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A Victorian 31st Blythswood Rifle Volunteers (Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers) glengarry, its lining stamped "31st Blythswood Rifle Volunteers", with later badge, (restored)

A Browning Automatic Rifle carrying handle

A Victorian 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers officer's 1878 Home Service Pattern "Blue Cloth" helmet

Two German Third Reich rifle ammunition pouches, a rifle cleaning kit, muzzle protector, reproduction winter trigger, two rifle slings etc

A late 20th Century brass National Rifle Association of America belt buckle, together with two 1950s small-bore rifle medals awarded to 'J Loftus', buckle 7 x 9.5 cm

Four various British military Lee Enfield rifle oil bottles together with pull-throughs

An inert 37 mm artillery shell and brass case, together with three clips of inert British military .303 and DWM rifle rounds

A large quantity of machine gun, rifle and pistol magazines

Five British military Lee Enfield rifle oil bottles

A Victorian 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers waist belt clasp

A Second World War period US rifle / gun telescopic sight, marked "Telescope, M45 No. 2580 M.H.R. Co. 1943 - R.J.D", 22.5 cm

A Victorian 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers other rank's shako

An 1842 pattern French carbine rifle bayonet with ribbed brass hilt, muzzle ring and backward facing quillon, yataghan blade housed with steel scabbard. Blade size approximately 57 cm, 69 cm overall. Note: This lot is not for sale to people under the age of 18. By bidding on this item you are declaring that you are 18 years of age or over. Please note that if you require shipping for this lot, this can only be done using an age verified method.Condition Report: Several dents to each side of the scabbard, serial numbers illegible due to pitting, press stud functions, no writing to the blade back.

Four triple box ammunition pouches for Mauser rifle ammo. [W]

A World War Two German rifle grenade (inert) and a 20 mm flak round (inert).

An 1827 pattern Rifle Regiment officer's sword, pierced steel hilt with strung bugle below crown cartouche, 84 cm (l) blade.Note: This lot is not for sale to people under the age of 18. By bidding on this item you are declaring that you are 18 years of age or over. Please note that if you require shipping for this lot, this can only be done using an age verified method.

BSA Supersport .177 air rifle, 18 inch break barrel, front and rear sights serial number AR05304, contained in a custom case with accessories.

Vintage rifle stock bearing applied Royal Marines badge and bullet casings.

ASG TAC Repeat .177 CO2 air rifle with textured semi-pistol grip and forend, raised cheek piece to the composite skeleton stock and adjustable sights, serial number 18A40601

A BSA break barrel .177 air rifle with impressed BSA logo to stock, serial number B48043

A BSA underlever .22 air rifle, with walnut stock with impressed chequered panels with BSA initials, and retailer’s stamp reading 'J Venables & Son, Gunmakers, Oxford', serial number T6850

A Weihrauch HW77 underlever .22 air rifle, serial number 100545, with Leslie Hewett 4x40 TV wide angle scope and a Bisley carry case

A BSA Meteor .22 air rifle, with Model 7 Original 4x20 fixed reticule coated scope and carry case

An original Mod break barrel air rifle and a Diana SP50 air pistol (A/F)

A BSA 4x20 rifle scope along with a vintage Winchester rifle scope, both with mounts

Victorian truncheon painted and inscribed '26th K.R.V. 1868,' and with ribbed grip, possibly Kent Rifle Volunteers L44cm

An old mahogany mounted air rifle. Est. £50 - £80.

Wrenn W2403 (Limited Edition) 4-6-0 LMS lined black Royal Scot Class Loco No.6146 "The Rifle Brigade" complete with certificate No.123 plaque, plinth and length of rail, very minor paint loss to one tender buffer head, condition Excellent Plus to Near Mint in generally Good Plus to Excellent box complete with instruction booklet and base stamped 08730.

A Tchokwe (Chokwe) figure of Chibinda Ilunga, Democratic Republic of Congo, wearing a large headdress and holding a rifle and a horn, 54.5cm; and a Tchokwe standing figure of a King playing the marimba, with coloured glass bead necklace and a material sash, 44.5cmThe Von Staranburg Niedenthal Collection

A quantity of medals awarded to W L Balls (see preceding lot) including a Walsingham medal 1906 in original box for John Pinches London, an RSA medal white metal awarded to W L Balls 1917/18, a Royal Geographical prize medal awarded to W L Balls, 1898, a French medal for the International Conference on genetics paris 1911 engraved by R Bernard, an Egyptian marksman medal and fruther Rifle Club medal (qty)good condition

A large bronze figure of a soldier with rifle set on a stepped polished marble base, 70cm high

A Jelly .177 calibre air rifle Location:

South Mayo Rifle Militia Glengarry Badge. A scarce other ranks WM glengarry badge c1880, loops repaired; together with an Exeter Volunteer Rifle Corps, silvered pouch badge, bolts to the rear; and a Royal Marines Officer’s post 1953 helmet plate, loops to the rear, generally good condition (3) £140-£180

Five: Band-Sergeant W. Reynolds, King’s Royal Rifle Corps India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Chitral 1895 (4001 Lce. Corpl. W. Reynolds 1st Bn. K.R. Rifle Corps.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek, Belfast, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (4001 Band-Serjt: W. F. Reynolds. K.R.R.C.) clasps mounted in this order with unofficial rivets between 4th and 5th clasps; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4001 Band-Serjt: W. F. Reynolds. K.R.R.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (4001 Band-Sjt: W. Reynolds. K.R.R.C.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 3rd issue (4001 Sjt. W. Reynolds. K.R.R.C.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine or better (5) £600-£800

