A Great War O.B.E. group of four awarded to Captain R. D. Laurie, Royal Army Medical Corps The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1917, in Garrard, London, case of issue; 1914-15 Star (Capt. R. D. Laurie. R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. D. Laurie. R.A.M.C.) the campaign awards all later issue, the VM struck on a thinner flan, good very fine (4) £120-£160 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1919. Robert Douglas Laurie was born in Derby on 19 August 1886, the son of Alderman Dr. Robert Laurie, sometime Mayor of Derby, and was educated at Derby School and the University of Edinburgh, graduating M.B., Ch.B. in 1907. He served with the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Great War on the Western Front from 29 July 1915. Subsequently emigrating to South Africa, he died in February 1963. Sold with copied research, including much family history. Note: The recipient’s Medal Index Card notes that the campaign medals were dispatched on 28 October 1955.
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An inter-War M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Major E. G. Baker, Hampshire Regiment, later The Princess Beatrice’s (Isle of Wight Rifles) Heavy Brigade, Royal Artillery, Territorial Army, who was severely wounded at the First Battle of Dorian on 24 April 1917 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. E. G. Baker. Hamps: R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. E. G. Baker.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, reverse officially dated 1947, with integral top riband bar, mounted court-style, generally very fine and better (7) £300-£400 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 2 January 1939: Major Ernest George Baker, The Princess Beatrice’s (Isle of Wight Rifles) Heavy Brigade, Royal Artillery, Territorial Army (Captain, Retired Pay, Regular Army Reserve of Officers, the Hampshire Regiment). T.D. London Gazette 25 July 1947. Ernest George Baker was born in 1894, the son of the Quartermaster of the 12th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 12th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment on 7 December 1914. He served with the 12th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 September 1915, before proceeding with the Battalion to Salonika in November of that year, and continued to serve in the Balkans, being severely wounded in the chest on 24 April 1917 during the First Battle of Dorian. Invalided home, in April 1918 he was appointed an Instructor at the School of Instruction, Osborne, Isle of Wight, where he remained until the end of the War. Promoted Captain in January 1925, he was appointed Adjutant of the 8th Battalion (Princess Beatrice’s Isle of Wight Rifles), and remained in that post until November 1929. After a brief spell with the 1st Battalion in India, he transferred to Princess Beatrice’s (Isle of Wight Rifles) Heavy Brigade, Royal Artillery, Territorial Army in December 1932, and saw further service with the Royal Artillery at home during the Second World War. Appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Hampshire in 1956, he died at Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight, on 14 October 1968. Sold with copied research.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C., D.C.M. group of five awarded to Captain L. M. Milton, Liverpool Regiment Military Cross, G.V.R.; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (23116 Sjt: L. Milton. 20/L’pool: R.); 1914-15 Star (23116 Pte. L. Milton. L’pool R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. L. M. Milton.) contact pitting from star. otherwise nearly very fine or better (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- M.C. London Gazette 2 December 1918: 2nd Lt. Laureate Matthew Milton, D.C.M., 5th Bn., L’pool R., T.F., attd. 13th Bn. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and initiative during an advance. After all the officers in his company had become casualties he took command and led the company forward with great dash and courage to the objective. He then reorganised the company and successfully consolidated the position under very heavy enemy fire.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘North of Achiet Le Grand, 21-24 August 1918.’ D.C.M. London Gazette 10 January 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed great courage and determination in rescuing several buried men and salving some machine guns under heavy fire.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Le Barque, 10 October 1916.’ Laureate Matthew Milton was born in 1892 and attested for the Liverpool Regiment at Liverpool on 10 November 1914, aged 22. He served with the 20th Battalion in France from 7 November 1915, being promoted to Lance-Corporal on 3 July 1916, and to Sergeant on 30 July 1916. He was discharged to a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment, on 27 November 1917, and was attached to the 13th Battalion at the time of winning his Military Cross. Sold with copied research including War Diary entries, London Gazettes and Medal Index Card.
A superb Second War immediate ‘Gold Beach’ D-Day M.C. group of seven awarded to Major J. L. G. Littlejohns, 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, for his actions at Le Hamel on 6 June 1944 Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1944, and additionally privately engraved ‘69150 Major J. L. G. Littlejohns.’; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (Lieut J. L. G. Littlejohns. Hamps. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the Second War awards all privately engraved ‘69150 Major J. L. G. Littlejohns’, mounted as worn, some contact marks and light scratches, otherwise nearly extremely fine (7) £3,000-£4,000 --- M.C. London Gazette 31 August 1944. The original Recommendation, dated 16 June 1944, states: ‘Major Littlejohns landed at Le Hamel with his Reserve Company at about 0830 hrs 6 June 1944. On landing the company came under intense small arms fire on the beaches. He succeeded in crossing the beaches, and without hesitation organised his company for an attack on an artillery battery dominating the whole beach area. Despite very heavy shell and machine gun fire Major Littlejohns led his company forward. The fire increased in intensity, and the company was held up. Major Littlejohns once more took the company forward, and finally succeeded in capturing the position. The success of this attack was vital to the assault of 231 Brigade, and Major Littlejohns, by his coolness, imperturbability and determination set such a fine example that his men willingly followed him.’ John Leslie George Littlejohns, a pre-war officer who first saw active service as a Lieutenant in Palestine, was later awarded an immediate Military Cross during the Second World War for his actions with the 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, in the Gold Beach sector on the first day of the D-Day landings, 6 June 1944. Sold together with supporting paperwork, medal riband bar and a name badge from his subsequent employment with Messrs GKN.
An outstanding Second War ‘1945’ D.F.C. and Second Award Bar, ‘1943’ D.F.M. group of seven awarded to Wing Commander S. A. R. Taylor, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 79 operational sorties, with 106, 83 and 7 Squadrons - of which 68 were with the Path Finder Force, all as a Lancaster Visual Bomb Aimer of a Marker Crew Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’, with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated ‘1945’; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1391937 F/Sgt. S. A. R. Taylor. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Radfan (Sqn. Ldr. S. A. R. Taylor R.A.F.) mounted as originally worn, very fine (7) £6,000-£8,000 --- 1 of only approximately 20 D.F.C. and Second Award Bar, D.F.M. combinations awarded for the Second World War. D.F.C. London Gazette 23 March 1945. The original Recommendation states: ‘This officer is on his third operational tour, having completed 60 sorties - 49 of which have been in a Marker Crew, being safely concluded in the Path Finder Force. Flight Lieutenant Taylor’s keenness and coolness in facing the enemy has set a high standard of morale in the crew with which he operates, and has helped to a considerable extent in making the crew such a successful one. Never at a loss to overcome difficulties, his steadfastness; determination to give of his best at all times is highly commendable. He possesses courage of a high degree, cheerfulness under all circumstances, and these exceptional qualities have set a high example to the Squadron.’ D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 16 November 1945. The original Recommendation states: ‘This Officer has now completed 79 operational sorties, of which 68 have been with the Path Finder Force, all as Visual Bomb Aimer of a Marker Crew. Of a very cheerful disposition, Flight Lieutenant Taylor has always displayed courage, skill and efficiency and great determination in action, often under the most trying and hazardous conditions. His strong devotion to duty and untiring efforts to give of his best have inspired the utmost confidence amongst the rest of his crew.’ D.F.M. London Gazette 10 December 1943. The official Press Release states: ‘Flight Sergeant Taylor is a Bomb Aimer of a crew which has acquired a fine reputation on many operational missions. He has completed sorties over many heavily defended targets, always displaying outstanding determination and coolness. During a recent attack on Hanover, five runs were made over the target area before Flight Sergeant Taylor was satisfied that he had identified the target. Recently while engaged in operations against Mannheim and Kassel, he again made several runs in the face of heavy opposition to ensure accuracy of aim. His behaviour has been exemplary at all times.’ Stanley Alfred Robert Taylor was born in March 1922, and educated at Battersea Grammar School. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1941, and carried out initial training as a navigator/bomb aimer, including at No. 42 A.S., Port Elizabeth; No. 26 O.T.U., North Luffenham and No. 1660 Conversion Unit, Swinderby. Taylor flew a Nickel raid, whilst stationed at the latter, 20 December 1942. He was posted for further operational flying to 106 Squadron (Lancasters) at Syerston in January 1943, and flew in at least 10 operational sorties with them, including: Frisians; Berlin (3); Hamburg; Essen (2); St. Nazaire; Duisburg and Kiel. Taylor transferred, with his pilot Sergeant D. N. Britton, to 83 Squadron (Lancasters) as part of the Pathfinder Force at Wyton in April 1943. He flew in at least 36 operational sorties with the Squadron between April 1943 - April 1944, including: Stettin; Duisburg; Essen; Dortmund; Munster; Cologne; Monchanin; Krefeld; Mulheim; Wuppertal; Turin; Hamburg (2); Turin-Genoa; Nuremburg; Milan; Berlin (4); Mannheim; Munich (2); Hanover; Darmstadt; Hanover; Kassel; Modane; Mannheim; Texel (2); Leipzig; Stuttgart (3) and Frankfurt. After a rest, Taylor returned to Pathfinder Force and was posted to 7 Squadron (Lancasters) at Oakington in October 1944. Taylor flew in at least 32 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Dusiburg (2); Wilhelmshaven; Stuttgart (2); Essen; Oberhausen; Gelsenkirchen; Dortmund; Wanne-Eickel; Freuberg; Karlsruhe; Osnabruck; Ulm; Koblenz; Ludwigshaven; Hanau; Leuna; Zeitz; Chemnitz (2); Dessau; Dortmund; Homberg; Hagen; Rheine; Hildesheim; Hamburg; Nordhausen; Harburg; Bayreuth and Bremen. After the war, Taylor’s subsequent postings included as part of the B.A.F.O. at R.A.F. Lubeck, Esche, and Wunsdorf. He was posted to A.H.Q. Hong Kong in September 1949, after which he spent several years posted at R.A.F. Technical College and at Air Electronics School, Hullavington. Taylor was appointed a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 1959, and a Member of the Institution of Electronic and Radio Engineers in 1960, becoming a Chartered Engineer in 1967. He served at H.Q.M.E.C., Aden, May 1964 - April 1966, advanced to Wing Commander and filled a number of engineering and communication roles including a posting on attachment to the Kenyan Armed Forces, 1968-1971. He retired in 1978, and moved to Brisbane, Australia. Sold with the following original related items and documents: 7 related miniature awards, mounted as originally worn; Royal Air Force Flying Log Book for Navigators Air Bombers Air Gunners Flight Engineers (20 February 1952 - 9 January 1981) including civilian entries, inside cover annotated ‘Certified that Volume I of Log Book was lost at No. 7 Sqdn, R.A.F. Oakington in June, 1945 as a result of a sudden posting at the end of the war’; Path Finder Force Badge Award Certificate, dated 7 April 1944, glazed and framed, with Path Finder Force Badge and Observer’s Brevet; D.F.C. Royal Mint case of issue; named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the award of the Bar to his D.F.C.; Second War Campaign Medal enclosure; a photograph of 7 Squadron, R.A.F. Oakington, April 1945, individually named, framed and glazed; 2 photographs of recipient in uniform from later life, and one group photograph including him which is glazed and framed; and a signed farewell card from R.A.F. Langenhagen.
