Petty Officer in September 1910, and joined the Submarine Service prior to the Great War - serving at H.M.S. Dolphin, August 1912 - September 1914 and with the submarine depot ships Maidstone and Adamant. Dowell appears to have joined the submarine E.11 on 1 April 1915. The spring of 1915 found the E.11 attached to the Fleet in the Mediterranean and, with Lieutenant-Commander Martin Eric Nasmith in command, she proceeded to make history at a rapid rate. It was in the middle of May that she left for her perilous passage through the Dardanelles, and before she was through them she ran into her first encounter with the enemy. When the Narrows had been successfully negotiated, and the submarine rose to get fresh bearings, two battleships were seen to be lying a little further on. Such an opportunity was not to be let slip without an effort, and, necessarily keeping the periscope above water, Lieutenant-Commander Nasmith at once proceeded to put his boat in a suitable position for launching a torpedo. Unfortunately, the Turks sighted the periscope a minute or two too soon, and instantly the battleships began blazing away with their light guns as hard as they could. At the same time they ‘upped anchor’ and got under way, so there was nothing for it but for the E.11 to dive and hide herself until the furore had subsided. She was far too slow to catch the battleships if she ran submerged, and if she rose to the surface she would almost certainly have been breached by a shell. After a little, therefore, she gently settled herself on the bottom of the Straits, and there she remained until dusk. That same evening she pushed on into the Sea of Marmora, where for several days she alternately rested and cruised about without finding anything that was worth the expenditure of a torpedo. Lieutenant-Commander Nasmith made Constantinople the centre of his operations during the whole of this raid, and his first reward came one Sunday morning, just before half-past six, when a big gunboat was seen cruising off the port. The submarine was ready for instant action, and in less than a minute the fatal torpedo was underway. At 6.25 the gunboat was hit; at 6.30 she had sunk, but not without giving the E.11 something of a shock. While she was heeling well over to the water's edge, a shot was fired that went clean through the submarine's periscope, carrying away about four inches of the diameter a few feet from the base, and leaving the rest standing. Had the shot struck about six feet lower, it would very probably have made a breach in the conning tower, and so rendered the submarine helpless, as she would not have been able to dive. The very next day brought an adventure which, if it was not so exciting, at any rate did not lack in interest. A big steamer was sighted making her way from Constantinople towards the Dardanelles, and the E.11 came to the surface a short distance ahead, fired a shot across her bows, and brought her to a standstill. There happened to be a facetious American newspaper correspondent on board, and when Lieutenant-Commander Nasmith hailed “Who are you?” - meaning, of course, to inquire what the ship was and what was her business - this gentleman replied by giving his own name and that of the paper for which he was working. This was not good enough for the E.11. A few more questions elicited the fact that the ship was a Turkish transport, the Nagara, and when he got as far as that, Nasmith promptly replied, “Right. I am going to sink you”. “May we have time to get off?” queried the newspaper man, by this time rather subdued. “Yes”, came the answer from the submarine, “but be d..... quick about it.” The Turks were so quick that they upset two of their boats in lowering them, and capsized several men into the water, though all of them managed to get into safety again. Then Nasmith went on board the ship to see what she carried. There was a six-inch gun, destined to strengthen the forts on the Dardanelles; there were several sets of mountings for weapons of large calibre; and there was a great quantity of ammunition for heavy guns on its way to the Dardanelles. The ship was, in fact, loaded from keel to upper deck with war material; and when the crew, and the American correspondent, had withdrawn to a safe distance, the submarine drew off, fired a torpedo, and sent the ship to the bottom. The most audacious act of the E.11 was, however, her raid on Constantinople itself. Early one morning, while she was slowly cruising off the mouth of the harbour, she hailed a Turkish merchantman to stop; but the enemy ignored the demand and ran for all he was worth toward the harbour, with the E.11 in hot pursuit. It may have been this incident that gave Nasmith his inspirat...

