Regimentally Important East Yorkshire Regiment Great War 1915 Bombing Party Distinguished Conduct Medal Group of Five Including a Verified Award of the Greek Military Cross Third Class, One of Only Two Awards to the Regiment, Distinguished Conduct medal GV, “9277 PTE. E. LUCAS 2/E. YORK:REGT.”, 1914-15 Star medal, “9277 PTE. E. LUCAS E. YORK: R.”, British War and Victory medals, “9277 SJT. E. LUCAS E. YORK. R.”, Greek Military Cross 3rd Class, reverse with date 1916-17, unamed as issued. Medals court mounted for display.Distinguished Conduct Medal - London Gazette 16th November 1915, ‘For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on 29th/30th September 1915, near Vermelles. During German counter attacks he was continually leading parties of bomb throwers. By his coolness and daring he set a fine example.’Greek Military Cross, 3rd Class - London Gazette 7th October 1919, 9277 Serjeant Edward Lucas D.C.M., 3rd Battalion, Est Yorkshire Regiment (Tonbridge, Kent). 1 of only 2 awards to the Regiment.Born in the village of Marden, Kent, 21 year old Edward Lucas was a farm labourer living in Tonbridge when he enlisted in the East Yorkshire Regiment on 18th May 1909. He served in India for nearly 5 years before arriving in France on 15th January 1915. At dawn on 29th September the Battalion was in the trenches near Vermelles when the German forces launched a heavy bombing attack. 2 squads of bombers from the East Yorkshires went to reinforce the South Staffords and beat off the attack. 2 hours later the Germans broke through the line to the left of the Battalion and once again the bombing squads went forward and broke up the attack and reoccupied the vacated trenches. The fighting continued all day long and during the afternoon the enemy made a heavy attack on the trenches held by the Middlesex Regiment, once again the bomber of the East Yorkshires went into action and drove the enemy back retaking all the captured line allowing the Middlesex Regiment to reoccupy their former positions. German attacks carried on through to the 30th but made little progress. In September the Battalion suffered casualties of 24 Other Ranks killed, 90 wounded and 6 missing. The following month the Battalion moved out to Salonica. During his wartime service Edward Lucas was wounded twice, GSW to the thigh in May 1915, and slightly wounded in January 1918 he also contracted Malaria and in September 1918 he was hospitalised with influenza finally being demobilised on 24th January 1919.
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WW1 British Officers Cuff Rank Tunic of Captain Frederick William Ullathorne Cousens Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment Late 13th Hussars, fine quality officers service dress tunic in khaki cloth with polished tunic buttons for the Royal Fusiliers. Bronze OSD regimental collar badges and cuff rank insignia for that of a Captain. Above the breast pocket are medal ribbons for the Queens South Africa and Kings South Africa medals. Cloth lined interior to the tunic. Inside pocket with Humphreys & Crook tailors label with inked name “Capt W F Cosens 3-6-14”. Tunic remains in generally very good condition, just two pocket buttons missing.Frederick William Ullathorne Cousens was born on 23rd January 1879 in Kensington, London. He originally gained a commission in the 3rd (City of London) Battalion the Royal Fusiliers before joining the 13th Hussars on 29th November 1899. He served during the Boer War in South Africa with the 13th Hussars where he received the Queens and Kings South Africa medals. He transferred back to the Royal Fusiliers before the outbreak of WW1 and proceeded to France with the 1st battalion Royal Fusiliers part of the B.E.F on 24th September 1914. A medical entry is noted for this officer in 1914 where he was admitted to hospital with a sprained foot. He was promoted to Captain and served with the 5th battalion Royal Fusiliers. He was awarded the 1914 star trio for his service during WW1. He later moved to Australia before returning to the UK and settling in Essex, where he died on 22nd October 1963. He is buried at West Norwood Cemetery.
Outstanding WW1 Other Ranks 02 Pattern Service Dress Tunic of a Military Medal Winner in the 8th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry with all the Original Battle Insignia of the 63rd Brigade 37th Infantry Division, a true WW1 time capsule, this tunic is untouched and just as it was hung up after WW1 had ended. The standard other ranks 1902 pattern tunic configured in the standard form with four pockets and the two pleats to the collar area. Tunic is complete with the original cloth battle insignia to both arms and cloth formation sign for the 37th Infantry division being the yellow horseshoe. Sergeants rank chevrons to both arms. One arm with a metal Lewis Gunners proficiency badge on a blue circular backing cloth, which at the time of publication we have no idea if the backing colour is significant in any way. Three overseas service stripes to the lower sleeve and the other sleeve has a charming field made two wound stripes. Above the breast pocket is the medal ribbon for the Military Medal (M.M) awarded for bravery in the field. Somerset Light Infantry regimental metal shoulder titles to the shoulder straps, one of these is damaged. Twist cord lanyard and a original 1916 dated trench whistle with the leather whistle strap still fixed to the top tunic pocket button. White lined pockets to the interior with no paper label remaining. Tunic does sadly have some moth damage but this all adds to the character of the tunic. It is incredibly rare to find WW1 other ranks tunics with the original battle insignia still in place as many of these tunics were destroyed once they come off the front line in 1918 and were replaced with the walking out pattern tunic which mostly appear on the market today. This actual tunic can be seen on the front cover of the reference book “WW1 British Battle Insignia” by Military Mode publishing.
Fine First World War Distinguished Conduct Medal Group of Three Awarded to a Stretcher Bearer in the Black Watch for his Actions in October 1918, Distinguished Conduct medal GV, “S/25885 PTE. A. MCINTOSH 8/R. HIGHRS”, British War and Victory medals “S-25885 PTE. A MCINTOSH R. HIGHRS”. Small knock on edge of DCM under letter ‘A’. D.C.M London Gazette 12th March 1919 with citation published 2nd December 1919 – “During the advance east from the Lys, on 20th October, 1918, when the position on the ridge to the right overlooking St. Louis had become untenable, he, along with another stretcher-bearer, went out in face of intense machine gun fire and brought in a wounded man. His courageous action brought forth the admiration of all who saw it, and was of great moral value at such a time. Throughout the operations he set a very fine example to his comrades”. Alexander Mcintosh from Inverkeilor, Arbroath, Scotland is entitled to a pair only for his service in the 8th Battalion Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) Regiment during the Great War.
WW2 British Service Dress Tunic Attributed to Captain P H B Wall 48 (Royal Marine) Commando, Awarded the Military Cross for Gallantry in 1945, four pocket officers service dress tunic with Royal Marines officers tunic buttons to the front and pockets. Above the breast pocket are medal ribbons for the Military Cross, 1939-45 star, Atlantic star with rosette, Africa star, Italy star, George VI Coronation medal and American Legion of Merit medal. No collar badges or rank insignia remain to the tunic. Accompanied by a pair of service dress breeches and separate cloth belt, the belt has name label “P.H.B. WALL”. Set remains in good condition showing just light service wear. Captain, later Major, Patrick Henry Bligh Wall, served with 48 Royal Marine Commando part of the 4th Commando brigade, when he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in action. The recommendation for the award was as follows, “On the night 20/21 Apr, 1945, Major Wall as second-in-command and patrol master of the commando, decided to lead, himself, the first patrol across the River Maas in the Biebosch area, penetrating 7000 yards in front of our forward defence locality. Here, he thrice encountered the enemy in much the same strength as himself and in shooting it out with them, caused them several casualties. Major Wall himself was the only casualty in the patrol and had a slight bullet scratch across his hand. Under Major Wall’s leadership and fired by his example of unflagging energy, the patrol moved about in enemy occupied territory for 36 hours without food, beating the enemy on every occasion they were met. When touch with his boats was lost, Major Wall, though an indifferent swimmer, ordered Lt Kingsley to take over command, and he himself led a small swimming party in a break out attempt. The result of the patrol, which was organised planned and led by Major Wall, was much useful information gained, several casualties, including four killed, inflicted on the enemy without loss to our side. Only the fact that one prisoner was killed by the enemy in a subsequent dash and two others wounded had to be left for humane reasons with morphia, prevented the patrol from bringing back a prisoner.”
