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A Boer War D.C.M. pair awarded to Sergeant F. Lowe, 6th Dragoon Guards, who was severely wounded at Vredes Verdrag on 11 May 1900, and was taken Prisoner of War at Kameeldrift on 3 July 1900 Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (Serjt: F. Lowe. 6th Dragoon Guards); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (2715. Corpl. F. Lowe. 6/Dn. Gds.) edge bruising, very fine (2) £1,600-£2,000 --- Provenance: J. B. Hayward, May 1979; Buckland, Dix and Wood, April 1995. One of only six D.C.M.’s awarded to the 6th Dragoon Guards for South Africa. D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1901. Frederick Lowe was born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, in 1868, and attested there for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 25 April 1888, having previously served with the 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. He transferred to the 6th Dragoon Guards on 14 July 1889, and was promoted Corporal on 20 December 1893. Transferring to the Army Reserve on 25 April 1895, he was recalled to the Colours on the outbreak of the Boer War on 7 October 1899, and served with the Regiment in South Africa from 4 November 1899, being promoted Sergeant on 4 May 1900. He was severely wounded at Vredes Verdrag, Zand River, on 11 May 1900. At this action three Squadrons, taken from the Australian Horse, the Inniskillings and the Greys, and half a Squadron of the Carabiniers, were ordered to seize an apparently unoccupied kopje. The Squadrons, dismounting and leaving their horses below, took possession of the kopje, but shortly afterwards were set upon by a party of the Waterberg commando, who had been lying in ambush in a donga, and now crept up the hill, stampeded the horses, and poured a withering fire on the cavalrymen. These, belonging to several different units and being apparently under no single command, made no stand, but were driven in confusion down the hill, losing fourteen killed and thirty-six wounded, besides two Officers and twenty-five men prisoners. The Carabiniers suffered especially, losing Captain Elworthy and three men killed, and Lieutenants Collis and Moncrieff, and nine men wounded, three of whom died later. On 3 July 1900, less than two months later, Lowe was taken prisoner at Kameeldrift, along with Lieutenant Rundle and seven other men, and was subsequently released at Nooitgedacht on 5 September 1900. For his gallantry in South Africa he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and later received a gratuity of £20. Returning home on 24 April 1901, he was discharged on 11 June 1901, after 13 years and 48 days’ service.

A superb Great War ‘Asiago’ operations D.C.M. and M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant G. Bowery, 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (265791 Sjt: G. Bowery. M.M. 1/1 Bucks. Bn: Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (265791 Cpl.-L.Sjt.-G. Bowery. 1/Bucks: Bn: O&B:L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2519 Sjt. G. Bowery, Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) mounted for wearing, light contact marks, otherwise nearly extremely fine (4) £2,400-£2,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 25 February 1920 [Italy]: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack north of Asiago on 1st November 1918. When his company was held up by a machine gun, he rushed forward in spite of very heavy fire and bombs. This gallant action on his part drew the whole fire of the enemy post on himself and enabled a rifle section on his flank to rush in and capture the hostile post.’ M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919 [Italy]. Awarded for the raid on the Austrian Lines on the night of 26/27th August 1918, when the battalion, in conjunction with the 1/4th R. Berks, raided the Austrian trenches in the neighbourhood of Sec and Ave. George Bowery was from Slough, Berkshire, and was a member of the 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. This was a Territorial battalion which formed part of the 145th Brigade of the 48th (South Midland) Division. The 145th (South Midland) Brigade consisted of 1/5th Gloucestershire Regiment, 1/4th Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 1/1st Bucks. Bn., Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, and 1/4th Royal Berkshire Regiment. Bowery did not go to France with the battalion initially and must have joined sometime after 1915. The D.C.M. action is described in the Regimental Chronicle: ‘On the night of October 31st/November 1st the 48th Division, in conjunction with the 24th French Division on the right and the 20th Italian Division on the left, was ordered to attack and capture the line Croce di S. Antonio - M. Mosciagh, the infantry attack to commence at 5.45am. The Division attacked with the 145th Brigade on the right, the 144th Brigade on the left and the 143rd Brigade in reserve. The 145th Brigade attacked with the Bucks Battalion on the right, 1/4th R. Berks on the left and 1/4th Ox & Bucks LI in reserve. The Bucks Battalion formed up on the Asiago-Gallio road, with its left on Rendella, on a frontage of 800 yards. A Company was on the left and B Company on the right, each on a two-platoon frontage. C and D Companies were in Battalion reserve, in depth, in artillery formation. As we formed up the enemy was shelling the Ghelpac and the high ground between it and Laiten fairly vigorously but the shells were just clearing the forming up position. Then, soon after the advance began, machine gun and rifle fire opened from Ruette, Costa Straite and M. Catz, with some rifle fire from the trenches west of Gallio Wood. Our leading wave had very little difficulty in occupying the Winter Stellung from Villa Rossi to Ruette, but on attempting a further advance it met with heavy enfilade fire from Costa, M. Catz, and Straite. As there was no sign of an attack being made against this area, and as it was impossible to get on without silencing M. Catz, A Company attacked Costa, and the two reserve companies assaulted Straite and Rigoni-di-Sotto, where they captured four machine guns. A Company was held up by two machine guns on the southern slope of M. Catz until a Lewis Gun put one out of action , and the other was outflanked and its crew killed. In the meantime C and D Companies had worked up the eastern side of M. Catz and assaulted the crest, capturing 4 more machine guns. By 7am the whole garrison of M. Catz had surrendered. B Company, on the right were now held up by fire from trenches on the edge of Gallio Wood, and fire was also coming from Roccolo north-east. C Company was sent on to Roccolo and D on to the spur north of Rigoni-di-Sopra, with the result that the enemy, who had been annoying B Company, was forced to quit. At 7.30am a company of the Berkshires had come up to the trenches on the southern slope of M. Catz and all companies were got back on to our own line, two platoons of C Company being left at Roccolo to keep touch with the Berkshires. After this, little further resistance was encountered. Some isolated posts or refugees from the enemy front line were encountered in the neighbourhood of the Quarry but they soon surrendered with two machine guns. A 4.2-inch howitzer and its crew was also captured about 500 yards north of the Quarry. By 10.30am we had reached a line approximately corresponding with the 1400 contour line in square 70. We were then out of touch with both the French and the R. Berks, and so companies were re-organised and a position was taken up while patrols went out on both flanks and to the front. Except for a few stragglers the enemy was not met with. Casualties in the battalion amounted to 6 killed and 32 wounded.’ Sold with comprehensive copied research including gazette entries, war diary entries and full descriptions of both the D.C.M. and M.M. actions from the Regimental Chronicle.

A scarce Great War D.C.M., M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant J. H. Hobbs, Hertfordshire Regiment, who was thrice wounded in the course of winning his D.C.M. Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3318 Pte. J. H. Hobbs. 1/1 Herts: R. - T.F.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (265954 Cpl.- A. Sjt.- J. H. Hobbs, D.C.M. 1/Herts: R.); 1914-15 Star (3318 Pte. J. H. Hobbs, Herts. R.); British War and Victory Medals (3318 A.W.O. Cl. 2 J. H. Hobbs, Herts. R.), a little polished but generally toned, very fine or better (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 26 January 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. Although twice wounded he continued to go forward displaying great courage and determination. He was again wounded.’ Of the same action, regimental records state: ‘Private Hobbs, No. 3 Company, was acting as orderly to 2nd Lieutenant Gallo. He was hit in the arm after Splutter Trench had been crossed, but insisted on following his officer. After going another 20 yards, he was hit in the leg, and although limping badly, again refused to go back. He was hit again a third time and knocked over helpless. He had displayed conspicuous gallantry.’ M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919. John H. Hobbs, who was from Watford, first entered the French theatre of war on 14 February 1915, and won his D.C.M. in the Ancre Valley on the Somme on 13 November 1916, when his Battalion captured the Hansa Line at a cost of around 150 casualties.

A superb Great War 1915 ‘Second Battle of Ypres, 1915’ D.C.M. campaign combination group of eight awarded to Sergeant H. J. Salter, Military Mounted Police, late 7th Hussars and 9th Lancers Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (633 L. Cpl. H. Salter. M.M.P.); British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, 1 clasp, Mashonaland 1897 (..2 Pte. H. J. Salter. 7th Hus..) suspension loose, heavy edge bruising and contact marks; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 7 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (4121, Cpl. H. J. Salter, 9/Lcrs.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4121 Pte. H. J. Salter. 9th Lancers); 1914 Star (633. L. Cpl. H. J. Salter. M.M.P.); British War and Victory Medals (633. L. Cpl. H. J. Salter. M.M.P.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (633 L. Cpl. H. J. Salter. M.M.P.) mounted for display, minor edge bruising overall, generally very fine unless otherwise stated (8) £2,400-£2,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 5 August 1915: ‘For great bravery and consistent good work from the 9th to 28th May, 1915, near Ypres. He was employed, both day and night in collecting stragglers, directing traffic and collecting war material. During the 24th May he assisted to places of safety several hundred men, who were suffering from gas poison. Most of the time, and especially on the 24th and 25th May, the town was being heavily shelled.’ Henry James Salter was born in Lambeth, London on 3 July 1874. He attested for the 7th Hussars at St George’s Barracks, London, on 26 November 1890. He served initially at Salisbury and Canterbury until embarking with the regiment for India, where they arrived aboard H.M.S. Crocodile on 3 September 1892. He left India on 10 October 1895, aboard S.S. Victoria and on 23 October 1895, he arrived with his regiment in Natal where he served in the operations during the Second Matabele War in Rhodesia and Mashonaland. Salter transferred to the 9th Lancers on 31 December 1897, and returned to India in March 1898. He was appointed Lance-Corporal in March 1899 but reverted to his prior rank at his own request in October 1899. Two weeks later he arrived back in South Africa at Cape Town, with the 9th Lancers for service during the Boer War. He transferred to the 5th Lancers in March 1902, returned to India the following month and arrived back in England in July 1902. He transferred to the Military Mounted Police on 10 January 1905, and joined his unit at Aldershot. He received his L.S. & G.C. medal with £5 gratuity under Army Order 101 of 1909, and was discharged on 25 November 1911, at Tidworth, having completed 21 years service. Salter resided at 63 Woodcock Street, Birmingham and was employed as a Commissionaire at Hulford Cycle Co., Ltd, Moor Street. He re-engaged for service during the Great War with the 7th Reserve Cavalry Regiment on 8 September 1914, transferring later that month as Lance-Corporal to the Military Mounted Police. He served with the M.M.P. in the French theatre of war from 4 October 1914, and advanced to Acting Sergeant in August 1917. Salter was discharged on 14 March 1919, having served for a total of 25 years and 205 days. 1 of 34 D.C.M.’s to the Military Mounted Police for the Great War. Sold with extensive copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient in a cutting from The Birmingham Daily Mail announcing the award of his D.C.M.

