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Click here to subscribeJubilee 1887, Metropolitan Police, bronze (PC, G. Fitch. B. Divn.); Coronation 1911, Metropolitan Police (2) (P.C. S. Hotching; P.C. F. Stops.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Cmdr. James Churchill) good very fine, the last rare to rank (4) £120-£160 --- James Churchill served with the Somerset Special Constabulary, and was released, at his own request, on 7 March 1939. Sold with torn Release Certificate.
Three: Private H. Oliver, Leicestershire Regiment, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War during the Second World War 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (4859479 Pte H Oliver Leicester) mounted as worn, the last stamped ‘R’ for Replacement, very fine (3) £60-£80 --- H. Oliver was captured and taken prisoner of war whilst serving with the British Expeditionary Force, and was held at Stalag 20A at Thorn Padgorz.
A Great War ‘German Spring Offensive’ 1918 D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant A. Kennedy, 8th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (30070 Cpl. A. Kennedy. 1/8-A. & S.H.) an officially re-impressed later issue; 1914-15 Star (1041 Pte. A. Kennedy. A. & S.H.); British War and Victory Medals (1041 Sjt. A. Kennedy. A. & S.H.) the last three impressed in small capitals and probably later issues; together with a presentation Hunter pocket watch, the movement by Rolex, in 10 carat gold plate case, the outer case inscribed ‘Kilfinan Parish. Presented to Sgt. Allan Kennedy, D.C.M. in appreciation of his services during the Great War 1914-1919’, glass missing and watch not working, medals good very fine (4) £600-£800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the signalling officer and sergeant had both been wounded, he took charge of the signal section and maintained constant communication with the front companies in spite of heavy enemy attacks and the telephone wires being repeatedly cut by shell fire. His courage and resource did much to encourage the men employed with him.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘W. of Merville, 12-14 April 1918.’ Allan Kennedy served in France with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders from 1 May 1915. He won the D.C.M. with the 8th Battalion during the fighting around St Floris and St Venant, west of Merville, 12-14th April 1918. Sold with a scarce 8th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders white metal glengarry badge with unvoided centre and two lugs to reverse; together with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, gazette notices, and extracts from Battalion War Diaries.
Three: Sergeant Master Tailor J. A. Matthews, Lincolnshire Regiment, a native of British Guiana, and a Regimental stalwart who saw over 30 years service with the Colours Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (2281. Serjt. J. A. Matthews. 2/Linc. Rgt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2281 Serjt:-Mr:-Tr: J. Matthews. Lincoln: Regt); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2281. Sgt. Mr. Tailor. J. Matthews. Linc. R.) generally very fine or better (3) £300-£400 --- John Alleyne Matthews was a native West Indian born near Demerara, British Guiana in January 1853. He attested for the Lincolnshire Regiment at Dublin in December 1871, advanced to sergeant master tailor. Matthews served with the regiment during the Second Boer War, and the Regimental Order No. 4, 25 January 1902 gives the following: ‘Her Majesty, Queen Alexandra having sent 22 pipes to the battalion for distribution among the senior Warrant Officers and N.C.O.’s and others selected by the Commanding Officer. The C.O. will distribute the pipes after the Church Parade tomorrow as follows.... Sergeant Master Tailor J. A. Matthews... The Commanding Officer sent the following letter to Her Majesty. Sir, I have the honour to request that the sincere thanks of the Battalion under my command may be conveyed to Her Majesty, Queen Alexandra, and their high appreciation of the honour done to the Battalion by Her Majesty’s most kind gift of 22 pipes. Those pipes I am distributing to N.C.O.’s and men who have been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, or been specially promoted for gallantry in the field, and to a few senior Warrant Officers and N.C.O.’s specially selected by me. T. H. Bingham Day, Major. Commanding 2nd Battalion, Lincoln Regiment.’ Matthews was discharged at Lincoln, 31 July 1902, having completed 30 years and 228 days service. He was aged 49 years old: ‘Yet still I must record another departure, which severs the oldest link between the past and present. Sergt. Master Tailor Matthews left the battalion on the 12th inst., and truly, as the Commanding Officer, Major Day, said to him ere he left, the battalion will not seem like itself without him. For over 30 years he has held the position he now vacates, and his history during that period has been indeed the history of the battalion. He has been so prominent a figure that it will not soon be forgotten. Prior to his departure the officers at headquarters, headed by the Company, assembled to bid him “Good-bye”, and wish him “God speed” and then to the strains of the “Lincolnshire Poacher” to which he had listened and marched so long - long ere many now serving were born - he marched to the waiting Cape cart accompanied by the Company. The strains of “Auld Lang Syne” sent him on his way very much effected, but all wish him a happy and peaceful future in which to enjoy his well earned pension.’ (Lincolnshire Chronicle, 14 March 1902 refers) Matthews was released to the employment of the woollen drapers Messrs. J. Platt & Co., 78 St. Martins Lane, London. In 1903 he embarked on the Cayo Blanco from London to Bermuda, presumably on route to visit the land of his birth. Matthews returned to London and married in 1907. He resided at 24 Mount Road, Hendon, and died aged 82 in September 1934. Sold with a photographic image of recipient in uniform wearing his medals, and copied research.
Pair: Acting Corporal E. H. Stokes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the Somme on 30 July 1916 1914 Star (8207 L.Cpl. J. A. [sic] Stokes. Oxf; & Bucks: L.I.); British War Medal 1914-20 (8207 A. Cpl. E. H. Stokes. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) some contact marks, very fine (2) £70-£90 --- Ernest Harry Stokes was born in Buckinghamshire and attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War in the Western Front from 22 September 1914 (also entitled to a clasp to his 1914 Star), and was killed in action on the Somme on 30 July 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Imperial Service Medal, G.V.R., Circular issue (4), 1st ‘coinage head’ issue (2) (William Henry Hexter; Robert Melville.); 2nd ‘Coronation robes’ issue (2) (Frank Biggs; Thomas Mercer.) all in cases of issue, nearly extremely fine (4) £60-£80 --- Sold with the named Home Office Certificate for the medal to Hexter, this somewhat water damaged.
Five: Stoker Petty Officer H. Smith, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Lancaster during the Messina Earthquake rescue operations of 1908 1914-15 Star (307888, H. Smith, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (307888 H. Smith. S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (307888 H. Smith. Sto. 1 H.M.S. Columbine.); Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, silver, unnamed as issued, edge bruise to last, generally very fine (5) £200-£240 --- Henry Smith was born in Bethnal Green, London, on 1 July 1886 and entered naval service on 14 October 1904, seeing service in H.M.S. Lancaster in April 1908 to 1911, during which he was awarded the Messina Earthquake Medal by the Italian Government. He spent much of the Great War in patrol boats, before he was invalided from Chatham Naval Hospital in 1925 with tuberculosis.
A post-War B.E.M. awarded to Mr. H. J. Stokes, Court Usher, Long Ashton Magistrates Court British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Harold John Stokes) with named Buckingham Palace enclosure, in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £80-£100 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 15 June 1991: Harold John Stokes, lately Court Usher, Long Ashton Magistrates Court, Avon.
Three: Lieutenant R. W. Formby, Royal Engineers, late Madras Motor Cycle Corps, Indian Army, who was killed in action at Le Transloy on 16 February 1917 1914-15 Star (No. 5 Crpl. R. W. Formby, Mad. Vol. Rfls. attd. D.S.C.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. R. F. Formby.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, unnamed as issued, good very fine (3) £100-£140 --- Richard William Formby was born at Ynyslas, Glamorganshire, on 21 March 1876 and was educated at Newton College, Newton Abbot, Devon. He obtained an appointment in the Public Works Department, Madras Presidency, in 1897, and went to India the same year. He was present at the Delhi Durbar in 1911 (medal), and by the time of the Great War was Executive Engineer of Bellary. Following the outbreak of the Great War Formby volunteered for Imperial Service, and served with the Madras Motor Cycle Corps on the Western Front from March 1915. He was commissioned lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 18 April 1915, and was killed in action near Le Transloy on 16 February 1917, while taking out a communication trench. He is buried in the Officers’ Cemetery at Guillemont, France. Formby married Miss Mildred Amy Strickland at Newton Abbot on 24 August 1905; tragically she pre-deceased her husband for, when they were out shooting in the jungle near Renigunta railway station in India on 28 December 1914, Formby accidentally shot his wife through the breast, killing her instantaneously. Sold with copied research including a photographic image of the recipient.
