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Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (817 Pte. S. Atkinson. R.A.M.C.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Militia (2326188 Sjt. E. W. Bent. R. Signals.) good very fine (2) £70-£90

Imperial Service Medal, E.VII.R., Star issue, unnamed as issued, in its Elkington & Co. Ltd case of issue, extremely fine £100-£140 --- Sold with original bestowal document to Mr J. Giles, His Majesty’s Dockyard, Portsmouth, 28th November 1905.

A fine Great War ‘Monchy, July 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private H. Edgington, 7th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, who was wounded in the leg in August 1916, and killed in action on 17 September 1917 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (191 Pte. H. Edgington. 7/E. Surr: R.); 1914-15 Star (191 Pte. H. Edgington. E. Surr: R.); British War and Victory Medals (191 Pte. H. Edgington. E. Surr. R.) together with Memorial Plaque (Harry Edgington), medals unmounted, extremely fine (5) £1,200-£1,600 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 17 September 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With two comrades he held a block in our trench against a strong party of the enemy at a most critical moment, when our advanced posts had been captured. Subsequently he posted himself and his comrades in shell-holes, causing such casualties to a fresh hostile attack that the enemy bolted back to cover. By the very great initiative and exceptional gallantry of these three men a very awkward situation was got well in hand.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Nr. Monchy, 11 July 1917.’ Harry Edgington was a native of Dorking and enlisted into the East Surrey Regiment, serving in France from 1 June 1915. He was invalided to England with a gun shot wound in the right leg received on 10 August 1916, returned to France on 25 October and was posted to join the 7th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, on 22 November 1916. The 7th Battalion formed part of the 37th Brigade in the 12th Division and, in early March 1917, Edgington was attached to Brigade’s Sniping Company. He won the D.C.M. for gallantry near Monchy on 11 July 1917, which award was gazetted four days before he was killed in action near Arras on 21 September 1917. He is buried in the Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, Pas de Calais. Sold with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, annotated Gazette, and War Diary entries.

Shooting Medals (6): Silver, gilded, one with reverse ‘In Defence’, unnamed as issued; Shooting Medal, Silver, with reverse ‘In Defence’, (Private T. J. Wheddon, M M Rifles); East Rand Volunteer Rifle Association Shooting Medal, Bronze (Farrar Cup, 26.04.08 won by Wit Rifles R.S.M. R. McArthur Score 95); Cameronians Regimental Medal, Silver (In memory of 2nd. Lieut. M. G. Fraser. Died 1.7.16); Grand National Archery Society Medal, Silver, very fine (6) £40-£50

Eight: J. Kwasiborski, Polish Forces Poland, Republic, Cross of Valour 1920, bronze; Victory and Freedom Medal 1945, bronze; Monte Cassino Cross 1944, bronze, reverse numbered, ‘48649’; Great Britain, 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Vatican, Holy See, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, bronze; together with the recipient’s 2nd Polish Corps badge, the reverse officially numbered ‘007857’, suspension post re-soldered; and various other Polish unit badges and cloth insignia, including those for the 3rd Carpathian and 5th Kresowa Infantry Divisions, generally good very fine £300-£400 --- Jerzy Kwasiborski was born on 22 September 1922 and served with the 2nd Polish Corps during the Second World War. Sold with the numbered award booklets for the Monte Cassino Cross and the 2nd Polish Corps Badge; the recipient’s two British Soldier’s Service and Pay Books; and other ephemera.

Six: Major D. A. Blair, Highland Light Infantry, later 39th Garhwal Rifles, Indian Army, who was twice Mentioned in Despatches during the Boer War in which he organised and led the Defence of Commissie Bridge on 6 December 1900 - ‘a small affair, but still it was something for a Second Lieutenant to have beaten De Wet’ Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Modder River, Wittebergen (Lieut. D. A. Blair. 1/High. L.I.) engraved naming; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Lt. D. A. Blair. High. L.I.) engraved naming; 1914 Star, with copy clasp (Capt. D. A. Blair, 2/39/Garhl. Rfls.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. D. A. Blair) surname officially corrected on both; Defence Medal (Major D. A. Blair) contemporarily impressed in large sans-serif capitals, mounted court style as worn, generally good very fine (6) £500-£700 --- Douglas Alexander Blair was born in July 1879 and commissioned into the Highland Light Infantry as a Second Lieutenant from the Militia in October 1899. Quickly experiencing his baptism of fire in South Africa, he was present in the advance on Kimberley and in the actions at Modder River and Magersfontein, in addition to the July 1900 actions at Wittebergen. But it was in December of the same year that young Blair made a lasting impression with his superiors, as a result of his extraordinary determination in defending the bridge at Commissie Drift, an incident best described by Lieutenant Colonel Oates in Proud Heritage, The Story of the Highland Light Infantry: ‘Commissie Drift was held by 2nd Lieutenant D. A. Blair, an excellent young man who was stoutly supported by his Sergeant, Davidson, and a Platoon of 40 strong... Blair had fortunately not been required to work out the defences himself - that had been most efficiently done by one of the Majors, Richardson, and all he had to do was hold them. When he had been ordered to do so however, the possibility that De Wet himself would come that way with 2,000 men behind him had not been envisaged by Blair’s seniors. The Drift was a crossing over the Caledon at a point where it overran between two steep banks, making a gorge 50 feet in depth which was crossed by an iron bridge. The defences consisted of four trenches covering either end of the bridge and four more from which fire could be directed up or down the gorge. Although Blair had been left all alone with his Platoon in this remote spot for some weeks, he was evidently keeping a sharp look-out, so that when Scouts of De Wet’s advanced guard arrived they were immediately spotted. The Boer Scouts having reported the bridge held, the advanced guard of some 300 men attempted to cross at a point where the gorge levelled out lower down, but were frustrated by the enfilade fire which Blair opened on them and withdrew out of range. The usual flag of truce then arrived, was halted some distance away and then brought in blindfolded. He handed Blair a written order from De Wet to surrender within ten minutes, but was sent back with a reply which was, the Cape Times stated, “a sarcastic one”. The Boers then brought up two of the guns which they had captured at Dewetsdorp and bombarded the defences at either side of the bridge, while their riflemen dismounted and endeavoured to work forward from three sides. Unable to make any headway, they then desisted for a while and finally renewed the attack from in front in considerable force, but could get no closer than 300 yards. Finally they drew off discomfited, having been held up by Blair and his men for 24 hours. Hector MacDonald in his official report of this incident stated that “2nd Lieutenant Blair’s presence of mind and resolution are in the General’s opinion worthy of all praise”. De Wet, of course, was hard pressed at the time and could not afford to stay for too long. He had evidently succeeded in shaking off his pursuers, or Blair’s defence of Commissie Drift might well have been disastrous to him. Obviously he had no idea that he was being held up by only 40 men. In was a very small affair, in which Blair and his Platoon did more than their plain duty but still, it was something for a 2nd Lieutenant to have beaten De Wet.’ Advanced to Lieutenant in January 1901, Blair was twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 7 May 1901 and 10 September 1901). Transferring into the Indian Army in November 1903, he initially joined the 2nd (King Edward’s Own) Gurkha Rifles but by the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, had moved to the 39th Garhwal Rifles. Promoted to Major in September 1915 and appointed a Regimental Company Commander in March 1916, he was again Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 22 June 1915). He retired in the early 1920s.

A K.P.M. awarded to Deputy Chief Constable O. Robotham, Berkshire Constabulary King’s Police Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Oliver Robotham. Dep. Ch. Const. Berks. Constab.) with original pin, in fitted case of issue, embossed ‘O Robotham Presented by H.M. King George V. February 23 1911’, edge bruise, contact marks, very fine £500-£700 --- Oliver Robotham was born in Stepney, London on 10 August 1848 and appears in the 1871 census as a Police Constable in the City of London, and in the 1881 census as a Police Officer and Housekeeper, living in Cannon Street, City of London. He subsequently served with the Abingdon Borough Police as a Superintendent, and was later appointed Deputy Chief Constable on the establishment of the Berkshire Constabulary. He was awarded the King’s Police Medal in 1910, which was presented to him by H.M. the King in February 1911. He died, aged 66, on 10 December 1914.

