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A Second War 1943 ‘Sicily Landings’ M.M. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class I M. Rodger, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, who was originally recommended for the D.C.M. for his gallantry on the beaches of Sicily during the early hours of 10 July 1943. Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3124671 W.O. Cl. 2. M. Rodger. R. S. Fus.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (3124671 Cpl. M. Rodger. R.S. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (3124671 W.O. Cl. 2. M. Rodger. R. S. Fus.) generally nearly very fine or better (6) £1,200-£1,600 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 March 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sicily.’ The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states: ‘The Unit Landing Officer was wounded on landing at 0400hrs 10th July. This W.O. was his assistant, carried on with his work in a very cool and unperturbed manner. The work was complicated in that the Bn had two Assembly Areas on account of the advance leading off the right hand corner of the beach. This W.O. ran everything in a calm and orderly way, during the bombing of the beach and never failed to send vehs. and men up to his Bn as soon as they were ready to leave the Beach Area.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 4 April 1946 (North West Europe). Michael Rodger served during the Second War with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers as part of the 17th Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, XIII Corps for the Sicily Landings, 9/10th July 1943. Rodger’s Battalion landed on beaches in the Gulf of Noto around Avola, south-east Sicily during the early hours of 10 July 1943, as part of the opening stage of Operation Husky - the Allied invasion of Sicily. He subsequently advanced to Warrant Officer Class I.

A fine Second War 1943 ‘Tunisia Campaign’ M.M. group of six awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major F. G. Findley, Royal Army Service Corps, attached No. 6 Commando, who was decorated for his actions at the assault on Djebel Azag, 6 January 1943, against troops from the elite Fallschirmjäger Regiment Barenthin Military Medal, G.VI.R. (T/5041667 W.O. Cl.3. F. G. Findley. R.A.S.C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (6) (6) £3,000-£4,000 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 September 1943: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa’. The original recommendation states: ‘During the withdrawal from Djebel Azag on 6 January 1943, T.S.M. Findley repeatedly showed complete disregard for his own safety by covering his section by advancing under fire and throwing grenades. I consider that T.S.M. Findley’s actions were responsible for numerous men reaching safety. Throughout the action he showed a most excellent example to his men. He is over 40 years of age and put up a remarkable performance.’ Frederick George Findley was born in Attleborough, Warwickshire, on 24 August 1902 and attested for the North Staffordshire Regiment at Lichfield in May 1921, seeing service in Gibraltar, Turkey and India before transferring to the Army Reserve in 1928. During the Second World War, Findley served in the Royal Army Service Corps attached to 6 Commando and was decorated for his actions at Djebel Azag where an attempt was made by the British 36th Brigade Group to capture the feature known to the British as Green Hill, on 5 to 7 January 1943. Commanding the Sedjanane to Mateur road in Northern Tunisia, Green Hill was held by men from Fallschirmjäger Regiment Barenthin (German Parachute Infantry) and Witzig’s Parachute Engineers who had fortified the hill with concrete machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and mines. In his report on the ‘Attack on Djebel Azag’, Captain J. A. D. Mayne, Som. L.I., describes how ‘Mand Force’ from No. 6 Commando, comprising Force HQ, No. 1 Troop (complete), 1 Section from No. 2 Troop and one partial section from No. 5 Troop (commanded by Findley) were tasked with the following objectives:
i) To capture and hold “Djebel Azag.”
ii) To assist, by supporting fire, the attack on “Greenhill” and “Si Ayed”.
iii) To establish an Observation Post for a Forward Observation Officer to cover targets on and behind ‘Greenhill” area. Hilary St. George Saunders’ narrative of this action in the Green Beret describes the struggle between No. 6 Commando and the elite German paratroops dug in on the hill: ‘On the 5th January they took part in yet another attack on Green Hill, carried out by the 36th Brigade. Headquarters with one and a half Troops occupied Point 277 to the north-west, the object being to protect the Brigade’s left flank and to harass the enemy’s rear; while a detachment made up of two Troops under Captain Mayne seized Djebel Azag, a height which commanded the main position. To do this they made a ten mile approach march over sodden country, the men carrying heavy loads of ammunition and food for forty-eight hours. They reached their positions soon after dawn and then dug in on the summit as deeply as the rocky ground would allow. Soon after midday the enemy made two attempts to attack them, but were beaten off at long range by accurate and well-sustained small arms fire. The Germans then resorted to mortars, in the handling of which they were exceptionally proficient, and the Commando began to suffer casualties but held on.
During the afternoon Mayne observed that the enemy were forming up to deliver a counter-stroke against the brigade then engaged upon the main assault of Green Hill. His messages brought artillery fire on them and the attack did not develop. At dusk his small force, which had not been reinforced, was concentrated on the summit of the hill. At dawn Mayne’s position soon became serious, for as Lieutenant Cowper and his section were moving to their daylight positions, they were attacked at close range by Germans who had crawled up during the night. Cowper was soon engaging about two companies of the enemy strongly supported by mortars which fired a very accurate barrage. The remainder of the force was now under equally severe pressure and almost completely surrounded. Captain Davies was ordered by Mayne to withdraw headquarters and then cover a general retreat of the force, a manoeuvre which he ‘carried out extremely well.’ That evening they were all back in the tunnel near Sedjenane, the men very tired but cheerful, ‘having done magnificently.’ With a loss of thirty-five of their number they had held a key position for forty eight hours against ‘first-class troops who had been put in as stiffening.’ Though the attack on Green Hill had failed, the small action fought by Mand Force, as Mayne’s detachment was called, provides a good example of what men can accomplish who have passed through Commando training. They had been isolated for two days, in a most exposed position, and subject to galling mortar fire; but they had occupied the attention of four or five times their number who might very well have been employed elsewhere.’ Findley was a parachutist who, during his para course, landed in the top of another soldier’s parachute during a training descent which caused an injury to Findley’s back (a copy of his course report is included with the papers). Post-War he was a member of the Commando Association whose records state that his last rank attained was Regimental Sergeant Major and that he also served in No. 12 Commando. He died in 1960 in Hessingford, Cornwall. Sold with the recipient’s Soldiers’ Service and Pay Book inside which is a hand traced map of Floro, Norway with important sites and German positions marked. This map is suggestive of Findley’s participation in Operation Kitbag, a raid by British Commandos of No. 6 Commando and No. 12 Commando on the town of Floro in Norway during the Second World War - ‘Kitbag’ embarked from Scapa Flow on H.M.S. Prince Charles on 9 December 1941 but after navigational difficulties the raid was eventually called off; the recipient’s Old Comrades Association of the Special Service Brigade membership booklet, signed by the recipient and dated 9 July 1943; Pay Form No. 48 for the recipient’s Military Medal Gratuity of £20; the recipient’s Service and Casualty Form (Part I) dated 9 October 1928; copied research and a photographic image of recipient in uniform.

An outstanding Second War ‘Burma operations 1945’ Immediate M.M. group of five awarded to Lance Naik Mohammad Ajaib, 9th Battalion, 14th Punjab Regiment Military Medal, G.VI.R. (20305 L-Nk Mohd Ajaib Punjab R); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted on card for display, very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400 --- M.M. London Gazette 19 April 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘20305 Lance Naik Mohammad Ajaib. Punjab Mussalman Ghakar, Village Changryal, District Jhelum. 9th Battalion, 14th Punjab Regiment. For very gallant services in action at mile 16.5 on the road Budalin-Monywa on 4 January 1945. On 4 January 1945, L/Naik Mohd Ajaib was in command of a standing patrol, covering the battalion defended locality, 1.5 miles to the North. At about 2330 hrs a vehicle approached from the South at great speed. Appreciating that it would be better dealt with at the road block within the defended locality, L/Naik Mohd Ajaib withheld fire, allowed the vehicle to pass and informed Battalion H.Q. by telephone. As a result of the warning given by the L/Naik the vehicle was dealt with so effectively at the road block that out of the 14 Japs in the lorry, one Jap Officer and twelve O.R.s were killed on the spot and only one with a member of the Battalion National Army broke back out of the Battalion defended area and ran towards the standing patrol. On hearing footsteps L/Naik Mohd Ajaib stood his post to, and as the leading man approached him he stepped forward, grappled with him and held him down. Hot on his heels arrived the Japanese. L/Naik Mohd Ajaib immediately handed over his captive and went for the Japanese who came at him with his bayonet. L/Naik Mohd Ajaib parried the point with his sten gun. The point was only partially deflected and the L/Naik was wounded in the head. In spite of being wounded he continued to fight and single handed killed his man, who fought with fanatical bravery. L/Naik Mohd Ajaib’s initiative in holding his fire in the first case, and timely warning of the approach of the lorry was a major contributory factor which resulted in the annihilation of the occupants of the vehicle. His grim determination and guts in capturing the Burman, and killing the last Jap soldier ensured that no news of the failure of these reinforcements to get to Budalin reached Monywa.’

A Second War ‘North West Europe’ M.M. awarded to Gunner L. K. Smith, Observation Post Signaller, 13th Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, recommended for his gallantry for service from D-Day to the Battle of Keppeln, 26 February 1945 Military Medal, G.VI.R. (M 66026 Gnr. L. K. Smith. R.C.A.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, campaign awards in card boxes of issue, with Canadian Army Soldier’s Service and Pay Book, generally good very fine or better (6) £1,000-£1,400 --- M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946. The original recommendation states: ‘Gunner Lionel Kenneth Smith has acted as Observation Post Signaller from “D” Day, until the cessation of hostilities. As such, he has been continuously with the forward infantry troops relaying the fire orders to the guns during all the fighting. During this long period, he has consistently, under the most difficult conditions, remained at his wireless set. At times, when it was advisable for everyone else to take cover, he continued to pass the necessary orders. Every Forward Observation Officer, who worked with him, knew that when Gunner Smith was on the R/T set, if it were humanely possible, the orders would be passed. On 26 Feb 45, he was the R/T operator with the Artillery Forward Observation Officer with ‘B’ Company of the North Shore Regiment of Canada in their attack on Keppeln. This battle ranks with the toughest and finest of the war. ‘B’ and ‘C’ companies were reinforced by ‘A’ and ‘D’ companies. The Forward Observation Officer was wounded and replaced. Gunner Smith manned his set from the start to the finish of the battle. This is an example of this soldier’s steady, reliable service throughout the campaign.’ Lionel Kenneth Smith was born in Starkweather, North Dakota, USA in October 1917. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery at Edmonton, Canada in July 1941. He served with the 13th Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery during the Second War. Smith was discharged in January 1947.