Historically and Regimentally Important Uniform, Paperwork & Equipment Grouping of Major D O Faulkner Royal West Kent Regiment, Taken Prisoner of War in 1940, Made Numerous Escape Attempts and Became the Camp Locksmith, Making Keys so Storerooms Could be Opened to Steal Supplies for Escape Attempts, tunics consist of his Royal West Kent No1 dress tunic which originally was issued to another officer, with brass regimental tunic buttons, rank crown to shoulders and medal ribbons for WW2 and post WW2 service; Royal West Kent regiment officers mess dress uniform with the trousers having some moth damage; post WW2 jungle shirt with regimental slip-on rank slides and cloth formation signs; Royal West Kent regiment field officers No1 dress peaked cap with sterling silver cap badge, regimental forage cap with blue piping to the crown and regimental cap badge; various items of equipment, badges and insignia. Some of the equipment having the name of a different officer, but this was the equipment he was issued with after being released from captivity when he continued to serve in Malaya. Various items of pre-war and post war ephemera relating to him and the regiment. Fine Pre-WW2 photograph album compiled by Major Faulkner of the Royal West Kent regiment in camp and training. Many good photographs in this album showing the troops training in battle dress and steel helmets etc. All bar a couple of the images are believed to have been taken by Faulkner, a pack of negatives also are included with the lot. The most interesting items in the grouping are in what he called his “POW Bag”, these items in my opinion are of incredible historical and social importance and tell the story of his POW life, the first item is a metal handle for a suitcase, but when you look through one end, hidden inside is a tissue paper escape map, the idea being that the case handle would be broken open and then the map removed; an envelope with his name inked, “Denis”, reveals a hand written reconnaissance of the various escape routes which can be taken and gives fascinating insight into what they could do to aid their escape, one extract is as follows, “GERMANY’S WESTERN FRONTIERS – HOLLAND. Apart from VENLO area, which is closely watched, the Dutch station is not well guarded, not difficult to cross.” Later goes on to say, “In the MAASTICHT district it is dangerous to attempt to cross the MEUSE on the ALBERT CANAL, it is better to go due south rather than west into BELGIUM”. This reconnaissance notes covers Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Baltic Ports and the Swiss Frontier. The reconnaissance also covers information on Railway Travel, Travel Permits, Travel on Foot and Stowing Away. These five pages of handwritten reconnaissance would have been vital for Major Faulkner, when attempting to escape captivity. Other items in his ‘POW BAG’ include tissue escape map, silk escape maps and an interesting selection of lock picking tools and keys, which were useful to him as he was in charge of picking locks for the escape committee in the camps he was held in. A photograph taken inside a camp is included and also some un-issued WW2 German cloth insignia which he must have picked up whilst in a camp, possibly for use in a escape attempt? Overall this is an incredible grouping and with the escape reconnaissance sheets, which we have never seen before and possibly unique, a truly historic grouping. Sold by direct descent of the family of Major Faulkner. Major Faulkner’s daughter has written the following account about her father, “Like most POWs my father did not talk about his five years as a POW but he considered himself far more fortunate than those who had been Japanese POW’s. His BEF ID card is dated 2.5.1940 and he was captured on 29.5.1940 in “Godversveldt near Hazebrouk” in northern France near the Belgian border. He did say that as prisoners they were first marched through Belgium and that the locals, particularly when they halted for food and water, were unhelpful.He did talk about trying to escape several times and on his release questionnaire he mentions unsuccessful attempts whilst at Biberach and Warburg. The escape from Warburg is detailed in The London Gazette supplement no 37568 dated 17/5/1946 on page 2340 under the details for Flt Lt Peter Stevens RAFVR. He did say that he became downhearted by his failed attempts to escape and found the penalty of solitary confinement very difficult to bear. He concentrated his efforts on making lock picking tools and perfecting the techniques required so that he could help by opening (and closing) locked buildings and store rooms to obtain or examine things needed to improve their lives or for other escape attempts. He said he had to hide the pick locking tools in the wooden frames of his bed at each camp and it was always a struggle to hide anything when they were being transferred between camps. After the war when he did need his pick locking tools we would ask to see his other few POW mementoes which included the paper thin escape map and the suitcase handle which he said contained another very thin escape map within it. We were never allowed to open it up so I can only assume that is what can be seen in it. We are keeping his dog tags and his POW ID card number 547 dated 21.7.1943 for Rotenburg, his last camp but a photo of it is available. There is a set of 5 escape instructions and one refers to travel since March 1942; they are not written by him but were presumably provided to him in preparation for an escape attempt; I do not remember being told anything more about them. In the small photo of POWs my father is in the back row, second from the right hand end.He did speak about the lack of food as it was a daily problem and his questionnaire commends the Red Cross, British Legion in Switzerland and the English in the Argentine for their help with food parcels. He said they were told that they must eat the skins of potatoes as most of the goodness/vitamins were to be found just under the skin and that it was OK to eat mouldy food just as long as the mould was not orange! We were never quite so convinced by this last piece of advice but my mother would always defer to him on whether we should still eat any food that she was not sure about.In August 1980 Flight Lieutenant Roth raised issues about pay having been deducted from POWs against the issue of camp money and my father wrote to his MP about this. In his letter he says that except in the early days at Laufen there was little or nothing to buy with the camp money. His CO had been a prisoner in the first war for a short time and he told them that a proportion of their pay had been withheld but it had been returned after the war. He said this had the effect of devaluing the camp money between prisoners and that for example a tennis ball with camp money cost £200. In Biberach they had put vast quantities of spoil from at least one tunnel in the roofs of the barrack blocks and were subsequently charged a considerable sum for repairs. He was asked by the escape committee in various camps to put in requests for battle dress, particularly trousers as they were required for cutting up to make bags for carrying soil from escape tunnels. The cost of the uniform was deducted from his credits and he thought from his pay at home. Also at various times fuel for their “chip heaters” for cooking ran out and they burned camp money in order to heat food from their Red Cross parcels.
WW2 British Battle Dress Blouse 2nd / 5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, good example of an American war aid pattern battle dress blouse which has original combination insignia for the 46th Division, 139 Bde, 2nd/5th Bn Leicestershire Regiment. Medal ribbons for WW2 service above the breast pocket. Twist cord lanyard and service chevrons to the lower sleeve. Interior retains the original label but details worn away. Some areas of moth tracking but generally still a good originally badged battle dress blouse.
