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Three: Drummer P. Hughes, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, who was killed in action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 10 March 1915 1914 Star (10031 Dmr: P. Hughes. 2/R. Sc: Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (10031 Pte. P. Hughes. R. S. Fus.) ring suspension missing from Victory Medal, with replacement suspender now also detached, Memorial Plaque (Peter Hughes), medals heavily worn, therefore fine, the plaque somewhat better (4) £140-£180 --- Peter Hughes was born in Govan, Glasgow and attested for the Royal Scots Fusiliers at Paisley in 1909 or 1910. He served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 2nd Battalion from 6 October 1914 and was killed in action on 10 March 1915, the first day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. His Dependant’s Pension was awarded to Agnes O’Brien Hughes and, having no known grave, he is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France. Sold with a cut out photograph of the recipient wearing a Glengarry cap.

Three: Lieutenant C. A. Campbell, 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, who was killed in action near Audregnies during the Retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (Lieut C. A. Campbell, Ches. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieutenant C. A. Campbell.); Memorial Plaque (Charles Arthur Campbell); together with a Cheshire Regiment cap badge and a framed portrait photograph of the recipient in uniform, this last contained in a small bronze oval frame, plaque with small drill holes at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, otherwise extremely fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- Charles Arthur Campbell was born on 3 June 1891 at Paddington, London. He was the eldest son of Arthur and Annabella Campbell of Wye House, Downview Road, West Worthing, Sussex and was educated at Downside School and the Royal Military College Sandhurst where he became a Gentleman Cadet. Having entered the Cheshire Regiment as a Second Lieutenant on 11 October 1911, he was posted to the 1st Battalion in Ireland and received advancement to Lieutenant on 4 April 1914. With the onset of war, Campbell landed at Havre with his battalion on 16 August 1914 and a week later was entrenched with D Company, under Captain E. R. Jones, astride the Mons Road. Pressured into a withdrawal, on 24 August Lieutenant-Colonel D. C. Boger, in command of the battalion, deployed his companies in an unprepared defensive line in open fields between the 1st Norfolk’s positions to the north east in front of Èlouges and the 9th Lancers at Audregnies. Here then, under orders to hold up the enemy advance to allow the bulk of the 5th Division to retreat, this rearguard started to come under attack from four enemy regiments, each of three battalions, advancing from Quiévrain and Bois de Déduit to the north. Failing to receive the order to retire from his superior - Colonel Ballard of the 1st Norfolks - Boger believed his Battalion was to hold its ground at all costs, thus condemning it to virtual annihilation. D Company, positioned on the right flank straddling the railway line near Elouges and close to the Norfolks, became aware of the order to retire sooner than most however - as described in the regimental history of the Cheshire Regiment: ‘Captain Jones, with support platoons of “D” Company on the right, must have received early news of the withdrawal, either from the groups of cavalry which were retiring through his position or from the left company of the 1st Norfolks. Although it is impossible to say with any accuracy at what time the various occurrences took place - everyone was too fully occupied to glance at their watches - it seems clear that these platoons started to retire down the mineral railway about the same time as the two left platoons of “B” Company withdrew from the left flank (3 p.m.)’ Captain Jones, Lieutenant Campbell and other men from D Company are known to have retreated to the Audregnies-Elouges Road and at some point in the confusion of the afternoon they encountered Major Chetwynd-Stapleton, the senior regimental major who, recognising the dangerous position of B Company on the left and the importance of Audregnies for the security of the left flank, was trying to find Lieutenant-Colonel Boger. As he left, Chetwynd-Stapleton gave orders for Lieutenants Campbell and Matterson to reinforce Captain Shore of B Company on the left. Campbell was shot and killed shortly afterwards: ‘Matterson led the way, with Campbell about a yard behind him, and in passing an exposed gap, where the bank was low and exposed to fire, Campbell - a most popular young officer - was shot through the head by machine gun bullets. He was temporarily buried near to where he fell and a few days later removed to the cemetery at Audregnies. (The Cheshire Regiment and the Miniature Colour at Mons by F. Simpson refers) Lieutenant Matterson’s own account of the Battle at Audregnies came to light in 2015 when it was made available by his granddaughter. Written in his diary just seven days after the battle whilst he was already a prisoner at Fort Bruckenhopf, Torgau, Matterson’s account provides further valuable insight into the proceedings that day and contains the following extracts pertaining to Campbell: ‘12.30pm. At about this hour we were lying flat, trying to answer the fire, and we couldn’t see the Germans advancing, whilst thousands of shells screamed over us. Pte Corcoran, lying beside me, was hit and I took his rifle and fired with it. The order then came to retire to the sunken road, and I waited with a few men till the last, then ran back under heavy fire. When I got to the road, I found Capt Jones and Lt Campbell and men of their Coy, and I realised that I had been very lucky to get back unhit, as they were firing very wildly from a bad position and several bullets from our men barely missed us. I found that our position was more hopeless then ever – a very bad field of fire, in fact we had to kneel on the top of the bank to see at all. This I did using Corcoran’s rifle. Major Stapylton was on our left with Capts. Dyer, Jolliffe and Massy etc. I moved off to see what was going on. 1pm. I met Major Stapylton who said that he wanted the left reinforced i.e. Shore who was in or near Audregnies. I volunteered to go to the left flank with Campbell and we started to go to where Lt. Jacobs was commanding a platoon. I said, “Come on, Jock, we’ll reinforce the left”, and Campbell answering, ran after me. Two paces behind me he fell, hit through the head, and he died almost at once.’ ‘4.30pm. I then helped in looking after the wounded. I found many killed. Jolliffe was hit very badly twice and Massy once. The rest of the evening we spent tending the wounded. At sunset we buried Campbell together with Garston [sic Garstin], a subaltern of the 9th Lancers. I then went out to look for Jackson, who I heard was wounded, and found him, doing what I could for him. I got a doctor to him but I fear he died. I spent the most awful night of my life on the field, midst the dead and dying.’ At roll call that night at Les Bavay there were 6 Officers, a Warrant Officer and 199 men - a loss of 78%, most of which was caused in the withdrawal. Three Officers and 54 men were killed in action that day and a further 15 Officers and 490 other ranks reported missing, many wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel C. R. Ballard of the Norfolk Regiment later commented, ‘I had no intention of sacrificing the Cheshire - but I firmly believe now that the sacrifice saved the 5th Division. … It was due to the gallantry of these two Battalions [1st Cheshires & 1st Norfolks] that the Division was able to extricate itself.’ Campbell’s remains were later re-interred in Cement House Cemetery, Belgium.

Three: Drum Major F. J. Brashaw, 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, who was captured during the Retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914 and awarded an M.S.M. for services rendered whilst a prisoner of war 1914 Star (9219 Cpl. F. J. Brashaw. Ches: R.); British War and Victory Medals (9219 Cpl. F. J. Brashaw. Ches. R.) polished with light pitting and some scratches, therefore good fine (3) £200-£240 --- M.S.M. London Gazette 30 January 1920: ‘In recognition of devotion to duty and valuable services rendered whilst a prisoner of war or interned, which services have been brought to notice in accordance with the terms of Army Order 193 of 1919. To be dated 5th May 1919’ Frederick Joseph Brashaw was born in 1895 at Madras, India, the son of Colour Sergeant A. Brashaw of the 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, stationed at Bellary, India 1895-97. He was enlisted as a Boy into the Cheshire Regiment in 1909 in Belfast and appears in reports of the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment sports day at Ballykinler in 1911 as Boy Brashaw, winning the 220 yards handicap for enlisted boys. Also an accomplished lightweight boxer, he was already participating in Belfast prize fights as Boy Brashaw at the age of 17. Following the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, Brashaw disembarked in France with D Company of the 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment on 16 August and early on the morning of 21 August, his battalion, as part of the 15th Brigade of the 5th Division, began its march north-eastwards towards the Mons area to face the might of Von Kluck’s First German Army. As the inequality in the fighting strengths of the respective forces became apparent, an inevitable retreat was ordered by Sir John French on the evening of 23 August, although it came as something of a shock to the British troops who were conscious of having inflicted heavy losses on the Germans that day during the fighting around Mons and on the Mons-Condé canal. During the following day, as the withdrawal of the British force from its predicament was successfully carried out, it was only on the left that the fighting was heavy. Here, in open fields near Audregnies, on 24 August, the 1st Cheshires, together with the 1st Norfolks were exposed to the brunt of four German Regiments, each of three battalions, while acting as flank guard to the 5th Division. The Cheshires’ actions caused them to suffer 78% losses in one day due to men killed, wounded and taken prisoner of war but bought valuable time for the rest of the British Expeditionary Force during the retreat. Afterwards Brigadier-General Count Gleichen, commander of 15th Infantry Brigade, paid tribute to the Cheshires, saying: ‘The battalion behaved magnificently in the face of terrible odds and immense difficulty, one could not expect more of them. They did their duty, and did it thunderingly well, as I should have expected from such a gallant battalion, and I am only grieved that they had such terrible losses.’ Corporal Brashaw was captured on 24 August 1914 at Mons and was held prisoner of war for the remainder of the war. Initially incarcerated at Merseberg, it was reported in British newspapers in October 1916 that Brashaw was among a group of 22 British soldiers who volunteered their services as nursing orderlies during the Typhus epidemic that devastated the internment camp at Garderlegen. Twenty of these volunteers caught Typhus and two died. Repatriated after the war, arriving at Hull on 27 November 1918, he married Marjorie Farmer at Knockin, Shropshire in August 1919 and was awarded the M.S.M. for his reported services as a prisoner of war. Remaining in the Army, he advanced to Drum-Major and later settled back in Northern Ireland. In August 1964, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Mons, Brashaw returned with a party of 18 old comrades to the village of Audregnies where the men were given a reception and, following a procession, several wreaths were laid at a British Memorial. A photograph of Brashaw accompanied the Belfast Telegraph’s report on the visit and an article in the Cheshire Observer, 4 September 1964 commented: ‘The Last Post was sounded by Drum-Major F. J. Brashaw who was present at the battle 50 years ago. Mr Brashaw, who retired in January 1932 had not played a bugle since he left the Army.’ Brashaw died in Belfast in 1971.

An Inter-War M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Captain the Honourable I. J. L. Hay, 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers, whose account of his capture at Le Cateau on 26 August 1914, and subsequent imprisonment, was published in the Daily Telegraph after his release in 1918 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1927; 1914 Star, with clasp (2.Lieut: Hon: I. J. L. Hay. 5/Lrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. Hon. I. J. L. Hay); Jubilee 1897, silver, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1911, unnamed as issued; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Comdt. The Hon. Ivan Hay.) mounted as worn, traces of lacquer, about very fine (7) £800-£1,200 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1932: Captain the Honourable Ivan Josslyn Lumley Hay, Commandant, Metropolitan Special Constabulary. Captain The Honourable Ivan Josslyn Lumley Hay, third and youngest son of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Charles Gore Hay, 20th Earl of Errol and Mary Caroline L’Estrange, was born in October 1884 in Sligo, Ireland. He served as Page of Honour to Queen Victoria, 1896-1901, and King Edward VII, 1901, and was educated at Eton, 1898-1901, before being commissioned into the 5th Lancers on 12 June 1901. Mobilised from the Special Reserve on the outbreak of the Great War, Second Lieutenant Hay served with the 5th Lancers on the Western Front from 17 August 1914 and was captured during the retreat near Le Cateau on 26 August 1914, an event which was noted in the regimental history: ‘August 25th. -... The situation became difficult; the whole of the German efforts were concentrated on the British Corps, the left of which was threatened; and on the night of the 25th-26th, the 1st British Corps was attacked in its quarters between Landrecies and Le Cateau. The Coldstream Guards were brought up by motor-car during the night to protect headquarters; the fighting was of extreme violence, but the morale of the British was not lowered. The retreat was carried on methodically, under the direction of Sir Douglas Haig, and the rear-guard retired fighting, the men sleeping little or not at all, and singing, as the marched, such songs as “Annie Laurie” or “Hold your hand out naughty boy.” This day the Hon. I. J. L. Hay, of the Special Reserve of the 5th Lancers, and who had served since the Regiment had embarked at Dublin, was cut off and taken prisoner, where he remained for practically the remainder of the war.’ (The History of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers by Colonel J. R. Harvey, D.S.O. refers) In a letter written to his father, dated 22 June 1918 (later published in the Daily Telegraph), Hay confirms much concerning the systematic brutality shown towards prisoners by the Germans during the early period of the war. The letter begins by describing how he was marched into the town of Le Cateau together with around 60 French prisoners where they were halted in the main street and made to stand with their backs to the houses. Here, two rows of German soldiers guarded them with bayonets held against their stomachs. The letter continues: ‘Two hours later, after the British had retired, a Hun under-officer pricked a French officer with his bayonet. The Frenchman grasped the bayonet to protect himself, whereupon the N.C.O. shrieked, “prisoners resist, Fire!” The guard, who, as I say, were practically touching us, let off four rounds rapid. About eleven Frenchmen were killed and about ten seriously wounded. The poor French officer dropped, riddled with bullets, and after he was on the ground dead, the Huns near him again and again plunged their bayonets into his corpse. Next to me were the only four English prisoners. A Corporal of Horse of the 1st Life Guards fell, luckily for him, at the first shot, hit only in the cheek. A Corporal of the second shared the same fate, shot in the neck. Two Hussars (19th, I think) fell. One got all four bullets in the stomach, the other three in the arms, one in the stomach. Then a German sergeant-major came up and said, “As it is only the French who have mutinied, do not shoot the remaining Englander (me) but shoot all the French, curse them!” The rifle of the front-rank Hun, which was actually touching me, and jammed, and the rear-rank man, a vindictive little brute, who kept shouting “Englander! Schweinhund!”, let his piece off four times in my face, but managed to miss me entirely, though by the four marks against the door against which I was standing two bullets must have passed a hair’s breadth on each side of my face. Luckily I remembered enough German to thrust myself in between the remaining French and the firing party and say to the Hun sergeant-major “you cannot murder prisoners in cold blood. At least send for an officer first.” To my astonishment he agreed, and did so. The officer, on arrival, said humanely, “Enough have been killed; take the swine to the church”. After three days we were marched to Mons. There were five officers of various (three of them wounded) and 180 men of all regiments, and about 800 French. I shall not forget that march. All three days we were continually passing German troops. The cavalry prodded us with their lancers, the artillery and engineers struck at us with their whips, and the tired infantry cursed us, and spat on our clothes as we passed.’ Hay’s letter goes on to describe the remainder of his time in captivity, highlighting further mistreatment in a succession of prison camps: Mons - ‘nine men in a stifling room the size of a London bathroom’; Torgau-am-Elbe - ‘freezing with a diet of coffee and soup’; Burg - ‘sharing with the Russians who were damn good fellows’ and then transferred to a criminal jail with 39 British officers as a reprisal for the treatment of German submarine crews in England; Crefeld - ‘decent commandant, old Hussar officer. Allowed to do exactly as we liked’; Schwarnstadt - ‘Leaky wooden huts, infested with vermin. Conditions intolerable. Beaten from the lager to station, carrying our own baggage, by a special “strafe battalion” sent for the purpose’; Holzminden - ‘Worst of all. If lucky one meal a day, after standing hours in a cooking queue. Knocked out of bed with butts of rifles at dawn most morning. Commandant frequently drunk, and when drunk used to make sentries and guard fire volleys through windows. God knows why nobody was hit.’ In 1918, whilst still in captivity, Hay’s promotions to Lieutenant and Captain were gazetted and ante-dated to 12 June 1914 and 6 August 1917 respectively. He was repatriated on 18 November 1918 and relinquished his commission on 7 December 1921, retaining the rank of Captain. After the war, Captain the Honourable I. J. L. Hay continued his career in the insurance industry and served as Commandant of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary for which services he was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1932 King’s Birthday Honours.