A post-War 1949 ‘Malaya operations’ M.M. awarded to Private H. McPhee, Seaforth Highlanders, who rushed to the aide of his officer during a Company Contact in North Johore, 12 November 1949, accounting for at least 1 ‘bandit’ and probably several more Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2824888 Pte. H. McPhee. Seaforth.) officially re-impressed naming, suspension loose and the medal somewhat abrasively cleaned, therefore nearly very fine £500-£700 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 March 1950: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya.’ The recommendation states: ‘On the afternoon of 12th November, 1949, “B” Coy had a fierce encounter with a large force of bandits in a camp situated in overgrown rubber about 3 miles SW of the village of Chaah in North Johore. This was the first day of a full scale battalion operation in the vicinity of the Ma’Ckill Forest Reserve estimated to last for 7 days; the role of “B” Coy was to search a given area. On arrival in the area the Coy. Comd. took the Coy. a short distance into the jungle and there formed a temporary firm base while he himself went forward with an armed recce party of platoon strength to reconnoitre a locality where there was believed to be water for a permanent firm base. Pte. McPhee was one of those who was left at the temporary firm base with the remainder of the Coy. When the recce party had proceeded about a quarter of a mile forward of the Coy temporary firm base they bumped into the enemy in a very new and temporary camp in some overgrown rubber; they at once attacked the camp which is now known to have contained approximately 160 bandits. As they had no sentries on this occasion they were taken completely by surprise and were forced to put up a stubborn resistance to extricate themselves from the camp. A fierce battle ensued; the bandits counter attacked strongly and subjected the recce party who were in very open ground in some cleared rubber to very heavy fire. At this stage Pte. McPhee arrived on the scene with the first party of reinforcements from the temporary firm base. In the very early stages of the battle the Coy. Cmd. and 2 of the subaltern officers were killed. The only surviving officer, Lieut. Brown, was therefore left in command. Immediately Pte. McPhee arrived up, and acting on his own initiative, he made his way forward to Lieut. Brown and requested permission from him to take up a position on the left forward flank of the Coy. With complete disregard for his own safety he then doubled forward to this position, which was an extremely vulnerable one, and from it dominated the whole of the left flank. He remained in this position, firing away steadily whenever he saw any enemy movement, throughout the remainder of the battle which continued for a further hour and a quarter. He was completely unaffected by the heavy fire which he drew upon himself, and was extremely cheerful throughout the whole battle. He definitely killed at least 1 bandit and probably more. The initiative and bravery shown by Pte. McPhee were undoubtedly responsible for denying the ground on the left flank of the Coy. position to the enemy, and his cheerfulness and high morale were an inspiration and example to all those who were near.’ A picture of Hugh McPhee appears in the regimental journal Cabar Feidh for May 1950. Note: Another M.M. to this recipient, a G.VI.R. 1st issue example, was sold in these rooms in June 2021; given that this medal is a G.VI.R. 2nd issue example, and has been officially re-impressed, it is likely that it is a duplicate issue.

A Second War Air Bomber’s ‘Immediate’ D.F.M. awarded to Sergeant F. C. Bunclark, 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force, as also to the other six crew members of a Lancaster aircraft which, having completed its allotted mine-laying sortie in the Baltic, was severely damaged and set on fire by anti-aircraft fire and then attacked by enemy aircraft while crossing Denmark on the return home; the A.O.C. afterwards remarked, ‘It is almost inconceivable that any crew would have carried on for the four hundred mile sea crossing and land without further incident.’ Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (657816 F. C. Bunclark. R.A.F.) toned, good very fine £1,800-£2,200 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 20 October 1942: Joint citation: ‘1162032 Flight Sergeant Paul CAMPBELL, No. 61 Squadron. 1390988 Sergeant Stanley Dennis GUNNELL, No. 61 Squadron. 1312943 Sergeant Ernest Humphries CORBETT, No. 61 Squadron. 657816 Sergeant Frank Charles BUNCLARK, No. 61 Squadron. 1268257 Sergeant Cyril Hugh COAKLEY, No. 61 Squadron. 1128846 Sergeant Sydney SMITH, No. 61 Squadron. 968521 Sergeant Stanley James THOMPSON, No. 61 Squadron. These airmen were members of the crew of a heavy bomber [Lancaster] detailed for an operational mission one night in September, 1942; Flight Sergeant Campbell was captain and first pilot. The allotted task was completed successfully but, whilst on the return flight, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. A shell exploded in the bomb compartment, starting a large fire and setting some flares and distress signals alight. Simultaneously, another shell burst in the nose of the aircraft, shattering the perspex as well as the major portion of the perspex of the pilot's cupola. The resultant rush of air through the aperture swept away all the navigational charts and maps and flung Sergeants Gunnell and Bunclark backwards on to the floor of the aircraft. Both suffered facial burns as did the pilot, the navigator, the wireless operator and the mid-upper gunner. The aircraft became full of smoke and it was attacked by 2 enemy fighters. The pilot could not see his instruments and the aircraft went out of control and fell 2,000 feet before Flight Sergeant Campbell regained control and evaded further attacks by diving and reaching cloud cover. Meanwhile the flames in the fuselage had extended, causing ammunition to explode in all directions. Despite this, Sergeants Corbett, Bunclark and Smith fought their way through the flames to the rear turret to extricate Sergeant Thompson who, despite suffering from a broken leg and being unable to operate his guns, had greatly assisted his captain by reporting the position of the attacking aircraft. Sergeant Coakley, in spite of his injuries, and with amazing skill in the circumstances, established wireless contact with base and continued to obtain bearings throughout the homeward flight. When this country was reached, Flight Sergeant Campbell, who had displayed fine captaincy, resumed the controls and landed the damaged aircraft safely with the undercarriage retracted and without the aid of flaps. Throughout this perilous flight, this gallant crew displayed conduct in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force.’ Sergeant Bunclark’s individual recommendation dated 27 September 1942, states: ‘Sergeant Bunclark was Air Bomber to Flight Sergeant Campbell on the night of 24th/25th September 1942. When the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, one shell burst in the nose of the aircraft when Sergeant Bunclark was actually in the nose map-reading. The force of the explosion blew out the perspex of the nose and the resultant draught blew Sergeant Bunclark out of the nose of the aircraft back beside the pilot where he was deposited on the floor of the aircraft. He received considerable facial burns and shock but immediately proceeded to the scene of the main fire in the fuselage and assisted the Navigator and mid-upper gunner in fighting the fire. He also assisted in extricating the rear gunner from the tail turret and carrying him through the fire to the rest chair. He assisted the Navigator in checking the navigation and his efforts undoubtedly contributed to the safe return of the aircraft and crew. It is considered that Sergeant Bunclark displayed outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty and contributed greatly to the safe return of the aircraft and crew. Remarks by A.O.C. After having inspected this aircraft, I most strongly support this recommendation. It is almost inconceivable that any crew would have carried on for the four hundred mile sea crossing and land without further incident.’ Flight Sergeant Campbell was an experienced Pilot having completed 22 sorties and 138.55 flying hours, and Sergeant Gunnell, Second Pilot had completed 6 sorties and 47.05 flying hours. For the remainder of the crew, however, this was only their second sortie, each having completed just 8.15 flying hours. Bunclark, Coakley and Corbett were amongst the crew of the Lancaster I ‘W4244’ of No. 61 Squadron, and flown by Pilot Officer Paul Campbell, D.F.M., which encountered extremely poor visibility on return from a sortie and following a misjudged approach to Exeter, crashed at Diamonds Farm, near Honiton on 11 November 1942, killing all seven crew. Sergeant F. C. Bunclark is buried in Lustleigh Church Cemetery. Sold with copied research including individual recommendations for each of the seven D.F.Ms.

A Second War Air Bomber’s D.F.M. group of six awarded to Flight Sergeant (later Pilot Officer) H. G. Webb, 196 Squadron, Royal Air Force Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1163111 F/Sgt. H. G. Webb, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these last five all privately named ‘1163111 F./Sgt. Herbert G. Webb. No. 196 Sqdn. R.A.F.’, mounted as worn, Sellotape deposits to the reverses, otherwise good very fine (6) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 15 October 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘Sorties 58, Flying hours 364. Air Bomber. Flight Sergeant Webb has taken part in a large number of operational sorties against targets in Germany and the Middle East. Since joining this squadron, this airman has been employed as a Bomb Aimer in which capacity he has proved himself to be most efficient and has fully contributed to the success achieved by his crew. It is strongly recommended that this airman’s operational record be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’ Herbert George Webb was appointed Pilot Officer (on probation) on 27 April 1944 (London Gazette 20 June 1944 refers).

A Second War Lancaster bomber Wireless Operator’s Immediate D.F.M. awarded to Sergeant K. P. C. Williams, 550 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for selfless gallantry in attending to wounded crew members when their aircraft was attacked by fighters after a bombing mission against Berlin in March 1944; his luck ran out the following month when his Lancaster was shot down over France by enemy night fighters with the loss of the whole crew Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (908406 Sgt. K. P. C. Williams. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the first mounted on its original investiture pin, extremely fine (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 2 May 1944: ‘One night in March, 1944, this airman was the wireless operator (air) of an aircraft which attacked Berlin. Soon after the bombs had been released the aircraft was attacked by fighters and sustained much damage. After the enemy aircraft had been evaded it was discovered that the mid-upper and rear gunners had been wounded. Displaying great promptitude, Sergeant Williams extricated the rear gunner from his turret. He was unconscious and his oxygen mask was damaged. Without regard for his own welfare, Sergeant Williams removed his own mask and fitted it to the face of his injured comrade. He then attended to the needs of the other gunner to whom he rendered efficient first aid. But for his prompt aid it is doubtful whether his injured comrades would have survived the long flight home. Throughout the sortie, Sergeant Williams displayed great co-operation and devotion to duty.’ Kenneth Percy Charles Williams was killed on the night of 10-11 April 1944, when Lancaster I ‘LL836 BQ-E’ took part in a sortie to bomb the railway yards at Aulnoye. Having taken off from North Killingholme at 2325 hrs the aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed less than a kilometre NNW of Achiet-le-Petit in the Pas-de-Calais, 7 km NW of Bapaume. All seven crew rest in Achiet-le-Petit Communal Cemetery. Sold with original Air Ministry copy of the D.F.M. citation with covering letter addressed to his wife at Brook Street, Selby, Yourkshire; Buckingham Palace named condolence letter; Central Chancery invitation to Mrs K. P. C. Williams to attend Buckingham Palace on 9 April 1946, in order to receive the D.F.M. awarded to her late husband; and original photograph of his grave marker.

