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Four: Leading Seaman M. Palmer, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (213241, M. Palmer, L.S., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (213241 M. Palmer. L.S. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (213241 Matthias Palmer, Ldg. Smn, H.M.S. Columbine), very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Matthias Palmer was born in Greenwich, Kent, on 21 October 1885 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 21 January 1901. Advanced Leading Seaman on 1 August 1913, he served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 22 February 1919. He was shore demobilised on 6 March 1919.

Four: Stoker Petty Officer A. G. Parmenter, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (K.66295 A. G. Parmenter. S.P.O. H.M.S. Neptune.) minor official correction to rate on LS&GC, good very fine (4) £60-£80

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (22 Sjt: A. V. T. Elliott. S. & K. R.G.A.) toned, extremely fine £80-£100 --- Arthur Victor Thomas Elliott was born in Brighton , Sussex, in 1875 and served with the Sussex and Kent Royal Garrison Artillery (Territorial Force), being awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 186 of 1 July 1909. He served during the Great War as a Corporal (Acting Sergeant) in the Rifle Brigade, a conflict in which 3 of his 6 brothers were killed. Sold with copied research.

A Selection of Miscellaneous Medals, including a Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service cape badge, silver; a Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve cape badge, silver; a St Andrew’s Ambulance Corps Jubilee Medal 1904-54, unnamed; two Army Temperance Association: India Medals, silver, for 8 and 12 Years’ Abstinence respectively; an Army Rifle Association Methuen Cup Prize Medal, silver-gilt and enamel, with four date bars, for 1904, 1905, 1907, and 1908, with top riband buckle; a Royal Horse Artillery Prize Medallion, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘3rd Brigade Boxing 1937’, in F. Phillips, Aldershot, fitted case; and a Jutland Commemorative Medallion, bronze, generally very fine and better (8) £60-£80

United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze; Air Medal, bronze, both unnamed, very fine (2) £70-£90 --- Sold with a pair of dog tags ‘Edmund V. Merlan ASN 31023988 Johanna Merlan 68 Centre St. Pawtucket, R.I.’, together with Airborne Troop carrier patch, 17th Airborne Division patch, appears to have been removed from a uniform, 2 other patches, 5 collar and lapel badges, and approximately 40 snapshot photographs which appear to have been taken during the Vietnam War.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Acting Corporal G. Billing, 21st Battalion, London Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (678035 Pte. -A. Cpl. G. Billing. 21/Lond: R.) good very fine £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 July 1919.

A good Great War 1917 ‘Ypres operations’ stretcher bearers’ M.M. and Second Award Bar awarded to Private A. Robinson, 7th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, a veteran of Gallipoli who was later Mentioned in Despatches Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (2653 Pte A. Robinson. 7/Aust: Inf:) cleaned, very fine £800-£1,000 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 December 1917. The original recommendation states: ‘During the operations near Polygon de Zillebeke, east of Ypres, on 20-22nd September 1917. Private Robinson as a stretcher bearer worked with great courage under heavy shellfire, collecting wounded and assisting at the Regimental Aid Post.’ M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 25 January 1918. The original recommendation states: ‘Near Ypres on 4/5th October 1917 as a stretcher bearer he showed great courage and devotion to duty. Under heavy shellfire he rendered continuous assistance to wounded men. By his energy and coolness he materially assisted in clearing, the wounded from his company sector and then undoubtedly saved many lives.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 28 October 1919. Arthur Robinson was born near Talbot, Victoria, Australia in 1890. He served with the Australian Imperial Force in the Gallipoli theatre or war, before serving in the French theatre of war from March 1916. Robinson is mentioned for his gallantry during operations in Ypres in Our Dear Old Battalion - The Story of the 7th Battalion, A.I.F., 1914-1919, including: ‘Rather than halting as they entered the mist-covered Glencourse Wood, the two right hand companies ventured a further 500 metres into the shell-shattered wood. Bill Peach who was to win the M.M. that day, described the scene: “The form-up in Glencourse Wood, our three minute barrage, then on it lifting, the quick move forward under its cover looking not unlike the crowd getting away immediately on the finish of a football match. Unfortunately, some of the boys, in their eagerness to press on, failed to await the successive artillery lifts, with the result they got caught up in our own barrage.” The R.M.O. Captain Doug Barlow, followed behind the creeping barrage, and set up the R.A.P. in Remus Wood, and throughout the morning his team of stretcher bearers brought in the wounded for Barlow to dress their wounds, whereupon the casualties were handed over to the field ambulance bearers. Privates William Glasspool, Benjamin Joyner, Percy Payne, and Arthur Robinson (died 29 September 1959) upheld the reputation of the regimental stretcher bearers by constantly going out under heavy shell fire to bring in the wounded, acts which were later recognised by the award of the M.M. to each man.’ Robinson returned to Australia in November 1919, and was discharged in January the following year.

A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal group of six awarded to Major George Raymond Barker, U.S.A.F., a B-29 Superfortress pilot who flew ‘the Hump’ from India to China and the far East, attacking Japanese targets all over the far East; he then flew the long haul from Tinian Island in the Pacific on the first heavy bomber raid on Japan, completing 35 combat missions with 468th Bombardment Group, 8 of which were by night United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch; Air Medal, bronze, with oak leaf cluster emblem on riband, wrap brooch; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, with one silver and two bronze star emblems on riband, crimp brooch; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, crimp brooch; Philippines Liberation medal, bronze and enamel, crimp brooch; Presidential Unit Citation riband bar, very fine or better (6) £400-£500 --- George Raymond Barker was born on 18 May 1917, at Butte, Montana and enlisted into the U.S. Army as a Private on 3 August 1937. Discharged on 3 November 1940, he immediately re-enlisted as an Aviation Cadet. Promoted Sergeant, 3 November 1941 and Master Sergeant, 23 June 1942, he began flying training in February 1942, and by December he was piloting the B-17 heavy bomber. He was Honourably Discharged from training on 22 June 1942, and immediately commissioned wartime 2 Lieutenant. Promoted Lieutenant on 18 February 1943 and Captain, 3 April 1944, Barker was assigned to 795th Squadron, 468th Bomb Group (The Billy Mitchell Bomb Group), 58th Bomb Wing, 20th Air Force, in June 1944. Equipped with B-29's the group moved, via Africa, to Kharagpur, India in June 1944. Barker flew combat missions flying over “the Hump” to carry supplies from India to staging fields in China, before entering combat with an attack on railroad shops at Bangkok, Thailand, on 5 June 1944. From bases in India, China, and Ceylon, he mined shipping lanes near Saigon, French Indochina, and Shanghai, China, and struck Japanese installations in Burma, Thailand, French Indochina, Indonesia, Formosa, China and Japan. Targets included iron works, aircraft factories, transportation centres and naval installations. Barker’s regular B-29 aircraft (42-24734) named “Miss Lead” crashed at Tinian on return from a mission on 8 June, but was repaired. On 20 August 1944, as part of the 468th Bomb Group, Barker took part in the first US air raid on Japan since the “Doolittle Raid” in April 1942. 64 B-29 Superfortresses took part in this daylight raid on the iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan. For this raid the 468th received a Distinguished Unit Citation as follows: ‘The 468th Bombardment Group (VH), XX Bomber Command, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy on 20 August 1944. The group dispatched 29 B-29 type aircraft to its forward bases and all aircraft were airborne on D-day as a part of the XX Bomber Command. Fighter opposition was successfully overcome on the way to the target. Despite a steady hail of intense and accurate flak concentrations which accounted for the destruction of one airplane, and damage to a second, causing it to crash on the return to the mainland of China, and despite continuous enemy fighter attacks employing suicide ramming tactics which accounted for the destruction of two or more of their aircraft, the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) succeeded in destroying the Imperial Iron and Steel Works at Yawata on the Jap mainland. In the accomplishment of its primary mission, 15 enemy aircraft were damaged or destroyed. The success of its part of the mission by the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) was especially outstanding in that the method of attack used called for the utmost in daring and skill. The first daylight raid over the Japanese home islands since the historic raid of Tokyo in April 1942 proved the real effectiveness of daylight precision bombing by B-29s. The hazards of mechanical failure, fighter opposition, flak, and barrage balloons on the mission of over 3,000 miles were all overcome by the valor and high professional ability of all members of the 468th Bombardment Group, XX Bomber Command, and by their courage, cooperative spirit, and tireless energy the individuals of the group have reflected great credit on themselves and the Army Air Forces.’ The Group evacuated the advanced bases in China in January 1945 but continued operations from India, bombing storage areas in Rangoon, Burma, a railroad bridge at Bangkok, Thailand, railroad shops at Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, and the dry dock in Singapore harbour. Barker flew further missions against Japan after the Bomb Group repositioned to Tinian Island in the Marianas group in February 1945. They also took part in mining operations, incendiary raids on area targets, and high-altitude missions against strategic objectives. The group dropped incendiaries on Tokyo and Yokohama in late May 1945, being awarded a second Distinguished Unit Citation for the attacks as follows: ‘The 468th Bombardment Group (VH) is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy. During the period of 23-29 May 1945 the destruction of the militarily important industrial areas of Tokyo and Yokohama was completed, despite the fierce enemy anti-aircraft fire from these most heavily defended points of the Japanese mainland. On 23 and 25 May 1945, the heroic efforts of all personnel of the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) contributed materially to the destruction of an additional 22.1 square miles of vital industrial area in Tokyo, bringing to 56.3 square miles the total area devastated within that city, the center of Japan’s war industry. Before the Japanese had time to recover from this staggering blow to their morale and war potential, this group participated in a daring daylight strike on 29 May 1945 against the city of Yokohama, a single attack in great force, which reduced to rubble 6.9 square miles of the city’s most important industrial area. The success of this series of missions, flown as they were in rapid succession and over vast expanses of open sea, despite dangerous tropical weather conditions and intense enemy opposition, is a reflection of the exemplary devotion to duty demonstrated by the ground personnel and of the great professional skill, tenacity, and courage of aircrews. The achievements of the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) during this period of sustained effort reflect great honor on themselves and the armed forces of the United States.’ The group received another Distinguished Unit Citation for a daylight strike on an aircraft plant at Takarazuka, Japan, in July 1945, citation as follows: ‘The 468th Bombardment Group (VH) is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. On 24 July 1945, this group and one other group of the 58th Bombardment Wing were ordered to knock out the Kawanishi aircraft plant at Takarazuka in a daylight precision bombing attack. This mission was of utmost strategic importance because the plant was known to manufacture components of a dangerous Japanese navy fighter. Inspired by the importance of the mission, both air and ground personnel worked tirelessly to insure maximum success of the strike. As a result, 42 airplanes of the group reached the target area. At the assembly point, the aircraft encountered continuously pointed fire that continued all the way into the target. The fire was so accurate and concentrated that twenty-three of the forty-two B-29s were damaged. Despite this savage fire the 468th Bombardment Group (VH) calmly and heroically held the compact formation necessary for maximum bombing accuracy and dropped 245 tons of explosives on the aircraft factory. When the group retired from the target area, the Kawanishi plant was 85% dest...