British Red Cross Society Medal for the Balkan Wars 1912-13, 1 clasp, Montenegro, silver-gilt and enamel, reverse inscribed ‘Freeman de L. Williams’, good very fine, scarce £300-£400 --- Freeman de Lancey Williams, the son of Lieutenant-General Sir William ‘Devil’ Williams, K.C.B., Royal Artillery, and the brother of Weir de Lancey Williams, served as a Trooper with the Ceylon Mounted Infantry Contingent in South Africa during the Boer War (Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps for Cape Colony and Driefontein), and subsequently with the British Red Cross Society during the Balkan War in Montenegro. He saw further service during the Great War with a Volunteer Hospital as part of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western front from 29 August 1914, and was ultimately commissioned into the Labour Corps. For the medals awarded to the recipient’s brother, see Lot 78.

General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Iraq, N.W. Persia (5329786 Pte. J. R. Howard. R. Berks. R.) very fine, and a two clasp medal scarce to unit £100-£140 --- James R. Howard attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry for service during the Great War. He later transferred to the Royal Berkshire Regiment, which whom he also saw service, post-War, during the Iraq and North West Persia campaigns.

Four: Able Seaman P. Angell, Royal Navy Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 copy clasp, Somaliland 1908-10 (221186. P. Angell. A.B. H.M.S. Aboukir.) renamed; Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (221186. P. Angell. A.B., H.M.S. Dartmouth.); 1914-15 Star (221186, P. Angell. A.B., R.N.); British War Medal 1914-20 (221186 P. Angell. A.B. R.N.) light contact marks, generally very fine (4) £160-£200 --- Percy Angell was born in Bath, Somerset, on 16 April 1866 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 10 June 1902. He was advanced Able Seaman on 14 September 1905, and served in H.M.S. Aboukir from 9 March 1909 to 3 April 1911, and then in H.M.S. Dartmouth from 24 April 1911 to 30 June 1915. He was shore demobilised on 15 March 1919.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of five awarded to Captain D. Falconer, Gordon Highlanders, who was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the French Croix de Guerre Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Capt. D. Falconer. Gord. Highrs.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. D. Falconer.); Victory Medal 1914-19, with M.I.D. oak leaves, naming erased; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1914-1918, with silver star emblem on riband, good very fine (5) £700-£900 --- M.C. London Gazette 5 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in command of a convoy of limbers, and removed large quantities of trench stores under most difficult conditions and heavy fire, thus saving much valuable material from falling into the hands of the enemy.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 25 May 1917. French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 7 October 1919. Douglas Falconer was promoted Captain, Gordon Highlanders on 19 November 1914, and served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 19 February 1915. Sold with copied research.

N.A.T.O. Medal 1994 (8), no clasp, for Macedonia; 1 clasp (7), Former Yugoslavia, Kosovo, Non Article 5, Africa, OUP-Libya/Libye, Pakistan, ISAF, all on the correct ribands, the Former Yugoslavia clasp a copy, extremely fine (8) £60-£80

A post-War C.B.E. group of six awarded to Engineer Rear-Admiral H. S. Roome, Royal Navy The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 2nd type neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with short section of neck riband for display purposes; 1914-15 Star (S. Lt. H. S. Roome. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. H. S. Roome. R.N.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; together with a Boy Scouts Medal of Merit (H. S. Roome 18-5-60) good very fine (7) £600-£800 --- C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1949. M.I.D. London Gazette 8 March 1918: ‘For services in Destroyers and Torpedo Boat Flotillas during the period ending 31st December 1917.’ Henry Steward Roome was born on 7 May 1896, the son of Engineer Rear-Admiral G. W. Roome, C.B.E., and was educated at the Royal Naval Colleges Osborne, Dartmouth and Keyham. He was appointed Midshipman on 15 September 1913, and joined H.M.S. Bellerophon on 7 April 1914. He was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant 8 days later and to Lieutenant on 15 October 1917. He served in Grand Fleet Destroyers, being appointed to Cheerful in December 1915; Narborough, April 1916; Oriana, August 1917; and Lark, June 1918 (Despatches). He was appointed to R.N. College, Keyham, in August 1918; Lieutenant-Commander (E), July 1925; Commander (E), December 1928; Captain (E), June 1940; Rear-Admiral (E), April 1947. A.D.C. to the King, 1946-47. He served during the War of 1939-45, H.M. Dockyards, Devonport and Sheerness, and at the Admiralty. He was Manager of the Engineering Department at H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth, from 1945 until his retirement in 1950. He retired to Pencelli, near Brecon, and died on 21 December 1981.

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97 (2), reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp, naming erased; reverse Mashonaland 1897, no clasp, unnamed, contact marks to first, this very fine; the second extremely fine (2) £140-£180