A good Second War ‘1944’ D.F.C., ‘1940’ D.F.M. group of six awarded to Wellington and Lancaster navigator, Flight Lieutenant A. H. Bird, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 50 operational sorties, mostly with 149 (East India) and 101 Squadrons, and including the first Thousand Bomber Raids to Cologne and Essen whilst attached to No. 15 O.T.U. Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R.; (520519. A/Sgt. A. H. Bird. R.A.F.) 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally very fine (6) £3,600-£4,000 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 14 November 1944. The original Recommendation states: ‘Flight Lieutenant Bird has won the admiration of his Squadron by his resolute determination and cheerful courage throughout his second operational tour of duty. Undismayed by the strongest enemy opposition, he has, at all times, continued to display outstanding navigational skill and ability. He has also rendered valuable assistance to younger and less experienced navigators.’ D.F.M. London Gazette 22 October 1940. The original Recommendation states: ‘Sergeant Bird’s work as an Observer in this squadron has been exemplary and deserves special recognition. He has been employed continuously on night operations since April 1940 and has now completed 26 operational flights. In every one of these operations, his navigation and bomb aiming have been excellent. Many of the recent operations in which he has participated were made in unfavourable weather conditions, often necessitating flying in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. Under such conditions, Sergeant Bird’s conduct and bearing have been excellent. In spite of very heavy anti-aircraft fire, he has on many occasions accurately directed his pilot onto the target and has often asked the pilot to make a second and even a third bombing run in order to make a more accurate sight on the target. By such devotion to duty in the face of severe opposition and by the industry that he always displays in his navigational and bombing duties, Sergeant Bird has been largely responsible for making his crew the most efficient in ‘A’ Flight. Remarks by Station Commander: An exceptionally capable Air Observer. On the night of 1st/2nd August 1940, in extremely poor weather conditions, he navigated his aircraft to the target, the oil plant at Kamen. He did excellent work in locating the target. Bombs were dropped very accurately and large fires started which acted as a beacon for following aircraft. Very strongly recommended.’ Alfred Herbert Bird enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer reserve in 1939, and carried out his initial training at Air Navigation School, Cheltenham from May 1939. After further postings, including 11 F.T.S. Shawbury, Bird spent November 1939 - February 1940, briefly at 148, 75, 215 and 214 Squadrons. Bird was posted for operational flying as a Navigator to 149 (East India) Squadron (Wellingtons) at Mildenhall in April 1940. A night-bomber unit, Bird was crewed with Flying Officer R. A. Cruickshank (later D.F.C. and Bar, and killed in action) as his pilot, and flew in at least 28 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Stavanger; Aachen; Namur; Dinant, 25 May 1940 ‘Road Bridge Destroyed. Convoy Hit’ (Log Book refers); Dunkirk, Heavy Gun Positions, 2 June 1940; Dusseldorf; Abbeville; Soissons; Les Andeleys; Milan, 16 June 1940, ‘Caproni Aircraft Works Hit. Thunderstorm Over Target’ (Ibid); Hann Marshalling Yards; Bremen; Delenhorst; Duisberg; Bremen; Dortmund, 25 July 1940, ‘Flak Splinters Through Bombing Panel’ (Ibid); Kamen Synthetic Oil Plant, 1/2 August 1940, ‘Target Destroyed’ (Ibid); Homberg; Soest; Frankfurt, Deschaffen Aerodrome; Mannheim; Kiel; and Baden-Baden. Having completed his first tour of operations, Bird was posted as an instructor to No. 15 O.T.U. at Harwell in September 1940. Whilst stationed with the latter, Bird took part in the Thousand Bomber Raid to Cologne, 30 May 1942, and the 2nd such raid to Essen, 1 June 1942. He was posted to 1667 Conversion Unit in December 1943, and briefly to 550 Squadron, prior to returning to operational flying with 101 Squadron (Lancasters) at Ludford Magna in January 1944. Bird was primarily crewed with Squadron Leader C. B. Morton (’C’ Flight Commander) as his pilot, but also flew on a number of operations with the Squadron C/O Wing Commander R. I. Alexander as his pilot. Bird flew in at least 20 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Berlin (6), including 30 January 1944, ‘3 Combats On Bombing Run, 2 Ju. 88’s. 1 Me. 110. Strikes On All 3 Aircraft’ (Log Book refers); Stuttgart; Frankfurt (2); Nuremburg; Aachen; Freidrichshaven; Maintenon (Group Captain King being his pilot for this raid); Rennes; Orleans; Duisberg; Dortmund; Bourg-Leopold; Les Hayons and Dom Leger. After completing his 2nd tour of operations, Bird was posted to 21 O.T.U. at Moreton-in-Marsh in July 1944. He advanced to Flight Lieutenant, served in the Training Branch, and relinquished his commission in June 1966. Sold with recipient’s Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (31 May 1939 - 2 August 1945); MOD Letter addressed to recipient on the occasion of relinquishing his commission, dated 20 May 1966; named Buckingham Palace enclosure for D.F.C., enclosure slip for campaign award and three group photographs.
A Boer War D.C.M. group of six awarded to Quartermaster and Captain H. G. Davies, Hampshire Regiment, who was later commissioned into the 11th Battalion with whom he was wounded during the Great War Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R (3168 Q.M. Serjt: H. G. Davies, Hampshire Regt.) minor correction to surname; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Johannesburg, Paardeberg, Cape Colony (Q.M. Sgt. H. Davies, 2nd Hampshire Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3168 Qr:-Serjt: H. Davies. Hampshire Regt); 1914-15 Star (Q.M. & Lieut. H. G. Davies, D.C.M. Hamps. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Q.M. & Capt. H. G. Davies.) light contact marks, very fine and better (6) £1,800-£2,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 31 October 1902. Henry George Davies, a carpenter from Portsmouth, enlisted into the Hampshire Regiment at Winchester on 16 July 1890. Appointed Quartermaster Sergeant on 22 March 1898, he served in South Africa during the Second Boer War from 4 January 1900 to 28 September 1902 for which he was awarded the Distinguished Conducted Medal, after being earlier Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 29 July 1902). Discharged “Free” on 29 October 1904 after 14 years and 106 days’ service, he was later appointed a temporary commission into the 11th Battalion Hampshire Regiment upon its formation on 9 September 1914, before entering France and Flanders on 18 December 1915. He was hit on the left side of his forehead by a piece of high explosive shell during the period 29 - 30 June 1916 whilst serving at Loos, which he removed from the wound himself before being returned to the UK on 7 July 1916. Upon recovery, he returned to active service in France, before later developing further shell shock in early 1918 following heavy shelling. After further hospital treatment in the U.K. he returned to France, but suffered further lapses making him unfit for active service. He was released from service on 8 June 1919. Henry Davies died on 6 October 1933, after which his widow successfully applied for financial assistance to the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation. From 1 January 1934 she was in receipt of an award of 15 shillings per week until she became eligible for an old age pension. Sold with his original soldier’s small service book, photocopied photographs, service details and medal index card.
A very fine Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. and Second Award Bar, M.M. group of six awarded to Company Sergeant-Major P. McArthur, 1st and 8th Battalions, Royal Highlanders Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (7804 Sjt: P. McArthur. 1/R. Hdrs.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (7804 Sjt: P. McArthur. 1/R. Hdrs.); 1914 Star, with clasp (7804 Pte. P. McArthur. 1/R. Highrs); British War and Victory Medals (7804 A.W.O. Cl. 1 P. McArthur. R. Highrs.); Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre,A.I.R., bronze, unnamed, mounted for display, good very fine (6) £5,000-£7,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 10 January 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He showed great courage and initiative in organising and leading bombing attacks against the enemy, who had got into the trench on the left.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Eaucourt l’Abbaye, 19 October 1916.’ D.C.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 16 August 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry. He rallied and reorganised the remnants of three battalions after an unsuccessful attack, displaying great initiative and total disregard for danger. He brought in about sixty of our wounded out of “No Man’s Land.”’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘North of Fampoux, 3 May 1917.’ M.M. London Gazette 14 September 1916. M.I.D. London Gazette 15 June 1916. Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 12 July 1918. Peter McArthur was born at Houston, near Paisley, Renfrewshire, in 1882 and enlisted into the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) at Hamilton on 1 May 1900, aged 18, a farm servant by trade. He served in South Africa from 25 April to 22 October, 1902, and received the Queen’s medal with clasps for Orange Free State and South Africa 1902. He then moved with the regiment to India where he served until 10 January 1908, being transferred to Army Reserve on 30 April 1908. He reengaged in May 1912 and was mobilised at Perth on 5 August 1914. Posted to the 1st Battalion he served in France and Flanders from 26 August 1914 until 4 November 1914, when he was posted Home. He returned to France from 11 March to 31 October, 1915, and was at Home again until 23 June 1916, when he returned to France. He was posted to the 8th Battalion on 27 July 1916, and was severely wounded by a gunshot to his right arm on 7 October 1917. After recuperation at Home, he returned to France on 24 March 1918 and served there until 11 October 1918. He was discharged on 19 November 1919.