A Second War Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star group of fifteen awarded to Colonel John F. Coonan, U.S.A.F., a P-40 ‘Lightning’ and P-52 ‘Mustang’ fighter pilot credited with one Japanese ‘Zero’ fighter and a probable ‘Helen’ bomber, then three German aircraft over Europe, also flying in support of ground troops during operation ‘Market Garden’, later being shot down by a member of his own squadron and taken prisoner, he went on to serve for a further 31 years, commanding a flying F-100D Super Sabre squadron and became the first foreigner to command a R.A.A.F. squadron United States of America, Legion of Merit, Legionnaire’s badge, gilt and enamel, crimp brooch; Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch, in case of issue; Bronze Star, with 2 cluster emblems on ribbon, slot brooch, in case of issue; Air Medal, bronze, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Force Commendation Medal, bronze, with 2 oak leaf cluster emblems on riband, crimp brooch; American Defense Service Medal, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze; with two bronze star emblems on riband, crimp brooch, in box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, slot brooch; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; National Defense Service Medal, bronze star on ribbon; National Defense Service Medal, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Armed Forces Expeditionary Forces medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue: Armed Forces Reserve medal, bronze, with two emblems, slot brooch; Vietnam Service Medal, bronze, crimp brooch; South Vietnam, Service Medal, 1 clasp, 1960, generally very fine or better (15) £1,000-£1,400 --- John F. Coonan was born in Boise, Idaho, on 24 April 1918, and entered the Air Service in 1941 as an aviation cadet. He flew P-40 (Lightning) fighters with 26th Fighter Squadron in the CBI (China-Burma-India) Theatre, being credited with shooting down one Japanese Zero aircraft on 25 February 1943, also claiming a “Helen” bomber as a probable. Transitioning to P-51s in the 38th Fighter Squadron and moving to Europe, Coonan brought down three German aircraft, on 13 September and 2 November, 1944, and 3 January 1945. On this latter day, which was his 34th combat mission, Coonan was leading a flight of eight when he was shot down by another member of his squadron, 1st Lieutenant Dudley Amoss, by accident, spending the rest of the war as a prisoner of War. Of the sortie, 2nd Lieutenant Jones reported: ‘Capt. Coonan was leading a flight of 8 Mustangs approx. 10-20 miles south of Ulm, Germany. (He was flying P-51D aircraft CG-P s/n 44-14358 “Portland Rose”). Several German trainer planes were spotted flying formation a few thousand feet below us. Captain Coonan led the attack and shot down one enemy plane. Several seconds later he said that he had been hit. At low altitude he passed over a small town and belly landed on a snow-covered field adjacent to this town. I took several camera shots of the airplane which seemed to be in good condition, and while doing this I did not observe the pilot's presence in or around the plane. The remaining seven planes then proceeded towards home.’ German J 2735, reported the capture of Captain Coonan at 1300 on 3 January 1945, at Gutensell, near Laupheim. The aircraft was reported 12 to 15 percent damaged. The report further stated that Captain Coonan was shot down by ‘friendly aircraft, Mustang!’ The letters on the aircraft were CG-P. The report, which was addressed to Evaluation Centre West, Oberursel, also contained the names of 16 pilots, (the entire 38th fighter Squadron), with their corresponding plane identification letters and pilot's name that had flown on that mission! This was one of the many reasons Hanns Scharff, the interrogator at Oberursel, could name familiar members of the prisoner's squadron to him. While in prison camp, at Stalag Luft I, Coonan was quoted as saying that if he ‘caught that son-of-a-bitch (in his flight) who shot him down he'd kill him!’ Lieutenant Dudley Amoss recalls: ‘While at Stalag Luft I, I ran into Jack Coonan. He told me that his wingman had shot him down. I had to level with him and tell him that it was me who shot him down! I explained that I saw what appeared to be a lone Me-109 flying low on the deck, heading into Germany. It was a long, long, shot. I gave him a lot of lead and fired. He crash-landed. Much to my horror, as I passed over him, I recognized the plane as a P-51. Jack didn’t get angry. He just grimaced and shook his head.’ He stayed in the Air Force, serving in Greenland, England, Morocco, Iran, Vietnam, Burma, Pakistan and the Philippines. Additionally, during one assignment, he exchanged with an officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, being the first foreigner to command a R.A.A.F. squadron; 75 Squadron flying CAC Sabres. He also commanded the 1st T.F.S. flying F-100D Super Sabres. He received the Legion of Merit for planning U.S. air operations during the invasion of the Dominican Republic in 1965 and 2 clusters plus 3 Bronze Stars while serving in Vietnam. He retired has a Colonel (O-6) in 1975. Sold with, Coonan’s medal riband bar, mounted for wear on uniform as pictured in portrait photograph, Senior pilots wings; pair of Colonels shoulder rank badges; Tactical Air Command patch. A large selection of original paperwork relating to Coonan’s service, including; flight log, service papers and some copied service papers, casualty reports etc, these housed in official Aircrew Standardization/Evaluations Records folder. Original newspaper cuttings, 2 x POW postcards from German camps; a quantity of original photographs taken throughout his career, some large including portraits in uniform wearing medal bar. Original award Certificates for Bronze star and Legion of Merit, along with the original citations to accompany the Bronze star, First Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit First Oak Leaf Cluster, Certificate of training, Air-Ground Operations School Diploma, crossing the equator certificate and Mach Busters Club certificate, the latter for exceeding the speed of sound in a U.S.A.F. F-100 Super Sabre.

Five: Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class R. D. Dodd, Royal Navy Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-14 (270695 R. D. Dodd. E.R.A. 2 Cl. H.M.S. Highflyer); 1914-15 Star (270695, R. D. Dodd, E.R.A. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (270695 R. D. Dodd. E.R.A. 1 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., G.V.R., 1st issue (270695 R. D. Dodd, C.P.O. H.M.S. Cormorant.) good very fine (5) £180-£220 --- Richard Davey Dodd was born in Sunderland on 7 May 1880 and joined the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class on 23 June 1902. He served in H.M.S. Highflyer from 27 February 1911 to 14 June 1913, and during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 20 July 1917, and was shore pensioned on 1 July 1924 in the rate of Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class.

The Hyderabad campaign medal awarded to Major-General Ross B. Moore, 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry, who was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in the famous charge at the battle of Khushab during the Persian War of 1856-57 Hyderabad 1843 (Lieutt. R. B. Moore. 3rd Lt. Cavy.) fitted with original silver clip and straight bar suspension, edge bruising, contact marks and polished, otherwise nearly very fine £1,000-£1,400 --- Note: The Persian campaign medal awarded to this officer formed part of the Brian Ritchie Collection, as also did the Victoria Cross group awarded to his brother, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2004. Ross Balfour Moore, the elder brother of General Arthur Thomas Moore, V.C., C.B., was commissioned Cornet in the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry on 10 February 1839. He became Lieutenant in August 1842 and the following year he took part in the ‘conquest of Scinde’ being present at the battle of Hyderabad on 24 March 1843 (Medal). In February 1854 he was advanced to the rank of Captain. In mid-September 1856, he joined the expedition to Persia in consequence of the Shah’s re-occupation of Herat, traditionally considered the key to Afghanistan. Swords were duly sharpened and on 1 October, Moore left Rajcote with his regiment for the port of embarkation which was reached two weeks later. Following the Shah’s refusal to leave Herat, Britain formally declared war on 1 November 1856. In early December, the 7,000 strong expeditionary force arrived in the Persian Gulf and successfully effected a landing near Bushire, which was taken after a naval bombardment. Moore, meanwhile, took part with the land forces in the assault and capture of the old Dutch fort at Reshire a few miles to the south. Six weeks later Major-General James Outram arrived with reinforcements and took over command from General Stalker. An advance was then made inland to Boorzgoon from which the Persians immediately withdrew, leaving their camp to fall into the hands of the expeditionary force. It was now generally believed that the Persians were retreating through the mountains and Outram decided to retire to the coast. On the night of 7-8 February, however, the Persians attacked the rearguard, causing considerable confusion. But at length, the British force was organised into line, with the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry posted on the right flank with the Poona Irregular Horse. The light of dawn revealed some 6,000 Persian troops stretched out in a long line, with their right resting on the walled village of Khushab. ‘The 3rd Cavalry,’ Captain Ross Moore afterwards reported, ‘were formed up in close column of squadrons ... facing the direction of the enemy. The Poona Horse also in close column were on our right, the order being that each regiment should have an attacking and supporting squadron; as my squadron was in front, Captain Forbes, commanding the Regiment, accompanied it and it was entirely under his orders that the squadron acted ... Brigadier Tapp [of the Poona Irregular Horse] went off to the right at a hard gallop, I heard no previous orders given by Brigadier Tapp for this advance, but Captain Forbes immediately advanced and the squadron was soon employed in cutting up the Persian skirmishers who had advanced close enough to annoy the line of infantry ... After being thus employed for a few minutes we perceived to our left what appeared to be in the grey of morning ... a regiment of the Shah’s guard [in fact the 500-strong 1st Kushkai Regiment of Fars, one of the best regular units in the Persian army] ... They halted on the rise of a small hill and fired volleys at us; when we got close they formed a solid square with kneeling ranks and awaited us most steadily.’ Behind Captain Forbes and the Adjutant Arthur Moore, Ross Moore advanced with the squadron totalling 100 men as it gathered pace on the commands “Trot,” “Gallop,” “Charge!” Riding shoulder to shoulder with Lieutenant Malcolmson and Lieutenant Spens, Ross Moore dug in his spurs and steered his horse straight through the square. Emerging on the far side with Captains Forbes and Wren and such men as they had been able to keep together, they fell on the Persian artillery two hundred yards in the rear. Here Moore killed three drivers of a brass 9-pounder gun, which was taken and kept possession of under a heavy fire from the Persian infantry who were scattered all about. At this point Moore’s horse died, having being shot in three places. One musket ball had entered the front of the horse’s neck and exited from his withers, without initially impeding its progress. Standing six feet and seven inches tall and weighing in at eighteen stone, Captain Ross Moore immediately set about cutting his way clear on foot, a feat which he accomplished unscathed. By this time the Sowars were crashing back through the square for a second time, putting what remained of the Fars to flight. Meanwhile, at the advance of the British infantry, the bulk of the Persians lost their nerve and throwing away their arms, equipment, and, in some cases, even their clothes, fled leaving seven hundred of their number dead on the field. The 3rd Light Cavalry’s losses for the day totalled one Sowar killed, Captain Forbes and fourteen Sowars wounded. Thus concluded the action which the legendary leader of Indian cavalry, John Jacob, of the Scinde Horse, declared ‘the best Cavalry performance of modern times’. For his part in the affair at Khushab, Ross Moore was recommended for the Victoria Cross by Outram who wrote: ‘After the fullest inquiry, I am myself quite satisfied that the undermentioned officers and men of the 3rd Regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry are well deserving of the high distinction of the Victoria Cross for their conduct at Khooshab, on 8th February, 1857, for which I beg earnestly to recommend them. The order of merit in my opinion is as I have placed their names: - Captain Forbes, Lieutenant and Adjutant Moore, Captain Moore, Lieutenant Malcolmson, Captain Wren, Lieutenant Spens, Cornet Combe, Cornet Hill, Jemadar Runjeet Sing, Trooper Lall Khan.’ Of the above only Malcolmson and Ross Moore’s brother, Arthur, received the Cross. In January 1858, Ross Moore served with the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry in Sir Hugh Rose’s Central India Campaign, and was present in all the actions from the reduction of Rathgahr to the fall of Calpee in May (Medal with clasp). He was promoted Major in 1861, Lieutenant-Colonel in 1865, Colonel in 1860, and Major-General in 1874.

