British War Medal 1914-20 (10) (281176 Spr. G. Chapman. R.E.; 2308 Spr. A. R. Charlton. R.E.; 158145 Spr. J. Cooper. R.E.; 149150 2. Cpl. R. E. Couch. R.E.; 112429 Spr. A. W. Scarlett. R.E.; 1-364403 Dvr. F. J. Morgan. A.S.C.; 1242 Pte. C. H. Hancock. R.A.M.C.; 93729 Pte. A. B. Mc Ghie. R.A.M.C.; 208027. Pte. A.E. Pangborn. R.A.F.; Pte. H. C. Merton 9th Infantry.) generally very fine (10) £100-£140 --- George Chapman, a native of Stepney, London, attested for the Royal Engineers and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 July 1917. He was wounded by shrapnel on 29 September 1917 and was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 24 January 1919. Arthur Robson Charlton attested for the Royal Engineers and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 October 1915. He was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 18 February 1919. Joseph Cooper attested initially for Glamorgan Yeomanry, before transferring to the Royal Engineers. Charles H. Hancock attested for the Royal Army Medical Corps and served with them during the Great War at Gallipoli from 25 April 1915. He was discharged on 9 September 1919. Albert B. McGhie attested for the Royal Army Medical Corps and served during the Great War attached to the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch).
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British War Medal 1914-20 (8) (19323 Pte. C. B. Brown. C. Gds.; 366141 Pte. W. Sproson. North’d Fus.; 91917 Pte. A. T. Coulthwaite. L’pool R.; 355444 Pte. D. Veitch. L’pool R.; 268568 Pte. J. T. Crosbie. L’pool. R.; 240357 Pte. H. F. Brimicombe. Devon R.; 20537 Pte. T. H. Jackson. Devon R.; 44424 Pte. H. J. Le Duc. Worc. R.) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (8) £80-£100 --- Charles Bernard Brown was born in Warwick on 14 August 1889 and attested for the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 9 December 1915, before transferring to the Coldstream Guards. He served during the Great War on the Western Front from 24 May 1917 to 15 September 1917 before being transferred back into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Appointed Lance Corporal on 31 July 1918, he was discharged on 18 October 1919. D. Veitch attested for the 10th (Liverpool Scottish) Battalion, Liverpool Regiment, and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 November 1914 to 4 January 1918. He saw later service with the Military Foot Police. Joseph Travis Crosbie attested for the Liverpool Regiment and served during the Great War with both the 7th and 12th Battalions on the Western Front from 2 March 1916.
British War Medal 1914-20 (7) (56358 Pte. A. Cronin. The Queen’s R.; 74598 Pte. T. E. Dwight. R. Fus.; L-8184 Pte. J. Moore. Midd’x. R.; 2432 Pte. P. Skinner. 2-Lond. R.; 1350 Cpl. E. G. Brooks. 4-Lond. R.; 6161 Pte. C. Tyler. 7-Lond. R.; 393158 Pte. H. Munday. 9-Lond. R.) generally very fine (7) £70-£90 --- James Moore, a native of Marylebone, London, attested for the Middlesex Regiment and served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 31 August 1914. He was killed in action on 15 October 1914 and is buried in Vieille-Chapelle New Military Cemetery, Lacouture, France. He is recorded in the Marquis De Ruvigny’s roll. Percy Skinner attested for the 2nd (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment on 7 September 1914 and served with them during the Great War in the Egyptian theatre from 30 August 1915. He was discharged due to wounds on 24 June 1916, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, No. 422607. Ernest G. Brooks attested pre-War for the 4th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment, and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front (also awarded a Territorial Force War Medal). Charles Tyler attested for the 7th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment on 27 January 1917 and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front. He was discharged on 11 November 1918. Harry Munday attested for the 9th (Queen Victoria’s Rifles) Battalion, London Regiment on 19 September 1916 and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 October 1917. He was discharged due to sickness on 7 May 1918 and was awarded a Silver War Badge, No. 366263.
British War Medal 1914-20 (7) (G-5227 Pte. J. Gurnett. The Queen’s R.; 780878 Pte. S. L. Daniels. R. Fus.; 61772 Pte. J. W. Young. W. York. R.; 242098 Pte. J. Butler. Glouc. R.; 45391 Pte. A. G. Williams. Hamps. R.; 11214 Pte. B. W. Wood. K.R. Rif. C.; 26372 Pte. G. H. Johnson. Wilts. R.) retaining rod missing on Williams’ medal; Victory Medal 1914-19 (664 Sjt. H. Gilbert. Devon. R.) edge bruising and contact marks, generally nearly very fine (8) £80-£100 --- James Gurnett attested for the Royal West Surrey Regiment and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 October 1915. He was discharged as no longer fit for physical service on 10 June 1919 and awarded a Silver War Badge No. B239607. Stanley L. Daniels attested for the Hampshire Regiment and served with them during the Great War, before later serving with both the Royal Fusiliers and the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Harry Gilbert, a native of Pyworthy, Devon, was a pre-war member of the Territorial Force. He saw service during the Great War with the 1/6th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment in the Mesopotamian theatre, and was killed in action on 8 March 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Bertie W. Wood attested for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 31 August 1914. He was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 6 December 1919.
British War Medal 1914-20 (4-5499 Cpl. W. Healey. North’d Fus.; 44759 Pte. C. Bowman. North’d Fus.; 36541 Pte. G. Champman. Norf. R.; 1928 Pte. H. H. Geal. E. Surr. R.; 12-1361 Pte. L. W. Kingwell. York & Lanc. R.; 13932 Pte. A. Aldridge. W. Rid. R.; 31044 Private R. Graham. W. Rid. R.; 5457 Pte. A. Royal. 5-Lond. R.; 339863 Spr. G. Bogie. R.E.) generally very fine (9) £100-£140 --- George Chapman was born in Warboys, Cambridgeshire. He served during the Great War with the 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Battalion, Norfolk Regiment on the Western Front. Private Chapman died, 16 November 1918, and is buried in the Terlinchthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France. Herbert Henry Geal was the son of Mr and Mrs G. R. Geal of 299 Chapter Road, Wilesden, London. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment in the French theatre of war from 6 March 1915. Private Geal was killed in action on the Western Front, 12 March 1915, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Leonard W. Kingwell was the son of Mr and Mrs W. C. Kingwell of 67 Rutland Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. He served during the Great War with the 12th (Sheffield City) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment on the Western Front. Private Kingwell died of wounds on the Western Front, 6 July 1916, and is buried in the Wimereux Communal Cemetery, France. Arthur Aldridge served during the Great War with the 1/6th Battalion, West Riding Regiment. Private Aldridge was killed in action on the Western Front, 16 April 1918, and is buried in the Mont Noir Military Cemetery, St. Jans-Cappel, France. Arthur Royal lived with his wife at 57 Egerton Road, N16, London. He served during the Great War with the 1/5th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade). Rifleman Royal died of wounds on the Western Front, 17 April 1917, and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Sold with a photograph of R. Graham in uniform, and damaged named card box of issue with envelope addressed to recipient at ‘Ruscol, Middlesmore, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate.’
British War Medal 1914-20 (8) (18760 Pte. P. A. Veal. Som. L.I.; 34881 Pte. H. Wood. Som. L.I.; 29355 Pte. L. Pink. D.C.L.I.; 36221 Pte. W. Robinson. S. Lanc. R.; 205299 Pte. W. Fawley. K.O.Y.L.I.; 39074 Pte. F. F. Kerns. Yorks. L.I.; 23650 Pte. M. Rainforth. Yorks. L.I.; 251170 Pte. A. Rogers. Durh. L.I.) minor edge bruising, generally very fine (8) £80-£100 --- Hartley Wood attested for the Somerset Light Infantry and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front, before transferring to the Machine Gun Corps. He was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 24 February 1919. Miles Rainforth attested for the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 May 1915. He was discharged Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 25 March 1919.
British War Medal 1914-20 (8) (409704 Cpl. J. W. Shoolbread. R.S. Fus.; 1134 A. Sjt. T. H. Jones. R. W. Fus.; 60248 Pte. A. Bridges. S. Wales Bord.; 33141 Pte. H. Thomas. K.O. Scot Bord.; 41676 Pte. G. H. Wood. Welsh R.; S-8830 Pte. C. Firth. Seaforth.; 23806 Pte. J. A. Rogers. Seaforth.; 9627 Pte. J. Donnan. Cam’n Highrs.) generally very fine (8) £80-£100 --- Thomas Hayes Jones attested for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and served with them during the Great War at Gallipoli from 1 August 1915. He saw later service with the Machine Gun Corps and was discharged on 6 March 1919. Charles Firth attested for the Seaforth Highlanders and served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 October 1915. He was severely wounded and discharged on 11 October 1917. Awarded a Silver War Badge No. 18607, he is noted as having died subsequent to his discharge and a widow’s pension was awarded. James Donnan attested for the Cameron Highlanders on 12 January 1914 and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914. He was discharged on 2 September 1918 and was awarded a Silver War Badge No. 446987.