A Great War ‘Capture of Havrincourt September 1918’ D.C.M. and M.M. group of five awarded to Company Sergeant-Major J. H. Tilson, 2/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (200343 C.S. Mjr: J. H. Tilson. M.M. 2/4 Hamps: R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (200343 C.S. Mjr: J. H. Tilson. 4 Hamps: R.); British War and Victory Medals (200343 W.O. Cl. 2. J. H. Tilson. Hamps. R.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Sergt. John H. Tilson.) nearly extremely fine (5) £2,400-£2,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and determination during an attack on Havrincourt on 12 September 1918. Halfway through the village the company came under heavy shell fire and many casualties occurred. He at once rallied the men and did much to press forward the attack. Later he got the wounded to a place of safety and when the enemy heavily counter attacked he went out in the open and ensured that the place was held.’ M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919. Sold with copied research including extracts from the regimental history covering events of August and September 1918.
A fine and interesting Great War D.C.M., M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant J. Curran, 19th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, who after a distinguished wartime career, deserted and was convicted by the civil authorities of aggravated assault and house breaking, these crimes resulting in a period of imprisonment and the forfeiture of his Great War campaign medals Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (38544 Sjt: J. Curran. M.M. 19/Manch: R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (38544 L. Cpl. J. Curran. 19/Manch: R.) together with British War and Victory Medals, both with naming erased, several heavy edge bruises, otherwise nearly very fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He went forward with two men and surprised and captured an enemy post of one officer and six men in broad daylight. Later, he assumed command of his platoon, and under a very heavy barrage held an isolated position until relieved. His conduct throughout was splendid, and inspired his men.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Nr Ridge, 8 May 1918.’ M.M. London Gazette 28 September 1917. Fortunately Sergeant Curran’s correspondence file survives at the National Archives, from which the following information is sourced: 24 June 1920: Awarded 14 days detention for absence from 22:00, 12 June 1920 to 00:50, 13 June 1920, resisting an escort, and stating a falsehood to his C.O. 7 July 1920: Declared a deserter by Court of Inquiry held at Kinnel Park. 4 August 1920: Arrested by G.P. at Manchester and rejoined at Kinnel Park on 5 August 1920. 7 August 1920: The military authorities now discover that Curran had been awarded three months hard labour on 19 June 1920 at Chester Castle Sessions for aggravated assault on a female. He is arrested at Kinnel Park and committed to Liverpool Prison to serve sentence. 4 October 1920: Discharged from the Army having been convicted by a Civil Power, his character at the time being given as ‘bad’. A statement made by Curran in relation to his health states: ‘I am always coughing and spitting phlegm and short of breath. I consider this is the result of hardships in the trenches and being gassed on several dates, 31 July 1916 at Ypres, 1 May 1918 at Ypres, and 15 May 1918 at Ypres. 25 May 1927: John Curran (a.k.a. John Ryan) held at Albany Police Station awaiting trial. The following letter to the O.C., 17th Manchester Regiment from a Police Sergeant sheds some light on this: ‘I beg to report that the above named ex-soldier, John Ryan [name at top of sheet given as John Curran] is awaiting sentence at County of London Sessions commencing 14 June 1927 on a charge of house-breaking. When arrested on 2 May 1927, prisoner refused to give any particulars of himself. He now states that he served in the 17th Manchesters under Colonel MacDonald from 5 March 1916 till the end of the war when he was discharged as a Sergeant. He also states that he was awarded the D.C.M. and M.M., and that his Army character was very good...’ A letter written by Curran from Brixton Prison two weeks later requesting details of his service states: Dear Sir, I am in some trouble and should thank you ever so mutch (sic) if you can kindly let me have the deeds that I got my D.C.M. and M.M. for.’ In relation to the forfeiture of his medals it is clear that he was originally destined to lose his gallantry awards as well as his campaign medals. However, on 22 April 1922 a letter from the War Office cleared the whole issue up: ‘I am commanded to inform you that the Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to No. 90232, Private J. Curran, Manchester Regiment, for service as No. 38544 Sergeant J. Curran, M.M., 19th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, vide the London Gazette dated 3 October 1918, and forfeited by him in consequence of his discharge on the 4th October 1920 (on conviction by the Civil Power) under Article 1236 of the Royal Warrant for pay, etc., of the Army which was in force on that date has been restored by the Army Council under Article 1240 of the above mentioned Royal Warrant. The Army Council have also decided under the power delegated to them by the terms of the 9th Ordinance of the Royal Warrant dated 24 March 1919, governing the award of the Military Medal, that this decoration awarded to the above named man for service as No. 38544 Private, Manchester Regiment, vide the London Gazette dated the 28th September 1917, shall not be forfeited... I am further to state that as the above mentioned decorations have not been returned to this Department it is presumed that they have been previously issued to Private Curran and are now in his possession. I am to add however that the commemorative war medals earned by this man are forfeited under Article 1236(b) of the Royal Warrant.’ World War I medal roll confirms ‘B.W.M. and V.M. returned, forfeited, 4.10.20.’ Sold with copies of his National Archives correspondence file, London Gazette entries, Medal Index Card, etc.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Corporal H. S. Pope, 1/6th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2741 Cpl. H. S. Pope. 1/6 Glouc: Regt.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (2741 Cpl. H. S. Pope. Glouc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (2741 Cpl. H. S. Pope. Glouc. R.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Herbert S. Pope) good very fine (4) £900-£1,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: ‘For consistent good work on patrol duty. He has shown great courage, and his reports are always reliable.’ Herbert S. Pope served in France with the 1/6th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment from 31 March 1915, and in Italy from November 1917. Sold with some copied research.
A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. awarded to Company Sergeant Major A. Alldridge, 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who was wounded in action at near Zillebeke, 9 May 1915, and was killed in action on the Somme, 13 July 1916 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9558 C.S. Mjr: A. Alldridge. 2/S. Lanc: R.) very fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1916: ‘For consistent good work throughout the campaign. He is always cheery and reliable and has set a fine example.’ Alexander Alldridge was born in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire and attested for the South Lancashire Regiment in 1911. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion, and appointed Acting Company Sergeant Major in October 1914. Alldridge served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war, was promoted Warrant Officer Class II in March 1915, and was ‘wounded (slightly) in action in the vicinity of Hill 60 near Zillebeke 9/5/1915’ (Service papers refer). Alldridge served with the Battalion on the Somme as part of the 75th Brigade, 25 Division, and was killed in action, 13 July 1916. The Battalion were engaged in attacks around Ovillers, 12 - 14 July 1916, and he is buried in Bapaume Post Military Cemetery, Albert, France.
A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. awarded to Private Madden, 7th (Service) Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, later 2nd Battalion, who died of wounds on the Western Front, 17 February 1917 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (15130 Pte M. Madden. 7/S. Lanc: R.) edge bruising, nearly very fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 22 September 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. When some men of another unit retired, he left his trench on his own initiative, met those men and lead them back to the attack.’ Martin Madden was employed as a miner prior to his enlistment in the South Lancashire Regiment in October 1914. He served during the Great War with the 7th (Service) Battalion in the French theatre from 18 July 1915. Madden transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 6 August 1916, and returned to the UK, 6 September 1916. Both battalions served on the Somme, and Madden returned to France in December 1916. Private Madden died of wounds on the Western Front, 17 February 1917, and is buried in Bailleule Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France.
A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Company Sergeant-Major Alexander Ross, Essex Regiment, who was wounded at Gallipoli in May 1915 and again wounded in France in the act of winning his D.C.M. at Masnieres in November 1917; he was afterwards a Lieutenant and Quartermaster in the Ulster Special Constabulary when he was accidentally shot by a sentry at Ballymena in August 1922 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (6444 C.S. Mjr: A. Ross. 1/Essex R.); 1914-15 Star (6444 Sjt. A. Ross. Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (6444 W.O. Cl. 2. A. Ross. Essex R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (6444 Q.M. Sjt: A. Ross. D.C.M. Essex R.) mounted as worn, toned, nearly extremely fine (5) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company, which was forming the vanguard, when all the officers had been killed or wounded. Although himself wounded, he continued in command, and held a post, from which he gave good covering fire to the assaulting troops.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Masnieres, 20 November 1917.’ L.S. & G.C. Army Order 41 of 1 July 1919. Alexander Ross was a native of Ipswich, Suffolk, and served with the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, at Gallipoli from 25 April 1915. Wounded in early May 1915, he wrote to his sister from a convalescent home in Egypt on 26 May: ‘Many thanks for your welcome letter received while I was in Gallipoli. I suppose Annie has told you that I have been wounded. I stopped one through my right arm & right side. It went into my body just below the armpit & was cut out of the centre of my back. It is healed up now & with the exception of a bit of pain in my right arm & right side I am pretty well all right. After we left England we had a night at Alexandria & then a fortnight at the Isle of Mudros. Then came that fateful Sunday April 26th when we forced a landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula. We left the big ship about 2 miles from land & went on a minesweeper to within about a mile from shore. We then took to small rowing boats & made a dash for it. We had a fearful time of it, came under fire about half a mile from shore & had any number of men hit in the boats. When we did reach the shore it was covered with barbed wire entanglements & we came under the dickens of a crossfire from some maxim guns & pompoms which they had concealed there. The place was also covered with trenches & snipers & they were picking us off anyhow. We managed to rush the machine guns & then we went for the cliffs & got a footing. Our casualties were heavy but we managed to push in for a mile before nightfall. When it was dark the firing slackened & we started entrenching. We never had our trenches half a day before they were on us like a ton of bricks & we were at it all night & we have been at it ever since. I was in the firing line for 13 days before I was hit & during that time I think I had one wash. I can tell you we have had a pretty stiff time. Still I don’t think things will be so bad now as we have a nice firm foothold & are gaining ground every day. I expect to rejoin the regiment very shortly so send letters to the old address viz 1st Essex Regt 88th Brigade, 29 Division, Mediterranean Exped Force. This is a nice place where I am now. It is a hotel & overlooks the Nile & commands a good view of the Pyramids.’ The regiment moved to the Western Front in 1916 where, on 20 November 1917, he took part in the operations near Cambrai where Ross won his D.C.M. The Battalion War Diary states: ‘The task assigned to the 29th Division was to push through the St Quentin Canal, seize the crossings at Marcoing and Masnieres and thus allow the cavalry to go through to Cambrai.’ The War Diary gives a detailed account of the action on the 20th/21st in which the casualties of the battalion amounted to - Killed, 3 officers, 21 men; Wounded, 2 officers, 107 men; Missing, 1 officer, 31 men. Returning home to Ipswich after the war, Company Sergeant-Major Ross was granted the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Ipswich in a ceremony held on 21 April 1920. Ross was afterwards a Lieutenant and Quartermaster in the Ulster Special Constabulary and was accidentally killed in Ireland on 13 August 1922, as reported in a contemporary news cutting: ‘Ipswich Officer Killed in Ireland - Shot in error by a sentry. Lieutenant and Quartermaster Alexander Ross, of the Ulster Special Constabulary, and formerly of the 1st Essex Regiment, who met with a tragic death in the early hours of Sunday morning at Ballymena, co. Antrim, was the son of Mrs Ross and the late Mr John Ross, of 64, Brookshall Road, Ipswich. It appears that an alarm having been given, the guard was turned out, and Lieut. Ross also went out. It is thought that owing to the darkness, and the fact that the deceased officer was wearing a raincoat, he was mistaken for an intruder. Several shots were fired, one proving fatal. Mr Ross had recently completed 21 years service in the Essex Regiment, and had a fine war record. He was in the great first landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula with the famous 29th Division, and afterwards in France, where he won the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company. He was several times wounded, and was a recipient of the freedom of the borough of Ipswich. He leaves a widow and child. The funeral takes place at Ballymena on Wednesday.’ Sold with two postcard photographs, illuminated scroll on vellum granting freedom of Ipswich with associated invitation and transmission letter, original news cutting reporting both his death, together with copied research including a copy of his letter home from Egypt.
