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Lot 78
Maurice Alfred Decamps (French 1892-1953) Carnations oil on canvas, signed 53cm x 64cm Note: Maurice Decamps was born on 2nd October 1892 in Paris. He studied under Pierre Montezin and first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1913, winning an honourable mention, followed by the Savoy Prize in 1926 and a silver medal in 1927. He achieved significant success and recognition during his lifetime and was most feted for his still-life works Provenance: Private Scottish collection
Lot 837
A rare post-war M.B.E., Second World War clandestine operations M.C. group of ten to Colonel W. V. G. Smith, Royal Fusiliers, late Lancashire Fusiliers, who was decorated for his services in S.O.E.s Albanian Mission 1943-44, in which capacity he carried out numerous acts of sabotage The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Members 2nd type breast badge; Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (Major, M.C., L.F.); Thailand, Order of the Crown, Commanders neck badge, silver, gilt and enamels; Thailand, Order of the Crown, breast badge, silver, gilt and enamels, together with a Lancashire Fusiliers cap badge, generally good very fine (10) £4000-5000 M.B.E. London Gazette 13 June 1964. M.C. London Gazette 15 March 1945. The original recommendation states: Major W. V. G. Smith has operated as a British Liaison Officer in Albania from 15 October 1943 to December 1944. He is due to return to that country. During his period in the Field he has acted as Second-in-Command of an Area Mission and latterly, since February 1944, as Commander of the Mission itself. During his period in the Field, his loyalty, courage and devotion to duty have been of the highest order under the most trying conditions. Particularly valuable have been his strong and tactful handling of the F.N.C. Military and Political leaders, upon which the success of the Allied Mission so much depend. He has also been engaged in numerous reconnaissance and demolition operations of a hazardous nature, of which the following are examples: In January 1944, he entered territory fully controlled and patrolled by the Germans, in order to try and extricate three American nurses hiding in Berat. At very considerable risk to himself, he spent some days in this area and only gave up the attempt when he was betrayed by the local population and found himself surrounded by the enemy. In February 1944, he successfully destroyed the road between Berat-Kelgyre, with a small partisan escort. He approached the road under the cover of darkness. Preparation of the road for demolition took some time with the means available and before this preparation was completed, he came under heavy machine-gun fire. Major Smith completed the task and the road was so succesfully destroyed that it was never repaired by the Germans, who were thereby denied one of their valuable lines of communication. In June of 1944, during the German push of that month, he played a leading part in the successful extrication, without loss, of 13 Allied personnel. During this period Allied personnel were in great danger of being surrounded and captured, and their escape and present safety are largely due to Major Smiths courage, coolness and decision. Major Smith is strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Military Cross. William Victor Granville Smith was born in Hyde, Cheshire in April 1920 and was granted an emergency commission in the 2/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers in September 1941, following service in the ranks with the B.E.F. Further active service ensued with "Paiforce" and the 1st Army in North Africa in 1942, but in August of the following year he transferred to Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.), most likely via a contact in that forces Cairo establishment. Having then completed his parachute course at Kabrit on 18 September 1943, he was prepared for his first mission to Albania, parachuting in to that country in mid-October. Thereafter, until his return to the U.K. for a debriefing in December 1944, he carried out numerous acts of sabotage, his thorough destruction of a section of the Berat-Kelgyre road in February 1944 being a case in point. But over and above the operational side of his agenda, Smith built up an excellent general knowledge of both North and South Albania, including a valuable understanding of the complex and often contentious viewpoints of the competing partisans - indeed it was for these very reasons that he was recalled to London at the end of 1944 - and then quickly ordered back into the Field in the New Year. Luckily for posteritys sake, Smiths official reports from Albania largely survive, a classic example being his summary of the period October 1943 to June 1944 (a copy of which is included). Apart from the fact this report contains a gripping account of his Missions movements at the time of the German offensive in June 1944, it also includes some pretty frank commentary on the merits of individual partisan leaders - It is inevitable that the Chief of the General Staff should be included in this list; his appointment is the only justification for his inclusion. Completely dumb, a Major in the old Army ... So, too, some equally scathing remarks on equipment: In my experience the only satisfactory arms are the Tommy gun and