Three: Bombardier C. E. Mitchener, Royal Garrison Artillery Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal, last clasp loose on riband (79417 Gnr: C. E. Mitchener, 15th. Coy. S.D., R.G.A.); China 1900, no clasp (79417 Bombr. C. Mitchener. No. 91 Co. R.G.A.) surname partially officially corrected; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (79417 A. Bomb: C. E. Mitchener. R.G.A.) good very fine and a rare combination of awards (3) £600-£800 --- One of only 35 Queen’s South Africa Medal, China Medal, and King’s South Africa Medal combinations awarded, all to Reservists of the Royal Garrison Artillery. C. E. Mitchener served as a Reservist with No. 15 (Siege Train) Company, Southern Division, Royal Garrison Artillery, and embarked for South Africa in R.M.S. Tantallon Castle at Southampton on 9 December 1899, reaching Cape Town on 26 December 1899. He served in South Africa during the Boer War for the next six months, with the company particularly distinguishing itself at Paardeberg on 26 February 1900, before embarking with the company for China in S.S. Antillian at Cape Town on 18 July 1900, and arrived at Wei-hai-Wei on 30 August 1900 for service in the latter stages of the Boxer Rebellion. After wintering in Hong Kong, and with the Boxer Rebellion over, the Reservists of the company returned to South Africa, landing back at Cape Town on 30 March 1901 and saw further service with No. 14 Company, Western Division, qualifying for the Transvaal clasp. Eight of the Reservists left South Africa for England before the end of the year (and so were only entitled to the South Africa 1901 clasp to their Q.S.A.), but 35 (including Mitchener) stayed in South Africa until the cessation of hostilities, and so qualified for the King’s South Africa with both clasps. Mitchener was discharged in South Africa on 8 September 1902. On 1 January 1902 the Divisional System of the Royal Garrison Artillery was abolished, and all companies were re-numbered sequentially from 1 to 105, with 15 Company Southern Division being renumbered 91 Company. The China Medal (being issued after 1902) is correctly named to the re-numbered unit. Sold with copied medal roll extracts which confirm all clasps.
A Second War ‘Liverpool Blitz’ M.B.E. group of eight awarded to Chief Radio Officer B. J. Smith, Mercantile Marine, late Army Service Corps, for his gallantry on the occasion that the ammunition ship S.S. Malakand was bombed and exploded in Huskisson Dock, Liverpool, during the May Blitz, 4 May 1941 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1914-15 Star (S4-143301 Pte. B. J. Smith. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (S4-143301 Pte. B. J. Smith. A.S.C.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; together with the recipient’s Brocklebank Medal, 32mm, silver and enamel, the obverse featuring the blue and white enamelled company flag, the reverse inscribed in raised letters, ‘Thos. & Jno. Brocklebank Ltd., Liverpool, S.S. “Malakand” 4th May 1941, Sunk by Enemy Action’, unmounted, generally very fine and better (8) £600-£800 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 9 January 1946. The original Recommendation, dated 24 February 1943, states: ‘For long and meritorious sea service in dangerous waters from September 1939 (still serving at sea). From 1914 to 1918 this officer served in the Army overseas and joined Brocklebanks’ Wireless Transmission Service in 1925 (This Company owns all the wireless gear on its ships and the Wireless Officers are direct employees of the company). Mr. Smith was the Chief Wireless Officer in our S.S. Makalla when she was bombed, set on fire, and sunk at sea in 1940, and was serving in a similar capacity in our S.S. Malakand, which was set upon fire and blew up in dock during the Liverpool blitz of 1941. From the nature of their service in the wireless room Radio Officers are either the objective of any first attack or are among the last to leave their ship when torpedoed &c. It is not surprising, therefore, to have to record that seven of our Radio Officers have already lost their lives at sea, and one has been badly wounded by shell fire. I have selected Mr. Smith as typical of the men of this particular rank serving in our fleet. When a ship has to be abandoned it is the special duty of one of the radio officers to ensure that the portable transmitting set goes into a boat and that he gets in with it. It is the proud boast of these men that so far they have never failed to do this.’ A further Recommendation, dated 30 July 1945, additionally states: ‘During this War this officer has served continuously in dangerous waters in the North and South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and has at all times set a high example of Leadership and Devotion to Duty.’ Bernard John Smith was born in York in 1897 and served with the Army Service Corps during the Great War in the Balkan theatre of War from 18 November 1915. Discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 8 September 1919, he joined the Brocklebank Shipping Line, Liverpool, as a wireless operator in 1925, and served with them continuously for the next 25 years. His first ship was the S.S. Matheran, and he then served in the S.S. Mahratta, and the S.S. Maidan. Following the outbreak of the Second World War he served in the S.S. Makalla- whilst in convoy this vessel came under attack for German He.115 bombers off the Pentland Firth, and was set on fire, eventually sinking, with the crew being successfully evacuated. Smith’s next appointment was to the S.S. Malakand. On 3 May 1941, whilst berthed in the Huskisson Dock, Liverpool, and carrying 1,500 tons of high explosives, the city and docks suffered a heavy German air raid, party of the city’s ‘May Blitz’. Flares and incendiaries showered the ship, causing a huge fire which ignited the ammunition. The fire services could not contain the fire and on 4 May 1941, a few hours after the raid had ended, Malakand exploded, destroying the entire Huskisson No. 2 dock and killing four people. It took seventy-four hours for the fire to burn out. For his gallantry that night Smith was recommended for the M.B.E., which, having been re-recommended on a further three occasions, he eventually received in 1946. For the rest of the Second World War Smith served in the S.S. Fort Churchill. He retired in the 1950s, and died in York on 7 June 1960. During the Second World War, Brocklebanks lost 18 ships and a further 5 were damaged. A total of 255 officers and crew lost their lives. The company produced a silver medal to the crew of those 18 ships lost by enemy action, and a bronze medal to the crew of those 5 ships damaged by enemy action but brought to port. Approximately 1,750 medals were produced. Indian crew members frequently wore these medals on a cord around their necks, and when some Lascars did so at a Liverpool dock parade they attracted the King’s attention, and received his compliments. Sold with copied research including a photographic image of the recipient.
A United States of America Second World War group of six attributed to Major Irene A. Sheehy, Women’s Army Air Corps United States of America, American Campaign Medal; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; Victory Medal 1941-45; Army of Occupation Medal, 1 clasp, Japan; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal, all in card boxes of issue, nearly extremely fine (6) £80-£100 --- Sold together with the recipient’s riband bar, that also included the riband for the Air Force Longevity Service Award, with four bronze oak leaf clusters; a letter confirming the awards and entitlement from U.S.A.F. University Hospital, Maxwell Air Force Base; and various rank and unit insignia.
Family Group: Three: Private S. F. Saunders, 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action at Soupir on 16 September 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (9955 Pte. S. F. Saunders. 2/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (9955 Pte. S. F. Saunders. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) slight edge bruise to BWM, otherwise very fine Victory Medal 1914-19 (S-5933 Pte H. Saunders. Midd’x R.) slight edge bruise, very fine (4) £140-£180 --- Sidney Frederick Saunders was born in Brill, Buckinghamshire, and attested into the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He served during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914 and was killed in action at Soupir on 26 September 1914 by a shell when his company had been sent up in support of the Grenadier Guards. He is buried in Vailly British Cemetery, France. Harry Saunders, younger brother of the above, was born in Brill, Buckinghamshire, and attested for the Middlesex Regiment. He served during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 December 1914 and died in Italy, whilst serving with the 3rd Battalion, on 2 November 1917, and is buried in Taranto Town Cemetery, Italy. Sold with copied research.