A Second War Halifax bomber Air Gunner’s D.F.M. awarded to Flight Sergeant J. J. Smith, 77 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1670350 F/Sgt. J. J. Smith. R.A.F.) mounted on original investiture pin; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal, in named card box of issue addressed to the recipient at ‘Thicknesse Avenue, Beech Hill, Wigan, Lancs.’, together with ‘authority to wear’ slip for the ribands of these four medals (note no War Medal 1939-45 in lot) extremely fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 17 April 1945: ‘1670350 James Johnston Smith, R.A.F.V.R., 77 Sqn.’ The original Recommendation, dated 12 January, 1945, states: ‘Sorties 33, Flying hours 149.47 Air Gunner. This N.C.O. Air Gunner has completed his first operational tour consisting of 33 sorties. His efficiency has been well marked by two encounters with enemy fighters. On 22nd/23rd June, 1944, when the target was Laon, a Ju.88 opened fire in an attack at approximately 300 yards. Immediately evasive action was taken followed by well co-ordinated fire from both gunners in the Halifax which resulted in many hits being obtained on the enemy fighter. Flames were seen to break out in the fighter’s port engine and almost immediately the fighter was enveloped in flames and was seen to spiral down and crash. The total destruction of the enemy aircraft was witnessed and confirmed by four members of the crew. On another occasion, that of an attack on Kiel on 16th/17th August, 1944, an F.W. 190 was sighted at about 500 yards by Flight Sergeant Smith. Immediately he gave advice to the pilot to corkscrew and although the enemy fighter opened fire, no damage was dons to the bomber due to this gunner’s alertness in detecting its presence and giving the necessary commentary to his Captain. Throughout these instances and, in fact, during the whole course of his tour, Flight Sergeant Smith has shown great coolness and a fine offensive spirit which has undoubtedly contributed greatly to the preservation of the crew and aircraft. He is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’

A pre-War S.G.M. pair awarded to Able Seaman F. W. Shepherd, Royal Navy and Mercantile Marine, for his gallantry in rescuing the crew of the S.S. Edward Dawson off Holland on 1 October 1911 Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., silver (Frederick William Shepherd, “Edward Dawson”, 1st. October, 1911.) in fitted case of issue; British War Medal 1914-20 (195672 F. W. Shepherd. A.B. R.N.) nearly extremely fine (2) £300-£400 --- Sea Gallantry Medal awarded in silver to Frederick Horsfall, 2nd Officer, and to Alfred Lenygon, Frederick William Shepherd, Nils Johnson, Byron Allington, George Baker, and Charles Bolton, of the S.S. Wrexham of Grimsby, for their gallantry in rescuing the crew of the Edward Dawson, which had been stranded on Loutelande Bank, Holland, on 1 October 1911. Five Sea Gallantry Medals (Foreign Services) were also awarded for this action. Frederick William Shepherd was born at Grimsby, Lincolnshire, on 2 September 1881 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 4 August 1897. Advanced Able Seaman on 6 April 1901, he was shore discharged on 4 August 1905, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. He subsequently served in the Mercantile Marine, and was awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal whilst serving in the S.S. Wrexham. He was recalled to the Royal Navy on 2 August 1914, and served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments. He was shore demobilised on 26 March 1919. Sold with copied research.

A Second War B.E.M. group of five awarded to Private E. V. Woodroffe, Worcestershire Regiment, and later Admiralty Senior Hydrographic Draughtsman British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Ernest V. Woodroffe); 1914-15 Star (12225 L. Cpl. E. Woodroffe. Worc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (12225 Pte. E. Woodroffe. Worc. R.); Defence Medal, unnamed as issued, good very fine or better (5) £300-£400 --- B.E.M. (Civil) London Gazette 1 January 1946: ‘Ernest Victor Woodroffe, Senior Hydrographic Draughtsman, Admiralty.’ Ernest Victor Woodroffe was born on 24 May 1892, at Aston, Warwickshire. He commenced service in the Royal Navy as Boy 2 Class, H.M.S. Ganges I, on 26 April 1908, being appointed to H.M.S. Impregnable on 5 September 1908. He was clearly not suited to naval life and was discharged (invalided with melancholia) on 8 October the same year. On 31 August 1910, he enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment and served in the 4th and 6th Battalions of that regiment in the Great War, at Gallipoli from 25 April 1915. He sustained a serious gun shot wound to his left hand and was discharged due to wounds on 1 July 1916, no longer physically fit for war service and received Silver War Badge No. 16709 (not with medals). He was appointed to be 2nd Class Draughtsman in the Royal Navy Hydrographic Department, on 16 March 1926, and served through to 1963. By the end of the Second World War he was graded as as Senior Hydrographic Draughtsman, and was awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil) in the New Year's Honour's List of 1946. In the 1939 Register he is recorded as a civil servant residing at Bath. He died on 11 May 1967. Research correspondence with the medals indicate that he was known in the Hydrographic Office as "Splints" Woodroffe and was “quite a "character",a confirmed bachelor, quite a religious man and `careful' with money. He was not only in the Worcestershire Regiment but also said to have been in the Education Corps - perhaps after he was wounded and before joining the Hydrographic Department. However this has not been verified. He joined the Hydrographic Department when it was still at Cricklewood, and came to Taunton when the H.S.E. was established there just before WWII. He retired in 1963, still a Senior Draughtsman. Sold with named card box of issue and Admiralty issue slip for the second and fourth medals, addressed to Jones at an address in Stonehouse, Plymouth; original photograph of the recipient receiving his B.E.M. from Vice Admiral Sir Peter White; original transmittal slip from Buckingham Palace; one good conduct stripe; one embroidered telegrapher’s sleeve badge; press cutting regarding the award of the B.E.M.; ribbon bar, the B.E.M. incorrectly with military ribbon; red fibre identity disk; original small identity card photograph of the recipient; and a photograph of King George VI inspecting a ship in the Home Fleet in September 1942; a copy photograph of the Home Guard platoon formed at the Hydrographic Supplies Establishment, Taunton; together with copied research and copy correspondence regarding his naval service.

A post-war B.E.M. group of five awarded to J. C. J. Jones, late Able Seaman, Royal Navy and a senior draughtsman in the Royal Navy Hydrographic Department British Empire Medal (Civil) E.II.R. (John Charles Joseph Jones) in its Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Arctic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Russia 40 Year Commemorative Medal of the Great Patriotic War, as awarded to veterans of the Arctic Convoy, the last four all unnamed as issued, the first extremely fine, others very fine or better (5) £700-£900 --- B.E.M. (Civil) London Gazette 15 June 1974: ‘John Charles Joseph Jones, Higher Grade Cartographic Draughtsman, Ministry of Defence’. John Charles Joseph Jones was born on 26 September 1914, in Willesden, London. He was the son of Joseph and Margaret Jones.During the Second World War he joined the Royal Navy on 12 September 1941, at the age of almost 27. As an Admiralty civil servant in Chart Depots he was probably in a ‘reserved occupation’ so was not called up earlier. Although also described as an Able Seaman, the inference from his badge is that he was a telegraphist, his Official Number was P/JX 291871. His identity disc records him as an Ordinary Seaman. He served in the Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty from 1939 but also must have had an appointment at sea in the Royal Navy (ships not known). His war medals were sent to him at an address at Stonehouse, Plymouth, suggesting that he was then working at the Devonport Chart Depot. Following the Second World War he returned to his pre-war occupation in Chart depots of the Royal Navy Hydrography Department. He retired in 1974, at the age of 60, and in the Birthday Honours list of 1974, he was awarded the British Empire Medal which he receive on 11 October 1974 from Vice Admiral Sir Peter White at the Ministry of Defence. He died at the Musgrove Park Hospital on 15 September 1994, aged almost 80, and was living in North Petherton, near Bridgwater, in the Taunton Deane district, which suggests that his last posting may have been in the R.N. Hydrographic Office at Taunton. An accompanying Press cutting relating to the award of the B.E.M. states: “John is a higher grade cartographic draughtsman and joined the Hydrographic Department, Ministry of Defence, Royal Navy, as a chart depot assistant in 1939, and except for wartime service in the Royal Navy, he has remained in the department since. The citation said that throughout his service he had maintained the highest standards of technical proficiency.

The unique Peninsula and Waterloo group of three awarded to Colour-Sergeant Alexander Campbell, 77th Foot, General Picton’s orderly at Waterloo and considered to be ‘one of the best Non-Commissioned Officers in the service’; Picton was killed on 18th June at Waterloo but had been severely wounded at Quatre Bras on the 16th - this painful wound had been bound up and none but his manservant knew of it Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz (A. Campbell, Serjt. 77th Foot.); Waterloo 1815 (Serj. Alex. Campbell, 77th Regiment Foot.) fitted with replacement steel clip and ring suspension; 77th Foot Medal 1818, silver, obverse: ‘77’ with Prince of Wales’s plume above and ‘Peninsula’ on branches of laurel below; reverse: engraved ‘El, bodon Ciudad Rodrigo Badajos’, edge engraved in upright capitals (Sergeant Alexander Campbell) fitted with steel clip and small ring suspension, the second with edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine and better (3) £6,000-£8,000 --- The Waterloo medal is unique to the 77th Foot. Alexander Campbell was born in Edinburgh and enlisted into the 77th Foot at Cochin, East Indies, on 25 March 1798, aged 18, for unlimited service. He served in the East Indies until 14 September 1807, having been promoted to Corporal in 1803 and to Sergeant in 1805. He was discharged as a Colour-Sergeant at Sunderland on 23 October 1821, in consequence of a reduction in the Establishment of the Regiment, having 30 years service, including East Indies service and 2 years allowance for Waterloo, where he served as orderly to Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton, who was killed. Picton’s death occurred whilst he was haranguing the men of his fifth division, during Count Drouet d’Erlon’s 1st Army Corps threatening assault on the right centre of Wellington’s line. Picton was shot by a French soldier. The musket ball flew into his left temple and he fell lifeless to the ground. On stripping his body for burial, it was noticed by a surgeon that he had been injured quite severely on the 16th June during the action at Quatre Bras. Another musket ball had scoured his abdominal wall, causing much bruising and breaking two ribs. This painful wound was bound up and none but his manservant knew of it. Sold with copied discharge papers which carry a particular note of high praise which states ‘I consider him to be one of the best Non-Commissioned Officers in the service.’

