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India General Service 1854-95, 2 clasps, Hazara 1888, Hazara 1891 (2009 Pte. D. McLaughlan 2d Bn. Sea. Highrs.) good very fine £160-£200 --- Sold with copied medal roll confirmation.

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Enoch Fletcher, 80th Regt.) nearly extremely fine £200-£240 --- Enoch Fletcher served in the 80th Regiment with the Madras Brigade under Brigadier Carthew in the Futtehpore District. The medal roll notes that he died on 8 April 1858.

A fine Second War D-Day ‘Operation Neptune’ D.S.M. awarded to Acting Temporary Corporal R. H. Davies, Royal Marines, for gallantry whilst serving as Coxswain of Landing Craft (Assault) 1139, part of L.C. Flotilla 541, on ‘King Gold beach’, 6 June 1944 Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Mne. (A/Temp/Corpl) R. H. Davies, R.M., PLY/X.103785) mounted on original investiture pin in it case of issue, extremely fine £2,400-£2,800 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 14 November 1944: ‘For gallantry, skill, determination and undaunted devotion to duty during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy - Marine (Acting Temporary Corporal) Richard Hubert Davies, R.M., PLY/X.103785 (Skewen, Glamorgan).’ Just 18 awards of the D.S.M. awarded to the Royal Marines in this London Gazette for the initial assault on D-Day. The original recommendation states: ‘Coxswain of L.C.A. 1139, L.C. Flotilla 541, assault of Gold beaches during operation NEPTUNE, 6th June 1944. This N.C.O., who has shown the utmost keenness and leadership during the training period, displayed an example of coolness leading the 1st flight of L.A.A.s in to King Green beach under fire, and considerable skill and courage beaching successfully with his second load of troops, when partly submerged mined obstacles were clearly visible on all sides, and getting his craft safely back again through the belt of obstacles.’

The outstanding Indian Mutiny medal awarded to Assistant-Surgeon H. M. Greenhow, 1st Oudh Irregular Cavalry, an original Defender recommended for the Victoria Cross for acts of bravery undertaken on the night of the arrival of Havelock's Relieving Force into the Residency; he was the last surviving Surgeon of the Defence of Lucknow Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Defence of Lucknow, Lucknow (Asst. Surgn. H. M. Greenhow, 1st Oudh Irreg. Cavy.) good very fine £3,000-£4,000 --- Greenhow's claim for the Victoria Cross is detailed in the Fort William Military Proceedings( WO 32/7353 - February 1864). He was first recommended on 27 May 1861, by Major W. T. Johnson, of the 12th Irregular Cavalry, that on the night of 27 September 1857, after the Relieving Force under General Havelock had fought their way into Lucknow, Dr. Greenhow voluntarily left the protection of the Residency, of which he was an original defender, and at great personal risk brought in some 12 to 15 wounded soldiers of the relieving Force. Many wounded men were left outside the Residency who would have died but for the exertions of Greenhow. He zealously persevered in this good work from 10 pm until near daylight, issuing out on 3 or 4 occasions. The Committee replied “The Board considers this act of devotion well worthy of the decoration but it wants the further conformation of eye-witnesses and should be returned for that purpose to Surgeon Greenhow”. The recommendation was resubmitted with Brevet Surgeon Bird stating, “that he met Greenhow without the walls of the Residency engaged in bringing in the wounded of the Relieving Force. This was work of great difficulty and danger and I believe that several men and officers owe their lives to the exertions of Mr. Greenhow.” By December 1860 the large numbers of late claims for the Crimean campaign were exercising minds in Horse Guards as to what to do with the similar numbers being submitted for the Mutiny. The Duke of Cambridge ordered a halt in further Mutiny submissions but then changed his mind as it was recognised that the Indian Service had reasons for complaint. Many were on sick leave so the time was extended with the last awards being gazetted in February 1862. Unfortunately the last awards for the Mutiny did not arrive until December 1863. Lord de Grey as Secretary of State pronounced that no more submissions could be countenanced so Greenhow together with those of Assistant-Surgeon J. Lumsdaine, Bombay Medical Service and Major J. Edmondstoune, 32nd Foot were all refused. Interestingly the last claim for the mutiny was approved and gazetted in 1907 for Lieutenant Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillipps, 11th Bengal N.I. who was killed at Delhi in 1857 (The Evolution of the Victoria Cross by M. J. Crook refers). Henry Martineau Greenhow was born on 6 September 1829, at Hanover Square, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, into a prominent medical and political family. His father, Thomas Michael Greenhow, was an illustrious medical man, who co-founded Newcastle’s Eye Infirmary and the Newcastle University Medical School, later co-founding Durham University. His sister, Frances Elizabeth, married into the Lupton family and worked tirelessly for women's educational rights. His mother was Elizabeth Martineau, sister of the political and social theorist Harriet Martineau, a devout Unitarian and believer in Mesmerism (Note: Catherine “Kate” Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, is a direct descendant from Greenhow's mother Elizabeth Martineau). He was educated at Newcastle and University College London; M.R.C.S. 1853; F.R.C.S. Edin. 1859. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon on 20 January 1854; Brevet Surgeon, 5 September 1858; Surgeon, 1 January 1866; Surgeon Major, 1 July 1873; retired 1876. He died at Esher, Surrey, on 26 November 1912. Surgeon H. M. Greenhow was present and served with the Oudh Irregular Cavalry throughout the Mutinies in Oudh in 1857 and 1858. He was mentioned for his untiring and extreme devotion and for his great skill in the despatches of Brigadier Inglis, Commanding the Garrison at Lucknow and received the thanks of the Government (Despatches London Gazette 16 January 1858; medal with two claps). He was the author of a variety of Medical books including "Notes Medical and Surgical, taken during the late Siege of Lucknow", and several novels including The Bow of Fate, 1893; The Tower of Ghilzean, 1896; Brenda's Experiment, 1896; Amy Vivian's Ring, 1897; The Emperor's Design, 1901; and Leila's Lovers, 1902. Greenhow was recognised as an excellent surgeon and as such Sir Dermot Daly was keen to recruit him to join the newly raised Oude Irregular Force. Irregular surgeons not only treated the troopers and families of the regiment, they were also charged with the medical and vaccination duties for all residents of the district. For this knowledge he was given command of the Native Hospital during the siege and messed with the Engineers and Artillery. His book “Notes Medical and Surgical, taken during the late Siege of Lucknow” is a fascinating account of the conditions in which he operated. Nowhere was safe from shot or shell and his description of treatments would seem esoteric today. In the case of Cholera he wrote, “Creosote” and water to allay vomiting, I found most useful. Turpentine frictions and garters tied around the legs, relieved cramp. Congee water and dilute sulphuric acid made useful drinks”. He was also called upon to observe and treat no fewer than 40 Europeans and Eurasians. He lists no names but instead gives each case a number from which, together with their injuries and where wounded, it is possible to put names to several cases; i.e. Number 27 on the list is Lieutenant J. H. T. Farquhar, 7th Bengal Light Cavalry, ‘aged 21, wounded at Chinhut – Bullet wound of mouth, breaking jaw. Ball swallowed and after 3 weeks ball passed per anum. Recovered.’ He further enumerates the total garrison which he deduced as being 2,983 men, women, children and natives, a figure accepted today as the most accurate. Among the many copied letters that accompany the lot is an unpublished 50-page lecture written over 30 years after the siege in which he attempts to bring to a new generation his intimate knowledge of events. From the opening fears of mutiny he relates his acute recollections of the horrors of death, injuries, disease, stench and, above all, flies that shrouded the Residency like a ghastly pall of death. However, parts of his monologue are interspersed with black humour, pathos, tragedy and joy. The following are but a few of his experiences and have been paraphrased: I was stationed at Secrora, 64 miles from Lucknow, where 6 or 8 European Officers were in charge of 1,500 native troops. All was quiet until the fall of Delhi when the demeanour of the men was visibly felt. Saving the women and children was the first priority but it was only when 50 Sikh Oudh Cavalrymen arrived from Lucknow commanding them to enter the residency that we made any move. Marching at night the anxiety became more intense as the men now took no pains to conceal their mutinous spirit singing blood-thirsty songs awaiting their opportunity to revolt. We halted when one of the Sepoys came up to me and clasping my knee said, “Sir, not one of you will escape to Lucknow; we shall kill you all.” With that he raised his loaded musket to his shoulder and took deliberate aim at the commanding officer's wife sitting on top of an elephant only for a Native Sergeant to take away his weapon saying quietly “Not now. Not now.” My revolver was ready to shoot the man but I did not fire as a shot at that moment would have brought catastrophe to the party... The enemy surrounding the Residency were, in places, o...