A Great War ‘Festubert and Givenchy 1915’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private P. F. W. May, 2nd King Edward’s Horse, attached Canadian Mounted Brigade, who was discharged due to wounds in December 1915 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1186 Pte. P. F. W. May. 2/K. Edw: H.); 1914-15 Star (1186 Pte. P. F. W. May. K. Edw. H.); British War and Victory Medals (1186 Pte. P. F. W. May. K. Edw. H.) very fine (4) £1,200-£1,600 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: Private P. F. W. May, late 2nd King Edward’s Horse (attached Canadian Mounted Brigade). ‘For consistent good work, notably when rendering first aid to wounded under fire.’ Stated by an unnamed source to have been for work at Festubert 15th to 25th May 1915, and at Givenchy on 15th June 1915. M.I.D. London Gazette 27 January 1916. Percival Frederick William May was born at Reading, Berkshire, on 11 April 1888. He enlisted into 2nd King Edward’s Horse on 17 November 1914, and served in France from 4 May 1915, where he and his regiment were attached to the Canadian Cavalry Brigade under the command of Brigadier-General J. E. B. Seely. This brigade arrived in France as a dismounted unit known as Seely’s Detachment, during the battle of Festubert and then served in the trenches during the battle of Givenchy. The brigade was composed of Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Royal Canadian Dragoons, Lord Strathcona’s Horse, and 2nd King Edward’s Horse. It became the Canadian Cavalry Brigade on 22 July 1915, and was restored to Horses on the formation of The Canadian Corps in September 1915. Seely’s Force was formed on 3 October 1915, and was composed of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade and the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Brigade. Seely’s Force, which disbanded on 9 October 1915, re-formed on 22 November 1915, as a composite of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, 1st and 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Brigades, and ceased to exist on 10 December 1915. Private May was discharged due to wounds at Canterbury on 22 December 1915, and is entitled to the Silver War Badge. He died at Colchester, Essex, on 19 February 1872, aged 83. Sold with copied gazette entries, Medal Index Card, and other copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Serjeant W. H. Fenton, Coldstream Guards, who was granted the King’s Pardon for desertion in 1914 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7303 L. Sjt: W. H. Fenton. 2/C. Gds:); 1914 Star, with clasp (7303 Pte. W. H. Fenton. C. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (7303 Cpl. W. H. Fenton. C. Gds.) good very fine (4) £1,600-£2,000 --- Provenance: Sir Torquil Matheson Collection; Bill and Angela Strong Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, May 2011. D.C.M. London Gazette 26 April 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He went forward alone under the most intense fire, and obtained information of the utmost importance. Later, he assumed command of his platoon, and led them forward in a most gallant manner. He has on many previous occasions done fine work.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Sailly Church, 14/15th March 1917.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 22 May 1917. William Henry Fenton was born at Smithwick, Birmingham. A labourer by occupation, he attested for the Coldstream Guards in June 1907, aged 18 years, 6 months. Posted to the 2nd Battalion, he was soon in trouble, awaiting trial, being absent without leave, in December 1907. Found guilty he was detained for 1 week. With the battalion he served in Egypt from January 1909-March 1911. Returning to England and posted to the 3rd Battalion, he deserted on 14 July 1912. Fenton returned to service on 14 August 1914 - thereby gaining the King’s Pardon for his desertion. Under the terms of Army Orders September 1914, published on 7 August 1914, pardons were to be granted to all those who were in a state of desertion from regular forces on 5 August 1914, who then surrendered themselves on or before 4 September 1914 in the U.K. or 4 October 1914 if overseas. Having returned to service, Fenton was posted to the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards and entered the France and Flanders theatre of war on 30 August 1914, being appointed Lance-Sergeant in October 1916. In early 1917, the battalion was south of Arras and involved in following up the German retreat to the Hindenburg line. It was here, near Sailly Saillisel on 14/15th March, that Lance-Sergeant Fenton earned his D.C.M. He was subsequently mentioned in despatches and returned home on 10 July 1917, being later awarded the Silver War Badge. With copied record of service, London Gazette entries, Medal Index Card and other research.

A scarce Great War ‘Italian theatre’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant C. H. Freeman, Royal Welsh Fusiliers Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9215 Sjt. C. H. Freeman, 1/R.W. Fus); 1914 Star, with clasp (9215 Pte. C. H. Freeman. 2/R.W. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (9215 Sjt. C. H. Freeman. R.W. Fus.) polished, otherwise nearly very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- One of only two awards of the D.C.M. to the regiment for Italy. D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919; citation published 11 March 1920: (Italy) ‘From 1917 he has had sole charge of the signallers. This period includes the enemy retirement from the Ancre, the actions at Bullecourt, Ypres, 1917, the first period on the Asiago Plateau and the recent Piave operations, and he has taken part in all the previous engagements in which the battalion has taken part.’ Charles H. Freeman attested for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 29 August 1914, and subsequently in Italy.

A Great War ‘Ypres, April 1915’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant E. Collins, Hampshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7659 Pte. E. Collins. 1/Hants: Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (7659 Pte. E Collins. 1/Hamps: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7659 Sjt. E. Collins. Hamps. R.) mounted court-style for wear, good very fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 23 June 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 26th April, 1915, when defending the end of a trench with a machine gun, and on his company being forced to abandon their trench, he protected their retreat and inflicted much damage on the enemy. Private Collins, with another man, then took steps to save the tripod and gun, and when the other man, who was carrying the gun, had been wounded, he took it from him and under heavy fire carried it back’. Private Eugene Collins, 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment, entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 12 November 1914. As a Private he was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallant actions on 26 April 1915. As a Sergeant he was listed as wounded in The Hampshire Regimental Journal of August 1916. He also served as 34550 in the Somerset Light Infantry. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and gazette extracts.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private F. C. Gratton, South Lancashire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13118 Pte. F. C. Gratton. 6 S. Lanc: R.); 1914-15 Star (13118 Pte. F. C. Gratton. S. Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals (13118 Pte. F. C. Gratton. S. Lan. R.) contact marks, otherwise very fine (4) £800-£1,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 29 August 1917: ‘As company runner he has continually exposed himself to fire in carrying messages and has been of great service.’ Frederick Charles Gratton was born in 1887 and enlisted into the South Lancashire Regiment at Oswestry on 8 September 1914. He entered the Balkan theatre of war on 1 July 1915, serving with the 6th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. He was transferred to the Army Reserve on 1 April 1919. Sold with original Certificate of Transfer to Reserve and copied gazette entry.

Pair: Private T. E. Bennett, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1914 Star (8079 Pte. T. E. Bennett. 2/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (8079 Pte. T. E. Bennett. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) very fine Pair: Private O. Hornblow, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action at Ovillers, during the Battle of the Somme, on 14 August 1916 1914-15 Star (2782 Pte. O. Hornblow. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (2782 Pte. O. Hornblow. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Thomas Edward Bennett attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry on 29 August 1911, and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 31 August 1914. He was discharged due to wounds on 19 June 1917, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, no. 210092. Oliver Hornblow was born in 1895 and attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry at Oxford. He served with the 1st/4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 29 March 1915, and was killed in action in the vicinity of Skyline Trench, Ovillers, during the Battle of the Somme on 14 August 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

A Great War ‘Delville Wood’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant-Major T. Dearden, 1/5th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who was twice wounded and also recommended for the M.M. and Roumanian Croix de Virtute Militaire in addition to the D.C.M. Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (240533 C.S. Mjr. T. Dearden. 1/5 S. Lan: R.); 1914-15 Star (2327 Pte. T. Dearden, S. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2327 W.O. Cl. 2 T. Dearden. S. Lan. R.), mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919; citation published 11 March 1920: ‘240533 C.S.M. T. Dearden, 1/5th Bn. S. Lan. R., T.F. (St. Helens).’ ‘For gallantry in action on many occasions. In September, 1916, at Delville Wood, when in command of a bombing section, he enabled his section to establish an advanced bombing block in a trench occupied by the enemy. It was due to him that the block was held through five hours continuous fighting.’ Two original recommendations have survived among a ‘list of recommendations forwarded to Brigade’ which lists Dearden for the award of the D.C.M. and M.M., and also for the Roumanian Croix de Virtute Militaire: (a) ‘For consistent gallantry and devotion to duty in the field since February 1915. This Acting Warrant Officer has invariably shewn a fine fighting spirit and marked gallantry in many engagements. His keenness, energy, and disregard of personal danger, have at all times been of the highest value to his Company. He has been wounded twice, on one occasion remaining at duty’. (b) ‘For gallantry in action on many occasions. In September 1916 at Delville Wood when acting N.C.O. i/c Bombing Section this W.O. by his gallantry and resourcefulness enabled his section to establish an advanced Bombing Block in a trench held by the enemy. It was due to his gallantry and initiative that the block was held through five hours continuous fighting, and he did not leave his post till the battalion was relieved six days later when the position was handed over firmly established. On the 9th of April [1918] near La Bassee, after the first shock of the enemy attack, this N.C.O., who was then commanding a platoon, was sent up to hold a forward trench. For four days he held the trench under constant and heavy shell fire and during this time, by his example and gallantry, he inspired his platoon to maintain a stubborn resistance and offensive spirit. This W.O. has acted as C.S.M. for five months and has always proved himself resourceful and set a fine example to the men of his Company. He has not previously been decorated, though recommended for rewards on at least two occasions.’ Sold with copied recommendations, war diary entries for September 1916 and April 1918, Medal Index Card and other research, together with three original postcards - one postmarked Dartford 28 June 1915, when, having been wounded, he writes from hospital to his mother at 116 Peter Street, St. Helens, Lancashire.