A Great War ‘Poelcappelle October 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant-Major Richard Webb, 6th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, who was killed in action in the attack on Trônes Wood on 27 August 1918 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (27221 C.S. Mjr: R. Webb. 6/R. Berks: R.); 1914-15 Star (27221 Cpl. R. Webb. R. Berks: R.); British War and Victory Medals (27221 W.O. Cl. 2 R. Webb. R. Berks. R.) together with Memorial Plaque (Richard Webb) in card envelope, and memorial scroll (Coy. Serjt. Maj. Richard Webb, D.C.M. Royal Berkshire Regt.) this in its original postal tube (6) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an advance he kept the men in hand when held up by machine-gun fire. After dark he went from shell-hole to shell-hole organising the defence and rallying many men from other units.’ Richard Webb was born in Cumner, Berkshire, and enlisted at Wantage. He served in France with the 6th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, from 11 January 1915. He was killed in action in the attack on Trônes Wood whilst serving with the 8th Battalion on 27 August 1918. He is buried in Bernafay Wood British Cemetery, Montauban. Sold with two letters of condolence to Mrs Webb, an original photograph of his grave and two newspaper pages relating to his death, together with copied research.
Five: Staff Captain J. R. N. Moss, Royal Navy Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Sebastopol, Azoff, unnamed as issued; China 1857-60, no clasp, unnamed as issued; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (Staff Comdr. J. R. N. Moss, R.N. H.M.S. “Agincourt.”; Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue, unnamed as issued, fitted with additional silver bar suspension; Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, unnamed, generally good very fine (5) £600-£800 --- John Rolfe Nelson Moss was appointed Navigating Sub-Lieutenant on 11 July 1856; Navigating Lieutenant, 19 April 1859; Staff Commander, 7 December 1869; Staff Captain 11 July 1882; Retired Captain, 25 August 1889. He served as Master’s Assistant of Viper at the destruction of the Fort, &c., at Djimitea, in March 1855; took part in the siege of Sebastopol, and expeditions to Kertch and Yenikalé, and operations in the Sea of Azoff (Crimean and Turkish Medals, Sebastopol and Azoff Clasps); present during China war (Medal); Staff-Commander of Agincourt during the Egyptian war, 1882 (Egyptian Medal, Khedive’s Bronze Star).
A Great War ‘Messines 1918’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant H. F. Quee, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, for gallantry in single-handedly capturing an enemy machine gun Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8556 Sjt. H. F. Quee. R. Ir. Rif.) naming officially re-impressed; 1914 Star, with clasp (8556 L. Cpl. H. F. Quee. R. Ir: Rif.); British War and Victory Medals (8556 A.W.O. Cl. 2. H. F. Quee. R. Ir. Rif.) mounted as worn, nearly very fine (4) £700-£900 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and leadership during operations in the Messines sector on the 6th September, 1918. He was Acting Company Serjeant-Major in command of company Headquarters during the advance. While advancing he noticed an enemy machine gun. He at once rushed forward, killed one of the team, and the rest surrendered. This act of gallantry undoubtedly saved many casualties and inspired the men around him to continue the advance without a check.’ Hugh Francis Quee served in France and Flanders from 21 September 1914, with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, part of the 36th Ulster Division. His Medal Index Card shows his address as Bedford Court, Detroit, Michegan, U.S.A., notes the issue of a duplicate D.C.M. on payment, and an enquiry concerning ‘Discharge & Character Certificate, also medals’, this dated 5/3/25. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and Battalion War Diary entry for September 1918.
A Great War ‘First Day of Loos 1915’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant A. J. Taylor, 7th London Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2087 Sjt: A. J. Taylor. 7/Lond: Regt.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (2087. L-Sjt. A. J. Taylor, 7-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2087 Sjt. A. J. Taylor. 7-Lond. R.); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1914-1915, with bronze palme, the first and last with contemporary suspension pin brooches, good very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1915: ‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 25th of September, 1915, at Loos, when he showed great powers of leadership in cutting off and capturing a party of Germans. He also displayed great bravery and coolness in the German counter-attack on the Double Crassier when, with three bombers, he held the enemy back till the trench was double blocked.’ French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 24 February 1916. The History of the 7th (City of London) Bn., The London Regiment records: ‘For his gallant conduct on the Crassier, Sergt. A. J. Taylor was awarded the D.C.M. and the French Croix de Guerre, the latter being pinned on his breast by General Sir Douglas Haig at a special parade. Alfred James Taylor served with the 7th London Regiment in France from 17 March 1915. He was discharged in consequence of wounds on 5 April 1919, and is entitled to the Silver War Badge. A picture of Sergeant Taylor appeared in The Daily Mirror of 15 December 1915, under the caption “Londoners win the D.S.M.” - ‘Sergeant A. J. Taylor (7th London Regiment) who helped to cut off and capture a party of the enemy at Loos.’
A rare Second War D.S.M. awarded to Able Seaman Cyril Hartley, Royal Navy, for gallantry on land as a member of the ‘Unrotated Projectile’ Battery at the fall of Tobruk, 20 June 1942 Distinguished Service Medal, G.V1.R. (JX.168633 C. Hartley. A.B.) impressed naming, good very fine £1,200-£1,600 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 20 October 1942: ‘For bravery in action at Tobruk.’ Seedies Roll confirms - ‘U.P. Bty Tobruk. Fall of Tobruk 20 June, 1942.’ Just 4 D.S.Cs. and three D.S.Ms. awarded for the fall of Tobruk, all to members of this most unusual unit. The original Recommendation states: ‘For outstanding courage and devotion to duty in returning a second time to light the demolition charges which had failed to ignite while under constant shell fire from the enemy.’ The recommendation is signed by Lieutenant G. E. E. Somerset, R.N.V.R., Officer Commanding U.P. Battery, H.M. Naval Base, Tobruk, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on the same occasion. U.P. was the cover name for one of Churchill’s pet projects, the ‘unrotated projectile’, a short range anti-aircraft rocket, developed for the Royal Navy. ‘Unrotated’ denoted that the projectile was not spin-stabilized. The weapon had 20 smoothbore tubes and fired ten at a time. A small cordite charge was used to ignite a rocket motor which propelled the fin-stabilized 7-inch diameter rocket out of the tube to a distance of about 1,000 feet, where it exploded and released an 8.4 ounce mine attached to three parachutes by 400 feet of wire. The idea was that an aeroplane hitting the wire would draw the mine towards itself where it would detonate. It was used extensively by British ships during the early days of the Second World War, but proved unreliable and ineffective in operation, prompting the withdrawal of the system during 1941. Tests in the U.K. had suggested that they were too dangerous to the population to be used at home and so they were tried out by the Royal Navy batteries at Tobruk.
A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant R. J. Carter, 122nd Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery Military Medal, G.V.R. (26874 Sjt: R. J. Carter. 122/Hy. By: R.G.A.); 1914-15 Star (26874. Gnr. R. J. Carter, R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (26874 Sjt. R. J. Carter. R.A.) very fine (4) £280-£320 --- M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. Robert J. Carter served during the Great War with the 122nd Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery in the French theatre of war from 8 March 1915.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private J. Jarman, Royal Fusiliers, late Northamptonshire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (G-66334 Pte. J. Jarman. 17/R. Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (46062 Pte. J. Jarman. North’n. R.) very fine (3) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. James Jarman, a native of Pitsea, Essex, was born in 1884 and was a steam plough driver prior to his attesting for the Northamptonshire Regiment. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front, before transferring to the Royal Fusiliers, and was awarded the Military Medal. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and various original documents including Divisional certificate for M.M., Protection Certificate, Certificate of Employment during the War, and notification to his wife or mother re admittance to No. 6 General Hospital Rouen, France, on 19 November 1917, with severe trench fever when serving in 12th Battalion Royal Fusiliers.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private E. Godfrey, 11th (Donegal and Fermanagh) Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was wounded by gun shot on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (17269 Pte. E. Godfrey. 11/R. Innis: Fus:) suspension neatly restored, with replacement retaining rod; 1914-15 Star (17269 Pte. E. Godfrey. R. Innis: Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (17269 Pte. E. Godfreu. R. Innis. Fus.) suspension ring on VM replaced, edge bruising and contact marks, about nearly very fine (4) £500-£700 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1918. Edward Godfrey, a native of Co. Monaghan, Ireland, was born in 1895 and attested for the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He served with the 11th (Donegal and Fermanagh) Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1915, and was wounded by gun shot to the back on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, on which date the Battalion was involved in support of the 36th (Ulster) Division’s attack at Thiepval Wood, suffering high casualties from machine gun fire upon leaving the wood and attempting to cross No Man’s Land. Awarded the Military Medal, he was discharged on 14 May 1918.