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (50/1190. Pte. A. Jelly. 57th Foot) good very fine £500-£700 --- Alfred Jelly was born in Norbiton, Surrey, and attested for the 50th Brigade at Kingston-on-Thames on 22 September 1877, aged 18 years 3 months, a bricklayer by trade. He served in South Africa with the 57th Foot from 19 February to 13 December, 1879, the remainder of his service at Home until 24 September 1889, when he was discharged after 12 years service. Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm medal and clasp.

A Second War ‘Operation Calendar (ii)’ D.S.M. group of five awarded to Leading Seaman H. E. Parrott, Royal Navy Patrol Service, for gallantry and endurance in Motor Minesweeper ‘57’ in clearing the Scheldt estuary of mines during the period October-November 1944, thus opening up a vital supply route to the port of Antwerp at a critical time in our military operations Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (L.S. H. E. Parrott. LT/JX. 198970); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, extremely fine (5) £900-£1,200 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 3 April 1945: ‘For gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.’ The original recommendation states: ‘This rating has carried out his duties as Coxswain in an excellent manner. Throughout the whole operation, his cheerfulness and leadership have been an inspiration to all on board. He has shown initiative and greatly assisted in keeping the ship fit for sweeping. During bad weather, both at sea and at anchor, he has shown continual concern for the safety and well-being of the ship. Twenty mines have been detonated during Scheldt operations in which the ship took part.’ Herbert Edgar Parrott was a Hull trawler man before joining the Royal Navy at the outbreak of the war and was Coxswain of M.M.S. 57 which was launched in October 1941, with a complement of 20 officers and crew. Operation Calendar (ii) was a British naval undertaking to sweep the West Scheldt branch of the Scheldt river estuary and so remove German mines during operations to open, and then keep open, the port of Antwerp to Allied shipping bringing in supplies and equipment to support the eastward movement of Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery’s Allied 21st Army Group and Lieutenant General Omar N. Bradley’s US 12th Army Group (November 1944/January 1945). The clearance of mines from the Scheldt estuary off the coast of Holland and Antwerp was the biggest minesweeping operation of the Second World War. The officers and men of M.M.S. 57 between them earned one D.S.C., four D.S.M.’s and three M.I.D.’s in these operations.

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (1728. Pte. R. White. 57th. Foot.) edge bruise, good very fine £500-£700 --- Sold with copied medal roll extract.

Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (1597 Pte. P. Kenny. 66th Foot) official correction to penultimate letter of surname, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise very fine £220-£260 --- Peter Kenny was born in the Parish of Ardee, County Louth, and enlisted into the Louth Rifle Militia at Dundalk on 22 December 1864. He transferred to the 47th Foot on 16 April 1867, and to the 66th Foot on 15 February 1870, and re-engaged in the same regiment at Belgaum to complete 21 years on 18 March 1874. He served in Afghanistan in 1880 and was sick at Quetta on 1 September 1880 (Medal). He transferred to the 2/15th Foot on 1 January 1881, and was discharged on 18 May 1886. Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm Afghanistan medal and entitlement to L.S. & G.C. medal.

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 5 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, Suakin 1884, El-Teb, The Nile 1884-85, Kirbekan (158. Pte. W. Hogg. 1/R. Hrs.) suspension a little slack and light pitting from star, otherwise very fine £500-£700 --- William Hogg was born in the Parish of Hawick, Roxburgh, and attested for the Black Watch at Edinburgh on his 19th birthday, 6 August 1881, a stocking maker by trade. H served abroad in Egypt and the Soudan from 8 August 1882 to 30 April 1886, at Malta until 7 August 1889, at Gibraltar until 7 October 1889, and the remainder at Home until his discharge on 5 August 1893. He signed up for 1 year’s service in the U.K. during the Great War, attesting for the 4th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers (T.F.) on 23 June 1915 and served until 3 December 1915. Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm Medal and clasps as well as entitlement to Khedive’s Star. Note: A renamed Egypt Medal to this man in known to exist.

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (3697. Bombr. Cr. Mkr. E. Knott. R.H.A.) edge bruising and pitting from star, otherwise better than good fine £120-£160 --- Edwin Knott was born in the Parish of Hampton Court, Kingston, Middlesex, and enlisted for the Royal Horse Artillery at Woolwich on 26 February 1874, aged 18 years 11 months, a collar and harness maker by trade. As a Gunner he served abroad in India from December 1876 to May 1879. He passed the Collar Makers Course on 31 October 1880, and was promoted Bombardier Collar Maker in March 1885, serving in Egypt from then until June 1886. After a further period at Home, he returned to serve in India again from February 1888 to November 1892, when he returned Home. He was finally discharged on 18 April 1897. Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm Medal with Suakin 1885 clasp and entitlement to Khedive's Star.