A rare group of three awarded to Shoeing Smith William Roberts, Royal Horse Artillery, who served with the 2nd Rocket Brigade and had the Swedish medal for Bravery for the battle of Leipsic, and was present with Major Whinyates’ (2nd Rocket) Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery at the battle of Waterloo; on its reduction in 1816 the 2nd Rocket Troop was transferred to the Corps of Royal Artillery Drivers Waterloo 1815 (Shoeing Smith W. Roborts (sic), Royal Artillery Drivers.); Royal Horse Artillery Medal for Vittoria and Leipsic 1813, silver, unnamed, 29mm, fitted with rings and silver bar suspension (Balmer R119); Sweden, Kingdom, Bravery Medal 1809, silver, for Valour in the Field, unnamed, 30mm, pierced with small ring for suspension, the first with edge bruise, otherwise nearly very fine and rare (3) £3,000-£4,000 --- William Roborts/Roberts is confirmed as a Shoeing Smith in Major Whinyate’s (Rocket) Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, at Waterloo and is understood to have been attached to the 2nd Rocket Brigade in Germany under Captain R. Bogue but this supposition is based purely on the provenance and composition of these medals and has not been confirmed in official records. The fact that his medal is named to him as a Shoeing Smith in the Royal Artillery Drivers but is shown on the medal roll as being in the Rocket Troop R.H.A. would seem to bear this out (see also extract from Duncan’s history below). The only other William Roberts in the Royal Artillery Drivers at Waterloo was a Collar Maker whose medal was in the Cleghorn Collection of 1872 and in the Whitaker Collection of 1890, as recorded in Needes’ notes. The Rocket Brigade (later designated The Rocket Troop) left England for Germany in August 1813 and played a distinguished part in the Battle of Leipsic, 16-18 October. It was the only unit of the British Army present, and was attached to the bodyguard of the Prince of Sweden. Rockets had to be fired at close range to achieve any real success. The battle of Leipsic lasted three days but the Rocket Brigade were not called upon until the third day, 18 October 1813, when Captain R. Bogue, commanding the Brigade, approached General Wintzingerode, commander of the allied army advance guard, and requested an opportunity to engage the enemy. His request was granted and he took the brigade to Paunsdorf where he successfully defeated 5 French battalions and caused them to surrender to his force of 200 gunners. He was then ordered to take his brigade to Sellerhausen. But they came under heavy fire from enemy artillery and skirmishers. Here, Bogue was killed by a musket ball from a French rifleman that entered his head just below the eye causing instant death. He was buried in the churchyard at Taucha 4 miles away and two years later a stone monument was erected over his grave. The Crown Prince of Sweden, commander of the allies, posthumously conferred the knighthood of the Swedish Royal Order of the Sword on Captain Bogue, and sent his widow a gift of 10,000 dollars. Lieutenant Strangways, who succeeded to the command of the Rocket Brigade after Bogue’s death, also received the Order of the Sword and various men of the Brigade received gold and silver bravery medals. ‘Among the many heart-breaking reductions which exasperate the Artillery student, perhaps none are more distressing, than the reduction of the 2nd Rocket Troop in 1816. The 1st Rocket Troop had never been out of England; the 2nd had done good service at Leipsic and Waterloo. Neither of them had had a long existence; but one had had a stirring, glorious history. On the 16th May, 1815, the following order had been issued:—“His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, has been pleased to command that the Rocket Troop of Royal Artillery, which was present at the Battle of Leipsic, be permitted to wear the word ‘Leipsic’ on their appointments, in commemoration of their services on that occasion.” And to the same troop the reward fell, given to those who had been at the Battle of Waterloo. Yet, when the pruning-knife came to be used, the troop which had earned these honours was selected for reduction; and, as if adding insult to injury, the word ‘Leipsic’ came actually to be worn by the surviving troop, which had never been on active service at all! On its reduction, the officers of the 2nd Rocket Troop were transferred to the Corps of Royal Artillery Drivers.’ (Captain Francis Duncan’s History of the Royal Artillery refers). Sold with copied extract from the notes compiled by E. E. Needes in the first half of the last century and listing the provenance of the Waterloo Medals to ‘Shoeing Smith W. Roborts’ and ‘Collar Maker Will. Roberts’, and with copied discharge papers for Collar Maker Roberts. Papers for the Shoeing Smith have not been found but the medal roll notes ‘Discharged’ against his name.

Three: Private John Bates, 3rd Light Dragoons, late 16th Lancers Ghuznee 1839 (Private John Bates, H.M.’s 16th Lancers) naming engraved in reverse centre, original suspension; Maharajpoor Star 1843 (Private John Bates H.M. 16th Lancers) fitted with adapted silver bar suspension; Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (J. Bates, 3rd Lt. Dragns.) some edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise very fine and better (3) £1,600-£2,000 --- Also entitled to the Sutlej medal for Aliwal and Sobraon prior to transferring to the 3rd Light Dragoons.

Three: Sick Berth Steward Matthew Townley, Royal Navy Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (Mattw. Townley. Sick Bth. Attent. HMS Vengeance) contemporary engraved naming; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., wide suspension (Mw. Townley Sick Berth Stewd. H.M.S. Wellesley. 27 Yrs); Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, unnamed as issued, pierced and fitted with rings for suspension, mounted on card for display, the first with contact marks, nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine (3) £800-£1,000 --- Matthew Townley was born in Northampton on 15 July 1818, and joined the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman on 7 August 1840, becoming Able Seaman on 5 March 1843. He served aboard H.M. Ships Howe, Eurydice and Retribution before joining Vengeance on 17 October 1846. In August 1851 he became a Sick Berth Attendant and continued to serve in Vengeance until 15 May 1855, during which period he saw service in the Crimea and is believed to be one of only three Sick Berth ratings to receive the Crimea medal. After further service aboard St George, Exmouth and Ganges, he joined Wellesley on 27 May 1861, and advanced to Sick Berth Steward on 1 January 1862. He received his L.S. & G.C. medal in March 1868, his period of service being recorded as 27 years, and was discharged to pension on 28 March 1868. Sold with copied record of service.

Three: Deputy Surgeon-General E. H. Roberts, Army Medical Department, who served with the 72nd Highlanders in the Crimea and with the 79th Highlanders in the Indian Mutiny Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol, unnamed as issued; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Asst. Surgn. E H Roberts, 79th Highlanders); Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, unnamed as issued, pierced and fitted with rings for suspension, mounted on card for display, light contact marks, otherwise very fine (3) £600-£800 --- Edmund Humphrey Roberts was born at Holyhead on 3 May 1832, and was appointed Assistant Surgeon, 72nd Foot, on 23 June 1854; 79th Foot, 14 July 1857; Staff, 14 June 1859; Surgeon, Staff, 7 August 1866; Royal Artillery, 2 October 1866; Staff, 5 May 1869; 9th Foot, 21 August 1872; Brigade Surgeon, 13 November 1881; Deputy Surgeon-General, 4 May 1886; retired, 14 March 1889, having latterly held the position of Principal Medical Officer of the Chatham District. Served as Assistant Surgeon with 72nd Highlanders in the Crimea 1855-56 (Medal with Clasp, Turkish medal); Assistant Surgeon with 79th Highlanders in the Indian Mutiny 1858, including siege and capture of Lucknow, attack on the fort of Rooyah, action at Allygunge and capture of Bareilly (Medal with Clasp). He died at Brighton on 24 November 1894.

Three: Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals R. W. Williams, Royal Navy India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Perak (R. W. Williams. Surgn. R.N. H.M.S. “Philomel”); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (R. W. Williams, Surgn. R.N. H.M.S. “Northumberland”); Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, unnamed as issued, medals contained in a small glass fronted display case, very fine (3) £700-£900 --- Robert William Williams joined the Royal Navy as a Surgeon on 1 October 1872. As Surgeon of Philomel he served with the Laroot field force during operations against the Malays in 1875 (Perak Medal and Clasp). As Surgeon of Boxer he was present during the Niger expedition of 1877, when several piratical villages were destroyed, and severe punishment inflicted on the river pirates. He was Surgeon of the Northumberland during the Egyptian war of 1882 (Egyptian Medal, Khedive’s Bronze Star). Williams retired on 10 January 1902 with the customary promotion to Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals.

Pair: Quartermaster Sergeant Foreman of Works J. Middleton, Royal Engineers South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (13016, Lce. Corpl. J. Middleton, R.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (13016. Q.M.S. F. of Works, J. Middleton. R.E.) light contact marks and minor edge bruise to latter, very fine (2) (2) £600-£800 --- James Middleton was born at Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 1855 and attested for the Royal Engineers at Portsmouth on 15 April 1875. He was appointed Lance-Corporal in November 1878, and served with the Engineers in South Africa from December 1878 to May 1880, and was present at the Battle of Inyezane, 22 January 1879; the Blockade of Eshowe, 23 January to 3 April 1879; and the operations before Ulundi, 4 July 1879. He was promoted Corporal in April 1882; Sergeant in April 1885; and Company Sergeant Major in April 1886. Advanced Quartermaster Sergeant Foreman of Works in April 1892, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in October 1893, and was discharged on 31 May 1901, after 26 years and 47 days’ service. Sold with copied record of service and medal roll extract.

Five: Quartermaster Sergeant G. Goldsmith, Royal Engineers South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (12135 2nd Corpl. G. Goldsmith. R.E.); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (12135. Corpl. G. Goldsmith. 24th Co. R.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (12135. C.S. Maj: F. of Wks. G. Goldsmith. R.E.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 3rd issue (Q.M. Sjt. G. Goldsmith. R.E.); Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, unnamed as issued, contact marks and pitting, otherwise nearly very fine, the MSM extremely fine (5) £800-£1,000 --- George Goldsmith was born in Epsom, Surrey, in 1855 and attested for the Royal Engineers at Aldershot on 1 June 1874. He served overseas in South Africa from 27 February 1879 to 29 January 1880, and in Egypt from 8 August to 25 October 1882, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 191 of 1892. He was advanced Quartermaster Sergeant Foreman of Works on 16 October 1892, and was discharged on 31 January 1899, after 24 years and 245 days’ service. He was awarded his Meritorious Service Medal, with Annuity, per Army Order 151 of May 1937. Sold with copied record of service and medal roll extracts.