Thailand, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, 3rd issue (3), Commander’s neck badge, 85mm including crown suspension x 53mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, the reverse of crown stamped ‘24’, with neck riband, in damaged fitted case of issue; Officer’s breast badge (2), both 57mm including crown suspension x 33mm, silver, gilt, and enamel, the reverse of crown stamped ‘34’ on one; the other unmarked, both with rosettes on riband; Order of the White Elephant, 3rd issue, Officer’s breast badge, 63mm including crown suspension x 38mm, silver, gilt, and enamel, unmarked, with rosette on riband; Medal for 15 Years’ Loyal Service, silver, generally good very fine (5) £100-£140
A fine Second War D.F.C., D.F.M. group of five awarded to Wireless Operator Flight Lieutenant J. P. Dow, 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron, Pathfinder Force, Royal Air Force, who completed two operational tours with Bomber Command, during which he flew to Berlin and back on no fewer than ten occasions Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1944, in Royal Mint case of issue; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1128110 F/Sgt. J. P. Dow. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; War Medal 1939-45, in named card box of issue addressed to ‘F/Lt J. P. Dow, 20 Glasgow Road, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire’, nearly extremely fine (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 18 August 1944. D.F.M. London Gazette 11 February 1944. The original recommendation, dated 25 November 1943, states: ‘This N.C.O. has completed 41 operational sorties, 12 with the Pathfinder Force of which 8 were as marker. He has taken part in all the recent operations against important German targets including four on Berlin, two on Hanover, two on Mannheim and others on Stuttgart and Munich to mention only a few. On two occasions, he was a crew member of an aircraft when it was attacked by enemy fighters and on one of these occasions, the enemy aircraft was destroyed. Flight Sergeant Dow is a member of a leading crew in the squadron and he has displayed commendable keenness and devotion to duty at all times.’ John Paton Dow was born on 24 August 1924 and joined the Royal Air Force on 4 October 1941. His first Operational Posting was with 57 Squadron (Lancasters), and his first Operational Sortie was Gardening off Anholt Island on 7 March 1943; by the end of the month he had flown two sorties to Berlin. Further targets in his first operational tour, which ended on 24 July 1943, included Essen (twice), Kiel, Turin (twice), the low level raid on Stettin, Duisburg (twice), Essen, Dortmund (twice), Pilsen, Dusseldorf, Wuppertal (twice), Gelsenkirchen (twice), Cologne (three times), and Milan. Dow transferred to 97 (Straits Settlements) Pathfinder Force Squadron (Lancasters) at R.A.F. Borne at the start of September 1943, and began his second operational tour on 3 September 1943, with a raid on Berlin, on which occasion the main force was damaged by fighters. Further targets included Mannheim (twice), Munich (twice), Hanover (twice), Darmstadt, Stuttgart, and a further three sorties to Berlin in the space of six days, 18-23 November 1943. Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Medal at the end of November 1943, he continued his second tour with further operational sorties to Leipzig, Frankfurt, Magdeburg, Stuttgart (twice), Essen, Nuremberg (30 March 1944, on which night Bomber Command had 95 aircraft shot down), Aachen, Munich, and a further six raids on Berlin. Dow was commissioned Pilot Officer on 9 March 1944, and having completed his second operational tour in May 1944, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, he was posted to No. 17 O.T.U. at Silverstone. He returned to operational flying with 223 (Special Duties) Squadron (Liberators) in January 1945, and undertook various Window Patrols over Germany in the early months of 1945. His last operational flight was to Augsburg on 16 April 1945. Following the cessation of hostilities he served with 102 (Ceylon) Squadron and 53 Squadron. Confirmed as flight lieutenant on 13 October 1951, he relinquished his commission, retaining the rank of flight lieutenant, on 22 August 1959. Sold with the recipient Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book, covering the recipient’s entire flying career; Pathfinder Force Badge; riband bar; R.A.F. Identity card; Buckingham Palace letter for the investiture of his D.F.C.; and a large quantity of photographs and other ephemera.
China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (182941 W. Morgan. A.B., H.M.S. Centurion.) a somewhat later issue with fixed suspension, minor area of erasure before number, and small scratch to obverse field, otherwise nearly extremely fine £140-£180 --- William Morgan was born in Bristol on 22 March 1878 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 5 February 1895. He joined H.M.S. Centurion on 12 February 1897 and served in her until 31 July 1900, being advanced Able Seaman on 1 October 1899. Invalided from the service on 4 January 1901, he saw further service during the Great War in a variety of depot ships and shore based establishments, and was again shore invalided on 7 August 1919. Note: A duplicate medal is recorded as being issued to this man.
A Great War ‘Mesopotamia’ D.S.O., M.C. group of twelve awarded to General Sir Roger C. Wilson, K.C.B., 114th Mahrattas, Indian Army, later Union Defence Force of South Africa Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Capt. R. C. Wilson, 114/Mahrattas.); British War and Victory Medals (Col. R. C. Wilson.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (Col. R. C. Wilson.); War Medal 1939-45 (558765 R. C. Wilson); Africa Service Medal (558765 R. C. Wilson); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, unnamed as issued; Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre 1914-18, with bronze palme, mounted in incorrect order as worn, generally good very fine (12) £1,800-£2,200 --- K.C.B. (Military) London Gazette 11 May 1937. C.B. (Military) London Gazette 3 June 1930. D.S.O. London Gazette 26 August 1918: ‘For distinguished service in connection with military operations in Mesopotamia.’ M.C. London Gazette 22 December 1916: ‘For distinguished service in the Field in Mesopotamia.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 19 October and 14 November, 1916 (Mesopotamia); 14 June 1918 (Egypt); 27 August 1918 (Mesopotamia); 5 June 1919 (Mesopotamia); 7 February 1921 (Mesopotamia 1920). Croix de Guerre London Gazette 31 August 1917. Roger Cochrane Wilson was born on 26 December 1882, and educated at Wellington College and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was first gazetted to the Cheshire Regiment in 1901, and joined the 114th Mahrattas, Indian Army, in 1904. He attended Staff College in 1914, and served in Mesopotamia, 1914-18 (D.S.O., M.C., Despatches, Croix de Guerre). Promoted to Major in 1916 and to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1917; Colonel, 1920; served on General Staff, India, 1922-25. Promoted to Brigadier to Command the Manzai Brigade in Waziristan, 1926-30; Major-General, 1929; Commandant, Indian Staff College, 1931-34; Lieutenant-Colonel, 5th Mahratta Light Infantry; General Officer Commanding Rawalpindi District, 1934-36; Secretary, Military Department, India Office, 1936-37; Lieutenant-General 1937 and served as Adjutant General, India, 1937-41; Promoted to General in 1940 and appointed Aide de Camp General to the King, 1940-41; retired from the Army in 1941, and subsequently served in the South African Army on the Staff of the Union Defence Force of South Africa, 1942-47. General Sir Roger Cochrane died on 5 February 1966. Sold with original Warrants for K.C.B., C.B., D.S.O., and six M.I.D. certificates.
Renamed and Defective Medals (7): Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue (Lieut. F. G. Teale. L.T.C. Turkish Contingent) a somewhat later tailor’s copy with modern naming; Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (...riv... Shaik Joonoo 4th. Regt. N...) naming obliterated in parts, with copy suspension; British North Borneo Company Medal 1888-1916, bronze issue, 1 clasp, Punitive Expedition, this a cast copy; Ashanti Star 1896, copy; Air Crew Europe Star, copy; Jubilee 1897 (Colr. Sergt. A. W. G. Jamrack. 13th. Mx. Rifle Volunteers.) this a cast copy; Coronation 1902, St. John Ambulance Brigade, bronze, naming erased; generally very fine (7) £140-£180
Three: Battery Quartermaster Sergeant A. D. Bullin, Royal Artillery Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, with Second Award Bar (4529278 B.Q.M. Sjt. A. D. Bullin. R.A.) mounted as worn, minor official correction to surname on last, good very fine (3) £60-£80
Three: Leading Seaman S. Douglas, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (215637. S. Douglas. L.S. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (215637 . S. Douglas. L.S. R.N.) contact marks, very fine Three: Stoker First Class A. M. D. Hastie, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (K.2418 A. M. D. Hastie. Sto. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.2418 A. Mc D. Hastie. Sto. 1., R.N.) some contact marks, nearly very fine 1914-15 Star (2) (311910 F. Lush. Act. L. Sto. R.N.; S.S.113018, F. H. Westlake. Sto.1. R.N.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (K.16727 A. R. Wingate. Sto. 1. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal (2); War Medal 1939-45, attempt to erase naming on first (Lush) but details still discernible, edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine and better (14) £100-£140 --- Sold with copied research.