A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant H. M. Hill, 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (19843 L. Cpl H. M. Hill. 2/Worc: R.) minor edge bruise; 1914-15 Star (19843 Pte H. M. Hill. Worc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (19843 Cpl. H. M. Hill. Worc. R.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Howard M. Hill.) generally good very fine (5) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. Howard Morris Hill was born in 1883, and served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 3 May 1915. He was discharged 4 May 1919, and died aged 94, in Inkberrow, Worcestershire in February 1978.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant T. H. Briggs, 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, who was killed in action on 31 July 1917 Military Medal, G.V.R. (10513 Pte. T. H. Briggs. 2/E.Lanc: R.) nearly extremely fine £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 14 September 1916. Thomas Herbert Briggs was born at Darwen, Lancashire, and attested for the East Lancashire Regiment at Blackburn. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 6 November 1914, and was advanced Sergeant. He was killed in action on 31 July 1917; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and other research.
A rare Great War ‘Gallipoli’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private F. Dyer, 10th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, who was also Mentioned in Despatches Military Medal, G.V.R. (14938 Pte. F. Dyer. 10/Hants: R.); 1914-15 Star (14938 Pte. F. Dyer. Hamps: R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (14938 Pte. F. Dyer. Hamps. R.) toned, extremely fine (4) £600-£800 --- One of only 3 Military Medals awarded to the 10th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment for Gallipoli. M.M. London Gazette 26 April 1917 (Medal Index Card annotated: ‘Earned Gallipoli, Awarded Salonika’). Frederick Dyer attested for the Hampshire Regiment and served with the 10th Battalion during the Great War in Gallipoli from 5 August 1915. For his services in Gallipoli he was both awarded the Military Medal and Mentioned in General Sir Ian Hamilton’s Despatch (London Gazette 11 December 1915). He saw further service in Salonika, and was transferred Class ‘Z’ Reserve at the end of the War. Sold with the recipient’s original Mentioned in Despatches Certificate; copied Medal Index Card; and other research.
A Great War ‘Egyptian theatre’ M.M. pair awarded to Private G. Goddard, Hampshire Regiment, who was killed in action in Palestine on 20 November 1917 Military Medal, G.V.R. (241607 Pte. G. Goddard. 2/5 Hants: R. -T.F.); British War Medal 1914-20 (241607. Pte. G. Goddard. Hamps. R.); Memorial Plaque (George Goddard) in card envelope, edge cut to MM, the medals otherwise good very fine; the plaque heavily polished with drill holes at 1 and 11 o’clock, therefore fine (3) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 28 September 1917. George Goddard, a native of Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire, attested for the Hampshire Regiment at Southampton in November 1915 and served with the 2nd/5th Battalion during the Great War, initially in India, and then in Egypt. Awarded the Military Medal, he was killed in action in Palestine on 20 November 1917, and is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and other research.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Sergeant C. Callison, Manchester Regiment, who was killed in action on 26 August 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (3455 Cpl. C. Callison. 12/Manch. R.) minor contact marks and scratches to obverse, generally very fine £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 19 November 1917 Christopher Callison was born at Werneth, Lancashire and attested for the Manchester Regiment at Oldham. He served with the 12th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 9 May 1915, and was awarded the Military Medal - a research note with the medals states: ‘He captured machine guns and maintained the position afterwards. An Old Soldier he served in the South African War and was one of the men who enlisted in the great rush to the Colours in the Autumn of 1914. Rejoining the Army on September 17th of that year.’ Appointed Lance-Sergeant, he was killed in action on 26 August 1918, at the Battle of Thiepval Ridge, aged 39, and is buried at Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, France. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and other research. Note: No trace of him has been found on the medal rolls for the South African War.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant F. A. Sainsbury 1/21st Battalion, London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles), who was killed in action on the Western Front on 23 March 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (650077 Sjt. F. A. Sainsbury. 1/21 Lond: R.) minor edge bruise, very fine £260-£300 --- M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1918. Frederick Albert Sainsbury was born at Lewisham, and attested for the 21st Battalion, London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles) at Camberwell, London. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front, and was awarded the Military Medal in 1918, but was killed in action during the German Spring Offensive on 23 March 1918, only 10 days after the award of his M.M. had appeared in the London Gazette. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private F. G. Page, 21st Battalion, London Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (678233 Pte. F. G. Page. 21/Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (678233 Pte. F. G. Page. 21-Lond. R.) good very fine (3) £240-£280 --- M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Acting Staff Sergeant J. R. Coutts, 15th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, who was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry near Courcelette on 8 October 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (83964 Gnr. J. R. Coutts. Can: F.A.); 1914-15 Star (83964 Gnr: J. R. Coutts. Can: Fd: Art:); British War and Victory Medals (83964 A.S. Sjt. J. R. Coutts. C.F.A.) very fine and better (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916. The original Recommendation states: ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty on 8 October 1916, North of Courcelette, in maintaining the line from Battery to O.P. in Kenora trench, under continually heavy shell fire being practically buried on three occasions. His devotion to duty was of the greatest value to the Battery.’ James Russell Coutts was born at St. Thomas, Ontario in 1890, and attested for the 15th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, at Toronto on 12 January 1915. He disembarked in the U.K. on 8 June 1915, and landed in France in September 1915. Awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry on 8 October 1916, he was wounded in action in November 1916, with gun shot wounds to both legs, and was discharged on 25 March 1919. Sold with copied service papers.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private R. J. Lewis, 8th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was wounded on the Western Front on 2 September 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (234816 Pte. R. J. Lewis. 8/Man. R.); British War and Victory Medals (234816 Pte. R. J. Lewis. 8-Can. Inf.) mounted as worn, good very fine (3) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919. Roy James Lewis was born at Linngrove, Iowa, United States of America on 21 July 1896 and attested for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force at Lajord, Saskatchewan, on 22 April 1916. He served with the 8th Battalion, Manitoba Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front, and was wounded by gunshot to the left shoulder, head, and chest on 2 September 1918. Awarded the Military Medal, he was discharged medically unfit due to wounds, on 4 July 1919. He died in Vancouver on 20 June 1973.
A scarce Second War 1945 Pathfinder’s D.F.M. and Second Award Bar group of five awarded to Lancaster flight engineer Flight Sergeant J. R. Hughes, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 67 operational sorties with 582 Squadron, often employed as a Marker Crew, and on occasion as a Master Bomber crew Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated ‘1945’ (1125877. F/Sgt. J. R. Hughes. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, very fine (5) £4,000-£5,000 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 16 January 1945. The original Recommendation states: ‘Flight Sergeant Hughes is Flight Engineer of a most experienced marker crew that frequently functions as Master Bomber. In the course of a long tour of operations, the crew has attacked many heavily defended targets with success. During an attack on Osnabrück on 13th September, 1944, operating as Master Bomber, the aircraft was engaged almost continuously by heavy flak. Flight Sergeant Hughes’ conduct throughout was exemplary and the Captain was able to rely implicitly on his assistance with the engines. Flight Sergeant Hughes is consistently reliable and cool under fire. He is recommended for a non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. Remarks by Station Commander: This N.C.O. has completed many sorties, some of them over the most heavily defended targets in Germany and occupied territory. He has always displayed courage, reliability and coolness of the highest order and is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’ D.F.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 21 September 1945. The original Recommendation states: ‘Flight Sergeant Hughes, during a long tour of operations, has shown himself to be an exceptionally fine crew member. In the early part of his tour as Flight Engineer he showed exceptional keenness and efficiency, and since becoming a Visual Bomb Aimer his operational results have been of a consistently high standard. Throughout, his courage and coolness, together with his insatiable desire to press home his attacks with great skill, regardless of opposition, have been an inspiration to all, and he is strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Medal. Remarks by Station Commander: Flight Sergeant Hughes is possessed of exceptional determination. He has achieved his results by unfailing persistence and continues to strike hard and often at the enemy. The Award is strongly recommended.’ John Rhys Hughes served during the Second War as a Sergeant and Flight Engineer with 582 Squadron (Lancasters) operating out of Little Staughton from April 1944. He was crewed with Flight Lieutenant (later Squadron Leader) N. S. ‘Min’ Mingard as his pilot - the crew operating as a marker crew, and with Mingard employed as Master Bomber on a number of raids. Hughes flew in at least 67 operational sorties with the Squadron between April 1944 - April 1945, including: Noisy-le-Sec; Cologne (2); Dusseldorf (2); Karlsruhe; Essen (2); Nantes; Cap-Gris-Nez; Louvain; Boulogne (2); Duisburg (3); Aachen; Rennes; Foret-de-Cerisy; Laval; Lens; Coubronne; Oisement (2); Blainville-sur-Leau; Coqueraux; L’Hey; Nucourt; St. Philibert le Ferme (2); Nucourt; Vaires; Cabourg; Dijon; Russelheim (2); Stettin (2); Ghent; Bremen; Kiel (2); Agenville; Le Havre (3); Frankfurt; Osnabruck; Saarbrucken; Scholven Buer; Wilhelmshaven; Stuttgart; Homburg; Munster; Coblenz; Aschaffenburg; Kamen; Chemnitz; Dessau; Kessel; Castrop Rauxel; Hanau; Sterkrade; Hannover; Lutzkendorf and Plauen. The crew also included Bill Heane as Navigator I, and additional insight into their service is given by him in Master Bombers, The Experiences of a Pathfinder Squadron at War 1944-45, by S. Feast: ‘Our skipper, Squadron Leader ‘Min’ Mingard, used to say that if you’re at the front of the queue you’ve got more chance of making it back. It worked. We flew 57 [sic] trips on Pathfinders on an extended tour, six as master bomber and one as deputy master bomber. And survived.’ The rest of the crew included Gordon Blake, nav two, and Arnold Bowyer, wireless operator, ‘Blakey’ had been born in Nairobi, whereas Arnold Bowyer, with whom Bill was particularly friendly, came from a family of butchers in South London... The two gunners were Fred Holl and Ken Moye who started out as mid-upper and rear gunners respectively, but later changed positions... The flight engineer was Ron [sic] Hughes. To begin with they were posted from Warboys Pathfinder NTU to 156 Squadron, but in the event they were sent directly to 582 Squadron, arriving as one of the first intake on April 1, 1944. The first trip to Noisy-le-Sec on the 18th passed without incident; two days later, however, was a very different story. The target was Cologne, never an easy trip. Four groups were taking part, 379 aircraft in all, including 13 Lancasters from 582. Among them was ND 438 ‘B’ Baker, a Lancaster III being navigated by Flying Officer Bill Heane. The flight out was almost exactly two hours, and they arrived over the target to see the first red/yellow flares going down. Despite the cloud the radar navigator identified the target using his H2S set, and their load of six 2,000-pounders went down from 18,000ft, adding further damage to an already concentrated effort that would ultimately account for nearly 2,000 homes destroyed and a further 2,000 damaged. It was just after two in the morning. And then they were hit: “We got well peppered by flak, Gordon Blake, navigator two, was sat at the H2S set. I was leaning over the chart as we were going in on our bombing run. Suddenly there was a great noise as shell splinters smashed the side of the aircraft. We both shot to our feet, and turned to one another, our mouths open, but no screams coming out. ‘They missed us Blakey,’ I said. He just nodded.” Over the coming next few weeks the crew were ‘coned’ over Dusseldorf, and on the receiving end of more flak over Louvain. By ‘the end of July the crew had served their apprenticeship as Pathfinders and been promoted through the ranks... On August 31, they were ready for their first sortie in charge, as master bomber for an attack on the V2 rocket storage facilities at Agenville.’ (Ibid) Sadly weather conditions were against them, and the raid was not a success. There were in the thick of it again, during a series of raids on Le Havre: ‘There was no time to dwell on what had been, only to look forward to what was coming, and in the first two weeks of September [1944], Bomber Command only had one target in mind: Le Havre. In the advance through France, Belgium and Holland, the Allies had left behind them various pockets of resistance that now required mopping up. The Germans had in effect created fortresses that on the dramatic orders of the Führer were to hold out to the death. The Allies, however, had no wish to lose their own troops for no significant gain, and turned to Bomber Command to deal with the most important that had been singled out for special attention. One of these was Le Havre, whose garrison under the command of Oberst Eberhard Wildermuth comprised more than 11,000 men, 115 guns of all calibres, and enough rations to hold out for 90 days. As it transpired, Bomber Command dealt with this potentially tough nut in the space of seven days, with seven daylight attacks involving 1,863 aircraft dropping 9,500 tons of bombs.’ (Ibid) Hughes’ crew took part in the raids on Le Havre on the 8th, 9th and 10th September: ‘The attack on the 8th had to be...
An outstanding Second War ‘1942’ Wellington and Lancaster navigator’s D.F.M. awarded to Flying Officer J. W. Oldham, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 43 operational sorties, with 142 and 97 (Strait Settlements) Squadrons, including the first Thousand Bomber Raids to Cologne and Essen. Oldham was involved in a remarkable act of valour, whilst on a raid to Bizerta, Tunisia, when his Wellington was forced to cruise over the target for 20 minutes whilst he and two others had to use an axe to release a 4,000lb. bomb which had become fixed by icing - ‘Oldham then got an axe and made a hole in the bottom of the fuselage, big enough for him to put his head and shoulders through. With Johnson holding his legs, Oldham then hung through the fuselage and chipped away at the ice until he was tired, when Johnson took his place. Flight Sergt C. E. Dlaney, of Quebec City, the rear gunner, also had a turn, and eventually the ice was cleared. Fairly heavy flak was coming up all the time the airmen were chipping away. Once the bomb was free of the ice, Johnson went back to his bomb sight and, at the right moment, shouted to the other two to let it go. Both airmen then gave a lusty push with their feet, and another 4,000 pounder crashed into an Axis target.’ Oldham was killed in action whilst on a raid on targets in the Normandy Battle Zone, 30 July 1944 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1053632. F/Sgt. J. W. Oldham. R.A.F.) mounted on investiture pin, in Royal Mint case of issue, toned, extremely fine £2,000-£2,400 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 12 January 1943. The original Recommendation states: ‘F/Sgt. Oldham has successfully completed twenty operational sorties over enemy territory. By his keenness, courage and determination this N.C.O. has set a fine example to the rest of the crew and is largely responsible for the high number of successful trips they have completed in the face of the heaviest enemy defences. On the ground his keenness and devotion to his job have been a splendid example to the other Navigators in the Squadron and has done much to raise the standard throughout the Squadron. One night near the end of August the machine of which he was Navigator was very roughly handled by the enemy defences over the Ruhr and was forced well to the south of the intended track. By his high degree of skill this Observer was successful in navigating his damaged machine safely back to an aerodrome in this country. His coolness and cheerful confidence on this occasion were a fine example to the rest of his crew. Remarks by Station Commander: F/Sgt. Oldham is an extremely steady and competent observer who can always be relied upon to produce the best results. Under his quiet manner he possesses great courage and determination. He is a great asset to a very good squadron.’ James Wolstenholme Oldham was born in December 1921, and was a native of Bebington, Cheshire. He served operationally as a navigator with 142 Squadron (Wellingtons), Grimsby, from May 1942, and flew a tour with them including: St. Nazaire; the Thousand Bomber Raid to Cologne, 30/31 May 1942; Essen (4), including The Thousand Bomber Raid, 1/2 June 1942; Duisberg (2); Hamburg; Dusseldorf; Flensburg; Frankfurt; Kassel; Saarbrucken and Krefeld. Oldham moved with a detachment of the Squadron to North Africa in December 1942, and operated with them from Blida in Algeria. He flew a number of sorties, including an extraordinary attack on Bizerta: ‘This is the story of the crew of a Wellington bomber which used an axe to release a 4,000lb. bomb which became fixed by icing when the bomber was raiding Bizerta, and the machine, flying at 11,000ft, met with severe icing conditions, causing the release mechanism to fail. The Wellington cruised over the target for about 20 minutes whilst the front and rear gunners hacked away the ice which had formed on the couplings. All three members had to lean perilously while they hacked away, and when finally they succeeded in getting most of the ice away they pushed it into space with their feet and watched it burst with a terrific flash smack in the target area. “I had just got the target beautifully into my bomb sight,” said Sergt. A. S. Johnson, of Seaham, Durham, the front gunner and bomb aimer, “when I found the release gear had packed up. I tried three times to get the bomb away, but it wouldn’t drop. When I went to the bomb bay I found that the couplings underneath the bomb had iced up.” Johnson and the Navigator Flight Sergt. J. W. Oldham, of Bebington, Cheshire, tried to unscrew the couplings, but the ice was too thick. Oldham then got an axe and made a hole in the bottom of the fuselage, big enough for him to put his head and shoulders through. With Johnson holding his legs, Oldham then hung through the fuselage and chipped away at the ice until he was tired, when Johnson took his place. Flight Sergeant C. E. Dlaney, of Quebec City, the rear gunner, also had a turn, and eventually the ice was cleared. Fairly heavy flak was coming up all the time the airmen were chipping away. Once the bomb was free of the ice, Johnson went back to his bomb sight and, at the right moment, shouted to the other two to let it go. Both airmen then gave a lusty push with their feet, and another 4,000 pounder crashed into an Axis target.’ (Newspaper cutting included with the lot refers) Remarkably Oldham’s gallantry was not recognised in this instance, and he subsequently transferred to 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron (Lancasters) at Coningsby in June 1944. His commanding officer, Wing Commander A. W. Heward, wrote the following to Oldham’s widow, 30 July 1944: ‘I deeply regret to confirm that your husband, Flying Officer J. W. Oldham, failed to return from operations this morning, 30th July, 1944, and I wish to express the sympathy of the whole Squadron with you in your anxiety. Flying Officer Oldham was taking part in an attack on a target near Cahagnes, France, as navigator in the aircraft, of which no news has since been received.... Your husband came to this Squadron early in June with a record of thirty-five operational sorties to his credit, and was completing his eighth with us, the majority of the latter being against objectives on the Normandy front. He was most enthusiastic in his duties and proved himself to a be most efficient and reliable navigator whose loss will be deeply felt by us all....’ Oldham was later confirmed as killed in action, 30 July 1944, after his Lancaster piloted by Flight Lieutenant H. A. B. Baker ‘T/O 0545 Coningsby to attack enemy strong points in the Normandy battle zone. Set on fire in the port inner engine, the blaze soon spreading to engulf the entire wing. The order to bale out was given and at around 0800 the Lancaster crashed SE of St-Lô in the Department of Manche.’ (Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War by W. R. Chorely refers) Three members of the crew survived, and were taken prisoner of war. Flying Officer Oldham is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Sold with the following related items and documents: Observer’s Brevet; recipient’s Briarwood Pipe; riband bar for first two awards; R.A.F. Identity Card; R.A.F. Navigator’s Certificate Second Class, dated 17 September 1942; Air Ministry correspondence with recipient’s widow with regard to his death, and a letter to her from his commanding officer Wing Commander A. W. Heward, dated 30 July 1944; a number of photographs of recipient in uniform - including one smoking his pipe; and a number of newspaper cuttings.