Great War 1916 Military Medal (M.M) to the Royal Army Medical Corps, Military medal GV, “65130 CPL. F. NUNN 104/F.A. R.A.M.C.” The medal is lightly pitted on all surfaces and a note with the medal states ‘slight pitting due to medal being left in uniform pocket for 100yrs’. London Gazette – 11th November 1916. Frederick Nunn was also awarded the British War medal and Victory medals for his wartime service. The War Diary notes that he was awarded his medal whilst at L’ Estrad Farm on 18th November 1916.
WW2 British Uniform and Equipment Grouping of Captain Francis Tasker Wheeldon Royal Army Medical Corps Attached Special Air Service (S.A.S) in Cairo and Later with the Special Boat Section (S.B.S) on the Greek Islands, superb grouping which still remains in the original leather suitcase with his initials impressed to the lid. Grouping consists of his early Indian made step in paratrooper jump smock with front zip and press stud snaps. The interior of the smock has a name label to the hanger hook in the collar. Smocks is dirty and shows extensive wear. This smock most likely what he was wearing when in Cairo with the Special Air Service on operations; officers Royal Army Medical Corps service dress tunic with brass regimental buttons, officers collar badges and parachute qualification wing worn on the breast in the operational position above his medal ribbons for WW2 service. Interior of the tunic with label to the inside pocket which is well worn but you can just make out “Dr F T Wheeldon” and the date 1942. Accompanied by the officers service dress trousers, these are heavily mothed around the crutch area. Grouping of equipment including open top webbing Webley pistol holster, map case, shirt collars and water bottle etc. The set remains in good untouched as found condition. After his death in 2005, the British Medical Journal published his obituary, extracts from this are as follows, “He qualified as a doctor in 1941, immediately joining the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Captain and receiving a posting to the embryonic Special Air Service in Cairo. He was then posted as medical officer to the Special Boat Squadron of the regiment based in Chios in the Greek Islands. It was here that he spent the majority of his army career, accompanying them on many of their legendary operations against the islands occupying Axis forces”. The obituary goes on to tell of how he was a orthopaedic surgeon in the town of Plymouth and was one of the pioneering surgeons in hip replacement surgery. An interesting grouping which would be worthy of further research into his exploits with the Special Boat Section.
WW2 British Officers Service Dress Uniform of Captain E W B Davis Royal Artillery / Royal West African Frontier Force (R.W.A.F.F), good untouched four pocket officers service dress tunic with Royal Artillery tunic buttons and gilt collar badges of the RWAFF. Metal rank pips to the shoulder straps. Medal ribbons to the breast pocket for 1939-45 star, Burma star and 1939-45 Defence medal. Accompanied by matching service dress trousers and officers Sam Browne belt and cross strap. Consigned by family of Captain Davis. (3 items)
An Unusual Great War U-Boat Action Distinguished Service Medal Group of Four to a Mercantile Marine Apprentice Who Went on to Command Merchant Vessels in the Second World War, Distinguished Service Medal GV, “APPRENTICE J. LIETCH MEDITERRANEAN 27 FEB 1917”, British War and Mercantile Marine War medals, “JAMES LEITCH”, Shipping Federation Medal for Meritorious Service in silver, named on the edge “J LEITCH 27TH FEB 1917”. Medal fitted with pin and catch on the reverse. (Note difference in spelling of surname on D.S.M.)Distinguished Service Medal, London Gazette 12th May 1917 - The following awards have been approved to the following men of the British Mercantile Marine, in recognition of zeal and devotion to duty shown in carrying on the trade of the country during the war. Apprentice James Leitch. Recommendation – “ADM/1/8476/298 S.S. Bellorado Bell Brothers, Glasgow. Attack by submarine 27 February 1917. Singled out together with Leading Seaman John Hutcheon by the surviving officers as deserving of recognition for the manner in which they fought the gun.”Born in Glasgow in February 1899, James Leitch was serving as a Mercantile Marine Apprentice when he won his DSM for gallantry on board the SS Bellorado.If February 1917 the Bellorado was travelling through the Mediterranean with a cargo of 5,959 tonnes of coal when a lookout saw something strange which he took to be a periscope just disappearing. Approximately three quarters of an hour later a submarine appeared of the port quarter some 2 miles astern. The submarine immediately opened fire but did not hit the Bellorado until the fifteenth round. The Bellorado returned fire with a much better aim, one shot landing at the submarine’s stern, apparently scoring a hit.The Bellorado was then hit twice with one shot hitting the wheelhouse and killing the Master, Chief Officer and an A.B. it also destroyed the compasses and disabled the steering gear. The other shot wounded 3 men as it struck the galley. The gun crew on board kept up an accurate fire and scored a second hit on the submarine just below the conning tower causing the submarine to go under stern first at a 15-20 degree angle with the final shots being fired at 5.20pm. After adjusting her steering gear, the Bellorado managed to reach Malta.In July 1928 Leitch gained his Master’s certificate and just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War he was appointed to the command of the vessel British Science.In April 1941 he was designated Commodore of the 13 ship convoy AN27 bound for Piraeus and Istanbul with British Science, carrying some 10,600 tonnes of assorted flammable fuels and oil. On 18th April the vessel was attacked by three Italian torpedo bombers one of which managed to hit the vessel on the starboard side making a hole in No.7 tank containing kerosene. The explosion blew oil all over the ship but caused no fire. Due to the fact the ship was trailing oil it was ordered to proceed independently to Suda Bay but was spotted by two more torpedo bombers who managed to score a hit on No.1 tank , this time covering the vessel with benzine but once again there was no fire. Due to the imminent danger, Captain Leitch ordered the ship abandoned and no sooner had the 43 man crew got away in two lifeboats and got round the windward side of the vessel, the ship was engulfed in flame. The crew were very soon picked up by H.M.S. Hero.Post war Leitch was given command of the cargo coaster Empire Mayring which he took out to Hong Kong. James Leitch died in Matilda Hospital, Hong Kong in June 1954. Whilst clearly entitled to campaign medals for the Second World War, Leitch does not appear to have claimed these medals.
WW2 British Home Front Civil Defence Battle Dress Blouse, good example of the blue wool battle dress jacket badged to CD Light Rescue units in Woolwich. Medal ribbons to the breast for WW1 service. The 1945 dated interior label shows it was originally an Austerity pattern Army khaki battle dress, possibly worn for the 1946 Victory Parade. Generally good condition.