Pair: Miss Irene S. Bald, Voluntary Aid Detachment British War Medal 1914-20 (I. S. Bald. V.A.D.); Voluntary Medical Service Medal, with Second Award Bar (Irene S. Bald.) edge bruise to latter, very fine (2) £60-£80 --- Irene Stephanie Bald was born in Brentwood, Essex, on 26 December 1880, the daughter of Captain R. B. Bald, 44th Foot, and joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment following the outbreak of the Great War, receiving her basic nurse training ‘Under Sisters in Wards’ at the London Hospital from 8 September to 8 December 1914. She then served at the Camberley Military Hospital until April 1915 when she embarked for Malta, serving at the Hamrun School Military Hospital from 8 May 1915 to 9 November 1915. Hamrun School Military Hospital, the first hospital of its type in Malta, was equipped with 106 beds, and received its first patients on 10 June 1915, every bed being filled in less than an hour. Hamrun Hospital was run at first under the aegis of the British Red Cross Society, which defrayed the maintenance charges, providing also drugs and dressings. The nursing duties were performed by the No. 1 Mediterranean Nursing Unit - a voluntary body of ladies organised by Lady Ian Hamilton, with an officer of the R.A.M.C. in overall charge. The hospital was a success from the very beginning, and later in November, 1915, was entirely converted into an officers’ hospital with 80 beds, for which it was eminently suitable. In the same month Hamrun came entirely under the military authorities. Miss Bald returned to England to serve once more at the Camberley Military Hospital in November 1915, and was subsequently employed at Hill Street Hospital and Garland Home Hospital until 30 March 1918. She is recorded in the 1939 Register, residing at ‘Fircroft, Crawley Hill,’ Stockwood, where she is described as ‘Commander VAD Surrey 12, BRCS’. She died at Donnington House Nursing Home, Camberley, on 2 June 1951. Sold with copied research.
The No. 4 Dress Uniform, Riband Bar, and Insignia Worn by Field Marshal Lord Carver A No. 4 Dress uniform compete with the recipient’s medal ribands and rank insignia, with the ribands for the G.C.B., C.B.E. (Mil); D.S.O. and Bar; M.C., 1939-45 Star; Africa Star (8th Army); Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Africa General Service 1902-56, with M.I.D. oak leaf; and U.N. Medal for Cyprus; together with a separate riband bar; and a large selection of General Officer and Field Marshal insignia including buttons and E.II.R. cyphers, some moth damage, otherwise generally good condition (lot) £200-£240 --- Richard Michael Power Carver, Baron Carver, G.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O. and Bar, M.C., Royal Tank Regiment, was born on 24 April 1915 and served as Chief of the General Staff from April 1971 to October 1973, and then Chief of the Defence Staff from October 1973 to October 1976. He was advanced Field Marshal on 18 July 1973, and died on 9 December 2001. For the recipient’s G.C.B. Stall Banner, see Lot 188.
Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (24834 Sjt: W. Gould. R.E.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (510233 Spr. H. F. Wilkins. R.E.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (882630. Sjt. J. S. Hill. R.A.) edge bruising and contact marks to TFEM, nearly very fine and better (3) £140-£180
Five: Leading Seaman R. Wynn, Royal Navy East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1891-2 (R. Wynn, Ord. H.M.S. Widgeon); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Defence of Ladysmith (145837, A.B, R. Wynn. H.M.S. Powerful.) engraved naming; 1914-15 Star (145837 R. Wynn, L.S., R.N.); British War Medal 1914-20, naming erased; Victory Medal 1914-19 (145837 R. Wynn. L.S. R.N.) minor edge bruising and light contact marks, nearly very fine and better (5) £700-£900 --- Richard Wynn was born at Donabate, Dublin, on 4 March 1873 and joined the Royal Navy as a boy second class on 8 June 1888. He was posted to H.M.S. Widgeon on 13 May 1890, and served during the operations on and off the coast of Gambia, December 1891 to February 1892. Promoted able seaman on 1 May 1893, he served in a variety of ships and shore based establishments over the next seven years before joining H.M.S. Powerful on 2 June 1899, and and served during the Boer War ashore with Powerful’s Naval Brigade during the Defence of Ladysmith. Promoted leading seaman on 28 September 1903, and petty officer first class on 19 February 1904, Wynn reverted to the rate of leading seaman on 14 June 1907 (his character that year being merely ‘Good’) and was shore pensioned on 5 March 1913, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve at Devonport four days later. Recalled for service during the Great War, he served in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, notably H.M.S. Malaya from 28 January 1916 to 1 May 1917, was present in her at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916, where Malaya was hit eight times and suffered heavy casualties. He was shore demobilised on 4 February 1919. Sold with copied record of service and other research.
Three: Lieutenant-Commander W. H. Starling, Royal Navy British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. W. H. Starling. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (W. H. Starling, Gr’s Mte. H.M.S. Excellent.) impressed naming; Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, no clasp, unnamed as issued, nearly extremely fine (3) £500-£700 --- Provenance: Oliver Sterling Lee Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2004. Approximately 149 Khedive’s Sudan Medals awarded to H.M.S. Scout. William Henry Starling was born in Portsea, Hampshire in February 1858. He joined the Royal Navy as a boy 2nd class in March 1873, and advanced to petty officer 1st class in March 1883 (awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in March 1886). Starling saw active service with H.M.S. Scout during the Dongola Expedition of 1896 - on his return to Vernon in December 1898 his service record notes that he incurred the displeasure of Their Lordships due to the condition of the 3-pounder guns returned from H.M.S. Scout. Nevertheless, Starling was advanced to chief gunner in October 1908 and to lieutenant in October 1911, but suffered the loss of his seniority in the latter rank when a court martial ‘partly proved’ a charge of theft whilst he was serving in Victory in February 1913. He was placed on the Retired List a few days later, ‘on account of age’. Starling was recalled for service, 29 July 1914, and was appointed to H.M.S. Vernon. He served with the latter until his demobilisation as lieutenant commander in April 1920. Starling died in April 1930. Sold with copied research.
Five: Corporal W. L. Powell, Oxfordshire Light Infantry, later South African Service Corps India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (5136 Pte. W. Powell, 2nd Bn. Oxf. lt. Inf.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, clasp carriage reconstituted (5136 Corpl: W. Powell. Oxford: L.I.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5136 Corpl: W. Powell. Oxford: L.I.) renamed; British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (A/Sjt W. L. Powell. S.A.S.C.) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (5) £200-£240 --- Not entitled to South Africa 1901 clasp on the Queen’s South Africa Medal; nor the King’s South Africa Medal. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient around a campfire in the early years.
Four: Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant A. C. Catterall, 2nd Mounted Rifles (Natal Carbineers), late South African Service Corps 1914-15 Star, naming crudely erased; British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Pte. A. C. Catterall); Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal, G.V.R. (No 37417 S.Q.M.S. A. C. Catterall, 2nd M.R. ( Carbs.) minor official correction to surname on last, minor contact marks and edge bruising, nearly very fine (4) £80-£100 --- Sold with a photographic image of the recipient alongside his mother before going off to War.
Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (Mr. M. S. Kerruish. “Principia.”) slight scratch to reverse field, nearly extremely fine £360-£440 --- Only Masters of Transports received the 1882 medal, making them unique to each of the 105 vessels employed. The S.S. Principia was owned and launched by Newton Brothers of Burton on Trent & Hull, in November 1881. Captain M. S. Kerruish was his first master. The following is given in The Hull Packet, 29 September 1882: ‘Services of a Hull Contingent in Egypt. Messrs Newton Brothers and Company steamship owners of 19 Billiter Street, London and Hull, send the following copy of a letter, dated Ismalia, 4th inst, and received by them from Captain Kerruish, of their steamer Principia, Indian troop transport, No. 27: “we arrived from Bombay 1st inst. Without a single casualty to men or horses, and at seven o’clock the following morning disembarked at Ismalia 16 Officers, 500 Indian troops, and 187 horses, having still on board 600 tons commissariat stores. On the 2nd inst. I received an order from General Macpherson to deliver on the Sweet Water canal our steam launch and three cutters, with officers, engineer and crews. Within four hours of having received that order, we had all alongside the wharf, and I saw them taken over the land and launched in the Sweet Water Canal. This contingent from the Principia is manned entirely from our own crew, all properly armed and provisioned for three weeks. I naturally wished to take command, but the Admiral considered I ought not to leave my ship, and appointed a naval officer in charge. The men I selected were all anxious to go to the front. In fact, all the ship’s company wanted to join the expedition. Our little flotilla has done really splendid service; yesterday towing up 19 boats laden with provisions, and bringing back despatches and sick men. Tomorrow they make another journey, and will no doubt be ordered to Cairo as soon as Arabi is settled with, which I do not think will taker long after he meets our troops. Out of the hundred and twenty transports here, we are the only ship that has the honour of supplying boats and armed crews for service on the Sweet Water Canal. This canal is but thirty feet wide and about three feet deep. The danger to be apprehended is from parties of these wandering Bedouins suddenly appearing where the banks of the canal are high, and then firing on our boats crews, but I am certain our men will give a good account of themselves if called upon....’ Sold with copied research.
Five: Lieutenant-Colonel J. Grose, Royal Garrison Artillery 1914-15 Star (Major J. Grose. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. J. Grose.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, unnamed as issued; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1914-1918, with bronze star on riband, good very fine (5) £120-£160 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 4 January 1917. French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 6 November 1918. James Grose was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery on 17 November 1894, and was promoted Lieutenant on 17 November 1897, and Captain on 15 September 1900. He was awarded the Delhi Durbar Medal in 1911 whilst attached to 94th Company, Royal Garrison Artillery, and served with the 105th Brigade, 8th Corps, Heavy Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 25 August 1915. Advanced Lieutenant-Colonel, for his services during the Great War he was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the French Croix de Guerre.
Family Group: Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (30105 Pte. L. Scott. Rand Rifles.) nearly very fine Pair: Lieutenant Q. L. Scott, 6th Dismounted Rifles, South African Forces 1914-15 Star (Lt. Q. L. Scott. 6th Dismtd Rfls.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Lt. Q. L. Scott.) suspension claw loose on BWM, nearly very fine (3) £80-£100
China 1842, 2 clasps, Canton 1857, Taku Forts 1860 (*** George Welsh, H.M.S. Hyacinth. ****) original suspension replaced with the 2nd China War suspension to accommodate the additional clasps (to which the recipient is not entitled), edge bruise, very fine --- The recipient’s participation in the Second China War is unconfirmed, and he does not appear on the latest published transcript of the Medal roll. As the recipient of a First China War Medal, the recipient would additionally have been entitled to the ‘China 1842’ clasp had he also served in the Second China War.
Miniature Medals: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (6), M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type badge, silver (5); M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 1st type badge, silver, all of contemporary manufacture of varying sizes; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., 1st issue (3); Distinguished Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (2); Air Force Medal (2), G.VI.R., 1st issue; E.II.R., 2nd issue, generally very fine and better (13) £100-£140
A scarce Second War C.B.E. and Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery group of ten awarded to Captain J. H. Biggs, Master of the S.S. Strathallan, for gallantry when his ship was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine in December 1942 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Civil) Commander’s 2nd type, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels, in its Garrard & Co. Ltd. case of issue; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. J. H. Biggs. R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. H. Biggs. R.N.R.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, silver (Captain J. H. Biggs, S.S. “Strathallan”, 22nd December 1942.) in its fitted case of issue, together with named card box of issue for Second War medals and H.M.S. Worcester Training College silver medal (John Henry Biggs for General good Conduct) in its fitted case of issue, nearly extremely fine (11) £1,200-£1,600 --- C.B.E. London Gazette 11 May 1943. Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, Lloyd’s List & Shipping Gazette 14 October 1943. ‘Captain John Henry Biggs, Master (C.B.E.); George James MacLennan, Chief Engineer Officer (O.B.E.); Jack Simpson, Supernumerary Fourth Engineer Officer (M.B.E.); Christopher Herbert Goodall, Steward (B.E.M.). The ship was torpedoed in darkness and suffered heavy damage. The master decided to get the passengers and the majority of the crew away, and they stood by in the boats. Temporary repairs were carried out and the vessel was taken in tow, but it became necessary to transfer the remainder of the crew, with the exception of a number of key personnel, to other ships which were standing by. Later, a serious fire occurred and was soon out of control in spite of the prompt and determined efforts of the crew. Captain Biggs and the rest of those on board were forced to leave the ship. Attempts to tow the vessel were continued, but shortly afterwards she sank. The master showed courage, determination and skill throughout. He did all that was possible to save his ship, and it was due to his leadership and good organisation that only seven lives were lost. The chief engineer officer displayed calm courage and resource, and was responsible for the saving of life. He went to the engine-room, which was flooded with oil and water, and helped to rescue a fireman who was trapped under the gratings. He then found a large party of men whose exit from one of the lower decks had been blocked by the explosion, and led them up on deck through the engine-room. Mr. Simpson was injured by the explosion, but he would not leave his post in the boiler room until ordered to abandon ship. Before doing so he closed down the boilers. Afterwards, he jumped overboard from a motor lifeboat and helped to free the propeller, which had been fouled by a rope. He set a fine example throughout by his devotion to duty. Steward Goodall’s gallantry greatly contributed to the saving of many lives. When his boat became waterlogged and the occupants were washed into the sea he collected nine persons and kept them together until a raft was reached. Later, he was picked up by a boat from another ship and guided his rescuers in the darkness to a raft from which four persons were taken off.’ Sold with original warrant for C.B.E. and Lloyds List announcing award of medals together with various related letters and news cuttings.
Three: Gunner G. Orpen, Royal Field Artillery Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Wittebergen (73004 Dvr: G. Orpen, 81st Bty: R.F.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (73004 Dvr: G. Orpen. R.F.A.); British War Medal 1914-20 (53280 Gnr. G. Orpen. R.A.) polished, otherwise nearly very fine (3) £120-£160 --- Golding Orpen served in France with the Royal Field Artillery and later the Labour Corps from 11 March 1915, and is entitled to the 1914-15 Star trio. Sold with copied Medal Index Card.