A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ V.C., D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant A. Loosemore, 8th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment), for his great gallantry south of Langemarck on 11 August 1917: after two members of his section had been killed beside him, he fought with every means at his disposal - machine-gun, bomb, rifle and revolver - to thwart a determined counterattack which appeared to many as though it must succeed, and accounted for about twenty of the enemy as well as a number of snipers, before returning to his original post with a wounded comrade under heavy fire. Remarkably, Loosemore’s V.C.-winning exploits came the day after he was reputed to have shot down with his Lewis gun a German fighter that was engaged in a ‘dog-fight’ with a British aircraft, this saving the British pilot’s life. Subsequently awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry with the 1st/4th Battalion at Zillebeke during a raid on 20 June 1918 - ‘a highly successful operation, 11 prisoners and one Machine Gun being captured and numerous casualties being inflicted on the enemy’ - Loosemore was severely wounded by machine gun fire at Villers-en-Cauchies on 11 October 1918, resulting in his left leg being amputated. He never fully recovered from his war wounds, and died as a result of tuberculosis in 1924 Victoria Cross, reverse of suspension bar engraved ‘No. 15805 Pte. A. Loosemore. 8th. Bn. West Riding R.’, reverse of Cross engraved ‘11. Aug. 1917.’; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (15805 Sjt: A. Loosemore. V.C. 1/4 W. Rid: R.); 1914-15 Star (15805. Pte. A. Loosemore. W. Rid. R.); British War and Victory Medals (15805 Sjt. A. Loosemore. W. Rid. R.) recently re-mounted, but together with the original court-mounted riband bar, and housed in a contemporary Hunt & Roskell, London, case, traces of lacquer, light pitting and contact marks, nearly very fine and better (5) £180,000-£220,000 --- Provenance: Sotheby’s, May 1969 (when sold by the recipient’s son). 32 men received both the Victoria Cross and the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the Great War; of these, the vast majority (unlike Loosemore) received the D.C.M. prior to the V.C.; consequently Loosemore’s D.C.M. is just one of a handful to be named with the post-nominal letters ‘V.C.’ V.C. London Gazette 14 September 1917: ‘For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack on a strongly-held enemy position. His platoon having been checked by heavy machine-gun fire, he crawled through partially cut wire, dragging his Lewis gun with him, and single-handed dealt with a strong party of the enemy, killing about twenty of them, and thus covering the consolidation of the position taken up by his platoon. Immediately afterwards his Lewis gun was blown up by bomb, and three enemy rushed for him, but he shot them all with his revolver. Later he shot several enemy snipers, exposing himself to heavy fire each time. On returning to the original post he also brought back a wounded comrade under heavy fire at the risk of his own life. He displayed throughout an utter disregard of danger.’ D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918: ‘When out with a fighting patrol he displayed conspicuous gallantry and powers of leadership when his officer was wounded and the platoon scattered by hostile bombs. He rallied the men and brought them back in order, with all the wounded, to our lines. On a subsequent occasion he handled his platoon with great skill and complete disregard of his own danger under heavy machine-gun fire, and it was owing to his determination and powers of leadership that the platoon eventually captured the enemy post which they were attacking.’ Arnold Loosemore was born in Sharrow, Sheffield, on 7 June 1896, the son of George Loosemore, a gardener at the Sheffield Central Cemetery, and his wife Selina, and the sixth of seven brothers, all of whom served during the Great War. Educated at Clifford School in Sheffield, he was employed as a farm-worker at Fulwood, Yorkshire when War was declared in 1914, and immediately volunteered. Turned down for enlistment owing to his frail physique, he took a job with a coal merchant in order to build up his strength, and successfully attested for the York and Lancaster Regiment on 2 January 1915. He transferred to the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment) on 10 March 1915, and served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre of War from 11 September 1915. Departing Turkey in December 1915, Loosemore returned to England, before being posted to France, arriving on the Western Front on 3 July 1916 as a Lewis machine-gunner. V.C. Action - Langemarck, 11 August 1917 On the night of 7 August 1917, the 8th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s - as part of the 32nd Brigade - entered the front line north of Ypres at Steenbeek, just south of Langemarck. Their route to the front, via Poperinghe, Elverdinghe, and Flamatinghe, had provided a harsh initiation with torrential rain and enemy shells marking their every step. After four days ‘holding the line’, on 11 August 1917 the battalion was tasked to mount an attack on German Positions on the east bank of the Steenbeek, in preparation for the next British attack on Langemarck. The battalion’s contribution was a minor one, but was memorable for the exceptional courage and great gallantry displayed by a 21 year-old private soldier. Loosemore, a Lewis gunner in No. 12 Platoon, was one of fifty men from “Y” Company assigned the task of capturing a German blockhouse known, appropriately, as Wellington Farm. The attack went in at daybreak, after a night spent sheltering in shell-holes, up to their knees in mud. Company Sergeant Major Miles described it thus: ‘We advanced on the farm in extended order, but went too far ahead and had to retire to keep in touch with the company on our left and right. It was then that a very brave act was committed by a Lewis gunner of ours named Loosemore; he certainly saved a very awkward situation. He stayed in a shell-hole and covered our retirement with a Lewis gun. Well, this gun got put out to action, but Loosemore hung on and kept the advancing Germans at bay with this revolver. When that gave out, he threw his disabled gun at the remaining Germans and came back to where we had consolidated, a truly brave act.’ Miles reported the young soldier's gallantry to his company officer, Second Lieutenant E. Wood, who gathered eyewitness statements to support the V.C. recommendation. Included among them was the testimony of Sergeant Ridgeway, another member of 12 Platoon, who described how Loosemore held off ‘a great number’ of the enemy, enabling the company to consolidate ‘in front of the Boche wire’: ‘He displayed great courage when attacked by a party of German bombers who put his Lewis gun out of action. He then threw two German stick bombs at the said bombers and using his revolver, he killed four Germans and when he came in to where our company had dug in under heavy machine [gun] fire, he brought out a wounded comrade. During the day, while we still held to our new position, he sniped off five of the enemy.’ Writing to Loosemore’s parents, Second Lieutenant Wood described their son as the ‘bravest lad I have ever seen’ and said ‘his magnificent gallantry undoubtedly saved the whole of the company.’ Such claims were not exaggerated. After two members of this section had been killed beside him, Loosemore had fought with every means at his disposal - machine-gun, bomb, rifle and revolver - to thwart a determined counterattack which ap...

Pair: Colour Sergeant W. Cragg, 60th Rifles South Africa 1834-53 (Serjt. Wm. Cragg, 2nd Bn. 60th Rifles); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1537 Color Sergeant William Craggs, 2.B. 60. Rifles. 13 April 1859) edge bruising, contact marks, good fine and better (2) £460-£550 --- William Cragg was born in Quorndon, Loughborough, Leicestershire in 1820. He attested for the 60th Rifles at Nottingham on 23 October 1840. He was promoted to Corporal in December 1845; Sergeant in July 1848; Colour Sergeant in April 1855 and attained the rank of Sergeant-Major in January 1860, when he appointed to the 7th (Rifle) Depot Battalion. With the 2nd Battalion 60th Rifles he served in Jamaica, 19 years, 6 months; Canada, 3 years, and the Cape of Good Hope, 1 year, 11 months. Saw service in the Third Kaffir War 1851-53. Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. with a gratuity and discharged with a pension after 21 years service on 14 February 1862. Latterly served as Sergeant Drill Instructor with the 1st Westmoreland Rifle Volunteers and died in 1872. With a quantity of copied research on C.D. and paper, including discharge papers.

An outstanding sniper’s ‘Battle of Loos 1915’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Private J. Ryan, 5th Battalion (formerly 2nd Battalion), Rifle Brigade, who emigrated to Canada after the War, and ‘changed his target from Huns to moose’ Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2546 Pte. J. Ryan. 5-Rif. Brig.); 1914 Star, with clasp (2546 Pte. J. Ryan. Rif. Brig.); British War and Victory Medals (2546 Pte. J. Ryan. Rif. Brig.); War Medal 1939-45, mounted for display, the Great War awards all named in a Canadian style and therefore possibly a replacement or duplicate set, contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine or better (5) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and very good work, as a sniper. No work of this kind was too dangerous for him. While carrying out a duel with an enemy sniper in front of our parapets he was wounded, this being the third time he had been wounded during the year. His services have been most valuable and his devotion very marked.’ Joseph Ryan enlisted into the Army on 20 December 1907, aged 17. He landed at Havre on 7 November 1914, with the 2nd Battalion of the Rifle Brigade and was awarded the D.C.M. for his work as a sniper, principally as Bois Grenier during the Battle of Loos. He was wounded three times during 1915. By 1916 he was serving with the 5th Battalion and his award was both gazetted and named to this battalion. At some later date, presumably no longer fit for front line service, he was transferred to the Labour Corps and subsequently discharged from the service due to his wounds on 11 December 1917. The Regimental History records that Ryan’s D.C.M. was for the attack at Bois Grenier on 25 September 1915, and that it was one of four such awards for this action. The Rifle Brigade Chronicle of 1924 included a picture of Ryan, taken in Canada where he was then living, together with an ex-Rifleman who had served in Canada in 1866. After describing Ryan’s D.C.M. winning exploits, the note ends ‘From a letter recently received from J. Ryan he appears to still keep up his sniping, but has changed his target from Huns to moose, deer, etc.’ Sold with copied research including extracts from the Regimental History with account of the Bois Grenier action, and war diary extracts for 1914 and 1915. Note: Another group of medals to this man is known to exist, and given the fact that the 1914 Star in this lot omits the Battalion number, and the fact that the medals are all named in a style typically seen on Canadian-issued awards, it is likely that the medals in this lot are a replacement set issued in Canada.