The important Army Gold Medal awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel James Hugonin, 4th Dragoons, a distinguished cavalry officer who led the 4th’s left squadron in Le Marchant’s brilliant charge of the Heavy Brigade at Salamanca; by far the most important British cavalry action of the Peninsula war, this charge broke three regiments of French infantry and won the day; Hugonin Commanded his Regiment at the battle of Toulouse and was the youngest of three generations of Hugonins who successively became the Commanding Officer of the 4th Dragoons Field Officer’s Gold Medal 1808-14, for Toulouse (Major James Hugonin, 4th Drags.) complete with gold ribbon buckle, extremely fine £20,000-£26,000 --- Provenance: Hamilton-Smith Collection 1927; Dix Noonan Webb, March 2014. The record of service of the Hugonin family is probably unique in the British army. Three generations of Hugonins, James, Francis and James John, successively commanded the Fourth Dragoons, giving the regiment eighty-nine years of continuous service, from 1747 to 1836; their total service amounting to a hundred and thirty-five years. The influence on the regiment of the three Hugonins, grandfather, father and son, was considerable. This remarkable family connection was strengthened by the fact that several other officers of the Fourth Dragoons married into the Hugonin family. During this whole period, the Fourth Dragoons maintained a very high level of discipline and efficiency, and its officers, who included Lord Edward Somerset and Sir George Scovell, a reputation for great military ability and keenness. The Hugonin family originated from Vevey in western Switzerland. Early in the 18th century one of them married an English lady, and his branch settled at Nursted House, Buriton, near Petersfield in Hampshire. His son James was the first family member to be commissioned into the Fourth Dragoons. Joining as a Cornet in 1747, at the age of eighteen, he became Lieutenant-Colonel in 1775, and commanded the regiment for fifteen years, making a total of forty-three years’ service. James left the regiment on promotion to Major-General. James Hugonin’s only son, Francis, received his commission as Cornet in 1768, was promoted Captain in 1775, on the same day his father became Lieutenant-Colonel, and himself became Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth Dragoons in 1794. Francis was in command for nine years until he left on promotion to Major-General, but he returned to the regiment in 1808 as Colonel, and held the appointment until his death in 1836, at the age of eighty-five, a total of sixty-three years with the regiment. James John Hugonin, the third generation of ‘Fourth Dragoon Hugonins’, was born at Blandford, Dorset, on 13 June 1782, and was the only surviving son of Francis. He was commissioned into the regiment in April 1795 at the age of twelve, when his father was in command, and was promoted Lieutenant on 30 September the same year. He was promoted to Captain on 25 June 1803, aged 21. The Fourth Dragoons were based in Sussex, as part of the defence against a French invasion. In 1809 James John acted as Aide-de-Camp to his father, General Hugonin, on the Staff of Sussex District. Talavera and Busaco James John Hugonin went with the Fourth Dragoons to the Peninsula in April 1809, where he held a staff appointment as Brigade-Major. The Fourth was one of the few cavalry regiments to serve for virtually the entire Peninsula campaign. James was present with Fane’s brigade of heavy cavalry (3rd Dragoon Guards and 4th Dragoons) at the battle of Talavera, where he commanded a squadron. He was also present with the two squadrons of the Fourth Dragoons at Busaco, the only cavalry in the line of battle. In early 1811, Hugonin was detached, with local rank of major, to command a squadron of 3rd Dragoons until July 1811. R. H. Thoumine’s biography of General Le Marchant describes an incident that occurred while Fane’s Brigade was covering the retreat of the British forces from Badajoz, as Soult’s relieving army approached. The brigade was “under strong pressure from the French advanced guard. At La Granja, the enemy pushed on through the night on the information of a deserter, and came near to cutting off a squadron of the 3rd Dragoons, under Major Hugonin, who were foraging there. As the enemy burst from the wooded hills above the village, Hugonin scraped up enough horsemen to meet a charge in the main street, which left half a dozen casualties on each side.” (Scientific Soldier p 167 refers). Hugonin was promoted to Major in his own regiment on 19 December 1811, just before his 30th birthday. In February 1812 the cavalry was reorganised into Brigades and the Fourth Dragoons joined the 5th Dragoon Guards and the 3rd Dragoons under Major-General John Le Marchant, a man of great determination and vigour. Le Marchant was very proud of his Heavy Brigade and wrote in May 1812: ‘I am exceedingly pleased with my Brigade, being perfectly satisfied that no cavalry of double its numbers could stand before it.’ General Picton was moved to observe, ‘I always feel easy when General Le Marchant’s men are between me and the enemy; they do their duty and can be trusted; and I heartily wish the rest were like them.’ Triumph at Salamanca Salamanca was one of Wellington’s greatest victories. The French lost 14,000 men, 20 cannon and two Eagles, for an Allied loss of 5,000. Along with Assaye and Waterloo, it seems to have been among his favourite achievements. At around 5p.m., the French division on the left wing was heavily engaged with the advanced brigade of the British 3rd Division and the French cavalry was nowhere to be seen. Le Marchant spotted his opportunity, and without orders from above or additional British cavalry support, he gave the order for his nine squadrons to form line to their front, with the Fourth Dragoons to the fore, just as the French were pushed off the crestline by the British infantry. Then, his trumpeter sounded the Charge and the whole line broke into the gallop and crashed downhill into the two battalions of the French 66th Regiment. When the first line of the enemy was scattered, Le Marchant rallied his Heavy Brigade, the dreaded Messieurs en rouge, “big men on big horses” and led them forward against a second line, the 15th Regiment, and then, getting ever deeper into the French positions, against a third, the 22nd Line, which made a brave attempt to withstand the furious charge. The men of the 22nd Line held their fire until the dragoons were only ten yards from them, and then fired a tremendous volley. Many saddles were emptied but the dragoons could not be stopped and, after a desperate fight with sword against bayonet, the French broke and fled towards a nearby wood, but were hunted down by small groups of dragoons. After the third formation of infantry had been broken, Major Hugonin, who was commanding the left squadron of the regiment, had his horse shot under him. He suffered from gout, and wore boot and spur on one foot only, with a large cloth “shoe” on the other, so without his horse he was helpless. He stood, sword in one hand, cursing his ill-fortune until a trooper came up, dismounted and helped the Major into the saddle. The trooper made his way back on foot while Major Hugonin galloped forward, seeking more Frenchmen. The brigade continued its triumphant advance, seeking the enemy wherever he could be found. Le Marchant was always in the lead and himself killed six or seven men. In the final phase of the charge, with half a squadron of the Fourth Dragoons at his heels, he found a body of infantry re-forming in front of a wood. Instantly he charged and sen...

A B.E.M. and Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea pair awarded to Fireman G. S. Bird for saving life while serving in the S.S. Empire Gladstone in July 1945 British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (George S. Bird) in original card box of issue; Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, 2nd small type, silver (Fireman George S. Bird, S.S. “Empire Gladstone”, 20th July, 1945.) in its gold-embossed fitted case of issue, extremely fine (2) £800-£1,000 --- B.E.M. (Civil Division) London Gazette 5 February 1946: ‘George Stanley Bird, Fireman, S.S. “Empire Gladstone” (James Chambers & Company). The Fourth Engineer Officer and the Chief Steward were found unconscious on the floor of the refrigerator machine-room of the S.S. Empire Gladstone. A dense vapour was escaping from the pipelines of the refrigerating plant and Bird volunteered to descend to the machine-room with a line attached to his body. He succeeded in making a line fast around the Chief Steward, who was hauled up unconscious on to the deck. Bird again descended into the machine-room and, after much difficulty, succeeded in making a line fast around the Fourth Engineer, who was then also hauled up. At one time Bird was overcome by the vapour and had to be assisted out of the machine-room, but he returned to the rescue work as soon as he recovered. Bird ran considerable risk in going to the help of his shipmates single-handed and he showed courage without thought for his own safety.’ Sold with a quantity of original documents including named Buckingham Palace enclosure for B.E.M.; Ministry of War Transport letter notifying award of the B.E.M.; correspondence from James Chambers & Co., Liverpool, advising of the awards of the B.E.M. and Lloyd’s medal, and forwarding the Lloyd’s medal for saving life; forwarding letter from the Chairman of Lloyd’s for same; various seamen’s documents including Continuous Certificate of Discharge, Identity Cards etc.

Royal Observer Corps Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Observer G. H. Dovell) nearly extremely fine £100-£140

A Second War B.E.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant E. K. Randall, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (1223585 Sgt. Edwin K. Randall R.A.F.V.R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, together with group of six miniature dress medals, both sets mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £160-£200 --- B.E.M. (Military) London Gazette 13 June 1946.

A fine 10-clasp Peninsula War medal awarded to Private Robert Beatty, 88th Foot, who was wounded by a gun shot in the left hip at Badajoz, by a sabre wound across his right hand at Salamanca, and by a gun shot near the left elbow at Toulouse Military General Service 1793-1814, 10 clasps, Fuentes D’Onor, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse (Robert Beatty, 88th Foot.) light edge bruising and marks overall, therefore nearly very fine £3,000-£4,000 --- Provenance: Glendining’s, June 1903; Dalrymple-White Collection, Glendining’s, July 1946. Robert Beatty was born in the Parish of Newtown Butler, near Cavan, County Fermanagh, and enlisted for the 88th Foot at Enniskilling on 16 August 1808 (sic), aged 16, for life, a weaver by trade. His discharge papers give his period of service in the 88th as being ‘25 June 1808 - 30 May 1827’, amounting to 16 years 10 months after deducting 2 years underage. He was discharged in consequence of ‘lameness from gun shot wound near right hip - also gun shot wound near left elbow. His conduct is described as ‘Good’. The [very faint] surgeon’s report states: ‘I certify that the herein named Private Robt. Beatty is discharged in consequence of lameness caused by a gun shot wound received at Badajoz - the wound is [in front and near] the right hip. He has been in ten general engagements and was wounded near the left elbow at Toulouse & has also received a sabre cut across the fingers of his right hand at Salamanca, the wound at the elbow is liable to ‘?’ out & is only lately healed - He also labours under Chronic Cough & is completely worn out from service.’ Robert Beatty was admitted to Out-pension at 1/- per diem, to be collected at Edinburgh district, and died on 10 May 1856, aged 63. Sold with copied discharge papers and pension registers.

