There are 183158 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribeBritish Red Cross Society Nursing Proficiency Medals Etc. .Comprising: Infant & Child Welfare with 1944 and 1945 Clasps. ... Trained Nurse Technical Medal. .. Badges include County of Kent cap badge. ... 3 Year service .. etc. Overall GC. ... Plus a quantity of card boxes. (23 items plus boxes) . . . .
WW2 RAF Far East Attributed Medal Group.Awarded to Flight Lieutenant Richard Peter R Sangster an equipment Officer who is confirmed as been taken Prisoner of War by the Japanese. Comprising: Medal group 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal. Ephemera includes his RAF release book confirming POW plus post war paperwork.Flight Lieutenant Richard Peter R Sangster was an Equipment Officer in the RAF 1940 and is confirmed a POW held in Java.
HM Sheerness Dockyard Imperial Service Medal. A George VI example awarded to ARTHUR NETTLE. Contained in box of issue with newspaper cutting. ... Accompanied by a 1914/15 Star 2842 PTE F.W. NETTLE RAMC. ... Corps of Commissioners, silver Long Service Medial B A Timms. ... On War Service 1914 Badge. (5 items).Mr Arthur Nettle was a shipwright by trade and worked for 41 years at the Sheerness Shipyard. Private F.W. Nettle landed in France on the 22nd December 1914. British
Small Selection of Various WW1 Medalsconsisting Mercantile Marine medal named "Thomas Smythe" ... Silver War medal named "318241 Pte J Smythe Tank Corps" ... WW1 Victory medal named "41613 Pte A Allan L.N.Lanc R". Together with a small number of coins including 1799 penny ... 1879 half penny.
WW2 Period Oil Painting of a Naval Officer 25 x 32 inch, oil on canvas of a RNVR Lieutenant in service dress uniform with peaked cap. Some WW2 medal ribbons showing. Complete in ornate plaster frame. Some minor damage.We have been informed the sitter is Lieutenant Reginald Rendel, oldest son of Commander Herbert Rendel. He volunteered for service in the Royal Navy in 1940 and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the R.N.V.R. in 1942. He served on the Arctic Convoys, and in June 1944 was part of the D-Day Landings. On 26th August 1944 he was serving aboard H.M.S. Capel, which was torpedoed by the German submarine U-486, he was killed along with 7 fellow Officers, the Captain and 67 Ratings.
Indian Army Indian General Service Medal Clasp Waziristan 1919-21. .Awarded to 10604 CLERK V.M.K. SWAMI. M.T. .... Accompanied by a WW2 campaign medal group 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, clasp North Africa 1942-43, Defence Medal, War Medal. Modern mounted court style. ... Defence Medal. GC. . . . .
Scots Guards Brass Duty Plate Plus Other Items. .The brass duty plate is stamped 2693904 F.H. Simkins. ... Accompanied by 8x WW1/WW2 pattern Medal MID Oak Leaves. ... Church Lads Brigade Medals. .. WW2 German War Merit Cross. ... WW2 German West War Medal. ... Kitchener Clay Pipe. ... etc. Overall GC. . . . .
WW1 Royal Warwickshire Regiment Gallipoli Group of Three Medals. .Awarded to 8572 PTE W. FREEMAN R.WAR.R. Comprising: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal. Medals loose, ribbons absent, last medal officially re-impressed. . . . .Private William Freeman landed at Gallipoli on the 17th June 1915.
WW2 German Photographs & Certificates Grenadier Regiment 62. .Recording the military history Unterofficer Otto Schmitz of the 1st Company Grenadier Regiment 62. The images and a number of award certificates have re placed in a later album by Schmitz with details for the images circa 1984. Certificates include: Iron Cross 1st Class (August 1942). ... Iron Cross 1st Class (October 1943). ... promotion document April 1944. ... Wound Badge. ... Winter Medal. .... A good selection of original snap shot photographs showing training, groups, Russia, RAD, 1959 Reunion, family etc. (Approx. 170 images). Images clear. . . . .
Selection of Various Itemsincluding a Victorian campaign knife and fork set fitting into their wooden handles ... WW2 Africa Star ... WW2 Defence medal ... Brass, protective case for a large pocket watch ... 2 x post war, brass shell cases ... Field made, brass cartridge lighter ... Small selection of inert ammunition. All contained in a black japanned "ARP" box. Quantity.
WW2 57 Squadron Wireless Operators Medals & Log Book. .Awarded to Sergeant R. Chisholm who completed a tour of operations with 57 Squadron.Comprising: Medals. 1939/45 Star, France & Germany Star, War Medal. Medals loose contained in named forwarding box. ... Aircrew logbook this covering a period 7th November 1943 to 30th May 1946. 23 operations, with comments. ... Photographs, tie etc. . . . .Sergeant R. Chisholm was from Alnwick Northumberland and volunteered for aircrew starting his training on the 7th November 1943. He was posted to 57 Squadron operating the Avro Lancaster Bomber based at East Kirby. His first operation was on the 8th December 1944 the Heinbech Dam a flight of 5 hours. He returned on the 10th only to be recalled and was briefed for a third time on the 11th, when his aircraft was hit by Flak. Followed a steady flow of trips Merseburg, attacked by ME210’s, Karlsruhre Grim hundreds fighters, Ladbergen Followed back by fighters shot up our drome. His last operation was to Oslo Fiord minelaying on the 24th April 1945. He remained with 57 Squadron until transferring to 49 Squadron in November 1945. His last flight with this Squadron on the 30th May 1946.