A Great War ‘Delville Wood’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Acting Regimental Sergeant-Major T. Craig, 10th Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (10844 C.S. Mjr: T. Craig. 10/A. & S. Hdrs.); 1914-15 Star (10844 Sjt. T. Craig, A. & S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (10844 A.W.O. Cl. 1. T. Craig. A. & S. H.) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise generally very fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 22 September 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He rendered invaluable assistance to his Company Commander during a stiff fight, and during a heavy bombardment. His cheery example gave great confidence to his men. At a critical moment of the counter-attack he brought up a portion of his company, and by skilful handling suffered hardly any loss while advancing.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Longueval 18 July 1916.’ Thomas Craig enlisted into the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in June 1907 and was advanced to Corporal in the 2nd Battalion in January 1912. With the advent of hostilities he next joined the newly formed 10th Battalion, a component of the 9th Scottish Division, and arrived in France on 11 May 1915. His subsequent award of the D.C.M. was for his gallantry in action at Longueval in July 1916. At that place on the 14th, the Battalion launched a successful attack, the German lines being penetrated while the Pipes played the Regimental March and “Charge”, while on the 18th it made another assault on Delville Wood, this latter action being the one for which Craig was decorated - resultant Battalion casualties for these two engagements amounted to 435 officers and men. Craig was still serving as a Company Sergeant-Major in ‘D’ Company of the 1st Battalion in the early 1920s. Sold with copied gazette entries, Medal Index Card and Battalion war diary entries covering the Longueval and Delville Wood operations of 14th-18th July.

A Great War ‘Frezenburg, May 1915’ D.C.M. group of four to Acting Sergeant G. W. Sketchley, 1/3rd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2172 Sjt: G. W. Sketchley. 1/3 Mon: R.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (2172 Cpl. G. W. Sketchley. Monmouth. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2172 A. Sjt. G. W. Sketchley. Monmouth. R.) some edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise very fine (4) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry. When his platoon commander and platoon sergeant had both been killed he displayed great bravery and skill in keeping the men together in the support trench under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Frezenburg, 8 May 1915.’ George W. Sketchley, 1/3rd Monmouthshire Regiment (Territorial Force) entered the France and Flanders theatre of war on 13 February 1915. The battalion lost so heavily in the German attack at Frezenburg during the Second Battle of Ypres on 8 May 1915, that on 10th May, a composite battalion was formed from the remnants of 83rd Brigade. Sold with copied Medal Index Card, gazette entries and war diary entries.

A Great War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant D. Kerr, 2nd Battalion, Canadian Engineers Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5405 Sjt: D. Kerr. Can: E.); 1914-15 Star (5405 Spr. D. Kerr Can. E.); British War and Victory Medals (5405 Sgt. D. Kerr. C. E.) together with post card photograph of recipient in uniform, extremely fine (4) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 31 December 1918; citation published 3 September 1919: ‘He has been in continuous service since February 1915, and has rendered valuable service, giving always the best that was in him. He has taken an active part as a sapper in the second battle of Ypres, April 1915, Festubert and Givenchy 1915, Mount Sorrel-Somme 1916, Vimy, Fresnoy, Hill 70 and Passchendaele 1918. At all times faithful, energetic and courageous, he has set an example that has won for him the admiration of all men of his unit.’ David Kerr was born in Scotland on 4 May 1885, and enlisted at Valcantier on 23 September 1914, a carpenter by trade. He served in France with the 2nd Field Company, Canadian Engineers, from 18 April 1915, and was promoted to Corporal in December 1917 and to Sergeant in July 1918. He was wounded at duty on 27 September 1918, when it appears that he fell into a trench and ruptured a kidney. He was discharged upon arrival at Halifax N.S. on 4 August 1919.

A Second War ‘Dunkirk 1940’ D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Warrant Officer Class I W. E. Bedworth, 60th (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (5102817 A-Sjt. W. E. Bedworth. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (5102817 W.O. Cl.1. W. E. Bedworth. D.C.M. R.A.) first initial officially corrected on last, nearly extremely fine (8) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1940: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in action in connection with operations in the field.’ William Ernest Bedworth was born in Birmingham on 23 December 1908 and attested for the 5th (Territorial) Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 6 February 1925. He served 6 years attending regular annual training, being discharged on termination of his engagement. On 27 April 1939 Bedworth re-enlisted into the 5th (Territorial) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, with the same service number; the Battalion had recently converted to an anti-tank role. Embodied for service on 2 September 1939, he served during the Second World War with the 60th (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery as part of the British Expeditionary Force, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, apparently for an anti-tank action during the retreat to Dunkirk (sadly no citation appears to have survived, and the War Diary is a little sparse on detail of the actions around this period). According to family tradition, he engaged a number of tanks, destroying three until another tank shot a ‘leg’ off his gun. He then escaped through a corn field. Advanced Warrant Officer Class II in 1941, Bedworth saw further service with the 8th Army through North Africa into Italy, and for his service was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 6 April 1944. He saw further action post D-Day in North West Europe, and according to family tradition was wounded in 1945. He died in Birmingham on 27 January 1981. Sold with the recipient’s Mentioned in Despatches Certificate, this mounted on card with two brass R.H.A. shoulder titles pinned to it; a Royal Welch Fusiliers cap badge; 2 Master Gunners sleeve badges; a 7th Armoured Division cloth patch; a silver Football Medal; and copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ I.D.S.M. pair awarded to Naik Karam Dad, 1st Battalion, 89th Punjabis, who was wounded in action on 17 June 1915 Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (1485 Naik Karam Dad 89th Punjabis) engraved naming; Victory Medal 1914-19 (1485 Nk. Karam Dad. 1-89 Pjbis.) the first cleaned, otherwise good very fine (2) £400-£500 --- I.D.S.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916: ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Indian Army Corps in France and Flanders.’ Karam Dad served with the 1st Battalion, 89th Punjabis during the Great War - the Regiment first saw action in Egypt and at Gallipoli, before joining the Ferozepore Brigade of the Lahore Division on the Western Front at the beginning of June 1915. He is recorded in the regimental history as having been wounded in action on 17 June 1915, on which date the History records that enemy snipers caused casualties in the trenches (and presumably this is how he was wounded). His battalion was transferred to Mesopotamia at the end of 1915. Only 7 awards of the I.D.S.M. were made to his regiment for service on the Western Front in 1915. Sold with copied research.

A rare Great War ‘Kachin Hills uprising 1915’ I.D.S.M. awarded to Sowar Mastan Singh, Burma Military Police Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (4828 Sowar Mastan Singh Burma Mily Police) nearly very fine £400-£500 --- I.D.S.M. GGO 280 of 1916; London Gazette 10 March 1916. One of eight awards of the I.D.S.M. for the Kachin Hills uprising of January-February 1915, all to members of the Burma Military Police. One B.M.P. Sowar (mounted soldier), No 2519 Sowar Kala Singh, received the higher award of the Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class). His citation provides a useful description of the operational conditions:  ‘For conspicuous gallantry, coolness and resource on the 24th February 1915, when carrying dispatches with a comrade through jungle country infested by the enemy. During the journey, they were fired on from an ambuscade and Sowar Kala Singh’s comrade was severely wounded and rendered unconscious. He was, however, helped to safety by Kala Singh who thus saved his life.’ Sold with further details of the Kachin Hills operations by the Burma Military Police.

An unusual inter-War ‘Bruges Canal 1919’ mine clearance D.S.M. group of three awarded to Leading Deck Hand W. H. Pickrell, R.N.R., for services in M.L. 272 Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (D.A.13591 W. H. Pickrell. Dk. Hd. R.N.R. “M.L. 272” Bruges Canal 1919); British War and Victory Medals (13591D.A. W. H. Pickrell. L.D.H. R.N.R.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (3) £700-£900 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 17 October 1919: ‘For services in the Mine Clearance Force between 1 January and 30 June 1919.’ ML.272 served in Dover Command and won battle honours for ‘Belgian Coast 1914-18’ and ‘Zeebrugge April 1918’.