A fine Colonial Military Secretary's C.M.G., Second War O.B.E. group of seven awarded to Hon. Colonel O. H. C. Balfour, King's Royal Rifle Corps, who was twice severely wounded during the Great War, on the first occasion at the battle of the Aisne in September 1914, when he walked five miles to the nearest Casualty Clearing Station after a bullet hit his jaw and exited out of the back of his neck The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s neck badge, with neck riband; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; 1914 Star, with clasp (2 Lieut. O. H. C. Balfour, K.R. Rif. C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. O. H. C. Balfour); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine and better (7) £1,000-£1,400 --- C.M.G. London Gazette 1 January 1923: ‘For services as Personal Secretary to the Governor-General of Canada.’ O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1944. Oswald Herbert Campbell Balfour was born at Whittingehame, East Lothian on 25 September 1894, the son of Colonel Eustace Balfour and Lady Frances Balfour, a daughter of the 8th Duke of Argyll. His uncle, Arthur Balfour, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 to 1905. Educated at Westminster School and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps in February 1914 and served during the Great War with ‘C’ Company, 2nd Battalion from August 1914. He was severely wounded at the battle of the Aisne on 14 September, when a bullet hit his jaw and exited from the back of his neck; notwithstanding the nature of his wound, he remained in duty with a field dressing for 24 hours, prior to walking five miles to a Casualty Clearing Station. Invalided home, he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 19 October 1914). Balfour returned to France in April 1915, when he joined 'C' Company of the 3rd Battalion. His appointment proved short-lived: at Hooge on the night of the 25 May, as member of a raiding party, he took a bullet in the chest. Admitted to 3rd General Hospital at Le Treport, he was embarked for Newhaven in a hospital ship in mid-June. Having recovered, Balfour next embarked for Egypt, where he was attached to the Australian and New Zealand Overseas Depot in Alexandria, and managed to arrange for a tour of duty with the 3rd Battalion in Salonika in April 1916. Admitted to 83rd Field Ambulance with malaria in late August, he was evacuated to Malta. In October 1916, and having been advanced to Captain, Balfour returned to the 3rd Battalion in Salonika, and remained actively employed in that theatre of war until March 1917. Thereafter, he served on the General Staff of 26th Infantry Division. In 1920, and having served a tour of duty with the 18th Battalion, K.R.R.C. on the Rhine, Balfour was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Duke of Devonshire, the Governor-General of Canada. He later he served as the Duke's Military Secretary and continued in that office under his successor, Viscount Byng of Vimy, in 1921-23. For his services as Military Secretary he was created a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George; a rare distinction for someone who was still only a Captain. Returning home in early 1923, he transferred to the Regular Army Reserve of Officers. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Balfour was recalled to the Colours and was posted to the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, prior to taking up an appointment as a Staff Captain in M.S. 1 (B.) at the War Office in August 1940. In the following year he commenced a spate of training appointments and, having served with distinction as G.S.O. 1 (Home Guard Training) G.H.Q., Home Forces, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1944 New Year’s Honours’ List in January 1944. He finally relinquished his commission in August 1947 and was granted the rank of Honorary Colonel. He died on 16 October 1953, aged 59 years, his regimental obituary noting that he was ‘a cheery and convivial companion’ and ‘a very keen shot.’ Sold with a copy of the recipient's mother's autobiography Ne Obliviscaris; a photographic image of the recipient; and an extensive file of copied research.

An original hand-written autographed letter from Stanley R. McDougall V.C., M.M., late Sergeant, Australian Imperial Force, together with his business card and sections of the original ribands from both the Victoria Cross and the Military Medal that were presented to him by H.M. King George V at Windsor Castle on 19 August 1918 The letter, dated Scottsdale, 8 August 1961, states: ‘Dear Sir, I am extremely sorry for this delay in answering your letter, the reason being I put it away so careful I thought, but somehow it got down behind the drawer in my desk. You certainly must have a very interesting collections, and hope like you it will be accepted by the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth, for so many to enjoy. Kindly find enclosed my autograph and some ribbons off my V.C., M.M. which was personally pinned on me by King Georg [sic] the fifth at Winsor [sic] Castle 1918. Kindest regards and very best wishes, Sincerely yours, Stanley R. McDougall’, business card with ribands glued with reverse showing, to the front of letter, punch holes, glue residue on reverse, overall reasonable condition £80-£100 --- V.C. London Gazette 3 May 1918: ‘For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when the enemy attacked our line and his first wave succeeded in gaining an entry. Sergeant McDougall, who was at a post in a flank company, realised the situation, and at once charged the enemy's second wave single-handed with rifle and bayonet, killing seven and capturing a machine gun which they had. This he turned on to them, firing from the hip, causing many casualties and routing that wave. He then turned his attention to those who had entered, until his ammunition ran out, all the time firing at close quarters, when he seized a bayonet and charged again, killing three men and an enemy officer, who was just about to kill one of our officers. He used a Lewis gun on the enemy, killing many and enabling us to capture thirty-three prisoners. The prompt action of this non-commissioned officer saved the line and enabled the enemy's advance to be stopped.’ M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918.

Six: Private S. Sutcliffe, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, later Royal Navy Yacht Patrol, Mercantile Fleet Auxiliary Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (768 Pte. S. Sutcliffe, K.R.R.C.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (768 Pte. S. Sutcliffe, K.R.R.C.); Africa General Service 1902-56, 2 clasps, Somaliland 1902-04, Jidballi (768 Pte. S. Sutcliffe, K.R.R.C.); British War and Victory Medals (S. Sutcliffe. Asst. Ck. M.F.A.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sam Sutcliffe) last in case of issue; together with two National Rifle Association Rifle Clubs bronze medals, both unnamed, one in Elkington, London, case, contact marks and edge bruising, nearly very fine or better (8) £600-£800 --- Sam Sutcliffe was bon in Stainland, near Halifax, Yorkshire, in July 1878. He attested for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 12 February 1898, and was posted to the 4th Battalion. Transferring to the 2nd Battalion in October 1899, he served with them in South Africa during the Boer War, and saw further service in Somaliland 1902-04, including the action at Jidballi, 10 January 1904. Transferring to the Reserve in 1906, he re-engaged for a further four years in 1910, and was finally discharged on 11 February 1914, after 16 years’ service. Following the outbreak of the Great War Sutcliffe served with the Mercantile Fleet Auxiliary as an Assistant Cook in the hired yacht H.M.S. Eileen, as part of the Royal Navy Yacht Patrol, from 16 June 1916 until the cessation of hostilities. In civilian life he was a postman in Winchester and was awarded the Imperial Service Medal upon his retirement. He died in 1955. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient in Royal Naval Reserve uniform.