WW2 RAF Pathfinder Squadron DFC Medal Group, Log Books etc. .A fine DFC medal group awarded to Squadron Leader Alfred Eaton Clarke DFC of 97 Pathfinder Squadron who on a raid to Koln, after a night fighter attacked pressed on to the target and got his crew home safely on three engines. Comprising: Medal Group. Distinguished Flying Cross (1943 in case of award), 1939/45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, Defence Medal, War Medal. .... Miniature Medal Group. ... Two RAF Pilot Log Books. ... Framed portrait photograph. ... Training books. ... etc. . . . .Distinguished Flying Cross London Gazette 30.7.43 Joint citation with with Wing Commander Alabaster. One night in July 1943 Wing Commander Alabaster was captain and navigator of an aircraft piloted by Flight Lieutenant Clarke detailed to attack Cologne. Some 50 miles from the target the bomber was attacked by an enemy fighter. Before it could be evaded the aircraft was repeatedly hit. One engine was damaged, other structural essentials almost shot away, while the rear gunner was wounded and his turret rendered unserviceable. The bomber became difficult to control but, despite this, course was re-set for the target which was attacked successfully. On the return flight shortly after crossing the enemy coast, the damaged engine caught fire and could not be extinguished but Flight Lieutenant Clarke flew on to the nearest airfield to effect a masterly landing. This pilot displayed outstanding skill and tenacity while Wing Commander Alabaster’s high navigational skill and excellent captaincy proved a valuable contribution to the success of the operation. Squadron Leader Alfred Eaton Clarke DFC, a South African enlisted into the RAF Volunteering for Pilot Training which he began on the 26th August 1940 at 16 EFTS Derby. He was posted to 1512 B.A.T. Flight at RAF Dishforth, attached 51 Squadron as a flying Instructor in September 1941. Posted to 26 OTU in February 1943 and then 1654 OCU where he converted to the Lancaster bomber and flew his first operation with the unit on the 29th May 1943 to Wuppertal. Posted to 97 Pathfinder Squadron he flew his first PPF operation to Bochum on the 14th June 1943. Then followed a steady stream of operations, on the night of the 8th July 1943 he was briefed for his 8th trip an op to Koln, the log book states Attacked by fighter South of Archen serious damage both ailerons starboard shell, rudder trims, shot away, bombed target returned 3 engines forced landed Great Saylerling. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He returned to operations on the 24th July with a trip to Hamburg. The log goes on to record 31 trips, including the Squadrons first Blind Marker operation, this time to Milan, and other notable targets include Berlin, Peenemunde, Nurnburg etc. Screened from operations in December 1943 he was posted to 14 OTU at Market Harborough and in May 1944 was posted to the United States, returning in November 1944 to join 1332 HCU Transport Command flying the Avro York. He finished the war with 511 Squadron and the last entry in the log is for January 1946 a DC3 of American Airlines.
WW2 RAF Historic Operation Jericho Amiens Gestapo Jail Break Raid Medal Group of Flight Lieutenant M.N. Sparks AFC. .The medal group and archive of Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Nicholas Sparks AFC, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air, who as a New Zealand Mosquito pilot flew as number 3 in the first wave of the daring low level Amiens Prison Raid in 1944, remaining with the RAF he became a senior Helicopter Pilot in the Far East and was awarded the AFC for this work in 1960. Comprising: Medal Group: Air Force Cross (1961 Engraved M.N. Sparks), 1939/45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, France & Germany clasp, Defence Medal, War Medal, MID Oak Leaf, New Zealand War Service Medal, General Service Medal, clasp Malaya (FLT LT M.N. SPARKS RAF), Campaign Service Medal, two clasps Borneo, Malay Peninsula (FLT LT M.N. SPARKS RAF), Blue Ribbon with Oak Leaf. The group remains originally mounted court style as worn. Medals have been plated/lacquered..... Accompanied by: Mention in Despatch Certificate 1st January 1945. .... Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air certificate 12th June 1945. .... Pilots logbooks. A number of logs have been privately bound into one volume this covers the period August 1941 to June 1963 and a separate log continues to April 1967. On the 18th June 1944 the log records Operation 25. Low level daylight opn. Attack on prison at Amiens. Walls breached later gen proves opn 100% success A/C A write off (No.3 in First Wave). The log records 45 missions with 487 (NZ) Sqd. ... A selection of personal photographs and official documents recording his service career. ... Selection of RNZAF and RAF pilot wings, including by repute the pair he wore on the Amiens Prison Raid. ..... Selection of flying maps..... etc. . . . .Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Nicholas Sparks AFC was born in New Zealand in 1920. He volunteered for service with the RNZAF in July 1941 and began Flying training in August 1941. Posted to Canada for training he landed in the UK in March 1942 and served at 17 OTU before being posted to 487 (NZ) Squadron operating the Ventura 1 light bomber flying for the first time with the Squadron on the 12th October 1942. On the 19th February 1943 he flew his first operation described as a Circus Dunkirk, with 10/10 cloud over the target the op was abandoned. The following month would see operations over Rotterdam. Having 11 trips under his belt with the Ventura, the Squadron was rested and converted to the De Havilland Mosquito twin engined bomber. On the 3rd August he flew his first trip with the new type a low level raid on Pont Chateau Power Station the log records A/C hit by bomb blast. On the 18th February 1944, along with his regular navigator P/O Dunlop he was briefed for a daring low level bombing operation on the Amiens Prison, this would become known as operation Jericho very a low altitude attack, on Amiens Prison in German-occupied France to blow holes in the prison walls, kill German guards and use shock waves to spring open cell doors. The French Resistance was waiting on the outside to rescue prisoners who got out and spirit them away. Some 258 escaped, including 79 Resistance and political prisoners. Sparks was detailed to fly number 3 in the first wave, his Squadron tasked with the destruction of the guards quarters. The target was reached Sparks and his navigator approached at only 10 feet from the ground, bombs gone, a steep powered climb and his aircraft only just cleared the roof of the prison. This dramatic moment was captured by the aviation artist Philip West titled Mosquito Attack, one of Flt Lt Sparks personal presentation editions of the print is included in the lot. Despite the success of the raid and celebrations it was back to ops two days later with a night intruder operation. On the 6th June 1944 he flew in support of the Allied Landings D-Day and with 45 trips noted in his log book he was screened from operations and posted in late June to RAF Defford. He remained a flying instructor until in January 1945 he returned to New Zealand. In 1947 he volunteered his service to the RAF and returned to the UK. First serving with 202 Squadron and later flew with 19 Squadron which flew the twin engined Hornet. He later converted to flying helicopters qualifying on the Sycamore, Skeeter, Whirlwind, Belvedere, etc. He saw extensive service in the Far East and was rewarded with the Air Force Cross in 1960. He returned to the UK and resigned his commission in 1967. He remained in the UK and died in 2013
WW2 RAF 1942 Casualty Air Gunners Logbook. .This logbook records the operational flying of Sergeant R.A. Cherrington an Air Gunner with 223 Squadron who was shot down on the 1st September 1943.Comprising: Aircrew Logbook covering a period 27th October 1941 to 31st August 1942, recording a number of daylight operations with comments supporting the 8th Army North Africa. .... Accompanied by a letter home dated 5th August 1942. .... Middle East made Air Gunners brevet badge. ... AG Brevet bone sweetheart brooch. .... Buckingham Palace named condolence letter. ... Plus small amount of ephemera and medals 1939/45 Star, France & Germany Star, War Medal, awarded to his brother who saw service with the Royal Navy. . . . .Sergeant Cherrington started his Air Gunner training at No 8 School on the 4th October 1941. He was posted to 223 Squadron operating the Baltimore light bomber flying his first operation on the 30th June 1942 against enemy columns. On the 1st September he was briefed to bomb an enemy transport column at El Alamein, after his crew dropped their bombs their aircraft received a direct hit blowing the port engine off the aircraft crashed, one crew member surviving.