United States of America, Joint Services Commendation Medal; Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Coast Guard Commendation Medal; Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal (2), one in case of issue; Air Force Achievement Medal, in case of issue; Navy Good Conduct Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (10); Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; National Defense Medal (7); Army of Occupation Medal (5), one with Germany clasp; Medal for Humane Action; Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal (2); Vietnam Service Medal (2); United States Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal; together with a United Nations Medal for Korea; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (4), three with bronze palm emblem to riband; and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, no clasp, some in card boxes of issue, all unnamed as issued and the majority with the period ‘slot brooch’ suspension, generally good very fine (lot) £100-£140 --- Sold together with various riband bars; riband devices; and other emblems.

Three: Lieutenant S. J. Woods, Army Service Corps, late Honourable Artillery Company 1914 Star, with clasp (423 L. Cpl. S. J. Woods. H.A.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. S. J. Woods.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (3) £180-£220 --- Sidney John Woods was from Northampton and served with the H.A.C. in France from 18 September 1914. He was commissioned into the Army Service Corps and was also entitled to the Silver War Badge. Sold with copied Medal Index Card.

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (221 Sapr. J. A. Elliott. N.C.T. Cos: R.E.) minor edge bruise and small pawn-broker’s marks to obverse and reverse fields, good very fine £70-£90 --- James Arthur Elliott was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, in 1875 and served with the Northern Command Telegraph Companies, Royal Engineers (Territorial Force), being awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 7 on 1 January 1909. Sold with copied research.

A Great War D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Sergeant S. Cluer, 4th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (200088 Sjt. S. Cluer. 4/R. Suss. R.); 1914-15 Star (4-1318 Pte. S. Cluer. R. Suss. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1318 Sjt. S. Cluer. R. Suss. R.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Sidney Cluer D.C.M.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (200088 Sjt. S. Cluer. 4/R. Suss: R.); National Fire Brigades Association Long Service Medal, silver, 1 clasp, Twenty Years (S. Cluer, D.C.M.) very fine and better (7) £1,000-£1,400 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, July 2004. D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919; citation published 11 March 1920: ‘He has served with the battalion throughout the war - Gallipoli, Palestine and France. He is very cool in action, and as serjeant in command of stretcher-bearers has displayed marked courage and devotion to duty, particularly at Soissons, 1918.’ Sidney Cluer, a native of Bognor, Sussex, attested for the Royal Sussex Regiment in January 1912 and served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War in the Balkan theatre of war from 8 August 1915, landing at Suvla Bay on that date. He was wounded (sickness) at Gallipoli; recovering, he served for the remainder of the War, and was discharged on 21 October 1919. He was awarded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 380 of 1919, and for his general gallantry during he Great War was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. In later life Cluer was employed as a Postman in Bognor Regis, and was awarded his Imperial Service Medal in 1950 (London Gazette 31 October 1950).

Pair: Second Lieutenant D. F. Tysoe, Royal Air Force, who served with the Royal Naval Air Service Armoured Car Squadron in Russia, being awarded the Russian Medal of St. George 4th Class, before transferring to the Royal Air Force as a Spowith Camel Pilot with 204 Squadron, and was shot down and severely wounded in the Autumn of 1918 British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. D. F. Tysoe. R.A.F.) surname rubbed on VM; together with the recipient’s R.A.F. pilots embroidered wings, extremely fine (2) £400-£500 --- Donald Frank Tysoe was born in Huntingdon on 6 February 1897 and joined the Royal Naval Air Service as a Petty Officer Mechanic on 30 March 1916, for the duration of hostilities. He transferred to Locker-Lampson’s Armoured Car Squadron in Russia on 12 April 1916, and served for the majority of the remainder of the War with this unit. His service record states that he was awarded the Russian Medal of St. George (although, in common with the majority of Russian awards made after 1917, this is not Gazetted). Tysoe was commissioned a temporary Probationary Flight Officer on 19 December 1917, and was confirmed as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force on its formation on 1 April 1918. He joined 204 Squadron as a pilot in July 1918, and was shot down in late September/ early October 1918, whilst flying Sopwith Camel B6319, being admitted to hospital on 3 October 1918. Interestingly, Camel B6319 had an illustrious history- it was flown by at least three Aces, including R. A. Little (47 victories), R. J. O. Compston (25 victories), and P. M. Dennett (10 victories). Tysoe relinquished his commission on account of wounds on 3 May 1919, retaining the rank of Second Lieutenant. Sold together with a water-colour painting by Arthur Henslowe, dated 1920, depicting Tysoe’s Sopwith Camel in flight with the serial number B6319 clearly shown, mounted in a glazed display frame; a copy of the book ‘The Czar’s British Squadron’, by Bryan Perrett and Anthony Lord, being the history, with photographs and maps, of the unit in Russia; sepia copied pages of a fine contemporary photograph album showing the RNAS Armoured Cars in Russia 1916-17; and a file of copied research.

Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, Camp and Villaverde Medal for Saving Life at Sea, bronze, edge laser engraved ‘Specimen’, in original fitted case with integral top brooch bar, extremely fine £240-£280 --- The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society’s Camp & Villaverde Medal was instituted in 1873 ‘to be awarded to those who were instrumental in saving life at sea’, and the first award was made to Mr. Rawson Post, mate of the George Hurlbut, for rescuing the crew of the barque Olive in a gale in the Atlantic on 12 April 1873. In total 37 silver and 8 bronze medals have been awarded, with the last award made in 1944. Sold with a letter from the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society, dated 5 November 2021, authenticating and explaining that this is one of four unnamed medals discovered in their archive and is now being sold to raise funds for the Society. Each of the four medals has been marked ‘Specimen’ and will be sold by Dix Noonan Webb in future sales.

An unattributed Second War Polish group of eight Poland, Republic, Cross of Valour 1920 (2), bronze, the reverse of one officially numbered ‘11925’; the reverse of the second unnumbered; Cross of Merit, Second Class, silver and enamel, silver marks to reverse; Monte Casino Cross 1944, bronze, the reverse officially numbered ‘9460’; Army Medal 1945, bronze; Great Britain, 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally good very fine (8) £140-£180 --- Sold together with an unofficial Polish unit cross, silvered and gilt; and an unrelated Belgian Albert I Veteran’s Cross 1909-34, gilt.