Four: Private C. Gibbs, Rifle Brigade Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (1539 Pte. C. Gibbs. 2/R: Bde.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (1539 Pte. C. Gibbs, Rifle Brigade) initial officially corrected; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (1539 Pte. C. Gibbs. Rifle Brigade.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (1539, C Gibbs, Rifle Brigade.) regimentally engraved naming, contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £500-£700

4th Staffordshire Rifle Volunteer Corps. A scarce shooting embroidered arm badge, ‘B’ Company Challenge Shield; together with another National Rifle Association Bisley 1898 badge, service wear, otherwise good condition (2) £60-£80

Monmouthshire Rifle Volunteer Corps Officer’ Silver Pouch Belt Plate. A Fine Officer’s Silver Pouch Belt Plate, HM London 1865 retailed by Robert Garrard, crowned laurel wreaths with crossed rifles, scroll with motto ‘Gwell Anguna Warth’, to the centre a tasselled bugle and ‘36’, two bolts to the rear with Hallmarked securing nuts, very good condition £260-£300

Three: Sergeant J. B. Richards, Queenstown Rifle Volunteers Cape of Good Hope General Service 1880-97, 1 clasp, Bechuanaland (Pte. J. B. Richards, Queenstn. R. Vol.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Wittebergen (79 Serjt. J. B. Richards, Queensland (sic) R.V.); Coronation 1902, bronze, one or two minor surface scratches to the first, otherwise generally good very fine (3) £500-£700 --- One of seven members of the Queenstown Rifle Volunteers who attended the 1902 Coronation as part of the Cape Colony Contingent. Sold with medal roll verification for all three medals.

Three: Private J. Regan, King’s Royal Rifle Corps Afghanistan 1878-80, 2 clasps, Ahmed Khel, Kandahar (1188 Pte. J. Regan, 2/60th Foot); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1188 Private Jas. Regan, 2/60 Foot); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1188 Pte. J. Regan, K.R. Rif. C.) some contact marks, otherwise very fine and better (3) £700-£900 --- James Regan was born in Bandon, Co. Cork. A Brick Maker by occupation, he enlisted into the 60th Rifles at Southampton on 16 January 1865, aged 19 years, 6 months. With the unit he served in India, September 1867-December 1878; Afghanistan, December 1878-October 1880; Marri Country, October-November 1880; India, November 1880-January 1881; South Africa, January 1881-January 1882. Saw active service in the Second Afghan War 1878-80; in Marri Country, 1880, and in the First Boer War, 1881. Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. with gratuity in July 1883. Rifleman Regan claimed his discharge at Shorncliffe on 17 May 1887, and died in 1900. Sold with copied service papers and other research.

A Great War ‘Ypres 1916’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Private G. M. Wright, 20th Canadian Infantry Battalion, who, despite being wounded in seven places by a bomb, picked up his mortally wounded officer and carried him back to our lines under continuous fire Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (412874 Pte. G. M. Wright. 20/Can: Inf: Bn:); 1914-15 Star (412874 Pte. G. M. Wright. 20/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (412874 Pte. G. M. Wright. 20-Can. Inf.); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre 1914 1917, with bronze Palme, light contact marks, otherwise better than very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 27 July 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry. During a raid on the enemy the officer in charge of the party fell mortally wounded on the enemy’s parapet. Private Wright, although wounded in seven places by a bomb, picked up his officer and carried him back to our lines under continuous fire. He then had to be himself carried away on a stretcher.’ The above incident took place at ‘The Bluff’, near the Ypres-Comines Canal, on the night of 27-28 June 1916, as recorded in the battalion war diary: ‘Our raiding party deployed at 12 midnight close to enemy parapet - the enemy had a working party out and was very alert - our party was observed and fired on - Pte Burns being killed - the party then prepared to advance and bomb. The enemy then opened up a heavy rifle fire and commenced to bomb. About this time Lieut. Anderson was killed and the party, knowing nothing of this, were waiting his signal to enter the trench - the delay thus caused made it necessary for the party to retire, this was done and they returned to our trench, only after considerable difficulty and delay - Pte Wright, though wounded himself, carried in Mr Anderson’s body - it was impossible to recover Pte Burns’ body - Pte Baker is missing. Pts Andrus and Mitchell were wounded. This experience only confirms the belief that such enterprises cannot hope to be successful without a great deal of preparation. The enemy line along our front is apparently strongly held and sentries very alert.’ French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 14 July 1917. George Mervyn Wright was born at Picton, Ontario, on 25 July 1894, and enlisted there for the 39th Battalion on 1 February 1915. He transferred to the 20th Battalion, C.E.F. on 31 December 1915, and served in France from 1 January 1916. After being wounded near Ypres on 27/28 June 1916, he was evacuated in Hospital Ship St Denis to Folkestone and then transferred to 1st Northern General Hospital, Newcastle-on-Tyne, for treatment. He was discharged ‘medically unfit’ due to wounds at Toronto on 5 March 1919. Sold with copied research including attestation papers, war diary extracts and gazette notices.

An outstanding Inter-War ‘Loe-Agra Operations’ I.D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Naik Farman Ali, 2nd Punjab Regiment, for his gallant conduct during an epic defence of Kila Hari Post, 5-6 April 1935, when a small detachment of his unit was besieged by an unexpected and well organised tribal lashkar of 1,000 Shamozais tribesmen, which threatened to overwhelm the defenders in a series of fiercely contested hand-to-hand attacks that involved revolvers, bayonets, stones and knives over a prolonged and sustained ten hour period Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (L-Nk. Farman Ali, 3-2 Punjab R.) with integral top silver ribbon bar; India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Mohmand 1933, North West Frontier 1935, with M.I.D. oak leaves (7466 L-Nk. Farman Ali, 3-2 Punjab R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46, unnamed as issued to Indian personnel, good very fine and scarce (7) £2,400-£2,800 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 2017. I.D.S.M. G.G.O. 480 of 1935. Approximately 98 I.D.S.Ms of this type are believed to have been awarded. M.I.D. G.G.O. 166 of 1936: ‘for gallant and distinguished services during the Loe-Agra Operations between 23 February to 13 April 1935.’ Farman Ali served with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment during the operations against the Upper Mohmands during 1933, and was also present during the Loe-Agra Operations in the North-West Frontier Province, which lasted from 23 February to 13 April 1935, services for which he was awarded the Indian Distinguished Service Medal, one of five such awards given for this campaign. The action in which Farman Ali was decorated has been described as ‘one of the most ferocious and sustained attacks that was ever inflicted by tribesmen in the history of the North-West Frontier. The night defence of Kila Hari post in the Loe-Agra operations of the Nowshera Brigade in April 1935 by a party of the 72nd Punjabis is an epic. A small detachment was attacked by an unexpectedly well-led tribal lashkar of 1,000 Shamozais. They were almost overwhelmed in the hand-to-hand fighting which involved revolvers, bayonets, stones and knives and lasted an incredible ten hours. No significant opposition had been met during the advance to Loe-Agra, and there was no evidence of any substantial lashkars in the area. Nevertheless it was determined that a strong picquet should be left on the heights dominating Loe-Agra known as Kila Hari. This piquet consisted of one rifle company and a machine gun platoon drawn from the 3/2nd Punjabis. An intelligence report was received during the afternoon of 5 April that a large enemy lashkar had been sighted and was intending to launch an attack on Kila Hari Post from the east. This report was considered unreliable and not given credence. The unexpected attack began about 7:30 p.m., when Shamozai swordsmen attempted to rush the machine-gun post. This resulted in severe hand to hand fighting, but the tribesmen’s attack, although pressed home with considerable ferocity was beaten back. The enemy made further assaults at about 15 minute intervals until midnight, but all were repulsed. At about 9:30 p.m. the lower post on the ridge was heavily attacked, followed by other attacks against other posts which were also beaten off. The tribesmen surrounded the position and kept it under constant fire until just before dawn, when they withdrew. It was then confirmed that during this night attack 28 tribesmen had been killed, and almost certainly a far larger number wounded.