An Unusual Group of Four Medals to a Royal Naval Stoker Who was Awarded a Bronze Sea Gallantry Medal for his Part in the Rescue of Nine Crew Members of a Nigerian Government Yacht in the Njong River, group consists of Sea Gallantry medal, GV, bronze, edge engraved “PHILLIP JOHN FARRELL “IVY” 21ST OCTOBER 1914”, Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct medal, GV (1st type) “K2360 P.J. FARRELL S.P.O. HMS CONCORD”, Defence medal and War medal 1939-45 (last 2 unnamed as issued). Born in Devonport on 15th July 1884, Phillip John Farrell joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker with service number SS102687 in March 1906. Transferred to Continuous Service in February 1909 with service number K2360 and was serving on HMS Cumberland at the outbreak of war. His Sea Gallantry medal was one of 9 awarded for the rescue on 21st July 1914 “A whaler belonging to the Nigerian Government yacht “Ivy” with 4 officers and 9 natives on board was capsized in the surf on the bar of the Njong River. The lifeboat of the SS Fullah was immediately launched and under the command of Commr. Cheetham + manned by Lieut. Clough, Lieut. Daniel, Odam, Grant, Farrell + Davis succeeded in rescuing Captain Fuller and 8 natives. Before being rescued Captain Fuller had twice been dragged away from the capsized whaler by natives clinging to him but he managed to pull them up to the boat, thus saving their lives. Lieut. Webb jumped overboard from the “Fullah” with a line round him and attempted to rescue those in the water but was unable to reach them. Considerable risk was incurred in rendering the services on account of the heavy surf on the bar. Entitled to a 1914-15 trio for his war service, he qualified for his LSGC in April 1921 and was pensioned to shore from Vivid II in March 1928 joining the Royal Fleet Reserve in the same month. In 1939 he was still a float but was by now a Stoker on the Torpoint Ferry. Phillip John Farrell died in 1955 in Plymouth.
EIIR Royal Navy Captains Full Uniform Grouping, consisting of officers blue tunic with double row of gilt EIIR Royal Navy tunic buttons. Captains rank lace to the cuffs and medal ribbons to the breast for WW2 service and also Order of the British Empire MBE civilian issue. Interior with tailors label with typed name (Vendors have asked this name not to be published). Accompanied by matching trousers; White top officers peaked cap with EIIR bullion cap badge on mohair band. Row of bullion embroidered oakleaves to the peak; officers mess dress tunic and waistcoat; George VI officers leather belt with sword slings; pair of RN berets and various items of insignia, including removable officers shoulder straps. The owner of this uniform served as ADC to the Queen. He also served on the Arctic Convoys during WW2 and was awarded the Arctic star. He also served as the Naval Attaché to Moscow and Finland in the 1960’s.
Royal Marine Commando No1 Dress Uniform and Miniature Medals of Colour Sergeant M Eccles M.M 42 Commando RM, Awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry on the Falkland Islands, fine No1 dress tunic with anodised regimental tunic buttons and collar badges. Bullion embroidered colour sergeants rank insignia and bullion parachute qualification wings. To the breast pocket is medal ribbons for the MM, General Service Medal (1962), South Atlantic medal with rosette and RN LSGC medal. Below the ribbons and pinned to the uniform is an original set of dress tunic miniatures. Interior with the original issue label having typed name and service number. Accompanied by the matching dress trousers. Set remains in very good condition. Colour Sergeant Eccles was awarded the Military Medal (M.M) for gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands. Citation as follows, “On 12th June 'K' Coy was the leading company for a unit night attack against a strongly held Argentine position on Mount Harriet. After surprising the enemy fierce fighting followed at close quarters amongst the rocks in which decisive and inspiring leadership at section level proved critical. Corporal Eccles set an outstanding example in this respect by leading from the front to encourage his section to exploit shock action and successfully overrun the position. This was only achieved, in fact, by a series of assaults against machine gun positions and groups of snipers. Several ranks were wounded, including another section commander, while the troop became even more depleted as increasing numbers of the enemy surrendered and had to be guarded. Corporal Eccles pressed on relentlessly, however, to inflict sufficient casualties for the remainder to abandon further resistance.”
Vietnam War 23rd Infantry Division of the Republic of Vietnam Jacket, interesting green zip front jacket with woollen waist band and cuffs. Reverse embroidered with large emblem of the 23rd Infantry division and around “SƯ ĐOÀN 23 bộ binh” and below the emblem 66 – 67. Accompanied by an American Vietnam war period four pocket dress tunic with cloth insignia, medal ribbon bars, tunic wing and enamel shoulder badges. (2 items)
A Fine Royal Navy Medal Group of Five to an Engineer Rear Admiral Who Served in the Boxer Rebellion, Was Present in the Rescue Operations at Messina and was Mentioned in Despatches for Service on HMS Liberty During the Action off Heligoland, 28th August 1914, China War medal 1900, “ASST. ENGR F.A. BUTLER H.M.S. ARETHUSA”, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals with Mentioned in Despatches oakleaf, “ENG. COMMR. F.A. BUTLER R.N”. Medals mounted as worn on pin with matching set of miniature medals. Frank Arthur Butler was born in Portsmouth on 15th August 1878 and entered the Royal Navy in June 1899. He is confirmed on the China medal roll for HMS Arethusa as Assistant Engineer. Promoted to Engineer Sub Lieutenant on 1st April 1903 he was present on HMS Minerva in the 1908 Messina relief operation and the award of the medal and diploma is confirmed on his record. In March 1908 he was tried by Court Martial for negligent performance of duty, but this was not proven. He was serving on HMS Liberty when the war broke out in August 1914 and was on board during the action off Heligoland in August 1914 for which he was MID for ‘showing much resource in effecting repairs to HMS Liberty during the action off Heligoland, 28th August 1914’. He was also promoted to Engineer Commander for exceptional service during the same action (London Gazette 1st January 1915). Promoted to Engineer Rear Admiral on 25th January 1929 he was placed on the retired list 2 days later. Recalled for service during the Second World War he spent time in Iceland and in December 1942 was commended for his service ’Their Lordships appreciation, this officer has been indefatigable in his endeavours to keep the local patrol and escort trawlers running. In Feb last he rendered valuable assistance by keeping in personal touch with both the management and men’s leaders. Largely due to his efforts there was no bad feeling between the Icelanders and British authorities.’ He will be entitled to medals for his service in the Second World War. Released from service on 28th August 1945, Frank Arthur Butler died on 13th April 1949.
Great War Prisoner of War 1914 Star Medal Trio Northumberland Fusiliers, 1914 star with Aug-Nov clasp (later issue), “1104 PTE. E.J. HONEY 1/NORTH’D FUS”., British War and Victory medal “1104 PTE. E.J. HONEY NORTHD FUS”. Lot also includes an enamelled RAOB Grove House Orphanage Donors medal engraved on the reverse to E. HONEY. Edward James Honey served in France with 1st Battalion arriving in France on 27th August 1914. Later transferred to 2nd Battalion and is confirmed as a prisoner of war on the Foreign Office List (128) 13th March 1916 being held in Friedrichsfeld camp. Clasp to 1914 star confirmed on medal index card.
1914 Star Medal Trio Northumberland Yeomanry, 1914 star, British War and Victory medal, “491 PTE W.G. KAYE NORTH’D YEO.” William George Kaye from Low Fell, County Durham enlisted into the 3/1st Northumberland Hussars on 28th March 1911. Arriving in France on 5th October 1914 he was admitted to hospital in October 1915 suffering from influenza. Discharged due to sickness (Rheumatism) on 27th March 1916 he was issued with a Silver War Badge (not present). William George Kaye died on 4th June 1925.