A Great War ‘Battle of Es Sinn’ Mesopotamia D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant W. Cole, 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, who was Mentioned in Despatches for his services during the advance from Qurna to Kut-al-Amara Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7728 Pte. W. Cole. 2/Dorset: Regt.); 1914-15 Star (7728 Pte. W. Cole. Dorset: R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (7728 Pte. W. Cole. Dorset. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, Regular Army (5718090 Sjt. W. Cole. D.C.M., Dorset. R.) number partially officially corrected on last, light contact marks, nearly very fine and better (5) £800-£1,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 22 January 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry at Kut-al-Amara (Mespotamia), on 28 September 1915, in bringing up ammunition to the firing line at least three times under heavy fire.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 5 April 1916. William Cole was born in Blandford, Dorset, in 1885 and attested for the Dorsetshire Regiment. He served pre-War with the 2nd Battalion in India, and following the outbreak of the Great War landed with the Battalion at Fao on the Persian Gulf, for service in Mesopotamia, on 6 November 1914, as part of the 16th Brigade of the Poona Division. He served with the Battalion throughout the Great War in Mesopotamia, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his services at the Battle of Es Sinn on 28 September 1915. Battle of Es Sinn On 27 September 1915, General Townshend’s forces approached the Ottoman positions at the Es Sinn. Over the previous days, air and cavalry reconnaissance had scouted the area and located the camouflaged Ottoman defences as best they could. Scouts had discovered that the area between the Ataba and Suwaikiya Marshes, north of the Ottoman lines, was passable for a heavy formation. Rather than attacking the position head on, Townshend opted for a plan to envelop the Nureddin's forces. Shifting the bulk of his forces across to the left bank of the Tigris, he then split his remaining troops into three elements. Two columns were to march around the marshes and attack the Ottoman positions from the rear. Column A, composed of the 2nd Dorsets, 117th Mahrattas, and a company of sappers, under the command of General Delamain, was given the job of clearing the Ottoman positions between the Suwada and Ataba marshes. Column B, under the command of Brigadier General Hoghton, were assigned to strike at the rear trench line of the Ottoman positions. The third element, the 18th (Belgaum) Brigade under Brigadier General Fry, would make a demonstration along the Ottoman front, fixing the defenders in position. Brigadier General Delamain would oversee the flanking manoeuvre. The Cavalry Brigade would circle around and set up astride the anticipated lines of retreat on the left side of the river. However, all of this would hinge upon the Anglo-Indian forces executing a night march across the desert and around the marshes. Starting out at 2:00 a.m. on 28 September 1915, the two columns advanced in the darkness trying to arrive at their destinations in time to be supported by a bombardment at dawn. However, things went wrong. Houghton’s column became lost and entered the Suwaikiya marsh. Attempts by Delamain to warn him of this failed and Column B spending an hour retracing its steps before getting back on track. By about 8:45 a.m., almost three hours after the initial start time for the attack, Delamain still had no word that Houghton was any closer to clearing the marshes. Rather than wait any longer, he ordered his column to attack the Ottoman positions. However, without Houghton’s support, Delamain’s force was now supposed to attack more of the Ottoman positions than envisioned. Attacking the northern end of the Ottoman defences, the 117th Maharattas and 22 Company of the Bombay Sappers and Miners, suffering heavy casualties. The Maharattas lost all of their British officers, leaving the battalion under the command of its Viceroy Commissioned Officers. As the Maharattas and sappers attacked the northern end of the line, 2nd Dorsets struck at the centre and southern end of the line, encountering stiff resistance. Unknown to Delamain, Houghton’s column had already been engaged, stumbling into a previously undiscovered Ottoman redoubt near the marsh. When Houghton’s column finally arrived at the battle, he immediately committed his battalions to support the attacks on the redoubts. Eventually, the entire network of trenches and redoubts were cleared at bayonet point. Receiving news of the success along the northern set of Ottoman defences, Brigadier General Fry attempted to convert his feint into a full assault on the Ottoman positions between the river and Suwada marsh. However, the Ottoman defenders put up a stiff resistance, and despite the enfilading fire from the gunboats along the river, Fry’s forces could not break through the Ottoman defenders. At this point Nureddin’s reinforcements began to arrive from their position upriver. Four battalions of Ottoman infantry, supported by two cavalry brigades and artillery, were racing to try to recapture the Ottoman lines. Elements of Columns A and B, both under Delamain’s control now, spotted the Ottoman units first and took them under fire. Once they had stopped the Ottoman advance, Delamain ordered a bayonet charge that threw Ottoman reserves into retreat. By the end of the day, the British and Indian troops had captured most of the northern trench network on the left bank of the Tigris, and the Ottomans were in retreat. Cole’s D.C.M. was one of 8 awarded to the Battalion for this battle. He subsequently served during the capture of Kut-al-Amara but does not appear to have been one of the 350 men of the Battalion captured by the Turks at the Siege of Kut in April 1916 (of whom only 70 survived their captivity). He was also Mentioned in Despatches for his services during the advance from Qurna to Kut.

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (78 Cpl. F. Newberry. Devon (Fts) R.E.) good very fine £70-£90 --- Frederick Newberry was born in Axminster, Devon, in 1869 and served with the Devonshire Fortress Company, Royal Engineers (Territorial Force), being awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 10 on 1 January 1910. He died in Plymouth in July 1959. Sold with copied research.

A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal group of eleven awarded to Major Charles Duane Mellinger, U.S.A.F., a B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ pilot of 385th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, who won the D.F.C. for commanding his formation in attacks against Regensburg, Bremen and Berlin, July to October 1944; he was later killed when a KC-97 Strato-tanker he was piloting crashed in the Adriondack mountains after suffering mechanical failure United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch, engraved ‘Charles D. Mellinger’, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Medal, bronze, with 3 clusters on riband, wrap brooch, engraved ‘Charles D. Mellinger’, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; American Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, one silver and one bronze star on Riband, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Army Good Conduct Medal, Bronze, engraved ‘C D Mellinger’, slot brooch, with top of box of issue; Korean Service medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; U.N. Korea Medal, in box of issue; Armed Forces Reserve medal, bronze slot brooch, in box of issue; National Defense Service Medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Distinguished Unit Citation badge, with second award cluster, generally very fine or better (11) £1,000-£1,400 --- Air medal awarded 22 September 1944, 333 B. Squadron, 94th Bomb Group: ‘For meritorious achievement while participating in heavy bombardment missions in the air offensive against the enemy over continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by these officers and enlisted men on these occasions reflect great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’ Air Medal, first cluster, 16 February 1945; 2nd cluster, 17 April 1945; third cluster, 29 May 1945, all for 385th Bomb Group and all the same standard citation. Distinguished Flying Cross, 26 April 1945 (385th Bomb Group) for: ‘Extraordinary achievement while serving as commander in the air of group and squadron formations on heavy bombardment missions against the enemy. Captain Mellinger demonstrated outstanding airmanship while commanding his formations on successful attacks against Regensburg, Germany, 21 July 1944, against Bremen, Germany 26 September 1944, and against Berlin, Germany 6 October 1944, despite heavy accurate concentrations of anti-aircraft fire on each mission. The brilliant exercise of command displayed that Captain Mellinger was largely responsible for the success of these missions. His actions reflect the highest credit on himself and the Army Air Force.’ Charles Duane Mellinger was born on 16 November 1916, in Tacoma, Washington. He enlisted on 7 July 1942, becoming an Aviation Cadet on 19 December and after completing his training as a heavy bomber pilot, was commissioned on 3 November 1943. From June 1944, as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot, he initially served with 333 Bombing Squadron, 94th Bomb Group and then 385th Bomb Group (H), 8th Air Force, flying from Great Ashfield, Suffolk, England. Returning to the U.S.A. in July 1944, he retired as a Major in 1946. Joining the reserve, he served until 4 June 1951, when he returned to active duty as a Supply Officer. On 14 June 1955 he resumed flight status as a pilot with 384 AREFS, WAFB, Mass. On 12 July 1956, he became Wing Logistics Officer, 4050 AREFWG, (Air Refuelling Wing) until killed in a flying accident on 22 January 1957, when the KC-97 Strato-tanker he was in crashed, near Griffith AFB , New York. All crewmen were lost. Sold with an original letter, dated April 1957, from U.S.A.F. to his wife confirming entitlement to all above awards, which will be sent to her. Original award documents for the Distinguished Flying Medal and Air Medal with three clusters, both dated 1 February 1957; photograph of Air Medal presentation, the medal being pinned on to Mellinger’s breast, together with partial copy of service record and other copied research.

Medal of the Order of the British Empire (Military), unnamed as issued, nearly extremely fine £160-£200

A Second War Purple Heart and Air Medal group of five awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Earl M. Richardson, U.S.A.A.F., a B-24 Bombardier and aircraft commander who was killed in action on 20 June 1944, when 856th squadron lost 11 out of 12 aircraft during an attack on oil refineries at Politz, Germany United States of America, Purple Heart, gilt and enamel, slot brooch, engraved ‘Earl M. Richardson’, in case of issue; Air Medal, bronze, with two oak leaf cluster emblem on riband, slot brooch, in case of issue; American Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, crimp brooch, with lower portion of box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, in box of issue; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, in box of issue, very fine or better (5) £300-£400 --- Earl M. Richardson, from New Mexico, initially joined the U.S. Army Air Forces, for basic training at Alamogordo, New Mexico. From there he was sent to 330th Combat Crew Training school in Biggs, Texas, training as a B-24 Liberator bombardier and joining crew #1637. On 3 Mar 1944, the crew was transferred to 856th Bomber Squadron, 492nd Bomber Group (Heavy) where it was re-designated crew #610 (pilot 1st Lieutenant John R. Curtis). The squadron left for England on 1 April 1944, and would be stationed at North Pickenham, Curtis Crew’s B-24J being given the name, “The Mary Ellen”. Flying their first mission, an attack on an oil refinery at Zeitz, Germany on 12 May, Richardson would take part in a further 14 missions over targets in France and Germany between then and 18 June 1944. On the morning of 20 June 1944, 35 aircraft of 492nd Group, led by Major Losee, 856th Squadron’s Commander, took off for an attack on an oil refinery at Politz, Germany. As protection, the bombers were to be covered by fighters from 14th and 2nd Wings, however, while on route to the target, an error with timing a switchover left the Bombers exposed for a short time. The Luftwaffe took advantage of the situation, German fighters swooping in for the attack, randomly targeting the left side of the Group flown by the 856th Squadron. Within minutes, 856th Squadron alone lost 9 of its 12 aircraft and by the time the Group reached the target, the 856th only had 2 planes left while the other two squadrons had not lost any. Despite heavy flak and fighter attacks, the bombers were able to hit their targets and head for home, but the cost had been heavy and the mission would become the Bomb Group's worst day of the war. The Group had lost 14 crews, with the 856th squadron being almost completely wiped out, as 11 of the lost crews were their’s. “The Mary Ellen” was one of the aircraft that was lost, 2nd Lieutenant Richardson being killed along with the rest of the crew. It was his 16th combat mission. Sold with copied research.

Four: Chief Sailmaker J. Cotter, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.16682, J. Cotter, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.16682 J. Cotter. A.B., R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J. 16882 J. Cotter. Slmr. H.M.S. Columbine.) contact marks, polished, nearly very fine (4) £100-£140 --- John Cotter was born in Kinsale, co. Cork, on 16 October 1894 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 29 April 1912. He served in a variety of ships and shore based establishments during the Great War, was advanced Sailmaker’s Mate on 9 January 1922, and was promoted Sailmaker on 1 July 1925. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 16 December 1927, and was promoted Chief Sailmaker on 30 June 1934. He was shore pensioned on 27 January 1935.