A ‘First Day of the Battle of the Somme’ casualty pair awarded to Second Lieutenant, B. H. Belcher, 2nd Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, who was killed in action during the attack on Ovillers on 1 July 1916 - seen to fall just after leading his platoon over the parapet, his battalion suffered a total of 437 casualties that day British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. B. H. Belcher.), Memorial Plaque (Basil Henry Belcher) nearly extremely fine (3) £1,000-£1,400 --- Basil Henry Belcher was born in Newbury, Berkshire, on 3 August 1894 and was educated at Brighton College, where he was a member of the Officers' Training Corps. At the outbreak of war, Basil and his elder brother, Wilfred, joined the 18th (Service) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (1st Public Schools Battalion), and both were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the 3rd Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment on 16 May 1915. Transferring to the 2nd Battalion, he served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from March 1916. Battle of the Somme On 1 July 1916, the 2nd Battalion - who formed part of 25th Brigade, 8th Division - found themselves in a trench near the France town of Albert. At 7.30am three companies of the battalion left the trench to advance on German held positions a few hundred metres away around the little village of Ovillers-la-Boiselle, off the Albert/Bapaume road. No Man’s Land was particularly wide at this point and was overlooked by German positions to the north. At about 7.45am the advancing companies lost their commanding officer when Lieutenant-Colonel Holdsworth was fatally wounded without even leaving the trenches; since his second in command, Major Sawyer, was also wounded, command of the battalion fell on the shoulders of Second Lieutenant Mollet. The 2nd Berkshires were in serious trouble. At 11am the order to standby was finally received from Brigade HQ and the surviving members of the battalion (about 200 men) regrouped in a nearby trench. The Battalion War diary for the day gives the following account: ‘Attack on Ovillers. The Battalion took up its assembly position in accordance with Brigade Operation Order No. 100. The 2nd Bn Lincolnshire Regt was on the left and the 2Bn Devonshire Regt on right. Our own wire was not sufficiently cut and parties were immediately sent out by Companies to clear it. At 6.25am the intensive bombardment began as scheduled. At about 7.15am the enemy opened rifle and machine gun fire on our line; this fire was probably drawn by the 2nd Devon Regt which at about this time attempted to line up in front of their parapet. At 7.20am Companies began filing down trenches and getting ready for the assault. At 7.30am the three assaulting Companies advanced to attack the German line. They were met by intense rifle and machine gun fire which prevented any of the waves reaching the enemy lines. A little group on the left of the Battalion succeeded in getting in, but were eventually bombed out. At about 7.45am the commanding officer (Lt Col A.M. Holdsworth) and second in command (Major G.H. Sawyer DSO) were wounded in the sap on the left of our front, the commdg officer handed over Command of the Battalion to 2nd Lieut C. Mollet (Actg Adjt) by this time the parapet was swept by rifle and machine gun fire which prevented any exit from our trenches. The enemy replied to our intensive bombardment by barraging the front line from about 6.35am onwards. No message was received from other Battalions in immediate vicinity. At about 11am the order came from Bde Headquarters to "stand by" and await further orders. About 200 men of the Battalion were collected on the right of the front line and in the assembly trenches off Ulverston Street. At about 12.30pm news was received that the Brigade would be relieved. At about 3pm Major Hon R. Brand, 2nd Rifle Brigade arranged to take over all the front line and with the sanction of the Brigade the Battalion was withdrawn to Ribble Street. On relief by the 37th Infantry Bde, the Battalion marched back to bivouac in Long Valley. Two Lewis Guns were damaged, Steel Helmets proved invaluable and in numberless cases saved men’s lives.’ The war diary for the day lists a devastating 431 casualties (20 Officers and 411 men) for the battalion; 3 officers and 33 men dead; 8 officers and 260 men wounded. The death toll appears far lighter than reality as a further 9 officers, including Basil Belcher, and 118 men are simply reported as missing. On that dreadful day missing almost always meant dead; either cut down by enemy fire or blown apart by shellfire. The following report appeared in the Newbury Weekly News on 13 July 1916: ‘Mrs W H Belcher, of Newbury, has received a telegram from the War Office, stating that her younger son, 2nd Lieut B H Belcher, Royal Berks Regt, has been reported missing on July 1st. From letters received from her elder son, it is feared that there is very little hope of his being alive. The battalion made an attack on the morning of July 1st, and came under very heavy machine gun fire, and 2nd Lieut B H Belcher was seen to fall just after leading his platoon over the parapet.’ For almost a year the family may have held out some hope that Belcher would turn up in a list of prisoners of war, though the report that he fell close to the British lines must have made them fear the worst. Confirmation came ten months after he fell, as reported in the Newbury Weekly News of 10 May 1917: ‘In view of the fact that no further information has been forthcoming about 2nd Lieut B H Belcher, Royal Berks Regt, reported missing July 1st, 1916, the Army Council conclude that he must have been killed in action on that day. He was educated at Brighton College and in Paris, and was on the point of going to Russia when the war broke out. In September, 1914, he and his brother joined the Public Schools Brigade, and obtained their commissions in the 3rd Batt Royal Berkshire Regt in May, 1915. They both went to France in March, 1916, and 2nd Lieut B H Belcher was in the severe fighting for the Vimy Ridge in the spring of that year. He was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, to be near his brother, just before the great offensive on the Somme. He went into action on the morning of July 1st, and was seen to fall soon after leaving the trench. The ground was so swept away by the enemy’s fire that search was impossible.’ His Colonel wrote of him: ‘He was a very good boy indeed. When he joined I told him that if he came up to the standard of his cousin, Gordon [Captain G. Belcher, M.C., Royal Berkshire Regiment], he would do right well. I think I can say with truth that he came up to that standard. He was very popular with all ranks when he was here.’ Belcher’s body was recovered from the battlefield, and he is buried in Serre Road No.2 Cemetery, France. His brother Wilfred survived the war, rising to the rank of Captain and being awarded the Military Cross. Sold with the following related archive: i)Two portrait photographs of the recipient; together with two small photographs, one of the recipient, the other presumably his mother. ii) A letter, dated 16 April 1915, from the recipient to his mother whilst serving with the 1st Public Schools Battalion, a month to the day prior to his Commission. The content giving the young man’s somewhat naive description of how the war began. iii) Named Buckingham Palace letter of condolence, dated 23 June 1917.