Mosquito Attack Operation Jericho Amiens Prison Raid Presentation Edition Print Three Crew Signatures .This is a personal presentation edition of the print owned by Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Nicholas Sparks AFC, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air, who as a New Zealand Mosquito pilot flew as number 3 in the first wave of the daring low level Amiens Prison Raid in 1944 The print depicts Sparks Mosquito just after Bombs gone and clearing the Prison roof. This example is signed by three men who flew on the raid. F/L M.N. Sparks A.F.C., (Pilot.) F/L Cecil S. Elliott (Navigator), Wing Commander B.E. "Dick" Hogan (Pilot) and the artist. Unframed Size overall 28 x 19 inches . . . .See Medal Group of F/Lt Sparks for full biographical details
Mosquito Attack Operation Jericho Amiens Prison Raid Presentation Edition Print. .This is a personal presentation edition of the print owned by Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Nicholas Sparks AFC, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air, who as a New Zealand Mosquito pilot flew as number 3 in the first wave of the daring low level Amiens Prison Raid in 1944 The print depicts Sparks Mosquito just after Bombs gone and clearing the Prison roof. This example is signed by F/L M.N. Sparks A.F.C. Unframed Size overall 28 x 19 inches . . . .See Medal Group of F/Lt Sparks for full biographical details
Similar Mosquito Attack Operation Jericho Amiens Prison Raid Presentation Edition Print. .This is a personal presentation edition of the print owned by Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Nicholas Sparks AFC, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air, who as a New Zealand Mosquito pilot flew as number 3 in the first wave of the daring low level Amiens Prison Raid in 1944 The print depicts Sparks Mosquito just after Bombs gone and clearing the Prison roof. This example is signed by F/L M.N. Sparks A.F.C. Unframed Size overall 28 x 19 inches . . . .See Medal Group of F/Lt Sparks for full biographical details
Similar Mosquito Attack Operation Jericho Amiens Prison Raid Presentation Edition Print. .This is a personal presentation edition of the print owned by Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Nicholas Sparks AFC, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air, who as a New Zealand Mosquito pilot flew as number 3 in the first wave of the daring low level Amiens Prison Raid in 1944 The print depicts Sparks Mosquito just after Bombs gone and clearing the Prison roof. This example is signed by F/L M.N. Sparks A.F.C. Unframed Size overall 28 x 19 inches . . . .See Medal Group of F/Lt Sparks for full biographical details
151 Sqn Mosquito Navigator's Post War Uniformall relating to Wing Commander J J Cooper. Consisting blue grey, single breasted, open collar tunic. Pleated chest pockets and lower bag pockets, all with buttoned flaps. Cuffs with Wing Commander rank lace. Left breast with embroidery Navigator half wing over OBE, 39/45 Star, Atlantic Star with rosette, Defence, War medal with MiD and 1953 Coronation medal ribbons. Anodised, QC RAF buttons. Internal named label ... Matching trousers ... Post 1953 Field Service cap with anodised badge and buttons ... Post 1953 Service dress cap with bullion embroidery, QC badge (complete in postal box) ... 1943 dated, RAF commission ... 1944 dated, 151 Sqn photo ... 1942 Southampton University Air Squadron photo, signed to reverse ... 3 x RAF Staff College photo for 1956, 1963 and 1965. John Joseph Cooper flew with 151 Squadron Mosquitos with his pilot F/O Struthers. 11th Aug flew in Ramrod 161 with other squadrons. March 24 1945 attacked a train near Lippstadt, exploding it and the debris hit their Mosquito knocking out the compass and hydraulics. They crash landed at Manston.
Historically Important RAF Pilot's WW2 "Ace In A Day" Uniform and Ephemeraall relating to Charles Harold Dyson 33 Squadron. Consisting his blue grey single breasted, open collar tunic. Pleated chest pockets and lower bag pockets with buttoned flaps. Lower cuffs with Flight Lieutenant rank braid. Left chest with embroidery, KC RAF pilot wings over OBE, DFC and bar, GSM with MiD, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence and War medal ribbons. Anodised, KC RAF buttons. Internal tailor's label named "F/Lt C Dyson" ... Hist post war, open collar, battledress jacket with Flight Lt. shoulder rank. Embroidery, QC RAF pilot wings over medal ribbons. Composite, QC buttons. Internal named label ... Leather, wash bowl cover with painted name "S/Ldr. C H Dyson DFC. RAF" ... 1948 Fighter Tactical Convention at West Raychem folder with various contents ... Provisional Pilot notes Vampire F1 ... Operational Performance Notes on Vampire ... Pilot's Handling & Instructional Notes Gloster ... Parachute bag ... 3 x rolls of RAF film. Quantity. C H Dyson joined 33 Sqn. pre war flying Gladiators in Egypt and Palestine and was awarded his first DFC. Dec 1940 converted to Hurricanes flying from Matruh. He destroyed 5 enemy aircraft on the ground. Then on 11th Dec. he set an RAF record by shooting down 7 Italian aircraft in one day. He also got 2 further victories and received a bar for his DFC. April and May 1941, whilst in Greece he had many other claims but records were lost but possibly scored as many as 25. Became a POW when Crete fell in May. See Aces High by Shores and Williams.