Pair: Private C. H. Jones, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Victory Medal 1914-19 (30084 Pte. C. H. Jones. D. of Corn. L.I.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (30084 Pte. C. H. Jones. D.C.L.I.) minor edge bruise to latter, very fine (2) £70-£90 --- Charles Henry Jones was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, in January 1899 and attested for the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, serving with the 1st Battalion during the latter stages of the Great War and subsequently with the 2nd Battalion in post-War Iraq. Sold with copied research.

A good Great War 1918 ‘Battle of Amiens’ Cavalry D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant H. R. Smith, 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, who with the help of another Trooper captured 20 Prisoners and 2 motor lorries on the first day of the Battle, 8 August 1918 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9502 Pte. H. R. Smith. 5/D. Gds:); 1914 Star, with later slide clasp (9502 Pte. H. R. Smith. 5/D.Gds.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (D-9502 Pte. H. R. Smith. 5-D. Gds.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (D-9502 A.Sjt. H. R. Smith. 1-D. Gds.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, unnamed as issued, contact marks throughout, nearly very fine or better (8) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 October 1918: ‘For exceptional gallantry during an attack. He was sent out with another man to reconnoitre a village. This reconnaissance was carried out with the greatest dash, the two entering the village and capturing twenty prisoners and two motor lorries. He displayed fine courage and enterprise.’ Original citation additionally annotated ‘Vauvillers 8.8.18’. One of only eighteen D.C.M.s awarded to the 5th Dragoon Guards for the Great War. Henry R. Smith attested for the 5th Dragoon Guards and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 26 August 1914. In July 1918 the regiment moved to Autieule (3 kilometres east of Doullens), and were attached to the Third Army. On 5 August the 5th Dragoon Guards started moving by night on Amiens, for planned operations in that area. Three days later, in the early hours of the morning of 8 August, the regiment arrived at the divisional concentration area, east of Longeau. As part of the 1st Cavalry Brigade they initially moved into position to the south-east corner of the Bois d’Aquerre (south-west of Villers Bretonneux) before progressing along the northern side of the Amiens - Chaulnes railway. By 9:45 a.m. the brigade, less the advanced-guard which was formed by the Queen’s Bays on this occasion, had reached a point 1,000 yards south of Bayonvillers. At approximately the same time the infantry (Australian troops) had nearly reached one of their objectives for the attack - a line running north and south through the eastern outskirts of Morcourt and 500 yards west of Harbonnieres. ‘The 5th Dragoon Guards were ordered to pass through the infantry and advance between Harbonnieres and the wood 1,200 yards north of it to gain the third objective (the old Amiens defence line), if not too strongly resisted. The line Framerville-Vauvillers was to be the limit of their advance. At 10:00 a.m. the regiment (less one troop C Squadron, liaison with 9th Cavalry Brigade) moved off at a trot in double echelon of squadrons, A Squadron (Captain A. D. Winterbottom) leading, B Squadron (Captain L. F. Mitchell) on the left, C Squadron (Captain H. O. Wiley, M.C.) on the right; headquarters with C Squadron: objective, the line Framerville-Vauvillers. The regiment passed through the leading infantry 1,000 yards west of the second objective, and advanced to a point 1,000 yards past the second objective without opposition ... From this point the operations of squadrons were as follows: A squadron [Smith’s squadron] was shot at by machine-guns from Harbonnieres, but went straight on, and reached the old Amiens defence-line, and found it unoccupied. After crossing the trench-line the squadron was fired on from a train on the railway running from Proyart to the east of Harbonnieres. The train was trying to steam away, but was hit by a bomb from an aeroplane and set on fire. Continuing its advance the squadron overran the train, and the men in the train (most of whom had just returned from leave) tried to get away towards Framerville, but were all killed or captured, some by this squadron and some by B Squadron. Still advancing, the squadron was enfiladed by machine-gun fire from the cemetery at the western outskirts of Vauvillers, but reached its objective, the Framerville-Vauvillers road, where it came into dismounted action against the retreating enemy. Some infantry, transport, and two motor-lorries [see Smith’s citation] coming out of Vauvillers were captured, and the walking wounded and personnel of a casualty clearing station at the Moulin de Vauvillers, numbering about 180 men in all, were captured; two anti-aircraft guns, two field-guns, and one 5.9 howitzer were captured, and the personnel either killed or captured. The squadron remained in dismounted action till joined by B Squadron, when both squadrons, being much depleted, owing to casualties and escorts to prisoners, and as no reinforcements appeared to be coming up, retired to the Amiens defence line, north-east of Harbonnieres.’ (Regimental History of the 5th Princess Charlotte of Wales’ Dragoon Guards, by Major the Hon. Ralph Legge Pomeroy, refers). At 1:30 p.m. the regiment withdrew to west of Harbonnieres, having captured 20 enemy officers, 740 other ranks, 50 horses and 5 transport wagons. The 5th Dragon Guards suffered 1 officer killed, and 1 wounded, 6 other ranks killed, and 42 other ranks wounded, with 122 horses killed, wounded, or missing. The regiment received congratulations from the King of the Belgians on 13 August, and from the Commander-in-Chief, Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig the following day, when he carried out an inspection. For their gallant attack on 8 August the 5th Dragoon Guards received 2 D.S.O.s, 5 M.C.s, 5 D.C.M.s, and 17 M.M.s. The other man mentioned in Smith’s D.C.M. citation was Private R. W. Short, who also received the same award for this action. Smith later transferred for service with the 1st Dragoon Guards as part of 18 Division, 7th Cavalry Brigade in Iraq, 1919-20, and saw further service during the Second World War. Note: It has not been possible to confirm entitlement to the M.I.D., Delhi Durbar, Defence and War Medals.

Trallwn, Pontypridd Great War Tribute Medal, silver, hallmarks for Chester 1917, the obverse depicting Britannia presenting a laurel wreath to a returning infantryman, with the King and Queen looking on, ‘To commemorate the splendid devotion & as a tribute to the nation’s gratitude to those who enlisted & fought in the Great War’ around, the reverse depicting the Welsh dragon and both the Old and Victoria Bridges across the River Taff, ‘Lce. Cpl. W. Hocking’ engraved in centre, ‘Presented to the Men of Trallwn Pontypridd who served in the Great War’ around, with silver ring suspension and remnants of fob chain, good very fine £70-£90

Army L.S. & G.C., W.IV.R. (R. Lucas, Color Srejt. [sic] 71st Regiment Foot. 1834) fitted with original steel clip and rectangular bar suspension, name and most of ‘Color’ re-engraved, otherwise officially impressed as usual, good very fine £300-£360 --- No man of this name shown on the roll of the 71st Foot. This medal would appear to be that originally issued to Colour-Sergeant Robert Munro in 1834. Munro was entitled to the M.G.S. with clasps for Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nive, Orthes and Toulouse as Sergeant, and to the Waterloo medal as Corporal. He was also awarded the 71st Foot regimental medal for 30 years’ service named to Colr Serjt Robert Munro and dated 1834, sold at Glendining’s in 1930 as part of the Cheylesmore Collection. A single Wm. IV L.S. & G.C. dated 1834, believed to be this one but not named in the catalogue, was sold at Sotheby in June 1884. Needes also records it as being sold at Glendining’s in February 1903 and July 1914, named to R. Lucas on both occasions.

Four: Petty Officer R. K. Ward, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (207672, R. K. Ward. P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (207672 R. K. Ward. P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (207672 R. K. Ward. P.O. H.M.S. Thunderer.) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Rowland Keys Ward was born in Plymouth on 2 June 1884 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in April 1903. He was advanced Petty Officer on 1 May 1915, and served throughout the entire Great War in H.M.S. Thunderer. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 6 August 1917, and was shore pensioned on 1 June 1924.

British War Medal 1914-20, bronze issue (685 G. Sammut. Maltese L.C.) very fine £100-£140

Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Alma, Inkermann (Ricd. Pinch. Royal Sappers Miners) depot impressed naming, left top lug broken, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine £200-£260 --- Private (1333) Richard Pinch is also entitled to the clasp for Sebastopol and the Turkish Crimea medal. He was slightly wounded in the trenches before Sebastopol on 26 July 1855, and later served at Corfu. Another man of this name served as a Private (No. 2608) in the Royal Sappers and Miners and died on service in the Crimea (entitled to medal only).

Four: Stoker Petty Officer H. F. Bone, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (357818, H. F. Bone, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (357818 H. F. Bone. S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (357818 H. F. Bone, Sto. P.O., H.M.S. Latona.); together with two H.M.S. St. Vincent field gun prize medals, both bronze, very fine (4) £100-£140 --- Harold Frederick Bone was born in Gosport, Hampshire, on 2 September 1881 and joined the Royal Navy as a Domestic Third Class on 6 October 1889. He was advanced Stoker Petty Officer on 1 January 1914, and served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 12 November 1917, and was shore pensioned on 8 October 1921, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day.

Four: Leading Stoker C. Rye, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (K. 6313, C. Rye, Sto. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K. 6343 C. Rye. L. Sto. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (K. 6313 C. Rye, L. Sto. H.M.S. Benbow.) mounted as worn, polished and worn, therefore good fine (4) £100-£140 --- Charles Rye was born in Wingham, Kent, on 25 November 1891 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 7 April 1910. He served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, and was advanced Leading Stoker on 1 October 1918. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 13 January 1925.

Five: Able Seaman E. W. Gosling, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (JX.130684 E. W. Gosling. A.B. H.M.S. Eland) minor official correction to ship on last, good very fine (5) £60-£80

Medical Medals awarded to Major A. Dingwall-Fordyce, Royal Army Medical Corps Edinburgh University Prize Medals (3), 52mm, bronze, named ‘Practice of Physic, 1896-97, A. Dingwall Fordyce’; ‘Mental Diseases, 1897, A. Dingwall Fordyce’; and ‘Medicine, 1897-98, A. Dingwall Fordyce’ respectively; Edinburgh University Mouat Medal, 58mm, bronze, named ‘A. Dingwall Fordyce, 1898’, generally very fine (4) £80-£100 --- Alexander Dingwall-Fordyce was born in Edinburgh in 1875 and qualified in medicine from Edinburgh Academy in 1898. He studied in Vienna, Berlin and Paris, and was elected to the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh in 1903. A pioneer pædiatric physician, he was appointed assistant physician to the Children’s Hospital, Edinburgh in 1906, and served during the Great War in the Royal Army Medical Corps in Salonika from October 1915. He was honorary physician to the Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital, 1920-35. He died in 1940. The Dingwall-Fordyce family, whose seat was Brucklay Castle, Aberdeenshire, is descended from Margaret, daughter of Robert the Bruce. The Castle and two neighbouring fields were requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence in 1941 as a prisoner-of-war camp and to house displaced Polish soldiers, which was decommissioned in 1947. Sold together with an iron nameplate inscribed ‘Captn. D. Fordyce of Brucklay, No. 4’, 240mm x 116mm; ands copied research.