Three: Captain C. C. Thompson, 2nd Battalion, sometime attached 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was killed in action near Ovillers during the Battle of the Somme on 14 July 1916 1914 Star, with clasp (Lieut: C. C. Thompson. R. Innis: Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. C. Thompson.) good very fine (3) £300-£400 --- Cecil Cuthbert Thompson was born in 1890 at Monk Bretton, Barnsley and was educated at Barnsley Grammar School and Reading University. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant (on probation) into the 4th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers from the Reading University College Contingent Officers’ Training Corps on 13 July 1912 and following university he was appointed a master at Handsworth Grammar School, Birmingham, and admitted as a member of the Royal Geographical Society. Thompson served as a Lieutenant with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 2 November 1914, his battalion occupying trenches near Ploegsteert Wood and participating in several assaults to attempt to recover lost trenches during the month of November. The following year he was promoted Temporary Captain and attached to the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion (15 June 1915). Captain Thompson was killed in action on 14 July 1916 during the 2nd Battalion’s attack at Ovillers on the Somme. The regimental historian, Sir Frank Fox, records that in the attack, which began on 13 July, 2 companies, co-ordinating with the 17th Highland Light Infantry, gained their objectives but suffered heavy casualties and were forced to withdraw to Bouzincourt the following day. He was the son of Samuel and Fanny Thompson, of Wakefield, Yorks and the husband of Mary Thompson (nee Ward), of 18, Monmouth Road, Bayswater, London and is buried in Ovillers Military Cemetery, Somme, France. He is also commemorated on a family grave headstone in Barnsley Cemetery which also bears the name of his brother, A. H. Thompson, who fell on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Family group: The Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Sergeant H. J. Crockett, 4th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, who was killed in action during the Great War with the 1st Battalion at Hill 60 on 12 April 1915 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1902 (1504 Serjt: H. Crockett. E. Surrey Regt.) nearly extremely fine Three: Private A. J. Crockett, 12th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), who was captured at Loos on 27 September 1915 and held prisoner of war in Germany for the remainder of the war 1914-15 Star (5162 Pte. A. Crockett. R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (GS-5162 Pte. A. J. Crockett. R. Fus.) mounted as worn, very fine or better (4) £200-£240 --- Henry Joseph Crockett was born in 1878 at Mile End, London, Middlesex and attested for the East Surrey Regiment on 7 June 1900. He served with the 4th Battalion during the Boer War in South Africa (QSA with 2 clasps) gaining rapid promotion to Lance Corporal on 11 September 1900, Corporal on 6 October 1900 and Sergeant on 20 February 1902. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he attested once more for the East Surrey Rifles on 3 September and served as a Private with No. 1 Platoon of No. 1 Company, 1st Battalion (service number 326) on the Western Front from 4 December 1914. He was killed in action at Hill 60 on 12 April 1915, the battalion having taken over trenches the previous day half a mile south-east of Verbrandenmolen and south of the railway line across from Hill 60. He was the eldest son of Henry Thomas Crockett and Catherine Crockett and the husband of Florence Crockett and is buried in Chester Farm Cemetery, Belgium. Augustus James Crockett, brother of the above, was born in Stepney, London in 1890, and was a clerk by occupation. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he attested for the Royal Fusiliers at Hounslow on 16 September 1914 and was posted to the 12th Battalion, serving with B Company on the Western Front from 1 September 1915. Captured by the Germans at Loos on 27 September 1915, he was incarcerated at Münster and Friedrichsfeld bei Wesel prisoner of war camps and was repatriated on 10 December 1918. He was discharged Class Z on 8 March 1919. Note: Two more Crockett brothers served with the British Army during the Great War: E. R. Crockett, 11th Rifle Brigade; and W. T. Crockett, Royal Field Artillery, Howitzer Battery, wounded. A fifth brother, A. T. Crockett, served with the Legion of Frontiersmen, Winnipeg. Sold with a considerable quantity of postcards, photographs and letters including four postcards written and sent by the recipient to his wife from Friedrichsfeld bei Wesel prisoner of war camp; a quantity of postcard photographs of the recipient in uniform and additional photographs of fellow prisoners; a small artistic rendering of the Friedrichsfeld camp and other cards hand painted by the recipient; and a postcard with decorative floral background overlayed by framed and captioned portrait photographs all five Crockett brothers in uniform.

Six: Regimental Sergeant Major F. S. Gaiger, 6th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment (Territorial Force) British War and Victory Medals (146 T.W.O. Cl.1. F. S. Gaiger. E. Surr. R.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (146 C. Sjt. F. S. Gaiger. E. Surr. R.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (240016 R.S. Mjr. F. S. Gaiger. 1/6 E. Surr. R.); Volunteer Force Long Service Medal, E.VII.R. (1019 Serjt. F. S. Gaiger. 3rd V. B. E. Surrey Regt.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (240016 T.S.Mjr. F. S. Gaiger. 6/ E. Surr: R.) good very fine or better (6) £300-£400 --- Frederick Samuel Gaiger was born at Chertsey, Surrey and attested there for the 6th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment on 10 April 1908. Embarked with his battalion for India in October 1914, Gaiger was granted the substantive rank of Warrant Officer Class II and appointed Company Sergeant Major on 1 May 1915 and Temporary Warrant Officer Class I as Temporary Regimental Sergeant Major (for the duration of the war), dated 17 June 1915. The 6th Battalion embarked from Bombay bound for service in Aden on 20 May 1917 and after a period of security duty back in Agra from January 1918, returned to England in 1919. Gaiger was demobilized at Hanwell on 8 January 1920 and died at Chertsey in 1934.

Four: Sergeant J. Robinson, 9th (Service) Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, who was killed in the attack on Ale Alley and Beer Trench near Ginchy on 3 September 1916 British War and Victory Medals (192 Sjt. J. Robinson. E. Surr. R.) with flattened named card box of issue and transmission slip, in damaged outer envelope addressed to, ‘Mrs. J. Robinson, 55 White Hart Line, Barnes, SW’; Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (192 Sjt. J. Robinson. E. Surr. R.) with flattened named card box of issue and transmission slip in damaged outer envelope similarly addressed; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (192 Sjt. J. Robinson. 5/E. Surr: Regt.); Memorial Plaque (Jacob Robinson) with Buckingham Palace enclosure and damaged outer envelope, nearly extremely fine (5) £300-£400 --- Jacob Robinson was born in 1879 at Putney, Surrey and resided at Tottenham, Middlesex prior to attesting for the East Surrey Regiment at Wimbledon, Surrey. He served during the Great War ranked Sergeant in the 5th Battalion (Territorial Force) in India for one year and seven months after which he was posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion in France where he was killed on 3 September 1916, one month after his arrival, during the attack on Ale Alley and Beer Trench near Ginchy: ‘On 3 September, 7th Division, on the right of 24th Division was to attack Ginchy, half a mile south-east of 9/East Surrey. Germans in Ale Alley and Hop Alley could enfilade units advancing on Ginchy. The battalion was ordered to assist by attacking, at noon, Ale Alley from the north-west, whilst a bombing party from the brigade on the right would attack from the south. The battalion was also to capture Beer Trench, which was then lightly held. However, the neighbouring brigade declared a change of plan, so that their bombers would attack Hop Alley instead. Captain Ingrams and Second Lieutenant Tetley led around forty men attacking Ale alley at noon, with a second attack 40 minutes later. Unfortunately, the attack by the brigade on the right did not progress and the Surrey men failed to break into the two Alleys. Captain Ingrams was killed and Lieutenant-Colonel de la Fontaine was very severely wounded leading an attack. An officer and three men crawled forward to a shell hole and sniped at Germans, who they reported to be holding Ale and hop Alleys in strength. Part of Beer Trench was, however, seized and thirty Germans advancing towards it were badly hit by Lewis gun fire. The war diary complained of the support given to the battalion’s attack. ‘Our own artillery did not assist us very much. Our heavy guns were throwing shells into our trench instead of Ale Alley. Our stokes guns failed to fire anywhere near the enemy trench and the T.M. firing smoke bombs stopped firing much too soon.’ (The Journey’s End Battalion: The 9th East Surrey in the Great War by Michael Lucas refers). Sergeant Robinson’s T.F.E.M. was issued posthumously under Army Order 143 of 1920. He was the husband of Charlotte Amy Robinson, of 99, Archway Street, Barnes, London and having no known grave is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Four: Sergeant W. F. Jones, East Surrey Regiment British War and Victory Medals (200060 Sjt. W. F. Jones E. Surr. R.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (864 Pte. W. F. Jones. E. Surr. R.); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (200060 Sjt. W. F. Jones 5-E. Surr. R.) light contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £200-£240 --- William Frank Jones was awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal per Army Order 51 in February 1922. Sold with the recipient’s two metallic identity tags.

Four: Private W. Kirk, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment), who was killed in action near Veldhoek Chateau during the First Battle of Ypres on 11 November 1914 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (6411 Pte. W. Kirk. W. Riding Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (6411 Pte. W. Kirk. 2/W. Rid: R.); British War and Victory Medals (6411 Pte. W. Kirk. W. Rid. R.) first with slight edge bruising, good very fine and better (4) £260-£300 --- William Kirk was born in 1877 at Lincoln, and resided in Undercliffe, Yorkshire. He attested for the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment at Bradford, Yorkshire in June 1900 and served with the 1st Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War from 31 May 1901 to 27 March 1902 (QSA with 3 clasps). This was followed by 4 years in India with the 2nd Battalion and, having extended his terms of service in 1904 to complete 8 years with the colours, he was transferred to the reserve in 1908. Mobilized from the reserve at Halifax on 5 August 1914 following the outbreak of war, he served with the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front from 11 September 1914. The 2nd West Riding saw action in the attack on Violaines (22 October 1914) during the Battle of La Bassée, and then moved through Ypres on 5 November. They were next engaged in a fierce attack near Hermitage Chateau to regain lost trenches before moving to new positions at the Veldoek Chateau on 10 November - the woods of these two old estates being separated by the Ypres-Menin Road. The enemy then attacked in force the following morning at about 8 am; Major E. G. Harrison kept a diary which noted: ‘Exceptionally heavy shelling started 7 a.m., practically all shrapnel, covering the whole position from the firing line to the reserves, continuing the bombardment till 8 a.m., when it abated. At this time a message came to me by an orderly from Lieut. R. O. D. Carey, saying, “Am very hard pressed but will hang on as long as possible.” I then advanced with the remainder of my force. We found the Germans had advanced past the Veldoek Chateau, but we managed to repulse them, gaining back the ground, being nearly as far as our old firing line, which Lieut. R. O. D. Carey with D Company had been driven out of. We could have actually regained these trenches if the troops on the right and left of us had been up.’ The battalion had suffered casualties between 5 and 15 November of 7 officers and approximately 380 other ranks with Private Kirk being among those killed in action. Having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Three: Private E. Davies, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment), who was reported missing after the action at Wasmes on 24 August 1914; re-joining his regiment on 3 November he was killed in action during the First Battle of Ypres on 11 November 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (7305 Pte. E. Davies. 2/W. Rid: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7305 Pte. E. Davies. W. Rid. R.) nearly extremely fine (3) £240-£280 --- Enoch Davies was born in Hull, Yorkshire in 1883 and attested for the West Riding Regiment at Halifax on 27 November 1902. He served in India February 1904 to November 1905 and transferred to the Army Reserve on the expiration of his period of Army Service on 30 November 1905. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he was mobilised from the Reserve at Halifax on 5 August 1914 and posted to the 2nd Battalion, disembarking with them at Havre, France on 15 August. Billeted in the market place at Hornu on the night of the 22 August, Davies’ battalion moved forward the following day and fought at the Battle of Mons on the British Expeditionary Force’s first main day of fighting. Deployed along the canal at St. Ghislain, the battalion’s rifle fire took a terrible toll on the advancing Germans, as testified to by Lieutenant Ince: ‘I think it was about 8 or 8.30 p.m., when at about 500 yards we saw a German company in fours marching down a road on our right flank towards the British positions. We immediately opened fifteen rounds rapid into them, together with one of our Vickers guns. We practically wiped out the German company, though they did the only thing they could do, that was to extend and immediately open fire on us. Most of them were either killed or wounded, and a few retired rapidly. Our casualties were unfortunately two killed and one or two slightly wounded.’ And also by Lieutenant O’Kelly: ‘About an hour later (3 o’clock afternoon) we saw the enemy advancing in a great mass several hundreds strong, while we were about 50 only. We opened rapid fire and did terrible damage, the enemy’s front ranks falling fast, but always filling up. Each man must have fired some hundreds of rounds that evening.’ That night the battalion withdrew via Hornu to Wasmes where they came under heavy shell fire at daybreak, followed by an infantry assault later in the morning by German III Corps who advanced in columns and were ‘mown down like grass’ by British rifle fire and machine-gun fire. The 2nd West Riding Regiment together with other battalions of the 13th Brigade then held off repeated German attacks on the village of Wasmes, incurring heavy casualties of their own, and then retreated in good order to St. Vaast around midday. Brigadier-General C. D. Bruce, C.B.E. records in the regimental history a number of first hand accounts from those present at Wasmes; one survivor, a Corporal in C Company describes how Lieutenant Russell’s No. 12 Platoon of C Company met their end: ‘The Germans were all round his front, right, and rear, and at very close quarters. More Germans were advancing across the cornfield in which the platoon was situated, carrying stacks of corn as shields in front of them. Mr. Russell and his platoon were all firing the ‘mad minute’ with their bayonets fixed. I saw the Germans charge the platoon, who fought to the last with the bayonet, and were all either killed or wounded. The Germans were piled in heaps all around them. All our officers were either killed or wounded.’ Private Davies was reported missing after the fighting at Wasmes on 24 August but he rejoined his regiment on 3 November 1914 just as they moved to billets near Dranoutre. Having moved through Ypres on 5 November, the 2nd West Riding Regiment were then engaged in a fierce attack near Hermitage Chateau to regain lost trenches before moving to new positions at the Veldoek Chateau on 10 November - the woods of these two old estates being separated by the Ypres-Menin Road. The enemy then attacked in force the following morning at about 8am; Major E. G. Harrison kept a diary which noted: ‘Exceptionally heavy shelling started 7 a.m., practically all shrapnel, covering the whole position from the firing line to the reserves, continuing the bombardment till 8 a.m., when it abated. At this time a message came to me by an orderly from Lieut. R. O. D. Carey, saying, “Am very hard pressed but will hang on as long as possible.” I then advanced with the remainder of my force. We found the Germans had advanced past the Veldoek Chateau, but we managed to repulse them, gaining back the ground, being nearly as far as our old firing line, which Lieut. R. O. D. Carey with D Company had been driven out of. We could have actually regained these trenches if the troops on the right and left of us had been up.’ Private Davies was reported missing after the day’s action which had caused the battalion over 300 casualties. He was later confirmed to have been killed on or since that date. He was the son of Harriet Davies and the husband of Sarah Davies and having no known grave is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Three: Private R. G. Smith, 2nd Battalion, Border Regiment, who was killed in action at Kruiseecke Hill, during the First Battle of Ypres, on 26 October 1914 1914 Star (7611 Pte. R. G. Smith. 2/Bord: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7611 Pte. R. G. Smith. Bord. R.) toned, good very fine (3) £160-£200 --- Robert George Smith was born at Ratcliffe, London and attested for the Border Regiment at Stratford, Essex in 1904. Following the outbreak of the Great War he served with the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front from 5 October 1914, his battalion moving forward to Ypres on 14 October then on to Zillebeke on 15 October and entrenched on Kruiseecke Hill on 20 October with the battalion’s front covering over 2 miles. As the enemy began their attack in force on 24 October, the battalion was given the order that - ‘trenches were to be held at all costs’: ‘Battalion’s positions came under heavy bombardment - trenches being commanded on three sides by enemy artillery, particularly from guns situated on America Ridge about 1 mile to the south-east. One officer calculated 1500 enemy shells during a 10 hour period. Colonel Wylly notes that it was impossible to leave the trenches by day, rations and supplies having to be brought up by night. There were no telephonic communications - messages being carried by runners, and enemy snipers were operating from 300 yards. Machine-gun section blown out of its position during night and one gun buried. Detachment under Lieutenant Wilson forced to retire to second position. Lieutenant Watson led his party back during night (25th) and upon seeing the enemy advancing in large numbers moved his gun to a more forward position where his section inflicted high casualties from 300 yards throughout the day. party of some 200 Germans entered line to the left of “B” Company and indicated that they wished to surrender. However, when Major Allen and six men moved out to bring them in he was killed with one other man. Front-line trenches held by “A” and “B” Companies taken (26th) - 70 survivors driven to the rear... later with Headquarters personnel, held off further enemy advance. “C” Company under Captain Molyneux-Seel brought up in support. Battalion ordered to retire to Zandvoorde during evening.’ (British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914 by Ray Westlake refers) Private R. G. Smith was recorded killed on or since 26 October 1914. He was the husband of Elizabeth Smith and is buried in Zantvoorde British Cemetery, Belgium.

Pair: Sergeant A. Spicksley, 2nd Battalion, Border Regiment, who was killed in action at Kruiseecke Hill, during the First Battle of Ypres, in October 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (6312 Sjt. A. Spicksley. 2/Bord: R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (6312 Sjt. A. Spicksley. Bord. R.); Memorial Plaque (Alfred Spicksley) good very fine (3) £160-£200 --- Alfred William Spicksley was born in 1882 at New Barnet, Hertfordshire and attested for the Border Regiment in October 1900. He served with the 1st Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War and was awarded the Q.S.A. with 4 clasps. Following the outbreak of the Great War he served with 14 Platoon in the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front from 5 October 1914, his battalion moving forward to Ypres on 14 October then on to Zillebeke on 15 October and entrenched on Kruiseecke Hill on 20 October with the battalion’s front covering over 2 miles. Second Lieutenant Clancy was killed on 22 October and Captain Gordon and around 14 men were killed on 23 October. As the enemy began their attack in force on 24 October, the battalion was given the order that - ‘trenches were to be held at all costs’: ;Battalion’s positions came under heavy bombardment - trenches being commanded on three sides by enemy artillery, particularly from guns situated on America Ridge about 1 mile to the south-east. One officer calculated 1500 enemy shells during a 10 hour period. Colonel Wylly notes that it was impossible to leave the trenches by day, rations and supplies having to be brought up by night. There were no telephonic communications - messages being carried by runners, and enemy snipers were operating from 300 yards. Machine-gun section blown out of its position during night and one gun buried. Detachment under Lieutenant Wilson forced to retire to second position. Lieutenant Watson led his party back during night (25th) and upon seeing the enemy advancing in large numbers moved his gun to a more forward position where his section inflicted high casualties from 300 yards throughout the day. party of some 200 Germans entered line to the left of “B” Company and indicated that they wished to surrender. However, when Major Allen and six men moved out to bring them in he was killed with one other man. Front-line trenches held by “A” and “B” Companies taken (26th) - 70 survivors driven to the rear...later with Headquarters personnel, held off further enemy advance. “C” Company under Captain Molyneux-Seel brought up in support. Battalion ordered to retire to Zandvoorde during evening.’ (British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914 by Ray Westlake refers) The Registers of Soldiers’ Effects and CWGC both state that Spicksley was killed in action on 23 October 1914 whereas the 1914 Star medal roll states that he was killed in action on 26 October 1914. He was the son of James Spicksley, of New Barnet, Herts and the husband of Jeanie Hall Spicksley, of Braeport, Dunblane, Perthshire. Having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium, and on the East Barnet Valley War Memorial, New Barnet. Sold together with a large quantity of photographs and postcards relating to the recipient, his family and the Border Regiment including a portrait photograph of the recipient in uniform and a postcard of 14 Platoon, 2nd Border Regiment, 27 August 1914, sent by the recipient to his mother post dated Pembroke Dock, 11 September 1914; a ticket to the opening ceremony of the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres on 24 July 1927 and an associated medallion; A Border Regiment shoulder title; and a booklet entitled ‘Introduction to the registers of the Ypres (Menin Gate) and Tyne Cot, Passchendaele, Memorials, Belgium.’