The British War Medal awarded to Private G. A. Collier, 1/7th (Robin Hood) Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, who was killed in action during the First Day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916 British War Medal 1914-20 (3565 Pte. G. A. Collier. Notts. & Derby. R.) nearly extremely fine £100-£140 --- George Auguste Collier was the son of Mr and Mrs A. A. Collier of 138 Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. He served during the Great War with the 1/7th (Robin Hood) Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 28 June 1915. Private Collier was killed in action on the Western Front, 1 July 1916. On the latter date the Battalion were engaged as part of the 139th Brigade, 46th (North Midland) Division on the Somme, ‘moved forward from Foncquevillers for attack on Gommecourt (1/7) - on left of Brigade’s advance soon swept by heavy machine gun fire and leading waves driven back. Casualties given in Official History of the Great War as 409 out of an attacking force of 536.’ (British Battalions on the Somme by R. Westlake refers). Private Collier is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
Victory Medal 1914-19 (16727 Pte. A. Wiltshire. Glouc. R.; 30365 Pte F. L. Freeman. Essex. R.; 2875 Pte. F. Underwood. York. & Lanc. R.; 4-10000 Pte. T. R. Robinson. Durh. L.I.; S-13863 Pte. W. F. Johnston. Gordons.; 203081 Sjt. A. Cadman. 1-Lond. R.; 24468 Pte. J. Cowan. 15-Can. Inf.) generally very fine or better (7) £80-£100 --- Arthur Wiltshire served during the Great War with the Gloucestershire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 21 November 1915. Private Wiltshire was killed in action on the Western Front, 21 March 1918, and is buried in the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, France. Fred Underwood was born in Greasborough, Rotherham. He served during the Great War with the 1/5th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment on the Western Front. Private Underwood died of wounds on the Western Front, 20 June 1916, and is buried in the Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Thomas Richard Robinson was born in Hartlepool. He served during the Great War with the 14th (Service) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry in the French theatre of war from 12 November 1915. Private Robinson died of wounds on the Western Front, 6 June 1916, and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. William Finlay Johnston was the son of Mr and Mrs A. Johnston of 43 Aylesbury Road, Portsmouth. He served during the Great War with the 8/10th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders on the Western Front. Private Johnston was killed in action on the Western Front, 1 August 1917, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Alfred William Cadman was born in Islington, London. He served during the Great War with the 1st (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Sergeant Cadman was attached to the 1/3rd Battalion when he was killed in action on the Western Front, 14 May 1917. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private R. J. Green, 5th Battalion, Canadian Infantry Military Medal, G.V.R. (21298 Pte. R. J. Green. 5/Can: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (21298 Pte. R. J. Green. 5/Can: Inf:); Victory Medal 1914-19 (21298 Pte. R. J. Green. 5-Can. Inf.) very fine (3) £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1918.
A Second War Air Gunner’s D.F.M. group of four awarded to Flight Sergeant R. V. Pooley, 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1267844 F/Sgt. R. V. Pooley, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, edge bruise, otherwise good very fine (4) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 11 February 1944. The original Recommendation, dated 16 December 1943, states: ‘Flight Sergeant Pooley is one of the best Air Gunners in the Squadron. He has completed 19 operational sorties, principally against German targets. During these sorties he has, on no fewer than seven occasions, opened fire of enemy aircraft, and on 23-24 August 1943, when attacking Berlin, he opened fire on a Ju.88 which closed in on his aircraft. The enemy aircraft was subsequently seen falling in flames. His thorough search from his turret has prevented his aircraft from surprise attacks and on most occasions he has opened the combat with the enemy. This determination to engage the enemy at every opportunity is a fine example to the Air Gunners on the squadron. For his determination, skill, and courage in the face of the enemy, his is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’ Ronald Victor Pooley enlisted in the Royal Air Force and began flying in December 1942. He was posted from 1660 Conversion Unit to 50 Squadron (Lancasters), R.A.F. Skellingthorpe, on 13 July 1943, and flew his first Operational Sortie on 2 August, a raid on Milan. Further operational targets over the next few months included Manheim (3), Milan, Berlin (8), Munchen-Gladbach, Munich, Hannover (2), Bochum, Kassel (2), Frankfurt, Leipzig, and Dusseldorf. In addition to the Ju.88 that Pooley shot down over Berlin on 23-24 August mentioned in the D.F.M. Recommendation, he is also recorded as having shot down a Ju.88 on 27 September 1943, during a raid on Hannover, and damaged another on 20 October 1943, during a raid on Leipzig. He continued with 50 Squadron until mid-February 1944, before transferring to 617 Squadron, and completed his first tour with the Dambusters in April 1944. Sold with a Guy Gibson First Day Cover, dated 1 January 1999; and copied research. Note: A later issue D.F.M. with impressed naming is know to exist.
A Second War ‘Immediate’ D.F.M. awarded to Flight Sergeant D. E. Gwynne-Vaughan, Royal Canadian Air Force, an air gunner with 431 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron who, during an attack on Pforzheim in February 1945, destroyed one Ju.88 and got a probable second Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (CAN/R.224884 F/Sgt. D. E. Gwynne-Vaughan. R.C.A.F.) good very fine £1,600-£2,000 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 5 June 1945. The official citation for an immediate D.F.M. [published jointly with Flight Sergeant M. S. Jowett, 431 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron] states: ‘As air gunners, these airmen have participated in very many sorties. They have set a fine example of determination and throughout their devotion to duty has been unfailing. Their coolness and courage in combat was amply demonstrated on one occasion in February 1945, when attacking Pforzheim. During the operation their aircraft was attacked eight times by enemy fighters, but these gunners, by their good shooting and excellent co-operation, beat off their attackers, one of which was shot down. Their conduct throughout this spirited action was exemplary.’ The original recommendation for Gwynne-Vaughan’s immediate D.F.M., submitted on 27 March 1945, states: ‘Gwynne-Vaughan, Donald Ellesworth, Flight Sergeant, R.C.A.F., No. 431 (RCAF) Sqn. (Immediate) Sorties 31, Flying hours 190.38. Air Gunner. Flight Sergeant Gwynne-Vaughan is an Air Gunner who has been an exceptionally valuable member of his crew. His extreme courage and coolness under fire and his fine offensive spirit in the face of extreme danger have been an inspiration and example to the other members of his crew. During an attack on Pforzheim on 23rd February, 1945, Flight Sergeant Gwynne-Vaughan’s aircraft was attacked by Ju.88s. Due to the superior skill and dogged determination of the Air Gunners and their splendid co-operation with the remainder of the crew, all of these attacks were beaten off and Flight Sergeant Gwynne-Vaughan destroyed one of them and got a probable second. For his courage and coolness in combat together with his cheerfulness and spirit of co-operation with his crew and Gunnery Leader, I strongly recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal for this N.C.O.’ Sold with copied London Gazette entry and recommendations for both airmen.
Coronation 1911, unnamed as issued, with replacement suspension ring; Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1937 (2), one privately engraved ‘Major T. M. Niven R. Signals’; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (24010273 Cpl S Cross R Signals) in named card box of issue, generally very fine and better (5) £60-£80 --- T. M. Niven served as honorary Colonel of the 52 (Lowland) Signal Squadron (Volunteers) from 1950 to 1965.
Royal Naval Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (J.25611. R. L. Dudley, ... “Lance” Patrol 1918.) rate neatly erased, nearly very fine £100-£140 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 11 April 1919: Ldg. Teleg. Robert Leslie Dudley, O.N. J25611 (Ch.) ‘For services in Destroyers employed on Convoy, Escort, and Patrol Duties between 1 July and 11 November 1918.’ Robert Leslie Dudley was born in Fulham, London, on 27 July 1896 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 18 July 1913. Advanced to the substantive rate of Leading Telegraphist on 24 June 1916, he served in H.M.S. Lance from 29 April 1917 to 31 December 1918, and was discharged by purchase in the rate of Leading Telegraphist on 1 December 1920.
Surrey Fire Brigades Association Star, silver, with one ‘Ten Years Service’ and two ‘Five Years Service’ pin-backed silver bars, the reverse hallmarked Birmingham 1901 and attractively engraved ‘Chertsey Fire Brigade. Presented to Chief Officer W. Knight. 1902’; Association of Professional Fire Brigade Officers Long Service Medal, silver, named on the edge ‘Superintendent R. Newsham, 1918.); Salvation Army Long Service Cross, silver and enamels, the reverse hallmarked Birmingham 1912 and inscribed ‘Adjt. Annie Devlyn 1891-1916’, good very fine (3) £50-£70
Renamed Medal: Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp Lucknow (R. Burns. 1/20 Regt.) re-engraved in upright capitals, with replacement suspension rod, polished, good fine £80-£100 --- The Indian Mutiny medal roll confirms 4569 Private Robert Burns, 1st Battalion, 20th Regiment, as being entitled to the medal with clasp for Lucknow.