RAF Uniforms of Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Nicholas Sparks AFC Operation Jericho Pilot. .The RAF cold war period uniform of Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Nicholas Sparks AFC, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air, who as a New Zealand Mosquito pilot flew as number 3 in the first wave of the daring low level Amiens Prison Raid in 1944. Comprising: Servicedress tunic, with post 1953 padded pilot wings and three rows of medal ribbons. The interior pocket with tailor's label of Alkit and typed name F/LT M.N. Sparks 12.1.62. ... Overall trousers.... shirt & tie..... The uniform is accompanied by RAF Mess uniform with bullion wings. .... KD Uniform with wings and medal ribbons. ... KD shirt. Overall GC clean condition last item with age wear (Quantity) . . . .For biographical details see Flight Lieutenant Spark's medal group.
A quantity of medals and ephemera relating to a Sgt Clawson (4867414) of The Seaforth Highlanders, to include his medals, some cap badges, ephemera to include football medal, programme for the 1945 Infantry Brigade Highland Games, a sheet for The Northern Command Cup semi final, ARP whistle, etc.
Linford Christie signed 22x16 Team GB Olympic Gold Big Blue Tube print. Linford Christie Olympic Games Barcelona 1992. Linford Christie wins the 100m Gold medal in 9. 96 seconds. Limited edition 500 copies. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £4.99, EU from £6.99, Rest of World from £8.99
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Corporal E. H. Jones, Royal Welsh Fusiliers Military Medal, G.V.R. (16026 Cpl. E. H. Jones. 13/R.W.F.); 1914-15 Star (16026 Pte. E. H. Jones. R.W. Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (16026 Cpl. E. H. Jones. R.W. Fus.) nearly extremely fine (4) £400-£500 --- M.M. London Gazette 29 August 1918. Edward H. Jones was a native of Ruabon, near Wrexham, Wales, and served with the 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers in France from 1 December 1915. The War Diary shows that Military Medal ribbons were given by the Corps Commander to 14 men on 31 May 1918. From information provided by the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum it seems likely that it was given for a successful attack near Albert on 22 April 1918, when sixty prisoners, three machine guns and a light field gun were taken.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal P. G. Pill, Royal Welsh Fusiliers Military Medal, G.V.R. (29426 Cpl. F. G. Pill. R.W. Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (29426 Cpl. F. G. Pill. R.W. Fus.) good very fine (3) £280-£320 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1918. Francis George Pill was a native of Birmingham who enlisted on 1 November 1915 for the duration of the war. He was appointed Lance-Corporal on 1 May 1917, and promoted to Corporal in August of the same year. His record sheet shows that he was born in 1886 and during his service received a gunshot wound to the right arm, probably in November 1917. He was discharged on 4 February 1919, his address being given as High Street, Alcester, Warwickshire, and was issued with Silver War Badge No. B133213 on 11 March 1919.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private J. Bogue, Welsh Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (202715 Pte. J. Bogue. 9/Welsh R.) regimental details officially corrected; British War and Victory Medals (202715 Pte. J. Bogue. Welsh R.) good very fine (3) £260-£300 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 September 1918. John Bogue was a native of Holyhead.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Second Lieutenant A. Bradley, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action on 24 August 1917 Military Medal, G.V.R. (1962 Sjt: A. Bradley. 1/4 York: L.I. - T.F.); 1914-15 Star (1962 L/Cpl. A. Bradley Yorks. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. A. Bradley.); Memorial Plaque (Arthur Bradley) good very fine (5) £600-£800 --- M.M. London Gazette 1 September 1916. Arthur Bradley, a native of Wakefield, Yorkshire, attested for the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and served with the 1st/4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 April 1915. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 6th Battalion on 29 June 1917, and was killed in action on 24 August 1917, aged 24. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Corporal A. Eaton, York and Lancaster Regiment, who was badly gassed on 7 September 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (1797 Cpl. A. Eaton. 1/4 Y. & L.R. - T.F.); 1914-15 Star (1797 Pte. A. Eaton. York: & Lanc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (200289 Sjt. A. Eaton. Y. & L.R.) light contact marks, very fine (4) £400-£500 --- M.M. London Gazette 4 September 1916. Alfred Eaton was born in 1890 and attested for the York and Lancaster Regiment (Territorial Force) on 2 April 1908. Posted to the 1st/4th Battalion, he served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 April 1915, and was advanced Sergeant on 6 July 1916. He was wounded from gas poisoning in September 1916- the recipient’s own account states: ‘I was Sergeant in charge of a platoon on 7 September 1916. On gas coming I made a rush to get the men out who were sleeping and got gassed in doing so whilst in action.’ Eaton was discharged on account of his having been gassed on 11 October 1917, and was subsequently awarded a Silver War Badge. Sold with copied research.
A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front Spring Offensive’ M.M. awarded to Private J. R. Orde, 1 Squadron, Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry), late 2nd Dragoon Guards and afterwards Reserve Regiment of Cavalry Military Medal, G.V.R. (41051 Pte. J. R. Ord. 1/Sq: M.G.C.) very fine and scarce £400-£500 --- M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. Probably an award for the battles of of St Quentin, Bapaume, or Rosieres, March 1918. John Robert Ord was born at Wingate, County Durham, in 1891, and enlisted as 20248 Private, 2nd Dragoon Guards, on 1 September 1914. He served in France from 17 October 1915, and transferred to 1st Squadron, Machine Gun Corps, on its formation in 1 Cavalry Division on 28 February 1916. He later transferred as 20139 Private, to 13 Reserve Regiment of Cavalry, and as 20248 Private, to 2 Reserve Regiment of Cavalry. Sold with copied record of service and Medal Index Card confirming M.M. and 1914-15 Star trio.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private J. R. Dempster, 56 Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, late Gordon Highlanders Military Medal, G.V.R. (85867 Pte. J. R. Dempeter. 56/M.G.C.) note error in spelling of surname, small edge bruise, otherwise good very fine £180-£220 --- M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919: ‘85867 Pte. Dempeter (sic), J. R., 56th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Drumblade).’ John Rose Dempster was born at Drumblade, Aberdeenshire, in 1892, and originally enlisted into the 3rd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders as a Private in November 1916. He transferred to the 56th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, on its formation as part of 56th (1st London) Division, 1 March 1918. Sold with copied Attestation papers and Medal Index Card which confirms entitlement to British War and Victory Medals.