A Great War ‘Maricourt and Epehy, August and September 1918’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant W. L. Damant, 7th London Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (353991 Sjt. W. L. Damant. 7/Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7864 Sjt. W. L. Damant. 7-Lond. R.) mounted court-style, good very fine (3) £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1918; citation published 11 March 1920: ‘He has continuously shown great courage and high powers of leadership from January, 1917, to date, more particularly at Maricourt, 1918, and again at Epehy in September, 1918, when he handled his Lewis-gun team with great ability. On one occasion he was the means of rescuing a badly wounded comrade from “No Man’s Land” under heavy shell fire.’ Walter Leonard Damant was a native of Romford, Essex, and served as a Sergeant with the 7th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment, in France from 27 January 1917, to the end of the war. Sold with copied research including Battalion War Diary entries for the Maricourt and Epehy operations.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private T. Mack, 47th Battalion (British Columbia), Canadian Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (145295 Pte. T. Mack. 47/Can: Inf:) nearly very fine £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 February 1918. Thomas Mack was born in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada in December 1876. He served during the Great War with the 47th Battalion (British Columbia), Canadian Infantry on the Western Front. Mack was wounded 3 April 1917, and attached to 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Company for the award of his M.M. Sold with copied service papers.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ 1918 D.C.M. and ‘Somme’ 1916 M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant A. Y. Waddell, 2nd Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8804 Sjt: A. Y. Waddell. M.M. 2/Arg: & Suth’d: Highrs:); Military Medal, G.V.R. (8804 Sjt: A. Waddell. 2/A. & S. Hdrs.); 1914 Star, with clasp (8804 Pte. A. Waddell. 2/A. & S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (8804 W.O. Cl. 2. A. Y. Waddell. A. & S. Highrs.) medals unmounted, good very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1918; citation published 21 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This non-commissioned officer, who came to France with the battalion in August, 1914, and has served in many of the most important engagements in which the battalion has taken part, being severely wounded, has on many occasions displayed very fine coolness under the most trying conditions, which has inspired his men with great confidence. He behaved with great gallantry when in command of a platoon during a heavy enemy barrage lasting seventeen hours, steadying the men by the force of his example.’ M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1916. Believed to be an award for the Bazentin-Le Petit operations of 19-21 July 1916. Alexander Young Waddell was born in Glasgow in 1884 and was a miner by trade. He served on active duty with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders from February 1902 for three years and thereafter in the reserve. Recalled in August 1914, he disembarked with the 2nd Battalion in France on 10 August 1914. Sold with original Parchment Certificate of Character, dated 6 February 1905, and copied research including war diary extracts for July 1916.

Three: Private F. J. Rapley, Royal Berkshire Regiment and Special Constabulary British War and Victory Medals (10253 Pte. F. J. Rapley. R. Berks. R.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, 2 clasps, Long Service 1942, Long Service 1945 (Frederick J. Rapley.) very fine (3) £40-£50

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (200038 Pte. C. Harrison. 4/R. Berks R.) contact marks, very fine £70-£90 --- Charles Harrison attested for the 1/4th Battalion (Territorial Force) Royal Berkshire Regiment on 7 April 1908, and served during the Great War on the Western Front, and later, in the Italian theatre. He was discharged due to sickness on 15 April 1919 and awarded a Silver War Badge, No. B/277890. He was also entitled to a British War and Victory Medal, and a Territorial Force War Medal.

Pair: Private L. C. Spindler, 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada), Canadian Infantry, who was taken prisoner of war on the Western Front, 24-29 April 1915 1914-15 Star (27128 Pte L. C. Spindler. 15/Can: Inf:); Victory Medal 1914-19 (27128 Pte. L. C. Spindler. 15-Can. Inf.) generally good very fine (2) £50-£70 --- Laurence Cyril Spindler was born in Boulogne France in July 1889. He initially served during the Great War with the 2nd Field Company, Canadian Engineers, before transferring to the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada), Canadian Infantry. Private Spindler was taken prisoner of war on the Western Front, 24-29 April 1915, and was released, 24 December 1918. He died in March 1944.

The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Officer‘s (Brother’s) breast badge, silver and enamel, with heraldic beasts in angles, enamel restored throughout; British Red Cross Society Medal for War Service 1914-1918 (3), one with Top Bar; Nursing medal; Children’s Hospital Birmingham, Douglas Stanley Medal (Nurse Kathleen Annette Barfield 1940), the last in case of issue, generally very fine (lot) £160-200 --- Sold together with a Territorial Force Nursing Service cape badge in Gaunt case of issue, a gold stickpin with a Queen’s crown motif, in fitted case, a quantity of miscellaneous St. John Ambulance Association and British Red Cross Society medallions and badges, and a Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild badge.

A Great War ‘Fresnoy, September 1918’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private C. Still, 1st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, late 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, serving with whom he was wounded in October 1914 and mentioned in Haig’s despatch of April 1918 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (74116 Cpl. C. Still. 1/M.G.C.); 1914 Star, with copy clasp (8811 Pte. C. Still. 2/R. Suss: R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (8811 Cpl. C. Still. R. Suss. R.) medals unmounted, very fine £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919; citation published 2 December 1919: ‘On 24th September, 1918, near Fresnoy, he was sent forward in charge of a machine-gun team to consolidate with the infantry. He showed great courage and determination in keeping his gun in action and covering the front line post, and later he pushed his gun forward in front of the infantry, and materially assisted in checking the enemy counter-attacks. On the night of the 24th, although severely wounded himself and having his No. 2 gunner killed, he did excellent work in endeavouring to silence the enemy’s enfilade fire. In spite of his wound, he remained at his post until ordered to withdraw.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 24 May 1918 (Haig’s despatch of the 7th of April 1918): ‘Still, 8811 L./C. C. (now 74116 M.G. Corps.) Royal Sussex Regiment.’ Charles Still was born in 1888 and enlisted at Chichester on 11 September 1907, aged 18 years 10 months. He was discharged to Reserve in June 1912 and mobilised on 7 August 1914, serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, in France from 31 August 1914. Wounded by a gun shot in the scalp on 3 October 1914, he was treated at No. 2 General Hospital at Havre. In September 1915 he was invalided to England via Versailles with an abscess of the foot. He returned to France in September 1916, and transferred to 2 Company M.G.C. on 11 July 1917, this unit later being designated 1 Battalion, M.G.C. Still was severely wounded whilst winning his D.C.M. on 24 September 1918, and was discharged as a Lance-Sergeant on 9 September 1919. Sold with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, service papers, gazette notices, and 1/M.G.C. war diary extracts.

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (1741. Pte. J. Smith. 42nd. Highds. 1873-4.) suspension claw tightened, edge nicks, very fine £360-£440 --- John Smith served with the 42nd Highlanders during the Ashantee campaign, and was slightly wounded by gun-shot to left fore-arm at battle of Amoaful on 31 January 1874. Sold with copied medal roll entry and London Gazette casualty list.

Royal Fusiliers Sportsman’s Battalion Medal, 26mm, silver, the obverse with twin coat-of-arms and numbered ‘294’, the reverse inscribed in raised letters, ‘from Emma Cunliffe-Owen, Oct. 1914, ‘God guard you’, with small ring suspension, edge bruise, very fine, scarce £80-£100 --- Mrs Emma Cunliffe-Owen was born in Kensington in 1863, of mixed English and German heritage. Her father, Sir Francis Phillip Cunliffe-Owen, was the director of the South Kensington (now the Victoria and Albert) Museum. Her maternal grandfather was a German Baron who had served as an aide-de-camp to Frederick Wilhelm of Prussia. At the outbreak of war, it is reputed that, whilst walking down Bond Street, she met two big-game hunters of her acquaintance. Half-jokingly, she asked them why they had not signed up, and half-jokingly they challenged her to raise a battalion of her own. A keen sportswoman in her youth, in response, she telegraphed Lord Kitchener in September 1914, who accepted her offer to raise a battalion of physically fit men, able to shoot and ride. With her husband Edward, she set up a recruiting office in the Hotel Cecil, on the Strand, and placed an advert in The Times, seeking ‘Sportsmen, aged 19 to 45, upper and middle class only. Wanted at once.’ Despite the restrictions stated in the advert, men from all walks of life joined up in response. Such was the success in her efforts, that the War Office asked her to raise a second battalion of 1600 men. And so were formed the 23rd and 24th (Service) Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment, otherwise known as the ‘1st and 2nd Sportsmans Battalions’. Mrs Cunliffe-Owen presented all ranks of her battalions with a silver medallion, engraved with the recipient’s regimental number, bearing her signature and the message, ‘God guard you.’ Harman Moore, an original member of the 23rd (1st Sportsman’s) Battalion, attested on 6 October 1914 for service with the Royal Fusiliers during the Great War. Advanced Lance Sergeant, he served at home and was discharged due to sickness on 28 June 1916, and awarded a Silver War Badge, No. 156,520.