The extremely rare Great War ‘Somme’ D.C.M., 1918 ‘Capture of Meteren’ Second Award Bar, and ‘Battle of Courtrai’ Third Award Bar group of four awarded to Company Sergeant Major T. E. Woodward, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, who was twice wounded in action during the Great War, including during the attack on Maltz Horn Farm, 9 July 1916. Regimentally unique, and 1 of only 11 D.C.M. and 2 Bars ever awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. with Second and Third Award Bars (6360 C.Q.M. Sjt: T. E. Woodward. R. Sco: Fus:); 1914-15 Star (6360 Sjt T. E. Woodward. R. Sc: Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (6360 W.O. Cl. 2. T. E. Woodward. R. S. Fus.) mounted for wear, contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £14,000-£18,000 --- 1 of only 11 D.C.M. and 2 Bars ever awarded, and Regimentally unique. D.C.M. London Gazette 13 February 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He rendered most valuable assistance in reorganising the men of his company. Later, he showed great courage and initiative during bombing operations.’ D.C.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 30 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack he went forward alone under heavy machine-gun fire, and bombed an enemy machine-gun post which was holding up the advance of a platoon of his company. His prompt and gallant act enabled the platoon to advanced and keep up with our barrage.’ D.C.M. Third Award Bar London Gazette 2 December 1919: ‘During the operations extending from 14th October to 20th October, 1918, he displayed marked gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 14th, at Rolleghem Cappelle, he collected men of various units, reorganised them, and led them forward. On the night of the 19/20th he did excellent work during the crossing of his company over the River Lys under a heavy barrage. On 20th October, at Belgick, when his company was moving forward to form a defensive flank, he was wounded, but carried on until he had got all his men in position. Throughout he set a splendid example to his N.C.O.’s and men.’ Thomas Edward Woodward was born in Berlin Terrace, Nottingham in February 1882, one of six brothers and sisters. He became an orphan during his childhood. Woodward attested for the Royal Scots Fusiliers at Nottingham in October 1899. He advanced to Lance Sergeant, before transferring to the Reserve in October 1911. Woodward resided with his wife at 140 King Street, Calton, Glasgow, and was mobilised in August 1914. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers in the French theatre of war 23 March 1915 - 12 July 1916, and 13 December 1917 - 20 January 1919. Woodward was wounded in action, 9 July 1916, and on the latter date the Battalion were serving as part of the 90th Brigade, 30th Division on the Somme: ‘Successful attack on Maltz Horn Farm (9/7) - on right of assault took Maltz Horn Trench via sunken road leading from La Briqueterie - Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel P. W. T. Macgregor-Whitton killed. Relieved and to Maricourt (11/7).’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake refers). Having returned to the UK to recuperate, Woodward was awarded the first of his D.C.M.’s for his gallantry on the Somme. He advanced to Company Sergeant Major in March 1918, and next distinguished himself during the 9th (Scottish) Division’s capture of Meteren, Nord, France, 19 July 1918. The latter took place after a 2 week bombardment of the village, which levelled the surviving houses. Woodward distinguished himself for a third time during the Battle of Courtrai, 14 - 19 October 1918, and was wounded in action for a second time, 21 October 1918. He was demobilised in March 1919, and after the war was employed as a Commissionaire by the Glasgow Corps of Commissionaires. Woodward resided at 161 Gala Street, Glasgow. He died in the city in June 1928, and was buried in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Glasgow. Sold with copied research including photographic images of recipient in uniform.
A fine Great War 1918 ‘V.C. action’ D.C.M., 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to stretcher-bearer Lance Corporal B. Linsley, 5th Battalion, West Riding Regiment, for his gallantry at Marcoing, 28-29 September 1918, when Private H. Tandy of the same Battalion was also recognised with the award of the Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (25262 Pte - A. L. Cpl - B. Linsley. M.M. 5/W. Rid. R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (25262 Pte B. Linsley. 5/W. Rid: R.); British War and Victory Medals (45580 Pte. B. Linsley.York. R.) generally very fine or better (4) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1919, citation published London Gazette 10 January 1920: ‘For conspicuous gallantry during the fighting on September 28 and 29, 1918 near Marcoing. He went out many times as stretcher-bearer under heavy fire until all wounded had been brought back, and then, in spite of very heavy machine-gun fire on the damaged bridges, carried wounded across under great difficulty.’ The original recommendation, dated 3 November 1918, states: ‘For great bravery and absolute disregard of self during the fighting on September 28th and 29th 1918. When acting as stretcher-bearer on the East side of the .... Canal, near ..... he many times went out under heavy aimed fire, until all wounded had been brought back to the Canal Bank, and then in spite of the heaviest machine gun and shell fire on the broken bridges, carried wounded across in circumstances of great difficulty and danger. But for his organisation and absolute fearless work it would have been impossible to save many of our wounded, and the fact that in spite of all difficulties this was done, greatly inspired all ranks.’ M.M. London Gazette 11 December 1918. The original recommendation, dated 5 September 1918, states: ‘For very gallant conduct on July 20th 1918 as company stretcher-bearer. After two of the company stretcher-bearers had been killed this soldier worked without ceasing, going out time after time under heavy enemy barrage to succour the wounded. Again on July 22nd in an attack this stretcher-bearer (now the only one left in his company) did magnificent work in fetching in the wounded under very heavy fire.’ Bertie Linsley was born in Spennymoor, County Durham in December 1887. He enlisted in the Yorkshire Regiment in December 1915, and later transferred to the 5th Battalion, West Riding Regiment with whom he served on the Western Front. Linsley distinguished himself at Marcoing, 28-29 September 1918, for which action Private Henry Tandy also of the 5th Battalion was awarded the Victoria Cross. The Battalion served as part of the 186th Brigade, 62nd Division during the offensive against the Hindenburg Line, and by the morning of the 28th the 62nd Division was east of Flesquières and almost across the strip of land between the Canal du Nord and the St Quentin Canal. 186th Brigade was detailed to capture Marcoing which was on the west bank of this second Canal and help establish a bridgehead on its eastern bank. Tandy’s Victoria Cross citation, listed below, is worth reading in conjunction with Linsley’s D.C.M.: ‘For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the capture of the village and the crossings at Marcoing, and the subsequent counter-attack on September 28th, 1918. When, during the advance on Marcoing, his platoon was held up by machine-gun fire, he at once crawled forward, located the machine gun, and, with a Lewis gun team, knocked it out. On arrival at the crossings he restored the plank bridge under a hail of bullets, thus enabling the first crossing to be made at this vital spot. Later in the evening, during an attack, he, with eight comrades, was surrounded by an overwhelming number of Germans, and though the position was apparently hopeless, he led a bayonet charge through them, fighting so fiercely that 37 of the enemy were driven into the hands of the remainder of his company. Although twice wounded, he refused to leave till the fight was won.’ Linsley’s D.C.M. was 1 of 3 awarded to the Battalion for Macoing. He transferred to the Army Reserve in March 1919, and eventually took over his father’s Pawnshop business - Eaton and Co. Linsley died at the Guisborough General Hospital in January 1975. Sold with the following original related documentation: Typed citations for both awards, signed by Captain and Adjutant K. Syles, 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment; Certificate of Transfer to Reserve on Demobilization and other ephemera.
A Great War 1915 ‘Cuinchy operations’ D.C.M. awarded to Private F. Doolan, 1st Battalion, Liverpool Regiment, who was killed in action on the Somme, 8 August 1916 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11538 Pte F. Doolan. 1/L’Pool Regt) minor edge bruising, very fine £600-£800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 25th September, 1915, at Cuinchy, when he advanced to the attack with his platoon up to the enemy’s unbroken wire, and remained there, under a very heavy fire, until ordered to return to our trenches. Later he went out several times and brought in wounded men. On the last occasion he was accompanied by Private Avory, 1st King’s Royal Rifle Corps, whom he carried in, when very severely wounded. Private Doolan had previously displayed great coolness and bravery, on the 17th May, at Festubert, in carrying messages under a very severe artillery, machine-gun, and rifle fire.’ Francis Doolan was born in Dublin, and his mother resided at 32 Chancery Lane, Dublin. He served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, Liverpool Regiment in the French theatre of war from 12 August 1914. Doolan was killed in action on the Western Front, 8 August 1916. On the latter date the Battalion were serving as part of the 6th Brigade, 2nd Division on the Somme, ‘Attack on Guillemont (8/8) - moved forward at 4.20am - War Diary records conditions as misty and very hard to see more than 10 yards. First objectives - (German front line, Guillemont Station, High Holborn) all carried. Relieved and via Mine Alley to Happy Valley (9/8). Casualties - 250.’ (British Battalions on the Somme by R. Westlake refers). Private Doolan is buried in Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France.
A Great War 1915 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant J. Clough, 1/8th (Leeds Rifles), West Yorkshire Regiment, later Army Ordnance Corps Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1266 Pte J. Clough. 1/8 W. York: Regt. - T.F.); 1914-15 Star (1266 Pte. J. Clough, W. York. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1266. Sjt. J. Clough. W. York. R.) nearly very fine (4) £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 6 September 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry near St. Julien, on 15th July 1915, when he assisted an Officer to carry in a wounded man through our own barbed wire under fire. At great personal risk he went for wire cutters and returned with them to cut some wire.’ John Clough served during the Great War with the 1/8th (Leeds Rifles) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 16 April 1915. He advanced to Acting Sergeant and transferred to the Army Ordnance Corps.
A Great War ‘Gallipoli - Suvla Bay landing operations’ D.C.M. awarded to Private I. Walton, 9th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, for saving the life of Major C. E. Tristram, 7 August 1915 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3520 Pte I. Walton. 9/Lanc: F.) very fine £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry at Suvla Bay on 7th August, 1915, when he rescued a wounded officer from the burning scrub under heavy fire.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 21 January 1916. Ingham Walton served during the Great War with the 9th (Service) Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers in the Gallipoli theatre of war from 11 July 1915. Walton distinguished himself during the Suvla Bay landing operations, which commenced on the evening of 6 August 1915, with the Battalion having: ‘Embarked for Gallipoli 5.30pm (6th - Headquarters and ‘W’ Company in lighter “K2” towed by Bulldog, rest of Battalion in lighter “K1” towed by Grampus. Lighters went around some 1,000 yards south of intended landing area - ‘A’ Beach. Enemy opened fire as men began to wade ashore. ‘Z’ Company under Major C. E. Tristram moved forward to edge of Salt Lake. ‘X’ (Captain E. M. Elwell) and ‘Y’ (Captain F. R. L. Lowth) Companies followed. Lieutenant Colonel W. J. Woodcock (Second in Command) moved forward with part of ‘W’ Company and cleared enemy which had forced their way between ‘Z’ and ‘Y’. Heavy casualties among ‘Z’ Company - all officers hit. Enemy attacked at daybreak (7th) and driven off. Lieutenant Colonel Welstead killed by a sniper on beach. Advanced on Hill 10 in support of 8th Northumberland Fusiliers and 5th Dorsetshire. Hill taken together with surrounding trenches after heavy fighting. Gains consolidated under Captain M. C. Ferrers-Guy now senior officer. Casualties among officers so far - 7 killed, 7 wounded....’ (British Regiments at Gallipoli, by R. Westlake refers). The Regimental History gives Major Tristram as the officer saved by Walton, with the former being severely wounded in the head, surrounded by three dead Turks, and nearly burnt to death by the scrub when enemy shells set it alight.
Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver and enamel, lacking crown from obverse central medallion, therefore fair France, Republic, Medal for Prevoyance Solidaire for the Railway, by Jacques Martin, silver, the reverse engraved ‘F. Lajugie 1926’; Croix de Guerre, bronze, the reverse dated ‘1914-1918’; Medal of Honour for Posts and Telegraphs, bronze (2), the reverses embossed ‘Paoletti Charles 1913; Verny Vincent 1919’; Medal of Honour for Mutual Aid, silver, unnamed; Medal of Honour, Ministry for Work and Social Security, gilt the reverse engraved ‘R. Tissier 1959’, with rosette on riband; together with a Grand Prix Humanitaire de France Medal, bronze, with rosette on riband; and a commemorative Medal for the Battle of the Marne, bronze, generally very fine and better, the first scarce (9) £80-£100 --- Sold together with an E.S.F. lapel badge; and four miniature French soldier figurines.
Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Gold Palms, gilt; Volunteer’s Medal 1940-45, bronze; Service Star, silver with gilt star at centre; together with a copy Chevalier’s badge of the Order of Leopold II, silvered-bronze and enamel, very fine France, Second Empire, Italy Campaign Medal 1859, silver; Third Republic, Commemorative Medal for the Great War, bronze, very fine Italy, Kingdom, War Merit Cross, bronze; together with a copy Allied Victory Medal 1914-19, bronze, nearly very fine Pakistan, Independence Medal 1947 (3043062 Sep Ahmed Khan 8 Punjab R.); together with a copy ‘Azad Hind’ Gold Medal, Military Division, bronze-gilt, nearly very fine Sweden, Kingdom, Long and Faithful Service Medal, G.V.R., 42mm, silver (K. V. Andersson) in case of issue; together with an unofficial medal ‘For a Free Motherland’, bronze, good very fine (12) £80-£100
A Great War 1918 ‘Capture of Dadizeele’ stretcher-bearer’s D.C.M. awarded to Private J. Hutchinson, 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, also entitled to a French Croix de Guerre - reputedly for saving the life of a French officer Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (49734 Pte J. Hutchinson. 2/R. Innis: Fus:) edge bruising, good fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 2 December 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry as stretcher-bearer on 29th September, 1918, in the Dadizeele sector. He worked with exceptional coolness under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, showing absolute disregard of danger. Again, during the operations on 14/15th October, Gulleghem, he did excellent work, bandaging and carrying wounded, exhibiting the utmost devotion to duty and setting a very fine example to those with him.’ France, Croix de Guerre London Gazette 19 June 1919. Joseph Hutchinson was a native of Arkingaithdale, Yorkshire. He initially served during the Great War with the South Lancashire Regiment, prior to transferring to the 2nd Battalion, Inniskilling Fusiliers and serving with them as part of the 36th (Ulster) Division’s capture of Dadizeele, 29 September 1918 (entitled to Great War pair). Sold with two photographic images of recipient in uniform, and some hand written notes about the recipient believed to have been made by a relative.
A Great War 1915 ‘Attack on Spanbroekmolen’ D.C.M. pair awarded to Private W. Suffolk, 3rd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9688 Pte W. Suffolk. 3/Worc: Regt); British War Medal 1914-20 (9688 Pte. W. Suffolk. Worc. R.) edge bruising, therefore nearly very fine (2) £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry at Spanbroek Molen [sic] on 12 March, 1915, in rescuing three wounded men under heavy fire from within 30 yards of the enemy’s trenches. Private Suffolk also displayed great gallantry in rallying and collecting men during the attack under very heavy fire, at a critical time.’ William Suffolk served during the Great War with the 3rd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 18 December 1914. He distinguished himself at Spanbroekmolen, 12 March 1915, where the Battalion served as part of the ‘7th Brigade, 3rd Division... Captain H. FitzM. Stacke, MC records in his history of the Worcestershire Regiment that the leading companies went forward under a hail of bullets and over ground knee-deep in mud at 4.10pm - ‘officers and men went down at every step.’ Small parties entered the enemy’s line and held until forced to retire at dusk. Withdrew to Locre. Officers killed or mortally wounded - Captain G. E. Hewett; Lieutenant C. G. B. Loos; Second Lieutenants C. F. Moore, W. H. Clarke, F. B. Burr, T. Freeman, E. M. Mansel-Pleydell, M. T. Murphy and W. B. Barling. Total casualties - 169 killed, wounded or missing.’ (British Battalions on the Western Front January to June 1915, by R. Westlake refers).
A Great War 1915 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private A. Collard, 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (10167 Pte A. Collard. 2/E. Lanc: Regt); 1914 Star, with clasp (10167 Pte A. Collard. 2/E. Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals (10167 Pte. A. Collard. E. Lan.R.) light contact marks overall, therefore nearly very fine or better (4) £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916, citation published London Gazette 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when bringing in the wounded.’ Albert Collard served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 6 November 1914 (entitled to Silver War Badge).
Family group: A Great War 1915 ‘Battle of Shaiba’ stretcher-bearer’s D.C.M. pair awarded to Private F. Scadden, 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, who was also fatally wounded during the action, and died the following day Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8405 Pte F. Scadden. 2/Dorset: Regt); 1914-15 Star (8405 Pte F. Scadden. Dorset: R.) slightly worn, nearly very fine Three: Private T. Scadden, 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, who was killed in action in Palestine, 19 September 1918 1914-15 Star (8135 Pte T. Scadden. Dorset: R.); British War and Victory Medals (8135 Pte. T. Scadden. Dorset. R.) nearly very fine (5) £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 5 August 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 14th April, 1915, in Turkey in Asia, when, as stretcher-bearer, he attended two seriously wounded men under very heavy fire, and whilst doing so was himself wounded. He continued, however, to render first aid until he collapsed from loss of blood. He has since died of wounds.’ Frederick Scadden served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, and landed at Fao, Persian Gulf, 6 November 1914. The Battalion were part of the Indian Expeditionary Force D, who were tasked with the campaign in Mesopotamia. Scadden distinguished himself during the Battle of Shaiba, 12 - 14 April 1915, but was also fatally wounded in doing so. The Regimental History gives the following for Shaiba: ‘The Battalion’s achievement in this action may to some extent be appreciated from the award of no less than seven D.C.M.’s for gallantry in this action; besides the five men already mentioned those who received this honour were C.S.M. Warren, who has shown great ability and gallantry in leading his men, and Pte Scadden, a stretcher-bearer, who was most assiduous in succouring the wounded and was himself mortally wounded binding up wounds under fire.’ Private Scadden died of wounds, 15 April 1915, and is buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Thomas Scadden served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, and landed at Fao, Persian Gulf, 6 November 1914. The Battalion were part of the Indian Expeditionary Force D, who were tasked with the campaign in Mesopotamia. Private Scadden was killed in action in Palestine, 19 September 1918, and is buried in the Ramleh War Cemetery, Palestine.
A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ stretcher-bearer’s D.C.M. awarded to Private H. Greenhall, 2/4th South Lancashire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (241954 Pte H. Greenhall. 2/4 S. Lan: R.) with glazed locket containing small photographs of a young man and a young woman, very fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1920: ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty during the fighting previous to the capture of Cambrai in September, 1918, when employed as battalion stretcher-bearer. During the whole of this fighting his actions were responsible for saving many lives and much suffering.’ H. Greenhall was a native of Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Wigan. There appears to be no MIC for Greenhall with this number, however, his name and regiment are cross-referenced on an MIC for Harry Greenhall (16877) of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.