Pair: Master At Arms J. Bond, Royal Navy, who was killed on 6 August 1914, when H.M.S. Amphion struck a mine off the Thames Estuary and sank with the loss of 132 men killed; she was the first ship of the Royal Navy to be sunk in the Great War Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (J. Bond, P.O. 1Cl, H.M.S. Highflighr.); British War Medal 1914-20 (173919 J. Bond. M.A.A. R.N.) nearly extremely fine (2) £140-£180 --- John Bond was born on 2 April 1877 in Plymouth, Devon. He attested for the Royal Navy as a Boy on 5 June 1893. Advanced Petty Officer Second Class on 8 August 1901, he served in H.M.S. Highflyer during operations off the coast of Africa during the Somaliland 1902-04 campaign. He later joined the battleship H.M.S. New Zealand on 26th January 1910, where he was awarded his LSGC before his return to Devonport on 1 August 1911. Advanced Master At Arms, he joined the newly commissioned scout cruiser H.M.S. Amphion on 2 April 1913. By the start of the War Amphion was leader of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla in the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron, assigned to the Harwich Force, defending the eastern approaches to the English Channel, under the command of Captain Cecil H. Fox. In the morning of 5 August, Amphion and the 3rd Flotilla sortied into the North Sea to patrol the area between Harwich and the Dutch island of Terschelling for German activity. At 10:15 a ship in the black, buff, and yellow colours of the Great Eastern Railway's steamers that plied between Harwich and the Hook of Holland was spotted. Fox sent the destroyers H.M.S. Lance and H.M.S. Landrail to investigate and shortly afterwards another destroyer reported that a trawler had seen a suspicious ship, ‘throwing things overboard, presumably mines’. H.M.S. Amphion led the flotilla to investigate and observed that the fleeing ship was deploying mines even then. At 10:45, Lance opened fire at a range of 4,400 yards (4,000 m). The target was S.M.S. Königin Luise, a former Hamburg-Heligoland excursion boat that had been converted to an auxiliary minelayer by the Germans. They had planned to mount a pair of 8.8-centimetre (3.5 in) guns on board, but they did not have the time to do so; her only armament was a pair of lighter guns and 180 mines. On the night of 4 August, she had departed Emden and headed into the North Sea to lay mines off the Thames Estuary, which she began to do at dawn. The fire from the destroyers was ineffective until Amphion closed to a range of 7,000 yards and began hitting the German ship at about 11:15. By noon, Königin Luise was sinking and the three British ships rescued 5 officers and 70 ratings. The flotilla proceeded onwards with their patrol until they reached the Dutch coast around 21:00 and turned for home. Fox was uncertain as to the locations of the mines laid by Königin Luise and laid a course that was seven nautical miles west of where he thought the mines were. He guessed wrongly and led his flotilla over the danger area. At 06:35, Amphion struck a mine that detonated underneath her bridge. The explosion set her forecastle on fire and broke the ship’s keel. The destroyer H.M.S. Linnet attempted to tow the cruiser, but a deep crack across her upper deck showed that she was hogging badly and Fox ordered his crew to abandon ship. Shortly afterwards, her forward magazine exploded, throwing one 4-inch gun into the air that narrowly missed Linnet. One of Amphion’s shells burst on the deck of the destroyer Lark, killing two of her men and the only German prisoner rescued from the cruiser. Amphion then rapidly sank within 15 minutes of the explosion losing 1 officer and 131 ratings killed in the sinking, plus an unknown number of the crew rescued from Königin Luise. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
A Great War ‘Fauquissart Sector, January 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private Fred Embleton, 2nd Battalion, London Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1824 Pte. F. Embleton. 2/Lond: R.); 1914-15 Star (1824 Pte. F. Embleton, 2-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1824 Pte. F. Embleton. 2-Lond. R.) medals unmounted, toned, nearly extremely fine (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 March 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He went forward to the assistance of two wounded men under the most intense fire. He set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Mauquissart (sic), 1 January 1917’. Fred Embleton was born at Lambeth, London, and enlisted into the 2nd London Regiment in August 1914, aged 24, a plasterer by trade. He served in France with the 2nd London Regiment from 6 January 1915, and served with the Royal Engineers from 11 March 1917, being employed as a pattern maker with the 28th Light Railway Workshop Company. Sold with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, gazette notices and War Diary extracts for the Fauquissart Sector operations of January 1917.
Four: I. C. H. Sanders, South African Forces 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially impressed ‘111273 I. C. H. Sanders’, very fine Four: W. M. Yunnie, 14th Armoured Brigade, South African Forces Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially impressed ‘215985 W. M. Yunnie’, mounted for wear, contact marks, nearly very fine Four: A. H. Richey, South African Forces 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially impressed ‘234470 A. H. Richey’, contact marks, nearly very fine (12) £80-£100 --- William Milne Yunnie is, according to his service papers, also entitled to the 1939-45 Star. Sold with copied service papers.
Seven: Lieutenant R. Stiff, Royal Field Artillery Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (79 Gnr. R. Stiff. R.F.A.) a slightly later impressed issue with fixed suspension; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (79 Gnr. R. Stiff. R.F.A.) as before but with correct swivel suspension; 1914-15 Star (79 Sjt. R. Stiff. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. R. Stiff.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver (79 Sjt. R. Stiff. R.F.A.) impressed naming; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (79 B.S. Mjr: R. Stiff. R.F.A.) mounted as worn on two wearing bars, generally good very fine (7) £140-£180 --- Richard Stiff served with the Royal Field Artillery in theatre of war ‘5 i’ from 21 August 1915 and was commissioned on 27 December 1917. Sold with copied Medal Index Card which notes that he was issued with (replacement) ‘Queen’s & King’s S.A. medals with clasps & Delhi Durbar medal.’
A scarce Great War ‘German East Africa’ O.B.E. and D.C.M. group of five awarded to Major F. W. Gardner, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who was also twice mentioned for services in East Africa The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, hallmarks for London 1919; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3926 Condr: F. W. Gardner. A.O.C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Major F. W. Gardner.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (S-3926 Condr: F. W. Gardner. A.O.C.) mounted as worn on a ‘home fabricated’ wearing bar, dark toned, good very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- O.B.E. (Military) London Gazette 7 February 1919: ‘For valuable services rendered in connection with military operations in East Africa. Dated 1st January 1919.’ D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1918: ‘3926 Cdr. (now A.C.O. and Hon. Lt.) F. W. Gardner, A.O.C. (Aldershot). (E. AFRICA) ‘For conspicuous devotion to duty. He has rendered at all times most valuable service, and has efficiently carried out his responsible duties with the utmost zeal and devotion to duty.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 7 March 1918 (Major-General A. R. Hoskins, Commanding-in-Chief, East Africa Forces); and 31 January 1919 (Lieutenant-General J. L. Van Deventer, Commanding-in-Chief, East Africa Forces, despatch of 30 September 1918). Frederick William Gardner first served during the Great War as a conductor in the Army Ordnance Corps in East Africa but his Medal Index Card gives no date for his entry into this theatre. His promotion to Assistant Commissioner of Ordnance with the honorary rank of lieutenant was announced in the London Gazette of 14 December 1917. He at some time was further promoted to Acting Deputy Commissioner of Ordnance with honorary rank of captain, and to Deputy Commissioner of Ordnance with honorary rank of major. Gardner was recommended for his L.S. & G.C. medal on 1 January 1918, and this was announced in Army Order 11 of 1918. Sold with original Warrant for O.B.E., two original M.I.D. certificates, and A.O.C. certificates for the award of the D.C.M. and first mention in despatches; together with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, various gazette notices including Van Deventer’s despatch of 30 September 1918.
British War Medal 1914-20 (Dr. Naguib Bey Mahfouz.) minor edge bruise, very fine £180-£220 --- Naguib Mafouz MB, BCh, MCh, FRCP, Hon. FRCOG, Hon. FRCS was born in Mansoura, Egypt in January 1882. He founded the first department of obstetrics and gynaecology in Egypt at the Kasr el Aini Hospital in 1904, and served as obstetrician and gynaecologist to the Egyptian Royal Family. He served during the Great War with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force’s Medical Service, as a doctor at the Kasr el Aini Hospital, Cairo (MIC confirms that this is his full entitlement; he did not qualify for a Victory Medal). His autobiography, The Life of an Egyptian Doctor, gives the following: ‘When war broke out, most of the British professors at the Medical School volunteered for service with the army. When the military hospitals could not accommodate the wounded the Kasr El Aini Hospital was taken over by the army. The hospital was soon filled with the sick and wounded who were looked after by the Egyptian staff. For instance, although a gynaecologist and obstetrician and not a general surgeon, I was put in charge of a section of forty beds and performed all the necessary surgical operations on Australian and British soldiers, while I also looked after Turkish prisoners of war in their special ward. In May 1919 I contracted Typhus fever which I caught from a patient through not having noticed a scratch on one of my fingers when I operated without gloves, which we were short of during the war. Thirteen days after performing the operation symptoms of typhus appeared. The attack was exceptionally severe and I was looked after by my two friends Dr Sami Sabongi and Dr Iskander Girgawi.’ Professor Naguib Mafouz was awarded the Order of the Nile in 1919, and later the First Class Order of Merit and the State Prize of Distinction for Science in 1960. In time he had many private patients including the families of senior government ministers, diplomats, King Farouk and President Gamal Abdul Nasser. Whilst attempting to come to the aid of one of his patients, he had further brush with death: ‘In 1919 I had agreed to attend the confinement of the wife of the American First Secretary who was also Charge d’Affaires and who had employed for the occasion a nurse by the name of Mrs Lendrum. Labour came on suddenly and I was called at once. This happened to be the first day of the 1919 Egyptian Revolution and demonstrators had tried to get into the British Embassy and destroy it. Instructions went to the British Army to impose a curfew, of which I was completely unaware, on the whole district of Garden City. I drove my car, a De Dion Bouton Torpedo, to the Embassy’s official house in Garden City and as I drove came under fire from the British soldiers. Two bullets went through the windscreen of my car and whistled past my ear, one of them almost hitting me. Had it not been for Mrs Lendrum, who was that moment standing at the window and screaming at the top of her voice for the soldiers to stop firing, I would undoubtedly have been unable to write these lines.’ (Ibid) Professor Naguib Mafouz died aged 92 in July 1974. Sold with a copy of The Life of an Egyptian Doctor by recipient, published in 1966, and copied research, including photographic images of the recipient with King Farouk and President Abdel Gamal Nasser.