‘After having heard the battle raging around his craft, he left his engines under the charge of his assistant, picked up his sten gun, and joined in the gun battle.’ The unique Brunei D.S.M. pair awarded to Petty Officer Mechanician P. J. D. Kirwin, Royal Navy, Stoker Petty Officer of the leading lighter at the opposed Royal Marines Commando raid against heavily armed Indonesian supported rebels at Limbang, Brunei, on 12 December 1962, who, ‘when his craft came under heavy fire, left the safety of his engine room, grasped his automatic weapon, and engaged the rebels himself at very close range’ - one of just four D.S.M.s awarded to the Royal Navy in the period from the Korean War in 1953 until the Falklands War in 1982 Distinguished Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (P/KX.869578 P. J. D. Kirwin. P.O.M. (E) R.N.); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Brunei (KX.869578 P. J. D. Kirwin. P.O.M. (E). R.N.) this with officially re-impressed naming, together with original Royal Mint case of issue for D.S.M., extremely fine (2) £16,000-£20,000 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 31 May 1963: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in operations in Brunei during the period 8th to 23rd December 1962.’ Revolt in Brunei Up to 1962, the island of Borneo was divided into the vast southern area under Indonesian rule and three British dependencies, Sarawak, North Borneo and, sandwiched between them, the tiny but very wealthy protectorate of Brunei. With the sun gradually setting on British interests in this part of the Far East, a proposal to include these three northern Borneo states into the new Federation of Malaysia was opposed by Indonesia which then proceeded to back the dissident TNKU in mounting an insurrection in Brunei with the aim of maintaining a North Borneo Union. To further this, in December 1962 the rebels occupied several towns, including Brunei town and at Limbang across the border in Sarawak, they held a number of hostages, including the British Government’s Agent - the ‘Resident’, ‘Dick’ Morris - his wife and a nursing sister. There were indications that the hostages were to be executed on 12 December. At this time 42 Commando, who were awaiting Christmas in Singapore, were put on short notice, and two days later ‘L’ Company, under Captain Jeremy Moore (later to command British Land Forces during the Falklands War), flew to Brunei Town where the Gurkhas had restored order. In fact, most of the trouble had been quickly stamped out, except at Limbang, only accessible by river. Amphibious Assault on Limbang Tasked with rescuing the Limbang hostages, Moore’s urgency was further sharpened when it was learned that the TKNU had murdered some hostages at Bangar. At the waterfront in Brunei he met the Senior Naval Officer, Lieutenant-Commander J. J. Black (who by coincidence would also rise to senior command during the Falklands War as Captain of the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Invincible) who had requisitioned two Z-Lighter landing craft for the raid, the Nakhoda Manis and the Sindaun, and provided these with five man crews from the minesweepers Fiskerton and Chawton under his command. Lieutenant Willis, being Black’s First Lieutenant, was appointed as the Senior Naval Officer charged with ensuring that the task force arrived off Limbang but once the assault landing was under way, the lighters would then come under the tactical direction of the senior Royal Marine on board. None of the Royal Navy men under Willis had any experience in handling Z-Craft or landing craft operations but they were now being committed to the daunting prospect of an opposed landing. At 10pm on 11 December, the understrength ‘L’ Company of 87 men, faces blackened, all wearing green berets with glinting cap badges for identification, filed on to the waiting Z-Craft. On board the lead lighter, Nakhoda Manis - commanded by Willis - was Captain Moore, his reconnaissance group, part of Company HQ, and 5 Troop. Also aboard as guide was Captain Muton, the Brunei Director of Marine who would later receive the M.B.E. for his efforts and four more Royal Navy crew including Petty Officer Mechanician Kirwin. The assault went in at first light: ‘When they were 300yds from the Limbang police station, and as the leading craft came abreast of the huts south of the town,‘it erupted like a disturbed ants' nest as the rebels stood to’. At 200yds the Commando Intelligence Sergeant called through the loud-hailer in Malay: ‘The rebellion is over . . . you should lay down your arms.' They replied with automatic weapons - an LMG, three or four SMGs - and some dozen rifles, supported by over 100 shotguns. The instantaneous counter-fire from both craft gave the commandos, thanks to their Vickers machine-guns, the initiative, enabling the leading craft to beach half a minute later only 30yds from the police station. Two marines of the leading No.5 Troop were killed before the craft gained the bank and their OC, Lt ‘Paddy’ Davis, was wounded as he jumped ashore. Sgt Bickford led two Sections of the Troop against the police station, which was quickly cleared, but the naval coxswain of the leading craft had been wounded and as the craft drifted off the bank, Lt D.O. Willis, RN, drove it hard back ashore; but this shallow draught lighter broached to 150yds upstream between the hospital and the home of the British Resident. Capt Moore sent the reserve section ashore, with HQ personnel led by TSM McDonald, and they cleared the hospital. As they came through to the back of this building, the Troop sergeant and two marines were killed, ‘for the jungle comes literally right down to the back door of the hospital’. The grounding of the craft up-river had been a fortunate accident, for Capt Moore found some of the hostages in the hospital. A rebel had fired at them but missed, and no one was hurt. While the ground between the hospital and the police station was being cleared, as was the Resident’s house, the Company Commander was told of more hostages. Therefore, he organised the clearing of the rest of the town to the south, and by the afternoon had released another eight hostages but at nightfall there were still rebels inside the Company’s perimeter, two of whom were killed close to the marines’ positions. Next day the town was secured. Five marines had been killed and six wounded (including a sailor), but the action here, coupled with those of the Gurkhas and Queen's Own Highlanders elsewhere in Brunei, had broken the rebellion. At Limbang alone 15 rebels had been killed and 50 captured from a force of 350, - twice the expected size. They had been taken by surprise, as the commandos now discovered. The Vickers guns in the second craft had been masked, the Company Commander also learnt, by the leading craft, until QMS Cyril Quoins asked the officer commanding this lighter if he could pull out of line to give them a clearer shot. ‘Sergeant Major’, the officer replied, ‘Nelson would have loved you’, and promptly swung his craft into a more exposed position.’ (The Royal Marines by James D. Ladd refers.) It is also worth quoting Captain Jeremy Moore’s observations, made much later: ‘It is perhaps interesting to note that, though my assessment of where the enemy headquarters might be was right, I was quite wrong about the hostages. Furthermore, it was chance that the second beaching happened where it did, that resulted in us taking the hospital from the direction we did. It could be that this saved us heavier casualties, though I assess the most important factor in the success of the operation was first class leadership by junior NCOs. Their section battle craft was a joy to watch...

North West Canada 1885, no clasp (Gnr. F. W. King. M.G.A.) naming engraved in usual style for this unit, nearly extremely fine £400-£500 --- Frederick William King is confirmed on the roll as a Gunner in the Montreal Garrison Artillery, entitled to the medal without clasp.

East and West Africa 1887-1900, for M’wele 1895-6, no clasp, with ring suspension [sic] (2080 Pte. Jabir Salim. E.A.R.) a duplicate issue officially impressed in upright sans serif capitals, very fine £100-£140 --- Jabir Salim served with the East African Rifles in the Mbaruk Rebellion 1895-96. The medal roll states that a duplicate medal was issued on 24 February 1911, and for whatever reason this was issued with a ring suspension, in the style of the Central Africa Medal, rather than the correct straight bar suspension. Jabir Salim was also entitled to a 4 clasp Africa General Service Medal 1902-56, with clasps for Jubaland, Nandi, East Africa 1905, and Somaliland 1908-10.

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Matabeleland 1893, 1 copy clasp, Rhodesia 1896, clasp loose on riband (14.. Sergt. ...mith. B.B. Police.) latter part of number, initial, and first part of name erased, with top silver riband buckle bar, good very fine £80-£100

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Gunr. J. B. King. A.T.) good very fine £280-£340

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Troopr. R. Sutcliff. S.F.F.) toned, nearly very fine £280-£340 --- Confirmed on roll of Salisbury Field Force and sold with copied medal roll entry.

India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Chitral 1895 (1990 Pte. J. Langlands 1st Bn. Gord: Highrs.) good very fine £100-£140 --- John Martin Langlands was born at Perth and enlisted at Dundee into the Gordon Highlanders on 22 December 1885. He was transferred to the Reserve in March 1896 and discharged on 13 December 1897. His discharge papers confirm service with Chitral Relief Force but not medal ‘not yet granted’. His conduct was described as ‘Bad. Habits Intemperate.’ Sold with copied discharge papers.