Four: Able Seaman H. J. T. Mears, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (J. 95570 H. J. T. Mears. A.B. H.M.S. Cumberland.), mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £60-£80

Five: 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R.; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army, mounted as worn, good very fine Three: Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Efficiency Decoration, E.II.R., lacking integral top riband bar, mounted as worn, very fine Four: Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45; Canadian Forces Decoration, E.II.R.; Canadian Corps of Commissionaires Long Service Medal, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine Three: General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Gulf; Jubilee 2002; Police L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine Four: Canadian Special Service Medal, E.II.R., 1 clasp, NATO OTAN; U.N. Emergency Force Medal; U.N. Medal, on UNEF 2 riband; Canadian Forces Decoration, E.II.R., mounted as worn, good very fine (19) £60-£80

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. awarded to Corporal S. A. Heron, Royal Scots Fusiliers, a veteran of the Gallipoli campaign Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (240459 Cpl S. A. Heron. 1/5 R. Sc: Fus:) light contact marks, very fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 15 November 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in an attack. After his company had reached an objective he went out under very heavy fire in full view of the enemy and carried a wounded man to a less exposed position. He then improvised a stretcher and had him carried by prisoners, who were wounded in the process, back to safety. Throughout the operations he set a fine example to all.’ Samuel A. Heron was a native of Stranraer, Scotland. He served during the Great War with the 1/5th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers in Gallipoli from 6 June 1915. Heron moved with the Battalion to the French theatre of war in 1918.

Pair: Farrier Major Muhamman Khalil, 20th Lancers Indian Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (1001 Far-Maj. Muhd. Khalil, 20 Lcrs.); Indian Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (2491 Farrier Muhammad Khalil, 14/Jat Lcrs.) both with corrections, nearly very fine £50-£70 (2) £50-£70

Five: J. S. Caron, Canadian Forces Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver; Korea 1950-53, Canadian issue, silver (SC 121797 J S Caron); Korea Volunteer Service Medal 1950-54, unnamed as issued; U.N. Korea 1950-54 (SC 121797 J S Caron) mounted court-style as worn, all heavily lacquered, nearly extremely fine (5) £70-£90 --- Sold together with a set of eight buttons by W. Scully, Montreal.

United States of America, Central Intelligence Agency Intelligence Medal of Merit Presentation Medallion, 75mm, bronze, the obverse embossed ‘Central Intelligence Agency, For Merit’, the reverse unnamed, with riband bar, extremely fine, rare £200-£240 --- The Central Intelligence Agency’s Intelligence Medal of Merit is awarded ‘For the performance of especially meritorious service, or for an act or achievement conspicuously above normal duties.’

Six: Chief Electrical Artificer F. E. A. Dunn, Royal Navy, who was awarded a Great War M.S.M. for his services in H.M.S. Birmingham 1914-15 Star (M. 2904, F. E. A. Dunn. E.A. 3., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (M. 2904 F. E. A. Dunn. E.A. 2 R.N.); Defence Medal; Royal Naval Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (M. 2904 F. E. A. Dunn, E.R.A. 2 Cl. “Birmingham” Services During War); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (M. 2904 F. E. A Dunn. C.E.A.2 H.M.S. Vernon.) a little polished and light contact marks, therefore very fine (6) £300-£400 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 21 June 1919. Frank Edgar Arnold Dunn was born in West Bideford, Devon, on 24 September 1883, and joined the Royal Navy as an Acting Electrical Artificer Fourth Class on 27 February 1911. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Birmingham from the outbreak of War to 20 November 1916, and again from 19 February 1917 to the cessation of hostilities, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He was advanced Chief Electrical Artificer on 1 April 1921, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 12 March 1926.

A Welsh mining interest ‘Tonypandy Riots’, Boer War and Police Long Service group of three awarded to Police Constable Levi Wood, a Bristol policeman drafted in to help break the Cambrian Combine miners strike in the Rhondda coalfields in 1910-11, and who received back, head and hand injuries during the fighting in Llwynypia on 7 November 1910 Queen's South Africa 1899- 1902, 6 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (1318 Pte. L. Wood, Cldstm: Gds:); King's South Africa Medal, 2 clasps South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (1318 Pte. L. Wood. Coldstream Guards); Bristol City Police Long Service Medal, 1 clasp ‘Twenty Two Years’ (Con. L. Wood) this with top ribbon brooch, edge bruise to first, otherwise nearly very fine and better (3) £400-£500 --- Levi Wood was born to Charles and Louisa Wood, in Taunton, Somerset, early in 1880. By trade a gardener, he was already a member of the 2nd (Volunteer) Company of the Somerset Light Infantry when he enlisted into the 1st Bn. Coldstream Guards at Taunton on 5 January 1898. He was initially posted to London for training, subsequently remaining at home until posted to Gibraltar on 10 March 1899. On 27 October 1899, he was sent to South Africa to play his part in the Boer War. Returning home on 20 July 1902, he was, a week later, posted to the 3rd Battalion and on 9 October transferred to the Army Reserve on expiration of his period of army service. He was finally discharged from the reserve on 4 January 1910. Wood joined the Bristol City Police in 1905, while still on the Army Reserve, and in 1910 took part in the ‘Battle for the Glamorgan Colliery Powerhouse’ on Monday, 7 November. The ‘Tonypandy Riots’ as they were collectively known, were a series of violent confrontations between coal miners and police that took place at various locations in and around the Rhondda mines of the Cambrian Combine, a business network of mining companies formed to regulate prices and wages in South Wales in 1910 and 1911. The riots were the culmination of an industrial dispute between workers and the mine owners. The term "Tonypandy riot" initially applied to specific events on the evening of Tuesday, 8th November, 1910, when strikers, impassioned by extended hand-to-hand fighting with the Glamorgan Constabulary, reinforced by the Bristol City Constabulary, smashed windows of businesses in Tonypandy. The Bristol Police were the most hated of all the various police contingents as they were the most violent. A total of 1,499 Police were involved in suppressing the strikers, with 214 casualties being sustained by police contingents who needed medical attention. Minor casualties, numbering over 500, were not reported, nor were casualties amongst the minors. Constable Levi Wood was one of the casualties, sustaining injuries to his back, head and hand during the fighting in Llwynypia on 7 November 1910. This is confirmed in the book ‘Labour Strife in the South Wales Coalfield 1910-1911’ by David Evans, published Cardiff, 1911. Home Secretary Winston Churchill's decision to allow troops to be sent to the area to reinforce the police shortly after the 8 November riot caused ill-feeling towards him in South Wales throughout his life. His responsibility remains a strongly disputed topic. Strangely enough there was little, if any, ill-feeling towards the troops, who were mostly covertly sympathetic to the miners and got on very well with the local population. There have always been local stories of how the soldiers looked elsewhere when the out of work miners were scavenging coal from the spoil heaps to try to keep their families warm and to cook what little food they had. There was also the story of the loaded coal train which left the valley for Barry Dock which arrived at its destination virtually empty. The soldiers guarding it stating that it must have departed that way, or was secretly pilfered when they were not looking! Wood was awarded his Bristol City Police Long Service Medal with clasp “Twenty Years” in 1927, at the age of 47, and died in Bristol in December 1941, aged 61. Wood’s police service record is held in Bristol archives. Sold with Coldstream Guards service papers, a reprint (1963) copy of ‘Labour Strife in the South Wales Coalfield 1910-11’, which lists all the police participants and their injuries, and ‘The Tonypandy Riots 1910-11’, by Gwyn Evans & David Maddox (2010) which tells the full story of the strike and aftermath with many illustrations.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Corporal J. W. Ridley, Northumberland Fusiliers, later Royal Engineers Military Medal, G.V.R. (1529 L. Cpl. J. W. Ridley. 1/4 Nth’d: Fus:) nearly very fine £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 6 January 1917. John W. Ridley attested for the Northumberland Fusiliers and served with the 1st/4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, before subsequently transferring to the Royal Engineers. Sold with copied research which states that he is listed as wounded in St George’s Gazette, April 1915.