‘Cullimore disposed of beach obstacles while under heavy machine gun fire, when using “sticky” bombs with a five second fuse.’ A remarkable and rare Second War D-Day D.S.M. awarded to Leading Seaman R. H. D. Cullimore, Coxswain of an L.C.A. (H.R.) at the assault on Gold Beach in the Normandy Landings when, after completing his primary task of discharging his ‘Hedge-Row’ battery of 24 spigot mortars, he volunteered to assist clearing the beaches of obstacles using “sticky” bombs Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (L.S. R. H. D. Cullimore, D/JX. 363000) mounted on original investiture brooch, extremely fine £3,000-£4,000 --- 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. Leading Seaman Robert Harry Daniel Cullimore, D/JX.363000 (Tockington, Nr. Bristol).’ The original recommendation by Lieutenant N. B. L. Wallace, R.N.V.R. states ‘Cullimore disposed of beach obstacles under heavy machine gun fire, when using “sticky” bombs with a five second fuse.’ Robert Harry Daniel Cullimore was born in London, Kensington, in 1923, and by the time of the award of the Distinguished Service Medal was living in Tockington, near Bristol. Cullimore was Coxswain of an LCA (HR) a special Landing Craft Assault of the ‘Hedge-Row’ variant which had been specially modified with a battery of 24 spigot mortars. Having guided his LCA (HR) onto Gold Beach the mortars were to be discharged onto the beach to clear enemy mines and other obstructions. Cullimore’s LCA (HR) was part of the 591st LCA (HR) Flotilla in Assault Group “G” Two, commanded by Lieutenant N. B. L. Wallace, R.N.V.R., who recommended Cullimore for a decoration. It becomes clear from reading the recommendation for Lieutenant Wallace’s own Immediate D.S.C., that Cullimore’s D.S.M. was awarded for dangerous work above and beyond his allotted task as Coxswain of an LCA (HR). As Flotilla Officer, 591st LCA (HR) Flotilla, Wallace was tasked with firing HR close inshore during the initial assault on Gold beaches during operation Neptune, 6th June 1944. His recommendation states: ‘Lieutenant Wallace brought his flotilla of small craft up to a maximum efficiency during the very short period available preceding the assault. In spite of difficult weather and adverse conditions off the beaches, the whole of his LCA (HR) Flotilla arrived on time and carried out their allotted tasks with considerable effect under enemy gunfire.’ Force “G” Assault Group Commander, Rear Admiral C. Douglas-Pennant, added: ‘Though several of his craft were sunk on passage due to bad weather, this officer pressed on to the assault with the remainder of his flotilla under their own power and carried out their allotted task with the utmost determination. After the assault when many of his craft had been sunk, he called for volunteers and in the face of enemy opposition led a party to assist in clearing the beaches of obstacles.’ So Cullimore was clearly one of Wallace’s volunteers helping to clear beach obstacles using so-called “sticky” bombs with five second fuses. Such work, using ‘plastic’ explosives or “sticky” bombs to dispose of large welded metal beach obstacles was a task assigned to the specially trained frogmen of the LCOCUs, the Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Units, rather than the likes of Cullimore whose principal remaining task at that stage of the operation should have been to steer his LCA away from the beach into safer water. One must therefore conclude that his LCA was in some way disabled or sunk.

A Great War ‘Salonika’ M.M. group of four awarded to Gunner A. Jones, Royal Garrison Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (296442 Gnr: A. Jones. 153/Hy: By: R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (7395 Gnr. A. Jones. R.A.); France, Third Republic, Medal of Honour, Ministry of the Interior, bronze, unnamed, edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 14 January 1918 French Medal of Honour, bronze London Gazette 21 July 1919 Arthur Jones attested for the Royal Garrison Artillery on 16 November 1915 and served with the 153rd Heavy Brigade during the Great War in Salonika from July 1916. Appointed Bombardier in August 1916, he reverted to Gunner at his own request in February 1917, and was awarded the Military Medal, the awarded being recorded in the Battery War Diary of October 1917. He was discharged on 27 February 1919.

A Great War ‘1916 Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Corporal A. Ursell, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, for his gallantry at High Wood in July 1916 - wounded and taken Prisoner of War, he was repatriated through Switzerland and was discharged on account of his wounds in 1917 Military Medal, G.V.R. (9119 Cpl. A. Ursell. 2/R.W. Fus:); 1914 Star, with copy clasp (9119 L. Cpl. A. Ursell. 2/R.W. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (9119 Cpl. A. Ursell. R.W. Fus.) good very fine (4) £500-£700 --- M.M. London Gazette 1 September 1916. Alfred Ursall attested for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 9 June 1906 and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 August 1914. He was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry on 19-20 July 1916 (Battalion War Diary refers), on which date the Battalion was in action at High Wood, Somme; Red Cross records show that he was wounded by a bullet to the face in this action, that resulted in the loss of his left eye. Ursall was at some stage taken Prisoner of War, evidenced by a postcard of Thüringen Prisoner of War camp that he sent home to his mother (included with lot), bearing the message ‘Going on alright. From Alf.’ He was repatriated through Switzerland in December 1916, and was discharged on account of wounds on 15 November 1917, being awarded a Silver War Badge, no. 263,439. Sold with the aforementioned Postcard sent home by the recipient; and copied Medal Index Card and other research.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private G. Rolinson, 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (201714 Pte. G. Rolinson. 2/Worc: R.) one letter of surname officially corrected from ‘Robinson’, very fine £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Corporal F. W. Robinson, Army Cyclist Corps Military Medal, G.V.R. (13884 L.Cpl. F. W. Robinson. VII C.C. Bn: A.C.C.); British War and Victory Medals (1910 Pte. F. W. Robinson. A. Cyc. Corps.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, minor edge bruising, generally very fine and better (5) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 12 June 1918. Frederick William Robinson, a native of Liverpool, served as a Lance-Corporal in the West Lancashire Divisional Cyclist Company and then VIII Corps Cyclist Battalion.

A Second War ‘Immediate’ D.F.M. group of five awarded to Lancaster Rear-Gunner Flight Sergeant F. D. Glynn, Royal Air Force, who flew with No. 622 Squadron from R.A.F. Mildenhall in Suffolk, and is credited with the destruction of at least one enemy night fighter and probably a second Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1890450. F/Sgt. F. D. Glynn. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 15 September 1944. The original recommendation for an Immediate award (a redacted version of which was published in the gazette) states: ‘Flight Sergeant Douglas Frank Glynn, Official No. 1890450, No. 622 Squadron, Rear Gunner. [Note initials on medal] This N.C.O. has completed 28 sorties against the enemy, which include attacks on many targets in Germany. Throughout, he has shown enthusiasm and keenness to engage the enemy, and has been responsible for destroying at least one enemy night fighter. On the 5th of July, after bombing a target in occupied territory, his aircraft was attacked by a JU.88. He returned the fire of the enemy, and after a fight lasting for five minutes, during which time he kept a running commentary to his pilot, he succeeded in setting fire to the port engine of the JU.88, which broke off the engagement and was probably destroyed. Immediately after this combat, his aircraft was again attacked by an ME.110. Flight Sergeant Glynn by this time had only one gun working, but his return fire was so accurate that he hit the port engine of the ME.110 and set it on fire. This aircraft is claimed as probably destroyed. The accurate shooting of Flight Sergeant Glynn and his quick appreciation of the enemy’s intentions, saved his aircraft which was not hit throughout the engagement. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy have been of the highest order.’ Sold with some research including copied recommendation and extract from Squadron O.R.B. for Glynn’s aircraft on the night of 5 July which states: ‘Bombed Red T.I. at 00.26 from 8,000 ft., Black smoke seen over markers. JU.88 and ME probably destroyed.’

A rare Great War S.G.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant L. Crossley, Highland Light Infantry, for his services in helping to extinguish the fires that burned for several days on H.M.T. Catonia, May 1917 Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., silver (Lee Crossley. H.M.T. “Caronia” May 1917); 1914-15 Star (187 Pte. L. Crossley, High. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (187 Cpl. L. Crossley. High. L.I.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (187 Sgt. L. Crossley, High. L.I.) very fine and better, the first rare to the Army, the last scarce to the Regiment (5) £1,000-£1,400 --- Provenance: Edrington Collection, 1980; W. H. Fevyer Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2008. 27 Silver and 10 Bronze Sea Gallantry Medals were awarded to the British Army 1857 to 1923, 19 of which were for this action. Lee Crossley was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, in 1894 and attested for the Highland Light Infantry. He served with the 11th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 May 1915, and later transferred to the 1st Battalion. He was awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal in Silver for his gallantry aboard H.M. Transport Caronia which caught fire in May 1917 whilst at sea, the original Recommendation stating: ‘In May 1917 while HM Transport Caronia was at sea, a series of fires occurred in her bunkers. The crew endeavoured for over five days to extinguish the fire, the Master was obliged to ask for the assistance of the troops on board and a number of them volunteered to go into the bunkers, where they rendered valuable assistance in extinguishing the outbreak. The service on non-commissioned officers and men are reported as deserving of special recognition. Very considerable risk was incurred in rendering the services. Frequent explosions occurred and a number of men were seriously injured.’ The Ship’s Log, gives further details, and records that the first fire was reported on 20 May, and it took 11 days before they were all extinguished: ‘On 20th May 1917 at 0300 whilst sailing from Durban to Tunghi Bay No 2 Coal Bunker was discovered to be on fire, every effort was made to extinguish the flames. On 24th May at 2100 No 3 port Coal Bunker discovered to be on fire, steps taken immediately to extinguish the fire. On 25th May at 1430, Robert Jones Leading Fireman, Henry Foulkes and Henry Gilfoyle Trimmers received extensive burns as a result of an explosion in bunkers, treated in Ship’s Hospital, at 1900 William Clarke, Boilermaker was gassed the result of an explosion in Coal Bunker and treated in Ship’s Hospital. At 0630 on 26th May George Pattison, 4th Engineer was gassed, the result of an explosion in a Coal Bunker and treated in Ship’s Hospital, at 1300 two further crew members were admitted to the Ship’s Hospital one with injuries, one gassed, at 1400 and 1500 two crewmen were gassed from an explosion. On 27th May at 1000 William Penny 4th Engineer was gassed the result of an explosion, at 1030 two more crew were gassed in an explosion, at 1930 a Trimmer was injured by an explosion. At 1500 on 28th May two crewmen were transferred to another ship for onward passage to hospital at Durban. On 31st May at 1900 the Chief Engineer reported all fires now extinguished.’ Advanced Sergeant, Crossley went on to serve in India and took part in the Third Afghan War attached to the 2nd/6th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, one of 41 N.C.O.s and men of the Highland Light Infantry to receive this Medal. Discharged to the Reserve on 26 November 1919, he was presented with his Sea Gallantry Medal by H.M. King George V on 11 December 1919. Sold with copied research.