Three: Sergeant E. Day, 2nd and 6th Battalions, Border Regiment, who died on 28 August 1918 from wounds received on the Piave Front - he had earlier been severely wounded during the First Battle of Ypres and also at Gallipoli, for which latter campaign he was also Mentioned in Despatches 1914 Star, with copy clasp (8210 L. Cpl. E. Day. 2/Bord: R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (8210 Pte. E. Day. Bord. R.); Memorial Plaque (Edward Day) in card envelope, with Buckingham Palace enclosure; Memorial Scroll, ‘L/Cpl. Edward Day Border Regt.’, in OHMS transmission tube addressed to, ‘Mrs T. Day, 235 Parkes Street, Byker, Newcastle-on-Tyne’, nearly extremely fine (5) £300-£400 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 28 January 1916. Edward Day was born in 1887 at Byker, Northumberland and was a brass moulder by trade. He attested for the Border Regiment at Leicester on 23 January 1906. Posted to the 1st Battalion, he served in Gibraltar August 1906 to October 1908 and afterwards in Rangoon and Maymyo, Upper Burma until December 1912, at which time he was brought home and transferred to the Reserve on the expiration of his Army Service. Following the outbreak of the Great War he was mobilised from the Reserve on 8 August 1914 and appointed Lance Corporal, his former rank, in the 2nd Battalion, Border Regiment and served with them on the Western Front from 5 October. Day suffered a gun shot wound to the head during the First Battle of Ypres and was admitted to No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station on 4 November from where he was invalided back to England. Day’s wounds were without doubt sustained in the heavy fighting on 2 November at Veldhoek. On this day, the Germans launched a major attack and were driven back with great casualties, the 2nd Border Regiment having held their fire until the last moment. Another attack on the right later in the day was similarly repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy. The battalion were relieved that night. News of the Border Regiment’s stubborn defence prompted the G.O.C., 7th Division, Major-General T. Capper to send the following effusive commendation to the Battalion via the Brigade Commander: ‘2nd Battalion Border Regiment. This Battalion held a portion of the Kruiseecke position in front of Ypres during which it was exposed to particularly heavy shell fire for 3 days and nights. Many of the trenches were blown in, but no trench was given up by any portion of this battalion. On 2nd November this Battalion formed the right of the Brigade at Veldhoek. Owing to troops on the right giving way the enemy was able to occupy some woods and so surround the right of the Border Regiment. Nevertheless the Battalion held its line for some hours until the enemy could be driven from these woods by relieving troops. During the fighting this Battalion lost very heavily. The devoted and firm conduct of this Battalion repeatedly calls forth the admiration of the Brigadier and of officers in other battalions in the same brigade; and I myself, can testify to its fortitude and determination to maintain its position at all costs; a spirit which saved a difficult and critical situation. It is impossible to praise this Battalion too highly for its firmness and battle discipline.’ Day was promoted Sergeant in March 1915 and, upon recuperation, posted to the 6th Battalion. He served with C Company in Gallipoli from 1 July 1915 where he suffered a bullet wound to his right side and was admitted to 149th Field Ambulance on 22 August 1915 before being transferred via trawler to a Hospital Ship, dangerously ill. Returning to England on 11 November 1915, he was hospitalised for seven months before returning to light duty. For his services in Gallipoli he was Mentioned in General Hamilton’s despatch of 11 December 1915. Arrested by the Civil Powers for a misdemeanour, he was sentenced to jail with 15 months hard labour in May 1917, the sentence being later partially remitted. Day was, however, reduced to the ranks. Posted to rejoin the 2nd Battalion with the British Expeditionary Force in Italy on 10 February 1918, he was wounded in action at the Piave River and admitted to hospital on 9 August 1918 with multiple gun shot wounds and a fractured skull, dying of his wounds on 28 August 1918. He was the son of Alan and Elizabeth Day and the husband of Thomasina Day of 235 Parker Street, Byker, Newcastle-on-Tyne and is buried in Bordighera British Cemetery, Italy. Sold together with the recipient’s M.I.D. certificate, dated 11 December 1915; the recipient’s ‘Soldiers’ Small Book’ and Army Form 45B sent to the recipient’s widow, regarding personal effects.

Three: Lance Corporal W. J. Jupp, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, who was killed in action at Klein Zillebeke during the First Battle of Ypres on 7 November 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (10196 Pte. W. J. Jupp. 2/R. Suss: R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-10196 Pte. W. J. Jupp R. Suss. R.) nearly extremely fine (3) £200-£240 --- Wilfred John Jupp was born in 1894 at Brighton, Sussex and attested for the Royal Sussex Regiment at Chichester in 1913. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 August 1914. After the Retreat from Mons, his battalion experienced heavy fighting above Troyon during the operations on the Aisne in September, and at Shrewsbury Forest and Bodmin Copse during the struggle for Gheluvelt, 30-31 October 1914. They were then moved to Klein Zillebeke on 7 November and were in action the same day losing Second Lieutenant G. Moore and approximately 20 men killed, wounded or missing. Lance Corporal was among those killed. He was the son of Charles and Caroline Jupp of 96 Elm Grove, Brighton and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Sold together with a copied photograph of the recipient as an infant.

The 1914 Star awarded to Private E. J. Newbold, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, who was killed in action during the retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914 1914 Star (9484 Pte. E. J. Newbold. Dorset: R.) good very fine £100-£140 --- Ernest James Newbold was born at Alverstoke, Hampshire in 1894 and attested for the Dorsetshire Regiment at Gosport, Hampshire in December 1912. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he embarked from Belfast with the 1st Battalion, as part of the 15th Brigade, 5th Division, arriving at Le Havre on 16 August. Reaching Dour, some 10 miles south west of Mons, on 22 August, his Battalion split and Headquarters, B and D Companies moved forward via Bois de Bossu on 23 August. Leaving the road, they travelled along the railway line to a bridge on the north side of Wasmes and, having dug in facing Hornu, were advised that the 3rd Division were withdrawing from Mons, and that the Battalion, with the other three Battalions of 15th Brigade were to take up a blocking position that allowed for the 3rd Division to pass through. German shelling started at 5pm and about twenty minutes later, grey uniformed scouting parties were spotted about 1000 yards in front of the Dorsetshires who then fired on the advancing enemy into the evening, incurring no casualties. The following day, with A and B Companies now in support, the battalion came under increasing shell and machine gun fire and engaged the enemy at 200 yards before making a fighting withdrawing over some 11 miles through Blaugies to St. Waast. The casualty list for 24 August was 3 officers wounded and taken prisoner, 12 other ranks killed, 49 wounded and 69 missing. Newbold was among the 20 men of the battalion who were finally assessed to have been killed on 24 August 1914. The son of John Henry and Kate Ellie Newbold, of Gosport, Hampshire, he is buried in Hautrage Military Cemetery, France.

Family Group: Three: Private A. Maxwell, 9th (The Queen’s Royal) Lancers, who was killed in action during the Retreat from Mons on 30 August 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (3921 Pte. A. Maxwell. 9/Lrs.) ; British War and Victory Medals (L-3921 Pte. A. Maxwell. 9-Lrs.) nearly extremely fine Three: Private W. Maxwell, 9th (The Queen’s Royal) Lancers, who was wounded by shell-fire near Ypres on 9 May 1915 and died of wounds at Hazebrouck, Flanders, on 11 May 1915 1914 Star, with clasp (4492 Pte. W. Maxwell. 9/Lrs.); British War and Victory Medals (L-4492 Pte. W. Maxwell. 9-Lrs.) nearly extremely fine Pair: Warrant Officer Class II G. E. Maxwell, Lincolnshire Regiment, late Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) British War and Victory Medals (45489 W.O. Cl. 2 G. E. Maxwell. Linc. R.) good very fine (8) £400-£500 --- Arthur Maxwell was born in 1894 at Meanwood, Leeds, Yorkshire and attested for the 9th Lancers in 1912. He served with ‘A’ Squadron during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 August 1914 and was present with them at the time of their Charge at Audregnies on 24 August. Private A. Maxwell was killed in action on 30 August 1914. On this date, the 9th Lancers were at the the River Oise near Sempigny, France, providing cover for bridge demolition parties of the Royal Engineers: ‘30 August 1914 - Under Fire, 7th Field Company, Royal Engineers report “Bridges ready for demolition...during the demolition of the last bridge, a stone one over the river, Lt. Gourlay and party were fired on by Uhlans when at first they were on the far bank but subsequently crossed into Sempigny. The 9th Lancers were providing the covering party but did not detect the approaches of the enemy. The demolition party escaped on bikes and on 9th Lancers horses but two men were found missing. (believed dead as they were wounded)’ (extracted from report by Spr. J. E. Daniels in War Diary of 7th Field Company, Royal Engineers) He was the son of George Ernest and Margaret Maxwell of 9 Stainbeck Rd., Meanwood, Leeds and is buried in Chauny Communal Cemetery British Extension, France. William Maxwell, older brother of the above, was born in 1892 at Meanwood, Leeds and attested for the 9th Lancers at Leeeds in 1913. He served with ‘B’ Squadron during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 August 1914 and was present with them at the time of their Charge at Audregnies on 24 August. Private W. Maxwell was wounded on 9 May 1915 and died of wounds at Hazebrouck, Flanders, on 11 May 1915. On 9 May 1915 the 9th Lancers were heavily shelled on a march from Berthen to Vlammertinghe where they then occupied trenches in the Ypres Salient in the GHQ Line from from Potyze to Menin Road. The War Diary records 6 other ranks wounded on the march. George Ernest Maxwell, father of both of the above, was born in 1866 at Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire. He enlisted in the West Yorkshire Regiment in October 1884 and served over 12 years, of which 6 years - 1886 to 1892 - were in India. Discharged in 1896, he re-enlisted in the Royal Northern Reserve in 1900 and in January 1902 he attested for the Royal Garrison Regiment and was stationed in Nova Scotia from September 1902 to November 1905. He was promoted Sergeant in 1903 and Colour Sergeant in 1904 and transferred back to the West Yorkshire Regiment in the same rank in December 1905, serving until September 1907 at which time his time expired following the completion of 14 years colour service with the regiment. He served during the Great War from 5 October 1914 as Colour Sergeant in the 8th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment and was appointed Company Sergeant Major on 30 January 1915. He transferred to the 4th (Reserve) Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment in March 1917 and embarked for France in April, transferring to the Labour Corps in May 1917. Colour Sergeant Maxwell was discharged in March 1919. Sold together with the following ephemera and paperwork: Relating to Arthur Maxwell: studio portrait photograph in uniform; Soldiers’ Small Book with War Office forwarding letter for same; Army Form B 104-82; Army Form B 104-45 and Army Form 47 to Colour Sergeant G. E. Maxwell regarding recipient’s effects; Buckingham Palace enclosure for Memorial Plaque; newspaper cutting. Relating to William Maxwell: portrait photograph in uniform (poor condition); Field Service Postcard sent to recipient’s father, dated 29 January 1915; Army form B. 104-45 (wounded in action notification); War Office Effects Form - No. 45; Army Form 104-81 from Cavalry Record Office (wounded in action notification).

Pair: Private W. Clark, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, who was killed in action during the Retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914 British War and Victory Medals (8741 Pte. W. Clark. Dorset. R.) nearly extremely fine (2) £80-£120 --- Walter Clark was born at Blandford, Dorset in 1891 and attested for the Dorsetshire Regiment at Dorchester on 30 July 1909. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he embarked from Belfast with the 1st Battalion, as part of the 15th Brigade, 5th Division, arriving at Le Havre on 16 August. Reaching Dour, some 10 miles south west of Mons, on 22 August, the Battalion split and Headquarters, B and D Companies moved forward via Bois de Bossu on 23 August. Leaving the road, they travelled along the railway line to a bridge on the north side of Wasmes and, having dug in facing Hornu, were advised that the 3rd Division were withdrawing from Mons, and that the Battalion, with the other three Battalions of 15th Brigade were to take up a blocking position that allowed for the 3rd Division to pass through. German shelling started at 5:00 p.m. and about twenty minutes later, grey uniformed scouting parties were spotted about 1000 yards in front of the Dorsetshires who then fired on the advancing enemy into the evening, incurring no casualties. The following day, with A and B Companies now in support, the battalion came under increasing shell and machine gun fire and engaged the enemy at 200 yards before making a fighting withdrawing over some 11 miles through Blaugies to St. Waast. The casualty list for 24 August was 3 officers wounded and taken prisoner, 12 other ranks killed, 49 wounded and 69 missing. Private Clark was among the 20 men of the battalion who were finally assessed to have been killed on 24 August 1914. He was the son of George and Elizabeth Clark of Blandford, Dorset and, having no known grave, is commemorated on La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France.

Three: Private F. Rideout, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, who was killed in action during the Battle of La Bassée on 13 October 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (5967 [sic] Pte. F. Rideout. Dorset: R.); British War and Victory Medals (5987 Pte. F. Rideout. Dorset. R.) good very fine (3) £200-£240 --- Frederick Rideout was born in 1879 at Fontmell Magna, Dorset and attested for the Dorsetshire Regiment at Shaftesbury, Dorset in June 1899, with Regimental number 5987. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 August 1914 and, following his battalion’s participation in the fighting at Mons (and the Retreat), the Marne and the Aisne, he was killed in action on 13 October 1914 during the Battle of La Bassée. On this date his battalion had been heavily engaged in fighting along the La Bassée Canal, advancing from positions along the Pont Fixe-La Plantin road and engaging the enemy in front of Givenchy. Over 400 officers and men were reported killed, wounded or missing in the fighting with the bodies of some 130 of the latter later being found by a burial party. Ray Westlake in British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914 summarises a few incidents described in the regimental history that occurred during the fighting on 13 October 1914: ‘A number of Germans came forward from Givenchy carrying lances and were at first taken to be French cavalry. Another group, about a battalion, advanced with hands up as if to surrender. The battalion ceased fire in order to allow the men to come in, but upon reaching the Dorsetshire line, the Germans rushed their positions and opened fire. The history also notes how Lieutenant-Colonel Bols fought alongside of Lieutenant Pitt, the officers taking up rifles from the dead and firing into the oncoming enemy. The Colonel was wounded and subsequently taken prisoner. However, having been told to lie on a stretcher and wait to be attended by a doctor, he managed to escape back to his battalion at Pont Fixe.’ Private Rideout was the son of Henry and Mary Rideout of Fontmell Magna and, having no known grave, is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France.

Three: Private H. J. Lucas, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, a Boer War veteran who was killed in action near Violaines during the Battle of La Bassée on 22 October 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (5816 Pte. H. J. Lucas. Dorset: R.); British War and Victory Medals (5816 Pte. H. J. Lucas. Dorset. R.) good very fine (3) £200-£240 --- Harry John Lucas was born in Ludwell, Dorset in 1880 and attested for the Dorsetshire Regiment at Dorchester, Dorset in 1899. He served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War and was awarded the Queen’s Medal with 3 clasps and the King’s Medal with 2 clasps. Having transferred to the 1st Battalion at the end of the campaign, he was back with the 2nd Battalion at Poona, India by the time of the 1911 Census. After the outbreak of the Great War, he served with the 1st Battalion on the Western Front from 16 August 1914 and, following his battalion’s participation in the fighting at Mons (and the Retreat), the Marne and the Aisne, he was recorded missing presumed dead on 22 October 1914 during the Battle of La Bassée. On this day the ‘enemy broke through the 1st Cheshire’s line at Violaines (22nd) and Cheshires fell back to a new line being dug by company of 1st Dorsetshire - Regimental History records - “Our composite company, who were digging in rear, could do nothing; as the remains of the Cheshires started falling back on them.” Withdrew to la Quinque Rue then at 8pm to Festubert. Casualties - 7 killed, 24 wounded, 103 missing.’ (British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914 by Ray Westlake refers). He has no known grave, and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France.

Three: Private H. Robinson, 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales’s Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment), who was killed in the action at Rouge Maison during the Battle of the Aisne on 20 September 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (7799 Pte. H. Robinson. 2/S. Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7799 Pte. H. Robinson. S. Lan. R.); Memorial Plaque (Harold Robinson) drill holes in plaque at 9 and 3 o’clock otherwise extremely fine (4) £240-£280 --- Harold Robinson was born in 1886 at Leamington, Warwickshire and attested for the South Lancashire Regiment at Coventry in 1904. He served with D Company of the 2nd Battalion during the Great War from 14 August 1914. The Battalion took up a defensive position on a low ridge just south of Mons between Ciply and Frameries on 23 August and, having been attacked at 5am the next day by the advancing German forces, “C” and “D” Companies on the left in Frameries were enfiladed by machine guns situated along the railway line and compelled to retire after suffering great loss. Following the retreat from Mons, the battalion began its advance to the Aisne on 6 September, crossed the river east of Vailly on 14 September and took up Brigade Reserve positions. On 19 September, two companies were sent up to reinforce the firing line further north at Rouge Maison where the following day an attack in force by the enemy required the rest of the battalion to move up to strengthen the line. Eight officers and 141 other ranks were killed, wounded or missing with Private Robinson among those killed. He was the son of Mrs. Annie Elizabeth Robinson, of 1 Chesham Terrace, Chesham St., Leamington Spa and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France.