A Great War ‘Battle of Doiran 1918’ Salonika M.M. and French Croix de Guerre pair awarded to Sergeant B. G. Buckland, 65 Company, Machine Gun Corps, late Devonshire Regiment, who died in Salonika in October 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (29723 Sjt. B. G. Buckland. 65/Coy: M.G.C.); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre 1914-18, this added for display purposes together with a reproduction M.G.C. cap badge, extremely fine (2) £200-£260 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1919. Croix de Guerre London Gazette 21 July 1919. Basil George Buckland was born in Hadenbridge, Surrey, in 1897, and originally enlisted as 1695 Private, Devon Regiment. He transferred to 65 Coy. M.G.C. and served in Salonika, where he won the M.M. for gallantry in the battle of Doiran on 17-18 September 1918 - the War Diary reports ‘Sgt. Buckland carried on with the Section and finally retired - the last off the hill, and brought all four guns out of action with only 8 men.’ Sergeant Buckland died of pneumonia in Salonika on 8 October 1918.
A Great War 1918 Western Front ‘Battle of Ypres’ M.M. pair awarded to Lance-Corporal Harry King, 104 Company, Machine Gun Corps, formerly 2 County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons) Military Medal, G.V.R. (124373 Pte. L. Cpl.- H. King. 104/M.G.C.); British War Medal 1914-20 (124373 Pte. H. King. M.G.C.) good very fine (2) £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 July 1919. Harry King was a native of Kempston, Bedfordshire, who served with 104 Company, Machine Gun Corps, from its formation from 2 County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons) on 18 July 1918, and won his M.M. for the Battle of Ypres in October 1918. He was reported as wounded in the War Office Casualty List of 16 July 1918. Sold with research notes and copied Medal Index Card which confirms entitlement to British War and Victory Medals.
A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private A. Broadhurst, 125 Company, Machine Gun Corps, late Lancashire Fusiliers, who served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France, was wounded in September 1917, and was taken Prisoner of War at Achiet le Petit in March 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (39592 Pte. A. Broadhurst. 125 Coy. M.G.C.) edge bruising and possible correction to regimental number, better than good fine £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917. Arthur Broadhurst was a native of Manchester who enlisted into the 8th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers and served in Egypt from 5 November 1914, and later at Gallipoli. He transferred to 125 Company, Machine Gun Corps, on 10 August 1916, was wounded on 26 September 1917, and taken prisoner of war at Achiet le Petit on 26 March 1918. Sold with research including partial copied service papers.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private A. Ryder, 188 Company, Machine Gun Corps, part of 63rd Royal Naval Division Military Medal, G.V.R. (85359 Pte. A. Ryder. 188/Coy. M.G.C.) nearly extremely fine £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 4 February 1918. Arthur Ryder was a native of Preston who originally enlisted into the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at Preston on 21 November 1915, aged 19 years 1 month, previously working as a number taker with the London and North West Railway. He transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on 8 February 1917, and served in France and Flanders with 188 Company M.G.C. in the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division from 25 April 1917. He received a shell wound of the lower jaw on 26 October 1917, and was discharged on 2 March 1919. Sold with partial copied service papers and Medal Index Card which notes that British War and Victory Medals ‘retd (undisposed) 6.3.23’.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private T. C. Scott, 191 Company, Machine Gun Corps, late King’s Own Scottish Borderers Military Medal, G.V.R. (12936 Pte. T. C. Scott. 191/Coy. M.G.C.) toned, good very fine £180-£220 --- M.M. London Gazette 16 August 1917. Sold with copied Medal Index Card which confirms issue of British War and Victory Medals and previous service in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
A Great War Western Front ‘Battle of Ypres’ M.M. awarded to Private T. Kelly, 225 Company, Machine Gun Corps Military Medal, G.V.R. (57296 Pte. T. Kelly. 225/Coy. M.G.C.) polished, otherwise nearly very fine £180-£220 --- M.M. London Gazette 2 November 1917. Thomas Kelly was a native of Dunipace, Falkirk, Scotland, and served in 225 Company, Machine Gun Corps, part of 15th Division. Sold with research notes which state M.M. won for actions at Pilckem Ridge, Langemarck, and Zevenkote in August 1917. Reported sick with dysentery in War Diary, 23 August 1917; M.M. confirmed in War Diary, 29 September 1917. Medal Index Card confirms entitlement to British War and Victory Medals.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal W. Lyall, 226 Company, Machine Gun Corps Military Medal, G.V.R (33016 Pte. W. Lyall. 226/Coy. M.G.C.).; British War and Victory Medals (33016 Cpl. W. Lyall. M.G.C.) nearly extremely fine (3) £300-£360 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 February 1918. One of only two gallantry awards to 226 Coy M.G.C. (M.M. also to 4485 G. R. Methven). William Lyall, from Heaton, served with 226 Coy, 30th Division in France from 31 July 1917. The War Diary for 226 Coy. M.G.C., at Reninghelst, 2 December 1917 records: ‘No. 4485 L. Cpl. Methven, G. R. and No. 33016 Pte. Lyall, W. awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct on 26 November 1917.’ He was discharged suffering from Malaria and septic GSW of chest and is named in the War Office Casualty List of 26 November 1918 as wounded.
A Great War 1917 Mesopotamia ‘Ramadi operations’ M.M. awarded to Company Quarter Master Sergeant A. W. Green, 275 Company, Machine Gun Corps Military Medal, G.V.R. (36268 Sjt.-A.C.Q.M. Sjt.- A. W. Green. M.G.C.) nearly very fine £180-£220 --- M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919 (Mesopotamia). War Diary of 275 Company confirms award ‘for Ramadi operations 28/29 Sept 1917.’ Unique gallantry award to 275 Company M.G.C. Arthur Wilmott Green was a native of Gosport who originally enlisted as 8024 Private, Royal Lancaster Regiment, and served in France from 15 January 1915. He advanced to Colour-Sergeant and later transferred to 275 Company, Machine Gun Corps, serving as part of 15th (Indian) Division in Mesopotamia in September 1917. Sold with research notes together with copied M.M. Card and Medal Index Card which confirms entitlement to 1914-15 Star trio.