A fine post-War ‘Malaya’ B.E.M. pair awarded to Corporal L. C. Bentley, Royal Hampshire Regiment British Empire Medal (Military) E.II.R. (22882320 Cpl. Lawrence C. Bentley, R. Hamps.); General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., 1 clasp, Malaya (22882320 Pte. L. Bentley R. Hamps.) nearly extremely fine (2) £600-£800 --- Provenance: Richard Schweder Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2008. B.E.M. London Gazette 31 May 1955: ‘In recognition of distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1 July to 31 December 1954.’ The original Recommendation, dated 8 November 1954, states: ‘On 8 March 1954 Corporal Bentley was a member of a patrol, which was wading the Sungei Kiau. The two leading men in the patrol suddenly got into deep water and were swept away. Corporal Bentley, who was third in the order of march handed his rifle to the man behind him and immediately swam to the assistance of the second man and swam with him to the bank. In the meantime the fourth man was swept away dropping both weapons. Corporal Bentley dived into the river which was flowing at some nine knots and brought him to the bank despite the fact that the man’s struggles threatened to drown both. Corporal Bentley then continued diving for two hours in water some 12-14 feet deep and himself recovered both weapons. Later that day the patrol had to cross the same river. While doing so the leading scout sustained an attack of cramp and was swept downstream and entangled in a fallen tree. Corporal Bentley again dived in, disentangled the scout and swam with him to the bank despite the fact that the scout was doubled up and incapable. Corporal Bentley then dived for the scout’s lost weapon and continued diving in the full force of the current and despite the entanglement of fallen trees until he recovered the weapon when about at the point of exhaustion. On 8 July 1954 at 05:00 hrs Corporal Bentley was one of 16 men in the back of a semi-armoured 3 ton lorry which slipped off an estate road and turned over 1 and half times down a steep bank. Corporal Bentley immediately took charge of an extremely confused situation shouting at everyone to keep quiet and stop where they were. He himself visited every man to ascertain his injuries and by his presence of mind and cheerful encouragement controlled the situation until his platoon commander arrived. At first light it was discovered that a Lance Corporal was trapped under the vehicle. Corporal Bentley worked continuously until 11:30 hrs to free the man, despite the chances of the lorry turning over again and killing both of them. The Lance Corporal was eventually released. Throughout both incidents Corporal Bentley’s complete disregard of fatigue and his own personal safety were an inspiration to all ranks.’
Pair: Colour Sergeant J. Gostelow, Hampshire Regiment India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1887-89 (726 Sergt. J. Gostelow, 1st. Bn. Hamps. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (726 C. Sgt. J. Gostelow, Hampshire Regt.) light contact marks, nearly very fine and better (2) £240-£280 --- James Gostelow was born in Holybourne, near Alton, Hampshire, in 1864 and attested for the Hampshire Regiment in Winchester on 16 February 1883, having perviously served in the Regiment’s 3rd (Militia) Battalion. He served with the 1st Battalion in India and Burma from 9 January 1886 to 1 March 1893, and was advanced Colour Sergeant on 23 January 1892. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 163 of 1901, and was discharged at Exeter on 15 May 1906, after 23 years and 90 days’ service; for the final three years of his service he acted as Instructor to ‘H’ (Cowes) Company, Isle of Wight Volunteers. Sold with copied record of service and other research.
Three: Private C. F. Eales, Hampshire Regiment, who saw subsequent service as a Police Constable in the City of London Police India General Service 1854-95, 3 clasps, Burma 1889-92, Burma 1887-89, Burma 1885-7, clasps remounted in this order, as usual, with top lugs removed (1393, Pte. C. F. Eales, 2nd Bn. Hamps. R.); Jubilee 1897, City of London Police (P.C. 873 C. F. Eales); Coronation 1902, City of London Police (P.C. C. F. Eales) contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise generally very fine (3) £300-£400 --- Charles Frederick Eales, a labourer from Dummer, Basingstoke, Hampshire, enlisted into the Hampshire Regiment aged 24 years on 19 February 1884, after 93 days earlier service in the Berkshire Militia. He was discharged on 18 February 1896 after service in Malta, East India and Burma. His three clasp Indian General Service Medal is confirmed on his service records. He joined the City of London Police on 11 February 1892, serving until his death, caused by Aortic Stenosis, aged 37 years, on 28 February 1905. Sold with copy service records, correspondence from the City of London Police and copied death certificate.
Four: Driver G. Purcer, Royal Field Artillery Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1902 (14201 Dvr. R. [sic]. Purcer R.F.A.) partially officially corrected; 1914 Star, with later slide clasp (14201 Gnr. G. Purcer. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (14201 Dvr. G. Purcer. R.A.) contact marks and minor edge bruising, polished and worn, therefore fine, the Great War awards better (4) £160-£200 --- George Purcer was born at Lambeth, Surrey and attested for the Royal Field Artillery at Barrow in Furness on 30 January 1901, at the age of 22. He served in the South Africa during the Boer War, and with 29th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 23 August 1914. Awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, he was discharged at Woolwich in January 1922. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and other research.
Four: Warrant Officer Class II W. Coldwell, Cheshire Regiment, later South Lancashire Regiment Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (3828 Sejt. W. Coldwell. Ches: Regt.); British War and Victory Medals (37088 W.O. Cl. 2. W. Coldwell. S. Lan. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (3828 Sjt. W. Coldwell Ches. R.) mounted as worn, contact marks to first and last, otherwise nearly very fine (4) £160-£200 --- William Coldwell was born in Philadelphia, United States of America, and attested for the Cheshire Regiment at Sheffield, Yorkshire, on 12 August 1892, having previously served in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Yorkshire Light Infantry. He served with the Cheshire Regiment in South Africa during the Boer War, and was discharged on 11 August 1913, after 21 years’ service. Following the outbreak of the Great War he re-enlisted into the South Lancashire Regiment on 24 September 1914, and after a spell in the Depot and then a Training Reserve Battalion, was posted to 9th Battalion, serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force from 1 January 1917 to 8 March 1919.
Four: Sergeant T. Barnes, Hampshire Regiment, later Wiltshire Regiment Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, unofficial rivets between state and date clasps (127 Pte. T. Barnes. Hampshire Regt.); 1914-15 Star (3-849 L. Cpl. T. Barnes. Wilts: R.); British War and Victory Medals (3-849 Sjt. T. Barnes. Wilts. R.) suspension claw on QSA repinned, toned, good very fine (4) £200-£240 --- Thomas Barnes was born in Romsey, Hampshire, in 1877 and attested for the Hampshire Regiment at Winchester on 17 January 1900, having previously served in the Regiment’s 1st Volunteer Battalion. He served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa from 16 March 1901 to 13 May 1902, and was discharged on 12 June 1902. Following the outbreak of the Great War he re-enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment, and served with the 3rd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 19 July 1915. Sold with a copied photographic image of the recipient taken during the Boer War; and copied attestation papers, medal roll extracts, and Medal Index card.
Five: Private J. Oakley, Hampshire Regiment, who was killed in action at the Battle of Frezenberg on 10 May 1915 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (6809 Pte. J. Oakley, Hampshire Regt); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (5809 Pte. J. Oakley, 1st. Hamp. Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (5809 Pte. J. Oakley (1/ Hamps. R.); British War and Victory Medals (5809 Pte. J. Oakley, Hamps. R.) slight scratches and some edge knocks to the QSA and AGS, otherwise generally very fine (5) £300-£400 --- James Oakley, from Cutpound, Hampshire, was born in Alton and enlisted at Winchester. After seeing earlier service in the Boer War and the Somaliland 1902-04 campaign, he served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 20 September 1914, and was killed in action on 10 May 1915 during the Battle of Frezenberg, an action of the Second Battle of Ypres. He is buried in Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Zillebeke, Belgium.
Three: Drummer R. Perritt, Hampshire Regiment Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Transvaal (4082 Dr: R. Perrett, 2: Hampshire Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4082 Dmr: R. Perrett. Hampshire Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (4082 Dmr: R. Perrett. Hants: Regt.) contact marks, nearly very fine, the LS&GC better (3) £240-£280 --- Richard Perrett was born in Gosport, Hampshire, in 1875 and attested there for the Hampshire Regiment on 24 May 1893, having previously served in the Regiment’s 3rd (Militia) Battalion. Appointed a Drummer on 20 June 1897, he served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War 4 January 1900 to 28 September 1902, and was discharged on 29 July 1911, after 18 years and 67 days’ service. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal per Army Order 280 of October 1911. In later life he was employed as a Civilian Storekeeper at the Fleet Air Arm Station, and died in Eastleigh, Hampshire, on 10 February 1950. Sold with copied service record; a group photographic image of the recipient as part of the Football Team that won the Inter-Company League Cup in 1907; and other research.
Four: Sergeant W. C. Rogers, South African Constabulary, later Royal Fusiliers, Northumberland Fusiliers, and Royal Air Force Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, unofficial rivets between state and date clasps (1195 Tpr: W. C. Rogers. S.A.C.); 1914-15 Star (403 Sjt. W. C. Rogers. R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (403 Sjt. C. [sic] Rogers. North’d Fus.) staining to reverse of star, otherwise about very fine (4) £140-£180 --- Note: The recipient has two Medal Index Cards fro the Great War (hence why his unit is different on the British War and Victory Medal pair from the Star). The first, for the issue of the 1914-15 Star, lists him as 403 Sergeant W. C. Rogers, Royal Fusiliers, later 139774 Sergeant, Royal Flying Corps; the second, for the British War and Victory Medals, lists him as 403 Sergeant C. Rogers, Northumberland Fusiliers, later 139774 Sergeant, Royal Air Force.
Three: Private R. J. Hutcheson, 3rd (The King’s Own) Hussars, later 7th (The Queen’s Own) Hussars 1914 Star, with later slide clasp (6003 Pte. R. J. Hutcheson. 3/Hrs.); British War and Victory Medals (6003 Pte. R. J. Hutcheson 7-Hrs.) better than very fine (3) £100-£140 --- Robert J. Hutcheson attested for the Corps of Hussars and served in both the 3rd and 7th Hussars during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 August 1914. His Medal Index Card also notes that he served with the County of London Yeomanry. He survived the Great War and was transferred to Class ‘Z’ Army Reserve on 23 March 1919. The medal rolls and Medal Index Card further note that at some time he used the alias of David Websper. The 3rd Hussars formed part of the 4th Cavalry Brigade in Allenby’s Cavalry Division. They held the line at Mons at Conde until 23 August 1914 when they were relieved by the 19th Infantry Brigade. They played an important role in the battle for Le Cateau and they relieved the hard pressed 1st Cavalry Brigade at Nery in September. On 9 September 1914 they were holding the bridges across the Marne. At the end of October they were fighting in the fields between Messines and Wytschaete during the 1st Battle of Ypres.