A Great War ‘Battle of the Somme 1916’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant E. Crowder, 2nd Company, Machine Gun Corps, late King’s Royal Rifle Corps Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (17026 A. Sjt: E. Crowder. 2/Co: M.G.C.); 1914 Star, with copy clasp (10850 Pte. E. Crowder. 2/K.R. Rif: C.); British War and Victory Medals (10850 Sjt. E. Crowder. K.R.R.C.) medals unmounted, nearly very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 25 November 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He handled his machine guns with great courage and determination. He set a fine example to his men, thereby enabling them to hold out.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘Near Bazentin Le Petit, 9-10 September 1916.’ Ernest Crowder served in France with the 2nd Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, from 13 August 1914, and afterwards with the 2nd Company, Machine Gun Corps, with whom he won the D.C.M. in the Battle of the Somme.

“B” Bankers’ Company, 1st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers Lowson Medal for Success in Shooting, 88mm, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘Won by Lieut. P. F. W. Edington 1904’; together with two related “B” Company, 1st L.R.V. fob medals, the first silver, the reverse engraved ‘1st L.R.V. B. Coy. Aggregate won by Lieut. P. F. W. Edington 1904’; the second bronze, the reverse engraved ‘1st L.R.V. B. Coy. Aggregate won by Lieut. P. F. W. Edington 1905’, good very fine (3) £80-£100

A rare and well-documented ‘War of the Axe’ South Africa Medal 1834-53 awarded to Major General E. J. Dickson, 91st Highlanders, who had his horse shot from under him and was Mentioned in Despatches for his gallantry whilst commanding the small advanced party at the attack and loss of a 46-wagon convoy at Trompeter's Drift on 21 May 1846 - his detailed (and unpublished) journal, included with the lot, is an important first-hand account of the service of an officer in South Africa during the period South Africa 1835-53 (Lieut E. J. Dickson, 91st Regt) with top silver Hunt and Roskell riband buckle with gold pin, edge nicks, good very fine £2,600-£3,000 --- Edward John Dickson was born on Jersey on 16 May 1821 and was commissioned Ensign in the 75th Foot in 1839. He served in the Cape of Good Hope from 26 July 1840, until mid-1848, initially with the 75th Foot, before transferring to the 91st Foot. During his service in the ‘War of the Axe’, 1846-7, he was Mentioned in Despatches and was highly commended for his gallantry at the attack and loss of the convoy at Trompeter's Drift on 21 May 1846. Here he commanded the advanced party, having his horse shot from under him and subsequently commanding a defence until ammunition was expended. The Action at Trompeter’s Drift Historical Records of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders gives the following account: ‘Lieut. Dickson of the reserve battalion of the 91st, while commanding at Trompeter's Drift, frequently obtained the approbation of Sir Peregrine Maitland and Lt.-Col. Johnston for his great zeal and activity; and on the 21st of May, when a convoy of waggons, proceeding from Grahamstown and Fort Peddie, was attacked and captured by the enemy on Trompeter's Hill, the gallant conduct of Lt. Dickson, who had voluntarily joined the escort, was highly commended by his Excellency the commander-in-chief, in general orders. In reference to this incident, Mrs Ward writes as follows: “On this occasion Lieut. Dickson, 91st Regiment, who had been ordered to assist in escorting the waggons a certain distance, till the other escort was met, nobly volunteered to proceed further, and led the advance; nor did he retire till his ammunition was expended. On reaching the rear, he found the commanding officer of the party retreating, by the advice of some civilians, who considered the defile impassable for so many waggons, under such a fire. Lieut. Dickson's coolness, courage, and energy, in not only leading the men, but literally ‘putting his shoulder to the wheel’ of a waggon, to clear the line, were spoken of by all as worthy of the highest praise. His horse, and that of Ensign Aitchison, were shot under their riders”.’ A much larger article on the disaster was published in the Cape Town Mail on 23 May 1846, of which the following is an extract: ‘The advanced guard had reached the summit of the first ridge and were just about to descend the opposite side when the Caffres, who had posted themselves in the thick bush and rocks by the road side, opened a heavy fire upon the party, killing lieutenant Dickson’s horse under him, a horse belonging to Lieutenant Aitchison and also a Fingoe. The moment the first volley was fired, the burghers under Lieutenant Dickson, plunged into the bush and gained this position. Mr Lucas, at the same moment fell back to the front wagon and was quickly joined by Lieutenant Dickson. They endeavoured to push their way through the bush with the wagon but on reaching the spot where the first volley had been poured upon them, they were met again with a most destructive fire by which seven of the oxen were shot dead, which as they fell, were cut away from the yokes in hopes with the rest might struggle through the pass. At this time there were only five oxen left and it was impossible that these unaided should draw the wagon forward, the Caffres still pouring fire upon them. Lieutenant Dickson and Mr Lucas put their shoulders to the wheel and by this means, and some of the men of the 91st goading the oxen with the points of their bayonets, the vehicle was at length got down the hill to the open space before described. Here the party with Lieutenant Dickson’s burghers, took up a good position. It was however found that though they had worked their way out of this perilous situation, yet the second wagon had to pass through the same ordeal. The Caffres on its approach opened their fire upon it, which was steadily and vigorously returned by the men of the 91st. This firing lasted about ten minutes, when upon it suddenly ceasing, a large body of Caffres was seen moving down the main road, apparently with the intention of cutting off communication between the party and the rest of the wagons. Lieutenant Dickson then deemed it advisable to fall back upon the second wagon, on reaching which it was found to be partially deserted, retreat having been made to the wagons in the rear. The Caffres again opened up a most destructive fire upon this gallant little party and by which two civilians were killed and several horses. Those who were spared struggled down the long train of wagons to the rear, where they at length found Captain Campbell, who immediately gave the order to retreat. The casualties in this disastrous affair are, as far as we have been able to collect them; four men killed; one of Mr Lucas’s severely wounded and also a man from the 7th Dragoon Guards. From sixteen to eighteen horses are reported to be killed, together with forty-one wagons, with all their oxen and stores.’ Lieutenant Dickson also gives a three page account of the episode in his journal. During the action, Captain Campbell, who commanded the company of the 91st that was escorting the convoy, inexplicably failed to support Lieutenant Dickson and his small band of men who were the advance guard of the convoy. He was afterward Court Martialed and subsequently cashiered from the service. Before leaving South Africa in June 1848, Dickson also served for a period in Charge of the Fingoe Levies at Fort Hare. Post South Africa, Dickson's military career included an expensive purchase as Captain in the Ceylon Rifle Regiment on 13 April 1849. Rising through the ranks, he retired as a Major-General on 20 March 1878. Sold with the following related archive: i) An important and very rare leather bound journal/diary, as carried by Dickson during the War of the Axe, the content of which has never been published. The diary covers the period 1846-48, this relating to his day-to-day services on the frontier in South Africa, covering the service of the 91st during the War of the Axe. It includes mentions of many British Officers as well as NCO's and Other Ranks of the 91st. Estimated in excess of 150 entry pages of text, the entry pages all in small legible long hand, also a few pages with tables and abstract lists. The contents of the journal has remained unpublished. ii) Five original Commissions/Warrants documents for the ranks of Lieutenant, 91st Foot, 11 August 1843; Captain, Ceylon Rifle Regiment, 13 April 1849; Staff Captain to Command detachments of Pensioners in the Isle of Man, 1 September 1854; Lieutenant-Colonel, 25 October 1871; and Colonel, Land Forces, 1 October 1877. iii) 22 hand-written letters variously dated 1845-60, these relating to appointments, and testimonials from senior Officers who had served in South Africa, some written in South Africa, others in the UK. Includes May 1846 copy of General Orders in which Lieutenant Dickson is mentioned for his gallantry, as well as those to/from Horse Guards concerning his request for suitable appointments, and medical board reports. iv) A photocopy of a portrait of the recipient wearing his South Africa medal; and copied research.

Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Mooltan, Goojerat (R. Brindley, 1st. Bn. 60th. R. Rifles.) edge bruise, nearly very fine £300-£400 --- Robert Brindley served with the 1st Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps during both the Second Sikh War and the Great Sepoy Mutiny, and died of wounds at Delhi on 26 September 1857 (also entitled to an Indian Mutiny Medal with clasp for Delhi). Sold with copied medal roll extracts.

A post-War O.B.E., Great War ‘Salonika’ M.C. and Serbian Order of the White Eagle group of six awarded to Second Lieutenant L. B. Greaves, South Wales Borderers, late Royal Fusiliers The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (P.S.2720 Pte. L. B. Greaves, R. Fus.) middle initial officially corrected; British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut. L. B. Greaves.); Serbia, Kingdom, Order of the White Eagle, 2nd type, Fifth Class breast badge, with crossed swords, silver, silver-gilt, and enamels, very fine and better (6) £1,800-£2,200 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 8 June 1950: ‘For missionary educational services in the Gold Coast’. M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 25th September 1918, during the ascent of Point 1472. He led the advance of the mountain scouts over the precipitous and thickly wooded ground, and when within 1,500 yards of the objective silenced enemy rifle and machine-gun fire with the help of Lewis guns, and continued to advance. His skill and judgement contributed greatly to any success achieved by his battalion. As battalion Intelligence Officer, he has previously done good work on patrol duty.’ Serbian Order of the White Eagle, Fifth Class with Swords London Gazette 16 January 1920. Lionel Bruce Greaves was born in Cardiff in 1895, and won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1914, but in November of that year attested for the 21st (4th Public Schools) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 November 1915, and later as a Lance-Corporal in the 17th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers on 4 August 1916, he served with the 8th Battalion in Salonika. After a spell in hospital with Malaria in November 1917 he recovered, and on 25 September 1918, the 8th Battalion, as part of 65th Brigade, with the 67th Brigade in support, was ordered to attack Point 1472 near Lake Doiran. Lieutenant Greaves and the battalion scouts rushed a rocky knoll which was believed to be Point 1472 but was nearly 1000 yards N.W. of it. The regimental history continues: ‘This position was quickly made good, despite considerable opposition from riflemen and machine guns, which Lieutenant Greaves’ skilful handling of his Lewis guns soon overcame’. For his bravery and leadership in action, Greaves was awarded the M.C. and Serbian Order of the White Eagle. In civilian life Greaves had a keen interest in the church and missionary work and between 1922-1932 was Vice-Principal of the Wesley College, Kumasi, (Gold Coast), Ghana. During the period he wrote many articles and several books on Faith and Central Africa. For another five years he was a supervisor at various Methodist Schools in Africa, then Educational Advisor to Non-Roman Missions in East Africa until 1947, when he returned to management of Methodist Schools. In 1946 he had survived a plane crash, when the small plane he was travelling in was forced to land in the bush and he and the other passengers and pilot had to wait several days to be rescued. Between 1947-1950 he was General Manager of Methodist Schools, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in June 1950. He returned to the UK with his family in the mid-1950’s and continued his writing and research. After living in London for some time, his family emigrated to New Zealand, where he died in 1984. Note: The recipient’s Medal Index Card notes that the recipient’s 1914-15 Star was initially issued named ‘L. V. Greaves’, and was returned in September 1921 to be corrected to ‘L. B. Greaves’. Sold with copied research.

Three: Acting Sergeant E. R. Julyan, Rifle Brigade 1914-15 Star (S-3009 Cpl. E. R. Julyan. Rif: Brig:); British War and Victory Medals (S-3009 A. Sjt. E. R. Julyan. Rif. Brig.) polished, generally nearly very fine and better Pair: Private M. Pinkus, Royal Fusiliers British War and Victory Medals (57150 Pte. M. Pinkus. R. Fus.) good very fine Pair: Private L. Hudson, King’s Own Scottish Borderers and Army Service Corps British War and Victory Medals (28584 Pte. L. Hudson. K.O.S.B.) very fine (7) £80-£100 --- Ernest R. Julyan attested for the Rifle Brigade and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 July 1915. Sold with three USB memory sticks of copied research.

Three: Private W. Jerome, King’s Royal Rifle Corps South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (2125. Pte. W. Jerome. 3/60th Foot.); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (2125. Pte. H. (sic) Jerome. 3/K.R. Rif: C.); Khedive’s Star 1882, unnamed as issued, light contact marks overall, otherwise very fine (3) £800-£1,000 --- William Jerome was born in Reading, Berkshire, and attested for the 60th Foot at Aldershot in November 1877. He served with the 3rd Battalion in South Africa, February 1879 - February 1882, including during the First Boer War. Jerome served with the Battalion in Egypt, July 1882 - December 1883, and was discharged, 7 November 1889, having served 6 years and 80 days with the Colours. Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.