A Victorian R.V.M. group of four awarded to Able Seaman P. Bundey, Royal Navy, who served in the Royal Yacht Osborne from 1892 to 1906; recalled for Great War service, he died in service on 4 September 1914 India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (P. Bundey, Ord. H.M.S. Ranger.); Royal Victorian Medal, V.R., bronze (Percy Bundey. Royal Yacht. Osborne) contemporarily engraved naming; Coronation 1902, bronze, the reverse contemporarily engraved in the usual style for Osborne ‘Percy Bundey H.M.Y. Osborne’; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming )Percy Bunday, A.B. Rigger. H.M.Y. Osborne.) light contact marks, generally good very fine (4) £400-£500 --- Percy Bundey was born in Fareham, Hampshire on 14 June 1868 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 28 August 1883. Posted to H.M.S. Ranger on 19 November 1884, he served in her during the Third Burmese War, and was promoted Able Seaman on 1 July 1887. After further service in H.M. Ships Duke of Wellington, Excellent, and Severn, he joined the Royal Yacht Osborne as an Able Seaman Rigger on 12 June 1892, and served in her until he was discharged on 15 June 1906. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 4 September 1901. Bundey joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 14 August 1906, and was recalled for War service on 2 August 1914. Posted to H.M.S. Fisgard, he died at home of septicaemia on 4 September 1914, and is buried under a C.W.G.C. headstone in Gosport Cemetery, Hampshire. Note: No trace has been found of a Royal Victorian Medal being awarded to Bundey, although as the medal is named in a style seen to the Osborne it seems likely that this medal was awarded to him for service at Queen Victoria’s Funeral, and that for some reason was omitted from the roll.

An inter-War ‘Royal Household’ R.V.M. group of nine awarded to Mr. C. E. Taylor, Livery Porter to the Privy Purse at Buckingham Palace Royal Victorian Medal, G.V.R., silver, unnamed as issued; Jubilee 1897, bronze, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1902, bronze, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1911, unnamed as issued; Royal Household Faithful Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue, suspension dated ‘1910-1930’ (C. E. Taylor), suspension re-affixed; Portugal, Kingdom, Don Carlos I Coronation Medal 1889, bronze; France, Third Republic, Medal of Honour, bronze; Persia, Empire, Medal of the Order of the Lion and Sun, silver; Denmark, Kingdom, Medal of Recompense, F.VIII.R., silver, mounted for display, nearly very fine or better (9) £400-£500 --- R.V.M. awarded 3 June 1932. Charles Edward Taylor entered the Royal Household in 1897 and in 1901 was appointed a Livery Porter to the Privy Purse at Buckingham Palace. He was awarded the Faithful Service Medal in May 1930. Foreign awards have not been confirmed.

An inter-War ‘Royal Household’ R.V.M. group of ten awarded to Mr. G. Icke, a Gentleman Porter at Windsor Castle Royal Household Faithful Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue, suspension dated ‘1910-1930’ (G. Icke.); Royal Victorian Medal, G.V.R., silver, unnamed as issued; Jubilee 1897, bronze, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1902, bronze, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1911, unnamed as issued; Spain, Kingdom, Order of Merit, Silver Cross of the Order, uniface, silver, with crown suspension, on peace time riband; Portugal, Kingdom, King Carlos I Medal 1889, bronze; Sweden, Kingdom, Royal Household Medal, Gustaf V, silver, with crown suspension; Persia, Empire, Medal of the Order of the Lion and the Sun, silver; Japan, Empire, Order of the Rising Sun, Eight Class breast badge, silver, mounted court-style as worn in this order, good very fine and better (10) £700-£900 --- George Edward Icke served in the Royal Household as a Gentleman Porter at Windsor Castle. He was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in silver on 13 July 1926, and received his Royal Household Faithful Service Medal in 1930. Sold with the Bestowal Document for the Royal Victorian Medal, dated 3 July 1926; Privy Purse Office enclosure for the 1911 Coronation Medal; Bestowal Document for the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, in scroll tube holder; Bestowal Document for the Spanish Silver Cross of the Medal of Merit; Letters forwarding the Swedish and Persian awards; Booklet for the Royal Household Faithful Service Meal; and a portrait photograph of the recipient. For the recipient’s related miniature awards, see Lot 687.

A post-War R.V.M. pair awarded to Leading Seaman R. Harbottle, Royal Navy, who formed part of the gun-carriage party at the funeral of H.M. King George VI in February 1952 Royal Victorian Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, silver, unnamed as issued; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (JX 799376 R. Harbottle. L.S. H.M.S. Victory.) contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £200-£240 --- Ronald Harbottle was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal for having served as part of the gun-carriage party at the funeral of H.M. King George VI. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in September 1961.

A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Gunner D. M. Williams, Royal Artillery, for his gallantry in rescuing the pilot from a burning Hurricane that had crashed at Rigg, Dumfries and Galloway, on 4 June 1941 British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (952357. Gunner David M. Williams. R.A.) minor edge nicks, good very fine £600-£800 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 17 February 1942: ‘In recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.’ The original Recommendation (a joint one with Gunner J. A. Blamer, R.A. [also awarded the B.E.M.]) states: ‘On 4 June 1941, between Rigg and Eastriggs, a Hurricane aircraft spun to the ground and immediately caught fire. Gunner Palmer, who was about two miles away, mounted his motor-cycle and rod, first along the road, and then across a ploughed field, arriving on the scene a few minutes after the crash. He found that the Pilot had only partially been thrown clear and despite intense heat, at the third attempt extricate the body, with the assistance of Gunner Williams, who had arrived shortly after Balmer. During the time burning petrol was being splashed on the ground around the aeroplane, and machine-gun ammunition was exploding due to the heat.’ Sadly, the pilot of the Hurricane subsequently died of his wounds. David Morris Williams was a native of Trefriw, Caernarvonshire.

A Second War 1940 ‘Military Division’ B.E.M. group of four awarded to Squadron Leader W. N. Gibson, 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Act. Flt. W. N. Gibson. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (Act. Flt. Lt. W. N. Gibson. R.A.F.) mounted for display, very fine (4) £300-£400 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 11 July 1940: ‘For services rendered in recent operations.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 28 May 1943. William Noel Gibson was born in Westbourne, Sussex in December 1907. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1924, and advanced to Acting Flight Lieutenant in February 1940. Gibson was serving with 9 Squadron (Wellingtons) operating from Waddington when he was recommended for the B.E.M. He advanced to Flying Officer in March 1942 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in the same year), and advanced to Squadron Leader in November 1947. Gibson retired in January 1957, joined BAC as an engineer, and in later life resided at 61 Highfield, Letchworth. He died in February 1982.

A good Second War ‘1942’ O.T.U. Fire Fighting Section Commander’s B.E.M. group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant H. Irwin, Royal Air Force British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (347346 Sgt. Herbert Irwin, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (347346 Act. F. Sgt. H. Irwin. R.A.F.) mounted for display, generally very fine or better (5) £300-£400 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, June 2002. B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1943, the original recommendation states: ‘This airman has been in charge of the Fire Fighting Section at R.A.F. Satellite, Steeple Morden, for the past nine months and has performed his duties in a most efficient and zealous manner. His courage and splendid leadership have done much to save life and to prevent fires spreading and causing further damage to government property. On a recent occasion, by his determination and leadership, he was instrumental in saving two houses from being destroyed when an aircraft crashed on to them taking-off. On another occasion he was instrumental in keeping a fire under control, although there was a great danger from petrol tanks exploding, so that the occupants of an aircraft could be removed. He has set a fine example of devotion to duty.’ Between 1940 - September 1942, Steeple Morden was used as a grass satellite dispersal airfield by No. 11 O.T.U. flying Wellingtons from Bassingbourn.

A Second War B.E.M. group of five awarded to Corporal A. E. Garner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (1142261 Cpl. Alfred E. Garner, R.A.F.V.R.); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, nearly extremely fine (5) £200-£300 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1946. M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1945.

A post-War ‘Minesweeping’ B.E.M. group of four awarded to Engine Room Artificer J. Dunsmore, Royal Navy British Empire Medal (Military) G.VI.R., 1st type (E.R.A.Cl.2 John Dunsmore. C/MX57370); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Minesweeping 1945-51 (C/MX57370 J. Dunsmore, E.R.A.2. R.N.) ‘R.N.’ corrected on last, generally very fine and better (4) £400-£500 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, October 1997. B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1948: ‘In recognition of Operational Minesweeping and Mine and Bomb Disposal since the end of the War.’ The original Recommendation states: ‘Engine Room Artificer Second Class John Dunsmore, H.M.S. Bramble, has displayed outstanding qualities of zeal and devotion during operational minesweeping work, and by his personal example has inspired a similar effort in his subordinates. He carried out some particularly good repair work on one LL Diesel generator when a serious breakdown occurred.’

A post-War 1957 ‘Military Division’ B.E.M. group of four awarded to Chief Technician C. H. Martin, Royal Air Force British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (4011302 Cpl. Tech. Charles H. Martin. R.A.F.) number partially officially corrected; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (4011302 Cpl. Tech. C. H. Martin. R.A.F.); General Service 1962-2007, 2 clasps, Borneo, South Arabia (Q4011302 Sgt. C. H. Martin. R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (Q4011302 Ch. Tech. C. H. Martin. R.A.F.) mounted for wear, light contact marks overall, nearly very fine (4) £300-£400 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1957.

A post-War 1963 ‘Military Division’ B.E.M. pair awarded to Flight Sergeant S. J. Tunnicliff, Royal Air Force British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (4014660 Sgt. Stanley J. Tunnicliff, R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (4014660 F. Sgt. S. J. Tunnicliff R.A.F.) nearly extremely fine (2) £180-£220 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 8 June 1963.

A post-War 1968 ‘Military Division’ B.E.M. group of three awarded to Flight Sergeant G. Colledge, Royal Air Force British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (No977113 F. Sgt. Gilbert Colledge, R.A.F.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (977113 Sgt. G. Colledge. R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (977113 F. Sgt. G. Colledge. R.A.F.) generally very fine or better (3) £260-£300 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2012. B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1968.