Great War 1914 Star Medal Trio Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 1914 Star medal with August-November clasp (later issue), “813 PTE. S.B. HILLSDEN R. WAR.R.”, British War and Victory medals “813 PTE. S.B. HILLSDEN R.WAR.R.” Born in Limehouse, London in January 1888, Samuel Bertie Hillsden enlisted into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 30th March 1906. On the outbreak of the war, he was serving in the 2nd battalion and landed in France on 4th October 1914. He transferred to the 8th East Surrey Regiment with service number 11999 on 8th October 1916. He was discharged as unfit for further service due to wounds on 28th February 1918 he was issued with a Silver War Badge. Horace Hillsden died in London in January 1983.
An Important and Well-Documented Medal, Uniform and Paperwork Grouping of Chief Petty Officer W. W. Collins, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve / Royal Naval Air Service, Who Served as an Observer with No. 1 Kite Balloon Section Aboard the First Kite Balloon Ship, H.M.S. Manica, During the Dardanelles Campaign of 1915, 1914-15 Star “LAA. 1025, W. W. Collins, A.B., R.N.V.R.”; British War and Victory Medals “L.A.A. 1025 W. W. Collins. C.P.O. R.N.V.R.”, mounted in a period frame, together with his Silver War Badge, 'R.N. 7174', the last lacking wearing pin, nearly extremely fine. Accompanying the medals is a glazed frame of headdress badges, RNAS embroidered shoulder title and RNAS embroidered arm eagle. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve tunic with double row of gilt buttons, to the collar embroidered R.N.V.R A.A.C collar patches and WW1 medal trio ribbons above the breast. Finely executed pair of watercolours of Sulva Bay 1915 signed by Collins to the lower corner; WW1 Commemorative tapestry with flags of the allies; original linen backed map of Gallipoli; archive of diaries and sketchbooks all documenting his time in the service. Chief Petty Officer Collins was responsible for directing the fire of the supporting warships; despite being subject to attack by shore battery and enemy aircraft, Collins, a famous artist, produced an outstanding first-hand written and artistic account of events as they happened. This grouping was originally sold by Spink in 2019, Lot 714. The grouping was consigned to them by direct family descendent and has only been in one hand since then.
Great War Medal Trio Awarded to an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve, consisting of 1914-15 Star medal, British War medal and Victory medals, “LIEUT H.B. SPANTON R.N.R.” Lot also includes a copy of the book, C.B.415 ‘War Instructions for British Merchant Ships, August 1917’, copy number 7861. This being a manual covering a wide variety of subjects bound in a lead lined outer cover designed so that the book would sink if thrown overboard to stop it falling into enemy hands. Henry Broadley Spanton, born into a farming family on 9th January 1883 in the village of Nonington in Kent. In 1911 he is shown as a Mariner, 2nd Mate, still living on the family farm. He enrolled into the Royal Naval Reserve on 27th April 1915 for the duration of the war. Serving on ‘Ark Royal’ and ‘Empress’ he was demobilised on 2nd October 1919. Post war he seems to have moved back into the family trade and is shown as a farmer at Lenhall Farm, Bishopsbourne near Canterbury on the 1939 Register. Henry Broadley Spanton died on 3rd June 1947 at the Kent & Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury, Kent.
Great War Officers Medal Trio for Service in the Royal Naval Air Service (R.N.A.S) Later Transferring to the Royal Air Force (R.A.F), Spending Some 22 Months Working with Kite Balloons, 1914-15 Star medal, “FLT. S.LT. H.D. HYDE R.N.A.S.”, British War and Victory medals, “CAPT. H.D. HYDE R.A.F”. Medals remain in good condition. Born on 24th October 1889, Henry Duncan Hyde was a resident of Bexhill on Sea, Sussex when he joined the Royal Naval Air Service on 18th June 1915 as a Temporary Flight Sub Lieutenant. This was confirmed in the following month and at the end of December 1916 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. Transferred to the Royal Air Force in April 1918 he gained his Captaincy on 28th August 1918. An Architect & Surveyor by trade he had some pre-war experience of ballooning and this meant he spent some 22 months working with balloon ships, as well as time with P-boat destroyers. Hyde transferred to the unemployed list on 2nd July 1919 and appears to have reverted to his original trade as in 1939 he is showing as an Architect & Surveyor living in St. Leonards Road, Bexhill. Henry Duncan Hyde was still living in Bexhill on Sea when he died in 1957.
Great War 2nd Battle of Ypres May 1915 Casualty Medal Trio & Memorial Plaque Group 7th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, 1914-15 star, “3145 PTE. R. CLARK DURH.L.I”, British War and Victory medal, “7-3145 PTE. R. CLARK DURH.L.I”. with bronze Memorial Plaque “ROBERT CLARK”, in card folder. Robert Clark from Grangetown near Sunderland served in B Company, 7th Battalion Durham Light Infantry and arrived in France on 19th April 1915. A month later the Battalion was in the trenches to the east of Ypres, on the 22nd May C and D Companies withdrew leaving A and B Companies in the line with 3/Royal Fusiliers. At 3am on 24th May the enemy launched a gas attack, an artillery bombardment hit the line at 8am and this was followed by a strong infantry assault forcing the Fusiliers (including A and B Companies) to retire to the second line. Robert Clark was reported as missing on or since 26th May 1915 which was the date that the remnants of A and B Companies returned to the Battalion. It is interesting to note that the page of the roll for Clark’s star has 12 names on it, 11 of these are marked as deceased. Robert Clark is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres.
Great War 1918 Casualty Medal Group of 3 to the 18th Middlesex (Pioneer) Battalion, 1914-15 star, British War and Victory medals, “2669 PTE. A WARRY MIDDX. R.” Albert Warry, a resident of Carlton Road, Chiswick, London attested for the Middlesex Regiment on 28th September 1914. Served in 4th/10th, 7th, 32nd and 18th Battalions, renumbered as 315903. First served in the Balkans theatre from 9th August 1915. By September 1918 he was with the 18th Battalion in the Equancourt / Heudicourt area of France and was 1 of 7 men killed on the 26th September 1918. 21 year old Albert Warry is buried in Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-le-Grande, France
Great War 1914-15 Medal Trio to a Private in the Northumberland Fusiliers, Attached Kings Own Lancaster Regiment, Killed During a German Gas Attack at Ypres in May 1915, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals, “5-334 PTE. J.S. CAMPBELL NORTH’D FUS”. John Stharny Campbell from Willington Quay, Northumberland served in ‘B’ Company 1/5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Landed in France on 20th April 1915 and a month later he was in the trenches at La Brique, near Ypres, where the Company had been attached to the 1st Battalion the Royal Lancaster Regiment. On 24th May 1915 the Germans launched a gas attack at 2.30am which was accompanied by a heavy bombardment and followed by an infantry attack. During this attack ‘B’ Company had 5 men killed, 31 wounded, 13 missing and 8 suffering from the effects of gas poisoning. 26 year old John Campbell lost his life during this attack and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres
Great War Medal Trio Awarded to a Private in the 3rd London Regiment Who Served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France and was Discharged Due to Wounds Received on the First Day of the Battle of the Somme, 1914-15 star, British War and Victory medals “2553 PTE H. LINES 3-LOND. R.” 20 year old Horace Lines, from Hawhorne Road, Hornesy, London was embodied into 3rd Battalion (Royal Fusiliers) London Regiment on 5th September 1914. He served initially in Malta from December 1914 before entering the Egyptian theatre of war on 12th September. Transferring to Gallipoli on the following day he was invalided back to England in November 1915 and didn’t re-join his until May 1916. His record indicates he was reported missing on the 1st July 1916 during the attack on Gommecourt. He is also recorded as suffering from wounds and shell shock on the same date and was returned to England on 3rd July 1916. He was discharged as unfit for further service due to wounds on 8th August 1917 and was issued with a Silver War badge. His records show 2 wounds, G.S.W. spine and Shell Shock. Also served with service number 250722
WW1 1914-15 Star Medal Trio Royal Fusiliers, 1914-15 star medal “16097 PTE. A.J. LLOYD R.FUS.”, British War and Victory medals “L-16097 PTE. A.J. LLOYD R.FUS”. Arthur James Lloyd served in 3rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers landing in France 1st June 1915. Also served in 36th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers with service number 79079
Great War Medal Trio to a Private in the Essex Regiment Who Was Accidently Wounded and Subsequently Died of Wounds Later the Same Day in April 1916, 1914-15 Star medal, British War and Victory medals, “17880 PTE. A.L. GIBBONS ESSEX R”. Group court mounted for display, star possibly gilt plated. Born in 1896 in Fulham, Arthur Leslie Gibbons was a resident of Ilford, Essex when he joined up. Initially serving in the 1st Battalion Essex Regiment he first served in the Balkans theatre from 20th July 1915. He later transferred to the 10th Battalion and in April 1916 the Battalion was stationed in the trenches of the Z-2 subsection of the Maricourt Defences. The war diary records that Private Gibbons was accidently wounded on 22nd April 1916 and died of those wounds later the same day but does not give any further details of the event. Arthur Leslie Gibbons is 1 of only 31 casualties buried in the Chipilly Cemetery Extension, France.