An extremely rare ‘Kurdistan 1924’ R.A.F. Armoured Car’s M.C. group of ten awarded to Flying Officer G. A. ‘Baldy’ Elliot, No. 6 Armoured Car Company, Royal Air Force, later Captain, South African Air Force, who distinguished himself by commanding two Lancia armoured cars against a Kurdish ambush at Qara Anjir on the Kirkuk - Chemchemal Road in May 1924 Military Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. G. A. Elliott. R.A.F.) BWM renamed; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Waziristan 1919-21 (F/O. G. A. Elliot. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, these last five officially impressed ‘102973 G. A. Elliot’; Iraq, Kingdom, Active Service Medal, no clasp, mounted as originally worn, but lacking reverse pin, generally nearly very fine or better (10) £1,800-£2,200 --- M.C. London Gazette 20 October 1925: ‘In recognition of valuable and distinguished service rendered in connection with operations in Kurdistan, in May 1924.’ The London Gazette gives no detail of Elliot’s heroism, but the reports and memoranda submitted at the time, which went to forming the original recommendation, are published in Squadron Leader N. Tucker’s book In Adversity - Exploits of Gallantry and Awards to the RAF Regiment and its Associated Forces 1921-1995: ‘In May, 1924, the 2nd (Assyrian) Battalion, Iraq Levies was in Kirkuk, together with their families. The Battalion was in the process of forming a camp at Chemchemal for operations in the Sulaimaniyah area, and on 4 May only two companies and the Assyrian families remained in Kirkuk. Already there had been a certain amount of back-chat between the townspeople and the Assyrians, in which the former, seeing the greater part of the Battalion moving out, threatened to deal with the Assyrian women when the men had gone. Matters were very tense, with many townspeople in sympathy with Sheikh Mahmud. At 0930 hours there was a disturbance in the bazaar, between men of the Assyrian Battalion and a Muslim shopkeeper over prices, in which one Assyrian was shot. The soldiers returned to their barracks, collected their rifles and ran amok in the town. Some occupied sites dominating the Police Serai and the bazaar, from which they shot down terrified inhabitants. About 30 Muslims were killed and 60 wounded. Kurdish cavalry was confined to its barracks for fear of fighting between the Levy units. British troops were hurriedly airlifted from Baghdad to police the disorder, and the Assyrian infantry was disarmed and marched out of the town at sunset under escort by the Armoured Cars. The War Diary of the Armoured Car Wing in Iraq, for May 1924, provides the following account of No. 6 Armoured Car Company’s activities, the Company tasked with responding to the Kirkuk disturbance: ‘During the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th May, armoured patrols were maintained in Kirkuk Town, and an escort was provided to the Syrian Levies and their families en route for a selected camping site at Chemchemal. During the latter occasion the cars were subject to sporadic sniping from the hills in the vicinity of Kirkuk and later, some ten miles west of Chemchemal, to an organised attack by the followers of Saiyid Muhammad Jabbari. Dismounted action was taken by the cars, the attacks being easily repulsed and a certain number of casualties inflicted.....’ As a result of these operations Flying Officer G. A. Elliot and Observer Officer L. T. Kerry were awarded the Military Cross, Corporal T. Ashcroft and Corporal G. H. Lewis both won the Military Medal. All were members of No. 6 Armoured Car Company. There is no evidence of any surviving citations, but the following memorandum and report were submitted in support of their actions: Lieutenant Colonel G. C. M. S. Cameron, Commanding 2nd Battalion, Iraq Levies - ‘I beg to forward herewith copy of a report by Captain Fry, 2nd Battalion, Iraq Levies on the action of two Armoured Cars commanded by Flying Officer Elliot, R.A.F. on the evening of the 7th May at Qara Anjir. At 1800 hours on that day I ordered Captain Fry to visit the picquets on the northern side of the road while I did those on the south. It was during his inspection that the Kurds attempted to attack one of the picquets. I should also like to mention the good work done by the two Armoured Cars under Observing Officer Kerry R.A.F. on the 8th May. It was owing in a great measure to the action of these two cars, one of which worked with the Advanced Guard and the other with the Rear Guard that the enemy was prevented from bringing fire to bear on the long column of women and children.” Captain O. M. Fry - ‘At about 18.30 hours on 7.5.24 two Companies of the 2nd Battalion, Iraq Levies were camped at Qara Anjir on the Kirkuk-Chemchemal Road. I was ordered by Colonel Sorel Cameron to inspect picquets on the northern side of the road. A party of Kurds began to advance in a threatening attitude on one of the picquets. Flying Officer Elliot in charge of H.M.A. Cars Explorer and Avenger immediately ordered his cars out and passing through the picquet line, succeeded in bringing them behind the Kurds without their knowledge. On advancing further one of the cars became badly ditched and at the same time the Kurds opened a brisk fire on the cars. F/O Elliot and Cpl. Ashcroft leaving their cars adjusted the tow ropes and after a few minutes succeeded in pulling the ditched car back on the road, and safely rejoined their cars although they were fired on at less than fifty yards distance. Advancing a little further the road became too steep and F/O Elliot gave the order for a dismounted action. Covered by the fire of only one rifle Cpl. Lewis carried his Vickers gun to a position some twenty feet above the road and quickly getting into action drove the Kurds off leaving one of them killed within twenty feet of the gun. Sniping continued for some time until silenced by Cpl. Lewis. Owing to the initiative of the Armoured Car Commander and the conduct of his crew the Kurds never again approached within firing distances of the camp and sniping was effectively arrested.’ Gerald Augustus Elliot was born in Sandys, Bermuda in June 1900. He was educated in Australia and at Denstone College, Staffordshire, before entering the Naval College at Greenwich as a Probationary Flight Officer in the Royal Naval Air Service on 24 March 1918. After qualifying as a pilot, Elliot transferred to the Royal Air Force in September 1918 and served in France from the following month. Elliot transferred to the Unemployed List after the war, but was granted a Short Service Commission in July 1920, and was promoted to Flying Officer. He was posted for flying duties to 24 Squadron at Kenley in October of the same year, and embarked for India in March 1921. Elliot served with 20 Squadron at Parachinar and Ambala until he was transferred to HQ Iraq for duties with the Armoured Car Companies in July 1922. Elliot spent the first two months in the Stores Depot, Iraq before joining No. 6 Armoured Car Company on 3 November 1922. He served with this Company for the next four years, seeing service throughout Northern Iraq and being awarded the M.C. for his gallantry during the Kirkuk operations (see above). Elliot was posted to 208 Squadron in Ismalia in January 1927, and transferred to the Reserves in August of the same year. He subsequently moved to South Africa where he was employed in Mining, and his wife being employed by the Pretoria Girls School. Elliot joined the South African Air Force in April 1940. He transferred to the South African Tank Corps in August of the same year, only to return to the S.A.A.F. in April 1942. Elliot advanced to Captain and was discharged...

Four: Attributed to H. Thorpe, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, in named card box of issue, extremely fine 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; copy Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star (2); Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45 (2), the ACE Star a copy, generally good very fine (14) £70-£90 --- Sold with a King’s Royal Rifle Corps Cap Badge.

Staffordshire Rifle Volunteer Corps. A scarce selection of shooting embroidered arm badges c.1867-85, silvered crowned title belt with Staffordshire Knot and various dates to the centre; together with another selection of Staffordshire embroidered shooting badges c.1932-38, generally good condition (9) £100-£140

Pair: Sergeant J. Vinson, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, late Rifle Brigade Canada General Service 1866-70, 1 clasp, Fenian Raid 1870 (1053 Corl. J. H. Vinson, RIfle Bde.) impressed naming; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (420 Cr. Sergt. J. Vinson, K. Rl. Rif. C.) good very fine (2) £500-£700 --- James H. Vinson was born in St. Anne’s, Lewes, Sussex. A Labourer by occupation, he attested for the Rifle Brigade on 6 June 1865, aged 19 years. With them he served in Canada, September 1869-September 1870. In April 1876 he transferred to the K.R.R.C. and in April the following year was transferred to the Militia. He continued to serve to 1886. and was awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal. Sold with copied service papers and other research.

Six: Sergeant W. I. F. Mills, 1st (The King’s) Dragoon Guards 1914 Star (5853 Sjt. W. I. F. Mills. 1/D. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (1DG-5853 Sjt. W. I. F. Mills. 1-D. Gds.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (D-19533 Sjt. W. I. F. Mills. 1-K.D. Gds.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (390443 Sjt. W. I. F. Mills. K.D.G.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver (Lc. Col. W. Mills. K.D. Gds.) regimentally impressed naming; mounted for display purposes together with the recipient’s Army Rifle Association Medal, bronze, the reverse engraved ,Sgt. W. Mills, 1st. K.D.G. Henry Whitehead Cup Winners 1922’, very fine and better (7) £340-£400 --- William Isaac Fleming Mills was born in Middlesex in 1890 and attested for the 1st Dragoon Guards at Aldershot on 24 March 1904, aged 14, as a Musician. He served with the Regiment pre-War in India, and was awarded the Delhi Durbar Medal through the massed bands allotment, and then with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 November 1914. He saw further service in post-War Iraq, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in October 1922. He was discharged to pension on 28 March 1925, and died in Rochford, Essex, on 16 November 1966. Sold with copied research, including a group photographic image featuring the recipient.