Family group: Four: Captain Sir Edward A. Stewart-Richardson, Bart., 1st Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), late Queensland Mounted Infantry, who died on 28 November 1914, from the effects of wounds received the previous month at Ypres Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Driefontein, Transvaal, Wittebergen, South Africa 1901, the date clasp a tailor’s copy (Capt: Sir E. A. S. Richardson. Q’land M.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Capt Sir E. A. Stewart-Richardson. Bt: R. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. Sir E. A. Stewart-Richardson. Bt.) nearly extremely fine Four: Major I. R. H. Stewart-Richardson, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, who was seriously wounded and Mentioned in Despatches for the Battle of the Campoleone Salient, Anzio, January 1944 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. Oak Leaf, with Army Council enclosure and Army Medal Office enclosure in card box of issue addressed to ‘Major Sir I. R. H. Stewart-Richardson, Lyndale, Longcross, Surrey’; together with the related four mounted miniature awards; King’s Badge in box of issue; and wartime issued smaller bronze M.I.D oak leaf emblems (2) to be worn on uniform, the last with War Office letter giving instructions for wearing, extremely fine The mounted group of six miniature dress medals attributed to Temporary Captain C. T. H. Richardson, M.C., Royal Field Artillery, who was decorated for gallantry at Tobruk, 1941 Military Cross, G.VI.R.; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (lot) £2,000-£3,000 --- Sir Edward Austin Stewart-Richardson, 15th Baronet, the eldest son of Sir James Stewart-Richardson, 14th Bart., of Pentcaitland, Pitfour Castle, Perth, was born at Edinburgh on 24 July 1872 and was educated at Rugby School and Trinity College, Glenalmond, Perthshire. In September 1890 he joined the 3rd Battalion, Royal Highlanders, being promoted Lieutenant in March 1892, and Captain in February 1900. From 1899 to 1902 he was A.D.C. to Lord Lamington, the Governor of Queensland. In the South African War he served with the 2nd Battalion, Black Watch and with the Queensland Mounted Infantry, taking part in the operations in the Orange River Free State, including the action at Vet River, and in the Orange River Colony, including the actions at Rhenoster River, Wittebergen, and Wittepoort, for which he received the Queen’s Medal with five clasps. On volunteering for service in the Great War, he was attached to the 1st Battalion of his old regiment, the Black Watch, arriving with them in France on 22 September 1914, and died in London on 28 November the same year, of wounds received at Gheluvelt on 27 October during the First Battle of Ypres. He had married Lady Constance Mackenzie, younger daughter of Francis, 2nd Earl of Cromartie, in 1904, and left two sons. (The Bond of Sacrifice by Col. L. A. Clutterbuck refers). Sir Ian Rorie Hay Stewart-Richardson, 16th Baronet, the eldest son of the above, was born on 25 September 1904 and was educated at the Imperial Service College, 1919-1922. Prior to the Second World War he travelled widely - adventures which are alluded to in the History of the Irish Guards in the Second World War by Major D. J. L. Fitzgerald, M.C.: ‘Then came Major Rory Stewart-Richardson. He was almost too cheerful. His large face, with sandy hair all over it, glowed, and he began to fill in the time by telling a familiar story of one of his macabre adventures in New Guinea. He had once, it seems, found a gold mine in some desolate jungle. “Unfortunately, my two companions died of fever on the way back,” it always ended, and he could never understand why everybody always laughed.’ Commissioned Second Lieutenant into the Irish Guards on 12 October 1939, he served with them during the Second World War initially in North Africa receiving promotion to War Substantive Lieutenant 12 April 1941, Temporary Captain 8 January 1942, War Substantive Captain 19 September 1942 and Temporary Major 19 September 1942. In command of No. 1 Company, 1st Battalion during Operation Shingle - the Allied amphibious landing at Anzio - his unit was among the first onto the beach on 22 January 1944. Meeting stronger than expected resistance in the attempted breakout and driven back to the beachhead, the 1st Irish Guards were involved in heavy fighting at Carroceto, 25-26 January 1944 repelling several enemy attacks and also experienced heavy casualties in the Battle of the Campoleone Salient, 30 January - 3 February 1944. Although inflicting heavy losses on the German forces, at Campoleone the 1st Irish Guards became surrounded and, confronting armour, were forced to fight their way back through to allied lines, Major Stewart-Richardson being among the wounded: ‘“When the companies got the order to withdraw,” wrote Major FitzGerald afterwards, “the situation was not very bright. We decided to take the obvious route back down the railway line. As we were quietly leaving our positions a German officer came running towards us flourishing a revolver. He was duly killed, but the shots attracted the attention of a nest of machine-gunners.” Whole belts of bullets swept across the open stretch of ground that lay between the sunken road and the nearest cutting on the railway line. Only a man who could run had any chance of surviving. The wounded were collected in the safest place, under the bridge over the sunken road. The remainder, under Major Rory Stewart-Richardson, made a dash for the embankment. “The Bren gun covering fire was not very effective, because of the long range and the number of German machine guns, and the companies received rather heavy casualties getting into the embankment. The Companies paused in the embankment while they prepared to fight their way back down the railway line. The only help they could get was smoke. Lieutenant Patrick Da Costa led off the first platoon. He was killed almost immediately and his platoon broken into small parties by a German attack. Lance-Corporal O’Brien took command of the largest fragment and brought them back to No. 4 Company by bounds. He himself, with a Bren gun, provided the covering for each bound, running the gauntlet every time to catch up with his party and cover them over the next stretch of open ground. The other platoons followed by slightly different routes. Lieutenant Stephen Preston was killed by machine-gun fire from the flank as he came out of the first railway cutting with the second platoon. Major Stewart Richardson, following behind, was wounded over the eye by a mortar fragment, but could still see enough to gather the platoon and return the Germans’ fire, while Lieutenant Bartlet, behind him, led his platoon slightly left down a gully. Lieutenant Brand, with the last platoon and Company H.Q., joined Major Stewart-Richardson and together they launched an attack down the railway line. It was a bloody little battle. Squads of Germans dotted along the railway, who had lain low during the night, now resisted savagely. The German mortars fired indiscriminately along the railway line. They did not seem to care whether or not they hit their own troops, but they must have done, and they certainly killed and wounded numbers of Guardsmen. The German 88-mm. guns by the cross-roads joined in firing air bursts. Through this turmoil of mixed fire, over the bodies of their friends who had been killed the night before, the Guardsmen attacked post after post, driving the Germans back before them into the waiting arms and muzzles of No. 4 Company. Slightly less than half of the two companies who had set out the previous night reached No. 4 Company that ...

An outstanding Great War 1918 ‘Battle of Epehy’ D.C.M., 1917 ‘Battle of Cambrai’ M.M. and 1918 ‘Western Front’ Second Award Bar, Belgian Croix de Guerre group of six awarded to Sergeant F. L. Livings, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, an ‘Old Contemptible’ who was bombed, bayoneted, shot and gassed during the course of his distinguished service on the Western Front Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (23186 Sjt: F. Livings. M.M. 9/Essex R.); Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (23186 Cpl.-Sjt: - F. Livings. 9/Essex R.); 1914 Star, with clasp (7433 Pte. F. Livings. 2/Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (7433 Sjt. F. Livings. Essex R.); Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, A.I.R., bronze, good very fine (6) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1919, citation published 10 January 1920: ‘For most conspicuous gallantry and initiative. On 24th September, 1918, the enemy made a determined attack on our positions east of Epehy, and succeeded in entering our trench. He immediately collected a few men with bombs and a Lewis gun and rushed forward, bombing the enemy, who fled towards their own line. He thereupon seized the Lewis gun and advanced along the parapet, firing on the enemy, who left a machine gun and thirteen dead.’ M.M. London Gazette 19 March 1918. M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 12 June 1918. Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 12 July 1918. Frederick Louis Livings was born on 8 January 1888 at North Weald, Essex, and attested for the Essex Regiment on 2 January 1903 at Warley, Essex, declaring himself to be aged 18 years and 11 months. He deserted in September 1903 and, following conviction, forfeited his prior service and recommenced his service from 15 October 1903. Livings served with the 2nd Battalion in Malta from April 1904 to March 1906, where he was hospitalised with enteric and continued to be the subject of regular entries in the Regimental Defaulter Sheet, his catalogue of offences ranging from neglect of equipment and absenteeism to drunkenness and insolence. Returning home he was transferred to the Section B Reserve on 14 October 1906 having completed 3 years of qualifying service and yet still only 18 years of age. Mobilised for duty in 1914 following the outbreak of war, Livings disembarked on 24 August at Havre, France with the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment. He was appointed Acting Corporal on 4 September 1914 and Acting Sergeant on 21 October 1914 seeing action with his battalion at Le Cateau, the Marne, the Aisne and Messines during the opening months of the war. On 13 May 1915 he received bayonet wounds to the stomach and a gun-shot wound to the left thigh during the 2nd Battalion’s successful counter-attack near St. Jean on a 1000 yard frontage of front line from Shelltrap Farm to Fortuin-Weltje Road. John Burrows in his history of the 2nd Essex records how, ‘within ten minutes (8.30am) A and B Companies moved forward, the attack being splendidly carried out in quick time and marked by great dash and determination. Subjected to shrapnel and high explosive shell-fire, they reached the ridge, when heavy machine gun fire swept them, but they never faltered. Within 300 yards of the objective the men charged at the double. The counter-attack of the Essex was carried out in full view of the London Rifle Brigade, who stood up in their trenches to cheer as the Pompadours went forward. The casualties were 37 killed, 94 wounded and 49 missing.’ Hospitalised at Versailles and then repatriated via Hospital Ship to England, he was discharged to light duty with the 3rd Battalion and underwent an operation to extract shrapnel from his abdomen in November 1915. Upon recovery, Livings rejoined his regiment with the B.E.F., disembarking in Boulogne on 20 July 1917. Posted to the 9th Battalion, he proceeded to the front and joined his battalion for duty on 16 August. He was promoted Sergeant (A Company) on 11 December 1917, immediately after his battalion’s participation in the Battle of Cambrai and was awarded the Military Medal, his M.M. being published in an edition of the gazette which almost exclusively carried awards for the Cambrai operations. The battalion war diary’s report of their attack on the Hindenburgh Line on 20 November 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai emphasises the difficult work carried out by A Company, of which Livings was a Platoon Sergeant, and contains the following extracts: ‘On 20 November 1917 the Battalion, in conjunction with many other troops, took part in a large attack on the Hindenburgh Line in co-operation with tanks. One company of tanks, i.e. 12 tanks, were allotted to the battalion for the operation. All 4 companies were in the first wave. Our objective was two line of trenches in front of the Hindenburgh Line known as Bleak Trench and Barrack Support. Zero was set for 6.30am. At zero-10 the tanks started and a heavy barrage was put down on all the enemy trenches and batteries. All Companies after this delay [initially some tanks became stuck] reached and consolidated their objectives. Many Boches were killed or captured and in addition a vast supply of all kinds of ammunition and stores including heavy mortar, two medium, three heavy M.G.s and two light light ones and several grenaten-werfer. The Boche made no immediate counter attack. ‘A’ Company under Captain Capper had the most difficult consolidation but this was well carried out by this officer.’ A few months later Livings received a Second Award Bar to his M.M and the Belgian Croix de Guerre; these awards are likely to have been made in connection with the 9th Battalion’s robust defence of the line at Albert, 26 March - 9 April, during the German Spring Offensive on the Somme. Severely wounded in the field on 13 July 1918, he was hospitalised for some time at Rouen and rejoined his Battalion on 9 September. On 24 September 1918, during the Battle of Epehy, Sergeant Livings repulsed a German attack on the Battalion’s trenches and was recognised with the award of the D.C.M. The uncensored post war citation revealing the date and place of the action. The Battalion war diary for the day in question adds further detail: ‘At 3am the enemy again attempted to take our front line in the vicinity of Heythorp Post and Little Preill Farm. One battalion of the 3rd Guards Division advanced on our trenches and entered them between the posts, Sgt. Livings of ‘A’ Company with 2 or 3 men ejected them causing many casualties to the enemy’. Badly wounded again on 28 September, he was admitted to a field hospital with severe bomb wounds to the head, face and right thigh. He returned to England once more on 2 October 1918 to recover and was discharged from hospital on 14 October, returning to light duty once more. Sergeant Livings was discharged on the termination of his period of engagement on 31 March 1920, his pension accounting for service aggravated deafness, abdominal gunshot wounds, gunshot wounds to left thigh, concussion, bomb wounds and shortness of breath caused by mustard gas. He died in 1976 at Poplar, London.

Three: Private E. Burls, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, who was killed in action at the Battle of Le Cateau on 26 August 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (7756 Pte. E. Burls. 2/Essex R.) in named card box of issue with outer envelope addressed to ‘Mrs M. M. Burls, Cadhay Dairy, Ottery St. Mary’s, Devon’; British War and Victory Medals (7756 Pte. E. Burls. Essex R.) both in named card boxes of issue and outer OHMS envelope addressed to, ‘Mrs M. M. Burls, 34 Mill St., Ottery St. Mary, Devon.’; Memorial Plaque (Ernest Burls) with Buckingham Palace enclosure, in card envelope and OHMS outer envelope similarly addressed, virtually mint state (4) £260-£300 --- Ernest Burls was born in 1886 at Great Easton, Dunmow, Essex and attested for the Essex Regiment at Braintree, Essex. He served with A Company of the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front, landing at Le Havre, France on 24 August 1914 and entraining the same night for Bertry near Le Cateau, arriving on 25 August. The battalion then marched to Prayelle from where A and B Companies moved to Longsart. The enemy attacked the A and B Company positions on Longsart Ridge, near Esnes on 26 August and, despite support from C and D Companies, a withdrawal was ordered and the Battalion fell back to positions on the Hancourt-Esnes Road. Here they came under shell fire and later in the day retired via Selvigny to Vendhuille having suffered Captain Vandeleur and Lieutenant Northey killed, Lieutenant Round mortally wounded, 90 other ranks killed, 1 officer and 40 other ranks wounded and 98 missing. Private Burls was among those missing, presumed dead and was later officially recorded as having died on 26 August 1914. He was the son of Charles and Sarah Burls, of Parsonage Downs, Dunmow, Essex and the husband of Maud Mary Burls, of 9, Cornhill, Ottery St. Mary, Devon. Having no known grave, he is commemorated on La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France and the Great Easton and Tilty War Memorial, Essex.

Three: Corporal W. Mitchell, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, who was killed in action on the Aisne on 13 September 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (7309 Cpl. W. Mitchell. 2/Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (7309 Cpl. W. Mitchell. Essex R.); Memorial Plaque (William Mitchell) in card envelope, with Buckingham Palace enclosure, nearly extremely fine (4) £240-£280 --- William Mitchell was born in Cambridge in 1886 and attested there for the Essex Regiment in November 1902. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 August 1914 and was killed in action at the crossing of the Aisne on 13 September 1914: ‘On September 13th, in pouring rain, the Battalion crossed the Aisne. They left the bivouac at 7 a.m., the unit being ordered to march via Billy-sur-Aisne and Venizel to Ste. Marguerite. After an hour’s rest, Venizel was reached at 9 a.m and the Battalion was temporarily halted in column in a field by the roadside, in readiness for crossing first the railroad and then the river bridge. The girders of the latter had been cut, but the reinforced concrete of the roadway was strong enough to take infantry. Whilst waiting to pass over, enemy shell-fire was active and the machine gun teams had a number of casualties, heavier losses being avoided because one of the companies had just moved to shelter in a sunken road... The Pompadours, after crossing, traversed the two miles of water meadows to Bucy-le-Long in extended order, ten paces interval, at 100 yards distance, and though the shell-fire was heavy, the casualties were slight. “ D ” Company brought up the rear... The Essex were ordered to cover an attack upon Chivres trenches by the Lancashire Fusiliers. The effort was not successful owing to heavy fire from the south of Chivres village and the western slopes of the Chivres spur. The Pompadours then held the high ground north of Ste. Marguerite, with their right thrown back along the eastern side of the wood before-mentioned. There they dug in and remained for the night, Lancashire Fusiliers on the right and the King’s Own on the left. The position possessed elements of anxiety owing to enemy activity and for a time small arms ammunition ran short, but this danger was relieved at 6.25 p.m., when three cart-loads were received. The casualties were light, comprising ten killed and 32 wounded.’ (Essex Units in the Great War 1914-1919 Vol 2. 2nd Bn. The Essex Regt. by John Wm. Burrows, F.S.A.) He was the son of John Mitchell and husband of Maud Elizabeth Alice Thomas (formerly Mitchell) of 6 Stone Terrace, Stone St., Cambridge. Having no known grave, he is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France. Sold together with Record Office transmission letter (torn) for the British War and Victory Medals.