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 £1,000-£1,400 --- 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.

Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R. (2), 1st issue, Territorial (2586216. Cpl. L. Barratt. R. Sigs.); 2nd issue, Territorial (898317 Sjt. H. Lambert. R. Sigs.) very fine and better (2) £80-£100

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant W. R. Heal, 2/1st Berkshire Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, Territorial Force, who was discharged as a consequence of his wounds Military Medal (616277 Sjt: W. R. Heal. 2/1 Berks: R.H.A. - T.F.); British War Medal 1914-20 (616277 Sjt. W. R. Heal. R.A.) very fine (2) £260-£300 --- M.M. London Gazette, 23 February 1918 William Reginald Heal was born in Exeter, Devon on 19 December 1892. He attested into the 2/1st Berkshire Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, Territorial Force, on 19 September 1914, for service during the Great War. Serving on the Western Front, he was advanced Sergeant and awarded the Military Medal, before being discharged as a consequence of his wounds, on 30 October 1918. He was awarded a Silver War Badge, No. B 34860. He died, aged 68, in Bournemouth, Hampshire, on 19 October 1961. Sold with original Silver War Badge certificate.

The Victory Medal awarded to Gunner A. W. Elsdon, Royal Garrison Artillery, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 18 September 1918 Victory Medal 1914-19 (89477 Gnr. A. W. Elsden [sic]. R.A.) in crushed named card box of issue, with named Record Office enclosure, in transmission envelope addressed to ‘Mrs. E. Elsdon, 24 King St., Desboro., Nr. Market Harboro., Leics.’; Memorial Plaque (Alfred William Elsdon) with Buckingham Palace enclosure, in card envelope and outer OHMS transmission envelope, similarly addressed, extremely fine (2) £70-£90 --- Alfred William Elsdon was born in North Shields, Northumberland, and served with the 354th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, during the Great War. He was killed in action on the Western Front on 18 September 1918, and is buried in Savy British Cemetery, France. Sold with a group postcard photograph featuring the recipient; a family group photograph of the recipient and his wife on their wedding day; and other ephemera.

A post-War C.B.E., Great War 1918 ‘German Spring Offensive’ M.C. group of six awarded to Captain F. C. Braby, Lancashire Fusiliers, who was twice wounded and Mentioned in Despatches The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Civil) Commander’s 2nd type neck badge, with miniature width neck riband, in Central Chancery case of issue; Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved ‘Lt. F. C. Braby. 2/8th. Lan. Fus. Attd. 197 Inf. Bdg. H.Q. Somme France March 1918’; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. F. C. Braby.); Defence Medal; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, mounted court-style as worn, lacquered, good very fine (6) £1,000-£1,400 --- C.B.E. (Civil) London Gazette 2 June 1962: Frederick Cyrus Braby, Esq., M.C., D.L., Chairman, Industrial Coal Consumers Council. M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a determined enemy attack under intense machine-gun fire. He collected all men in the vicinity and organised a successful defence. He checked and inflicted considerable casualties on the enemy, handling his men with skill and courage. Later in the day, he did good service in carrying important messages through heavy machine-gun fire to the rearguard.’ The Battalion War Diary additionally states: ‘For gallantry on 25 March 1918.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 23 May 1918. Frederick Cyrus Braby was born on 1 May 1897 and was educated at Charterhouse School and the University of Manchester. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers and served with the 2nd/8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 28 February 1917 (wounded twice, Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Military Cross). He saw further service post-War in the Territorial Army. In civilian life Braby served as Director of the family firm Fredrick Braby and Co. Ltd., and was the firm’s Chairman from 1942 to 1965. He was President of the Engineering and Allied Employers’ London and District Association, and Chairman of the Industrial Coal Consumers’ Council and the British Non-Ferrous Metals Association. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent in 1955, and was a County Commissioner of the Boy Scouts Association for Kent from 1952 to 1967. In addition, he served on the committees of numerous Charitable organisations. For his services he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1962. He died on 15 July 1983. Sold with the recipient’s original Bestowal Document for the C.B.E., with accompanying correspondence from the Prime Minister’s office and the Central Chancery; original Document appointing the recipient a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Kent; various newspaper cuttings; and much copied research, including Battalion War diary extracts and other ephemera.

Royal Naval Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (2800C J. Macleod. Smn. R.N.R.); Fire Brigade L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (Sub. Offr. John S. Turner) in named card box of issue; Women’s Voluntary Service Medal, unnamed as issued, with ‘Long Service’ bar, in box of issue, mounted for wear with a Defence Medal; together with a New Zealand War Service Medal, very fine and better (5) £70-£90

Six: Attributed to E. E. Palmer, Mercantile Marine 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn in this order; together Minister of Transport enclosure and named General Register and Record Office of Shipping and Seamen eligibility letter dated 13 June 1961, both confirming the above awards; and a Dunkirk Medal, in card box of issue, nearly extremely fine (7) £80-£100 --- Sold with the recipient’s riband bar and copied medal roll extract.

A Great War ‘Vimy Ridge’ M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant W. E. Currie, 4th Field Ambulance, Canadian Army Medical Corps, late Royal Army Medical Corps, for gallantry at Vimy Ridge - 9 April 1917 Military Medal, G.V.R. (1251 Pte. W. E. Currie. 4/F.A. Can: A.M.C.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal (14643 Pte W. E. Currie R.A.M.C.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (14643 Pte W. E. Currie R.A.M.C.); 1914-15 Star (1251 Pte. W. E. Currie Can: A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (1251 A. Sjt. W. E. Currie. C.A.M.C.) mounted for wear, with the recipient’s St. John Ambulance Association Re-Examination Cross, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘336052 William E. Currie.’, with eight bronze date bars for 1933, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940 and 1941,cleaned, Q.S.A. and K.S.A. renamed, generally nearly very fine or better (lot) £600-£800 --- M.M. London Gazette 9 July 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the evacuation of wounded under shell fire during the operations of April 9th 1917.’ William Edwin Currie was born in Aston, Birmingham in October 1880. He was a Goldsmith by trade, and served with 1st Volunteer Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own Middlesex Regiment from 1898 and the Medical Militia from 1899. Currie attested at Aldershot, 23 October 1900, for regular service with Royal Army Medical Corps, and served in South Africa with No. 12 Stationary Hospital. In 1904, he transferred at his own request to the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, serving as 8092. Currie transferred to the Army Reserve in 1908 and was discharged on completion of his engagement, 22 October 1912. Currie emigrated to Canada and was living at Wadena, Saskatchewan when he attested at Winnipeg becoming an original member of the 4th Field Ambulance, CAMC. He disembarked in England on 29 April 1915 and served in France from 13 September 1915 (and distinguished himself at Vimy Ridge). Currie had applied for a Commission, 10 March 1917, and proceeded to Officer Cadet training at Prior Park, Bath on 8 August 1918. While undergoing officer training, he was promoted Acting Sergeant, CAMC, with effect 7 September 1918. While Currie was to be commissioned in the infantry, the war ended before that occurred and he was returned to the C.E.F. on 4 March 1919 and discharged at St. John, New Brunswick 16 days later as Cadet (Acting Sergeant). Currie resided in Ottawa joining the 23rd Field Ambulance, RCAMC in the Non-Permanent Active Militia. He was discharged from the Army in 1940, aged 60. Currie was employed in the Ottawa area and served in the St. John Ambulance. He died at Ottawa Civic Hospital 11 March 1955. Sold with the following related original documentation: Canadian Pay Book for use on Active Service; a souvenir history of 18 Officer Cadet Bn listing staff, graduates, roll of honour and final course nominal roll, annotated by recipient; two named and dated Department of Labour, Ontario Stationary Engineer’s Certificates, Fourth Class; various ephemera relating to commission application and service, and newspaper cuttings. For the medals to the recipient’s brother-in-law, see Lot 205.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1929, with damaged remains of case of issue and miniature dress medal, both mounted as worn, good very fine £100-£140

The British War Medal awarded to Lance Corporal W. J. Lowe, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, who was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry on the Somme in 1916, and at Vimy Ridge, 9 April 1917 British War Medal 1914-20 (423307 L. Cpl. W. J. Lowe. 2-C.M.R.) good very fine £60-£80 --- M.M. London Gazette 18 May 1917: ‘This man showed great courage during the advance on the 9th April [Vimy Ridge], at one time rescuing a comrade who had been wounded by Germans in a dug-out and afterwards going in and compelling the Germans to surrender. He has done many months good service at the front including the Somme and has received no previous reward.’ William John Lowe was born in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland in June 1896. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles on the Western Front.