India General Service 1895-1902, 2 clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (3927 Pte. E. Castle. 2d Bn. Derby: Regt.) brooch fittings very neatly removed from obverse, otherwise very fine £140-£180 --- Sold with copied medal roll entry.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant S. Lees, Royal Horse Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (51160 Sjt. S. Lees. E.3/Bde. R.H.A.); 1914 Star, with clasp (51160 Bmbr: S. Lees. R.H.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (51160 Bmbr: S. Lees. R.A.) light contact marks, generally very fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917 Sydney Lees, a native of Worcester, attested for the Royal Horse Artillery and served with ‘O’ Battery during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1914. M.I.D. unconfirmed. Sold with copy research.

Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (4669 Pte. J. Brown. 2/Lanc: Fus:) impressed naming with small official correction to surname, good very fine £140-£180 --- Sold with copied medal roll entry which states that a duplicate medal was issued on 1 July 1917.

Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (Dr. F. S. Hull. Gren. Gds.) naming impressed in small capitals as usual, contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine £100-£140 --- Sold with copied medal roll entries for both Queen’s and Khedive’s Sudan medal confirming No. 4590 Drummer F. Hull, 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards in both cases.

Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 2 clasps, The Atbara, Khartoum (3599 Lce. Cpl. McLean 1 Cam. Highrs.) good very fine £120-£160 --- Angus McLean was born in the Parish of Barvas, near Bragor, County Ross, and enlisted for the Cameron Highlanders at Stornoway on 21 May 1894, aged 20, a fisherman by trade. He served in the Nile Expedition 1898, being present at the battles of the Atbara and Khartoum (Queens Sudan Medal; Khedive’s Sudan Medal, clasps, ‘The Atbara’ & ‘Khartoum’). He also served in South Africa from 3 March 1900 to 21 January 1901, but his Q.S.A. was forfeited after he was tried by Court Martial for ‘stealing medical comforts belonging to the public’ and sentenced to 1 year’s imprisonment with hard labour. He was finally discharged on 20 May 1910. Sold with copied discharge papers.

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (2467 Pte. A. Cook. 1/Oxfd. L.I.) engraved naming, minor edge bruise, toned, nearly extremely fine £60-£80 --- A Cook appears on the medal roll for 3rd Battalion Oxford Light Infantry, but it is noted that he served in South Africa with 1st Battalion, and confirms entitlement to the clasps for Cape Colony and Orange Free State.

A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant W. Bonewell, East Yorkshire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (21742 Sjt. -A.C.S. Mjr.- W. Bonewell. 7/E. York R.) partially officially corrected; British War and Victory Medals (21742 Sjt. W. Bonewell. E. York. R.) good very fine (3) £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 July 1919.

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (67571 Gnr: C. Stacey. 7th Bty., R.F.A.) surname officially corrected, good very fine £100-£140 --- This Battery was present at Willow Grange, 23 November 1899, and was heavily engaged at Colenso. It gained very great distinction for its efforts to rescue the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries. Captain Reed was awarded the V.C. and 13 men were recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The Battery had one officer killed and one officer and 8 men wounded at Colenso. Sold with brief details of this battery’s services in South Africa.

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1902 (6802 Pte. E. Cooper. The Queen’s.) official correction to name, very fine £60-£80 --- Edward Cooper was born in the Parish of Mile End, London, and enlisted into the Royal West Surrey Regiment at Stratford on 2 July 1901, aged 18 years 3 months, a carman by trade. He served in South Africa from 25 April 1902 to 7 June 1904, during which time he was posted absent without leave from 26-31 August 1902. He was subsequently convicted by District Court Martial and convicted of 1: ‘Breaking out of Camp. 2: Attempting to Desert His Majesties Service. 3: Losing by neglect his equipment.’ He was sentenced to 56 days imprisonment with hard labour and ordered to make good the cost of lost equipment. He was discharged medically unfit on 18 June 1913. Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm medal and clasp.

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek (2173 Pte. W. Burgess, Rl. Wt. Surrey Regt.) very fine £100-£140 --- Sold with copied medal roll confirmation which notes ‘To England, Time Expired’.

A Great War ‘Battle of the Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant C. S. Flack, 3rd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (10004 Copl. C. S. Flack. 3/Worc: R.); 1914 Star, with clasp (10004 Pte. C. S. Flack. 3/Worc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (10004 Sjt. C. S. Flack. Worc. R.) mounted as worn, very fine (4) £400-£500 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 November 1916. Charles Sidney Flack arrived in France with his battalion on 21 August 1914, where they took up defensive positions around Ciply the following day. After the initial engagement with the enemy on 24 August, the battalion was in constant action during the retreat from Mons. By 1916 the battalion was positioned on the Somme and took part in the initial and many subsequent battles. Most notable were the attacks at Leipzig redoubt on 5 July 1916, the assault on Ovillers of 10-17 July, and the attack on Hindenburg Trench with the 1st Wiltshire Regiment during which involved hand to hand fighting with bayonet and bomb. Flack’s Gazette date would suggest his M.M. was awarded for action during this period. Flack was discharged due to wounds on 16 April 1917, and awarded the Silver War Badge. Sold with copied research including battalion war diary entries.

Family Group: A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Sergeant A. C. Taylor, 15th (Civil Service Rifles) Battalion, London Regiment, later Second Lieutenant, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 23 October 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (1365 L. Sjt: A. C. Taylor. 1/15 Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. A. C. Taylor) nearly extremely fine Pair: Air Mechanic Second Class F. W. Taylor, Royal Air Force British War and Victory Medals (59947. 2.A.M. F. W. Taylor. R.A.F.) very fine (5) £400-£500 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1916. Alfred Cecil Taylor attested for the London Regiment and served with the 15th (Civil Service Rifles) Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 17 March 1915. Advanced Lance-Sergeant, he was awarded the Military Medal in 1916, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry on 30 April 1918. He was killed in action on 23 October 1918, whilst serving with the 1st Battalion, and is buried in Amerval Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Chief Officer N. Jesson.) together with miniature medal, both mounted as worn, good very fine £80-£100 --- Norman Jesson was born at West Bromwich, Staffordshire, on 18 October 1915. He served in Kenya as a Chief Officer with the Nairobi Prisons Department from 18 November 1955. Sold with Colony and Protectorate of Kenya Certificate of Identity.