A Great War 1915 ‘Battle of Neuve Chapelle’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private S. C. Climpson, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, whose actions at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 10-12 March 1915 are vividly portrayed and described in Deeds that Thrill the Empire Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9359 Pte. S. C. Climpson. 2/North: Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9359 Pte. S. C. Climpson. 2/North’n R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (9359 Pte. S. C. Climpson. North’n. R.) nearly very fine (4) £1,800-£2,200 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2007. D.C.M. London Gazette 23 June 1915; citation published 30 June 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Neuve Chapelle on 10 March 1915. When communication was rendered impossible owing to damage to cable by shell and rifle fire, he in company with another man, repeatedly endeavoured to repair the line, and on failing to do so they brought back an important message from the trenches under heavy shell and machine-gun fire’. Stanton Charles Climpson attested for the Northamptonshire Regiment and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 8 November 1914. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry at Neuve Chapelle on 10 March 1915- his and Private Luddington’s actions that day are vividly portrayed and described in a lengthy account in Deeds that Thrill the Empire: ‘In the forenoon of 10 March 1915 - the first day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle - the 24th Brigade, composed of the 1st Worcesters 2nd East Lancashires, 1st Sherwood Foresters, and 2nd Northamptons, which attacked on our left flank from the direction of the Neuve Chapelle-Armentières highway, fought their way to the north-east of the village, and towards 4:00 p.m. it began moving southwards towards the Aubers ride, by way of the hamlet of Pietre. Two privates of the Northamptons, Climpson and Luddington, were detailed to maintain communication with Brigade Headquarters, and were to lay out wire as the troops advanced, and to keep in touch with the commanding officer, in case of anything being required from Headquarters. They soon found that, laden as they were with coils of wire, it was very difficult to keep up with their battalion, and, when darkness fell, they lost touch with it altogether for some considerable time. They continued, however, to advance, laying out wire as they went, though they had only a very vague notion as to the direction they were taking. They passed several regiments and inquired of each of them the whereabouts of the Northamptons, but could get no definite information. Finally, in the dark, they overran the line along which our troops were entrenching themselves, and would have walked into the midst of the Germans, had not an officer caught sight of them and called them back. Returning to where our men were digging themselves in, they got under cover, fixed up their telephone, and established communication with Brigade Headquarters. It was only, however, maintained for about half an hour, the wire being broken by the spades of the men digging trenches, who could not see it in the dark. Climpson and his comrade went out to try and repair it but were unable to trace the ends, and were therefore obliged to make their way back to Brigade Headquarters and lay a fresh wire. The second one remained intact for about three hours, and when it was broken they were fortunately able to find and repair the break and to re-establish the communication. Some two hours later, that is to say at 6:30 a.m., it was broken again and, as it was almost daylight, any attempt to repair it would have meant almost certain death, they lay low until dusk and then ventured forth again. Once more they were unable to trace the ends, and consequently had to make another journey to Brigade Headquarters and lay a fresh one. This third wire was broken and repaired twice during the night, but was luckily in working order when, at about 5:30 a.m. on the morning of 12 March, the enemy, reinforced by the Bavarian and Saxon reserves, counter-attacked in determined fashion all along our front. The Northamptons were hard put to hold their guard, while their ammunition began to give out, and the telephone operators received orders to send the S.O.S. for reinforcements and ammunition. Scarcely had they despatched it, when the line was broken, and as, since it was now daylight, they could not repair it, they lay down to take what rest they could amid the roar of the battle. About 9:00 a.m. however, the adjutant of their battalion came up and inquired whether the line was working, and when told that it was not, asked them to take an urgent message back to Brigade Headquarters, which it was of the utmost importance should be delivered before 10:00 a.m. About 100 yards behind our trenches was a deep ditch and, with rifle and machine-gun bullets whistling past their heads, Climpson and Luddington spurted across the open and jumped into it, and into about five feet of water as well. Once in the ditch, however, they were comparatively safe, and making their way along it for about nine hundred yards, they found themselves in an old German communication trench, which was as full of water as the ditch. Another three hundred yards of walking - or rather of wading - brought them to the road running between Neuve Chapelle and Armentières. This, with the exception of the sprint from the trenches to the ditch, was the most dangerous part of their journey, since the road, which afforded but very little cover, was being heavily shelled, and for nearly half a mile they had to make their way along it with shrapnel bursting all about them. At length, with five minutes to spare, they reached their destination, soaked to the skin and so utterly exhausted that, as soon as they had delivered their message, they lay down and fell asleep’. Both Climpson and Luddington were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Climpson was later transferred to the Royal Engineers and was subsequently awarded the Silver War Badge. Sold with copied extracts from Deeds that Thrill the Empire and copied research.

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Temporary Warrant Officer Class I S. H. Franey, 23rd (1st Sportsman’s) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (G-74823 T.R.S. Mjr: S. H. Franey. 23/R. Fus:); 1914-15 Star (302 Sjt. S. H. Franey. R. Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (Spts-302 T.W.O. Cl.1. S. H. Franey. R. Fus.); Defence Medal, light pitting from star, generally good very fine (5) £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1919; citation published 3 September 1919: ‘In France since November 1915 to the present date, he has shown great devotion to duty. In action he has shown great personal gallantry and displayed valuable powers of command. He has set a very high standard to all the non-commissioned officers of the battalion; by his firmness and tact he has maintained the discipline of the battalion at a high level. Untiring in his training of young non-commissioned officers, he has performed most valuable services in the reconstruction of the battalion after very heavy casualties have been suffered.’ Stephen H. Franey, a keen rugby footballer and a native of Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, attested for the Royal Fusiliers on 16 October 1914 and served with the 23rd (1st Sportsman’s) Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 November 1915. Advanced temporary Warrant Officer Class I (temporary Regimental Sergeant Major), he was discharged on 10 March 1919, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, no. B198977. Sold with copied research.

British War Medal 1914-20 (38892 Gnr. E. J. Smith. R.A.) in its named card box of issue, extremely fine £60-£80 --- Sold with 18 loose photographs, mostly of the recipient alone or in groups, including one at Fort Siloso, Singapore in April 1918, and a small album of ‘Snaps’ containing 32 photographs taken between the wars. With copied Medal Index Card and medal roll which confirm sole entitlement for service with 78 Company Royal Garrison Artillery.

Pair: Able Seaman J. P. Forbes, Royal Navy China 1900, no clasp (J. P. Forbes, A.B., H.M.S. Undaunted.); British War Medal 1914-20 (104504 J. P. Forbes. A.B. R.N.), good very fine (2) £140-£180 --- John Pithie Forbes was born in Dundee, Forfarshire, on 1 May 1862 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 25 February 1878. He was advanced Able Seaman on 24 September 1884, and served in H.M.S. Undaunted from 11 July to 5 September 1900. He was shore pensioned on 15 January 1901, but was recalled for service in the Great War on 2 August 1914, serving in H.M.S. Vivid I. He was shore demobilised on 19 May 1919; these medals appear to be his complete entitlement.

Monmouthshire Coal Owners Association Rescue Medal, gilt and enamel, the reverse engraved ‘R. W. Tallis, 9th. October 1911’, in case of issue; together with the recipient’s Ebbw Vale Literary and Scientific Institute Richardson Medal, silver (Richard W. Tallis, Highest Aggegate, Session 1903-1904.) in fitted case of issue; and five small Penarth Cup silver prize medals, generally very fine (7) £100-£140 --- Richard Watkin Tallis was born in Ystraddyfodwg on 26 March 1885, a scion of the famous Welsh mining family; his father, John Fox Tallis, was the General Colliers Manager of the Ebbw Vale Steel Iron and Coal Co. Ltd., and a village near Ebbw Vale, Tallistown, is named after the family, as are the several ‘Tallis Streets’ found throughout the Welsh valleys. The recipient served as Under-Manage of the Ebbw Vale Steel Iron and Coal Co. Ltd., and died on 19 February 1972. Sold with copied research.

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (5972 Sjt: S. W. Kettle. Durham (Fts:) R.E.) one digit of number double-struck, nearly extremely fine £70-£90 --- Sidney William Kettle was born in Gateshead, co. Durham, in December 1875 and served with the Durham Fortress Company, Royal Engineers (Territorial Force), being awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 7 on 1 January 1909. He died in November 1941. Sold with copied research.

Pair: Private G. White, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Victory Medal 1914-19 (40857 Pte. G. White. D. of Corn. L.I.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (40857 Pte. G. White. D.C.L.I.) very fine (2) £70-£90 --- George White, a native of Wheatley, Oxford, attested for the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, serving with the 7th and 1st Battalions during the latter stages of the Great War and subsequently with the 2nd Battalion in post-War Iraq. Sold with copied research.

The British War Medal awarded to Brevet Major C. E. A. O’Callaghan, Royal Munster Fusiliers, who was taken Prisoner of War on 27 March 1918 British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. C. E .A. O’Callaghan.) polished, nearly very fine £70-£90 --- Cornelius Edward Alexander O’Callaghan was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Munster Fusiliers and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, being taken prisoner of War on 27 March 1918. Repatriated following the cessation of hostilities, he transferred to the Green Howards on 5 August 1922, following the disbandment of the Royal Munster Fusiliers, and was promoted Captain on 15 June 1928, and Brevet Major on 10 October 1939