A Great War 1915 ‘French theatre’ D.C.M. awarded to Lance Corporal A. J. West, 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, later Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11124 Pte A. J. West. 1/Middx: Regt) worn, good fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 June 1915: ‘For conspicuously gallant conduct near Armentieres on 3rd January, 1915, in carrying a wounded man, under a hot sniping fire, across the open, the communication trench at the time being impassable. Private West has constantly brought in wounded men under fire.’ Arthur J. West served during the Great War in the 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in the French theatre of war from 11 August 1914. The Battalion moved from the Houplines sector to Armentieres, 20 December 1914, where they served as ‘part of 19th Brigade, attached 6th Division. On 2nd January began tours in Bois-Grenier sector trenches. Battalion headquarters near Ration Farm. War Diary notes very bad weather conditions throughout January. Heavy rain caused dug-outs to fall in, parapets disappeared, sandbags sunk into the mud. Men up to their knees in mud and water in most places.’ (British Battalions on the Western Front January to June 1915, by R. Westlake refers). West subsequently advanced to Lance Corporal and transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
A Great War 1915 ‘Gallipoli’ stretcher-bearer’s D.C.M. awarded to Private T. Seddon, 1/5th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, who despite already being wounded himself went to the aid of a wounded comrade - only to be hit by a shell and lose his leg whilst attending to the man Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2120 Pte T. Seddon. 5/Manch. R. - T.F.) nearly very fine £600-£800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1916, citation published London Gazette 21 June 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry as a stretcher-bearer. He lost his leg by shell fire when rushing to assist a wounded man, although he himself was wounded at the time.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 13 July 1916. Thomas Seddon served during the Great War with the 1/5th Battalion, Manchester Regiment in the Gallipoli theatre of war from 6 May 1915. He was discharged due to wounds, 24 September 1915 (entitled to Silver War Badge)
A Great War 1914 ‘Winter operations’ D.C.M. awarded to Private A. Smith, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, who distinguished himself in action, 14 December 1914, and was also wounded twice during the action only to be killed in action later the same day Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5777 Pte A. Smith. 3/Gord. Hdrs) toned, good very fine £800-£1,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 1 April 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 14th December 1914, when under heavy close-range fire he crawled forward into the open to within 50 yards of the enemy, and bandaged two of his wounded comrades. In performing this act of gallantry he was himself wounded, but continued assisting others until his hand was shattered by a second shell.’ Alexander Dunn Smith was the son of Mrs E. Smith who resided at 150 West North Street, Aberdeen. He served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders in the French theatre of war from 7 October 1914. Smith distinguished himself in action, 14 December 1914, and was also wounded twice during the action only to be killed in action later the same day. On the latter date the Battalion: ‘Marched via Locre to Kemmel (13th). Advanced (14th) - ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies taking up forward trenches in readiness for attack on Maedelstraede Farm. War Diary records that British Artillery opened at 7am, many shells falling short of the enemy’s lines - “owing to the inadequate means of communication this could not be reported.” Attacked 7.45am. Enemy immediately opened up with heavy rifle and machine gun fire, War Diary recording that the attacking companies soon disappeared from view - “it was impossible to tell how they were progressing.” Report relieved that men were seen entering German trenches 8am. All attempts to contact forward troops unsuccessful. Message received 4.15pm from Lieutenant G. R. V. Hume-Gore of ‘D’ Company to the effect that he was isolated with 40 men in a position some 50 yards from German’s front trench. He had no knowledge of leading companies - ‘B’ and ‘C’. The officer also reported that 5 messengers had been sent back by him throughout the day - none having reached headquarters.... Battalion later ordered to withdraw to original firing line then after relief by 4th Middlesex moved back to Kemmel. Casualties - Captain C. Boddam-Whetham, Lieutenants W. F. R. Dobie, J. J. G. McWilliam killed, 4 officers wounded, 51 other ranks killed, 139 wounded, 63 missing.’ (British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914, by R. Westlake refers). Private Smith is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Note: It would appear that the battalion number on Smith’s medal has been applied in error.
A Great War 1915 ‘French theatre’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Lance Corporal, later Second Lieutenant, W. S. Muir, 1/6th (Renfrewshire) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who was later killed in action on the Somme, 25 September 1916 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3456 L. Cpl W. S. Muir. 1/6 A. & S. Hdrs - T.F.); 1914-15 Star (3456 Pte. W. S. Muir. A. & S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. W. S. Muir.) good very fine (4) £800-£1,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 29 November 1915: ‘For conspicuous bravery on the 8th and 9th October, 1915, at Thiepval. Early in the heavy bombardment of the fire trench by enemy trench mortars a tunnelled listening sap was blown in not far from the point of junction with the first trench. Communication was cut off, and four men were on duty in the sap. It was necessary to ascertain whether the men had been killed or buried, and Lance Corporal Muir volunteered to go over the parapet and through the wire entanglement into the shell hole. He returned by the same route and reported that two men, whom he brought in, were suffering from shock, and two men were buried. He then went out again, accompanied by an officer, and commenced digging the men out under a heavy fire. Later a dug-out was blown in which held seven men, Lance Corporal Muir being one. All the party were buried, two being instantly killed. He dug himself out and then dug out the first of the remaining men. Although suffering from shock, he was able to report what had happened. This was the means of saving three more men. He then collapsed and had to be sent to hospital.’ William Stewart Muir was born in Paisley, Renfrewshire in October 1887, and educated at the North Public School. Prior to the war he was employed by the Provident Cooperative Society, and was the Secretary of the Paisley Victoria Swimming Club. Muir served during the Great War with the 1/6th (Renfrewshire) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in the French theatre of war from 1 May 1915. He is recorded by the Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette as being ‘the first Paisley Territorial to win the D.C.M.’ Muir was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 1/6th Battalion in January 1916. Second Lieutenant Muir was killed in action on the Western Front, 25 September 1916. On the latter date the Battalion were serving as part of the 5th Division on the Somme, ‘Operations at Morval (25 - 26/9), casualties - 77.’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake refers). Second Lieutenant Muir is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Sold with copied research, including a photographic image of recipient in uniform.
A Great War 1915 ‘Ypres operations’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private J. Coyne, 1/9th (The Dumbartonshire) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1489 Pte J. Coyne. 9/A .& S. Hdrs - T.F.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (404 Pte J. Coyne. A. & S. Highrs:); British War Medal 1914-20 (1489 Pte. J. Coyne. A. & S. H.) generally very fine or better (3) £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 June 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in carrying back into a trench a wounded comrade under heavy fire, and after having dressed his wound. He had to cover a distance of 100 yards to reach the trench.’ James Coyne served during the Second Boer War with the 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He later served during the Great War with the 1/9th (The Dumbartonshire) Battalion in the French theatre of war from 19 February 1915. In April the Battalion moved into Ypres, ‘Battalion records note that on 3rd May the line was shortened and the Dumbartons withdrew into Sanctuary Wood. Lieutenant A. D. McAnderson killed 8th. Enemy launched a bitter attack on the 10th, records the War Diary, followed by a furious bombardment and a cloud of gas. The Germans then came forward - ‘This was the Ninth’s day of glory and of death.’ Casualties over 300. Lieutenant Colonel C. B. Clark; Lieutenant F. R. H. Hutton; Second Lieutenants G. H. G. Birrell and K. J. Campbell among those killed. Relieved from forward area 17th and withdrew to billets near Poperinghe. Joined 10th Brigade, 4th Division and moved forward to La Brique sector 21st. Captain R. S. Findlay; Lieutenants J. C. Bonnar and J. Jackson killed 22nd. Another gas attack on 24th caused high casualties - strength recorded at 11pm as just 2 officers and 85 other ranks. Captain A. G. Brown; Lieutenant G. G. Chrystal among those killed. Amalgamated with the 1/7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 27th May.’ (British Battalions on the Western Front, January to June 1915, by R. Westlake refers)
A Great War 1915 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private A. H. S. Hale, 1/3rd (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers), later Royal Engineers Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2228 Pte A. H. S. Hale. 3/Lond: Regt - T. F.); 1914-15 Star (2228 Pte. A. H. S. Hale. 1-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2228 Pte. A. H. S. Hale. 1-Lond. R.) contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916, citation published London Gazette 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry. When in full view of the enemy he dragged a wounded man to a place of safety, and remained with him for seventeen hours in a shell hole, tending his wounds under fire.’ Arthur H. S. Hale initially served during the Great War with the 1/1st (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) in the French theatre of war from 6 January 1915. He subsequently transferred to the 1/3rd (City of London) Battalion, and then to the Royal Engineers.
A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ stretcher-bearer’s D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private C. H. W. Roberts, 2/4th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (282706 Pte C. H. W. Roberts. 2/4 Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (5743 Pte. C. H. W. Roberts. 4-Lond. R.) generally good very fine or better (3) £600-£800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 4 March 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was one of a party of four strecher-bearers during an attack, and when the three others were wounded he worked alone for twenty-six hours, bringing in wounded from shell holes. He also remained at duty after his battalion had been relieved, attending to the wounded. He undoubtedly save many lives.’ Charles Herbert West Roberts was a native of Kentish Town, and served during the Great War with the 2/4th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) on the Western Front.