A fine Second World ‘Burma operations’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Corporal A. H. Ford, West Yorkshire Regiment, who, as a member of his battalion’s “Guerilla Platoon”, regularly penetrated enemy lines in the Arakan Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4390907 L. Cpl. A. H. Ford, W. York. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp 8th Army; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (4390907 Cpl. A. H. Ford, M.M., W. Yorks), generally very fine (7) £2,400-£2,800 --- M.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘On the night of 9-10 January 1944, Lance-Corporal Ford was Bren-gunner during the time when the Guerilla Platoon was ambushing the enemy as they withdrew across the Iron Bridge, Kanyindan, Arakan. The enemy opened fire with L.M.Gs from three sides, but Lance-Corporal Ford continued to fire his gun, inflicting casualties on them, and then covering the Platoon withdrawal. Not until the whole of his Platoon was clear of the bridge did he himself move back. On arrival at the leaguer, Lance-Corporal Ford volunteered to take a message to Kanyindan to ‘C’ Company, which involved passing through the enemy positions. This he did, and being unable to locate ‘C’ Company, who, as it happened, were not there, then returned to his platoon, again passing through the enemy. Throughout the whole operation he showed a complete disregard for his personal safety. Recently Lance-Corporal Ford has led a number of small reconnaissance patrols, and has always succeeded in obtaining accurate information without loss to his own men. On 1 May 1944, in the Wakan area, Manipur, he was ordered to patrol the “Buttertubs” feature with a view to locating enemy positions, and sniping any movement seen there - this feature was known to be strongly held by the enemy. Lance-Corporal Ford led his patrol with great skill into the middle of the enemy locality in daylight and discovered the layout of their positions - he then found that a number of the enemy were asleep in their trenches and dugouts, and succeeded in killing three of these with T.S.M.G. and grenades before the alarm was given. He then withdrew his patrol without loss in spite of heavy enemy L.M.G. fire. The forgoing is typical of the way he has discharged his duties throughout the campaign.’ Alex Havelock Ford, a native of Skelton-in-Cleveland, was serving in the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment at the time of the above cited deeds, which unit had already lent valuable service in East and North Africa. But in June 1943, the Battalion arrived on the Burma front, to face a very different type enemy, not least in the Arakan operations in early 1944, when the Japanese launched a furious counter-offensive against Slim’s 14th Army - and right in the centre of that determined thrust lay the West Yorkshires, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel G. H. Cree, who was shortly to be awarded the D.S.O. for his courage and leadership in what became known as the “Battle of the Admin Box”. The “Admin Box” battle proper raged throughout most of February, shortly after Ford’s exploits with a Bren-gun in the Guerilla Platoon at Kanyindan, the defenders comprising just two battalions of regular infantry, the West Yorkshires and the Gurkhas, together with artillery and two squadrons of tanks - and a mass of administrative troops, pioneers, sappers, signallers, ordnance and medical units, mule companies and native road builders, most of whom, by the month’s end, had taken up arms, often in hand-to-hand fighting: ‘Down in the bowl of the Admin Box, under the guns of the enemy on the surrounding hills, soldiers fought on, conscious only of the fact that the hour called for every ounce of courage and endurance that British and Indian could pull forth. All day long clouds of smoke rose from the target area and the sound of explosions echoed round the hills as another ammunition or petrol dump blew up. Four times stocks of ammunition were reduced to dangerously low level. Luckily, the Japanese did not realise it, and the airmen quickly replaced each loss. But the enemy continued also to pour in a torrent of mortar bombs, grenades and shells of every calibre up to 150 millimetre. Every part of the Box was vulnerable to fire, and a glimmer of light attracted an instant hail of bullets. Wounded men were operated on within 100 yards of the spot where they had fallen ... Green-uniformed snipers roped to trees and even “built” into tree-trunks took regular toll. A veteran of Dunkirk, who had spent two days on the beaches, said he would have been ready to spend two weeks there if he could be let off with two days in the Box ... ’ (The Campaign in Burma, H.M.S.O., 1946 refers). An understandable wish given Japanese atrocities: ‘There was no spot in the Box which was free from direct or indirect Japanese fire, and casualties were heavy, many being taken to a dressing station in the shadow of one of the smaller hillocks within the perimeter, known as MDS Hill, where life-saving surgery was carried out around the clock under incessant fire ... A week into the battle, MDS Hill became the scene of an infamous act. It was overrun by screaming Japanese soldiery who slaughtered the wounded on their stretchers, and then set about the medical staff, doctors and nursing orderlies alike. As the West Yorkshires mounted a counter-attack the surviving staff and patients were lined up by their attackers and used as human shields by laughing Japanese, who then shot most of them in cold blood. Finally, six doctors were put to death after tending the Japanese wounded. A few days later the West Yorkshires avenged this terrible deed when they ambushed a party of the enemy in a nearby river bed. On inspection of the bodies, many items identified as coming from the MDS were found ... ’ (The Unforgettable Army, Slim’s XIVth Army in Burma, by Colonel Michael Hickey, refers). In fact the West Yorkshires accounted for around 50 of the enemy in this river bed ambush, a feat they were to repeat on further occasions, as a result of which the river bed became known as “Blood Alley”; the Battalion also twice evicted the enemy from “Ammunition Hill”, costly work of a head-on nature that won the admiration and praise of Lieutenant-General Philip Christison, 15 Corps Commander - ‘Never has any regiment counter-attacked so successfully and so often as in that battle. It is rare in history that one regiment can be said to have turned the scale of the whole campaign.’ But turned it was, the Japanese offensive in the Arakan ending in huge loss, the likes of Corporal Ford adding to those losses over the coming weeks and months, initially in the operations that led to the relief of Kohima, and then in the advance along the Tiddim Road, when the Battalion fought an action about every three miles of its 200-mile length.

Africa General Service 1902-56, 2 clasps, Somaliland 1902-04, Jidballi (2377 Pte. D. Suckling. 4th. K.R.R.) contact marks, nearly very fine £300-£400 --- Daniel Suckling was born in Thetford, Norfolk, in 1881 and attested there for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 5 December 1899, having previously served in the 4th (Militia) Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He served with the 4th Battalion, K.R.R.C. in South Africa during the Boer War from 18 March 1901, as part of the Mounted Infantry (entitled to a Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, and South Africa 1902), and then in Somaliland from 14 January 1903 to 9 July 1904. Transferring to the Reserve on 21 January 1905, Suckling was recalled to the Colours following the outbreak of the Great War, and served with the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front from 12 August 1914. He was wounded and taken Prisoner of War on 14 February 1915, and was repatriated following the cessation of hostilities. He was discharged on 6 March 1919, no longer physically fit, and was entitled to a Silver War Badge, No. B294417. Sold with copied record of service and medal roll extracts.

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1908 (8348 P. Young. Yorkshire R. (Replacement)) officially impressed naming, in named card box of issue also marked ‘Replacement’, nearly extremely fine £50-£70 --- Percy W. Young was born at Gravesend, Kent, on 11 February 1888, and enlisted into the West Yorkshire Regiment at Woolwich on 23 January 1907, aged 18 years 11 months, a milkman by trade. He served in India from February 1908 to December 1911, including operations on the North West Frontier with the Mohmand Field Force in 1908. He served in France with the 1st Battalion from 8 September 1914 until invalided home with shrapnel wounds to his back on 16 November 1914. After a period of convalescence at home, he served at Malta until March 1919 by which time he had been promoted to Sergeant. His Medal Index Card confirms replacement medals issued in 1965. Sold with copied service papers.

A fine Second War ‘Immediate’ 1945 ‘Burma operations’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lance Corporal B. Marson, 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, who carried five wounded men across a river under heavy fire, having been ambushed whilst on patrol at Nabu, 18 February 1945 Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3386102 L. Cpl. B. Marson. E. Lan. R.) rank partially officially corrected; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, mounted for display, generally very fine or better (6) £1,200-£1,600 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘At Nabu on the 18th Feb 45 L/Cpl Marson was a member of a reconnaissance patrol that was attacked by a strong party of the enemy on the far side of an open swiftly running river. Several men were wounded and the enemy followed up fiercely. Completely exposed to enemy fire this N.C.O. carried five wounded men across the stream entirely disregarding his own safety and only covered by the three unwounded members of the patrol. But for his courage and determination the wounded must have been captured by the enemy. His brave action is worthy of the very highest praise.’ Bernard Marson served during the Second War with the 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment as part of the 29th Infantry Brigade, 36th Division.