A Great War M.M. awarded to Private W. W. Gregory, an American serving in the 4th (Central Ontario) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was wounded in action in October 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (18950 Pte. W. W. Gregory, 4/Bn. 1/C. Ont. R.) edge bruising, otherwise very fine £360-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 3 July 1919. Wandle William Gregory was born in Mason City, West Virginia, U.S.A., on 23 June 1883. Living in Washington County, Washington and employed as a labourer, he enlisted into the 9th Battalion at Valcartier in September 1914, and served with the 4th (Central Ontario) Battalion in England and France. Wounded on 2 October 1918, with a gunshot wound to the chest, and awarded the M.M., he was discharged at Calgary in March 1919. Gregory died in March 1959; sold with research copied to disk.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private N. E. S. Pengelly, 5th Battalion, Canadian Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (73175 Pte. N. E. S. Pengelly. 5/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (73175 L. Cpl. N. E. S. Pengelly. 5-Can. Inf.) good very fine (3) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1917.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant R. J. Edmonds, 21st (Eastern Ontario) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, later Lieutenant, 43rd Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Military Medal, G.V.R. (59293 Sjt: R. J. Edmunds. 21/Can: Inf: Bn.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. R. J. Edmunds.) together with erased 1914-15 Star and Victory Medal, good very fine (4) £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 3 June 1916. The recommendation states: ‘For exceptional presence of mind in extreme danger on the night of 30th October 1915, when using a “West” spring gun. The machine failed to throw the grenade which fell in the trench in which were several men. Sergeant Edmunds at once seized the grenade and threw it forward. It exploded without harming anyone as a result of his principal action.’ Robert James Emunds was enlisted into the 21st Battalion C.E.F. on 23 October 1914, and disembarked at Boulogne on 14 September 1915; to Trench Warfare School, 6 November 1915; wounded 17 April 1916, to U.K. per Hospital Ship Cambria; Temporary Lieutenant, Canadian Militia, 27 March 1916; leave to Canada, July to September 1916; attached 39 Reserve Bn., 30 September 1916; attached 6 Reserve Bn., 4 January 1917; Adjutant, Easter Ontario Regiment Depot, 16 March 1917; returned to Canada, 18 October 1917; Lieutenant, 43rd Ottawa Highlanders, 1 May 1920; Reserve of Officers, Ottawa Highlanders, 1 February 1927; still alive in March 1980. Sold with research notes.
A Great War 1916 ‘Battle of the Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Staff Sergeant A. E. Doughty, Canadian Army Medical Corps, later Lieutenant, No. 4 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was killed in a flying accident in April 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (33053 S. Sjt: E. A. Doughty. 8/F.A. Can: A.M.C.); 1914-15 Star (33053 Pte. E. A. Doughty, Can: A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. E. A. Doughty. R.A.F.) good very fine (4) £600-£800 --- M.M. London Gazette 12 March 1917. The original recommendation, dated 19 November 1916, states: ‘During the action on the Somme of Sept 28th - October 12th this N.C.O. was doing duty in the forward area near Courcelette. He repeatedly conducted bearer squads over exposed ground under heavy shell and machine gun fire. His example to the men under him was of the highest type. His courage and devotion to duty was excellent.’ Edward Albert Doughty was born on 3 April 1896. He served in France with 8 Field Ambulance, Canadian Army Medical Corps, until transferring to the Royal Flying Corps as a Cadet on 22 April 1917. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps (General List) on 6 September 1917, and given the rank of Flying Officer on 22 March 1918. He joined No. 4 Squadron as an R.E.8 pilot on 3 April and was killed in a flying accident on 14 April, 1918. His next of kin was given as Mrs E. Doughty of Chilton, Ontario. He was 22 years old and is buried in Aire Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
A Second War ‘Italian theatre’ ‘Immediate’ M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant A. Sweett, Royal Artillery, who was wounded in the leg, and was twice Mentioned in Despatches Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1098877 Bmbr. A. Sweett. R.A.) in named card box of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; together with a presentation Masonic ‘Square’, silver, engraved ‘Presented to W. Bro. Arthur Sweett M.M. W.M. 1969-1970 by the Lodge of Endeavour No. 8045’, nearly extremely fine (7) £1,000-£1,400 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1945. The original Recommendation states: ‘On 9 April 1945 the Regiment was engaged in a fire plan in support of 19 Indian Infantry Brigade who were to cross the Senic. The programme was fired without interruption for some hours, but between 0200 hours and 0400 hours, 210th Field Battery area was subject to considerable shelling by enemy medium guns. Although duplicate lines had been laid and laddered, those between the Command Post Exchange and both Troops were cut repeatedly. Lance-Sergeant Sweett, who was N.C.O. in charged communication in the gun area, organised repair parties which he led personally each time a line was cut. On two occasions he ordered his men to remain under cover when the shelling had increased in intensity, and traced and repaired the cuts himself. During the whole of the two hour period, Lance-Sergeant Sweett was exposed to heavy fire, but with unflagging energy and complete disregard of danger, he kept communications open during a critical time in the attack. By his example and behaviour Lance-Sergeant Sweett was an inspiration to everyone in the gun area, and in no small way contributed to the steady and confident manner in which the Battery carried on during this period. This is only one of many occasions on which this N.C.O. has shown that he possess initiative and powers of leadership above average.’ M.I.D. London Gazettes 19 July 1945 and 29 November 1945. Arthur Sweett was born in Mitcham, South London, and served during the Second World War the 53rd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, in Egypt at El Alamein and Tobruk, in Iraq and Syria, and in Italy from 1943. Wounded in the leg on the Adriatic coast on 1 April 1944, for his services in Italy he was awarded an immediate Military Medal, and was twice Mentioned in Despatches. Sold together with the named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the M.M.; the recipient’s two original Mentioned in Despatches Certificates, with War Office enclosures; the recipient’s original Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; Record Office letter informing the recipient’s wife that he had been wounded; a newspaper cutting reporting the recipient’s return home, with photograph; and copied research.