Great War Medal Trio for Service with the Yorkshire Light Infantry to a Sergeant who was Discharged as Unfit for Service in 1916 and Died in 1922, 1914-15 star, British War and Victory medal, “2471 PTE. J. MOORES YORKS. L.I.” James Moores from Pontefract, Yorkshire enlisted into the 5th Battalion on 11th August 1914. Arrived in France on 13th April 1915, discharged on 17th November 1916 as no longer fit for service due to illness. Entitled to a Silver War Badge. James Moores died on 18th April 1922
Great War Medal Trio Royal Fusiliers, 1914-15 star, “1958 PTE. E. SADLER R. FUS.”, British War and Victory medal, “GS-1958 PTE. E.G. SADLER R. FUS.” Ernest (George) Sadler served in France with the 8th Battalion between 31st May 1915 and 20th September 1918 when he transferred to the 9th Battalion until February 1919.
Great War Medal Trio Durham Light Infantry from Bolden Colliery Co. Durham, 1914-15 Star medal, British War and Victory medals, “14160 PTE. W. HODGSON DURH. L.I.” William Hodgson landed in France on 11th September 1915 and later transferred to the Labour Corps with service number 531707. Medal index card and medal roll indicate he was discharged 10th March 1919 but there is a pension record for William indicating he was discharged on 4th November 1918 due to the effects of multiple gunshot wounds
Great War Medal Trio 18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (1st County), Taken Prisoner of War in 1918, 1914-15 star, British War and Victory medal, “18-939 PTE. E. DARYCOTT DURH.L.I.” Ernest (Jenkinson) Darycott B.A. was a 30 year old schoolteacher from Houghton le Spring, Durham when war broke out in 1914. Enlisting into the 18th (Service) Battalion Durham Light Infantry (1st County) he served in Egypt from 22nd December 1915. The Battalion later transferred to the Western Front and Ernest was captured on or about the 26th March 1918 near Morey according to the German P.O.W. records (war diary has the Battalion near Moyenville during this period). Imprisoned at Cassell and Munster 3 camps he was eventually discharged in March 1919 and returned to his teaching profession. In 1939 he is a teacher still living in Houghton le Spring and is also a part time A.R.P. Warden. Ernest Jenkinson Darycott died in 1974 in Bromley.
Great War Medal Trio 25th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (Frontiersmen) Who Was Discharged Due to Illness in 1917, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medal, “14950 PTE W.A. LYTHALL R. FUS.” 45 year old William Arthur Lythall from Selly Oak, Birmingham enlisted into the 25th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (Frontiersmen) on 11th March 1915. Index card shows he entered Egyptian theatre of war on 4th May 1915. Transferred to the 2/4th Kings Shropshire Light Infantry on 16th December 1916 and was discharged due to ill health (Otitis Media and Rheumatism) with a Silver War Badge on 18th October 1917.
Great War Medal Trio 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, Killed in Action September 1916, 1914-15 star, “9863 L.CPL. W.D. MOFFATT DURH. L.I.”, British War and Victory medal “3-9863 PTE.W.D. MOFFATT DURH. L.I.” William Dallas Moffatt was a Shipping Clerk from Wallsend, Newcastle when he attested for the 3rd Battalion Durham Light Infantry in August 1914. Appointed Lance Corporal in October 1914 he arrived in France on 9th June 1915. Reduced back to Private in January 1916 he was killed in action on 16th September 1916 during the attack on Geudecourt when the 10th Battalion lost 6 Officers killed, 11 wounded and suffered 381 Other Ranks killed, wounded or missing. 23 year old William Dallas Moffatt is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
An Important British 1895 Pattern Infantry Officers Sword by Wilkinson No.30601, Belonging to Major General Arthur Solly-Flood Commanding Officer of the 4th Royal Irish Dragoons, Commander of 35th Brigade During the Battle of the Somme and Later Director General of Training for the British Expeditionary Force, signed regulation blade sharpened for field service with patent tang, etched PATENT SOLID HILT, crowned VR, scrolls and with owner’s name ARTHUR SOLLY-FLOOD within banner, regulation hilt, guard stamped STEEL HILT with traces of nickel plating, silver wire bound chequered composition grip, in its leather field service scabbard. Blade 83cs. Good condition. Accompanied by an archive of paperwork and ephemera relating to Arthur Solly-Flood, including commission documents, MID certificate, forwarding document for the 1935 jubilee medal, Belgium citation, large press photograph, Defence of Ypres veterans certificate, plus other items. His personal diary covering the period of 1914, up to August, and him arriving in France, sadly he decides to stop writing any more information after this. Formal black and white photograph of Sir Douglas Haig is also included which has a signed dedication from Haigs, wife to Sollly-Flood, Haig and Solly-Flood were very close friends. Other items of paperwork include a note signed by General Sir Henry Wilson, who was killed by the IRA on his own doorstep in 1922. An interesting grouping of items. Born the son of Major-General Sir Frederick Solly-Flood and Constance Eliza Frere, Arthur Solly-Flood was educated at Wellington College, Berkshire and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was commissioned into the South Lancashire Regiment in 1891. After seeing action in the Second Boer War, he became commanding officer of the 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards and, in that role, deployed to the Western Front during the First World War. He went on to be commander of the 35th Brigade during the Battle of the Somme in autumn 1916, Director-General of Training for the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in January 1917 and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Infantry Division in October 1917. He handed over his command in June 1919 and became Military Adviser in Ireland in April 1922. He returned to the command of 42nd (East Lancashire) Infantry Division in June 1923 and then served as Major-General, Cavalry from November 1927 until he retired in February 1931. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 1919 New Year Honours. He was colonel of the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards from 1930 until his death in December 1940.