A fine Great War O.B.E. and Sea Gallantry Medal group of seven awarded to Lieutenant T. P. Ryan, Royal Naval Reserve, and for the rescue of the crew of the S.S. Glodale off the Murmansk coast in January 1918, and for subsequent duties as Principal Minesweeping Officer at Orkney The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type, breast badge, reverse hallmarked London 1919; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. T. P. Ryan. R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. T. P. Ryan. R.N.R.); Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., bronze (Lieut. T. P. Ryan, R.N.R., “Glodale,” 3rd January, 1918.); Romania, Kingdom, Order of the Star with Swords, Fifth Class breast badge, silver and enamel; Russia, Empire, Order of St Anne with Swords, Fifth Class breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, of Continental manufacture, contemporary Gieves Ltd. court-style mounting, good very fine (7) £1,400-£1,800 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 25 April 1919. Presented by H.M. King at Buckingham Palace 23 July 1920. The recommendation states: ‘H.M.S. Zaria, Kirkwall [Orkney]. Was Principal Minesweeping Officer at Kirkwall from April to October 1918 during which period he organised and maintained the minesweeping vessels in a highly efficient tone. Was a keen and zealous officer in promoting the interests of H.M. Service.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 27 June 1917. The recommendation states: ‘H.M.T. VALE of FRUIN - FOR CONSTANT GOOD SERVICE PATROLLING BETWEEN KOLA AND THE NORWEGIAN COAST DURING SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1916 WHILE HOSTILE SUBMARINES WERE OPERATING IN THE LOCALITY. ON ONE OCCASION HE SUCCEEDED IN GETTING WITHIN EASY GUN RANGE OF A GERMAN SUBMARINE BUT HIS FIRE WAS THEN MASKED BY A RUSSIAN TORPEDO BOAT WHICH THEN CAME FORWARD AND HE WAS CONSEQUENTLY UNABLE TO FIRE.’ (A History of the White Sea Station 1914-1919 (Naval Staff 1921) states that on November 2nd 1916 Russian patrol craft off Vardo (NORWAY) SUCCEEDED IN DAMAGING U.56 TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT SHE SUBSEQUENTLY SANK). S.G.M. (not gazetted) presented by H.M. King at Buckingham Palace 31 October 1918. The Board of Trade report states: ‘LAST NOVEMBER THE S.S. ‘GLODALE’ OF CARDIFF, LEFT ARCHANGEL FOR YUKANSKI AND MURMANSK WITH A CARGO OF MUNITIONS. AFTER LEAVING MURMANSK SHE WAS PROCEEDING TO BERGEN IN TOW OF SOME TUGS WHEN SHE STRANDED ON POINT POGAN ON 15 JANuary (1918). THE VESSEL BROKE IN TWO AMIDSHIPS AND WAS THEN ABANDONED BY HER CREW, WHO LOWERED THEMSELVES BY ROPES ON TO THE ROCKS. THE TOW ROPE OF THE TUG HAD ALREADY PARTED AND THE TUG HAD BEEN LOST IN THE DARKNESS. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE ‘GLODALE’ WAS OBSERVED BY LT. RYAN, WHO HAD BEEN SENT OUT FROM MURMANSK TO LOOK FOR HER, BUT ON ACCOUNT OF THE HEAVY SEAS HE WAS UNABLE TO RENDER ANY ASSISTANCE TO THE CREW. ON JANUARY 3rd HE ARRIVED AGAIN ON THE SPOT IN H.M.T. 'DANIEL HENLEY' AND AFTER GREAT DIFFICULTY FOUND ANCHORAGE. HE THEN WITH THE OTHERS WHO ARE NOW RECOMMENDED FOR THE BRONZE MEDAL SUCCEEDED IN REACHING THE CREW AND IN GRADUALLY TRANSFERRING THEM TO HIS TRAWLER, FOR WHICH PURPOSE IT WAS NECESSARY TO MAKE THREE TRIPS. ON EACH OCCASION THE RESCUERS WERE OBLIGED TO WADE UP TO THEIR WAISTS IN WATER IN ORDER TO GET THE BOAT AWAY FROM THE BEACH. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ATMOSPHERE AT THIS TIME WAS 20 DEGREES BELOW ZERO. AFTER THE GLODALE’S CREW HAD BEEN GOT ON BOARD THE ‘DANIEL HENLEY’ SHE RETURNED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO MURMANSK BUT OWING TO THICK FOGS WAS NOT ABLE TO REACH THAT PORT UNTIL THE 5th JANUARY.’ The following letter FROM R. EVANS, MASTER OF S.S. ‘GLODALE’ TO THE SUPERINTENDENT, BOARD OF TRADE, LONDON, DATED 27th FEB. 1918, states: ‘I THINK IT IS ONLY MY DUTY TO MENTION THE FOLLOWING MATTER TO YOU. YOU WILL VERY LIKELY HAVE HEARD OF THE S.S. ‘GLODALE’ BEING DRIVEN ASHORE ON THE MURMANSK COAST ON THE 1st JANUARY LAST WHILE IN TOW FROM KOLA INLET HAVING HAD HER RUDDER DAMAGED IN THE ICE. MYSELF AND CREW LEFT THE SHIP ABOUT TWO HOURS AFTER SHE STRUCK AND HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY IN SAVING OURSELVES ON A BITTER COLD NIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING WE FOUND A HUT ON THE BEACH LEAVING 13 MEMBERS OF MY CREW THERE ALL MORE OR LESS FROSTBITTEN WHILE THE REST OF US, 14 IN ALL, WENT TO LOOK FOR ASSISTANCE ON THE 3rd. Lt. T. P. RYAN, IN CHARGE OF H.M.T. DANIEL HENLEY WAS SENT FROM H.M.S. GLORY TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE AND TO RESCUE US. HE FOUND THE 13 MEN IN THE HUT AND WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY AND RISK TO LIVES RESCUED THEM ALL. LT. RYAN AND HIS CREW BEACHED THEIR BOAT IN A HEAVY SEA AND MADE SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE TRAWLER AND EVERY MAN HAD TO BE CARRIED. THE WEATHER BEING BITTERLY COLD, ABOUT 30 DEGREES BELOW ZERO AND UP TO THEIR KNEES IN SNOW. THE 14 OF US REACHED CAPE SYET LIGHTHOUSE AND WE SHELTERED THERE UNTIL Jan. 4th.’ Russian Order of St Anne, 3rd Class with swords verified by an Admiralty record card, decorated 19 June 1917 (see M.I.D. above). Romanian Order of the Star London Gazette 10 May 1921. The recommendation states: ‘In command of 8 trawlers carrying 28 Romanian aviators from Murmansk to Grimsby under very difficult conditions. During the course of journey two vessels were lost.’ Thomas Philip Ryan was appointed Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 September 1914, and Temporary Lieutenant on 14 September 1915. He spent the entire war on minesweeping duties, initially at Portsmouth followed by two years in North Russia and finally in the Orkney Islands. He was demobilised on 21 October 1919. Sold with comprehensive research.