the Sten. The Marlin and M.P. 40 are not only unreliable but very dangerous; we had many accidents with both these automatics - Major Layzell lost his life. And some friendly advice for prospective British Liaison Officers (B.L.Os): B.L.Os are still arriving in the country like Father Christmasses. Certainly before they leave the country their kit will have been lost, destroyed or captured many times over - they should, therefore, be discouraged from taking any more kit than they can comfortably carry in a rucksack. It must always be borne in mind that the partisan is an undisciplined individual; he is in fact an individual and he resents very strongly any form of direct order. On the other hand, it is possible to give him an order, using an indirect method, the best way being to take him into ones confidence. Money must never on any account be offered to a partisan in repayment for services rendered. He will regard it as an insult. If you wish to reward a partisan, write a report to his commandant. Never on any account threaten to strike a partisan - the code is sudden death to the offender, regardless of nationality or rank ... Having also been mentioned in despatches for his services in Albania (London Gazette 1 June 1944), Smith finally returned to the U.K. in October 1946, following which he enjoyed a spate of post-war staff appointments, among them Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quarter-Master General of 6 Infantry Brigade in Munster between March 1962 and November 1963 - for which services he was awarded his M.B.E. Having latterly transferred to the Royal Fusiliers, he was advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel in August 1965 and served as Military Attache in Bangkok from April 1970 until his retirement, in which period he received his Thai decorations.
Lot 523
A Great War Western Front M.M. pair awarded to Serjeant J. Nicholls, Worcestershire Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (5157 Sjt., 4/Worc. R.); Queens South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (5157 Corpl., Worcester. Regt.) second with edge bruising and contact marks, good fine; first good very fine (2) £300-350 M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916. Joseph Nicholls was born in Dudley, Worcestershire and enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment in March 1893 and was to remain with them for the rest of his life. He served in South Africa where he gained the QSA and two clasps. In 1903 the Battalion went to Malta, in 1905 to India and in 1909 to Burma. Nicholls was present when the 4th Battalion was stationed at Bareilly, and took part in the Grand Parade in Delhi to mark the visit of King George V. For this participation he was awarded the Delhi Durbar Medal. After the tour in Burma the Battalion returned to England on 1 February 1915 ready for action in the First World War. The 4th Battalion left Avonmouth on 21 March 1915 as part of 88th Brigade, 29th Division. After passing through Egypt the Battalion, including Nicholls, arrived at Gallipoli on 24 April 1915 and went ashore under heavy fire. The battalion at that time consisted of 29 officers and 931 other ranks. Part of X Company reached the River Clyde and attempted to land at V Beach, but most were killed or wounded. The remainder of the Battalion landed on W Beach and formed up with Z and Y Companies in front, and X and Y Companies in support. They then moved forward using the bayonet to clear the enemy from Hill 138. In the advance towards Krithia, the Battalion again launched a bayonet charge and by the end of April had suffered 35 killed, 199 wounded and 74 missing. During May the Battalion continuously fought along the firing line between the Krithia Nullah and Gully Ravine and by the end of the month their strength was reduced to 11 officers and 483 other ranks. In June and July the Battalion took part in the Third Battle of Krithia and during this time Lieutenant H. James earned his VC for outstanding courage in defence and leading attacks. From July to December the Battalion was rarely out of action. In September they suffered heavily at Sulva Bay and amongst those killed was Lieutenant James shot by a sniper. In October all 20 officers in the Battalion were Second Lieutenants and it was not till the 26th that Captain Kerans took command of the Battalion. On the night of 7/8 January 1916 the Battalion embarked from W Beach and sailed back to Egypt. They had been in action from the beginning of the campaign to the very end and had lost 64 officers and 1550 other ranks killed, wounded or died from other causes. A total of 1614 dead. From Egypt the Battalion was posted to France, arriving at Marseilles on 20 March 1916, still part of 88 Brigade, 29th Division. In France/Flanders they fought in every major battle until the 11th November 1918, including the Somme from 1 July to the 18 November 1916, then at Albert, Le Transloy, Arras, Scarpe, Ypres 1917, Langemarck, Polcappelle, Cambrai, Estaires, Lys, Bailleul, Kemmel, Ypres 1918 and finally at Courtrai in October 1918. For his services in France, Nicholls was awarded the Military Medal. Company Sergeant-Major Joseph Nicholls died on 30 January 1919, aged 38 years, and was buried at the Holy Trinity Church, Amblecote. He was the son of Mrs May Nicolls who lived at 36 High Street, Amblecote. Sold with copied research.