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class II S. H. Tomlinson, West Riding Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force) Military Medal, G.V.R. (781813 Sjt: S. H. Tomlinson. C.246/W. Rid: Bde: R.F.A. -T.F.); 1914-15 Star (759 Sjt. S. H. Tomlinson. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (759 W.O. Cl. 2. S. H. Tomlinson. R.A.); Defence Medal; Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (781813 W.O. Cl.11. S. H. Tomlinson. M.M. R.A.) mounted as worn, light pitting from Star, very fine (6) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 February 1918. Sidney H. Tomlinson, a native of Leeds, served with the West Riding Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 April 1915. He was awarded his Territorial Efficiency Medal per Army Order 59 of 1924.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of five awarded to Battery Sergeant Major D. Dale, Royal Field Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (56011 Sjt. -A.B.S. Mjr.- D. Dale. R.F.A.); 1914 Star (56001 [sic] Bmbr: D. Dale. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (56011 W.O. Cl.2. D. Dale. R.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (1029295 W.O. Cl.II. D. Dale. R.A.) pitting and contact marks, good fine, the LS&GC better (5) £280-£340 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 March 1919. Daniel Dale attested for the Royal Field Artillery and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 September 1914 (also entitled to a clasp to his 1914 Star). He was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with 190th Brigade.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant R. Hudson, Royal Field Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (81987 Sjt: R. Hudson. R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (81987. Bmbr. R. Hudson, R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (81987 Sjt. R. Hudson. R.A.) naming very feint on VM, contact marks, very fine (4) £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919. Robert Hudson attested for the Royal Field Artillery on 19 March 1915 and served with them during the Great War in the Egyptian theatre of War from 31 March 1915. He proceeded to France on 9 March 1916, and served on the Western Front for the rest of the War, being awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with 148th Brigade. Sold with copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant F. Littlewood, Royal Garrison Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (68483 Sjt: F. Littlewood. R.G.A.) contact marks, otherwise very fine £220-£260 --- M.M. London Gazette, 24 January 1919. Frank Littlewood, a cotton weaver from Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, attested into the Royal Garrison Artillery on 29 February 1916 for service during the Great War. Advanced Sergeant, he served on the Western Front with 299 Siege Battery and was twice wounded, on 23 March 1918 and 29 August 1918.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Gunner C. Palfrey, Royal Field Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (11580 Gnr: C. Palfrey. C.85/Bde: R.F.A.) heavy edge bruising and contact marks, good fine £160-£200 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916. Charles Palfrey attested for the Royal Field Artillery and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 26 July 1915. Awarded the Military Medal, he was discharged on 1 September 1916, and was awarded a Silver War Badge.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private J. Turnbull, Royal Field Artillery, late Cameron Highlanders Military Medal, G.V.R. (236237 Ftr: J. Turnbull. R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (S-11414 Pte. J. Turnbull. Cam’n. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (S-11414 Pte. J. Turnbull. Cam’n. Highrs.) contact marks, very fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette, 23 July 1919. M.I.D. London Gazette, 23 December 1918. James Turnbull, was born in Hawick, Roxburghshire, in 1884. He attested into the Cameron Highlanders for service during the Great War on the Western Front with the 5th Battalion from 10 May 1915. He appears to have been wounded during the Battle of Loos and subsequently transferred as a Fitter into the Royal Field Artillery, during with time he was twice decorated. He died in Hawick in 1958. Sold with copy Medal Index Card, London Gazette entries and copy research.

A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Driver G. Bailey, ‘B’ 331st (East Lancashire) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (706097 Dvr: G. Wilson, B.331/Bde: R.F.A.-T.F:); British War and Victory Medals (706097 Dvr. G. Wilson. R.A.) contact marks, otherwise very fine (3) £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette, 1 February 1918.

Three: Private A. C. W. Stapleton, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry British War and Victory Medals (15628 Pte. A. C. W. Stapleton. D. of Corn. L.I.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (15628 Pte. A. C. W. Stapleton. D.C.L.I.) very fine (3) £100-£140 --- Arthur Charles William Stapleton was born at Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, on 4 April 1898 and attested for the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry at London on 9 September 1914. He served with the 2nd Battalion as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force during the Great War in Salonika from 13 January 1916 (and so just missed out on qualifying for a Star) until the cessation of hostilities, and then with the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force in post-War Iraq from 23 September 1920 to 25 February 1921. He transferred to the Reserve on 9 September 1921, and was discharged on 8 September 1926, after 12 years’ service. He died in Grimston, Norfolk, on 25 July 1984. Sold with copied record of service and medal roll extracts.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private T. Hunter, 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards, who was also Mentioned in Despatches Military Medal, G.V.R. (8150 Pte. T. Hunter. 2/S. Gds:) edge bruising, polished, nearly very fine £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 27 October 1916. M.I.D. London Gazette 15 June 1916. Thomas Hunter was born in Gragemantle, Stirlingshire, in 1888 and attested for the Scots Guards at Glasgow on 19 January 1912. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 October 1914, and for his services in 1916 was both Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Military Medal. He was discharged medically unfit on 4 April 1919, and was awarded a Silver War Badge. At the time of his discharge he had no fewer than 22 charges on his record, including carelessly discharging a Very pistol, wounding a comrade. Sold with copied services papers and other research.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Acting Corporal A. T. Short, Devonshire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (45643 Pte. -A.L. Cpl.- A. T. Short. 5/Devon: R.); British War and Victory Medals (45643 A. Cpl. A. T. Short. Devon. R.) mounted as worn, very fine (3) £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 March 1919.