Three: Private L. P. Clark, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1914 Star (2726 Pte. L. P. Clarke [sic]. 2/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (9726 Pte. L. P. Clarke [sic]. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) very fine (3) £80-£100 --- Lawrence Philip Clark attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry on 12 August 1912 and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914. He received a gunshot wound to the back on 4 August 1916, and was sent by No. 31 Ambulance train to Abbeville for transit home via Le Havre. He was later transferred to the Army Service Corps and was re-numbered R/39990. He was discharged due to sickness on 15 November 1919, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, no. B331169. Note: The recipient’s Medal Index Card confirms that the correct spelling of his surname is Clark, but that his medals were nevertheless named Clarke.

Pair: Inspector General R. Pottinger, Royal Navy China 1842 (R. Pottinger, Asst. Surgn. H.M.S. Druid.) original suspension; Baltic 1854-55, unnamed as issued, but ‘G M’ crudely scratched to edge, edge bruising and light contact marks, otherwise very fine, the Baltic better (2) £700-£900 --- Robert Pottinger was born on 7 March 1818 and joined the Royal Navy as an Assistant Surgeon on 3 May 1839, being appointed to H.M.S. Druid. Promoted Surgeon on 21 December 1847, from July 1848 until February 1852 he served in H.M.S. Renard, the entry on his papers states ‘in charge of crew on passage home (ship wrecked)’. As a Surgeon he also served in H.M. Ships Hecla, Blenheim (in which ship he earned his Baltic Medal), Hannibal and Neptune. Promoted Staff Surgeon on 18 November 1862 he proceeded from Neptune to H.M.S. Formidable and in December 1866 to the Royal Naval Hospital Plymouth. On promotion to Deputy Inspector General on 8 December 1868 Pottinger joined H.M.S. Melville (the Hospital Ship at Hong Kong). His final appointment was to the Chatham Division of Royal Marines and in this post he was promoted to Inspector General on 5 March 1876. Placed on half pay in August of the same year, he retired on 8 March 1878. Sold with copied record of service.

Four: Commander A. F. Marescaux, Royal Navy South Africa 1834-53 (Midshipman A. F. Marecaux.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (Alfd. F. Marescaux. Midn. “Hermes”); Baltic 1854-55 (A. F. Marescaux, Mate. H.M.S. “Termagant.”) contemporary engraved naming; China 1857-60, 3 clasps, Fatshan 1857, Canton 1857, Taku Forts 1860 (Alfred F. Marescaux, Lieutt. H.M.S. Fury.) contemporary engraved naming, last clasp loose as issued, light contact marks, otherwise generally very fine or better (4) £2,000-£2,400 --- Alfred Frederick Marescaux was born in Richmond, Surrey, on 14 June 1829, and joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet in 1845; Sub-Lieutenant, 20 April 1855; Lieutenant, 20 April 1857; Commander, 4 November 1868; Retired Commander, 7 September 1876; Retired Captain, 4 November 1883. Served during the Kaffir war in Castor and Hermes (Kaffir Medal); in Hermes and Fox during the Burmese war; present at captures of Rangoon and Martaban (Burmese Medal, Pegu Clasp); employed in destruction of pirates in the China Sea; present at the taking of Bomarsund as Mate of Termagant (Baltic Medal); engaged in operations in China from 1856; Lieutenant, engaged in the destruction of the Fatshan flotilla of war junks, 1st June, 1857 (China Medal, Fatshan Clasp); served at the capture of Canton, December , 1857 (Canton Clasp); specially mentioned; also served in other operations until the capture of the Peiho forts (Taku Clasp). Captain Marescaux died in Monte Carlo on 10 May 1913.

Pair: Private F. C. Gover, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action at Langemarck on 21 October 1914 1914 Star (6985 Pte. F. C. Grover [sic], 2/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (6985 Pte. F. C. Gover. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); together with an erased British War Medal 1914-20, nearly very fine and better (3) £140-£180 --- Frederick Charles Gover was born in Reading, Berkshire, and and attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry at Caversham on 5 August 1914. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914 and was killed in action at Langemarck on 21 October 1914, aged 28. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Sold with a small photographic image of the recipient.

Pair: Carpenter First Class W. F. Thomlinson, Royal Navy, who served in the Investigator in the Franklin Search Expedition of 1848-49 South Africa 1834-53 (W. F. Thomlinson. Actg. Carpenter 2nd. Class.); Arctic Medal 1818-55, unnamed as issued, very fine (2) £1,500-£2,000 --- Provenance: Buckland Dix & Wood, July 1993 (South Africa Medal only). William F. Thomlinson (also recorded as Tomlinson) was born in Stoke Damerel, Devon, on 11 October 1813, and joined the Royal Navy as a Carpenter’s Mate on 19 January 1838, serving in H.M.S. Racehourse, before transferring to H.M.S. Hecla as a Caulker on 28 November 1843. He joined H.M.S. Investigator on 16 April 1848, and served in her during the Franklin search Expedition of 1848-49. The Investigator sailed in May 1848 to the Arctic in search of John Franklin under the command of Captain Edward Bird. She was accompanied by the Enterprise under Sir James Clark Ross. The ships wintered at Port Leopold. A sledging party departed in the spring for Fury Beach. Ross also went west to Cape Bunny before heading south coming within 50 miles of Cape Bird, had they but known that this was where they should have been searching. The ships were cut free of the ice in August and proceeded down Barrow Strait before getting beset by ice but drifted into Baffin Bay reaching home in November 1849. Thomlinson subsequently served in H.M.S. Castor from 1 March 1851 and took part in the Third Kaffir War. Advanced Carpenter First Class on 15 January 1862, he was shore pensioned on 8 July 1869, and died in Hooe, Devon, on 13 January 1874.

Five: Colour Sergeant A. Hay, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, late Cameron Highlanders and Royal Navy Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (A. Hay, H.M.S. Simoom) engraved naming; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Andw. Hay, 79th Highlanders); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, North West Frontier (35 L-Corpl. Andrew Hay, 79 Ft.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Sejt. A. Hay, late 1 R. Welsh Fus.); Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue (A. Hay, H.M.S. Simoom) engraved naming, with IGS-style scroll suspension, all housed in a fitted leather case, some contact marks and edge bruising, nearly very fine and better (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, July 2010. Andrew Hay was born at Gladsmuir, Scotland, on 14 February 1836 and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy First Class on 8 February 1854. He served aboard the troopship H.M.S. Simoom at Portsmouth and later served in the frigate H.M.S. Wasp. He was with the Naval Brigade at Balaklava and served in the trenches before Sebastopol. On returning home he enlisted into the 79th Foot in which his elder brother, Robert served. With the 79th he proceeded to India. His service outlined above is recorded in several publications. His papers indicate an alternative story. They show that he was entered on the books of the Simoom from 8 February 1854 until 25 September 1855, on which date his records were marked with ‘R’ for ‘Run’ or ‘Deserted’. Additionally on the Simoom medal roll it states, ‘R 25/9/55 Application for medals to be granted refused’. His army attestation papers indicate a different date and place of birth and make no mention of his Naval service. If he had run from the Simoom, then a rather anxious episode would soon have followed; for the newly recruited soldier of the 79th Foot would have been shipped out to India on none other than his former ship, the Simoom! In any event, he served in India with the 79th Foot, August 1857 to May 1883. Serving in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny, he took part in the engagement at Secundragunge, the siege and capture of Lucknow, the actions at Rooyah, Allygunge, Bareilly and Shahjehanpore, the capture of Mahomdie, the storming of Rampore Kussia and the passage of the Gogra - being slightly wounded in the latter action (not listed as such in the published casualty roll). Afterwards he continued to serve with his regiment on the North West Frontier and took part in the expedition under Brevet Colonel A. F. Macdonell, December 1863 to January 1864. Appointed a Colour Sergeant in 1868, he was transferred to the 103rd Foot in December 1869 and 92nd Highlanders in June 1870. In July 1870 he was transferred as a supernumerary to the 23rd Foot (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) and was appointed a Bazaar Sergeant. Discharged in 1883 at the termination of his second period of engagement, he was appointed a Park Ranger at King’s Park, Edinburgh, a post he held for 20 years. Hay was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with an annuity of £10 on 3 June 1900. He died in 1922. Several members of his family also served in the 79th Foot (Cameron Highlanders). With copied service papers and other research, including a copied photograph of the recipient in civilian dress wearing six medals - as above plus an Army L.S. & G.C. Medal.

Pair: Sergeant R. Bland, 34th Regiment Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (R, Bland. 34th Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (4309. Sergt. R. Bland, 34th Foot) edge bruising and contact marks, good fine and better (2) £300-£400 --- Richard Bland was born in Lancaster and attested for the 34th Regiment at Preston on 10 December 1855, aged 15 years, a weaver by trade. He served as a Boy, under age, until appointed as a Private on 1 April 1857. He was appointed Drummer on 1 July but reverted to Private on 6 October 1857, and remained ‘under age’ until 10 December 1858. Promoted to Corporal in July 1861, he was tried and reduced to Private in February 1862. He re-engaged on 11 September 1867, being promoted to Corporal in February 1868, and to Sergeant on 11 August 1867. Despite his previous misdemeanour he was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal with £5 gratuity on 1 May 1879. Sergeant Bland was discharged at Carlisle on 3 February 1880, having served a total of 21 years 56 days, including 6 years 5 months in India; he served a further 14 days before joining the Staff of the 1st Royal Lancaster Militia. His discharge papers relate that ‘he is in possession of the Medal for long service and good conduct, and the Indian Mutiny Medal and clasp for Lucknow.’ Sold with copied discharge papers.