A good Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ trench raid D.C.M. awarded to Lance Corporal H. E. Bradley, 2/23rd (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment, who not only accounted for a number of the enemy with his bombs during the raid, but also rescued his wounded commanding officer Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5473 L. Cpl H. E. Bradley. 2/23 Lond: R.) good very fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 29 September 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry. He carried his wounded officer from the enemy’s trenches, through the wire, bound up his wounds, remained all night by him in a ditch and finally guided a party to his rescue. Though his hands were badly torn by wire he then led a search party for another wounded man.’ Harry E. Bradley served during the Great War with the 2/23rd (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment on the Western Front (entitled to Great War pair and Silver War Badge). He served as part of the 181st Brigade, 61st (2nd/2nd London) Division baptism of fire during the crater fighting and trench raids on Vimy Ridge, June - October 1916. Bradley distinguished himself during one such trench raid, 7 August 1916, and the Divisional History gives the following additional details: ‘The second raid was carried out by the 2/23rd, the old “Loyals” of the 181st Brigade, on the night of August 7th. It was made by two parties; one comprising Second Lieutenant I. D. Hunt with two N.C.O.’s and eighteen men, the second under Second Lieutenant Flight, with a similar number of other ranks. Both parties started from the sap-head, covered by a heavy box barrage from the right Artillery group and trench mortars. They were met within a minute of zero by a fierce enemy fire, showing that the enemy had been forewarned. The raiders also found a number of Germans lying in wait for them in the trench to be raided. Lieutenant Hunt, within a few seconds, had six of his party put out of action, and was consequently delayed. Lieutenant Flint, in charge of the other party, was more fortunate, and got through the enemy’s wire without casualties. Lieutenant Hunt’s party, severely shaken by the losses at the start, became practically knocked out, and had barely reached the wire when the barrage “cease fire” signal was made. They could do little more, and the survivors had to withdraw, and were back by 10.30pm. Some time after the second party returned, reporting that Lieutenant Flint and two men were missing. It was impossible to discover their whereabouts or what had happened to them, till between midnight and one the next morning, when one of the two missing men returned. He reported that Lieutenant Flint had been wounded, and lay in an old trench with Lance Corporal Bradley, the missing man, looking after him. The man went out with a search party, but could not find his way, having lost all idea of direction in the dark. Finally, at 7.30, an officer’s party, on hearing a call for help, went out and brought back both Lieutenant Flint and Corporal Bradley. What had happened to the second party, it is told, was this. On getting through the wire it had split up into three groups, Lieutenant Flint going with the centre part of eight. Directly they entered the trench a German was seen outside a dug-out, and a bomb was thrown. Three more bombs were thrown into the dug-out, apparently with effect; then, while three of the men formed a bombing block, Lieutenant Flint, though wounded in the arm at the outset, and Lance Corporal Bradley, rushed along towards the far end of the trench. They met several Germans, who showed fight, but bolted after two had been killed. Pressing on they flung bombs down three dug-outs in succession, from which yells and cries were heard as the bombs burst. The two again pushed on and met more Germans; these flung bombs at them, wounding Lieutenant Flint in the arms, thigh, and leg, and he Bradley had to retire, but unpursued. They met a private of Lieutenant Flint’s party, and he, with Bradley, got the Lieutenant out of the trench with difficulty, which like all German trenches in the sector was several feet deep with vertical planked sides. The two were helping the officer back across No-Man’s Land when he fainted; unable to move him further, they placed him in an abandoned trench, where Bradley stayed in charge of him, while the other man went for help, eventually reaching the Battalion. The two other other groups of Lieutenant Flint’s party had worked for some distance down a German trench, but met no enemy; withdrawing safely when the recall signal went up. Of the raiders one man was killed, twelve, including the Lieutenant, were wounded, and one man was missing. Lieutenant Flint received the M.C. and Lance Corporal Bradley the D.C.M.’
A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Lance Sergeant J. Ashcroft, 1/5th Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment, late Cheshire Regiment, who was killed in action during the Third Battle of Ypres, 20 September 1917 Military Medal, G.V.R. (243994 L. Cpl J. Ashcroft. 1/5 R. Lanc: R. - T.F.); 1914-15 Star (2515 Pte. J. Ashcroft. Ches. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2515 Cpl. J. Ashcroft. Ches. R.) contact marks, therefore nearly very fine (4) £360-£440 --- M.M. London Gazette 26 April 1917: ‘About 6.45pm on the 9th March 1917 the enemy exploded a mine near Railway Wood. This N.C.O. was in charge of a Lewis Gun team, he got his gun into action, in the open, on the flank from which the enemy’s fire was most severe. He handled his gun with great boldness and skill and reduced the enemy’s fire which was hindering the work. When his gun became very hot he returned to the trench and brought out another gun to replace it.’ Joseph Ashcroft was the son of Mrs and Mrs W. Ashcroft of Didsbury, Manchester, and the husband of Theresa Ashcroft of 32 Cambridge Street, Heaviley, Stockport. He served during the Great War with the Cheshire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 17 February 1915. Ashcroft subsequently transferred to the 1/5th Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment, with whom he was serving for his M.M. action. Ashcroft advanced to Lance Sergeant, and was killed in action on the Western Front, 20 September 1917. Lance Sergeant Ashcroft is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Sold with original typed copy of citation for M.M., dated 31 March 1917; and 15 postcards written to recipient from his wife and son.
A Naval Biographical Dictionary. By W. R. O’Byrne, Volume 1 (A-D), comprising the life and services of every living officer in Her Majesty’s Navy from the rank of Admiral to that of Lieutenant, New and Enlarged Edition, London, 1861, 347pp., with Appendix, hardback, covers detached but present, spine much damaged, therefore fair condition £50-£70 --- Sold with its original purchase invoice to the interior, dated 1948 for 7 shillings and 6 pence.
Her Majesty’s Navy, Including its Deeds and Battles. By Lieutenant C. R. Low, Published by J. S. Virtue, London, Three Volumes, with colour illustrations, hardback, reasonable condition Her Majesty’s Army. By W. Richards, Published by J. S. Virtue, London, Three Volumes, the Third Volume comprising the Indian and Colonial Forces, with colour plates, hardback, reasonable condition (6) £100-£140
A Selection of Privately Published Medal Catalogues. A selection of medal catalogues of some of the more important medal collections assembled, comprising Surgeon-Major J. W. Fleming (1871); E. H. Greg (1879); Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. H. F. Eaton [later Lord Cheylesmore] (1880); Lieutenant-Colonel J. Murray (1882); William E. Gray (1898); A. A. Payne (1911); Lieutenant-Colonel G. L. Palmer (1914); and The Rev. R. A. Fitzpatrick (1972), variously bound, the Fleming catalogue with various line drawings, and the Payne and Palmer catalogues with various plates; a most useful reference, with Eaton and Payne ranking amongst the greatest medal collectors of the 19th Century, generally good condition (8) £140-£180
A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private M. Kiernan, 24th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Irish) Military Medal, G.V.R. (24-278 Pte M. Kiernan. 24/Nth’ld Fus:) good fine £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry under heavy fire. He went out from the crater on several occasions under most heavy fire to bring his commanding officer (who was seriously wounded, and lying in “No Man’s Land”) to safety, and dress his wounds. On two occasions he had to return as the man he took out with him was killed.’ Michael Kiernan was a native of Hebburn, Northumberland. He enlisted in the 24th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Irish), 16 October 1915. Kiernan served with the Battalion as part of the 103rd Brigade, 34th Division on the Somme, ‘Attack on La Boisselle (1/7) - advanced from assembly positions in Tara-Usna Line 7.40 am in support of 101st Brigade. Heavy casualties moving forward to British front line and in attack up Sausage Valley. War Diary notes enemy’s intense machine gun fire - few reached objective - 1 officer with handful of men almost reaching Contalmaison but forced to retire to German second line. Relieved from forward area and to Long Valley. Casualties 650. To Henencourt Wood (5/7), Humbercamps (6/7). From Armentières sector entrained at Merville for longeau (26/8). (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake refers). Kiernan was discharged, as a consequence of receiving a gun shot wound, 18 March 1917 (entitled to a Silver War Badge and a Great War pair).
A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ stretcher-bearer’s M.M. group of three awarded Private J. Kenrick, 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion, Liverpool Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (30666 Pte J. Kenrick. 4/L’Pool: R.) surname partially officially corrected; British War and Victory Medals (30666 Pte. J. Kenrick. L’Pool R.) BWM with official corrections, generally very fine (3) £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917 (when listed as ‘Rennick’). John M. Kenrick served during the Great War with the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion, Liverpool Regiment on the Western Front. He was ‘awarded the M.M. for gallantry in the field when attending the wounded under heavy shell fire. He has been in France for 2 years, his wife and children reside at 4 Venice Street, Everton.’ (Daily Express, Liverpool dated 22 December 1917 refers, and also includes a photographic image of recipient)
A Great War 1918 ‘Givenchy operations’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private T. W. E. Jones, 2/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, for saving the life of a wounded man during a raid, 19-20 June 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (242438 Pte T. W. E. Jones. 2/5 Lan: Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (242438 Pte. T. W. E. Jones. Lan. Fus.); Defence Medal; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sergt. W. E. [sic] Jones) mounted for display, very fine (5) £360-£440 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918. The original recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations against the enemy at Givenchy on 20 June, 1918. During the withdrawal of the raiding party this man, who was a Company Runner, saw a wounded man in a shell hole and finding he was unable to bring him in unassisted, he returned and having obtained the aid of a Stretcher-Bearer he went back into No Man’s Land and brought the wounded man in, all the time being under heavy machine gun fire.’ Thomas William Ewart Jones was a native of Walton, Liverpool. He was educated at Walton National School, and employed by The Liverpool Tin Cannisters Company. Jones served during the Great War with the 2/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers on the Western Front. The Regimental History gives the following details about the above raid on Givenchy, 19/20 June 1918: ‘A more elaborate operation was carried out by the 2/5th Battalion (Lieutenant Colonel G. S. Brighten, D.S.O.) shortly before midnight on the 19th June. A force of 100 men, consisting of fifteen sections divided into five parties under Second Lieutenants W. R. Smith, W. Forster, A. Farrow, N. Mahoney and J. Wake, lined up behind a barrage of artillery, machine guns and mortars and advanced on an area which proved to contain five, or more probably seven, German machine guns. Progress was considerably hindered by a large amount of loose wiring lying about in the high grass as well as by machine-gun fire coming from the flanks and some bombs from a trench mortar. Nevertheless, four of the five parties forced an entrance into the enemy’s positions, much fighting taking place with the garrisons. Forster’s party in particular had a hard struggle; for a machine gun was brought into action in the post which was its objective, and he had to rush it with revolver and rifle fire, the team of six Germans being killed. The gun was captured and brought back. At another post, Corporal F. Crossley led his section against a machine gun, killing three of the garrison himself, seizing and carrying back the gun. A number of casualties were inflicted on the enemy and two men were taken prisoner. All the machine guns were put out of action. The raider’s casualties were 1 man killed, 2 officers and 37 other ranks wounded, and 17 men missing believed killed. The Divisional Commander, Major-General H. S. Jeudwine, in a note of congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Brighten, wrote: “Your fellows showed a fine spirit last night and must have fought like demons.”’ The Battalion were awarded an M.C., D.C.M. and 4 M.M.’s for the action.