A Great War M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant H. Robinson, 5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers Military Medal, G.V.R. (200087 Sjt. H. Robinson. 5/Lan: Fus.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (200087 Sjt. H. Robinson. Lan. Fus.) edge dig to first medal, staining to reverse of second medal, otherwise good fine (2) £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette, 11 February 1919. Sold with copy Medal Index Card and London Gazette entry.

A Great War ‘French theatre’ M.M. awarded to Private J. Worrall, 15th (Service) Battalion (1st Salford), Lancashire Fusiliers Military Medal, G.V.R. (66113 Pte. J. Worrall. 15/Lan: Fus:) edge bruising, unit officially re-impressed, nearly very fine £140-£180 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 July 1919. James Worrall served during the Great War with the 15th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers in the French theatre of war (entitled to BWM and VM).

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of six awarded to Private T. Woolley, 16th (1st City Pals) Battalion, Manchester Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (23036 Pte. T. Woolley. 16/Manch: R.); British War and Victory Medals (23036 Pte. T. Woollry. Manch. R.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (23036 Pte. T. Woolley. Manch R.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine or better (6) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 28 September 1917. Thomas Woolley was born at Oldham on 1 June 1896, and enlisted into the 16th (Service) Battalion (1st City Pals), Manchester Regiment, which was raised at Manchester on 28 August 1914. He joined the battalion in France sometime early in 1916. In the Battalion War Diary his M.M. is shown in a list of awards for August 1917, almost certainly for the attack on 30/31 July, the battle of Pilkem. He was wounded in action on 25 November 1917. After the armistice he served with the 2nd Manchesters in Iraq, including the V.C. action at Hillah on 24 July 1920. Woolley re-enlisted for the Territorial Army on 16 November 1939, serving with the Manchesters for 281 days before transferring to the Royal Artillery (Heavy Anti Aircraft) with whom he served 4 years 293 days in the rank of Bombardier. Sold with Soldier’s Service and Pay Book, two photographs and copied research.

A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Private S. Smith, 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders Military Medal, G.V.R. (S-22877 Pte. S. Smith. 1/Cam: Hdrs); British War and Victory Medals (S-22877 Pte. S. Smith. Camerons) some staining, very fine (3) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette, 23 February 1918. Sydney Smith, a credit draper from Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, attested in the Cameron Highlanders on 23 November 1915, for service during the Great War, and served with the 1st Battalion on the Western Front. Sold with copy Medal Index Card, copy London Gazette entry and copy Beeston Gazette and Echo article, with photograph of the recipient, from 9 February 1918 ‘Pte. Sydney Smith, of Hucknall, with the Cameron Highlanders, who has been awarded the Military Medal... It was last November when he won the Military Medal for rescuing wounded men under fire and digging them out...’

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private A. Stanley, Royal Munster Fusiliers, late Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 7 November 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (20202 Pte. A. Stanley. 2/R. Muns: Fus:) nearly extremely fine £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919. Albert Stanley was born at Bodicote, Oxfordshire, and attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry at Oxford. He served initially with them during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre of War from 16 October 1915, before transferring to the Royal Munster Fusiliers, and saw further service with the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front. He was killed in action on 7 November 1918, and is buried in Monceau St. Waast Communal Cemetery, France.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant G. B. Hamilton, 14th Battalion, London Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (511991 Sjt. G. B. Hamilton. 14/Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (5703 Sjt. G. B. Hamilton. 14-Lond. R.) mounted as worn, minor edge bruising, very fine (3) £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919.

A Great War M.M. group of four awarded to Private J. Cowgill, Motor Transport, Army Service Corps Military Medal, G.V.R. (M2-021264 Pte. J. Cowgill. M.T. A.S.C.); 1914-15 Star (M2-021264 Pte. J. Cowgill. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (M2-021264 Pte. J. Cowgill. A.S.C.) extremely fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette, 15 March 1918. James Cowgill attested into the Army Service Corps for service during the Great War and served on the Western Front from 14 March 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with the 29th Divisional Train. Sold with copy Medal Index Card and London Gazette entry.