Three: Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals W. M. Lory, Royal Navy Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (W. M. Lory. Surg: R.N. H.M.S. “Agincourt”) together with a second similar medal (W. M. Lory, Surgeon R.N., H.M.S. Agincourt) this with later impressed naming; China 1900, no clasp (Flt. Surg. W. M. Lory, R.N., H.M.S. Aurora); Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, unnamed as issued, good very fine (4) £600-£800 --- William Manley Lory was born on 25 March 1884, and qualified L.S.A. Lond. in 1875 and M.R.C.S. in 1878, being registered on 28th September of that year. He joined the Royal Navy as a Surgeon on 31 March 1880, and, after a period at Netley Hospital, joined H.M.S. Agincourt, being engaged in operations in Egypt in this vessel from 16 July to 14 September 1882 (Medal). He was promoted to Staff Surgeon on 31 March 1892, having served at the hospital at Ascension Island for two years prior to this. Whilst serving on H.M.S. Aurora during the Boxer Rebellion he was advanced to Fleet Surgeon and served ashore at Wei-hai-wei from 22 to 27 September 1901 (Medal). Following retirement as Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals on 23 September 1905, he was appointed Final Medical Examination Officer for recruiting duties at Birmingham. He died on 27 February 1933. Sold with copied record of service. Note: The Medal Roll for the Egypt and Sudan Medal notes that a Replacement medal was issued to the recipient, and the two medals have been reunited by the present vendor.

Pair: Corporal A. Angell, 2nd Battalion, West India Regiment East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1891-2 (3267 L/Corpl. A. Angell 2/W.I. Rgt.); Ashanti Star 1896, unnamed as issued, very light pitting, good very fine (2) £400-£500 --- A. Angell served with the 2nd Battalion, West India Regiment, in the Gambia Expedition 1891-92, and the Ashanti Expedition 1895-96, and was also entitled to the clasp 1897-98 to his East and West Africa Medal. He was discharged on 4 November 1898. Sold with copied medal roll extracts.

Pair: Private C. Gibb, Cameron Highlanders, who was wounded in action at the Battle of Atbara on 8 April 1898 Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (3811 Pte. C. Gibb, 1/Cam: Hdrs.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 2 clasps, The Atbara, Khartoum (3811 Pte., C. Gibb 1 Cam. Highrs.) contemporarily engraved in the usual Regimental style, light contact marks, very fine (2) £500-£700 --- Charles Gibb was born in Elgin, Morayshire, in 1878 and attested for the Cameron Highlanders at Inverness on 30 June 1896. He served with the 1st Battalion in Egypt and the Sudan from October 1897 to March 1900, and was wounded in action at the Battle of Atbara on 8 April 1898, during which action the Regiment suffered 44 casualties, including 3 officers killed and 1 wounded. Gibb saw further service in South Africa during the Boer War from March 1900 to October 1902 (also entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902). He transferred to the Army Reserve in June 1908, and was discharged on 29 June 1912, after 16 years’ service. Sold with copied research.

Four: Private H. J. Holdaway, Cameron Highlanders Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (2991. Pte. H. Holdoway [sic] 1/Cam. Hrs.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (2991. Pte. H. Holdaway. 1: Cam’n: Hdrs:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2991 Pte. H. Holdaway. Cameron Highrs:); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 2 clasps, The Atbara, Khartoum (2991. Pte. Holdaway 1 Cam Highrs) contemporarily engraved in the usual Regimental style, the obverses of the first three and the reverse of the last abrasively cleaned, heavy contact marks partially obscuring naming, suspensions somewhat loose, therefore fair to fine, the reverses generally very fine (4) £500-£700 --- Harry James Holdaway was born at Chalvey, Buckinghamshire, in 1874 and attested for the Cameron Highlanders at Inverness on 1 February 1892, having previously served with the 5th (Militia) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. He served with the 1st Battalion in Egypt and the Sudan from 4 October 1897 to 2 March 1900, and then in South Africa during the Boer War from 3 March 1900 to 7 November 1902. He transferred to the Reserve on 1 February 1904, and that same year commenced work at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, as a Cadets’ servant. The 1939 Register still lists him as being employed at the College, and hand-written date calculations on the cover of his service papers tally to 46 years and 10 months, possibly an indication as to his time spent in the army and then at Sandhurst. He died in Camberwell, London, in January 1956. Sold with copied record of service; medal roll extracts; and copied research.

Pair: Signalman W. H. Mortley, Royal Navy and H.M. Coast Guard Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (W. H. Mortley, Siglmn: H.M.S. Sybille); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (170314 W. H. Mortley, Boatman, H.M. Coast Guard.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (2) £180-£220 --- William Henry Mortley was born in the Dover area on 11 May 1877. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy in October 1892 and soon transferred to the Signal Branch, becoming a Qualified Signaller in July 1899. In October 1900 he joined the Sybille for what was to be an interesting deployment when Sybille ran aground on the rocks south of Lamberts Bay on the Cape west coast, early on the morning of 16 January 1901. Fortunately the two hundred and fifty odd members of the crew aboard were rescued without mishap. Mortley saw out the rest of the war in Monarch, Forte and Rattler. In April 1905, he joined the Coastguard serving at Fowey before a transfer to Llantwil in 1906, then Amlwch in 1910. He served here until being moved to Scotland in 1915. However, in August 1917 he was back in Anglesey, being based at Holyhead until his discharge in June 1919. He was awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal on 24 June 1910. Sold with copied record of service.

Pair: Private Charles Edgcomb, Royal Marines Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901 (C. Edgcomb, Pte. R.M., H.M.S. Terpsichore.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Chas. Edgcomb, Pte. No. 3683 Plymo. R.M.L.I.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (2) £200-£240 --- Charles Edgcomb was born at Kingston, Devon, on 9 December 1866, and he joined the Royal Marines at Plymouth on 9 January 1886, aged 19 years 1 month. Throughout his service his conduct was ‘VG’ and on 5 June 1901 he was awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal. He joined Terpsichore on 7 February 1901 and served aboard her until 1 July 1904. His documents note that on 10 October 1901 he was ‘Landed for defence of Lamberts Bay (Boer War)’ and that on 31 March 1904 he received his grant for the South African war. He received his Q.S.A. on 2 June 1904 and was invalided out on 11 January 1906. Sold with copied record of service.

Four: Private J. Calland, Lancashire Fusiliers, late Royal Lancaster Regiment Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (6367 J. Calland. Rl: Lanc: Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (6367 Pte. J. Calland. Rl: Lanc: Regt.); 1914-15 Star (3-4833 Pte. J. Calland. Lan: Fus.); British War Medal 1914-20 (4833 Pte, J. Calland. Lan. Fus.) nearly very fine (4) £120-£160

Pair: Private J. Halloran, Royal Irish Regiment Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen, unofficial rivets between third and fourth clasps (6416 Pte. J. Halloran, 1st. Rl: Irish Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (6416 Pte. J. Halloran. Rl: Irish Regt.) initial official corrected on first, and latter part of surname officially corrected on latter, contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £180-£220 --- John Halloran was born at Cashel, Co. Tipperary, in 1880 and attested for the Royal Irish Regiment at Clonmel on 4 August 1898, having previously served in the 5th (Militia) Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers. He served with the 1st Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War from 16 December 1899 to 10 February 1905 (entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with the clasps Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, and Johannesburg only; and the King’s South Africa Medal with the two date clasps), and subsequently in India from the latter date to 22 January 1906. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 3 August 1906, and was discharged on 3 August 1910, after 12 years’ service. The Royal Irish Regiment were not present as a unit at the actions represented by the clasps, and approximate numbers of clasps issued to men of the Royal Irish Regiment were 137 for the Relief of Kimberley, 138 for Paardeberg, and 105 for Johannesburg. Approximately 15 men were awarded this combination of clasps, including one Officer, Lieutenant Galbraith. Sold with copied record of service.

Pair: Private R. W. McBride, Border Horse, later Warren’s Mounted Infantry, Kitchener’s Fighting Scouts, and Pietersburg Light Horse (Bushveldt Carabineers) Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (9314 Pte. R. W. Mc.Bride. Border Horse.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (404 Tpr: R. W. Mc.Bride. Piettersburg L.H.) edge bruise to KSA, traces of lacquer, good very fine (2) £200-£240 --- Robert Wallace McBride, a native of Templepatrick, Co Antrim, was born in 1880 and attested for the Border Horse on 22 June 1900. He served with them during the Boer War, and subsequently with Warren’s Mounted Infantry from 25 February 1901; Kitchener’s Fighting Scouts from 3 June 1901; and the Pietersburg Light Horse (Bushveldt Carabineers) from 3 December 1901. He was discharged on 2 June 1902. Sold with copied attestation papers ands medal roll extracts.

Pair: Private F. W. Brain, Northamptonshire Regiment, who died on the Western Front on 2 August 1916 1914 Star, with clasp (6966 Pte. F. W. Brain. 1/North’n R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (6966 Pte. F. W. Brain. North’n. R.) very fine (2) £80-£100 --- Frederick William Brain attested for the Northamptonshire Regiment and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 August 1914. He died on 2 August 1916, whilst serving with the 6th Battalion, and is buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery, France.

Five: Superintendent Clerk W. C. Masson, Royal Engineers 1914 Star (2967 Cpl. W. A. Masson. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (2967 A.W.O. Cl.2 W. C. Masson. R.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (2967 E.C. Sjt: W. C. Masson. R.E.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (2967 T. Supt: Clk: W. C. Masson. R.E.) mounted as worn, good very fine (5) £240-£280 --- Walter Cooper Masson was born in Burma in 1884 and attested for the Royal Engineers at Chatham on 20 March 1899, aged 14 years and 10 months. He served with the British Expeditionary Force during the Great War on the Western Front from 7 October 1914 (also entitled to a claps to his 1914 Star), and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, with gratuity, per Army Order 312 of 1917. Promoted temporary Warrant Officer Class I and appointed temporary Superintendent Clerk on 1 December 1918, for his services during the Great War he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (London Gazette 3 June 1919). He was discharged 19 May 1923, after 24 years and 61 days’ service. Sold with copied record of service.