A Second War ‘Gothic Line’ Immediate M.M. awarded to Corporal C. A. W. Lowen, B.E.M., Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, for gallantly clearing a path through a heavily sown minefield which enabled the rescue of several stranded comrades, some of whom were wounded, during the course of which he himself was wounded in the hand and arm by an exploding mine Military Medal, G.VI.R. (H.16558 Cpl. C. A. W. Lowen. C. Inf. C.) good very fine £1,200-£1,500 --- B.E.M. (Military) London Gazette 1 January 1943. M.M. London Gazette 8 March 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘H16558 Corporal Charles Albert Willoby Lowen, P.P.C.L.I. Reference Map ITALY, TOMBA di PESARO On the morning of 31 August 1944, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry attacked a section of the GOTHIC Line. The objective of C Company was road junction MR 016755. Number 13 Platoon was leading and H.16558 Corporal Charles Albert Willoby LOWEN was in command of a section of this platoon. A heavily sown minefield about six hundred yards in depth lay between the company and its objective. The ground was flat and completely bare except for a large patch of scrub two hundred yards from the right flank. At least three snipers were in this scrub and were sniping the company. The line of advance was covered by enemy artillery fire. Number 13 Platoon reached their objective, but three casualties from mines remained about one hundred yards in the rear. Corporal LOWEN asked for and received permission to go back to the casualties and to clear a lane for stretcher bearers, and the remainder of the company who had provided covering fire for 13 Platoon. Throughout the time he was finding a route back, Corporal LOWEN was sniped at and was under other enemy fire. He was wounded in the left hand and arm by an exploding mine. Notwithstanding these difficulties, Corporal LOWEN continued to clear a lane and finally reached the wounded men and the balance of the company. The coolness and skill of Corporal LOWEN, coupled with his complete disregard of his personal safety, enabled the remainder of the company to reach the objective without casualties and enabled the wounded men to be recovered. His conduct and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who took part in the operation.’ Sold with heavily redacted copies of his record of service and discharge certificate which confirms award of B.E.M., M.M., 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, and Canadian War Service Medal and Clasp.
A Second War ‘Bomber Command’ D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Lieutenant A. W. Barker, Royal Air Force, who completed 59 operational sorties against some of the most heavily defended German targets, with both 207 Squadron and as a ‘Special Operator’ with 223 Squadron Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (751135 Sgt. A. W. Barker. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 4 August 1942. The original Recommendation, dated 28 May 1942, states: ‘Sergeant Barker has completed 16 Sorties as a second Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner, and 19 Sorties as a first Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner. At all times this N.C.O. has shown outstanding enthusiasm and keenness for operational flying, and the efficient manner in which he has carried out his duties has contributed largely to the success of a number of sorties in which he has taken part. Sergeant Barker has always set a splendid example to the other Wireless Operators/ Air Gunners in the Squadron.’ Alfred William Barker served during the Second World War in the Royal Air Force, commencing his training at No. 1 E.W.S., Cranwell, on 31 August 1940. He was posted to 207 Squadron at R.A.F. Waddington on 5 April 1941, and, flying Manchesters, undertook his first operational sortie, a raid on Kiel, on 26 April, during which they dropped one 4,000lb bomb. Further operational targets that year included Hamburg (twice), Lorient, Mannheim, the Krupps works at Essen, Emden, Hannover, Dusseldorf (twice), Cologne, Rostock, Stettin, Cologne, Aachen, and a mission to the ‘Big City’, Berlin. He started 1942 with three trips to Brest, including the Scharnhorst and Gneiseneau raid on 6 January 1942, and followed this up with sorties to Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg, Munster, Kiel (the Gneiseneau raid on 25 February 1942), and the Krupps works at Essen. His 35th and final operational sortie with 207 Squadron was a Gardening operation in the Gulf of Danzig on 2 May 1942. For his services during his tour he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Posted to 25 O.T.U. at R.A.F. Finningley in June 1942, Barker carried out one operational sortie whilst there- a trip to Essen on 16 September, when his Wellington was attacked by an Me110, setting the aircraft on fire and wounding the Rear Gunner. After postings to 81, 82, and 12 O.T.U., during which he was commissioned Pilot Officer on 3 October 1943, and was promoted Flying Officer on 3 April 1944, Barker received his next operational posting in September 1944, when he joined 223 Squadron, based at R.A.F. Oulton. Flying Liberators, he completed a further tour of 23 operational sorties as a ‘Special Operator’, his final mission being to Kassel on 20 March 1945. Promoted Flight Lieutenant on 3 October 1945, he retired in 1946. Sold together with the recipient’s original Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book, covering the period 31 August 1940 to 20 March 1945; various postcard photographs of the recipient and his crew; and a large quantity of copied research, including extracts from 207 Squadron’s Operations Record Book.
A Second War D.F.M. awarded to Air Gunner Flight Sergeant H. Humphreys, Royal Air Force, who carried out over 50 Operational Sorties, his first on the very day Britain declared War, 3 September 1939. At least 10 of his Sorties were with 7 Squadron, Path Finder Force, and he was killed in action during a raid on Munster on 12 June 1943 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (533882. Sgt. H. Humphreys. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 13 July 1943. The original Recommendation, dated 29 May 1943, states: ‘This N.C.O. has carried out 50 operational sorties as an Air Gunner, most of them against heavily defended targets; 8 of these have been with the Pathfinder Force. He has carried out his arduous duties conscientiously and has been a very cool and efficient member of an aircrew. He has throughout shown courage and determination of the highest order. Covering Remarks of Station Commander: This N.C.O. carried out the first of his total of 50 operational sorties by taking part, as an Air Gunner in a Hampden, in the first daylight attack on Wilhelmshaven. By his coolness and experience as a gunner, and by his willingness to help less experienced crews, he has contributed largely to the gunnery efficiency of his unit. Covering Remarks of Air Officer Commanding, Path Finder Force: Strongly recommended.’ Hugh Humphreys, a native of Chester, was born in c.1918 and served during the Second World War as an Air Gunner with the Royal Air Force. Initially serving with 44 Squadron (Hampdens), his first operational sortie was on the very day that Britain declared War, 3 September 1939, in a daylight bombing raid on the German Fleet and naval installations at Wilhelmshaven; further targets included Frankfurt, Duren, Nyburg, Schipol, Brest (4 times), Kiel (twice), Mannheim, Hamburg, Essen, and a trip to Berlin, the ‘Big City’, on 14 May 1941. Transferring to 7 (Path Finder Force) Squadron in early 1943, Humphreys undertook a further 9 successful raids with them, targets including Lorient, Bremen, St. Nazaire, Berlin, Kiel, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Mannheim, and Dortmund. Awarded a non-immediate D.F.M., he was killed in action on the night of 11-12 June 1943, whilst on a raid to Munster. Taking off from R.A.F. Oakington, their Stirling R9286, piloted by Flying Officer E. P. Deville, was last fixed over the continent at 03:58, after which nothing more was heard. Their aircraft was never recovered and all seven crew, including Humphreys, are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Sold with copied research.