1914-15 Star (4843 Pte. W. O’Keefe. Ir. Gds.; 2345 Pte. G. A. Lomas, Manch. R.) naming details on first very faintly impressed, otherwise very fine (2) £60-£80 --- William O’Keefe attested for the Irish Guards and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 23 November 1914 (thus missing out on the award of a 1914 Star by a single day). Transferring to the Machine Gun Corps, he was wounded by gun shot to the back on 15 September 1916, and was admitted to No. 34 (West Lancashire) Casualty Clearing station, and then onwards by Ambulance Train. He is noted as having deserted on 20 June 1917, and as a consequence his medals would have been forfeited , with the 1914-15 Star Roll stating ‘No medals’. There is a note on his Medal Index Card which indicates that his medals were restored on 5 July 1947. George Albert Lomas was born at Chorlton, Manchester, and attested there for the Manchester Regiment. He served with the 1st/7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, and was killed in action on 28 March 1918. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

British War Medal 1914-20 (6) (O. Bain.; P. L. Boddy.; H. Burgess.; J. Cooper; W. Hall; D. Davis.) last lacking suspension and planchet only, generally very fine (6) £100-£140 --- Otto Bain was born Otto Holtzmann in London in 1882, and changed his surname in 1915. He is recorded as serving on the S.S. Aros Castle in 1915; the Aros Castle was torpedoed and sunk on 21 November 1917. He died in 1941. Percy Lawrence Boddy, H. Burgess, J. Cooper, W. Hall, and D. Davis all served with the Mercantile Marine.

British War Medal 1914-20 (W. Hamilton.) in named card box of issue, extremely fine, scarce to unit £50-£70 --- William Hamilton was a member of the Examination Services and qualified for his British War Medal for 3 months and 28 days aboard the S.S. Lansdowne.

British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. V. Bicker-Caarten) very fine £80-£100 --- M.C. London Gazette 15 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While leading his troops in a charge against a railway bridge he came under heavy machine-gun fire. Coolly, and at once, he withdrew his troops and organised a dismounted attack, thus capturing the bridge. This capture enabled the squadron to seize their objective. His gallantry and coolness were of a very high order.’ Vivian Bicker-Caarten was born in 1898 and was educated at Marlborough. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Yeomanry from the Inns of Court O.T.C. on 26 September 1915, and served during the Great War on the Western Front from 26 July 1917; he is also shown as having served with the 15th Hussars. Promoted Lieutenant on 1 July 1917, he was awarded the Military Cross, and relinquished his commission on account of ill-health contracted on active service, on 18 March 1919, and retained the rank of Lieutenant. He died in 1926. Sold with copied research.

A Second War ‘Burma Operations’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Havildar Golaba Ram, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment, who won an immediate award for his gallantry in facing off a protracted attack in May 1945, nine dead Japanese being found in front of his position at daybreak: he had earlier participated in the Eritrean campaign in 1941, in which he was wounded in the action at Gogni Military Medal, G.VI.R. (10741 Hav. Golaba Ram, Punjab R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (10741 Hav. Gulaba, 3-2 Punjab R) generally good very fine (7) £600-£800 --- M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945. The original recommendation, for an immediate award, states: ‘On the night of 6-7 May 1945, at Abya, Havildar Golaba Ram’s company was heavily attacked by a large party of Japanese supported by medium machine-guns and other automatic weapons for a period of three to four hours. The attack was entirely against the front of one platoon, of which this N.C.O. was the Platoon Havildar, and shortly after the beginning of the action, the Subedar commanding it was killed. Havildar Golaba Ram at once took control of the Platoon, which was then being hard pressed and, in spite of heavy enemy fire from close range, went to his foremost sections steadying them and cooly directing their fire. Later in the action, finding his platoon reduced by casualties, he himself went to and fro to his sections regardless of the fire, keeping them supplied with ammunition and taking his place in the line wherever the threat was greatest. The attack was beaten off and at daybreak 13 bodies were recovered from the Platoon’s front. This N.C.O’s courage under heavy fire and coolness in an emergency were a steadying example to his men at a critical time and contributed to his company’s success in the action.’ Golaba Ram was a Dogra Jat from Kangar village in Balaspur State. Prior to his M.M.-winning exploits in Burma, he saw action as a Sepoy in the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment in Eritrea, and was wounded in his unit’s action, at Gocni, on 26 January 1941. He saw later service during the operations in South-East Asia 1945-46. Sold with copied research.

British War Medal 1914-20 (53700 Dvr. P. Pugh. R.E.) suspension broken, planchet only; Victory Medal 1914-19 (8) (131683 2.Cpl. M. J. Richardson. R.E.; 47478 Pte. C. Milne. North’d Fus.; 35318 Pte. J. Seggie. Sco. Rif.; 10065 Pte. G. Elsdon. Camerons.; S-11241 Pte. F. Morgan. A. & S.H.; S-43201 Pte. W. Newby. A. & S.H.; 95684 Pte. J. Donald. R.A.M.C.; 66673 Pte. A. Midgeley. R.A.M.C.); Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Miss Edith Mary Hunt) in Royal Mint case of issue; together with a Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Institute for Nurses brooch badge, bronze, the reverse engraved Vernie B. Whiting Queen’s Nurse 22 1/4 Years. Resigned Dec. 1912’, in Elkington, London, fitted case, edge bruising and contact marks, generally nearly very fine or better, the ISM nearly extremely fine (11) £120-£160 --- Marmaduke J. Richardson attested for the Royal Engineers on 9 October 1914 and served with the 235th A.T. Company during the Great War on the Western Front from 9 March 1916, being appointed a 2nd Corporal on 6 May 1917. John Seggie attested for the Scottish Rifles and served with them during the Great War, being awarded a Silver War Badge. George Elsdon was born in Wilton, Roxburghshire, and attested for the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders at Penicuik, Midlothian, on 14 August 1914. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front, and is recorded in the Regimental Journal as being slightly wounded. He later served with the Labour Corps. Frederick Morgan attested for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on 7 September 1914 and served with the 10th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 4 October 1915. He was wounded by gun shot to the right knee, resulting in his leg being amputated, and was discharged on account of wounds on 21 January 1918, being awarded a Silver War Badge, No. 306,061. Walter Newby attested for the Norfolk Regiment on 12 December 1915, and was mobilised on 9 June 1916. He transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on 21 June 1916, and served with the 11th Battalion during he Great War, being appointed Lance-Corporal on 28 October 1917. He was discharged on 28 March 1919. Miss Vernie Bessie Whiting was born in Coventry on 24 February 1866 and was employed as a Sick and Maternity District Nurse, latterly at Wargrave, Berkshire. Sold with copied research.

British War Medal 1914-20 (8803 Pte. H. W. Edgcumbe. R.F.C.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (2) (25664 Pte. A. Walsh. R.F.C.; 57894. 2. A.M. C. G. Winter R.F.C.); together with miniature British War and Victory Medals, generally good very fine (3) £50-£70

A Great War Family pair to the Commins brothers, who between them won three M.C.’s and were both killed in action serving in Canadian Infantry Battalions in France British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. C. F. Commins.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Capt. W. K. Commins.) extremely fine (2) £200-£240 --- M.C. London Gazette 16 February 1918; citation published, 18 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great skill and courage in handling not only his own platoon, but men of other units who had become attached, regulating the pace of the advance behind the barrage by encouraging his men forward and yet checking them as circumstances warranted. Whilst holding the line, he was most active and assiduous in his duties, keeping his men in good spirits and visiting posts during heavy bombardments.’ M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 8 March 1919; citation published, 4 October 1919: ‘During the battle of Cambrai, on 1st October, 1918, while leading his company into the attack, he found that the advancing troops were pushing ahead into our own barrage and were losing direction. He immediately ran forward, under heavy machine-gun fire, checked his men, and re- organised them. In the subsequent advance he was severely wounded, but with splendid courage forced his way forward, leading his men until he was again hit. He still tried to press forward, but was hit the third time, this time fatally.’ Chester Francis Commins, M.C. & Bar, 1st Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment) was killed in action in the battle of Cambrai, 1 October 1918. He is buried in Sancourt British Cemetery, Nord, France. M.C. London Gazette 14 November 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry during a raid. He led the assaulting party and showed great determination, capturing two prisoners and killing twelve of the enemy. Finally, he brought his party back to our trenches without serious casualties.’ Captain William Kennedy Commins, M.C., 75th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) was killed in action on 9 August 1918, and is buried in Beaucourt British Cemetery, Somme, France. He had previously been wounded by a gunshot in the right arm on 9 April 1917.