Four: Private R. T. H. Jones, Coldstream Guards 1914 Star (5787 Pte. R. T. H. Jones. C. Gds:); British War and Victory Medals (5787 Pte. R. T. H. Jones. C. Gds.); Defence Medal, contact marks and edge bruising, polish residue on star, nearly very fine (4) £80-£100 --- Richard Thomas Henry Jones attested for the Coldstream Guards on 10 October 1904 and served during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 August 1914. (also entitled to a clasp to his Star). He was discharged due to a deformity of his left foot, as a consequence of frostbite, on 14 September 1915 and was awarded a Silver War Badge, No. 6992. Sold with the recipient’s Great War riband bar, with rosette on the 1914 Star riband, and copied Medal Index Card.

Pair: Private J. S. Wood, Yorkshire Light Infantry 1914 Star (9214 Pte. J. S. Wood. Yorks: L.I.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (9214 Pte. J. S. Wood. Yorks. L.I.) nearly very fine (2) £70-£90 --- John S. Wood attested for the Yorkshire Light Infantry and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 August 1914 (also entitled to a clap to his 1914 Star). He was discharged on 23 July 1915.

Four: Chief Petty Officer A. Sawyer, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (198214. A. Sawyer. P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (198214 A. Sawyer. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (198214. Albert Sawyer, P.O. H.M.S. Pembroke) minor official correction to ship on last, good very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Albert Sawyer was born at Stoke, Suffolk, on 26 March 1882 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 17 February 1898. He served in a variety of ships and shore based establishments during the Great War; was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 7 July 1915; and was advanced Chief Petty Officer on 1 October 1918. He was shore pensioned on 4 October 1922.

Family Group: Four: Chief Stoker W. H. Davey, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (298795, W. H. Davey. S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (298795 W. H. Davey. Act. Ch. Sto. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (298795. W. H. Davey, Sto. P.O. H.M.S. King Alfred) very fine Five: Leading Electrician’s Mate, W. T. H. Davey, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (JX132366. W. T. H. Davey. L.S. H.M.S. Gleaner.) extremely fine (9) £180-£220 --- William Henry Davey was born in Gunnislake, Cornwall, on 14 March 1883. He commenced naval service as Stoker 2 Class, H.M.S. Vivid II on 17 October 1901. He advanced to Stoker, H.M.S. Victorious on 6 July 1902, to Stoker 1 Class, H.M.S. Skipjack, on 1 July 1906, and to Leading Stoker, H.M.S. Magnificent, on 1 June 1907. He was advanced to Stoker P.O. on 4 May 1909, whilst serving in H.M.S. Talbot, and was in H.M.S. Challenger from 30 May to 1 August 1914. During the Great War he also served in H.M.S. King Alfred, H.M.S. Argonaut and H.M.S. Musketeer. He joined H.M.S. Hecla from 13 April to 18 June 1918, being advanced to Act Chief Stoker on 1 May 18, and to Chief Stoker, H.M.S. Tiger on 5 March 1919. On 27 October 1923, he was discharged to ‘Shore’ and ‘Pensioned’. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal in November 1916, whilst in H.M.S. King Alfred. William Thomas Henry Davey was born on 15 November 1912, at Tavistock, Devon. He was a Gardener's Assistant before joining the Navy as a Boy 2 Class, H.M.S. Ganges on 27 September 1928. He was advanced to Boy 1 Class, on 12 May 1929, and to Ordinary Seaman on 15 November 1930. He advanced to Able Seaman on 16 May 1932 and remained an Able Seaman until rated Temporary Acting Leading Seaman on 20 September 1943, and confirmed a year later. He joined H.M.S. Gleaner on 21 September 1945, and remained in her until 2 September 1946, being finally confirmed as a full Leading Seaman on 1 July 1946. He had specialised as a Leading Torpedo Operator on 28 September 1938, and was re-categorised as a Leading Electricians' Mate on 8 December 1946, with a new official number MX 844043. He was finally invalided on 29 July 1948 at the age of 35. Despite being sentenced to 5 days cells for stealing in January 1932, he received his 1st Good Conduct Badge on 1 February 1934, two years later. He received his second on 20 November 1938. and later his third. He received the L.S. & G.C. medal in May 1946.

A ‘Q-Ship’ group of four awarded to Stoker Petty Officer W. J. Birch, Royal Navy, who was serving in H.M.S. Farnborough, ‘Q5’, when she sank the German submarine U-83 on 17 February 1917, an action for which her captain, Gordon Campbell, was awarded the Victoria Cross 1914-15 Star (135711, W. J. Birch, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (135711 W. J. Birch S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (135711. W. J. Birch, Sto. H.M.S. Colleen.) official correction to ‘M’ on LSGC, very fine (4) £500-£700 --- William James Birch was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 5 November 1865 and attested for the Royal Navy on 1 December 1885. Advanced Stoker Petty Officer on 1 July 1906, he was shore pensioned on 10 September 1908 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. Recalled for service during the Great War, he was borne on the books of the Irish depot ship H.M.S. Colleen when he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 26 October 1916, having joined H.M.S. Farnborough, the converted Q-Ship ‘Q5’, on 9 November 1915, under her Captain Gordon Campbell. He was present in Q5 on 17 February 1917 when off the west coast of Ireland at 9:45 a.m., Campbell, following proscribed Q-ship tactics, turned into the track of an enemy torpedo so as to allow it to hit Q5 aft by the engine-room bulkhead. The ‘panic party’ made a convincing departure in boats as the ship began to settle by the stern. Campbell and the guns’ crews, meanwhile, lay prone in their hiding places on the upper deck as the barely submerged U-boat, U-83 commanded by Hoppe, closed to within twenty yards. At 10:05 the submarine broke surface 300 yards off the port bow, but in a position where none of Q5’s guns could bear. Gradually, however, the submarine passed down the port side with the intention of securing the ship’s papers from the ‘crew’ in the boats. As U-83 motored abeam of Q5, Campbell could see that she was fully surfaced, with the conning tower open and Hoppe on the bridge. At 10:10 he gave the order to open fire. The guns’ crews got off forty five rounds at point blank range, nearly all of which hit. U-83 sank with the loss of all hands save for one officer and a seaman. Q5 in sinking condition was taken in tow by the destroyer H.M.S. Narwhal and the sloop H.M.S. Buttercup and eventually beached. Birch was one of the few crew members to leave Q5 on 24 February 1917, when he did not elect to follow Gordon Campbell to his next command, another Q-Ship, H.M.S. Pargust, which later sank UC-29, leading to the award of two Victoria Crosses under Rule Thirteen, with Lieutenant Stuart being selected by ballot as the representative officer and Seaman William Williams as the representative rating. Serving ashore for the rest of war, he was invalided from the service on 20 November 1918. Sold with copied service records, medal roll extracts and research.

Four: Petty Officer C. H. Morrow, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (215589, C. H. Morrow, P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (215589 C. H. Morrow. P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (215589 C. H. Morrow. P.O. H.M.S. Hecla.) contact marks, generally very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Carlton Henry Morrow was born on 22 April 1886, at Carlisle, Cumberland. He commenced naval service as Boy 2 Class, H.M.S. Caledonia, 30 July 1901. He advanced to Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Kent, 22 April 1904; to Able Seaman, on 17 August 1905; to Leading Seaman, H.M.S. Pembroke I, on 25 March 1909, and to Petty Officer, H.M.S. Rosario on 1 August 1913. During the Great War he served in several ships including Miranda, Leonidas, and Springbok. After The Great War he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer, H.M.S. Pembroke I, on 1 February 1921, but on 21 February 1925, he was `discharged' dead' from H.M.S. Abdiel, having "died suddenly", 14 months short of his pensionable date. Whilst still a Boy 1 Class in H.M.S. Caledonia, he had deserted on 15 July 1902, and was not recovered until 9 December 1902 when, by warrant of 19 December, he received 18 cuts with a birch by way of retribution. Thereafter his disciplinary record seems to have been satisfactory and he was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal when he was serving in the destroyer H.M.S. Sorceress, whose depot ship was H.M.S. Hecla, in 1919.

Five: Sick Berth Petty Officer Frederick Lee, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (351612, F. Lee, S.B.S.2., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (351612 F. L.ee. S.B.S. R.N.); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Iraq 1919-1920 (351612 F. Lee. S.B.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (351612 Frederick Lee, S.B.S. H.M.S. Triad.) mounted on card for display, polished, otherwise nearly very fine and rare (5) £2,200-£2,600 --- Frederick Lee was born at Rotherhithe, London, on 4 January 1886, and was a licensed victualler before joining the Sick Berth branch of the Royal Navy in January 1906 as a probationary Sick Bert Attendant, being confirmed in that rate in the following September. He was advanced to 2nd Sick Berth Steward in October 1911, becoming Sick Berth Steward in April 1916, and Sick Berth Petty Officer in August 1920, whilst serving aboard H.M.S. Triad which ship he had joined on 1 December the previous year. Whilst serving in Triad he was one of 44 officers and ratings of the ship to be awarded the rare ‘Iraq 1919-1920’ clasp. It was one of just 129 clasps awarded in total to those who, while serving aboard H.M. Ships, were detached for service in various tenders, tugs and river craft operating within the boundaries of Iraq in the period 17 July 1919 to 17 November 1920. The 9 officers, 103 ratings and 17 Royal Marines came from the following H.M. Ships: Clio (49), Espeigle (36) and Triad (44). Whilst also serving in Triad, Lee received his L.S. & G.C. medal on 2 March 1921. He left Triad in December 1921 and served the remainder of his time ashore at Pembroke II, apart from a period aboard Repulse from July 1926 to September 1927. He was finally pensioned to shore on 7 January 1928. Sold with copied medal roll extract and record of service For the recipient’s related miniature medals, see Lot 525.

Four: Stoker First Class F. Booth, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (290773. F. Booth. Sto. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (290773 F. Booth. Sto. 1. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (290773. Frank Booth. Sto. 1 Cl. H.M.Y. Enchantress.) ‘Y’ of ‘HMY’ officially corrected on last, nearly extremely fine (4) £80-£100 --- Frank Booth was born in Brighton, Sussex, on 23 February 1875 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 12 December 1898. He was advanced Stoker First Class on 1 July 1906, and served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments. He served in the Yacht Enchantress from 27 January 1919; was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 16 January 1920; and was shore pensioned on 27 June 1921.