Four: Sergeant R. Catley, Hampshire Regiment, later Second Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, who was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1917 1914 Star, with clasp (9179 L. Cpl. R. Catley. 1/Hamps: R.); British War and Victory Medals (9179 Sjt. R. Catley. Hamps. R.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (9179 Sjt: R. Catley. 1/Hants: R.) minor edge nicks, nearly extremely fine (4) £240-£280 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1917. Robert Catley attested for the Hampshire Regiment and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 23 August 1914. Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, he was subsequently commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force on 22 February 1919.
Three: Private F. Brown, Wiltshire Regiment 1914 Star, with later slide clasp (7764 Pte. F. Brown. 1/Wilts. R.); British War and Victory Medals (7764 Pte. F. Brown. Wilts. R.) lightly polished and traces of old lacquer, very fine (3) £100-£140 --- Frank Brown attested for the Wiltshire Regiment and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914. He survived the war and was transferred to Class ‘Z’ Army Reserve on 10 July 1919.
Three: Sergeant G. I’Anson, East Lancashire Regiment, who was wounded at Armentieres on 16 November 1914 1914 Star (10377 Sjt. G. Ianson [sic]. 1/E. Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals (10377 Sjt. G. I’Anson. E. Lan. R.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £120-£160 --- George I’Anson (also recorded as Ianson) was born at Salford, Lancashire in 1890 and attested for the East Lancashire Regiment at Manchester in October 1910. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 22 August 1914 to 19 November 1914, and again from 19 October 1916 to 14 March 1917, and received a severe gun shot or shrapnel wound to the left leg at Armentieres on 16 November 1914. He was transferred to Section ‘B’ Army Reserve on 25 March 1919, after 8 years and 165 days’ service.
Three: Private C. Cooper, East Lancashire Regiment, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War in the Spring Offensive of 1917 1914 Star (5591 Pte. C. Cooper. 1/E Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals (5591 Pte. C. Cooper. E. Lan. R.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £120-£160 --- Charles Cooper was born on 8 May 1893, and was a resident of Bacup, Lancashire. He attested for the East Lancashire Regiment and served in ‘D’ Company, 1st Battalion, during the Great War on the Western Front from 22 August 1914. He was captured and taken prisoner of war at Oppy Wood, near Arras, during the British Spring Offensive in April 1917, and was initially held at Douai Camp. At the time of his capture he was recorded as having wounds to his head and nose.
Four: Sergeant G. W. Bowie, Welsh Regiment, later Royal Engineers 1914 Star (9642 Pte. G. W. Bowie. 2/Welsh R.); British War and Victory Medals (9642 Sjt. G. W. Bowie. Welsh R.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (George William Bowie) good very fine (4) £100-£140 --- George William Bowie attested for the Welsh Regiment and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 August 1914. He transferred to the Royal Engineers on 5 May 1917, and served with the Roads and Quarries Section, being advanced Sergeant. In civilian life Bowie was employed as a postman in south-west London, and was awarded his Imperial Service Medal upon his retirement in 1948 (London Gazette 2 April 1948). Sold with copied research.
Three: Private C. Goodyer, 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who died of wounds at Bailleul on 1 November 1914, following the action at La Boutillerie during the Battle of Armentières 1914 Star (L-10656 Pte. C. Goodyer. 1/Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (L.10656 C. Goodyer. Midd’x R.) some staining to VM, otherwise very fine (3) £140-£180 --- Charles Goodyer (also recorded as Goodyear) was born at Kilburn and attested for the Middlesex Regiment at Mill Hill, Middlesex. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 August 1914, and died of wounds at No. 2 Casualty Clearing Hospital, Bailleul, on 1 November 1914, following the action at La Boutillerie during the Battle of Armentières. He is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. He is listed with a brief entry in the ‘De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour’.
Three: Corporal F. G. Thomas, Wiltshire Regiment and Machine Gun Corps 1914 Star (7580 Pte. F. G. Thomas 1/Wilts. R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (7580 Cpl. F. C. [sic] Thomas. Wilts. R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (7580 Cpl. F. G. Thomas. Wilts. R.) contact marks, very fine (3) £120-£160 --- Frederick G. Thomas was born at Swindon, Wiltshire, in 1888 and attested there for the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment on 2 July 1906. He transferred to the 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment on a regular engagement on 25 August 1906, and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 28 August 1914. Promoted Corporal, he subsequently transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, and was discharged on 31 March 1920.
Three: Acting Warrant Officer Class II T. Hollies, York and Lancaster Regiment, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Lagnicourt on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, 21 March 1918 1914 Star (10426 Pte. T. Hollies. 2/York: & Lanc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (10426 A.W.O. Cl. 2 T. Hollies. Y. & L.R.) contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £100-£140 --- Thomas Hollies was born in Worcestershire on 9 April 1893 and attested for the York and Lancaster Regiment. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 9 September 1914, and is recorded as having suffered from Dysentery in October 1916, when admitted to No. 39 Casualty Clearing Station. Advanced Acting Warrant Officer Class II, he was captured and taken prisoner of war at Lagnicourt on 21 March 1918, the first day of the German Spring Offensive: he was recorded as having been wounded in the right hip at the time of his capture.
![Three: Private R. E. Court, Rifle Brigade 1914 Star (5583 Pte. E. [sic] Court. 3/Rif: Brig.); British War and Victory Medals](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/710b54bc-4beb-45f1-b916-ae4e00cedc3d/87ff80cf-a161-4b45-9f44-ae4e00eec88a/468x382.jpg)
Three: Private R. E. Court, Rifle Brigade 1914 Star (5583 Pte. E. [sic] Court. 3/Rif: Brig.); British War and Victory Medals (5583 A-Cpl. R. E. Court. Rif. Brig.) some spotting to star, nearly very fine (3) £120-£160 --- Richard Edward Court was born in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, and attested there for the Rifle Brigade on 5 August 1914. He served in both the 3rd and 6th Battalions during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 October 1914 to 1915, and in the Balkans from 1915 to 1916. He was discharged at Winchester, no longer physically fit for war service, on 1 December 1917, having suffered from malaria and dysentery, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, no. 279866.
Three: Gunner W. R. Adams, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (Gnr. W. R. Adams, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Gnr. W. R. Adams. R.N.) nearly very fine Three: Ordinary Seaman O. S. Fry, Royal Navy British War and Victory Medals (L.2429 E. P. Fry. O.S.1 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (L.2429 E. P. Fry. O.S.1. H.M.S. Excellent.) polished and worn, therefore fine and better (6) £100-£140 --- Ernest Percy Fry was born on the Isle of Wight on 15 July 1894 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Servant on 1 November 1910. He served during the Great War as an Officers Steward, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 19 September 1927. He was advanced Chief Petty Officer Steward on 25 January 1934, and was shore pensioned on 9 September 1934. He was briefly recalled for service during the Second World War, serving in H.M.S. Dolphin from 31 July 1939.
Family Group: Three: Stoker First Class J. Wood, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when H.M.S. Hampshire was sunk on 5 June 1916 1914-15 Star (SS.115800 J. Wood, Sto.1, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (SS.115800 J. Wood. Sto.1 R.N.); Memorial Plaque (James Wood) very fine Three: Stoker First Class W. R. Wood, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (SS.115928 W. R. Wood, Sto.1, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (SS.115928 W. R. Wood. Sto.1 R.N.) very fine (7) £400-£500 --- James Wood was born in Liverpool on 12 January 1896 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 11 June 1914. Posted to H.M.S. Hampshire on 6 February 1915, he was promoted Stoker First Class on 1 July 1915, and was killed in action when the Hampshire, conveying Field Marshal Lord Kitchener on a diplomatic mission to Russia, struck a German-mine off Orkney on 5 June 1916 and sank within 15 minutes with the loss of 737 lives. There were only 12 survivors. Wood is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. William Robert Wood was born in Liverpool on 13 May 1895 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 22 July 1914. Posted to H.M.S. Achilles on 10 December 1914, he was promoted Stoker First Class on 1 May 1915, and remained in her for virtually the entire War. He was shore demobilised on 15 January 1920, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. Sold with copied records of service, medal roll extracts, and other research.
Four: Lieutenant J. H. Tudor, Royal Naval Reserve and Mercantile Marine 1914-15 Star (Mid. J. H. Tudor, R.N.R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. J. H. Tudor. R.N.R.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (John H. Tudor); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Lieut. J. H. Tudor. R.N.R.) good very fine Victory Medal 1914-19 (Capt. C. W. Trousdale. R.N.) nearly very fine (5) £100-£140 --- Charles William Trousdale was born on 25 March 1875, the son of the Reverend R. Trousdale, of Southsea, Hampshire, and entered the Royal Navy as a Midshipman on 15 February 1890. He was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on 25 March 1894, and was promoted Lieutenant on 30 June 1896, and Commander on 31 December 1907. He served during the Great War in command of the Canadian Armed Merchant Cruiser Eskimo from 23 November 1914 to 23 March 1915, and the seaplane carrier Riviera from 7 October 1916 to 25 June 1917. Among various shore appointments he served at Suda Bay and Haulbowline Yard, Ireland He retired due to ill-health with the rank of Captain on 1 February 1918, and died on 13 July 1919. Sold with copied research.
Three: Private H. R. Meaker, 3rd (The King’s Own) Hussars 1914-15 Star (16570 Pte. H. R. Meaker. 3rd. Hrs.); British War and Victory Medals (16570 Pte. H. R. Meaker. 3-Hrs.) nearly extremely fine (3) £60-£80 --- Harold Robert Meaker was born at Ilchester, Somerset on 9 September 1887, and attested for the 3rd Hussars. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 March 1915, and transferred to Class ‘Z’ Army Reserve on 13 February 1919. Sold together with an original postcard photograph of the recipient on horseback.
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