British War Medal 1914-20, bronze issue (18 Khidmatgar Darshan Khan, A.B.C.) the letter ‘i’ in ‘Khidmatgar’ struck over an ‘a’, suspension a little slack, good very fine £100-£140 --- A Khidmatgar is a Head Servant in the Army Bearer Corps.

Victory Medal 1914-19 (1105 Gnr. Muhd. Khan. H.K.S.R.G.A.) good very fine, scarce £70-£90 --- Muhammed Khan served as a Gunner with the Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Garrison Artillery.

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (4342592 Pte. R. W. Willis. E. York. R.) good very fine £80-£100 --- Robert William Willie was born in Driffield, Yorkshire, on 13 June 1912 and attested for the East Yorkshire Regiment at Middlesbrough on 10 January 1933. He served with the 2nd Battalion in pre-War Palestine from 14 September 1936 to 10 December 1937, and then with the 7th Battalion as part of the British Expeditionary Force from 29 September 1939 to 11 April 1940, sustaining an injury to his right knee on 12 March 1940. Promoted Corporal on 30 January 1941, he spent the next four years at home, and then saw further service in North West Europe post D-Day from 8 July 1944, transferring to the Black Watch as a Sergeant on 3 August 1944. He was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 13 January 1946. Sold with the recipient’s original Regular Army Certificate of Service Red Book; and copied record of service, which lists entitlement to the 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; and War Medal 1939-45..

A fine Second War ‘Burma operations’ M.M. group of five awarded to Company Quarter-Master Sergeant Thomas Hutchinson, King’s African Rifles, who won an immediate award for his part in the desperate action fought on “Pagoda Hill” in March 1944 - ‘such was his determination that even during the brief period his wound was being dressed he broke off to seize the opportunity of killing two more Japanese who came into view’ Military Medal, G.VI.R. (10330 C.Q.M. Sjt. T. Hutchinson, K.A. Rif.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, generally good very fine and rare (5) £2,400-£2,800 --- M.M. London Gazette 22 June 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘At “Pagoda Hill”, Kaladan, on 3 March 1944, Company Quarter-Master Sergeant Hutchinson was acting Platoon Commander of ‘B’ Company. After an enemy charge had dispersed his command, he withdrew to a commanding feature on the forward slopes. Although wounded twice, he held his ground and by determined action with grenades and T.S.M.G. assisted to beat off the Japanese attack for two hours. Such was his determination that even during the brief period his wound was being dressed, he broke off to seize the opportunity of killing two more Japanese who came into view.’ Thomas Hutchinson, an N.C.O. in 2/6 King’s African Rifles, was attached to the 11th (East African) Division Scouts at the time of the above related action, a component of the 81st (West African) Division, commanded by Major T. C. C. Lewin - ‘Apart from being Swahili-speakers its soldiers were not regular King’s African Rifles personnel, but an assortment collected by the Scouts’ officers, most of whom were big game hunters and safari guides’ (The Unforgettable Army, by Colonel Michael Hicks, refers). Having disembarked at Chittagong in January 1944, the Scouts moved up to meet the Japanese advance on the east bank of the Kaladan River, and first went into action in the following month, when, on the 20th, the O.C. of Hutchinson’s ‘B’ Company and several askaris were killed in an engagement on the Pi Chaung, a tributary of the Kaladan. Indeed patrol actions and skirmishes were common place right up until the commencement of the main enemy assault in March: ‘At dawn on the 3 March the Japanese attacked “Pagoda Hill” in force. Two assaults were repulsed, but the West Africans were obliged to retire and the enemy began to surround the position. Having exhausted all the grenades, Lewin and the remnants of the Scouts then abandoned the hill and eventually withdrew across the Kaladan into the Divisional Box. Apart from known killed and wounded, three officers, one B.N.C.O. and 130 Africans were missing. The unit was now reduced to less than two Europeans per company’ (The King’s African Rifles, by Lieutenant-Colonel H. Moyse-Bartlett, refers).

A Second War Wireless Operator’s D.F.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant, later Flight Lieutenant, S. Albiston, 103 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 35 operational sorties, including Operation Fuller, the Channel Dash in 1942, against the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1059463. Sgt. S. Albiston. R.A.F.) on original mounting pin; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, very fine (4) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 22 September 1942. The original Recommendation, dated 22 July 1942, states: ‘Sergeant Albiston has taken part in 35 sorties over enemy territory as first Wireless Operator. Starting on his arrival in the squadron as very inexperienced and an average Wireless Operator, he has made himself into one of the most reliable and efficient Wireless Operators in the squadron. As a member of a crew, he has proved himself to be completely fearless and dependable. He has interested himself in all the duties of each member of his crew, as a result of which he has been of very great assistance in obtaining good photographs by skilful co-operation between himself, with a flash bomb, and his Navigator, in helping his Navigator to take astro sights and always being the first to offer to do any odd job required. When under fire, he has remained cool and cheerful and has delighted in taking up position in the astro dome whenever he could obtain permission and reporting the position of flak bursts and searchlights, which has proved of inestimable value to his captain on many occasions. Sergeant Albiston, although one of the youngest members of his squadron, has set a very high example of enthusiasm, fearlessness and reliability and his fine record fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal for which I strongly recommend him. Remarks by Station Commander: A young Wireless Operator who, by his cheerfulness and coolness in action, has set an excellent example at all times. After a slow start, he quickly proved himself one of the leading Wireless Operators in the squadron.’ Samuel Albiston enlisted in the Royal Air Force on 15 July 1940 and served during the Second World War primarily with 103 Squadron, flying Wellingtons from R.A.F. Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire, from July 1941. He flew in at least 35 operational sorties with the squadron, including: Hamburg (2); Essen (7); Duisberg; Le Havre; Mannheim; Ostend; Munster; Brest (2); Paris; Cologne (3); St. Nazaire; Poissy; Dortmund; Rostock; Stuttgart (2); Warnemunde; Gennevilliers; Emden (2) and Bremen (2). On 12 February 1942 he took part in Operation Fuller, as one of five crews detailed to attack the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen which were leaving their French port and planning to transit through the English Channel; his Wellington, skippered by Flight Lieutenant D. W. Holford, made contact with the German ships but were unable to attack due to the low cloud; for his leadership and skill Holford was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Albiston was commissioned Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserved on 16 February 1945, and transferred to R.A.F. Coastal Command for a second tour with 502 (Ulster) Squadron, flying Halifax Bombers from Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides on German shipping off the Norwegian coast, remaining there until the end of the war (also entitled to the Atlantic clasp). He was advanced Flying Officer on 16 August 1945, and Flight Lieutenant on 24 July 1956, and relinquished his commission on 1 November 1963. He died in Stockport, Manchester in 1983. Sold with seven individual and group photographs from various stages of the recipient’s career; and copied research.