Great War Medal Trio 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, Recipient from Newcastle upon Tyne, 1914-15 Star medal, “6.2572 PTE. S. SKEE NORTH’D FUS”. British War medal, “6.2772 PTE. S. SKEE NORTHD. FUS” and Victory medal “6-2572 PTE. S. SKEE NORTH’D FUS.” Stanley Skee was born on 23rd May 1897 in Newcastle upon Tyne. Enlisted in to the 1/6th Battalion and landed in France on 29th April 1915, he is shown as being hospitalised between April 1915 and March 1916 due to sickness (details unknown). Later transferred to 8th Battalion with service number 265490
Great War Medal Trio 1st Football Battalion Middlesex Regiment, Who Was Killed in Action on the Attack on Guillemont During the Battle of the Somme in August 1916, 1914-15 Star medal “F-603 PTE. V.A. TAPPING MIDDX. R.”, British War and Victory medal,” F-603 PTE. V.A. TAPPING MIDDX’ R”. Lot comes with certified copies of birth and death certificates and additional copied research. Small correction to letters TAP on B.W.M., a correction is noted on the medal index card. 18 year old Victor Albert Tapping gave his occupation as a labourer when he attested for the 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (1st Football) on 9th February 1915, he was 1 of the 7 children of James and Elizabeth Tapping of Humbolt Road, Hammersmith, London. Served in France from 17th November 1915 and was killed in action on 8th August 1916 when the Battalion attacked Guillemont and suffered heavy losses at ZZ trench and Machine Gun House with 29 men killed, 9 died of wounds, 115 wounded and 18 missing. Victor Tapping is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Great War Medal Trio Durham Light Infantry, Who Received a ‘Blighty’ Wound Within a Week of Landing in France and Who Was Awarded a Military Medal (M.M) in 1918, 1914-15 Star medal, “7590 PTE. E. PALLANT DURH. L.I.”, British War and Victory medals, “7590 SJT. E. PALLANT DURH. L.I.”. 18 year old Edgar Pallant from Stockton on Tees attested for the 1/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry on 16th September 1914. He landed in France on 17th April 1915 and was wounded (G.S.W. to the buttock) on the 25thApril as the battalion crossed the Yser canal to get into the support trenches near St. Jean. Returned to the UK on the 1st May and did not return to France until January 1917. Re-joining the 1/9th Battalion with service number 327253 he was awarded a Military Medal in 1918 (London Gazette 29th August 1918). Demobilised on 20th April 1919, he was presented with his Military Medal by the Deputy Mayor of Stockton on Tees at a Council Meeting on 3rd June 1919. Edgar Pallant died in Cleveland, Yorkshire in 1979.
Great War Trio of Medals to the 14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, Recipient Killed in Action in December 1915, 1914-15 Star medal, “10423 L-CPL. R. ROBERTSON DURH: L.I.”, British War and Victory medal, “3-10423 PTE. R. ROBERTSON DURH. L.I.” Robert Robertson was born in Lowick, Northumberland in 1874. He was married Storeman with 3 children when he enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry. He landed in France on 8th October 1915 serving with the 14th Battalion. In mid- December the Battalion had taken over the trenches defending Potijze in Belgium. He is recorded as having been killed on 18th December but there are no casualties recorded in the war diary on this date, 2 men were killed and 1 wounded on 17th and 24 men were killed and 52 wounded during a gas attack on the 19th December. Robert Robertson is buried in Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery, Belgium, his medals were claimed by his daughter as his wife had died in October 1918.
Great War Medal Trio Awarded to a Private in the Northamptonshire Regiment, Killed in Action October 1915 During the Final Days of the Battle of Loos, 1914-15 Star medal, British War and Victory medal, “17686 PTE. H. FLATT NORTHN R.”, Herbert Flatt was born in and was a resident of Stratford Essex, employed as a Labourer by the Great Eastern Railway Company when he enlisted into the 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment. Landed in France on 4th August 1915 and by October the Battalion was in the captured German trenches near Posen Street (Mazingarbe) preparing to attack. The British attack towards Hulluck was launched at 1pm on 13th October, the attacking troops were held up by intact enemy wire and strong counter barrages and failed to achieve their objectives and the attack was halted at 5.30 am the following day. Herbert Flatt is recorded as being killed in action on 13th October and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.
Great War Medal Trio Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 1914-15 Star medal “38326 PTE. S. MCCONNELL OXF: & BUCKS L.I.”, British War and Victory medal, “38326 PTE. S. MCCONNELL OXF. & BUCKS L.I.” Samuel McConnell served with the 1st Battalion and entered the Mesopotamian theatre of war on 17th August 1915. He was discharged on 1st May 1919
Naval General Service Medal 1793-1840 Awarded to Assistant Surgeon Robert Dobie for the Action on the Potomac River in 1814, Naval General Service medal with single clasp ‘The Potomac 17 Aug 1814’, impressed naming “ROBT. DOBIE, ASST. SURGN.” Remains in good condition. Robert Dobie commenced his service on Caledonia on 4th November 1809. Confirmed on board Seahorse for the action on the Potomac in August 1814 when Fort Washington and the town of Alexandria were taken. Appointed Surgeon on 24th October 1814 he served through until 25th February 1848. Finally declared unfit for service at sea 13th June 1853. A total of 104 clasps were issued for this action of which 35 were issued to the crew of Seahorse (6 Officers and 29 Ratings)
An Interesting WW1 1914-15 Star Medal Trio to an Original Member of 16th (Newcastle) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, Who Was Returned to the UK Wounded and was Later Court Martialled for Theft of Public Goods, 1914-15 Star medal, “16-66 SJT. M. RUTTER NORTH’D FUS.”, British war and Victory medals, “66 A.SJT M. RUTTER NORTH’D FUS”. Matthew Rutter, a 44 year old Mechanical engineer from Chester le Street, enlisted into the newly formed Newcastle Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers on 12th September 1914 immediately being promoted to Corporal. The 16th (Newcastle) Battalion was formed in September 1914 by the Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce. Promoted to Sergeant in January 1915 he landed in France on 22nd November 1915. He received a gunshot wound to the neck on 16th March 1916 and was returned to the UK 6 days later. He evidently had an interesting period of convalescence which resulted in him being tried by Court Martial on 16th September, having been found guilty of stealing public goods he was reduced to the ranks and sentenced to 84 days detention. Returning to France 10 days later he transferred to the Royal Engineers with service number 206862, later transferring to the Railway Engineer Section as WR261071. He obviously made up for his poor previous behaviour having been promoted to Acting Sergeant in October 1917. Discharged as unfit for service due to sickness (Chronic Colitis) on 14th December 1918 he was issued with a Silver War badge. Post war he returned to Chester le Street and in 1939 is shown as a retired Engineer and Special Constable.