Three: Private W. C. Potter, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, later Special Constable, Launceston Special Constabulary British War Medal 1914-20 (4271 Pte. W. C. Potter. D.C.L.I.); Defence Medal; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, with Long Service 1949 Second Award Bar (William C. Potter) good very fine (3) £60-£80 --- William Charles Potter was born in Stogumber, Somerset, on 11 May 1887, and served with the 2nd/4th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry during the Great War, the British War Medal being his sole entitlement for the conflict. He was sworn in as a Special Constable with the Launceston Special Constabulary on 17 October 1939, and was awarded his Special Constabulary Long Service Medal on 18 March 1943, and a Second Award Bar in 1949, shortly before relinquishing his appointment on 25 May 1949. He died in Plymouth on 21 November 1954. Sold with copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private J. F. Girling, Army Service Corps Military Medal, G.V.R. (M321725 Pte. -A.L.Cpl.- J. F. Girling. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (M-321725 Pte. J. F. Girling. A.S.C.); Defence Medal; together with a Safe Driving Competition Medal, silver and enamel, the reverse engraved ‘J. F. Girling’, with top ‘1935’ riband bar and additional ‘1936’, ‘1937’, and ‘1939’ riband bars, good very fine (5) £200-£240 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, June 2002. M.M. London Gazette 6 August 1918. John F. Girling attested for the Army Service Corps and served during the Great War with the 218th Siege Battery, Ammunition Column, on the Western Front. Sold together with the recipient’s cap badge and shoulder title.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Corporal H. Fraser, 5th Battalion, Canadian Engineers Military Medal, G.V.R. (500035 2 Cpl H. Fraser. Can: R.); 1914-15 Star (500035 Spr: H. Fraser. Can: Eng:); British War and Victory Medals (500035 A. Cpl. H. Fraser. C.E.) extremely fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919. Henry Fraser was born in Croydon, Surrey in May 1881. He served during the Great War with the 5th Battalion, Canadian Engineers.

Family group: A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal W. Ling, 19th Battalion (Central Ontario), Canadian Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (135776 Pte W. Ling. 19/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (135776 Cpl. W. Ling. 19-Can. Inf.) with M.M. riband bar, mounted for wear, generally good very fine Pair: Private A. Ling, 7th Battalion (1st British Columbia), Canadian Infantry, who was killed in action on the Western Front, 15 August 1917 British War and Victory Medals (135775 Pte. A. Ling. 7-Can. Inf.) with Princess Mary Christmas 1914 Gift Tin, generally good very fine or better (5) £400-£500 --- M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916. Walter Ling was born in London, England in September 1888. He emigrated to Canada, and served during the Great War with the 19th Battalion, Canadian Infantry on the Western Front. Ling was wounded in action at Vimy Ridge, 10 May 1917, and died in March 1947. Arthur Ling was the younger brother of the above, and was born in London in July 1891. The following extract is taken from The Toronto Star, 20 September 1917: ‘TWO BROTHERS SERVE Pte. A. Ling Was Killed in Action and His Brother Walter Wounded. Pte. Arthur Ling, who lived with his married brother George at 108 Walpole avenue, is reported killed in action August 15 [1917], according to word received from his sister in England. He was in the Q.O.R. [Queen's Own Rifles] band before the war and after joining an overseas battalion, served with a band in England until last May, when he went to France with an infantry draft. He was 26 years of age and been in Canada four years, his widowed mother dying on the voyage to Canada, and was buried at sea. His brother, Walter, age 30 years, enlisted in the same battalion, was wounded May 10, and is now waiting to undergo an operation in Epsom Hospital, England.’ Private Ling was serving with the 7th Battalion (1st British Columbia) at Hill 70 when he was killed in action. He is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, Pas des Calais, France, and a Memorial Tablet located at St. Barnabas Church, Danforth Avenue, Toronto. Erected by the Sons of England Benefit Society, Todmorden Lodge No. 298.