Pair: Sergeant W. H. Hicks, 54th Foot, later 25th Foot Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (3296 Sergr. W. Hicks. H.Ms. 54th. Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (275 Serjt. Willm. Henry Hicks 2nd. Batt 25th. Foot) suspension claw tightened on latter, contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £300-£400 --- William Henry Hicks was born in Dudley, Staffordshire, in 1834 and attested initially for the 54th Regiment of Foot, serving with them in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny He was discharged to the Staff of the Carnarvon Royal Rifles Militia, before re-attesting for the 25th Regiment of Foot at Bristol on 26 January 1860. He He was promoted to Corporal on 1 March 1860 and Sergeant on 7 August 1861, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 6 April 1867. He was discharged on 2 March 1869, after 21 years and 20 days’ service, of which 6 years had been spent in St. Helena, 18 months in the Mediterranean, and 6 years and 8 months in India. Sold with copied service papers.

Three: Colour Sergeant W. Lawrence, 4th Hussars, later Royal Engineers India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Jowaki 1877-8 (No. 1427 Lce. Corpl. W. Lawrence, 4th. Q.O. Hussars.) contemporarily renamed; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, date clasp a tailor’s copy (16373 Co. Sjt. Maj: W. Lawrence R.E.) engraved naming; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (16373 C.S. Maj: W. Lawrence R.E.) engraved naming, mounted as worn and suspended from a triple width silver riband bar, good very fine (3) £300-£400 --- William Lawrence was born in Mexico ‘of British parents’ on 22 June 1855 and was educated at the Kings School, Sherbourne and Clifton College, Bristol. He attested for the 4th Hussars at Canterbury on 5 June 1875, and served with the Regiment until August 1879 when he was discharged by purchase intending to proceed to Mexico. From 1 March to 7 April 1879 he had held the appointment of Lance-Corporal. Whilst he saw service in India he seems to have had no campaign service. The India General Service Medal included with his group has been renamed and there is no evidence for its award to him in any official papers; certainly, the 4th Hussars were not present in the campaign under their own badge. Subsequently re-joining the Army, Lawrence was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1893, and was subsequently appointed to the permanent staff of the Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers as Colour Sergeant. In this capacity he served in South Africa during the Boer War. He was discharged in 1903, whilst serving with the 3rd Lancashire Volunteers, R.E., after a total of 28 years and 87 days’ service. Following the outbreak of the Great War Lawrence was appointed Quartermaster and Honorary Lieutenant of the 6th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers on 3 October 1914, serving in this capacity at home until 6 February 1918, and being promoted to Honorary Captain on 3 October 1917. A supporting letter from the Commanding Officer of the 6th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers concerning his appointment in 1914 mentions that he was over age (he was 56 at the time), but had passed his medical. He also mentions experience as Quartermaster of a large instructional camp in Chatham. He died on 1 July 1922. Following the recipient’s death, his wife petitioned the War Office, as she felt that his death was aggravated by his service but no pension was granted. Her letter to the War Office also mentions his India General Service Medal.

Pair: Petty Officer First Class F. Stroud, Royal Navy Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Suakin 1884, Suakin 1885 (F. Strond [sic]. Cox: Cuttr. H.M.S. “Orion”); Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, unnamed as issued, pitting from star, therefore good fine and scarce (2) £280-£340 --- Only 32 medals issued to the Royal Navy with these two clasps, not all of which will be on dated reverse medals. Frederick Stroud was born at Ramsgate, Kent, on 9 September 1856, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 12 September 1871. He saw service during the Egyptian War of 1882 as Coxswain of the Cutter aboard the armoured cruiser H.M.S. Orion. He then saw service ashore, as a Petty Officer 1st Class, from the storeship H.M.S. Humber at Suakin during the period from 19 February to 26 March 1884, and again at Suakin during the period from 1 March to 14 May 1885. He remained a Petty Officer 1st Class for the remainder of his service and was shore pensioned from H.M.S. Excellent on 22 September 1894, having been awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal a few days beforehand. Sold with copied record of service.

Seven: Troop Sergeant Major D. Fegan, 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards, later King’s Bodyguard, who served during the Belfast Riots of 1866 Coronation 1902, bronze, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1911, unnamed as issued; Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Troop Sergt. Major Maj. D. Fegan. 4/D. Gds.) rank contemporarily re-engraved; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (1154... Sgt. Maj: D. Feg... Dn. Gds.) heavy pitting from Star partially obscuring naming; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1154 Tr. Segt. Major D. Fegan. 4th. Dn. Gds.) contemporarily renamed; Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, the reverse contemporarily engraved ‘T.S. Major. D. Fegan. R.I.D.G. 1154’; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (13 R.Q.M. Sjt. D. Fegan. King Edward’s H. Yeo.) mounted for display purposes in this order, heavy edge bruising and contact marks to the Egypt pair, the 1902 Coronation heavily worn, otherwise generally nearly very fine and better (7) £600-£800 --- Provenance: Spink, March 1979. Daniel Fegan was born in Ireland in 1851, and attested for the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards on 20 April 1870. Advanced Troop Sergeant Major, he was discharged, medically unfit, served with them to 13th September 1887. Medically unfit, due to rheumatic fever brought on by 1886 Belfast riots, on 13 September 1887, and was awarded a Pension by the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. He was appointed a Member of the King’s Bodyguard on 20 September 1901, and was awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 107 of 1 April 1912, whilst serving as Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant of the Canadian Squadron, King Edward’s Horse. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient wearing his medals in the order that they appear listed above. Note: Earlier photographs of the recipient, and his length of service, would suggest that he did not officially qualify for the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. For the recipient’s related miniature awards, see Lot 688.

Four: Colour Sergeant Instructor of Musketry H. Rose, Essex Regiment, whose Army Reminisces paint a graphic picture of his services as a solider in the mid to late 19th Century Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, The Nile 1884-85 (1228 Cr. Sergt. H. Rose. 2/Essex. R.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (C. Sjt: H. Rose. 2/Essex Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1228 Cr. Sgt. H. Rose. Essex R.) rank partially officially corrected; Khedive’s Star, dated 1884-6, the reverse impressed ‘1228. H. R.’, pitting from Star, therefore nearly very fine, the MSM good very fine (4) £500-£700 --- Henry Rose was born in Northington in Hampshire in 1849, and attested for the 56th Regiment of Foot at Aldershot on 2 November 1867. Posted to India on 1 March 1871, he was promoted Corporal on 23 December 1873, and Sergeant on 9th December 1875. Advanced Colour Sergeant on 24 July 1883, he served with the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment (as the 56th Foot had become) in Egypt and the Sudan from February 1884, and took part in the Gordon Relief Expedition down the Nile as part of the River Column. Awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 1 January 1886, he was posted to the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Essex Regiment as a Colour Sergeant Instructor, and qualified at the School of Musketry at Hythe in April 1889. He was discharged on 31 May 1901, and was awarded his Meritorious Service Medal, with annuity, in 1915. Sold with a copy of the recipient’s Army Reminisces (10 pages) which paints a graphic picture of the privations experienced by a private solider in the mid to late 19th Century: ’Rations at this time were very poor... flogging was still the order for certain crimes... our billet [in Ireland] was red brick barracks which had not been occupied for 24 years except by hundreds of rats...’; and copied research.

Three: Sub-Conductor J. Calvert, Commissariat Transport Department, who was Mentioned in Despatches for his services in South Africa during the Boer War India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Hazara 1888 (sergt. J. Calvert, Comt. Dept. Bl.; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Laing’s Nek, Belfast (Sub:- Conductor. J. Calvert.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (Serjt. J. Calvert Commsstt Transpt. Deptt.) engraved naming, light contact marks, polished, generally good very fine, the Elandslaagte clasp rare to unit (3) £800-£1,000 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2011. One of only ten Queen’s South Africa Medals awarded to the Commissariat Transport Department with the clasp for Elandslaagte. John Calvert was born in Bermondsey, London, in 1860 and attested for the East Surrey Regiment in September 1879, having previously served in the Militia. Transferring to the Indian Commissariat Department, he re-engaged for further service in 1889, and was promoted to Sub-Conductor on 20 November 1900. He served with the unit in South Africa during the Boer War, ands was Mentioned in General White’s Despatch of 23 March 1900 (London Gazette 8 February 1901, where he is erroneously listed as Sub-Conductor W. Calvert). He was also entitled to the King’s South Africa Medal, but is is not clear from the roll if this was ever awarded. Sold with copied medal roll extracts and other research.

Pair: Private J. Campbell, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who died of wounds received at Modder River on 28 November 1899 India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (5122 Pte. J. Campbell 2d Bn. Arg: & Suthd Highrs:); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Modder River (5122 Pte. J. Campbell, A. & S. Highrs:); together with Boer War Memorial Medal 1899-1902, by Emil Fuchs, 45mm, bronze, the obverse depicting an angel over a dying soldier, inscribed above ‘To the memory of those who gave their lives for Queen and country’, inscribed in plaque below ‘South African Campaign 1899-1900’, the reverse featuring a stylised bare-footed warrior sheathing his sword, ‘Pax’ inscribed above, the first with small edge bruise, otherwise toned, good very fine (3) £400-£500 --- Private J. Campbell died at Wynberg on 30 November 1899, of wounds received at Modder River on 28 November 1899.