Great War Medal Trio to a Serjeant in the 12th Battalion Durham Light Infantry Who Was Killed in Action During the Failed Attack from Tara Trench on 17th July 1916, 1914-15 Star medal, “17404 CPL. L. IRVIN DURH: L.I.”, British War and Victory medal, “17404 A-SJT. L. IRVIN DURH. L.I.”. Medals generally good condition. 26 year old Luke Irvin, a Dock Labourer from West Hartlepool attested for service in the 12th Battalion Durham Light Infantry on 23rd August 1914. Promoted to Corporal in May 1915 he landed in France on 25th August 1915. Promoted to Acting Serjeant in April 1916. On 16th July 1916 the Battalion took over Tara Trench to the left of the Bapaume, Albert. Having spent that day and the next consolidating trench system they received the order to attack the German trenches at 8pm on 17th July. The attack stalled almost from the start due to heavy enfilading machine gun fire from the enemy trenches with only A Company reaching the German trenches. As soon as it became dark all Companies withdrew back to their original lines. It was estimated that there that there were at least 10 machine guns firing on the attackers with some estimating the number to be nearer to 15. Battalion casualties during the attack were 6 Officers killed, 4 wounded with 27 Other Ranks killed, 82 wounded, 16 missing and 4 suffering from shell shock. Luke Irvin left behind a wife and a 2 year old son and he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Great War Medal Trio to a Private in the 9th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment Who Died of Wounds in the Attack on Messines Ridge in June 1917, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals, “G-3568 PTE. A.J. ETHERIDGE R.SUSS.R.”, medals remain in good overall condition. Albert James Etheridge was a Butler from Haywards Heath Sussex, enlisting into the Royal Sussex Regiment, he landed in France on 31st August 1915. By June 1917 he was with the 9th Battalion when they attacked at Messines Ridge. As the Battalion assembled in the trenches near Chateau Segard near Dickebusch on 7th June 1917 they were heavily shelled with gas resulting in 1 Other Rank being killed and 3 being gassed. The attack itself started at 3.10am but zero hour for the Battalion was not until 12 hours later at 3.10pm when the troops deployed under the British barrage. Within 20 minutes their objective had been taken with 40 casualties of all ranks. James Etheridge was one of those wounded and he is reported as having died of his wounds on the same day at the 4th London Field Ambulance. 30 year old Albert James Etheridge is buried in Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium.
WW1 German Patriotic China Grouping, including a large porcelain coffee pot with its lid, having Iron Cross medal within a wreath to the centre and national colours around the centre; same design small pot with its lid; small plate in the same design but with gilt wording “Aus grosser Beit Kriegsjahr 1914-15” (some wear to the gold lettering); two small dished with central Iron Cross set on crossed flags, within wreath and “Weltkrieg 1914/15” above. All generally good condition. (5 items)
A Great War 1914-15 Star Medal Trio and Memorial Plaque Group to a Private in the 13th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, Killed in Action in 1917, 1914-15 star medal, “18357 L.CPL. H.R. CLIFFORD DURH. L.I.”, British War and Victory medals “18357 PTE. H.R. CLIFFORD DURH: L.I.” with bronze Memorial Plaque “HUGH RICE CLIFFORD”. Originally from Portobello, Midlothian, Hugh Clifford was a 29 year old miner living in Motherwell when he enlisted into the 13th Durham Light Infantry on 5th September 1914. He landed in France on 25th August 1915. His conduct sheets make interesting reading with 7 offences being recorded including 2 of drunkenness, 3 for being absent, 1 for loosing kit and 1 for disobeying an order, in total he received 17 days of field punishment No1 as well as fines and being confined to barracks. He was also accidently wounded on 6th September 1917 with a puncture wound to the left breast. Private Clifford was killed in action on 21st October 1917 when the battalion was in the front line to the east of Polygon Wood where, after a fairly quiet day they were heavily shelled in the evening resulting in 13 Other Ranks being killed and 13 wounded. His effects and medals were claimed by his sister, Hugh Rice Clifford is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Impressive Imperial German Court Mounted Medal Group of Twelve, the group consists of 1914 Iron Cross 2nd class, Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Lippe Principality House Order Honour Cross without swords, Lubeck Hanseatic Cross, Bremen Hanseatic Cross, Hamburg Cross (slight enamel damage), Lippe-Detmold 1914 Cross, Saxe-Ernestine House Order Merit medal with 1915/6 bar, Saxe-Meinigen War Merit decoration, Oldenburg Friedrich August 1914 War Merit Cross 2nd class, Wurttemberg 1915 War Merit Cross with swords and Austrian Red Cross Merit Cross with Laurel wreath. Field grey backing cloth to the reverse with broad pin fitting. Superb grouping which must have been awarded to a very high ranking general.
Imperial German 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class, untouched example with an un-marked squashed ring and replacement ribbon; cut out black grade wound badge with pin and catch fixing to the reverse; 1914-1918 veterans award badge with pin and catch fixing to the reverse and a small WW1 German patriotic medal with Iron Cross and profile busts of the Kaiser and Austrian Kaiser Franz Joseph. (4 items)
WW1 Long Service Medal Group of Four to a Stoker Who Served in Submarines During and After the Great War, 1914-15 Star medal, British War and Victory medal, “K13479 J.P. MORRIS STO.1 R.N.”, Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct medal GV (1st type), “K13479 (PO.B.15119) J.P. MORRIS STO.1 R.F.R.” with matching ribbon bar. James Philip Morris from Stepney, London joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd class on his 20th birthday on 11th December 1911. At the outbreak of war, he was serving on the destroyer HMS Zulu and he transferred to the HMS Dolphin and the Submarine Service in May 1915. Served on H.M. Submarine E21 between August and October 1915 and from December 1916 through to April 1920. Post war he spent time on submarines H34, K11, K9, H27 and L22. Discharged on 10th December 1923 he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on the following day. Long Service medal issued 14th December 1929.
WW1 Medal Trio The Queens Regiment, consisting of 1914-15 Star medal, “G-3332 PTE. C. GREEN THE QUEEN’S R.”, British War and Victory medals, “G3332 SJT. C. GREEN THE QUEEN’S R.” Generally good condition. Charles Green landed in France 27th January 1915 with the Royal West Surrey Regiment, also served in the 19th London Regiment (service numbers 53930 and 616983).
A First World War Pair of Medals & Memorial Plaque Awarded to a Private in the Coldstream Guards, Who Was Killed by a German Shell Just as he Returned to the British Trenches After a Successful Trench Raid, British War and Victory medal, “17881 PTE. G.E. STRINGER C.GDS.”, with a bronze Memorial Plaque, “GEORGE EDWARD STRINGER”. Plaque in damaged embossed envelope and card folder. With certified copies of birth and death certificates. 22 year old George Edward Stringer, a resident of Fulham Middlesex served with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. In the trenches near Arras, the Battalion launched a raid on the German trenches just after midnight on the 28th February 1918. The raid was launched after an intense barrage and within 6 minutes 12 German prisoners had been captured and returned to the British trenches without any British casualties. The German retaliatory barrage hit the British trenches just as the last of the raiding party returned with 1 shell making a direct hit on Chili Avenue trench killing 2 and wounding another. Private Stringer was initially reported missing but was later found dead at the place where the shell struck (mentioned in the War diary). George Edward Stringer is buried in Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux-en-Gohelle, France.
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