Five: Major J. S. Fraser, Royal Engineers 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Maj. J. S. Fraser, 28 Woodmill Terrace, Dunfermline, Fife’; Army Emergency Reserve Decoration, E.II.R., reverse officially dated 1961, with Second Award Bar, the reverse of this officially dated 1961, with integral top riband bar, in Royal Mint case of issue; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, 1 clasp, Long Service 1958 (John S. Fraser) in named ‘Fife’ card box of issue; together with the recipient’s King’s Badge, in card box of issue; silver identity bracelet ‘67377 Major J. S. Fraser Pres.’; and the recipient’s Regular Army Reserve of Officers lapel badge, extremely fine (5) £300-£400 --- John Strachan Fraser was born in Stirling on 14 March 1908, the son of John Fraser, architect of Dunfermline, and the older brother of Major Colin Campbell Fraser. Between 1925 and 1928 he attended classes at the School of Architecture, Edinburgh College of Art, before starting his working life with Dick Peddie and Walker Todd. Whilst working, he continued his studies and was admitted Associate of ARIBA in 1931. He was commissioned second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers Supplementary Reserve of Officers in March 1936, and served during the Second World War, rising to the rank of acting major. His wartime service is largely unknown; however, it is known he was invalided at some point and received the King’s Badge. In 1949, he was promoted captain in Reserve of Officers and was awarded the Army Emergency Reserve Decoration with a Second Award Bar in 1961 (London Gazette 19 September 1961). He relinquished his commission in the Regular Army Reserve of Officers in 1963, having reached the age limit, retaining the rank of honorary major. He died in Dunfermline on 24 March 1990. Sold with the recipient’s riband bar, the E.R.D. with two rosettes; named enclosure for the Reservists’ Badge; and copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient. For the M.C. group awarded to the recipient’s brother Major C. C. Fraser, see Lot 159.
A fine Great War ‘Battle of Loos’ 1915 D.C.M. and French Medaille Militaire group of five awarded to Sergeant William Hogg, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, for conspicuous gallantry near Hulluch on 26 September 1915, when he took charge of the battalion machine-guns after the Machine-gun Officer was wounded, an action graphically depicted in Deeds That Thrill The Empire Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (A-6170 Sjt: W. Hogg. 2/R. Sco: Fus:); 1914-15 Star (A-6170 Sjt. W. Hogg. R. Sc: Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (6170 Sjt. W. Hogg. R.S. Fus.); France, Third Republic, Medaille Militaire, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, medals unmounted, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 26th September, 1915, near Hulluch. When the Machine-gun Officer was wounded, Sergeant Hogg took charge of the battalion machine-guns, and carried out his duties throughout the operations with marked ability and great bravery. On the 30th September, being in charge of a machine-gun posted on the extreme left of Gun Trench, and the enemy having broken through on his left and at the same time attacked him in front from a communication trench, he opened fire, killing ten of the enemy, but, as he was being bombed from both front and flank, he was forced to withdraw his gun, which he did successfully. He brought it into action again further down the trench, and continued to fight it throughout the night operations.’ Medaille Militaire London Gazette 1 May 1917. William Hogg landed in France on 25 January 1915, and joined the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, part of the 21st Brigade, 7th Division. The medal roll for the British War and Victory Medals shows that he ended the war in the rank of Acting Company Quartermaster Sergeant. Sold with large gilding metal cap badge, two lugs to reverse, together with copied research including a small group picture including Sergeant Hogg, D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, gazette notices, extracts from Battalion War Diaries and regimental history.
Four: Warrant Officer Class II T. Palmer, Royal Garrison Artillery Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (27234 Bombr. T. Palmer, 14: S.D. R.G.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (27234 Bomb: T. Palmer. R.G.A.); British War Medal 1914-20 (27234 W.O. Cl.2. T. Palmer. R.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (27234 Sjt: T. Palmer. R.G.A.) contact marks to Boer War pair, these nearly very fine; the GVR awards good very fine (4) £200-£240
Pair: Surgeon Major M. O’C. Drury, Royal Army Medical Corps, who had been mentioned in despatches for his service in Burma 1885-86, and was the Army Medical Officer in Charge of the Langman Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa during the Boer War. On his medical staff was one Dr Conan Doyle, who went on to mention him in his book Memories and Adventures Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (Surgn. M. O’C. Drury. Med: Staff.) cleaned; Khedive’s Star, dated 1884, unnamed as issued, generally very fine or better (2) £400-£500 --- Maurice O’Connor Drury joined the Army Medical Service as a surgeon in July 1880, and advanced to surgeon major in July 1892. He served in the Sudan Campaign of 1885 (Medal with clasp, and Khedive’s Star), and then with the Burmese Expedition 1885-86 (Mentioned in Despatches, Medal with clasp). He was appointed to the military command of the Langman Hospital in January 1900: ‘This hospital, which consists of one hundred beds, with marquees and thirty-five tents, has left in the Oriental for South Africa. The hospital, unlike other civil ones, is not a base-hospital, but is going to “the front,” where its services are greatly needed. The greatest thought and care have been bestowed on its equipment, and no expense spared to provide, not only the most complete outfit of surgical appliances, medicines, stretchers, etc, but also innumerable comforts and nourishments that will so much help to alleviate the sufferings and hasten the recovery of the sick and wounded. Mr Archie L. Langman (Lieutenant Middlesex Yeomanry), son of the donor, will accompany it as Treasurer.... Mr Robert O’Callaghan, F.R.CS., of Harley Street, Surgeon to the French Hospital in London, is Surgeon-in-Chief, and is a specialist of repute in abdominal surgery. As gunshot-wounds of the abdomen have been very frequent and serious during the present war, his services will be of special value to our soldiers at “the front.” Mr C. Gibbs, F.R.C.S., of Harley Street, Assistant Surgeon Charing Cross Hospital, is Surgeon.... Dr. Conan Doyle is Physician.... Major M. O’C. Drury, R.A.M.C., who has been appointed by the War Office as the Army Medical Officer in charge of the Langman Hospital.... The staff of this hospital was inspected by the Duke of Cambridge on Feb. 21 at the headquarters of the St. George’s Rifles, Davies Street, Portman Square. On the entry of the Duke of Cambridge, the staff was called to order, by Major O’C. Drury, R.A.M.C., the military officer in command. The Duke carefully inspected the men, and the medical officers were presented to him. The Duke then, in a short speech, congratulated the staff on having the opportunity of serving their Queen and Country in South Africa...’ (The Sketch, 7 March 1900) The same publication also followed the progress of the hospital in Bloemfontein, and published photographs of Drury showing Lord Roberts around the hospital, and Dr Conan Doyle attending to the sick. The latter recalled his time there, and Drury, thus: When we were complete we were quite a good little unit... We were compelled to have one military chief, as a bond with the War Office, and this proved to be one Major Drury, a most amusing Irishman who might have come right out of Lever. To leave service and to “marry a rich widow with a cough” was, he said, the height of his ambition. He was a very pleasant companion in civil life, but when it came to duties which needed tact and routine he was rather too Celtic in his methods, and this led to friction and occasional rows in which I had to sustain the point of Mr Langman. I have no doubt he thought me an insubordinate dog, and I thought him - well, he has passed away now, and I remember him best as a very amusing companion.’ (Memories and Adventures by Arthur Conan Doyle refers) Drury resided at Cynghordy Hall, Carmarthenshire, and was killed in a shooting accident there in December 1906. He was climbing over a fence, when he slipped and fell with his gun going off in the process. Drury also features as a character in Kieran McMullen’s Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Boer War Waggon, a copy of which is included with the lot. Sold with copied research, including photographic images of recipient.