Family group: Three: Private R. D. Webb, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, who was killed in action near Chapelle d’Armentières on 3 November 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (7959 Pte. R. D. Webb. 2/Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (7959 Pte. R. D. Webb. Essex R.); Memorial Plaque (Robert David Webb) reverse of plaque bearing scars from metal fixtures, since removed; Memorial Scroll ‘Pte. Robert David Webb, Essex Regiment.’, nearly extremely fine Three: Private A. E. Webb, 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, who was killed in action at Neuve Chapelle on 12 March 1915 1914 Star, with clasp (8436 Pte. A. E. Webb. 2/Linc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (8436 Pte. A. E. Webb. Linc. R.); Memorial Plaque (Alfred Edward Webb) reverse of plaque bearing scars from metal fixtures, since removed; Memorial Scroll ‘Pte. Alfred Edward Webb, Lincolnshire Regt.’, nearly extremely fine (10) £400-£500 --- Robert David Webb was born around 1885 at Ipswich, Suffolk and attested there for the Essex Regiment in 1904. He served with D Company of the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 22 August 1914 as part of the 12th Brigade in the 4th Division. Having participated in the battles of Le Cateau and the Aisne, his battalion moved north to Hazebrouck and was then involved in a series of actions near Armentières and Messines in October 1914. Private Webb was killed in action on 3 November 1914 during a period when his battalion successfully repulsed enemy attacks on the firing line south of Pont Edal Farm railway crossing, near Chapelle d’Armentières. He was the son of Robert and Sarah Webb of 54 Wykes Bishop St., Ipswich and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Meemorial, Belgium. Sold together with portrait photograph of the recipient in uniform. Alfred Edward Webb was born around 1890 at Ipswich, Suffolk and attested there for the Lincolnshire Regiment in 1908. He served with the 2nd battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1914 as part of the 25th Brigade, 8th Division and was killed in action on 12 March 1914 - two days after his battalion’s attack on Neuve Chapelle. The regimental history describes how a shrapnel shell was the likely cause of his death: ‘On the 12th the Germans launched their counter-attack but similarly they gained little. The Lincolnshire Diary records that the battalion remained in its trenches “all day and all night (12th/13th)”; forward Battalion Headquarters were with C Company. That night, at about 8pm, Captain C. G. V. Wellesley rejoined the Battalion (he had been ill and away from it). He was coming up with the ration party when a shrapnel shell pitched into it, mortally wounding the officer and twelve other ranks about thirty yards from Battalion headquarters.’ (The History of the Lincolnshire Regiment 1914-1918 edited by Major-General C. R. Simpson, C.B.) Sold together with a photograph of the recipient in uniform.

Three: Private W. Scrivener, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, who was killed in action near Messines on 23 October 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (8229 Pte. W. Scrivener. 2/Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (8229 Pte. W. Scrivener. Essex R.); Memorial Plaque (Walter Scrivener) good very fine (4) £240-£280 --- Walter Scrivener was born in 1884 at Billericay, Essex and attested for the Essex Regiment at Maldon, Essex in 1904. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he served with the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front from 22 August 1914 as part of the 12th Brigade in the 4th Division. Having participated in the battles of Le Cateau and the Aisne, his battalion moved north to Hazebrouck and was then involved in a series of actions near Armentières and Messines in October 1914. Private Scrivener was killed in action in the Messines Sector on 23 October 1914. He was the husband of Christina Scrivener of 29 Church St., Maldon, Essex and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

Three: Private A. Johnson, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, who was killed in action near Armentières, during the First Battle of Ypres, on 22 November 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (7116 Pte. A. Johnson. 2/Essex R.) in partially flattened named card box of issue and outer OHMS transmission envelope addressed to ‘Mrs. A. L. Palmer, 49 Cramphorn Road, Chelmsford’; British War and Victory Medals (7116 Pte. A. Johnson. Essex R.) in partially flattened named card box of issue and outer OHMS envelope, similarly addressed; Memorial Plaque (Archibald Johnson) in inner envelope and outer card envelope with Buckingham Palace enclosure, extremely fine (4) £200-£240 --- Archibald Johnson was born at Shoreditch, Middlesex and attested for the Essex Regiment at Romford, Essex in 1902. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 September 1914 and was killed in action on the final day of the First Battle of Ypres, 22 November 1914, during a period when his battalion was occupying trenches between Warnave and Touquet, near Armentières. His sole legatee was James Richard Palmer of Cramphorn Road, Chelmsford and, having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. Sold together with transmittal letters for the clasp to the 1914 Star and the Victory Medal.

Four: Private A. Farley, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, who served in the Boer War and was killed in action during the Great War near Ploegsteert, Flanders on 13 March 1915 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 (6477 Pte. A. Farley. Essex Regt); 1914 Star (7286 Pte. A. Farley. 2/Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (7286 Pte. A. Farley. Essex R.); Memorial Plaque (Albert Farley) in card envelope, with slightly torn Buckingham Palace enclosure; Memorial Scroll, ‘Pte. Albert Farley Essex Regt.’, in contemporary glazed frame, extremely fine (6) £300-£400 --- Albert Victor Farley was born in 1885 in the Parish of St. Botolph, near Colchester, Essex. Having just turned 17 years of age, he served with the 3rd Battalion, Essex Regiment in South Africa during the Boer War from 9 March 1902 until 14 September 1902, and was awarded the Q.S.A. with 3 clasps. Returning to England he attested for the Essex Regiment at Colchester on 3 November 1902, now aged 17 years and 9 months, and commenced his service towards limited engagement. Posted to the 2nd Battalion on 15 April 1902, he was stationed on Malta from April 1904 to April 1907 and whilst there was appointed Drummer in October 1904. Discharged to the Reserve in 1910 after completing 8 years with the colours, he was working as a travelling musician in 1911. Following the outbreak of the Great War, Farley was recalled from the Reserve and served with the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment on the Western Front from 14 September 1914, his battalion seeing action at the Battles of the Aisne, Messines and Armentières in 1914. He was killed in action on 13 March 1915 near Ploegsteert in the Le Touquet Sector where the 2nd Essex, as part of the 12th Brigade, 4th Division, had been alternately occupying trenches in the front line and taking rest at Le Bizet and Nieppe since January 1915. He was the son of Robert and Frances Farley of 26 Albion Grove, Colchester, and husband of Mabel Farley, of Thorrington Street, Stoke-by-Nayland, Colchester and he is buried in Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery, Belgium. Sold together with the recipient’s ‘Soldiers’ Small Book’, a riband bar for the Great War medals; and an illuminated certificate presented to the recipient’s wife by the Stoke-by-Nayland Branch of the Girls Friendly Society on the occasion of her marriage on 6 April 1912.

Pair: Private H. F. Blackwell, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, who died of wounds in France on 14 August 1918 British War and Victory Medals (401308 Pte. H. F. Blackwell. Essex R.) with flattened named card box of issue and transmittal slip; Memorial Plaque (Harold Fred Blackwell) with Buckingham Palace enclosure, in card envelope with O.H.M.S. outer envelope addressed to, ‘Mrs E. Blackwell, 23 Craigdale Rd, Romford, Essex.’, extremely fine (3) £140-£180 --- Harold Fred Blackwell was born in 1879 at Dulverton, Somerset and was a tailor shopkeeper by occupation, residing in Romford. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front and died of wounds in France on 14 August 1918 at the 32nd Stationary Hospital, Wimereux, France, having suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm which necessitated amputation. He was the son of Fred and Elizabeth Blackwell, of Alcombe, Somerset and husband of Eleanor Blackwell, of 23, Craigdale Rd., Romford, Essex, and is buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France. Sold together with 3 Post Office Telegraphs sent to the recipient’s wife, communicating the grave condition and subsequent death of her husband; Army Form B.104-80, dated 15 August 1918, addressed to the recipient’s wife regarding condition of her husband and denying permission to visit; Army Form B.104-82, addressed to the recipient’s wife communicating the death of her husband; the recipient’s Army Book 136 with much content; 2 Field Service Postcards sent by the recipient to his wife, dated May 1918; illustrated booklet advertising the recipient’s business ‘H. F. Blackwell, High-class Tailor, 62 South Street, Romford’; the recipient’s leather bound London and Provincial Bank Ltd. Bank Book; and a further quantity of ephemera.

An important 1914 ‘Le Cateau’ D.S.O. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-General Sir B. F. Burnett-Hitchcock K.C.B., Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), who, whilst a Captain on the Staff of the 4th Division, was decorated for gallantry in rallying disordered troops and leading them against the enemy at Haucourt, 26 August 1914 - seven times Mentioned in Despatches for the Great War, he subsequently rose to command the 55th (West Lancs) Division and the Deccan District (4th Indian Division) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, unofficial rivets between state and date clasps (Capt. B. F. Burnett-Hitchcock, Derby: Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Capt: B. Burnett-Hitchcock Notts: & Derby: R.); British War and Victory Medals (Brig. Gen. B. F. Burnett Hitchcock.); France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, chip to white enamel; Italy, Kingdom, Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus, Officer’s breast badge, gold, silver-gilt, and enamel, slight enamel damage; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1914-1918, with bronze palm, nearly extremely fine unless stated (8) £5,000-£7,000 --- Provenance: Sotheby’s, July 1975 (when sold together with K.C.B. Knight Commander’s badge and breast star). K.C.B. (Military) London Gazette 3 June 1932. C.B. (Military) London Gazette 1 January 1918: ‘For services rendered in connection with the war’ D.S.O. London Gazette 9 December 1914: ‘On 26th August, at Haucourt, France, for gallantry in rallying troops in disorder and leading them against the enemy, thereby ensuring an orderly evacuation of the village.’ French Legion of Honour London Gazette 3 November 1914: ‘For gallantry during the Operations between 21st and 30th August 1914’ Italian Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus London Gazette 1 April 1919. French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 9 April 1920. M.I.D. London Gazettes 19 October 1914; 17 February 1915; 1 January 1916; 15 June 1916; 4 January 1917; 15 May 1917; 12 February 1918 Basil Ferguson Burnett-Hitchcock was born on 3 March 1877, at Chatham, son of the late Colonel T. Burnett-Hitchcock, of Week Manor, Winchester, Hants, and Amelia Burnett-Hitchcock. Educated at Harrow and Sandhurst (Sword of Honour, Anson Memorial Sword, 1st passing out), he made two first-class appearances for Hampshire in the 1896 Country Championship before being commissioned Second Lieutenant into the Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire Regiment) on 20 February 1897. Promoted Lieutenant on 12 April 1898, he served during the Boer War in South Africa, 1899-1901, with the 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, Mounted Infantry, and on the Staff, taking part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May, 1900; in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; also in Cape Colony 1899-1900; again during operations in Orange River Colony and Cape Colony 30 November 1900 to February 1901 (Queen’s Medal with three clasps). Advanced Captain 12 March, 1901, he attended Staff College, 1903-4 and was was Staff Captain, Eastern Command, 1905-9; General Staff Officer, 2nd Grade, Bermuda, 1910-12 and Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, 4th Division, Eastern Command in 1912. Great War - The 4th Division at the Battle of Le Cateau On the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, Burnett-Hitchcock, whilst still a Captain in the 2nd Sherwood Foresters, was Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General on the Staff of General T. D’O. Snow’s 4th Division. Although initially held back in England to counter any German landing, the division was soon despatched to France, arriving just in time to play a valuable part in the retreat from Mons. At Le Havre, the 4th Division (10th, 11th and 12th Brigades with light artillery) entrained for Le Cateau from where, on 25th August, it marched to Solesmes to cover the retirement of II Corps after the Battle of Mons. Having arrived at Solesmes amid chaotic scenes of retreating British soldiers and long lines of civilian refugees, the wet and weary 4th Division fell back through the villages of Briastre and Le Coquelet before coming under the command of II Corps just as General Smith-Dorrien decided to make his stand in the rolling country around Le Caudry, to the west of Le Cateau - Smith Dorrien declaring, ‘"Very well, gentlemen, we will fight, and I will ask General Snow to act under me as well." Smith-Dorrien’s decision to fight this important delaying rearguard action may well have saved the British from destruction by the massive German onslaught during the general Allied retreat following sustained German successes at the four Battles of the Frontiers. The location, a long ridge running west-east with Le Cateau at its eastern end, was far from ideal. The ground was soft, so easy for the troops to dig in, but it lacked cover, was dominated by a German-held ridge to the north and, worst of all, both flanks were open. The situation on the right flank, the hills around the Le Cateau valley, was perilous from the start, as the Germans infiltrated during the night. The west, held by 4th Division, was absolutely vulnerable to flanking movements designed to encircle II Corps. Snow now set up his Division HQ at the village of Haucourt with 12th Brigade further forward on the left near Esnes and Longsart and 11th Brigade forward to the right in front of Ligny. 10th Brigade remained in reserve around Haucourt. Wilson's 12th Brigade was attacked in force early on 26 August and suffered heavy casualties, but managed to rally and held the extreme left of the British line until the B.E.F. was able to retreat. The 1st Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment suffered in particular. Surprised just as breakfast was being served, they came under heavy machine gun and artillery fire. The battalion was nearly destroyed as a fighting unit, the commanding officer and many others being killed, with many more wounded or taken prisoner of war. Meanwhile, Hunter-Weston’s 11th Brigade spent most of the day desperately holding the position in front of Ligny while coming under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. A feature of the fighting being the greater respect shown by the Germans for British rifle prowess than at Mons where they had suffered heavy casualties. One unfortunate consequence of 4th Division’s rapid deployment to France was that it lacked a Signal Company (as well as cavalry, cyclists and Royal Engineers) to provide its commander and his brigadiers with the information necessary to control their units. Burnett-Hitchcock’s employment as a messenger for General Snow during the early part of the Battle is documented in a statement published by Lieutenant-Colonel A. E. Mainwaring, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 10th Infantry Brigade at Le Cateau (Mainwaring and Lieut. Col. Elkington, 1st Royal Warwickshires were notoriously cashiered out of the service for cowardice at St. Quentin just days after Le Cateau.): ‘During the first part of the action I received two messages from the divisional staff, both verbal, and sent the one already referred to above to the 10th Brigade, in which I described our positions. The first was delivered by the A.D.C. to the G.O.C. IV Division. Captain Allfrey said to me, “The General says he wishes you to hold on here to the end.” Then, turning in his saddle, he added, “General Snow told me to say that this is a personal me...

Three: Lance-Corporal J. H. Barnes, 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), later Army Cyclist Corps, who was killed in action whilst attempting to carry a despatch through the German lines at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 9 March 1915 1914 Star, with copy clasp (11076 Pte. J. H. Barnes. 1/Notts: & Derby: R.); British War and Victory Medals (11076 Pte. J. H. Barnes. Notts & Derby. R.) with O.H.M.S. outer envelope addressed to ‘Mr. J. Barnes, Clapgun Street, Castle Donington, Nr Derby.’; Memorial Plaque (James Henry Barnes) in card envelope, good very fine (4) £240-£280 --- James Henry Barnes was born in 1890 at Castle Donington, Leicestershire and was a Motor Engineer by occupation prior to attesting for the Sherwood Foresters at Nottingham on 13 January 1909. He served with the 1st Battalion in India from October 1909 until called home in October 1914 to fight in the Great War. He served in France with the 1st Battalion from 4 November 1914 and was appointed Paid Lance Corporal In the Field on 11 November 1914. Having transferred to the 8th Divisional Company, Army Cyclist Corps, as a despatch rider, on 8 January 1915, he was killed in action on 9 March 1915: ‘He was the only man to volunteer to carry a despatch through the German lines during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. Although warned of the great danger, he was willing to take the risk and was killed when within 100 yards of the German lines.’ (Newspaper cutting with lot). Lance Corporal Barnes was the eldest son of James and Rhoda Barnes of Clapgun Street, Castle Donington. James Barnes senior had himself served in the army as a Bandsman for 12 years, including during the First Boer War, when ‘he was one of the first to respond to the call for volunteers from his regiment, the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, for the assault on Majuba Hill.’ Barnes has no known grave and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France, although a hand-written Red Cross note with the lot states ‘He was buried 100 yards south of the cross roads, which lie south of Chapigny near Aubers in Flanders. It is on the Battlefield marked Square M.29 b.7.6.’ Sold also with the following items: a hand-written note from Corporal W. Evans, 1384, 8th Divisional Cyclist Corps, dated 16 March 1915: ‘Herewith please find the personal effects of 1385 L Cpl J. Barnes, please acknowledge receipt and oblige. Yours sincerely.’; an empty Princess Mary 1914 Christmas Tin; a photograph of the recipient’s father, 72mm x 107mm; an embroidered depiction of a cenotaph with flags and wreaths, on black background, cotton, 65 cm x 65 cm, with the words, ‘In loving memory of James H. Barnes. Killed in action March 12, 1915. Aged 26 years. R.I.P.’; various newspaper cuttings and copied research.