Family Group: General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (5049077 L.A.C. C. P. Marshall R.A.F.); Royal Ulster Constabulary Service Medal, E.II.R. (R/Const B Marshall) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine (2) £200-£240 --- Clifford Peter Marshall attested for the Royal Air Force, and served with them in Cyprus, and subsequently with the ‘B’ Specials, Ulster Special Constabulary, being ‘stood down’ upon the unit’s disbandment in 1970. Brian Marshall, son of the above, served as a Reserve Constable in the Royal Ulster Constabulary form 25 April 1988 to 19 October 1999; for some of that time he was employed on covert surveillance duties with Army. Sold with the following archive relating to both recipients: i) A Royal Ulster Constabulary and two Ulster Special Constabulary group photographs, the latter two Musgrave Street, 1970, all mounted in glazed display frames. ii) An Ulster Special Constabulary Wooden Plaque. iii) Two Wooden Police Truncheons, one numbered ‘R13564’. iv) Two Ulster Special Constabulary Presentation Shields, both named ‘S/Con. P. Marshall 1964-70’. v) A Marksman Presentation Shield, the plaque inscribed ‘August 1967 Highest Score C. P. Marshall’, and a related medal, the reverse engraved ‘August 1967 District Cup C. P. Marshall vi) Various letters to the C. P. Marshall, and photographs, mainly of an R.A.F. nature and of the recipient’s time in Cyprus vii) Both recipient’s Certificates of Service; potted details of Brian Marshall’s service; and other ephemera.

Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal; New Zealand War Service Medal, these all unnamed as issued; Australia Service Medal (N71589 E. H. Ellis) very fine or better (11) £100-£140

A Second War B.E.M. group of five awarded to Corporal W. H. Rumsey, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (1258051 Cpl. William H. Rumsey. R.A.F.V.R.) with named Buckingham Palace enclosure, with lid of box of issue, in Central Chancery envelope, addressed to ‘William H. Rumsey, Esq., B.E.M., “Arley”, Beaconsfield Road, Langley Bottom, Epsom Downs, Surrey; 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with Air Council and ticker-tape entitlement enclosures, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘W. H. Rumsey, Esq., “Arley”, Beaconsfield Road, Langley Vale, Epsom Downs, Surrey’, extremely fine (5) £240-£280 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1945. William Henry Rumsey attested for the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 19 July 1940, and served overseas during the Second World War as an Equipment Assistant in Singapore, Java, and India from 14 July 1941 to 19 August 1944. He was awarded his British Empire Medal in recognition of his good work at R.A.F. Station, New Delhi, India, and was discharged on 10 September 1946. Sold with the recipient’s R.A.F. Service and Release Book; Air Forces in India Identity Pass; letter of congratulations upon the award of the B.E.M. from Air Commodore L. M. Illes, C.B.E., A.F.C.; three portrait photographs of the recipient; various other photographs; and other ephemera.

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (24542221 Pte J Wood Para) small official correction to unit, mounted court-style as worn, nearly extremely fine £1,400-£1,800 --- Private J. Wood enlisted on 15 May 1981, and was posted to 3 Para. Served with 3 Para in the Falklans and was present at the battle for Mount Longdon. He went to the U.S.A. for a training exercise in 1983 and was discharged on 14 May 1984, having served 3 years (Research sold with medal refers).

Operational Service Medal 2000, for Afghanistan, 1 clasp, Afghanistan (Cpl W S Miller REME 25036559) in named card box of issue, extremely fine £120-£160

Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (4840 Sjt. W. Baker. 8/North’d Fus:) very fine £80-£100 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 17 June 1918. William Baker attested for the Northumberland Fusiliers at Newcastle and served in the 8th Battalion during the Great War in the Balkan theatre of War from 19 July 1915. He was wounded in the leg at Gallipoli in September 1915; recovering, he subsequently served on the Western Front, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1918. He transferred to Class ‘Z’ Army Reserve following the end of hostilities. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and other research.

Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994, E.II.R. (24022527 WO2 P J Chetwynd REME) good very fine £100-£140

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Charles Farr. Stoker H.M.S. Agincourt) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine £100-£140 --- Charles Farr was born in Portsmouth on 10 May 1843 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 22 August 1866. He was advanced to Stoker on 2 June 1867, and to Leading Stoker in H.M.S. Nelson, on 19 April 1885. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 19 February 1881, and was shore pensioned from H.M.S. Royal Adelaide in May 1887. Sold with copied record of service.

Three: Sergeant J. Forsyth, Royal Horse Artillery Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann (J. Forsyth. I Troop. R.H.A.) contemporary engraved naming; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Serjt. John Forsyth, F Tp. R.H. Arty.); Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue, unnamed as issued, plugged and fitted with a later ring suspension, court mounted for display with LS&GC riband, contact marks and edge bruising, nearly very fine (3) £400-£500 --- John Forsyth attested for the Royal Horse Artillery and served with them both in the Crimea and in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny. The Indian Mutiny Medal Roll is annotated showing his as having been invalided to England. Forsyth was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 1 April 1872; however, the roll notes him as having died subsequent to his award being made, and prior to the medal being despatched. Sold with copied research.

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Henry Houghton, Stoker, H.M.S. Asia.) contact marks and minor edge bruising, very fine £100-£140 --- Henry Houghton was born at Southwick, Hampshire, on 20 December 1852, and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class in H.M.S. Asia on 23 April 1874. Advanced to Stoker in H.M.S. Favourite on 1 April 1975, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal prior to transferring to the Royal Navy Coast Guard Service as a Boatman on 10 November 1884. He was shore pensioned in March 1896.

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Thos. Brooks, Chf: Stoker, H.M.S. Pembroke.) good very fine £100-£140 --- Thomas Brooks was born in St Giles in the Fields, London, on 25 November 1846 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker in H.M.S. Lively on 1 January 1873. Advanced Chief Stoker in H.M.S. Nelson on 7 May 1885, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 21 January 1890, and was shore pensioned from H.M.S. Pembroke on 15 November 1891. Sold with copied record of service.

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Saml. Bow, A.B. H.M.S. Undaunted.) minor edge bruising, good very fine £100-£140 --- Samuel Bow was born in Tamerton Foliot, Devon, on 20 February 1861 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Implacable on 27 July 1876. He was advanced to Able Seaman in H.M.S. Lion,on 1 July 1883, and was appointed to be a Naval Diver in H.M.S. Defiance on 30 September 1888. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 20 August 1890, and was shore pensioned in February 1899. His service record notes he was called up for service in August 1914 but was classified ‘medically unfit’ for service. Sold with copied record of service.

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (C. Dacombe, Ldg: Stoker, H.M.S. Vernon.) polished, edge bruising and contact marks, very fine £100-£140 --- Caleb Dacombe was born at Wimborne, Dorset, on 18 March 1843 and joined the Royal Navy as Stoker in H.M.S. Asia on 14 August 1878. He was advanced to Leading Stoker in H.M.S. Shannon on 22 June 1881, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in January 1890. Promoted Leading Stoker First Class in H.M.S. Magicienne on 1 April 1893, he was invalided from the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar on 6 November 1896.