Five: J. R. G. Addison, Australian Forces 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal (VX18080 J. R. G. Addison), mounted for wear, heavily tarnished, fine 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45, some staining, very fine (9) £60-£80 --- Sold together with a Normandy Veterans Medal, in Royal Mint case of issue, and two King’s Badges ‘For Loyal Service’.

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, 1 clasp, Mashonaland 1897 (Troopr. C. Meyer M.R.F.) nearly extremely fine £300-£400

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Burma 1930-32 (3521715 Pte. J. E. Pitchforth. Manch. R.) very fine £60-£80 --- Sold with copied medal roll extract that states that his medal was re-issued in April 1934 (the original medal having been named to Pitchford).

Five: Private E. C. Climo, Royal Military Police 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., Militia (5340025 Pte. E. C. Climo. R.M.P.) mounted for wear, edge bruising, very fine (5) £60-£80

A rare Second War Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Unit (LCOCU) D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Commando Frogman Petty Officer G. A. Lock in the opposed landings in the South of France as a LCOCU Section Leader; he surveyed the beaches and destroyed underwater obstacles and mines in the Baie de Cavallaire, having performed similar services in the Normandy Landings, and assisted in the rescue of wounded American soldiers whose Landing Craft had been mined and sunk Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (P.O., G. A. Lock. R/JX.222155); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted on card for display, extremely fine (7) £3,600-£4,400 --- Seedies Roll lists a total of only 10 D.S.M.s, 3 D.S.C.s, and one D.S.C. and Bar to LCOC Units during the Second War, mostly for the landings in Normandy and the South of France. For two other examples of D.S.M.s awarded to frogmen in L.C.O.C. Units see Dix Noonan Webb May 2017 (Lot 52, £13,000) and July 2019 (Lot 81, £7,500). D.S.M. London Gazette 6 November 1945: ‘For bravery, skill and great devotion to duty in the reconnaissance and destruction of unknown obstacles and mines, and in the rescue of survivors whose craft had been destroyed in a minefield, during the landing in the Baie de Cavallaire in the South of France, June to August, 1944,, and for similar good services in the landings in Normandy.’ The recommendations for this batch of awards are in Admiralty Honours and Awards file H&A 940/45 in the National Archives under reference ADM1/30497 which reads: ‘The Honours and Awards Committee has considered the good services of certain ratings in the destruction of underwater obstacles and mines during the invasion of the South of France, and submits that the King may be asked to approve the Awards set forth below. During the landings in the Baie de Cavallaire in the South of France these ratings successfully carried out under fire the initial reconnaissance of unknown obstacles and mines and achieved their destruction. They also did good work in helping to save the lives of wounded soldiers of the United States Army when the craft in which they were embarked struck mines and was sunk. The individual recommendation for Petty Officer Lock adds to this… Lock, George Arthur, Petty Officer, R.N. “For Gallantry and Devotion to Duty as Section Leader of “B” Section L.C.O.C.U. Unit No:1 in that, during the landings in the “Baie de Cavallaire” South of France, he did on arrival at the beach carry out the pre-arranged plan without further orders, and 1.Did successfully carry out the initial reconnaissance of unknown obstacles and mines in his area. 2.Did work continuously throughout the day on the destruction of the obstacles and mines until the job was completed. 3.Did assist in the saving of the lives of wounded soldiers of the U.S. Army 1st Division when the craft in which they were embarked struck mines and were sunk. 4.Did render valuable assistance of a similar nature during the landings in Normandy.” Remarks of the Immediate Authority, Naval Officer in Charge, Appledore: “Forwarded for favourable consideration. Although a long time has elapsed since the occurrences leading to the recommendation, it is understood that no such recommendation was forwarded by the Force Commander, and there is no doubt that much coolness and courage under fire was displayed in the course of the operations which are described.” Petty Officer Lock’s recommendation is signed by Lieutenant R.E. Billington, D.S.C., who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his gallant service in the Normandy Landings, and a Bar to the D.S.C. for similar service in the Landings in the South of France whilst in specific command of L.C.O.C. Unit No. 1 and in overall charge of all four L.C.O.C. Units of Force “J”. The recommendation for Billington’s Bar to the D.S.C. is supported by an extract from a letter from Vice Admiral H.K. Hewitt, U.S.N. Commander United States Eighth Fleet, which describes the hazardous work of this LCOCU unit: ‘For distinguishing himself by heroic and meritorious achievement as officer in charge of a Naval Combat Demolition Unit on 15th August 1944. Lieutenant Billington, displaying the utmost skill and energy, organized and trained his unit in the hazardous procedure of clearing underwater obstacles, beach obstructions and reinforced defence positions to enable the initial boat waves to land and discharge assault troops, equipment and supplies over the selected beaches. Despite the experimental nature of demolitions in amphibious warfare and the heavily obstructed approaches encountered during the assault operations, he successfully led his unit to the assigned beach and by means of hand placed charges, cleared the approach channels of obstacles and shallow mines for the early and relatively safe passage of assault traffic. His expert and fearless action in clearing and widening their approaches contributed materially to the expeditious launching of the assault and the prompt establishment of the beachhead.’

Royal Victorian Medal, G.V.R., silver-gilt, unnamed as issued, mounted on investiture pin, extremely fine and scarce £180-£220

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant H. Clark, Royal Garrison Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (84331 Sjt. H. Clark. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (84331 Sjt. H. Clark. R.A.) minor edge nicks, good very fine (3) £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919. Herbert Clark attested for the Royal Garrison Artillery and served with the 150th Siege Battery during the Great War on the Western Front.

Efficiency Medal (2), G.V.R., Territorial (5330162 Cpl. H. D. Davey. 4- R. Berks. R.); G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (5335731 Pte. E. L. Baldwin. R. Berks. R.) edge nick to first, nearly extremely fine (2) £70-£90

A Great War ‘Hansa Line, November 1916’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant H. Waterton, 1/1 Hertfordshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1855 Cpl. H. Waterton. 1/1 Herts: R.-T.F.); 1914 Star (1855 Pte. H. Waterton. 1/1 Herts: R.); British War and Victory Medals (1855 Sjt. H. Waterton. Herts. R.) medals unmounted, lightly polished, otherwise nearly very fine and scarce (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- 36 awards of the D.C.M. to the Regiment in the Great War, all for France and Flanders. D.C.M. London Gazette 26 January 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed great courage and skill in handling his machine-guns under heavy fire, and greatly assisted in repulsing several hostile attacks.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Hansa Line, 13 November 1916.’ In the final stage of the Somme campaign, the Battle of the Ancre, the 1/1st Hertfordshires achieved a notable success. On the morning of 13 November, with their advance covered by mist and a heavy artillery barrage, the battalion seized the whole of the Hansa Line. It advanced to a depth of 1,600 yards, achieved all of its objectives and captured 250 prisoners and nine machine-guns. The position was held until relief the following night. Their casualties, however, numbered seven officers and 150 men. Harry Waterton served with the 1/1st Hertfordshire Regiment in France and Flanders from 6 November 1914. Sold with copied D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, and gazette notices.