Three: Private H. Trussell, 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), who was captured and taken prisoner of war when his battalion was overwhelmed by superior numbers at Ennetières during the Battle of Armentières on 20 October 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (8727 Pte. H. Trussell. 2/Notts: & Derby: R.); British War and Victory Medals (8727 Pte. H. Trussell. Notts. & Derby. R.); together with a Sherwood Foresters cap badge, good very fine (3) £200-£240 --- Harry Trussell was born in 1886 at Ilkeston, Derbyshire and attested for the Sherwood Foresters in 1903. He served with “C” Company in the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 19 September 1914, joining his battalion shortly after the fighting on the Aisne. The battalion entrained for St. Omer on 9 October and moved into the Vieux Bergin area three days later. Crossing the Lys, they cleared the enemy from Sailly and continuing to advance, relieved the 2nd Durham Light Infantry at Ennetières on 18 October. The enemy, which German sources estimate to have been one entire Division plus one Brigade, then attacked the battalion who were ordered to fall back to the high ground at La Vallée. The retiring troops became surrounded during the retreat and were forced to surrender. A small group of survivors from the battalion, 2 officers and 49 other ranks managed to hold a ridge near the La Vallée Windmill and drove off the Germans last attack at 7.30pm before retiring to Fetus. Brigadier-General W. N. Congreve, V.C. (O.C. 18th Brigade) afterwards wrote to the Colonel of the Sherwood Foresters describing how his 2nd Battalion had held their line at Ennetières under constant attack for 48 hours and on 20 October were, ‘just worn out and overwhelmed by superior numbers.’ Approximate casualty numbers for the 2nd Sherwood Foresters during the period 18-20 October were: Officers - 3 killed, 3 wounded and 10 captured; Other ranks - 710 either killed, wounded or captured. Private Trussell was among those captured at Ennetières on 20 October 1914, and was held prisoner of war for the remainder of the conflict at Münster, Germany.

Three: Private J. Paradise, 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who was killed in the attack at Troyon, during the battle of the Aisne, on 14 September 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (9397 Pte. J. Paradise. L. N. Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals (9397 Pte. J. Paradise. L. N. Lan. R.); Memorial Plaque (John Paradise) nearly extremely fine (4) £240-£280 --- John Paradise was born in 1891 at Hammersmith, Middlesex and attested for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at Dover, Kent in 1908. He served with ‘B’ Company in the 1st Battalion as part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 August 1914 and was killed in action in the attack at Troyon on 14 September 1914 - a day of bitter fighting sometimes referred to as the ‘real battle of the Aisne’. On this day, Haig’s immediate objective was the Chemin Des Dames above Troyon and, to this end, the 2nd Brigade were tasked with taking the sugar factory at the crossroads north of Troyon. Here the Germans has established a strong position with many machine guns in enfilading lines of fire and with formidable artillery to the rear: ‘This was at 10.30am on the 14th, and two and a half companies of the Battalion were sent up the right of the 2nd King’s Royal Rifles, one company was ordered to support the Royal Sussex, the remining half-company being held in reserve at Vendresse. The position was reached, the factory carried and held; but the enemy was in great strength and counter attacked heavily, while the Battalion ammunition began to run out, and the 2nd Brigade was ordered to fall back to the ridge previously occupied, arriving there about 3pm and ‘digging in’. The losses incurred this day by the Battalion, in this its first general action of the war, amounted to fourteen officers and over 500 non-commissioned officers and men killed, wounded and missing, and in “B” Company alone three officers out of five and 175 out of 220 other ranks were casualties.’ (Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 1914-1919 by Colonel H. C. Wylie refers) Private Troyon was initially reported wounded and missing on 14 September 1914 and only later confirmed killed in action on this date. He was the husband of Harriet Paradise and is buried in Vendresse British Cemetery, France. Sold together with a photo of the recipient’s headstone and three photos of the Vendresse British Cemetery.

Seven: Warrant Officer Class 2 W. Waterhouse, 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who was wounded and Mentioned in Despatches during the Boer War, and was also Mentioned for services on the Aisne during the Great War, prior to being taken prisoner of war on 31 October 1914 Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Defence of Kimberley, Orange Free State, Transvaal (4929 Pte. W. Waterhouse, 1: L. N. Lanc: Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4929 Corpl: W. Waterhouse. L. N. Lanc: Regt.); Mayor of Kimberley’s Star 1899-1900, reverse hallmark with date letter ‘c’, reverse engraved ‘Sergt. Waterhouse. L. N. Lancs.’, lacking integral top riband bar; 1914 Star, with clasp (4929 C.S.Mjr. W. Waterhouse. L.N. Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (4929 W.O. Cl.2. W. Waterhouse. L.N. Lan. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (4929 C.Q.M. Sjt.: Waterhouse. L.N. Lanc: Regt.) QSA and KSA nearly very fine, the rest good very fine (7) £600-£800 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 20 August 1901: ‘For good service during attack on convoy to Ventersdorp, 23 May 1901.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 19 October 1914 Walter Waterhouse was born in 1875 at Accrington, Lancashire, the son of David and Isabella Waterhouse. He attested for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in 1895 at Preston and embarked for Ceylon with the 1st Battalion in October 1896, gaining promotion to Lance Corporal in March 1898. His battalion was posted to South Africa in February 1899 and he served there for the entirety of the Boer War. Waterhouse was among the four companies of the battalion that were sent to Kimberley on 20 September 1899 and did important work during the siege of that town between 12 October 1899 and 15 February 1900. He then gained advancement to Corporal in March 1900 and was mentioned in despatches and wounded on 23 May 1901 at Kalfontein whilst in defence of a convoy which was heavily attacked whilst en-route for Ventersdorp. Returning home to England in September 1902 Waterhouse was promoted to Corporal in 1904, Sergeant in 1906, Colour Sergeant in 1912, Company Quarter Master Sergeant in 1913 and Company Sergeant Major in June 1914. He was awarded his Army L.S. & G.C. medal per Army Order 99 in 1914. Following the outbreak of the Great War, Waterhouse served on the Western Front from 12 August 1914 and was Mentioned in Field Marshal Sir John French’s Despatch of 8 October 1914 from the Aisne. He was one of 4 officers and 5 men of the Battalion mentioned in this Gazette in which the mentions relate to ‘services rendered from the commencement of the campaign up to the present date [8 October 1914].’ Given that the 1st Loyal North Lancs took no real part in the fighting at Mons or Le Cateau and were held mostly in reserve at the Marne, Waterhouse’s Mention is therefore almost certainly in connection with services on the Aisne where his battalion’s attack on Troyon, on 14 September 1914, resulted in over 500 officers and men of the battalion being either killed, wounded or missing. On 18 October 1914, Waterhouse’s battalion moved up to take part in the bitter fighting around Ypres, taking part in a successful charge with fixed bayonets to clear enemy trenches near Pilckem on 23 October - 600 prisoners were taken. However, later in the month heavy casualties were sustained, particularly at Gheluvelt on 31 October. Company Sergeant Major Waterhouse was captured on 31 October 1914 and taken prisoner of war, spending the remainder of the war in Germany. He was advanced Warrant Officer Class 2 on 29 January 1915 and finally repatriated on 18 November 1918. He was discharged on the termination of his engagement on 19 April 1921.

Four: Corporal J. Freeman, 8th (Service) Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who suffered gunshot wounds to the shoulder and hand during the German attack on Vimy Ridge on 21 May 1916, during which action Lieutenant R. B. B. Jones, of the same Battalion, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross 1914-15 Star (15597 Cpl. J. Freeman. L. N. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (15597 Cpl. J. Freeman. L. N. Lan. R.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (John Freeeman) good very fine (4) £80-£120 --- John Freeman was born in 1880 at Garston, Liverpool and attested for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at Seaforth, Liverpool on 10 September 1914. Posted to the 8th (Service) Battalion, he was promoted Corporal on 1 October 1914 and served on the Western Front from 25 September 1915. Whilst serving with B Company, during the battalion’s first action - in defence of the German attack on Vimy Ridge on 21 May 1916 - he received gunshot wounds to the shoulder and hand and was invalided to England. Lieutenant R. B. B. Jones, of the same battalion, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for gallantry at Vimy on 21 May 1916. A digest of his citation reads: ‘On 21st May 1916 at Broadmarsh Crater, Vimy, France, Lieutenant Jones was in charge of a platoon holding the position recently captured from the enemy. Forty yards away the enemy exploded a mine and isolated the platoon by a heavy barrage of fire. Being attacked by overwhelming numbers, the platoon was in great danger, but Lieutenant Jones organised his men and set a fine example by shooting 15 of the enemy as they advanced. When all his ammunition had been used, he was about to throw a bomb when he was shot through the head.’ Corporal Freeman was transferred to the 2/2 Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment and permanently discharged on 13 June 1917 in consequence of further aggravating an old knee injury and no longer being physically fit for war service. He was awarded a Silver War Badge. Sold with the recipient’s discharge certificate and an original hand written letter sent to the recipient on 27 May 1916 from 4285 Sgt. Horrocks, B Company, 8th Loyal North Lancs., which opens as follows: ‘Dear Jack I was very glad last night to hear that a letter had been received from you as I have wondered many times whether you had arrived safely at the dressing station or not. I ought really to have sent someone with you but as you know we had not many men left when you got wounded and I could not spare a chap to help you along. I want to thank you personally Jack for the brave manner in which you behaved and for the splendid example you set the men under heavy shell fire and each and all of us agree that you were about the coolest and most collected man of the party. After you got hit we kept plodding on till the following morning when we were relieved and sent back to pylines for a sleep though the party had altered very much in numbers for we started with 42 and left with about 16 most of whom have since left us and gone to hospital with shell shock.’

Three: Private G. Cripps, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, who died of wounds received at the Battle of the Aisne on 17 September 1914 1914 Star, with later slide clasp (6869 Pte. G. Cripps. 1/North’n R.); British War and Victory Medals (6869 Pte. G. Cripps. North’n R.); Memorial Plaque (George Cripps) nearly extremely fine (4) £240-£280 --- George Cripps was born in 1886 at Evenley, Northamptonshire and attested for the Northamptonshire Regiment at Brackley, Northamptonshire in 1903. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 27 August 1914 and was reported wounded and missing on 17 September 1914 during the battle of the Aisne. He was later officially recorded as having died of wounds on 17 September 1914. He was the husband of Emily Jane Cripps of 92 Banbury Road, Oxford and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France.

Family Group: Three: Private C. Coyne, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, who died of wounds whilst a prisoner of war on 24 November 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (3-9783 Pte. C. Coyne. 1/North’n R.); British War and Victory Medals (3-9783 Pte. C. Coyne. North’n. R.); Memorial Plaque (Charles Coyne); Memorial Scroll (Private Charles Coyne, Northamptonshire Regt.) in OHMS transmission tube, addressed to ‘Mrs Coyne, 287 Walpole St., Peterborough.’ nearly extremely fine Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (John Coyne, 9th October 1883. (Duplicate.)) with integral top riband buckle, good very fine (6) £300-£400 --- Charles Coyne was born in 1895 in March, Cambridgeshire. Originally enlisted into the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, he was called to the colours on the outbreak of war in August 1914 and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 20 September 1914. He died of wounds on 24 November 1914, aged 19 years, whilst being held as a prisoner of war. His heavily depleted Battalion had witnessed fierce fighting during First Ypres at Pilckem Ridge, Bodmin Copse and Shrewsbury Forest, and came out of the line on 15th November with 350 ranks and five officers commanded by a Special Reserve Subaltern. He was the son of John and Louisa Coyne of 287 Walpole Street, New England, Peterborough and is buried in Tourcoing (Pont-Neuville) Communal Cemetery, France. Sold together with Army Form B. 104-82, informing the recipient’s father of the death of his son, dated 24 April 1915. John Coyne, father of the above, was born in March, Cambridgeshire in 1865. He was employed as an 18 year old Parcel Postman at the time of the award of his Royal Humane Society Medal: ‘R.H.S. Case No. 22176: ‘John Coyne, at great personal risk, rescued Mrs Vanson from drowning in the river March, Cambridge, on 9 October 1883. Bronze medal.’ The rescue of Mrs Vanson, aged 73, took place at noon when an omnibus in which the old lady was travelling had backed into the river due to restlessness of the horses. A duplicate medal was issued to Coyne on repayment as his original medal was lost.

Three: Private A. J. Payne, 1st Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales’s (Royal Berkshire Regiment), who was killed in action near Zonnebeke during the First Battle of Ypres on 26 October 1914 1914 Star (7378 Pte. A. J. Payne. 1/R. Berks: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7378 Pte. A. J. Payne. R. Berks. R.) contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £200-£240 --- Albert James Payne was born at Compton, Berkshire, and attested for the Royal Berkshire Regiment at Reading in September 1903. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 September 1914 and was killed in action on 26 October 1914. On this date, his battalion were in support of an attack by the 1st King’s Liverpool Regiment to clear the remaining Germans from Molenaarenshoek, 1 mile south-east of Zonnebeke, after which they continued their advance up the Becelaere Road. He was the son of David and Martha Payne and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Pair: Private H. W. Bradley, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), who was killed in action at Wasmes during the retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914 1914 Star (L-8123 Pte. H. W. Bradley. 1/R. W. Kent R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (L-8123 Pte. W. H. Bradley. R. W. Kent. R.) good very fine (2) £140-£180 --- Henry William Bradley (later known as William Henry) was born in 1886 at Stone, near Dartford, Kent and attested for the Royal West Kent Regiment at Maidstone on 8 September 1905. He served with the 1st Battalion as part of the 13th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division, II Corps during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 August 1914 and was killed in action during the retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914. On 24 August at 2:00 a.m., II Corps were ordered to retreat into France to a defensible position along the Valenciennes to Maubege road, fighting a number of sharp rearguard actions against the pursuing Germans as they did so. At Wasmes, units of the 5th Division came under a heavy assault from German Artillery which began bombarding the village at dawn, followed a few hours later by an infantry assault by German III Corps who advanced in columns and were ‘mown down like grass’ by British rifle and machine gun fire. Soldiers of the 1st West Kents, 2nd King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 2nd Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, and 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment held off repeated German assaults on the village, and then, despite taking heavy casualties, retreated in good order to St. Vaast at midday. Note: The Army Registers of Soldiers Effects; UK Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919; WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards; De Ruvigny’s Roll; and the 1914 Star Medal Roll all state Bradley’s date of death to be 24 August 1914 whereas the Commonwealth War Graves Commission alone gives his date of death as 28 August 1914.

Three: Private F. Slack, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), who was killed in action at Wasmes during the Retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914 1914 Star (L-7415 Pte. F. Slack. 1/R. W. Kent R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-7415 Pte. F. Slack. R. W. Kent R.); Memorial Plaque (Frederick Slack) very fine (4) £240-£280 --- Frederick Slack was born in 1886 at Nottingham and attested for the Royal West Kent Regiment at Maidstone, Kent in 1904. He served with the 1st Battalion as part of the 13th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division, II Corps during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 August 1914 and was killed in action at Wasmes during the retreat from Mons on 24 August 1914. Prior to this, the 1st Royal West Kents had engaged the enemy at Mons on 23 August. A German Grenadier present that day with the 1st Battalion, 12th Brandenburg Regiment wrote of his encounter with the Slack’s Battalion, south of Tertre, outside Mons: ‘The Brandenburgers deployed and advanced by rushes, fired at by an always invisible foe and losing men every time they rise... the enemy seems to have waited for the moment of a general assault. He has artfully enticed us to close range in order to deal with us more surely and thoroughly. A hellish fire broke loose and in thick swathes the deadly leaden fire was pumped on our heads, breasts and knees. Wherever I looked, to the right and left, nothing but dead, and blood-streaming, sobbing, writhing wounded.’ (The Advance from Mons by Walter Bloem) The enemy continued to advance however, shelling the 1st Royal West Kents from close range necessitating the order to retire to be given at 7pm. Later that night at 2am, II Corps were ordered to retreat into France to a defensible position along the Valenciennes to Maubege road, fighting a number of sharp rearguard actions against the pursuing Germans as they did so. At Wasmes, units of the 5th Division came under a heavy assault from German Artillery which began bombarding the village at dawn, followed a few hours later by an infantry assault by German III Corps who advanced in columns and were ‘mown down like grass’ by British rifle and machine gun fire. Soldiers of the 1st West Kents, 2nd King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 2nd Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, and 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment held off repeated German assaults on the village, and then, despite taking heavy casualties, retreated in good order to St. Vaast at midday. Private Slack was the husband of Jessie E. Gallant, (formerly Slack) of 19 Banstead St., Nunhead, London and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France.

Family group: Three: Private C. G. Lovell, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), who was wounded and taken prisoner of war at Mons in August 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (L-7139 Pte. C. G. Lovell. 1/R. W. Kent R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-7139 Pte. C. G. Lovell. R. W. Kent. R.) nearly extremely fine Three: Private A. W. Lovell, 1/5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) (Territorial Force), who was killed in action at Kut-al-Amara on 13 January 1916 1914-15 Star (1391 Pte. A. W. Lovell. E. Kent R.); British War and Victory Medals (1391 Pte. A. W. Lovell. E. Kent R.); Memorial Plaque (Augustus William Lovell) nearly extremely fine (7) £300-£400 --- Charles George Lovell was born in 1886 at Goudhurst, Kent, the son of Albert and Caroline of Clay Hill Mount Goudhurst, Kent and attested for the Royal West Kent Regiment in 1902 or 1903. Following the outbreak of the Great War he sailed for France with the 1st Battalion on 14 August 1914 and fought at Mons where he was wounded and taken prisoner of war. He was still in Germany on 26 February 1916 according to a report in the Maidstone Telegraph of that date. Augustus William Lovell, younger brother of the above, was born in 1892 at Goudhurst, Kent and attested for the 1/5th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment) in October 1914. He sailed with the battalion for India in November 1914 and continued to serve with them in the Mesopotamia Theatre from 9 December 1915. A good stringed instrumentalist, he had for many years been a member of the Goudhurst Village Band, and while stationed in India played the Euphonium in the regimental band. He was killed in action on 13 January 1916 near Kut al Amara during the attempted relief of the besieged British forces, and is buried in the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq.