An exceptional Hurricane and Spitfire pilot’s D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flying Officer J. D. Rudling, 136 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, who was awarded the D.F.M. for the Defence of Chittagong, and was later shot down and killed over Burma on 29 April 1944 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (N.Z.41714. F/Sgt. J. D. Rudling. R.N.Z.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; New Zealand War Service Medal; New Zealand Memorial Cross, G.VI.R., this last unnamed, good very fine (6) £2,800-£3,200 --- Provenance: Buckland Dix & Wood, December 1994. D.F.M. London Gazette 12 November 1943. The original Recommendation states: ‘Flight Sergeant Rudling has flown continuously on operations since December 1942. He has been in combat with enemy aircraft on 3 occasions and each time displayed marked courage and determination. In April 1943, he was engaged by an enemy aircraft for 5 minutes but succeeded in shooting it down. A month later, during an enemy attack at Chittagong, he attacked 3 hostile bombers, damaging at least one, but his own aircraft was set on fire by a Japanese fighter. In spite of this, he again attacked an enemy bomber and continued to fire until his own aircraft was blazing and he had to leave it by parachute. Throughout his operational career, this airman has shown outstanding skill in operations.’ John David Rudling was born at Vavau, Tonga on 18 March 1922 and emigrated to New Zealand with his parents in 1924. He enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in March 1940, and after being awarded his flying badge on 6 September 1941 was promoted Sergeant, before embarking for India in June 1942. He arrived in India on 26 July 1942 and was posted to 136 Squadron, operating from Dum Dum in Bengal. Flying Hurricanes he took part in two day and one night patrol before the Squadron moved to Chittagong, near the Burmese border From here he carried our a further 81 operation sorties - interceptions, patrols, bomber and shipping escorts, fighter sweeps, and low-level strafing attacks. During these operations he destroyed two enemy aircraft and damaged another, and on one occasion was forced to bale out. On one occasion Rudling made contact with the enemy - literally: ‘I was just about to turn back for base when I sighted the bombers. Selecting the nearest I I dived to the attack. I observed strikes on the enemy’s wings and then I suddenly realised that we were going to collide. I broke sharply away above but felt my aircraft hit the rudder of the bomber. Thinking I had damaged by aircraft for further attack I pulled away, but it was alright so I pulled up under another bomber and fired from underneath at their leader. During this attack a fighter was on my tail and hit my tail and oil tanks before I broke away.’ (the recipient’s own account refers). Rudling was uninjured in this attack, and also had the satisfaction of seeing the bomber with which he had collided hit the ground and explode before he force-landed on the nearest strip without flaps or brakes. His Spitfire ended up on its nose but did not catch fire possibly because when Rudling landed there was scarcely any petrol left in its tanks. Rudling was commissioned Pilot Officer on 16 April 1943, and two months later 136 Squadron was withdrawn to Calcutta, where they were re-equipped with Spitfires. Promoted Flying Officer on 16 October 1943, the following February the Squadron moved forward again, firstly to Rumkapalong in the Arakan, and then to Sapam in the Imphal Valley. From these bases Rudling engaged in a further 49 operational sorties and succeeded in damaging four enemy aircraft in combat. Rudling was killed in action on 29 April 1944. Taking off with nine other aircraft to make a low-level attack on Kangaung airfield inside Burma, flying Spitfire VIII (JF619) as ‘Janus Red 3’, on nearing the target his flight was jumped by 5 enemy fighters and Rudling was seen to dive down to the assistance of ’Janus Red 1’, inflicting damage on an Oscar before himself being attacked from behind. Soon afterwards fellow pilots saw his Spitfire explode in the air, burning wreckage falling to the ground. His body, recovered by the local Burmese, was buried near to the crash site. In September 1953 the remains were exhumed and reburied at Taukkyan Cemetery, near Rangoon, Burma. Sold with a large quantity of copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient.
A Second War D.F.M. group of five awarded to Air Gunner Flight Sergeant A. Massey, Royal Air Force, who completed 29 operational sorties, 21 of theses against heavily defended targets in Germany, and on one occasion destroyed an Me109 in aerial combat Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (649458. F/Sgt. A. Massey. R.A.F.) 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, traces of lacquer, nearly extremely fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 13 October 1944: ‘In recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy.’ The original Recommendation, dated 2 July 1944, states: ‘Flight Sergeant Massey has completed 29 sorties against the enemy, 21 of these against heavily defended targets in Germany. On several occasions his aircraft has suffered damage and at all times his coolness and courage in the face of enemy fire has been an inspiration to his crew. He has had several combats with enemy fighters and on one occasion destroyed an Me109. His devotion to duty at all times set a good example to his fellow gunners and as a crew member he inspired the greatest confidence. This N.C.O. is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. Remarks by Station Commander: Flight Sergeant Massey is a thoroughly competent and reliable Air Gunner and by his skill and determination has contributed to the success of his crew and to the safe completion of an operational tour. His ability and spirit have been a fine example to his unit. He is strongly recommended for the award of the D.F.M.’ Alan Massey enlisted in the Royal Air Force and served during the Second World War as an Air Gunner in 51 Squadron (Halifaxes). His first operational sortie was to Hamburg on 29 July 1943; further targets over the next year included Mannheim (twice), Nuremberg (twice), Milan, Peenemunde, Munchen-Gladbach, Modane, Hannover, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Stuttgart, Lille, and four sorties to the ‘Big City’ Berlin. The sortie to Munchen-Gladbach on the night of 29-30 August 1943 was particularly noteworthy: ‘02:31 hrs 25 miles north Hassett. No moon, 10/10th cloud, odd searchlights and red fighter flares burning for about a minute. Me109 seen with white flashing light in nose 800 yards on port beam. Appeared to be coming in to attack and Halifax turned to port. Rear Gunner [Massey] fired 300 rounds when enemy aircraft was on port quarter. Caught fire and immediately went down. Mid Upper Gunner fired 100 rounds and saw strikes when enemy aircraft was already on fire. Me109 disappeared through cloud and appeared to explode under the cloud. Claimed as destroyed.’ (Squadron Operational Record Book refers). Massey’s final operational sortie was to St. Maritn l’Hortier on 17 June 1944, and for his services during the Second World War was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Sold with copied research.
Loading...