Coastguard Auxiliary Long Service Medal, E.II.R. (Howell Owen) extremely fine £100-£140

Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Amethyst 5 April 1809 (Jas. J. Lamb.) note second initial, nearly extremely fine and scarce £6,000-£8,000 --- Provenance: Fergus Gowan Collection 1947-71; Sotheby, July 1980; Christie’s, March 1988. Approximately 26 clasps issued for the capture by Amethyst of the 40-gun French frigate Niemen in the Bay of Biscay on 5 April 1809. James Thomas Lamb entered the Navy on 22 December 1808, as First-Class Volunteer, on board the Amethyst, of 42 guns and 222 men, Captain Michael Seymour, shortly after that officer’s Gold Medal winning exploits at the capture of the 40-gun French frigate Thetis on the 10th of the previous month. On 6 April, 1809, Lamb took part in a severe intermittent action of about four hours, which terminated in the capture, with a loss to the Amethyst of 8 men killed and 37 wounded, of the French frigate Le Niemen of 46 guns and 339 men, of whom 47 were slain and 73 wounded. After attending the expedition to Flushing, he accompanied Captain Seymour into his prize, which had been added to the Navy as a 38-gun frigate. He continued with him in that ship, on the Channel and Irish stations, until the spring of 1812, when he again followed him, as Midshipman, into the Hannibal 74. In March 1814, being then on a cruize off Cherbourg, Mr. Lamb was present at the capture of the 40-gun frigate Sultane. We then find him proceeding to the West Indies, where, in the course of the same year, he successively joined the Bedford and Venerable 74’s, Captains James Walker and George Pringle - the latter bearing the flag of Sir Philip Charles Durham, by whom he was at first sent on a cruize in the Adams tender, and then nominated Acting Sub-Lieutenant of the Grecian schooner. He was made Lieutenant, 1 March 1815, into the Fairy 18, Captain Henry Loraine Baker, part of the force present at the ensuing surrender of Guadeloupe, with the despatches relative to which she returned to England; and he was next, from 29 of the following September until superseded at his own request 27 March 1817, employed on the Irish station in the Helicon and Martin sloops, both commanded by Captain Andrew Mitchell. His last appointment was, 29 August 1833, to the Coast Guard, in which service he remained until the early part of 1836. We understand that on one occasion, while in command of a merchant-ship, Lieutenant Lamb performed service which was acknowledged by a reward from Lloyd’s. He retired on a pension of 8s. 6d. a day, with the rank of Commander on 29 December 1862.

Eight: Flight Sergeant E. C. Middleton, Royal Air Force General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (330529. Cpl. E. C. Middleton. R.A.F.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (330529 F/Sgt. E. C. Middleton. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (330529 F/Sgt. E. C. Middleton. R.A.F.); Iraq, Kingdom, Active Service Medal, no clasp, unnamed as issued, contact marks, nearly very fine (8) £360-£400

A rare ‘Gallantry’ B.E.M. awarded to Mr. G. Cooper, for his courageous attempt to save three children from a house fire in Poole in June 1965 - he sustained serious burns in the process British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R., with gallantry emblem (Garry Cooper) nearly extremely fine £1,000-£1,400 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2007. B.E.M. London Gazette 24 May 1966 Garry Cooper, Steel Erector, West Boldon, Co. Durham (in a joint citation with Thomas Anthony McCarthy, Timber Yard Labourer, Poole): ‘Fire broke out in a cafe consisting of three floors. Mr. Cooper, who was passing in the street, saw that the building was on fire and on hearing that there were three children inside, entered the building in an attempt to rescue them. He heard a scream from upstairs and rushed up to the second floor. In spite of the heat and smoke, which prevented him from seeing, he reached the children’s room which was also well ablaze. Mr. Cooper was severely burnt by this time, and he threw himself out of the bedroom window on to the roof. Mr. McCarthy was sleeping in one of the bedrooms on the first floor and he was awakened when the alarm was raised. He made an immediate attempt to ascend the now fiercely burning stairway to try and rescue the children. The intense heat forced him to return. He then put on his jacket and tried again but once more was forced back. He next fetched a blanket from his bed, soaked it with water, draped it over himself, and succeeded in reaching the top of the stairway. But although he searched for the children amongst the flames and smoke he was unable to find them. Cooper and McCarthy were rescued by the Fire Brigade and taken to hospital suffering from burns. Both men made a valiant attempt to save the lives of the children.’ Garry Cooper, a steel erector employed by West Bolden Company of Durham, was visiting Poole at the time of the above described incident at the Old Town Cafe in the High Street on 12 June 1965. He returned there that October to receive a £200 cheque from the Mayor, ‘the earnings he lost during treatment and convalescence after serious burns’. Sold with several photocopied newspaper reports and other research.

Pair: Private M. Desmond, Royal Munster Fusiliers, who was killed in action at Gallipoli on 26 April 1915 1914-15 Star (7004. M. Desmond. R. Muns. Fus.); British War Medal 1914-20 (7004 Pte. M. Desmond. R. Mun. Fus.); Memorial Plaque (Michael Desmond) mounted for display with traces of adhesive to reverse, the plaque pierced at 12 o’clock, the Star and plaque both in relic condition; the BWM with edge bruises and somewhat polished, therefore good fine (3) £80-£100 --- Michael Desmond was born in Millstreet, co. Cork, and attested there for the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War at Gallipoli from the first day of the Gallipoli campaign, 25 April 1915, and was killed in action the following day. He is buried in V Beach Cemetery, Turkey.

Pair: Gunner W. Wright, Royal Horse Artillery Military General Service 1793-1814, 6 clasps, Corunna, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Orthes, Toulouse (W. Wright, H. Arty.); Waterloo 1815 (William Wright. Royal Horse Artillery.) renamed, fitted with steel clip and ring suspension, toned, nearly very fine, the first with two minor bruises, otherwise good very fine (2) £1,400-£1,800 --- William Wright served in Eveleigh’s “C” Troop and Macdonald’s “E” Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. He is also possibly entitled to a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal dated 1840.

Three: Sister E. G. Fraser, Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve, late Civilian Hospital Reserve 1914 Star (Miss E. G. Fraser. Civ: Hosp. Res.); British War and Victory Medals (Sister E. G. Fraser.); with Guy’s Hospital Five Years Service Medal, 32mm., silver (Elsie G. Fraser) generally good very fine, and scarce to unit (4) £360-£400 --- Provenance: The Jack Webb 1914 Star Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2003. M.I.D. London Gazette 15 June 1916. Elsie Gertrude Fraser served with the Civil Hospital Reserve during the Great War on the Western Front from 17 August 1914, and later as a Sister with Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Nursing Service Reserve. She served with the 26th General Hospital, and was invalided to the UK in 1917.

Four: Private C. C. Airey, Highland Light Infantry, who was killed in action on 14 April 1945 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with named Army Council enclosure ‘C. C. Airey’, extremely fine Memorial Plaque (Joseph Goss) in card envelope; together with a silver prize medal, the reverse engraved ‘The Champion Medal of the 30th. W.Y.R.V. Birstal.’, traces of verdigris to plaque, nearly very fine (6) £70-£90 --- Charles Cormack Airey served with the 10th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry during the Second World War, and was killed in action in North West Europe on 14 April 1945. He is buried in Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. Four men with the name Joseph Goss are recorded on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Roll of Honour: a Sergeant in the 56th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery; a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry; a Private n the 2nd/7th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters; and a Private in the 50th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps

Lincoln Great War Tribute Medal (3), 36mm, bronze, obverse featuring the City’s coat of Arms, and inscribed ‘In token of Lincoln’s gratitude’, the reverse depicting Britannia presenting a laurel crown to a victorious returning serviceman, with a warship, artillery gun, and bi-plane in background, and inscribed ‘Served in the Great War 1914-1919’, all unnamed, two in fitted cases of issue; Skegness Great War Tribute Medal, 36mm, bronze, obverse featuring the Town’s Coat of Arms, and inscribed ‘In token of the Gratitude of Skegness’, the reverse depicting Britannia presenting a laurel crown to a victorious returning serviceman, with a warship, artillery gun, and bi-plane in background, and inscribed ‘Served in the Great War 1914-1919’, unnamed, minor edge bruising, generally good very fine (4) £80-£100

Brunei, Sultanate, General Service Medal, silver and enamel; Armed Forces Silver Jubilee Medal 1986, silver; Police Long Service Medal, silver, all unnamed as issued, extremely fine (lot) £60-£80 --- Sold with a Sierra Leone Foundation of the Republic Medal; a Gambian Medal to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Independence; parts of two Gold Coast belt buckles; a Gambia Police lapel pin; a Sarawak Government Good Service Medal; a Sarawak Turf Club badge; and a South East Asian Games, Kuala Lumpur Medallion.

Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, unnamed as issued; together with visit to India 1911-12 oval silver medalet and a silver H.M.S. New Zealand medal, the last two polished, nearly very fine or better (3) £60-£80