Three: Private J. E. Baker, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), who was killed in action during his battalion’s epic defence of its isolated trench near Neuve Chapelle on 24 October 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (L-8183 Pte. J. E. Baker. 1/R.W. Kent R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-8183 Pte. J. E. Baker. R.W. Kent. R.); Memorial Plaque (John Ernest Baker) with Buckingham Palace enclosure; together with a brass ‘Bed Plate’ inscribed, ‘The Queen’s Own. Royal West Kent Regt. 8183. J. Baker.’, good very fine (5) £300-£400 --- John Ernest Baker was born in 1887 at Woolwich, Kent. He attested for the Royal West Kent Regiment at Maidstone in 1905 and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, landing at Le Havre on 15 August 1914. He was killed in action during the Battle of La Bassée on 24 October 1914 during one of the most epic actions of the 1914 campaign, when his Battalion successfully defended its isolated trench near Neuve Chapelle against overwhelming odds for six consecutive days, 23 to 29 October 1914, losing 13 of its 15 officers and over 450 men, and being brought out of action by two junior subalterns, both of whom were afterwards awarded the D.S.O. In consequence of their heroic defence, the Battalion was the subject of some flattering remarks on the part of General Sir Horace Dorien-Smith, ‘there is one part of the line which has never been retaken, because it was never lost. It was the particular trenches which your battalion held so grimly during those terrific ten days.’ In addition, four men of the battalion were awarded the D.C.M. for this action. Such was the chaos during the period 20 - 31 October, the War Diary of the 1st Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment for the month of October 1914 is prefaced by the following note by the Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding, ‘Owing to the diary having been in the possession of Capt. & Adjt. G. B. Legard at the time he was killed it has been found impossible to complete it since the 20 October 14 except that part compiled by memory by Lieut. H. B. H. White and 2nd Lieut. J. R. Russell, the two surviving officers with the Battalion who recovered the Diary but were unable to find the appendices referred to.’ C. T. Atkinson in ‘The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment 1914-1919’ describes the circumstances on 23/24 October: ‘In the new line the battalion was assigned a position which was to become famous in the annals of the Regiment. Just south of Neuve Chapelle the Rue de Bois running W.S.W. to E.N.E. joins the main road from La Bassée, which runs about S.S.E. to N.N.E. towards Estaires. From the road junction (afterwards known as ‘Port Arthur’) a road goes off about N.E., practically continuing the Rue do Bois to Neuve Chapelle. The main road marked the right of the battalion’s line, which extended 400 yards to the left, the front line being 250 yards east of the Port Arthur - Neuve Chapelle road, West of which Battalion Headquarters and the reserve company’s trenches were placed. To the front, turnip fields and ploughed land stretched for about 400 yards to the hamlet of Ligny le Petit, while to the left front and more opposite Neuve Chapelle itself was the Bois de Biez, in those days affording plenty of cover to attacking forces , so that its nearness to the British line was a serious disadvantage. Trenches of sorts had been begun, but they needed all available labour to improve them. Fortunately the delay of the Germans in advancing gave time for the work. It was 2.30 p.m. before their leading scouts reached the houses in front, and soon after that the troops in the front trenches were pretty briskly engaged, finding targets in the Germans who were attempting to establish themselves in the houses, and being heavily fired on in return, though as yet there was little shelling. Of that plenty was to come. During the night of the 23rd/24th B Company heard what sounded like digging going on close to their front, a heavy fire was therefore opened, and the noise soon ceased. At daybreak a good many German corpses along the line of an intended advanced trench testified to the effectiveness of B’s shooting, and during early morning the enemy attempted no advance. But early in the afternoon his guns opened fire, not only field guns, but large howitzers, 6 inches in calibre and more, whose shells, descending at a steep angle, wrecked completely anything they struck. Luckily the soil was soft, which diminished considerably the effect of the bursts, but fire-trenches and dug-outs such as the battalion had been able to make proof against shrapnel could not compete with these ‘Black Marias’, and when these guns got the range of the British Line, as they did on the 26th, the trenches were blown to pieces and many casualties sustained. Luckily more than one alternative position was available and by shifting men about, casualties were to some extent kept down. But the ordeal to which the men were subjected was a severe one, alike for those in the firing-line and for those, equally exposed, in support or reserve. But the worst of it was that the damage done to the trenches by these heavy shells very much diminished the protection they afforded against shrapnel, and gave opportunities to the German snipers and machine-gunners. To repair trenches or to dig out men buried under the débris meant exposure to a stream of bullets.’ Private Baker was the son of Mr and Mrs Edward Baker, latterly of Starbuck House, Giants Grave, Britton Ferry, Glamorgan and, having no known grave, is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France. Sold with copied research and two postcard portrait photographs of the recipient in uniform.

Three: Lance Corporal J. F. Sullivan, 1st Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action at La Boutillerie during the Battle of Armentières on 30 October 1914 1914 Star, with copy clasp (L-14650 L. Cpl. J. F. Sullivan. 1/Middx: R.); British War and Victory Medals (L.14650 Pte. J. F. Sullivan. Midd’x R.) nearly extremely fine (3) £200-£240 --- John Frederick Sullivan was born in 1896 at Hounslow, Middlesex and attested for the Middlesex Regiment in London in September 1913. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he served with the 1st Battalion on the Western Front from 11 August 1914, his battalion seeing action in 1914 at the battles of Mons (and subsequent Retreat), The Marne, The Aisne, la Bassèe, Messines and Armentières. Sullivan was killed in action on 30 October 1914 during the Battle of Armentières. In the days leading up to his death, the 1st Middlesex had been holding trenches in front of La Boutilleries (23 to 29 October), suffering casualties under heavy shell-fire and sniping. The enemy broke through between C and D Companies on 30 October and in response B Company made a successful counter attack and cleared the enemy from the lost trenches: ‘This attack, in which every man was used - servants, pioneers, cooks, etc., who were carrying ammunition or fighting with “B” Company - was entirely successful. Every German who had penetrated the line was killed - 37 being accounted for in this way - or captured. And on the following morning over 200 dead Germans were counted lying out in No Man’s Land in front of the trenches. But “ B ” Company practically ceased to exist. In this very gallant little fight, the 1st Middlesex lost 16 other ranks killed and 25 wounded, including Lieut.-Colonel Rowley, Capt. Gibbons and 2nd Lieut. Shaw. “Where all ranks behaved well,” said Colonel Rowley, “it was hard to single out any for reward, but at any rate all had the satisfaction of worthily upholding the name of Die-Hards. The Battle of Armentières closed on 2nd November, with the 1st Middlesex still holding the line at La Boutillerie.’ (The Die-Hards in the Great War. Vol I. 1914-16 by Everard Wyrall refers). Lance Corporal Sullivan was the son of John Ernest and Augusta Sullivan, of 147, St. Albans Avenue, Bedford Park, London and is buried in Rue-David Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France.

Three: Private E. J. Miller, 1st Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was reported missing, presumed dead, near La Boutillerie, during the Battle of Armentières, on 31 October 1914 1914 Star, with later slide clasp (L-12132 Pte. E. J. Miller. 1/Midd: R); British War and Victory Medals (L-12132 Pte. E. J. Miller. Midd’x R.) good very fine (3) £200-£240 --- Edwin John Miller was born in 1890 at Hove, Sussex and attested for the Middlesex Regiment in London in 1908. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he was posted to the 1st Battalion and served with them on the Western Front from 11 August 1914, his battalion seeing action in 1914 at the battles of Mons (and subsequent Retreat), The Marne, The Aisne, la Bassèe, Messines and Armentières. Miller was reported missing on 31 October 1914 during the Battle of Armentières and later presumed to have been killed in action on or since that date. His date of death for official purposes was deemed to be 31 October 1914 although it is likely that he was killed in the heavy fighting which took place on 30 October. His battalion had been holding trenches in front of La Boutilleries between 23 and 29 October, suffering casualties under heavy shell-fire and sniping, when the enemy broke through between C and D Companies on 30 October. B Company then made a successful counter attack and cleared the enemy from the lost trenches: ‘This attack, in which every man was used—servants, pioneers, cooks, etc., who were carrying ammunition or fighting with “B” Company—was entirely successful. Every German who had penetrated the line was killed—37 being accounted for in this way—or captured. And on the following morning over 200 dead Germans were counted lying out in No Man’s Land in front of the trenches. But “B” Company practically ceased to exist. In this very gallant little fight, the 1st Middlesex lost 16 other ranks killed and 25 wounded, including Lieut.-Colonel Rowley, Capt. Gibbons and 2nd Lieut. Shaw. “Where all ranks behaved well,” said Colonel Rowley, “it was hard to single out any for reward, but at any rate all had the satisfaction of worthily upholding the name of Die-Hards. The Battle of Armentières closed on 2nd November, with the 1st Middlesex still holding the line at La Boutillerie.’ (The Die-Hards in the Great War. Vol I. 1914-16 by Everard Wyrall refers). Miller’s body was later found and identified and lies buried in Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France. He was the son of Joseph Henry and Eliza Miller (nee Hammond) of 9 Reeves Place, Hoxton, London.

Family group: Three: Private W. Larkins, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action at Neuve Chapelle in March 1915, and was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches 1914 Star, with copy clasp (L-11005 Pte. W. Larkin [sic]. 2/Middx: R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-11005 Pte. W. Larkins. Midd’x R.); Memorial Plaque (William Larkins); Memorial Scroll, ‘Pte. William Larkins, Middlesex Regiment’ in flattened OHMS transmission tube, nearly extremely fine Three: Gunner G. Larkins, Royal Artillery, who died of disease caused by exposure while on active service on 27 November 1916 1914-15 Star (41413 Gnr: G. Larkins. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (41413 Gnr. G. Larkins. R.A.) good very fine (8) £300-£400 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 22 June 1915 William Larkins was born in Limehouse, Middlesex and attested for the Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment) at Stratford, Essex in 1906. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 7 November 1914, and was killed in action between 10 and 14 March 1915, during which period the 2nd Middlesex Regiment attacked and occupied the German trenches at Neuve Chapelle. The battalion was relieved from its consolidated position on 14 March having suffered casualties of 473 killed, wounded or missing. Larkins was posthumously mentioned for gallant and distinguished services in the field by Field Marshal French in his Despatch of 31 May 1915. Larkins’ date of death was recorded for official purposes as 14 March 1914 and having no known grave, he is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France. George Larkins, brother of the above, who was born in 1888 at Limehouse, Middlesex, and attested for the Royal Regiment of Artillery at ‘St. Paul’s Churchyard’ on 16 October 1914. He served during the Great War on the Western Front with the Royal Field Artillery from 22 December 1914. He was hospitalised in the field and repatriated on 29 January 1915 to England where he was diagnosed with chronic albuminuria caused by exposure while on active service. Gunner Larkins was discharged permanently unfit on 29 July 1915 and died on 27 November 1916. He is buried in Leytonstone (St. Patrick’s) Roman Catholic Cemetery. Sold together with a quantity of ephemera relating to William and George Larkins including original M.I.D. certificate named to ‘Middlesex Regiment, 11005 Pte. W. Larkins, (died)’, mounted on card, in very poor condition; photographs, letters, original army documents. Also together with ephemera relating to a third brother Alfred Larkins - who served with the Rifle Brigade on the Western Front from 21 September 1914 and was taken prisoner of war at Juvincourt on 27 May 1918 - including Buckingham Palace welcome home letter and a number of Army Forms and documents.

Three: Private R. A. S. Beck, 13th Hussars, attached 11th (Prince Albert’s Own) Hussars, who was killed in action during the First Battle of Ypres on 29 October 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (1174 Private R. A. S. Beck. 11/Hrs:) with damaged named card box of issue and outer O.H.M.S. transmission envelope addressed to, ‘Mrs. C. Beck, 13, Pratt Street, Lambeth Road, London, S.E.11.’; British War and Victory Medals (1174 Pte. R. A. S. Beck. 11-Hrs.); Memorial Plaque (Roland Archibald Stephen Beck) with Buckingham Palace enclosure, in card envelope and outer O.H.M.S. transmission envelope similarly addressed, extremely fine (4) £260-£300 --- Roland Archibald Stephen Beck was born in 1886 at Battersea, Surrey, the son of Isaac George and Constantia Beck. He attested for the 13th Hussars and in 1911 was stationed with them at Meerut, India. During the Great War, he served on the Western Front from 8 October 1914, attached to the 11th Hussars, and was recorded ‘presumed dead’ on 29 October 1914, the opening day of the battle of Gheluvelt, during the First Battle of Ypres. He was later confirmed to have been killed in action on this date and having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Sold together with named Cavalry Record Office enclosure for the 1914 Star, named Record Office enclosure for the British War and Victory Medals; O.H.M.S. receipt enclosure for 1914 Star clasp and note explaining reasons for non-issuance of roses.

Three: Sergeant S. F. Blundell, 2nd Battalion, later 11th (Service) Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action in the attack on Observation Ridge, during the First Battle of the Scarpe, on 9 April 1917 1914 Star (L-13101 Pte. S. Blundell. 2/Middx: R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-13101 Sjt. S. Blundell. Midd’x R.); Memorial Plaque (Sidney Blundell) the Star somewhat polished, otherwise very fine (4) £200-£240 --- Sidney Frederick Blundell was born in 1893 at Islington, London and attested for the Middlesex Regiment at Mill Hill on 21 September 1910 having previously served 5 months in the 5th Middlesex Regiment Special Reserve. Posted to the 2nd Battalion on 1 December 1910, he then served with the 1st Battalion in Aden from November 1912 until December 1913. This was followed by a posting to Malta with the 2nd Battalion until September 1914. Blundell served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1914 and was invalided to England having suffered a scalp wound on 9 January 1915, whilst in trenches north of Neuve Chapelle in the Rue de Bacquerot sector. On 29 June, his wounds sufficiently healed, he was posted back to France to join the 11th (Service) Battalion of his Regiment and was promoted Corporal on 8 March 1916 and Sergeant on 9 August 1916. He suffered a gun shot wound to the right leg on 10 October 1916 during the Battle of Le Transloy Ridges, where the battalion moved up to the front line on 7 October and incurred heavy casualties under sustained shelling. Blundell was killed in action in France on 9 April 1917 during the 36th Brigade’s attack on Observation Ridge at the First Battle of the Scarpe. The War Diary of the 11th Battalion stating: ‘The Battalion went over the top as practised on the training ground. The Artillery work was splendid and never really gave the Bosche a chance. Our fellows took full advantage of the different barrages and quickly captured the objectives i.e., the Black Line (Hertford Trench).’ The losses during the day were 6 officers and approximately 100 other ranks killed, wounded and missing. He was the son of Mrs Laura Ann Blundell, of 103 Tollington Rd., Holloway, London and having no known grave is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Sold together with the recipient’s Soldier’s Small book; Army Form B. 104-82, dated 28 April 1917, informing the recipient’s mother of his death; Record Office transmittal letter for British War and Victory Medals; and the recipient’s brother’s August 1919 death certificate.

The historically important 1914 Star awarded to Private J. Parr, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action near Mons on 21 August 1914 - believed to be the first British soldier to be killed in action during the Great War 1914 Star, with copy clasp (L-14196 Pte. J. Parr. 4/Midd’x R.) nearly extremely fine £1,800-£2,200 --- John Parr was born in 1897 at Finchley, Middlesex, the son of Edward and Alice Parr and, having left his job as a caddie at North Middlesex Golf Club, attested for the Middlesex Regiment in 1912, aged 15 years. Following the outbreak of the Great War, still aged just 17, he embarked for France with the 4th Battalion of his regiment as part of the 8th Brigade in the 3rd Division, arriving in France among the first units of the British Expeditionary Force on 14 August 1914. On 21 August, as the forward units of the British Army approached Mons and suspected some proximity to the advancing Germans, Parr, in his role as a reconnaissance cyclist, together with another cyclist, was sent forward towards the village of Obourg, north-east of Mons, to locate the German positions. It is thought that Parr and his fellow cyclist then encountered an Uhlan patrol from the German First Army and that Parr was killed in an exchange of fire whilst holding off the enemy in an attempt to allow his companion to return and report their findings. The precise circumstances of Parr’s death are not entirely clear; however, he is considered to be, and recorded as, the first British Army soldier to have been killed in action during the Great War. On 23 August, as the British Army began its long retreat following the Battle of Mons, Parr’s body was left behind and his death was not to be confirmed by the British War Office until much later. His body was buried by the Germans in a battlefield grave which was subsequently located by the Imperial War Graves Commission and he now lies buried in St. Symphorien Military Cemetery, near Mons, Belgium. Symbolically, his grave is opposite that of George Edwin Ellison, 5th Royal Irish Lancers, who was killed in action on 11 November 1918, and is thought to be the last British soldier to be killed in action during the Great War.