Pair: Stoker First Class H. Marsh, Royal Navy, who died on 16 July 1917 1914-15 Star (K.15052. H. Marsh, Sto.1, R.N.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (K.15052 H. Marsh. Sto. 1 R.N.) very fine Pair: Ordinary Telegraphist R. R. Rolling, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (J. 47069 R. R. Rolling. O. Tel. R.N.) good very fine 1914-15 Star (121 W.T.S. F. Thorpe, W.T.O., R.N.R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (K.24024 W. R. Thomas. Sto.1 R.N.) very fine (6) £70-£90 --- Henry Marsh died on 16 July 1917 while serving in H.M.S. Gloucester and is buried at Bari War Cemetery, Italy. R. R. Rolling died on 13 February 1921 while serving in H.M.S. Pembroke and is buried at Sutton and Cheam Cemetery, Surrey.

Five: Leading Seaman E. W. Burridge, Royal Navy, later H.M. Coast Guard, who was landed from H.M.S. Boxer to assist in the relief work on the occasion of the earthquake at Messina in December 1908 1914-15 Star (206076, E. Burridge, L.S., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (206076 E. W. Burridge L.S. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (206076 E. W. Burridge. Lg. Btn. H.M.C.G.); Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, silver, unnamed as issued, generally very fine (5) £240-£280 --- Edgar Willie Burridge was born at Shoreditch, London, on 1 March 1884 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 29 August 1899. Advanced Able Seaman on 1 March 1902, he served in H.M.S. Boxer (whilst borne on the books of H.M.S. Orion I) from 1 June 1908 to 20 December 1909, and was landed from H.M.S. Boxer to assist in the relief work on the occasion of the earthquake at Messina in December 1908 (medal roll confirms). Advanced Leading Seaman on 1 May 1910, Burridge transferred to H.M. Coast Guard as Boatman at Boscastle on 25 March 1913. He was recalled for service during the Great War, and served in H.M.S. Doris from the outbreak of War to 15 January 1917. He returned to the Coast Guard on 20 November 1917, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 10 March 1923. He was shore discharged, on the reduction of the Coast Guard, on 31 March 1923, and died in Cornwall on 4 March 1934. Sold with copied research.

Four: Leading Seaman F. W. Cobley, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J. 16182 F. W. Cobley. A.B. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J. 16182 F. W. Cobley. A.B. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J. 16182 F. W. Cobley. L.S. H.M.S. Pembroke.); together with a R.A.O.B. donor’s medal, gilt and enamel, the reverse engraved ‘Bro. F. W. Cobley, Ramillies Lodge No. 3921’, heavy edge bruising and contact marks, therefore good fine and better (5) £80-£100

Four: Able Seaman J. Lightfoot, Royal Navy, who was landed from H.M.S. Sutlej for relief work at Messina in December 1908 1914-15 Star (226165, J. Lightfoot, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (226165 J. Lightfoot. A.B. R.N.); Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake 1908, silver, unnamed as issued, edge bruising and minor contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £140-£180 --- John Lightfoot was born as Lansallos, Cornwall, on 13 December 1887 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 25 May 1903. Advanced Able Seaman on 28 March 1907, he served in H.M.S. Sutlej from 7 May 1908 to 8 March 1909, and was landed from the ship to assist in the relief work on the occasion of the earthquake at Messina in December 1908. He served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, and was shore pensioned on 12 December 1927, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. He did not qualify for a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Four: Able Seaman W. J. Redgrave, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.15838, W. J. Redgrave, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.15838 W. J. Redgrave. A.B. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J.15838 W. J. Redgrave. A.B. H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth.) contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £100-£140 --- William John Redgrave was born at Halesworth, Suffolk, on 26 October 1895 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 6 February 1912. He served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 20 January 1929. Shore pensioned on 25 October 1935, he was recalled for service during the Second World War, and was discharged dead from H.M.S. Bulolo on 8 December 1940. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Three: Able Seaman J. C. E. Robinson, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (142873 J. C. E. Robinson. A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (142873 J. C. E. Robinson. A.B. R.N.) contact marks, nearly very fine Three: Attributed to H. Bridgewater, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, with Admiralty enclosure, in named car box of issue addressed to ‘Mr. H. Bridgewater, 8C Ashfield Parade, Southgate, London, N14’, extremely fine Royal Naval Reserve L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (L.1793 J. Rees. Sean. 2Cl., R.N.R.) good very fine (7) £80-£100

Pair: Able Seaman T. Slee, Royal Navy, who died after he accidentally shot himself in the abdomen when cleaning a revolver on board H.M.S. Fury at Scapa Flow on 28 November 1914 1914-15 Star (185983 T. Slee. A.B. R.N.); Victory Medal 1914-1919 (185983 T. Slee. A.B. R.N.); Memorial Plaque (Thomas Richard Slee) extremely fine (3) £80-£100 --- Thomas Slee was born in King's Nympton, North Devon, on 10 June 1880, the son of William and Priscilla Slee, later of Charlton Kings, near Cheltenham. The second forename, Richard, which appears on the memorial plaque does not appear in his Service Record. He joined the Navy as a Boy 2 Class, H.M.S. Impregnable, on 11 October 1895, having been a labourer before this. He advanced to Boy 1 Cass, on 11 June 1896, and to Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Renown on 10 June 1898, to Able Seama, on 16 October 1900, and remained in this rate for the remainder of his naval career. He became a Seaman Gunner on 23 July 1907 and a Gun Layer 3rd Class on 9 December 1907. He joined H.M.S. Fury, a tender to the Depot Ship H.M.S. Blake on 1 December 1912, and at some stage thereafter perhaps undertook the duties of Gunner's Yeoman or Armourer's Mate, amongst whose duties would have been the cleanliness of small arms, for it was whilst cleaning a revolver at 08.35 on 27 November 1914, that he accidentally shot himself in the abdomen whilst H.M.S. Fury was in Scapa Flow. At 09.30 he was transferred to the Hospital Ship H.M.S. Soudan and died the following morning at 10.50 on 28 November 1914. He was buried in Osmondwall Cemetery, Isle of Hoy, Orkney Islands. He left a widow, Fannie A Slee of 36 Victory Street, Keyham, Devonport, to whom his medals and Memorial Plaque were eventually sent. His parents later lived at Charlton Kings near Cheltenham, where his younger brother was also born in about 1900. His name appears on the War Memorial outside St Mary's Church, Charlton Kings near Cheltenham. He is additionally entitled to the British War Medal. Sold with copied research and two photographs of the War Memorial at St. Mary’s Church, Charlton King’s, near Cheltenham.

Pair: Ordinary Seaman L. Denton, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.39335, L. Denton. Boy.1., R.N.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (J.39335 L. Denton. Ord. R.N.) nearly very fine Pair: Private A. E. Taylor, West Riding Regiment 1914-15 Star (2636 Pte. A. E. Taylor, W. Rid. R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (2636 Pte. A. E. Taylor. W. Rid. R.) nearly very fine Pair: Gunner B. Blackburn, Royal Marine Artillery British War and Victory Medals (R.M.A. 1182-S- Gr. B. Blackburn.) good very fine Pair: Captain W. C. Farmer, Devonshire Regiment British War and Victory Medals (Capt. W. C. Farmer.) mounted as worn, very fine (8) £80-£100

Four: Engineman R. W. E. G. Burgoyne, Royal Naval Reserve 1914-15 Star (ES.3932, R. W. E. G. Burgoyne, Engn., R.N.R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (3932 E.S. R. W. E. G. Burgoyne. Engn. R.N.R.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (Robert W. F. G. Burgoyne); Victory Medal 1914-19 (3932 E.S. R. W. E. G. Burgoyne. Engn. R.N.R.) very fine (4) £60-£80

Four: Sub-Lieutenant J. V. Griffiths, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and Mercantile Marine 1914-15 Star (399 S.D. J. V. Griffiths. D.H., R.N.R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (S. Lt. J. V. Griffiths. R.N.V.R.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (James V. Griffiths.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (S. Lt. J. V. Griffiths. R.N.V.R.) very fine (4) £70-£90

Seven: Brevet Colonel F. S. Ferguson, Duke of Lancaster’s of Yeomanry, later 55th West Lancashire Divisional Train, Royal Army Service Corps (Territorial Force) 1914-15 Star (1865 T/Q.M.Sjt. F. S. Ferguson. D. of Lanc. O.Y.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. F. S. Ferguson.); Jubilee 1935 (Lieut. Col. F. S. Ferguson. T.D.) contemporarily engraved naming; Coronation 1937 (Brevet Colonel F. S. Ferguson. T.D.) contemporarily engraved naming; Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, with integral top riband bar; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (1865 Cpl. F. S. Ferguson. D. of Lanc: O. Yeo:) mounted court-style as worn and housed in a contemporary leather case, generally very fine and better (7) £300-£400 --- Fergus Stacey Ferguson was born at Stratford, Essex, on 12 August 1878 and was employed by Threlfall’s Brewery Co. Ltd. in Liverpool from 1895, working for them for 50 years, ultimately as Assistant Managing Director. He enlisted in the Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry on 18 September 1901, and was advanced Sergeant in 1912, having been awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal earlier that year. He was embodied for active service on 5 August 1914, and having been appointed temporary Quartermaster Sergeant, served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 August 1915. Prior to the end of the War he was granted a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Service Corps. Post-War, Ferguson continued in the Territorial Army with the 55th West Lancashire Divisional Train, and was awarded the Territorial Decoration on 13 January 1928. He was ultimately advanced Brevet Colonel on 3 May 1937. He retired the following month, and died in Liverpool on 27 March 1953. Sold with copied research.

Three: Lieutenant J. L. King, Somerset Light Infantry, later Royal Engineers 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. J. L. King. Som. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut J. L. King) nearly extremely fine Three: Private E. H. Thompson, Machine Gun Corps British War and Victory Medals (34400 Pte. E. H. Thompson. M.G.C.) in named card box of issue; Defence Medal, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr. E. H. Thompson, 2 Ridge Avenue, Letchworth, Hertfordshire’, traces of adhesive to reverse of DM, otherwise nearly extremely fine (6) £70-£90 --- James Lawrence King was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Somerset Light Infantry on 16 September 1914 and served with the 7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 20 November 1915. He was employed with the Army Signalling Service from 8 February 1916, before transferring to the Royal Engineers. Appointed Temporary Lieutenant on 15 June 1919, he relinquished his commission on 15 September 1921, retaining the rank of Lieutenant. Ernest Henry Thompson attested for the Machine Gun Corps on 5 May 1917, and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front. He was discharged on 15 November 1917, on account of being permanently physically unfit, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, No. 302,670.