A Great War 1916 ‘French theatre’ stretcher-bearer’s M.M. group of four awarded to Private F. A. Insley, 10th (Service) Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, for repeated gallantry on the Somme in July 1916, and at Grandcourt on the Aisne in October of the same year Military Medal, G.V.R. (18515 Pte F. A. Insley. 10/Worc: R.); 1914-15 Star (18515 Pte F. A. Insley. Worc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (18515 Pte. F. A. Insley. Worc. R.) worn, good fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 12 March 1917. Frank A. Insley served during the Great War with the 10th (Service) Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 19 July 1915 (entitled to Silver War Badge). Insley features in the Huddersfield War Hospital, No. 20, February 1918: ‘A similar ceremony took place at Bradley Gate on D17 December when Private Insley, A Company, 10th Worcestershire Regiment, was awarded the M.M. for good work on the Somme in July, 1916, and devotion to duty in October, 1916, at Grandcourt, on the Aisne. He was presented with the ribbon of the medal at Gezaincourt on New Year’s Day, 1917, by General Plumer. On the night of 26 October when A Company were leaving the trenches on being relieved, the enemy began to shell them very heavily. Six were killed at once and seven wounded. Private Insley, who had already left the trench, immediately turned back and stayed out all the time with the wounded. He was regimental stretcher-bearer, and did excellent work under heavy fire all the time. In congratulating him the Colonel assured him of the great respect and admiration in which he was held by all, and he was loudly cheered by all present...’
A Great War ‘First Day of the Battle of the Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Corporal G. Wilson, East Lancashire Regiment, for conspicuous bravery in attending to the wounded at Beaumont Hamel on 1 July 1916, during which time he was also wounded in action Military Medal, G.V.R. (11070 L. Cpl G. Wilson. 1/E. Lanc: R.); 1914-15 Star (11070 Pte. G. Wilson, E. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (11070 Cpl. G. Wilson. E. Lan. R.) edge bruising, nearly very fine (4) £600-£800 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 September 1916. George Wilson was a native of Accrington, Lancashire. He served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 23 November 1914. Wilson was awarded the Military Medal for his conspicuous bravery in attending to the wounded at Beaumont Hamel on the first day of the battle of the Somme, suffering a wound to the knee in the process. On 1 July 1916, the Battalion were serving as part of the 11th Brigade, 4th Division on the Somme and were ‘In attack on Redan Ridge north of Beaumont-Hamel (1/7) - heavy losses soon after leaving assembly positions - War Diary notes line of shell holes in front of German wire held until during the evening to Mailly-Maillet.’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake refers). A newspaper article in which Wilson is pictured in uniform, dated 5 September 1916, gives the following: ‘Lance-Corporal Wilson, whose friends Mr and Mrs R. Hargreaves, live at 3 Hindle Street, Accrington, is another Accrington soldier who has brought honour to himself and the town by winning the Military Medal. Full particulars concerning the brave deed for which the brave soldier won his decoration are not yet to hand, though in a letter received from him by Mr and Mrs Hargreaves, Lance Corporal Wilson modestly states that it was for ‘gallant conduct in the field.’ Lance-Corporal Wilson was wounded in the knee when performing the brilliant piece of work on July 1st. He had been in the Army for some time when the war was declared and was straightaway drafted to France along with his regiment the 1st East Lancashires. He had been in some very severe battles. Previous to enlisting he was a moulder.’ (Copy included with lot).
A Great War 1916 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of four awarded to Bandsman, later Lance Corporal, G. Williams, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who was killed in action on the Somme, 21 August 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (7131 L. Cpl G. Williams. 2/Welsh R.); 1914 Star (7131 Bndsmn: G. Williams. 2/Welsh R.); British War and Victory Medals (7131 Pte. G. T. Williams. Welsh R.) good very fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 1 September 1916. Gwilym T. Williams was born in Merthyr, Glamorgan. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment in the French theatre of war from 13 August 1914. Lance Corporal Williams was killed in action on the Western Front, 21 August 1916. On the latter date the Battalion were serving as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division on the Somme. Lance Corporal Williams is buried in the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme. Sold with a group photograph of the band including recipient.
A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.M. and Croix de Guerre group of five awarded to Private C. J. Clark, 11th (Service) Battalion, Essex Regiment, late Northamptonshire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (42447 Pte G. J. Clark. 11/Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals, with loose M.I.D. oak leaves (48722 Pte. C. J. Clark. North’n. R.); Defence Medal; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1914-1918, with silver star on riband, generally nearly very fine (5) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. France, Croix de Guerre London Gazette 6 November 1918: ‘For serving his Lewis Gun and later acting as Stretcher-Bearer, in conjunction with the French on the Dickiebusch Sector, on May 28th, 1918.’ M.I.D. unconfirmed. Charles John Clark was a native of Watford. He initially served during the Great War with the Northamptonshire Regiment, prior to transferring to the 11th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Sold with a Silver-plated presentation cup, inscribed ‘Tptr C. J. Clark, M.M., 343 Baty., 86 Bde., R.F.A. (T.F.), Presented by O.C. 86 Bde for Best Turn Out Other Ranks Shorncliffe 9.9.21.’;Essex and Northamptonshire Regimental cap badges; Church Lads Brigade Medal, with 1915 clasp; the recipient’s riband bar; two photographs of recipient in uniform; and Brigade Commander’s Commendation for the award of the Croix de Guerre, dated 1 June 1918.
A Great War 1916 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private R. R. Jones, 18th (Service) Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Arts and Crafts) Military Medal, G.V.R. (C-6034 Pte R. R. Jones. 18/K.R.R.C.) edge additionally engraved ‘July 12th 1916.’ after naming details; British War and Victory Medals (6034 Pte. R. R. Jones. K.R.R.C.) cleaned, nearly very fine (3) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1916. Reginald R. ‘Babs’ Jones was a native of Biggleswade, and served with the 18th (Service) Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Arts and Crafts) on the Western Front. His act of gallantry is described thus in a local Biggleswade paper of the time: ‘Private Reginald R. Jones of the Rifle Brigade [sic] has been awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in the field on July 6th. On that occasion, although exposed to a perfect hail of shells from the German batteries, he brought in from ‘No Man’s Land’ no less than seven of his comrades who had been wounded, with some 50 others of ‘A’ Company, in one of the big struggles which formed a part of the great advance of the Allied Forces on the Western Front during that period. Private Jones is the eldest son of Mr Walter Jones of Romford, formerly chief goods clerk at Biggleswade Station, and his grandfather, Mr T. C. Jones of Alexandra Villa, formerly Station Master of Biggleswade... Private Jones, M.M., is still but a boy in years for he has not yet reached his eighteenth birthday. The youngest of the regiment, he is familiarly known among his comrades as ‘Babs’. He enlisted in the eighteenth Battalion of the Rifle Brigade [sic] soon after the outbreak of the war and has spent many months on the Western Front. According to the testimony of some of the senior non-commissioned officers of the regiment this is not the first time that this heroic lad has displayed great courage during periods of great danger.... Since the above period, Private Jones has again displayed heroism, and he has received from the General Officer Commanding the Brigade card stating the General’s recognition and appreciation of the gallantry of Private Jones on July 12th, when he crossed ‘No Man’s Land’ on three occasions under shell fire towing wounded comrades.’ Sold with small leather scrapbook containing newspaper cuttings, some relating to recipient including photographic image of him in uniform; photographic images of recipient in later life.
A Great War ‘Salonika operations’ M.M. and French Medal of Honour group of five awarded to Bandsman, Later Lance Corporal, F. J. Harbird, 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (7681 Bndsmn: F. J. Harbird. 1/Y. & L.R.); 1914-15 Star (7681 L. Cpl. F. J. Harbird. York & Lanc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (7681 Pte. F. J. Harbird. Y. & L.R.); France, Third Republic, Medal of Honour with Swords, bronze, reverse engraved, ‘L/C F. Harbird 1st Y&L. Regt’, generally very fine (5) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 28 February 1918. France, Medal of Honour with Swords, bronze London Gazette 21 July 1919. Frederick John Harbird was a native of Dover, and one of three brothers to served in the armed forces during the Great War. Harbird enlisted as a Boy in the 1st Batttalion, York and Lancaster Regiment in 1904, and served as a Bandsman in India from December 1910. Harbird served with the Battalion during the Great War in the French theatre of war from 17 January 1915. He moved with the Battalion to serve in Salonika from October of the same year. Sold with photographic image of recipient in uniform.