‘I turned to my driver and whispered, “It’s going to kick off”. At that very instant an RPG exploded in the air in front of us. Machine gun fire erupted from the shadows and engulfed the two WMIKs that led the patrol. Seeing muzzle flashes of enemy weapons, I established a target and fired 200 rounds immediately at the Taliban gunman, then both WMIKs trained their Heavy Machine Guns and Grenade Machine Guns onto the firing points and opened up. The space between our position and the Taliban’s is filled with tracer, birds fall out of the sky as they are cut down from the hail of steel projectiles. This is truly dead man’s land... All the while the dirt road is being ripped up by enemy bullets, the air is exploding with RPGs detonating as air bursts. Taliban 82mm mortar bombs are landing sending huge piles of soil, smoke, and high explosives into the air. If one finds its mark it will kill an entire team. We are surrounded on 3 sides, pinned to our attacking position...I turn to my crew, and tell them that I must get ammo. I jump out of the vehicle and snag myself. I am still attached to the vehicle radio net, so I unclip, and start to run back to the company. This kit and armour are almost double the weight of that I had in Iraq, so it is slow going. I look forward and focus on getting to the company. The ground splashed with dust like a puddle in torrential rain, as the Taliban attempted to bring me down, I didn’t notice it at the time, but was told after by my crew.’ The Recipient’s personal memoir. The outstanding and excessively rare Afghanistan 2007 ‘Battle of the Sluice Gate’ C.G.C., ‘Iraq 2003’ M.I.D. double gallantry group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer Class II J. T. ‘Tommo’ Thompson, 42 Commando, late 40 Commando, Royal Marines, who was awarded the C.G.C. for his display of utterly selfless bravery which led to the defeat of an overwhelming number of Taliban during an ambush and intense prolonged firefight at Habibollah Kalay, Helmand on 10 January 2007; he had previously been Mentioned in Despatches for exceptional gallantry at the rescue of his Delta Company colleagues who had become surrounded during a lethal engagement with Feyadeen forces at Al Yahudia, Iraq, 2003. On 10 January 2007, his entire company having been ambushed and pinned down under an overwhelming weight of fire deep in Taliban territory, Thompson displayed conspicuous gallantry, immediately engaging five separate enemy firing points with suppressive fire, thus allowing the company to dismount whilst he himself became the focus of withering and accurate fire. Suffering burst eardrums from the proximity of RPG and machine gun fire, and with his vehicle hit by numerous enemy rounds, he continued to engage the enemy despite the personal dangers - ‘Running low on ammunition following prolonged engagements, Thompson realised that many colleagues were still dangerously exposed. Without any regard whatsoever for his own safety, he remained in the killing area, engaging the enemy at a range of only 50 metres. His utterly selfless and courageous actions allowed the company to win the firefight.’ Thompson’s stand-out courage in the face of enemy fire had already been brought to notice with a mention in despatches in the early days of the Iraq War: elements of his 40 Commando Delta Company having been ambushed near Al Yahudiyah, Southern Iraq on 30 March 2003, Thompson’s decisive action and willingness to expose himself to considerable danger under oppressive incoming fire - despite having already been stunned by an enemy rocket propelled grenade - disrupted the hitherto dominant enemy, regained the initiative and almost certainly saved the lives of a number of his team Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially inscribed ‘PO55927F Cpl J T Thompson, RM’, reverse lower arm officially dated ‘2007’; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (Mne J T Thompson PO55927F RM); Operational Service Medal 2000, for Afghanistan, 1 clasp, Afghanistan (Mne J T Thompson PO55927F RM); Iraq 2003-11, 1 clasp, 19 Mar to 28 Apr 2003, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Mne J T Thompson PO55927F RM); Jubilee 2012, unnamed as issued; Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 2011 (Sgt J T Thompson CGC PO55927F RM); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (Sgt J T Thompson CGC RM PO55927F) mounted as originally worn, generally nearly extremely fine (7) £120,000-£140,000 --- The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross was instituted as a result of the 1993 review of the British honours system and is second in seniority only to the Victoria Cross. The C.G.C. was awarded for the first time as a result of the Bosnian War in 1995 and to date 61 such awards have been made. C.G.C. London Gazette 19 July 2007: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007.’ The original recommendation states: ‘Place: Habibollah Kalay, Helmand, Afghanistan Date: 10 January 2007 During the deployment of Juliet Company on Operation Herrick 5 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Corporal Thompson has on countless occasions displayed exceptional bravery and leadership, particularly under fire. His open and un-armoured vehicle has led the company group throughout, and as such he has always been at the forefront of many engagements with the Taliban. On numerous occasions his vehicle has been hit by small arms fire and shrapnel. Unperturbed, he has constantly put himself in harm's way as he personally seeks to fight the enemy. His indomitable spirit is truly inspirational to the remainder of his company and he is invariably the last to disengage from a firefight. On 10 January 2007, during an operation deep in Taliban held territory near Gereshk, Thompson displayed conspicuous gallantry. The operation also required the company to conduct searches in the Taliban stronghold of Habibollah Kalay, the scene of numerous previous engagements and where the enemy had time to prepare defences. The enemy's numbers proved to be far greater than expected and contributed to the intensity of the ensuing fight. At first light, as the company was moving into position with Thompson's vehicle leading as usual, they were ambushed on three sides with an overwhelming weight of fire. Nothing new for Thompson, but the remainder of the company also began to receive fire from multiple directions. Dangerously exposed and realising that the entire company was pinned down from behind him, Thompson engaged five separate firing points. He soon became the focus for the enemy and received withering and accurate fire. His dedicated actions suppressed the enemy sufficiently for the company to dismount from its protected Viking vehicles. Suffering a burst eardrum from the proximity of RPG and machine gun fire, and with his vehicle hit by numerous enemy rounds, he continued to engage the enemy despite the personal dangers. Despite having only one functioning weapon system on his vehicle and running low on ammunition following prolonged engagements, Thompson realised that many colleagues were still dangerously exposed. Without any regard whatsoever for his own safety, he remained in the killing area, engaging the enemy at a range of only 50 metres. His utterly selfless and courageous actions allowed the company to win the firefight. Conducting a hasty ammunition re-supply and swapping his broken machine gun, Thompson returned to the fight, yet again at the front of the company. For the remainder of the battle he provided fire support to 1 Troop as it seized a significant weapons cache. This contact was the fiercest the company had endured during the 6-month tour. That mission success was achiev...

A Great War 1917 ‘Third Battle of Ypres’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant Major B. Treagus, 14th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, later Second Lieutenant, Manchester Regiment, for his gallantry during the Battle of Picklem Ridge on the first day of the Third Battle of Ypres, 31 July 1917 - for his gallantry during this attack Second Lieutenant W. Hewitt, of the same Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3-4029 C. S. Mjr: B. Treagus. 14/Hants: R.); 1914-15 Star (3-4029 Cpl. B. Treagus. Hamps: R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. B. Treagus.) mounted court-style, good very fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 22 October 1917; citation published 26 January 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When an enemy machine gun opened enfilade fire on the advancing troops he immediately organised a party, assaulted and captured the gun. He rendered valuable service during the consolidation, and his cheerfulness, coolness and contempt of danger under the most trying conditions were an example to all.’ Original citation additionally annotated ‘Ypres 31st July 1917.’ Basil Treagus, a native of Buriton, Petersfield, Hampshire, attested for the Hampshire Regiment and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 April 1915. Subsequently transferring to the 14th Battalion (who did not land in France until 6 March 1916), the Regimental Journal of August 1916 notes that he had been wounded, but does not give any further details as to location or date. Advanced Company Sergeant Major, Treagus was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions at the Battle of Pilckem Ridge on the opening day of Third Battle of Ypres on 31 July 1917. Following on from the successful attack at Messines in early June, the second phase of Haig’s plan to break through at Flanders and capture the Belgian coast was what became known as the Battle of Passchendaele or Third Ypres. Hampered by the long delay after the Messines attack, which allowed the Germans to prepare, the destruction of the drainage system in low lying Flanders by the preliminary artillery bombardment and the unusually wet summer, the battle degenerated into one of attrition, which dragged on from 31 July until the final capture of Passchendaele village in early November. On 31 July the 14th Hampshires were attacking over land that had already been heavily fought over during the second Battle of Ypres, from north west of Wieltje towards St. Julien, 3,000 yards away. Very few buildings remained, although the cellars and walls that did, had been turned in to strong points by the Germans. The battalion was in the second line, behind the 11th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, with the 13th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment on its right and the 17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters on the left. The attack commenced at 3:50 a.m. on 31 July 1917, with the 11th Sussexes taking the first objective, the blue line, before the 14th Hampshires then “leap frogged” them and advanced to the next objective, the black line. The main difficulty in the capture of the black line were the irregularly placed German pill boxes, which had to be dealt with individually and caused many casualties. Eventually though the black line was reached and the battalion pushed on took the green line, despite difficulties encountered at a strongly held position called ‘Alberta’. The 14th Hampshires held their position and helped beat off powerful German counter attacks in the afternoon. By the end of the day they had sustained some 220 casualties in killed, wounded and missing and another 54 over the next few days in maintaining their position before being relieved. For his great gallantry during the fighting Second Lieutenant W. Hewitt was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The Battalion War Diary also records how the Battalion ‘captured 2 field guns and one 4.5 howitzer; 17 machine guns; and over 200 prisoners.’ The War Diary further reports casualties as 3 officers and 18 other ranks killed; 4 officers and 156 other ranks wounded; and 42 other ranks missing, giving a total of 223 casualties. Treagus was subsequently commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Manchester Regiment on 25 June 1918 and was promoted temporary Lieutenant in March 1920. He relinquished his commission on 25 March 1921. Sold with copied research.

Three: Corporal T. Beddow, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; together with the recipient’s Royal Tournament Medal, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘Aldershot Command Tug-of-War 110 Stone 2nd. Bn. D.C.L.I. Cpl. Beddows [sic] T. 1938’, in Mappin & Webb, London case of issue; and a small Regimental Shooting Cup, silver (hallmarks for London 1937), 96mm high excluding wooden plinth, 131mm high including wooden plinth, inscribed ‘Dominica Cup 1938 Cpl. T. Beddow. 2/D.C.L.I.’, nearly extremely fine (5) £120-£160 --- Sold with full set of papers from the M.O.D., showing previous service in the R.N., and a subsequent career in the Intelligence Corps where he rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major.

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (37 Sjt: F. Taylor. W.R.D.E.) last letter of unit officially corrected, good very fine £60-£80 --- Frank Taylor was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, in 1878 and served with the Special Service Section of the Royal Engineers in South Africa during the Boer War from 4 March 1901 to 21 July 1902, and subsequently with the West Riding Divisional Engineers, Royal Engineers (Territorial Force), being awarded his Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 95 on 1 April 1911. He served briefly during the Great War at home. Sold with copied research.

A Second War B.E.M. group of nine awarded to Chief Petty Officer Telegrapher R. C. Woodrow, Royal Navy British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (C.P.O. Tel. Robert Cornelius Woodrow. C/J. 2576. R.N.); 1914-15 Star (J.2576, R. C. Woodrow. L. Tel., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.2576 R. C. Woodrow. P.O. Tel. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L. S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J.2576 R. C. Woodrow. C.P.O. Tel. H.M.S. Lucia.) GVR awards polished and with minor edge bruising, therefore nearly very fine; the GVIR awards good very fine (9) £240-£280 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 1 July 1941. Robert Cornelius Woodrow was born in Notting Hill, London, on 5 September 1892 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 14 September 1908. He served during the Great War in various ships and shore based establishments, and was advanced Petty Officer Telegrapher on 20 June 1917. Promoted Chief Petty Officer Telegrapher on 19 August 1925, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, together with a gratuity, on 8 November 1925, and saw further service during the Second World War, being awarded his British Empire Medal for his services in H.M.S. Watchful (Seedie’s Roll, refers).

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Nivelle, with top riband bar, this a modern striking; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-20 (3); Victory Medal 1914-19 (3); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45, all except the MGS mounted as worn, generally very fine and better (15) £50-£70 --- Sold together with various riband bars, both full-sized and miniature width.

Four: Petty Officer J. A. May, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (227076, J. A. May, L.S., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (227076 J. A. May. P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (227076 J. A. May. P.O. H.M.S. Furious.) light contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £100-£140 --- John Albert May was born in Liverpool on 5 November 1887 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 7 July 1903. Advanced Leading Seaman on 11 August 1913, he served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, and was promoted Petty Officer on 29 August 1918. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 13 November 1926, and was shore pensioned on 4 November 1927, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day.

Honourable East India Company Medal for Burma 1824-26, silver, original steel clip and later ring suspension, fitted with four-pronged silver ribbon buckle, the top edge engraved ‘AVA’, nearly extremely fine £600-£800