Waterloo 1815 (Serj. John Hutchings, 10th Royal Reg. Hussars.) fitted with original steel clip and bar suspension, frayed original ribbon, clip a little loose, edge bruising and heavily polished, otherwise dark toned, fine £1,000-£1,400 --- John Hutchings served at Waterloo as a sergeant in Captain John Grey’s No. 4 Troop of the 10th Hussars. Sold with an old leather purse and three family notes passing the medal down from 1974-95.
A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. and Russian Medal of St George group of five awarded to Private Percy Gunner, 1st and 8th Battalions, Somerset Light Infantry, who was killed in action in December 1915 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9199 L. Cpl. P. Gunner. 8/Som: L.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9199 Pte. P. Gunner. 1/Som: L.I.) star sometime gilded; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (9199 Pte. P. Gunner. Som. L.I.); Russia, Empire, Medal of St George for Bravery, 4th Class, silver (9199 Pte. P. Gunner. 1/Somt. L.I.) impressed naming, together with Memorial Plaque (Percy Gunner) with Buckingham Palace enclosure and card envelope, medals unmounted, nearly extremely fine (6) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry, when he carried important messages under heavy fire. He has been previously recommended for his bravery and ability, on an occasion when he took command of his platoon after all the non-commissioned officers had been killed or wounded.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 17 February 1915 (Sir John French’s despatch of 20 November 1914, covering the period 11 October to 2 November 1914, and concerns the fighting that took place in the Armentières-Ypres area). Russian Medal of St George, 4th Class London Gazette 25 August 1915. Percy Gunner was born at Worplesdon, Surrey, and enlisted at Tregantle, Cornwall. He served in France and Flanders with the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry from 21 August 1914, later transferring to the 8th Battalion, with whom he won the D.C.M. and was killed in action near Armentières on 6 December 1915. He is buried in Chapelle d’Armentières New Military Cemetery. Sold with copied research including D.C.M., M.I.D. and Medal Index Cards, and various gazette notices.
Three: Colonel R. Burns-Begg, K.C., a founding member of Kitchener’s Horse and Intelligence Officer to the Military Governor of Pretoria. He served as Crown Prosecutor for the infamous “Breaker” Morant trial, when the Anglo-Australian Lieutenant of the Bushveldt Carbineers was found guilty of murdering six Boer prisoners-of-war and three captured civilians in two separate incidents during the Second Boer War - the subject of much controversy at the time, and of a critically acclaimed feature film in 1980 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (Capt: R. Burns-Begg, Kitchener’s Horse.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Capt: R. Burns-Begg, S.A.M.I.F.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Col. R. Burns-Begg.) first two mounted for wear, generally good very fine or better (3) £700-£900 --- Robert Burns-Begg was born in Kinross in March 1872, and educated at Stranraer School, Bournemouth and Edinburgh University. He served as a Second Lieutenant and Instructor of Musketry with the 7th Clackmannanshire & Kinross Volunteer Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders from 1892. Burns Begg advanced to lieutenant in December 1893, and resigned his commission in November 1895. He travelled to Africa, and was appointed advocate and counsel to the Transvaal Government. Burns-Begg was commissioned lieutenant in the Cape Town Highlanders, and was employed as an intelligence officer and staff captain from March 1901. He advanced to captain in the South African Mounted Irregular Force from September 1901, and was intelligence officer to the Military Governor of Pretoria. Burns-Begg was employed as prosecuting counsel in the Floris Visser murder trial of “Breaker” Morant, and others of the Bushveldt Carbineers, 17 January 1902. Harry Morant, was an Anglo-Australian officer in the Bushveldt Carbineers, who was convicted and executed for murdering six Boer prisoners-of-war and three captured civilians in two separate incidents during the Second Boer War. The case, and subsequent execution received a lot of press coverage and debate in Australia. A number of books have been written about Morant, and Kenneth Ross wrote a critically acclaimed play Breaker Morant: A Play in Two Acts which in 1980 was turned into a successful movie called Breaker Morant. Burns-Begg’s legal capabilities in the courtroom are recorded in Shoot Straight you Bastards by N. Bleszynski. He was recalled to England before the close of the trial, but not before he had destroyed the case of the defence. Burns-Begg was also the principal witness in the committal proceedings at Bow Street Court for Treason of “Colonel” Arthur Lynch, M.P., 1 August 1902. Lynch (an Irish Australian, who was MP for Galway Borough and fought for the Boers during the Second Boer War) was subsequently found guilty at trial, 24 January 1903, and sentenced to death (later commuted to life imprisonment, and ultimately pardoned). The following is given about his varied career in The Scots Law Times, 11 March 1911: ‘Colonel Burns-Begg’s remarkable career has not yet solved the problem, which is the mightier weapon - the sword, the pen, or the baton? Since a wise institution told him that the development of his peculiar talents required a wider field than that afforded by the floor of the Parliament House, his returns thither at meteoric intervals, now as a soldier, now as a lawyer, now as an administrator, have left his friends in a state of bewildered admiration. His first military appointment, as galloper one manoeuvres to Brigadier General Sir J. H. A. Macdonald, was prophetic of a protean career. At the Speculative Society he was known as a master of picturesque and forcible English, and of an embarrassing capacity for the conduct of private business. Colonel Burns-Begg is now in his thirty-ninth year. After practising as an advocate for a little over two years he left Edinburgh for South Africa, and was called to the bar of Southern Rhodesia in 1898. The outbreak of the war gave pause, for the moment, to his legal career, and Lieut. Burns-Begg, with a commission in the Cape Colonial Forces, assisted Col. Legge and Major Congreve to raise Kitchener’s Horse in 1900. During the same year he was successively attached to the Maxim Gun Detachment R.F. and R.H.A. and to the staff of the Second Mounted Infantry Corps, in which services he took part in the marches to Bloemfontein and to Pretoria, and in the actions at Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, and Diamond Hill. Through the remainder of the war he acted as Intelligence Officer on the Staff at Pretoria. He returned home with the rank of captain in March 1902, and during the year which followed held an appointment on the Headquarters Intelligence Staff of the War Office….. Returning to South Africa, he was appointed Legal Adviser to the Transvaal Government, and for five years succeeded in running his two professions in double harness, being made King’s Counsel in 1906 and rising to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel in command of the Northern Mounted Rifles. In 1908 he became Commissioner of the Transvaal Police, and retained that office until the autumn of last year [1910], when he resigned, owing to altered conditions brought about by the reconstitution of the Government of South Africa. After a visit to this country of less than six months, he is now about to take up the duties of Resident Commissioner and Commandant General of the Volunteer and Police Forces of Southern and Northern Rhodesia [1911-15], appointments which carry, ex officio, seats on the Legislative and Administrative Councils of these colonies…..’ Burns-Begg was appointed temporary colonel and commandant lines of communication, Folkestone 1915. The latter town being a vital link in the war effort, with some ten million troops and medical staff passing through the port to and from the front. Colonel Burns-Begg returned to Edinburgh on sick leave, and died of pneumonia, 9 January 1918. He is buried in the Kinross Cemetery, commemorated on the Sutton War Memorial, at Kinross Parish Church and on the Edinburgh University Faculty War Memorial. Sold with copied research, and photographic images of the recipient.
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