Lot 435
Staff Sergeant James Moore RA DCM First World War Diaries 4 vols 1915-1918 engraved whistle and various documents First World War Ypres 1915, 1916 1917. Morval 1916; Mons 10.11.18; First World diaries of Staff Sergeant James Moore kept on the Western Front between February 1915 to December 1918, four volumes including certificate of employment during the War 18.2.15 - 26.1.19 as a fitter. Protection Certificate and a Certificate of Identity 41571 Fitter Staff Sergeant Unit 115 HB, address 1, The Crescent Northwich, Cheshire. Year of birth 1885. Medical category A1; together with an Exemption Card Brunner Mond & Company Ltd., confirming that on 10th September 1914 he was engaged in work connected with the manufacture of materials for use in the production of munitions of war and that he was "requested" by Lord Kitchener not to enlist but to remain at his work. Clearly he left his reserved occupation and joined up in the Royal Artillery. Boots Pocket Diaries four volumes with some wear through having been carried at the Front, but generally in legible condition having been written in pencil. Being sold with his whistle engraved with battle honours and a fragment of ribbon. Extracts from the diaries include the following; "Bombardment all along the line commences at 2.30 a.m., I have a walk at 11.00 a.m. towards Ypres and see about sixty German prisoners who are elderly and evil looking. My brother Tom was killed during the bombardment."Guns are almost afloat, we are knee deep in water"."Hundreds of Germans are escorted past our battery before noon, and at least two thousand before night"."Still at Corbie, I have put the DCM ribbon up and the AOC chaps are very curious as to how it was won, so I told them it was not won in their workshops"."We send three GS wagons away at 8.00 a.m. to new position, I go up after dinner, horrible sights our wagon and gun wheels go over lots of German bodies, the stench is horrible going down, we get shelled - one killed one wounded, return to our old position.""Lovely day we arrange to play the French at football after tea, nine of us beat fifteen of them by seven goals to one"."Lovely day, our new stock of records arrives, we have a very good night"."Nice day today, our battery took all principal prizes at the horse show, Gun Team, Wagon Team, stripped heavy draught, NCO's drill order". "Right Section play Left Section at cricket 80.48 I get five wickets for twenty one runs"."I take part in a scratch game of football, I have my shoulder put out in the first minute and go to the MO".A more detailed summary has been prepared by the auctioneers and is available on request. They provide a chilling and matter of fact account of a gunner's life in the First World War.Provenance: By family descent Sergeant J. Moore RA received the Distinguished Conduct Medal which is referred to in the diaries and other First World War medals. DCM London Gazette 198 1916 For conspicuous bravery and ability in repairing guns under heavy shell fire by his coolness and courage he was able to carry out difficult repairs and keep the only gun left with the battery in action when it was badly needed. James Moore's medals were sold at Bonhams on Wednesday 24th July 2002 lot number 272. His son whose birth is referred to in the diaries married the present vendor. She never met James who survived the War but died at a relatively young age.
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