Three: Private J. Cokley, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was posted missing, presumed killed in action at the Battle of Mons on 23 August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force’s first full day of fighting on the Western Front 1914 Star, with clasp (L-6498 Pte. J. Cokley. 4/Midd’x R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-8498 Pte. J. Cokley. Midd’x R.) toned, nearly extremely fine (3) £200-£240 --- John Cokley was born at Poplar, Middlesex and attested for the Middlesex Regiment at Stratford, Essex in 1903. He served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914 and was present at the Battle of Mons, 23 August 1914, on the British Expeditionary Force’s first main day of action. On this day the Battalion was charged with the defence of Oburg Railway Station, a key point on the Mons-Conde canal. Two Companies were placed along the canal, with “D” Company in the railway station area, and another Company in reserve in the woods. The Germans pressed hard against these positions, inflicting heavy losses with artillery from the higher positions on the opposite side of the canal. One account recalls: ‘To the right of Nimy Bridge the 4th Middlesex were in the meanwhile putting up a no less stubborn defence, and against equally desperate odds. Major Davey, whose company was on the left, in touch with the right of the Royal Fusiliers, had fallen early in the day, and the position at that point finally became so serious that Major Abell’s company was rushed up from the reserve to support it. During this advance Major Abell himself, Captain Knoles and Second Lieutenant Henstock were killed, and a third of the rank and file fell, but the balance succeeded in reaching the firing line trenches and, with this stiffening added, the position was successfully held for the time being.’ However, later in the day the line faltered and the enemy began to outflank the battalion which began a withdrawal through the Bois d’Harve, the wood to the south of Obourg Railway Station. A rear-guard was fought at the railway station, with an unknown private firing from the station roof until he was finally hit and killed. Total casualties for the battalion on this day were 9 Officers and 453 other ranks killed, wounded, or taken Prisoner of War. Like many men of the B.E.F. killed at Mons, Cokley was initially reported only as being missing on 23 August 1914. After the war the Army Council finally concluded that he had died on (or since) that date and he is recorded by the CWGC as having died on 23 August 1914. He was the husband of Lilian May Cokley and, having no known grave, is commemorated on La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France. Sold together with the recipient’s daughter’s marriage certificate, dated 26 March 1932; War Office Effect’s Form No. 45, dated 30 May 1923, acquainting the recipient’s wife with a sum of money from the recipient’s brother’s estate, the latter (William Coakley) having been killed serving with the 7th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, in October 1917; Army Form B. 104-82A, dated 3 June 1919 informing the recipient’s wife of the Army Council’s decision to conclude that her husband was dead and that his death had occurred on 23 August 1914 (or since).

Three: Private E. J. Simmonds, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action at the Battle of Mons on 23 August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force’s first full day of fighting on the Western Front 1914 Star, with clasp (L-9431 Pte. E. J. Simmonds. 4/Midd’x R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-9431 Pte. E. J. Simmonds. Midd’x R.); Memorial Plaque (Edward James Simmonds) all mounted within a contemporary frame, good very fine or better (4) £300-£400 --- Edward James Simmonds was born in 1884, at Islington, Middlesex and attested for the Middlesex Regiment in London in 1904. Following the outbreak of the Great War he was mobilized from the reserve at Mill Hill on 5 August 1914 and served with the 4th Battalion on the Western Front from 14 August 1914. He was killed in action at the Battle of Mons, 23 August 1914, on the British Expeditionary Force’s first main day of action. On this day the Battalion was charged with the defence of Oburg Railway Station, a key point on the Mons-Conde canal. Two Companies were placed along the canal, with “D” Company in the railway station area, and another Company in reserve in the woods. The Germans pressed hard against these positions, inflicting heavy losses with artillery from the higher positions on the opposite side of the canal. One account recalls: ‘To the right of Nimy Bridge the 4th Middlesex were in the meanwhile putting up a no less stubborn defence, and against equally desperate odds. Major Davey, whose company was on the left, in touch with the right of the Royal Fusiliers, had fallen early in the day, and the position at that point finally became so serious that Major Abell’s company was rushed up from the reserve to support it. During this advance Major Abell himself, Captain Knoles and Second Lieutenant Henstock were killed, and a third of the rank and file fell, but the balance succeeded in reaching the firing line trenches and, with this stiffening added, the position was successfully held for the time being.’ However, later in the day the line faltered and the enemy began to outflank the battalion which began a withdrawal through the Bois d’Harve, the wood to the south of Obourg Railway Station. A rear-guard was fought at the railway station, with an unknown private firing from the station roof until he was finally hit and killed. Total casualties for the battalion on this day were 9 Officers and 453 other ranks killed, wounded, or taken prisoner of War. Like many men of the B.E.F. killed at Mons, Private Simmonds was initially reported only as being missing on 23 August 1914. His presumptive death ‘on or about’ that date was confirmed the following year however, on the evidence of Private W. Greenhill, an exchanged prisoner of war. He was the husband of Margaret Mary Ann Simmonds of 27 Tiber Road, Caledonian Road, London, and is buried in St. Symphorien Military Cemetery, Belgium. Sold together with an enlarged painted oval photograph of the recipient in a card mount.

Three: Private H. E. Speller, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action at the Battle of Mons, 23 August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force’s first full day of fighting on the Western Front 1914 Star, with copy clasp (L-14083 Pte. H. E. Speller. 4/Midd’x R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-14083 Pte. H. E. Speller. Midd’x R.) good very fine (3) £240-£280 --- Horace Edward Speller was born in 1895 at Enfield Wash, Middlesex and attested for the Middlesex Regiment at Ponders End, Middlesex in 1912. He served with B Company in the 4th Battalion on the Western Front from 14 August 1914 and was killed in action at the Battle of Mons, 23 August 1914, on the British Expeditionary Force’s first main day of action. On this day the Battalion was charged with the defence of Oburg Railway Station, a key point on the Mons-Conde canal. Speller’s “B” Company covering Lock No. 5 to Nimy on the left, was one of two Companies placed along the canal, with “D” Company in the railway station area, and another Company in reserve in the woods. The Germans pressed hard against these positions, inflicting heavy losses with artillery from the higher positions on the opposite side of the canal. One account recalls: ‘To the right of Nimy Bridge the 4th Middlesex were in the meanwhile putting up a no less stubborn defence, and against equally desperate odds. Major Davey [commanding B Company], whose company was on the left, in touch with the right of the Royal Fusiliers, had fallen early in the day, and the position at that point finally became so serious that Major Abell’s company was rushed up from the reserve to support it. During this advance Major Abell himself, Captain Knoles and Second Lieutenant Henstock were killed, and a third of the rank and file fell, but the balance succeeded in reaching the firing line trenches and, with this stiffening added, the position was successfully held for the time being.’ However, later in the day the line faltered and the enemy began to outflank the battalion which began a withdrawal through the Bois d’Harve, the wood to the south of Obourg Railway Station. A rear-guard was fought at the railway station, with an unknown private firing from the station roof until he was finally hit and killed. Total casualties for the battalion on this day were 9 Officers and 453 other ranks killed, wounded, or taken prisoner of War. Private Speller was the son of Mrs. Annie Speller, of 13, King Edward's Road, Ponders End, Middlesex and is buried in St. Symphorien Military Cemetery, Belgium.

The 1914 Star awarded to Private C. Lurie, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action at Mons on 23 August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force’s first full day of fighting on the Western Front 1914 Star (L-8687 Pte. C. Lurie. 4/Midd’x R.) good very fine £120-£160 --- Charles Lurie was born in 1885 at Shoreditch, Middlesex and attested for the Middlesex Regiment in London on 7 March 1903. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he embarked from Southampton with the 4th Battalion as part of the 8th Brigade of the 3rd Division, arriving in France on 14 August 1914 and was killed in action at the Battle of Mons on 23 August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force’s first main day of action. On this day the Battalion was charged with the defence of Oburg Railway Station, a key point on the Mons-Conde canal. Two Companies were placed along the canal, with “D” Company in the railway station area, and another Company in reserve in the woods. The Germans pressed hard against these positions, inflicting heavy losses with artillery from the higher positions on the opposite side of the canal. One account recalls: ‘To the right of Nimy Bridge the 4th Middlesex were in the meanwhile putting up a no less stubborn defence, and against equally desperate odds. Major Davey, whose company was on the left, in touch with the right of the Royal Fusiliers, had fallen early in the day, and the position at that point finally became so serious that Major Abell’s company was rushed up from the reserve to support it. During this advance Major Abell himself, Captain Knoles and Second Lieutenant Henstock were killed, and a third of the rank and file fell, but the balance succeeded in reaching the firing line trenches and, with this stiffening added, the position was successfully held for the time being.’ However, later in the day the line faltered and the enemy began to outflank the battalion which began a withdrawal through the Bois d’Harve, the wood to the south of Obourg Railway Station. A rear-guard was fought at the railway station, with an unknown private firing from the station roof until he was finally hit and killed. Total casualties for the battalion on this day were 9 Officers and 453 other ranks killed, wounded, or taken prisoner of War. Private Lurie was the husband of Jane Lurie and is buried at Mons (Bergen) Communal Cemetery, Belgium. Note: The CWGC, De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, Soldiers Died in the Great War and the British Jewry Book of Honour 1914-1920 all state Laurie’s date of death to be 23 August 1914, however, the Register of Soldier’s Effects gives Lurie’s place and date of death to be Mons, 28 August 1914. It is therefore possible that Lurie was wounded at Mons on 23 August and died as a Prisoner of War five days later.

Three: Private A. W. G. Ratty, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was taken prisoner of war at the Battle of Mons on 23 August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force’s first full day of fighting on the Western Front 1914 Star (L-13798 Pte. A. W. G. Ratty. 4/Midd’x R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-13798 Pte. A. W. G. Ratty. Midd’x R.) nearly extremely fine (3) £240-£280 --- Alfred William George Ratty was born in 1894 in London and attested for the Middlesex Regiment in 1912. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he embarked from Southampton with the 4th Battalion as part of the 8th Brigade of the 3rd Division, arriving in France on 14 August 1914, and was captured at the Battle of Mons on 23 August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force’s first main day of action. On this day the Battalion was charged with the defence of Oburg Railway Station, a key point on the Mons-Conde canal. Two Companies were placed along the canal, with “D” Company in the railway station area, and another Company in reserve in the woods. The Germans pressed hard against these positions, inflicting heavy losses with artillery from the higher positions on the opposite side of the canal. One account recalls: ‘To the right of Nimy Bridge the 4th Middlesex were in the meanwhile putting up a no less stubborn defence, and against equally desperate odds. Major Davey, whose company was on the left, in touch with the right of the Royal Fusiliers, had fallen early in the day, and the position at that point finally became so serious that Major Abell’s company was rushed up from the reserve to support it. During this advance Major Abell himself, Captain Knoles and Second Lieutenant Henstock were killed, and a third of the rank and file fell, but the balance succeeded in reaching the firing line trenches and, with this stiffening added, the position was successfully held for the time being.’ However, later in the day the line faltered and the enemy began to outflank the battalion which began a withdrawal through the Bois d’Harve, the wood to the south of Obourg Railway Station. A rear-guard was fought at the railway station, with an unknown private firing from the station roof until he was finally hit and killed. Total casualties for the battalion on this day were 9 Officers and 453 other ranks killed, wounded, or taken Prisoner of War. Ratty was amongst those captured, and he was held at prisoner of war for the remainder of the Great War at camps in Hammerstein and Senne in Germany.

Three: Second Lieutenant G. T. H. Morse, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action near La Bassée on 13 October 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (2. Lieut: G. T. H. Morse. Midd’x R.); British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. G. T. H. Morse.) good very fine (3) £600-£800 --- Gordon Thomas Harcourt Morse was born in 1893 at Mian Meer, Punjab, India, the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel R. E. Ricketts Morse and Kathleen Morse (later of Chargrove House, Cheltenham) and was educated at Cheltenham College - where he rose to be a prefect - and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst where he was an Honorary King’s Cadet. Gazetted Second Lieutenant into the 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment on 8 August 1914, he served with them in France during the Great War from 12 September 1914 and was killed in action in his battalion’s attack on Croix Barbée near La Bassée on 13 August 1914. The war diary records that on this date the enemy were pushed through Croix Barbée and the Battalion entrenched for the night in the rear of the village. His Colonel wrote that he was killed instantaneously being shot while leading his platoon in an attack, and that ‘during the short time he was with the regiment he had become popular with both officers and men.’ Morse was 1 of 4 officers to be killed or mortally wounded in the attack. 2 officers were wounded and 45 other ranks were either killed or wounded. After his death his former college housemaster said of him: ‘He was industrious at work, fearless at games, loyal to his friends, and esteemed by all.’ Initially buried at Rouge Croix, he now lies in Vieille-Chapelle New Military Cemetery, Lacouture, France.

The 1914 Star awarded to Private J. H. Mullins, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), later Machine Gun Corps, whose medal entitlement was revoked following his conviction for cowardice in the face of enemy in 1916, but later reinstated 1914 Star (S-6361 Pte. J. H. Mullins. Midd’x R.) good very fine £70-£90 --- John Henry Mullins attested for the Middlesex Regiment in 1900 and served with the 4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 November 1914. He later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. On 23 May 1916 Private Mullins was convicted of cowardice in the face of the enemy and sentenced to 5 years penal servitude. This is stated on the 1914 Star Medal Roll (with the words ‘no medal’) and on his Medal Index Card (later scored out). The 1914 Star Medal Roll contains a resubmitted entry, however, under the name James Henry Mullins (all other details correct), dated 1 April 1921, confirming entitlement. His medal index card notes the change of Christian name on 7 April 1921. He was discharged Class Z on 30 September 1919.

Family group: Pair: Private E. Pearce, 21st Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action on the Western Front, at 16 years of age, on 24 July 1916 British War and Victory Medals (G-15516 Pte. E. Pearce. Midd’x R.); Memorial Plaque (Edward Pearce) nearly extremely fine Memorial Plaque (Alfred James Pearce) nearly extremely fine (4) £160-£200 --- Edward Pearce was born in 1900 at Islington, London and attested for the Middlesex Regiment at Holloway, Middlesex. He served with the 21st (Service) Battalion (Islington) during the Great War and was killed in action on the Western Front on 24 July 1916 aged 16 years. The son of Matthew Charles and Rosa Elizabeth Pearce of 21 Magdala Road, Highgate, London, he is buried in Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay, France. Alfred James Pearce, brother of the above, was born in 1893 at Islington, London and enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Wood Green, North London. He served during the Great War as a Driver with the 37th Divisional Ammunition Column, No. 2 Section, Royal Field Artillery and died at Tadworth on 15 May 1915. He is buried in Highgate Cemetery.

Three: Rifleman F. W. Andrews, 1st Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed in action on the Aisne on 16 September 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (11174 Pte. F. W. Andrews. 1/K.R. Rif: C.); British War and Victory Medals (11174 Pte. F. W. Andrews K. R. Rif. C.) good very fine (3) £200-£240 --- Frederick William Andrews was born in 1895 at New Cross, Surrey and was an outdoor porter by occupation prior to attesting for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps at Winchester on 12 August 1913. He served with the 1st Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 August 1914 and was killed in action on 16 September 1914 at the First Battle of the Aisne, following his battalion’s earlier participation, also with the 6th Brigade in the 2nd Division, at the Battle of Mons, the subsequent retreat, and the operations on the Marne. He was the son of Arthur and Annie Andrews of 251 New Cross Road, Surrey and is buried at Vailly British Cemetery, France.

Three: Lance Corporal C. C. Rand, 1st Battalion, Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment), who died from wounds received near Vailly during the Battle of the Aisne on 23 September 1914 1914 Star, with clasp (6380 Pte. C.C. Rand. 1/Wilts: R.); British War and Victory Medals (6380 Pte. C. C. Rand. Wilts. R.); Memorial Plaque (Charles Cecil Rand) edge bruise to VM and some staining, otherwise nearly extremely fine (4) £240-£280 --- Charles Cecil Rand was born in 1881 at Brixton, London, the son of Charles Joshua and Mary Rand. He first attested for the Wiltshire Regiment in September 1903 and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 31 August 1914. The battalion was heavily shelled facing Mons on 23 August and suffered approximately 100 casualties at Caudry three days later. Following the retreat from Mons, the 1st Wiltshire moved forward to high ground east of Chassemy on 14 September, crossing the Aisne later the same day and entrenched in a defensive line under heavy shell-fire north-east of Vailly. The enemy attacked in large numbers on 20 September: ‘The War Diary records that the Battalion’s right was seriously threatened - enemy getting to within 50 yards - “during this time a lot of close fighting took place.” Enemy eventually driven back. Captain H. C. Reynolds killed, Second Lieutenant H. W. Roseveare mortally wounded, 1 other officer wounded, approximately 80 other ranks killed, wounded or missing. Relieved by 1st Norfolk and 1st K.S.L.I. (22nd) and via Vailly to billets at Braine.’ (British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914 by Ray Westlake refers.) Lance Corporal Rand was among those wounded in the fighting near Vailly and died of his wounds in the Aisne Valley on 23 September 1914. He was the husband of Elizabeth Jane Darcy (formerly Rand) of 2 Sperricombe Cottages, Tenby and is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France. Sold together with Buckingham Palace enclosure for Memorial Plaque and Record Office transmission slip for British War and Victory Medals - both previously mounted and in fragile condition.

Four: Lance Corporal W. G. Cottle, 1st Battalion, Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment), who died on 25 October 1914 from wounds received during the Battle of La Bassée 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 (5600 Pte. W. G. Cottle. Wilts.: Regt.); 1914 Star, with later slide clasp (5600 Pte. W. G. Cottle. 1/Wilts: R.); British War and Victory Medals (5600 Pte. W. G. Cottle. Wilts. R.); Memorial Plaque (William George Cottle) in card envelope, good very fine or better (5) £300-£400 --- William George Cottle was born in 1883 at Oxford. He attested for the Wiltshire Regiment on 19 September 1900 at Kilworth, Wiltshire and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Boer War. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he served on the Western Front with the 1st Battalion, as part of the 7th Brigade, 3rd Division, from 21 September 1914. He died of wounds at No. 6 Clearing Hospital, Bethune on 25 October 1914 - in the days before his death, his Battalion had seen heavy fighting at Neuve Chapelle during the Battle of La Bassée. He was the husband of Sarah Ann Cottle, of the Causeway, Winterslow, Salisbury and is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, France.