Five: Lieutenant-Commander W. H. J. Parkin, Royal Navy, who was awarded the Delhi Durbar Medal 1911 for his services in conveying H.M. King George V and the Royal party to India in the Royal Yacht H.M.S. Medina, and subsequently served in H.M.S. St. Vincent at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916, where he suffered shell-shock Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (W. H. J. Parkin, P.O. 1Cl., H.M.S. Gibraltar.); 1914-15 Star (Gnr. W. H. J. Parkin. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Ch. Gnr. W. H. J. Parkin. R.N.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, unnamed as issued, good very fine, the Delhi Durbar scarce to Naval personnel (5) £400-£500 --- William Henry John Parkin was born in Alverstoke, Hampshire, on 31 December 1878; a former Greenwich Hospital Scholar he entered the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. St Vincent on 10 July 1894. Rated Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. Imperieuse on 3 March 1896, he was advanced Able Seaman in H.M.S. Comus on 1 December 1897; Leading Seaman in H.M.S. Trafalgar on 24 August 1899; Petty Officer Second Class in H.M.S. Excellent on 7 June 1900; and Petty Officer First Class in H.M.S. Duke of Wellington on 17 June 1900. Joining H.M.S. Gibraltar on 5 March 1901, he served in South Africa during the Boer War. Transferring to H.M.S. Excellent on 14 May 1902, Parkin was promoted to Gunner (Warrant Officer) in H.M.S. Excellent on 28 May 1903. Appointed to H.M.S. Medina on 10 November 1910, he received the Delhi Durbar Medal 1911 for his services in this ship, which was converted to a Royal Yacht to convey H.I.M. King George V and the Royal party to India, one of 285 such awards to Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Parkin was appointed to command Torpedo Boat 57 and then, on 28 January 1913, to command Torpedo Boat 78. Appointed to the dreadnought battleship H.M.S. St Vincent on 14 April 1914, he served in her throughout the Great War and was present at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916, where she engaged the German battlecruiser SMS Moltke, and fired a total of 98 twelve-inch shells during the Battle. On 4 August 1916 he was admitted to Haslar Naval Hospital with Neurasthenia (Shell shock), probably the result of his experiences at Jutland having suffered the condition for 4 weeks, and was discharged to duty on 15 August 1916. Promoted Chief Gunner on 29 May 1918, he was commissioned Lieutenant on 12 August 1922 and placed on the retired list on 31 December 1928. Promoted Lieutenant-Commander on the retired list on 12 August 1930, he died in 1958. Sold with copied record of service, medal roll extracts, and other research.

Six: Chief Petty Officer J. Lyne, Royal Navy Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (J. Lyne. A.B. H.M.S. Magicienne.); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Jubaland (J. Lyne. A.B., H.M.S. Magicienne.); 1914-15 Star (187308, J. Lyne, P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (187308. J. Lyne. P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (187308 James Lyne, P.O. H.M.S. Vivid:) contact marks, nearly very fine and better (6) £600-£800 --- James Lyne was born in Crediton, Devon, on 11 July 1879 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Impregnable on 22 January 1896. Posted to H.M.S. Magicienne as an Ordinary Seaman on 18 November 1897, he was promoted Able Seaman on 11 September 1898, and went on to witness active service off South Africa (Medal), in addition to being one of around 200 Bluejackets landed for the Jubaland operations of November 1900 to April 1901 (Medal & clasp). Advanced Petty Officer on 1 July 1903, Lyne was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 15 August 1912, and served during the Great War in various ships and shore based establishments. He was promoted Chief Petty Officer on 1 December 1918, and was shore demobilised on 18 September 1919.

Six: Staff Sergeant Farrier Edward Alderdice, 12th Lancers Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (33.1 S.S. Far: E. Alderdice, 12: R: Lancers); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3331 S.Serjt:-Far: E. Alderdice. 12th Lancers); 1914-15 Star (GS-11184 Far. S. Sjt. E. Alderdice 12-Lrs.); British War and Victory Medals GS-11184 Pte. E. Alderdice. 12-Lrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (3331 F.S. Sjt: E. Alderdice. 12/Lrs.) mounted as worn, edge bruising and contact marks, the earlier medals good fine, otherwise very fine (6) (6) £300-£400 --- Edward Alderdice was born in Birkenhead and attested there for the 12th Lancers on 21 April 1891, a shoeing smith by trade. He was appointed Shoeing Smith in February 1896, to Corporal Shoeing Smith in June 1893, and to Sergeant Farrier in August 1896. He extended his service to complete 12 years at Aldershot in April 1898, and was promoted to Staff Sergeant Farrier on 21 December 1899. He re-engaged to complete 21 years with the Colours in June 1902, and was discharged on termination of his 2nd period of engagement on 20 April 1912. Recalled at Birmingham on 23 September 1914, for General Service in his former rank of Staff Sergeant Farrier. He served in France with the 12th Lancers from 6 April 1915, but was tried by F.G.C.M. for ‘when on active service misapplying public food and disposing of same to French civilians’ and sentenced to be reduced to Private, in which rank his British War and Victory Medals were eventually issued. Sold with copied discharge papers and Medal Index Card.

Four: Private A. Fulcher, 18th Hussars Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Laing’s Nek, Belfast (3820. Pte: A. Fulcher. 18/Hrs:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3820 Pte. A. Fulcher. 18th. Hussars.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (5635 Pte. A. Fulcher. 18/Hrs.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Alexander Fulcher.) lightly polished, very fine (4) £280-£340 --- Alexander Fulcher was born in Ipswich in 1872 and attested there for the 19th Hussars on 20 February 1892, having previously served in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He served with the Regiment in India from 4 February 1893 to 14 October 1898, and then in South Africa from 15 October 1898 to 9 July 1902. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in July 1910, and was discharged on 19 February 1913, after 21 years’ service. He died in Scarborough, Yorkshire, on 19 December 1946.

Pair: Trooper W. H. Frampton, Imperial Yeomanry, later Royal Field Artillery Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, unofficial rivets between state and date clasps (34540 Tpr: W. H. Frampton. 33rd Coy. Imp: Yeo:); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (150 Bmbr. W. Frampton. 3/Wessex B. R.F.A.) minor edge bruising, otherwise very fine (2) £220-£260 --- William Horatio Frampton was born at Blandford, Dorset, and attested for the Imperial Yeomanry in March 1901, declaring prior service with the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. Posted initially to the 1st Provisional Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry, he served with the 33rd (Royal East Kent) Company, 11th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa during the Boer War from 29 March 1901 to 13 May 1902, and was discharged at Shorncliffe, medically unfit, on 14 June 1902.

Six: Sergeant J. Johnson, East Kent Regiment, later South African Constabulary, Royston’s Horse, and Welsh Horse Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (5398 Sjt. J. Johnson. E. Kent R.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (81 Cpl. J. Johnson. S.A.C.); Natal 1906, 1 clasp, 1906 (No. 648 Cpl. J. Johnson. Royston’s Horse.); 1914-15 Star (316 Pte. -A. Cpl.- J. Johnson. Welsh H.); British War and Victory Medals (316 A. Sjt. J. Johnson. Welsh H.) the QSA a somewhat later issue; edge bruising to Natal, lacquered, generally very fine and better (6) £500-£700 --- James Johnson was born in Gosport, Hampshire and attested for the Royal Marine Light Infantry in London on 25 April 1889, being discharged on 14 October 1896. He next attested for the East Kent Regiment at Canterbury on 18 November 1898, and was posted to the 3rd Battalion. Promoted Corporal on 18 January 1900, he served with them in South Africa during the Boer War, and the Q.S.A. Medal roll implies he also worked with the Imperial Military Railways. He transferred to the South African Constabulary on 1 June 1901, and was discharged on 16 August 1902. Johnson saw further service with Royston’s Horse during the Natal Rebellion of 1906, and with the Welsh Horse during the Great War, serving from 23 September 1915. His last posting was to the Labour Corps. Note: The recipient’s original Queen’s South Africa was sold in these rooms in July 2015; the replacement Q.S.A. included with this lot was issued on 14 January 1924. Sold with copied South African Constabulary service papers.

Four: Quartermaster Sergeant J. Mason, East India Railway Regiment, late Royal Welsh Fusiliers Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Orange Free State, unofficial rivets between top two clasps (5586 Pte. J. Mason, R. Welsh Fus:); China 1900, 1 copy clasp, Relief of Pekin (No. 5586 Private J. Mason, 2nd Batt: R.W. Fusiliers.) renamed; Coronation 1902, Hong Kong issue, bronze (J. Mason); Volunteer Force Long Service (India and the Colonies), G.V.R. (Q-M-S. J. Mason. 3-E.I. Ry. R. A.F.I.) good very fine (4) £300-£400 --- John Mason was born in Wotton-under Edge, Gloucestershire, in 1880 and attested for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 28 February 1898, having previously served with the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. He served with the 1st Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War from 23 October 1899 to 18 July 1900, before transferring to the 2nd Battalion, and serving in China from 19 July 1900 to 9 November 1902, and then in India. He was discharged in India on 17 March 1906; he clearly remained in India, and was awarded his Volunteer Force Long Service Medal while serving with the 3rd Battalion East India Railway Regiment per Indian Army Order 591 of 1925. Note: The Queen’s South Africa Medal is confirmed on roll, with the Orange Free State clasp being confirmed on a supplementary roll, and presumably therefore despatched later. No confirmation has been found regarding the recipient’s entitlement to a China Medal; presumably, given the fact that it is renamed and the clasp a tailor’s copy, the recipient believed that he was entitled to it from his service with the 2nd Battalion, although it is unlikely that he was officially entitled to it.

Three: Lieutenant W. D. Drayton, Buckinghamshire Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1914-15 Star (3267 Pte. W. Drayton. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. W. D. Drayton.) very fine (3) £60-£80 --- William David Drayton was born at Tottenham, London in 1893 and having attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry served in the ranks of the 1st/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 30 July 1918, and was promoted Lieutenant on 31 January 1920. His medal index card also notes service with 53rd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Reverting to the Buckinghamshire Battalion, he relinquished his commission on 30 September 1921, and died at Ampthill, Bedfordshire, in January 1970.

Three: Private J. Griffiths, South Wales Borderers Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (6719 Pte. J. Griffiths. S. Wales B:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (6719 Pte. J. Griffith [sic]. S. Wales Bord:) initial officially corrected; Militia L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (1049 Corpl. J. Griffiths 4th. S. Wales Bord. Mil.) good very fine, the last rare to unit (3) £500-£700 --- One of only 2 Militia Long Service and Good Conduct Medals awarded to the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, and one of only 6 awarded to the Regiment as a whole. J. Griffiths served with the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers in South Africa during the Boer War, and was awarded his Militia Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in February 1905. Sold with copied medal roll extract and copied research.