A Great War 1916 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant A. Noble, 1/19th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (St. Pancras) Military Medal, G.V.R. (1915 Cpl A. Noble. 1/19. Lond: R.); 1914-15 Star (1915, Pte. A. Noble, 19-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1915 Sjt. A. Noble. 19-Lond. R.); Memorial Plaque (Albert Noble) with small drill holes at 6 and 12 o’clock, with Imperial Service Badge, good very fine (5) £400-£500 --- M.M. London Gazette 16 November 1916. Albert Henry Francis Noble was born in Holborn, London in October 1892. He served during the Great War with the 1/19th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (St. Pancras) in the French theatre of war from 10 March 1915. Noble advanced to Sergeant, and was killed in action on the Western Front, 2 October 1916. On the latter date the Battalion were serving as part of the 141st Brigade, 47th (2nd London) Division on the Somme, ‘Attack on Eaucourt l’Abbaye (1/10) - leading waves held up by machine gun fire in front of German trenches and waited in shell holes for arrival of tanks. Later advanced through village to Le Barque Road. Relieved midnight (4/10) and to the Quadrangle.’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake refers). Sergeant Noble is buried in Warlencourt Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Sold with photographic images of recipient in uniform.
The highly emotive and unique Second War D.S.O., D.S.C., and Posthumous Albert Medal group of eight awarded to Commander W. R. Marshall-A’Deane, Royal Navy, whose distinguished command of the destroyer H.M.S. Greyhound came to a sudden end when she was bombed and sunk by German aircraft during the battle of Crete in May 1941 when he was amongst the survivors picked up by H.M.S. Kandahar; later in the day H.M.S. Fiji was sunk and Kandahar again went to the rescue. ‘Commander Marshall-A’Deane, despite the ordeal he had already been through that day, dived overboard in the gathering darkness to rescue the men in the water. He was not seen again. This was the last proof of his great gallantry.’ Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse of lower suspension officially dated 1941, with integral top ribbon bar; Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1940 and hallmarked London 1940; Albert Medal, 2nd Class, for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, the reverse officially inscribed ‘Awarded by the King to Commander Walter Roger Marshall-A’Deane, R.N. H.M.S. Greyhound for gallantry in trying to save life when H.M.S. Fiji was sunk, 22nd May, 1941.’; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935, these last five unnamed as issued, the first with enamel flake to one reverse arm, all with old lacquer and with some underlying discolouration, otherwise good very fine (8) £20,000-£30,000 --- D.S.C. London Gazette 11 July 1940: ‘For good services in the Royal Navy since the outbreak of War:- Commander, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Greyhound.’ D.S.O. London Gazette 8 July 1941: ‘For courage and skill in a successful attack on an Italian Submarine [Anfitrite]:- Commander, D.S.C., Royal Navy, H.M.S. Greyhound.’ An additional announcement in the London Gazette of 16 February 1943, stated ‘Appointment to date 21st May, 1941.’ Albert Medal (Posthumous) London Gazette 4 November 1941: ‘Commander Walter Roger Marshall-A’Deane, D.S.O., D.S.C., Royal Navy. When his ship, H.M.S. Greyhound, was bombed and sunk, Commander Marshall-A’Deane was among survivors picked up by H.M.S. Kandahar. Later in the day H.M.S. Fiji was sunk and H.M.S. Kandahar again went to the rescue. Commander Marshall-A’Deane, despite the ordeal he had already been through that day, dived overboard in the gathering darkness to rescue the men in the water. He was not seen again. This was the last proof of his great gallantry. Commander Marshall-A’Deane had already in this war been appointed Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, won the Distinguished Service Cross, and twice been mentioned in despatches.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 16 August 1940: ‘Commander, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Greyhound’ (Dunkirk). M.I.D. London Gazette 29 July 1941: ‘Commander, D.S.O., D.S.C., Royal Navy, H.M.S. Greyhound’ (Battle of Cape Matapan). Walter Roger Marshall-A’Deane was born at Keswick, Cumberland on 14 May 1902. He was the younger son of Mr Richard Marshall, originally of Enholmes, Panington, East Yorkshire, and Mrs Gertrude Ellen Marshall, originally of Geraldine, New Zealand. He entered the service of the Royal Navy under his original surname of Marshall during the First World War and entered Osborne Royal Naval College on 15 January 1916; Midshipman, September 1919; Acting Sub-Lieutenant, 15 January 1922; Sub-Lieutenant, 15 September 1922; Lieutenant, 15 August 1924; Lieutenant-Commander, 15 August 1932; Commander, 30 June 1939. Following his marriage in 1926 in New Zealand to Miss Margaret Hamilton A'Deane, the then Lieutenant Roger Marshall added the maiden name of his bride to his own family name and henceforth was known by the family name Marshall-A'Deane. The couple had met in New Zealand when Lieutenant Marshall and Lieutenant Laurence Tollemache, who were both officers from H.M.S. Dunedin, and attachés to Lord Jellicoe, Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy. With Jellicoe, these two officers were regular visitors to the A'Deane family home of Ashcott, Takapau, Hawke's Bay on New Zealand's North Island. On the same day that Lieutenant Marshall married Margaret A'Deane, Lieutenant Tollemache married Margaret's sister, Violet, in a double marriage ceremony. Lieutenant Tollemache also went on to become a Commander in the Royal Navy and served in WW2, where he had the misfortune to be taken prisoner by the Japanese at Singapore in 1942. On 5 July 1939, shortly before the outbreak of war, Marshall-A'Deane was appointed commanding officer of the G Class destroyer H.M.S. Greyhound (Pennant No H05) which was transferred to the Western Approaches Command at Plymouth in October. On 12 November 1939, she collided with her sister ship, Gipsy en-route to Harwich, and her new assignment with the 22nd Destroyer Flotilla, but she was only slightly damaged, and her repairs were completed two days later. The ship rescued survivors on 18 November from the ocean liner S.S. Simon Bolivar, which had struck a mine, and from S.S. Torchbearer the following day. Greyhound began escorting coastal convoys on 5 December when she was transferred back to the 1st Destroyer Flotilla. On 14 January she captured the German blockade runner Phaedra in the North Sea. The ship was refitted between 16 February and 18 March, 1940, and later reassigned to the Home Fleet. On 5 April Greyhound escorted the battle cruiser Renown as she covered the minelayers preparing to implement Operation Wilfred, an operation to lay mines in the Vestfjord to prevent the transport of Swedish iron ore from Narvik to Germany. The ship was present during, but played no part in, Renown's brief engagement with the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau on 9 April. Greyhound remained in the Vestfjord when the five ships of the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla sailed into the Ofotfjord on 10 April to engage the German ships that had transported the invasion force to Narvik. She covered the withdrawal of the three surviving destroyers later that day. Greyhound was damaged by German bombers at Scapa Flow on 18 April and was repaired at Gravesend, Kent, between 22 April and 19 May. During the Siege of Calais, Greyhound and her sister ship Grafton provided naval gunfire support for the 30th Motor Brigade on 25 and 26 May. On 28 and 29 May she evacuated 1,360 men from Dunkirk before she was damaged by German bombers. She was towed out of the harbour by the Polish destroyer O.R.P. BÅ‚yskawica and taken to the relative safety of Dover with her compliment of rescued soldiers. After her repairs were completed at Chatham Dockyard on 17 June, Greyhound rejoined her flotilla at Dover. On 30 July the ship, and her sister ship Gallant, escorted the aircraft carrier Argus to Gibraltar and Greyhound was assigned to the 13th Destroyer Flotilla based there. The ship participated in Operations Hats at the end of August when the British reinforced the Mediterranean Fleet. During the battle of Dakar on 23 September, Greyhound, together with the destroyer Fury, and the Australian heavy cruiser H.M.A.S. Australia engaged the Vichy French destroyer L'Audacieux which was set on fire and forced to beach itself. The ship escorted the battleship Barham and the cruisers Berwick and Glasgow during Operation Coat in early November as they joined the Mediterranean Fleet. Greyhound herself was transferred to the 14th Destroyer Flotilla in Alexandria, where she participated in the inconclusive Battle of Cape Spartivento on 27 November during Operation Collar. Greyhound participated in Operation Excess in January 1941 and then sank the Italian submarine Neghelli on 19 January while escorting a convoy to Piraeus...
Five: Private J. Coombes, Rifle Brigade, later Natal Naval Corps Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (2291. Pte. J. Coombes. 2/R. Bde:); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek, Belfast (2291. Pte. J. Coombes. Rifle Brigade); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2291 Pte. J. Coombes. Rifle Brigade.); Natal 1906, 1 clasp, 1906 (P.O.2 J. A. Coombes, Natal Naval Corps.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (No. 2291. Pte. J. Coombes. Rifle Brigade.) engraved naming, very fine (5) £700-£900 --- James A. Coombes (also spelt Coombs) was born in 1874 and attested for the Rifle Brigade in London on 20 April 1892. He served with the 2nd Battalion in the Nile Expedition, and was present at the Battle of Omdurman on 2 September 1898; he also took part in he Occupation of Crete that same year. Sold with the recipient’s Account Book.
Family group: Pair: Captain J. Ross-Garner, Brabant’s Horse Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Wepener, Wittebergen, Belfast (Capt: J. Ross-Garner, Brabant’s Horse); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Capt: R. Garner. S.A.M.I.F.) nearly extremely fine Three: Lieutenant-Colonel C. R. I. Ross-Garner, South African Native Labour Corps British War and Bilingual Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. C. R. I. Ross Garner.); France, Third Republic, Order of Agricultural Merit, 4th Class breast badge, silver-gilt and enamels with rosette on ribbon, nearly extremely fine (5) £600-£800 --- Order of Agricultural Merit London Gazette 29 March 1922: ‘Lieutenant-Colonel Cornelius Robert Ross-Garner, Labour Corps.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 10 July 1919 and 11 July 1919.
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