A Great War 1918 ‘Arras’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant J. Carson, 72nd Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada), Canadian Infantry, an American national who was killed in action on the Western Front, 1 November 1918, having already been wounded in action, 23 July 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (1015903 Sjt: J. Carson. 72/Can. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals (1015903 Sjt: J. Carson. 72-Can. Inf.); Memorial Plaque (John Carson) last in card envelope of issue, with O.H.M.S. postal envelope addressed to ‘Mrs A. G. Sivori, 178 West 94th St., New York, U.S.A.’, toned, extremely fine (lot) £500-£700 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1919. John Carson was born in New York, U.S.A. in November 1890. He was a Logger by trade, and initially served during the Great War with the 231st Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada), Canadian Infantry, before transferring to the 72nd Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada). Carson advanced to Sergeant, and served with the latter in the French theatre of war from 1 August 1917. He was wounded on 23 July 1918 - with the War Diary recording a heavy gas attack which commenced at 10 p.m. on the 22 and resulted in HQ and "D" Company taking heavy casualties (85 total). Carson distinguished himself in action at Arras on 1 September 1918. Extracts for the Regimental History reveal the battalion H.Q. wanted a line of posts in advance of the main attack. No. 16 Platoon, ‘D’ company were detailed for the purpose and despite heavy casualties, No. 16 Platoon fought gallantly and the post was planted well in advance by Carson and his men. Later, ‘while ‘A’ Company was carrying out this justly famous counter- stroke, ‘D’ company had not been idle. Number 5 Platoon, under 466433 Sergeant Fildfinder, D.C.M., took full advantage of the commotion on the right, advancing due east, drove back several enemy posts and established a much needed support in the form of an additional post on the left of the one planted earlier in the day by Cpl. Carson. ‘Of the work of these two posts no laudation can be excessive. They kept an ever pressing enemy clear of our positions all through the afternoon and night of the 1st. ‘Sergeant Fildfinder and Cpl. Carson deserves special mention. These two N.C.Os with their tiny handful of men, fought practically hand to hand with the Boche for more than eighteen hours. Though Fildfinder was wounded and most of the men casualties, this heroic detachment held their positions and continued to fight until the battalion passed through on the morning of September 2nd.’ Sergeant Carson was killed in action on the Western Front on 1 November 1918. CEF Burial Registers gives: ‘Killed in Action - while standing in a house at the "jumping off" point, about noon on November 1st 1918, he was hit in the chest by shrapnel and instantly killed.’ Sergeant Carson is buried in the Valenciennes (St. Roch) Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. Sold with photograph of recipient in uniform, and copied research.

A Great War ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of three awarded to Company Sergeant Major J. E. Ross, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, who was wounded in action in the trenches near Hill 70, 15 April 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (441466 Sjt E. [sic] Ross. 2/Can: M.R.) unit officially corrected; British War and Victory Medals (441466 A.C.S. Mjr. J. E. Ross. 2-C.M.R.) in named card box of issue; Canadian Memorial Cross, G.V.R. (441466 A-C.S.M. J. E. Ross M.M.) last in case of issue, with Manitoba Welcome Home Watch Fob, gilt metal, reverse engraved with recipient’s initials, and 2 identity discs, test marks to fob, otherwise nearly extremely fine (lot) £500-£700 --- M.M. London Gazette 7 February 1919. John Edward Ross was born in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada in February 1889. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles in the French theatre of war from 9 June 1916, and was wounded in action when he received a gun shot wound to the right shoulder in the trenches near Hill 70 on 15 April 1918. Ross was discharged in March 1919, and died after the war of related injuries/illness on 21 October 1925. Ross, with other returning residents, was presented with his Fob by the Presidents of Hodgson and Marble Ridge, Manitoba. Sold with copied service papers, and copy of letter referring to the issue and presentation of the Fob.

A Second War ‘North Africa’ M.M. group of five awarded to Gunner E. J. McCoy, Royal Artillery Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1472684 Gnr. E. J. McCoy. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, edge bruising and contact marks to MM, this nearly very fine, the campaign medals better (5) £700-£900 --- M.M. London Gazette 8 July 1943: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.’ The original Recommendation, dated 6 May 1943, states: ‘On 29th April 1943, “L” Troop moved forward to go into action in the area of Cactus Farm. Owing to false information, it was believed that this farm was in our hands. It was not, and two guns of “L” troop were stopped by machine gun fire when about 300 yards from the farm. Driver McCoy was wounded by a bullet which went through his steel helmet; he lost a lot of blood and was partly stunned by the wound. Despite this when it was decided to return to battery HQ Driver McCoy refused to allow anyone else to drive. He drove the quad back through the minefield without a single mistake. Immediately the quad arrived at battery HQ, Driver McCoy had to be evacuated. His courage and determination, and quickness in obeying the troop commander’s signals who kept the vehicle zigzagging, probably saved the gun, quad and detachment.’ Edgar James McCoy, from Liverpool, was serving as a Driver with 88/14th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery, 12th Brigade, 4th Division, 5th Corps when he was awarded his Military Medal.

A very rare Second 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. Mcluskey. Black Watch.) minor official correction to last two letters of unit; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, some contact wear but generally good very fine or better (6) £4,000-£5,000 --- 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 Orde Wingate’s 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 moment’s 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 “Bardia Bill” 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 “Highland Laddie”, the regimental march, and “The Black Bear”. 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 “White City”, 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 McCluskey’s individual heroism near Kontha in June 1944, The Black Watch & The King’s 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....