Pair: W. G. Peckover, East Surrey Regiment 1914-15 Star (4488. ... W. G. Peckover. E. Surr. R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (448... W. G. Peckover. E. Surr. R.) rank obliterated from both, otherwise very fine Pair: Private J. H. Thomas, Cheshire Regiment British War and Victory Medals (60246 Pte. J. H. Thomas. Ches. R.) good very fine Pair: Private R. S. Watson, West Riding Regiment British War and Victory Medals (20970 Pte. R. S. Watson. W. Rid. R.) very fine Pair: Private J. Smith, King’s Own Scottish Borderers British War and Victory Medals (2991. Pte. J. Smith. K.O.S.B.) number officially corrected on VM, very fine (8) £100-£140

Three: Lance-Corporal G. J. T. Crouch, Royal Sussex Regiment 1914-15 Star (G-411 L. Cpl. G. J. T. Crouch. R. Suss: R.); British War and Victory Medals (G-411 Pte. G. J. T. Crouch. R. Suss. R.) mounted as worn, nearly very fine Three: Private D. Henderson, Royal Sussex Regiment 1914-15 Star (G-835 Pte. D. Henderson. R. Suss. R.); British War and Victory Medals (GS-835 Pte. D. Henderson. R. Suss. R.) traces of verdigris to Star, otherwise very fine Victory Medal 1914-19 (5420 Pte. W. Sandell. R. Suss. R.) good very fine (7) £80-£100

Three: Private J. Ince, Hampshire Regiment 1914-15 Star (330208 Pte. J. Ince. Hamps. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1379 Pte. J. Ince. Hamps. R.) mounted as worn, very fine Three: Sergeant H. Sheridan, Middlesex Regiment, who was taken Prisoner of War British War and Victory Medals (L-9080 Cpl. H. Sheridan Midd’x R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (6188392 Sjt. H. Sheridan. Midd’x R.); together with a Middlesex Regiment cap badge and a postcard photograph of the recipient, good very fine (6) £80-£100 --- Henry Sheridan attested for the Middlesex Regiment and served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914 (also entitled to a 1914 Star). His Medal Index Card notes that he was captured and taken Prisoner of War; most likely he was taken Prisoner of War at Mons in 1914, one of 397 ‘Regulars’ of the Regiment (approximately half a Battalion) who were taken Prisoner of War prior to Christmas Day 1914.

Three: Private F. Lawrence, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, later Labour Corps, who died at home on 1 July 1918 1914-15 Star (2246. Pte. F. Lawrence, Yorks. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2246 Pte. F. Lawrence. Yorks. L.I.) with two named card boxes of issue, nearly extremely fine Pair: Private E. F. Hollands, East Kent Regiment British War and Victory Medals (G-15792 Pte. E. F. Hollands. E. Kent R.); together with a ‘Chapel Fields Philanthropic Institution’ silver Presidential Star, engraved ‘E. F. Hollands, President, 1936’, good very fine 1914-15 Star (15363 Pte. W. Huson. N. Staff. R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (204553 Cpl. E. Hawkins. E. Kent R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (4302 Pte. A. Taylor. Essex R.) nearly very fine and better (9) £100-£140 --- Francis Lawrence was born in Shoreham, Suffolk, and attested for the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at Doncaster. He died at home on 1 July 1918 while serving in the Labour Corps and was buried at Scunthorpe Cemetery. Sold with original transmittal letters.

Four: Private J. Beech, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was wounded in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916, and was wounded and taken Prisoner of War at the Battle of Arras on 3 May 1917 1914-15 Star (R-1118 Pte. J. Beech. K.R. Rif: C.); British War and Victory Medals (R-1118 Pte. J. Beech. K.R. Rif. C.); Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (James Beech); together with the recipient’s Silver War Badge, the reverse numbered ‘439070’, good very fine (5) £100-£140 --- James Beech was born in Birmingham on October 1895 and attested there for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 2 September 1914. He served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 August 1915, and was present at the Battle of Loos. He saw further service at the Battle of the Somme, and was wounded in action at Roclincourt on the first day of the Battle, 1 July 1916: ‘At 10:50pm, the Germans exploded a mine under the Battalion’s forward trenches (creating a crater 160 feet wide) and launched an attack supported by heavy artillery fire with 5.9's, 4.2's and trench mortars on the front and communication trenches. The Germans entered the front trenches and commenced to bomb their way forward but were “bombed out” of the trenches by the Battalion’s bombers and a battle developed over the mine crater lips. Breastworks were constructed in the shattered trenches and crater whilst this was going on, with the work parties building it under heavy machine gun and trench mortar fire. By dawn the position was defensible. Casualties were 8 other ranks killed, and 3 Officers and 25 other ranks wounded.’ Beech was again wounded (gun shot wound to the right arm) and taken prisoner of war at the Battle of Arras on 3 May 1917, on which date Battalion casualties were 10 Officers and 270 other ranks. Repatriated to England on 5 May 1918 he was admitted to the King George Hospital, London with his wound still being classified as severe. As a result of his wound, he was medically discharged on 12 August 1918 and was awarded a life disability pension at 30%, as well as receiving a Silver War Badge. He subsequently worked as a telephone mechanic, and was awarded his Imperial Service Medal on retirement in 1960. Sold with copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient.

Three: Private T. Naismith, Gordon Highlanders, who died of wounds on the Western Front on 18 June 1915 1914-15 Star (S-8939 Pte. T. Naismith. Gord. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (S-8939 Pte. T. Naismith. Gordons.) good very fine Pair: Private A. C. Park, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 1914-15 Star (S-7483 Pte. A. C. Park. A. & S. Highrs.); British War Medal 1914-20 (S-7483 Pte. A. C. Park. A. & S. Highrs.) polished and worn, therefore fair to fine, the naming all completely legible British War Medal 1914-20 (1554 Pte. R. Thomson. Sco. Rif.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (2) (3675 Pte. J. T. Ballantyne. Sco. Rif.; 11214 Pte. R. Henderson. High. L.I.) naming very faintly impressed on last, generally very fine (8) £100-£140 --- Thomas Naismith attested for the Gordon Highlanders at Hamilton and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 May 1915. He died of wounds on 18 June 1915 and is buried at Brown’s Road Military Cemetery, Festubert, France.

Pair: Jemadar Gul Akhmad, 53rd Sikhs (Frontier Force), who was killed in action during the Relief of Kut on 14 January 1916 1914-15 Star (Jemdr. Gul Akhmad, 53/Sikhs F.F.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Jemdr. Gul. Akhmad, 53 Sikhs.) nearly very fine Pair: Sepoy Chhajja Singh, 30th Punjabis, who was killed in action in East Africa on 18 October 1917 1914-15 Star (No. 104 Sepoy Chhajja Singh, 1/30/Punjabis.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (104 Sepoy Chhajja Singh. 1-30 Pjbis) minor official correction to VM, nearly very fine 1914-15 Star (2) (No. 1891 Sep. Lala. 41-Dogras.; No 1099 Sepoy Lal Khan, 46/Punjabis); British War Medal 1914-20 (11440 Nk. Abdul Sattar, R.A.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (0267 Sepoy Blawal Khan, 2 Guides Infy.) generally good fine (8) £100-£140 --- Gul Akhmad was killed in action during the Relief of Kut on 14 January 1916 and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Chhajja Singh, a native of Hoshiarpur, Punjab, was killed in action in East Africa on 18 October 1917 and is commemorated in the Dar Es Salaam Memorial.

Pair: Private A. F. Goffin, Canadian Postal Corps 1914-15 Star (35218 Pte A. F. Goffin. Can: Postal C.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (35218 Pte. A. F. Goffin. Can. Post Corps.); Memorial Plaque (Arthur Frederick Goffin) generally very fine or better (3) £80-£120 --- Arthur Frederick Goffin was born on the Isle of Wight in May 1890. He was employed as a Mail Clerk in British Columbia prior to the Great War. Goffin served during the Great War with the Canadian Postal Corps on the Western Front. Private Goffin died at Shaughnessy Hospital from nephritis attributed to service, 25 April 1922, and is buried in the Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, British Columbia, Soldiers Plot.

Three: Signaller A. H. Harvey, Royal Navy and Mercantile Marine British War Medal 1914-20 (J.59912 A. H. Harvey. Sig. R.N.); Mercantile Marine War Medal (Arthur H. Harvey); Victory Medal 1914-19 (J.59912 A. H. Harvey. Sig. R.N.) very fine Pair: Second Hand H. S. Farrow, Royal Naval Reserve, who was killed in action on 15 February 1918 whilst serving in H.M.D. Golden Rule, during an enemy raid into the Dover Straits British War and Victory Medals (1237SA. H. S. Farrow. 2. Hd. R.N.R.) both medals lacquered, otherwise very fine Pair: G. L. Poingdestre, Mercantile Marine British War and Mercantile Marine War Medals (George L. Poingdestre) very fine Pair: F. Byrne, Mercantile Marine British War and Mercantile Marine War Medals (Francis Byrne) very fine (9) £100-£140 --- Arthur Herbert Harvey, a Merchant Seaman from Chelsea, London, was born on 27 February 1907. He attested as a Boy into the Royal Navy on 30 September 1916 and saw service during the Great War in H.M.S. Newcastle. Appointed Ordinary Signaller on 4 June 1917, he was advanced Signaller on 9 May 1918 and was medically discharged on 5 November 1919. Henry Samuel Farrow was born on 29 March 1884 in Beccles, Suffolk and attested for service with the Royal Naval Reserve during the Great War. He was killed in action on 15 February 1915 whilst serving in H.M.D. Golden Rule, when she was severely damaged in the enemy raid into the Dover Straits. Her Skipper, John Turrell, one of four severely wounded crew members, was subsequently awarded a D.S.C. for his great courage and energy in giving orders to the three remaining uninjured hands. Henry Farrow is buried in Dover (St. James’s) Cemetery, Kent. George Louis Poingdestre was born in Leyton, Essex on 24 October 1899 and saw service in the Mercantile Marine during the Great War, as a Steward in H.M.T Tagus. He appears in the 1939 Register as a Head Waiter residing in Worthing, Sussex. He died in Slough, Berkshire, in 1981. Two men of the named Francis Byrne served in the Mercantile Marine during the Great War.