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Six WWII Stars; The Africa Star with clasp for North Africa 1942-43,The Atlantic Star with clasp for France and Germany,The France and Germany Star,The Italy Star,The 1939-1945 StarTogether with another 1939-1945 Star, with a possibly later clasp for Battle of Britain.Condition - fair to good, the providence of the clasps is unknown.

Seven WWII medals and stars; The Burma Star with a clasp for Pacific,The Africa Star with a clasp for the 8th Army,The 1939-1945 Star with a clasp for Bomber Command,The Pacific Star with a clasp for Burma,The Atlantic Star,The India 1939-45 Medal,A Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.Condition - fair to good, the provenance of the clasps is unknown.

Erte' Bronze Sculpture "Rigoletto" from the Visions in Bronze Collection. Sculpture: Patina on Bronze. Issued: 1989. Edition Size: 375 Numbered, 37 Artist Proofs. Authentic Erte Backstamps, Signed and Numbered on the Base. Excellent Condition, Never displayed has been vaulted. Originally purchased from Erte' /Chalk & Vermilion when Gwendolyn Reasoner of Re Vann Galleries hosted Erte' in person at the Erte' Exhibition at Re Vann Galleries on the Boardwalk and The Black Tie Evening Event at The Trump Castle in Atlantic City, NJ., USA in June, 1989. Image Reference: Erte' At 95, The Complete New Graphic Book. Size: 18 1/4"L x 5 1/2"W x 19.50"H. From the Archival Collection of Re Vann Galleries, G.Reasoner, Owner. Artist: Erte'Issued: 1989Dimensions: 18 1/4"L x 5 1/2"W x 19.50"HEdition Number: 375Manufacturer: Chalk & VermilionCountry of Origin: USACondition: Excellent

1940's Halifax convoy model in case heavily laden cargo ship a T2 type tanker & rescue ship north Atlantic

A cut glass 'Atlantic' bowl by Kosta Boda - etched factory mark, pattern 58005, elliptical form with a cut cross decoration, 17cm long.

America.- Sprittles (George) American Summer 1954, typescript with one or two ink corrections, 160 pp., ex-Nottingham library with usual labels and ink-stamps, contemporary cloth-backed paper wrappers, library shelf mark to spine foot, a little rubbed, 4to, [c.1955]. *** A personal account of a summer visit to America and Canada by George Spittles, the Rector of Bulwell and Canon of Southwell Cathedral. Upon his return he wrote an account of his visit for distribution to family and friends.  "On the second day of my visit to Halifax, I had lunch at Rockingham with Mrs. Keyston and her daughter Judith, at their lovely home. Robins larger than thrushes and canaries as plentiful as English house-sparrows made their garden for me just an unbelievable experience, which is hardly surprising since it was the first garden I had seen on this side of the Atlantic and yet I ought to have been prepared for any and every surprise!"

BATES J. D.  The Art of the Atlantic Salmon Fly. Col. & other illus. Quarto. Orig. cloth in d.w. 1990; also Greenhalgh & Smalley, Fishing Flies, col. illus. in d.w., signed copy, 2009, & 8 others, fishing flies, fly dressing & tying incl. Fly-Tying for Trout by Eric Taverner, in chipped d.w., n.d.  (9).

An Elizabeth II 1/4 proof sovereign, 2016, 'Battle of the Atlantic', encapsulated, in presentation case.

Bindings. 1828 A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus by Washington Irving in four volumes. First edition, publ. John Murray. Full calf with morocco spine labels, gilt tooled spines and borders, marbled edges & endpapers. Folding chart of the tracks across the North Atlantic Ocean to first volume, and folding chart of the West Indies with the adjacent coast of South America to rear of volume II. Loosely inserted, a c1775 letter note in Latin with dates 1538 - 1756, initialled signature JBS dated 1770 - 1775. Odd light scratch to boards, otherwise a beautiful first edition of this fictional biography of Columbus' exploration of the globe. 8vo.

A 19th century English pottery Pate Char dish, attributed to Liverpool or Lancaster, shallow circular form, transfer printed with multi-coloured Char (Fish), a Georgian Delicacy from the Lake District. are small fish related to Atlantic Salmon that were left behind in the deepest coldest lakes when the Ice Age receded, 16cm diameter, 4.5cm high

UK, Gold Proof Two Pounds 2001, Wireless Bridges of the Atlantic, Marconi 1901 edition, no.1210/2500, (.917 gold, 28.4mm, 15.97g) encapsulated and boxed with certificate, as struck

Eight unnamed WWII medals, including two Defence medals, two British War medals, an Atlantic Star, a 1939-1945 Star, a Burma Star and a Pacific Star, an RAF labelled ceramic funnel/liner, an RFC insignia and a M16A1 booklet

A scarce Great War seaplane pilot’s D.F.C. group of three awarded to Captain C. V. Bessette, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, an American born French-Canadian who took part in the pioneering trials of the Curtis Flying Boat America at Hammondsport, New York, in 1914. Had war not broken out, the America, would have attempted the first non-stop aerial crossing of the Atlantic. As a result of the conflict the aircraft type was purchased and used by the British Government, and Bessette saw service as a pilot operating from Felixstowe, H.M.S. Campania, and the U.S. Naval Base at Killingholme on the Humber Estuary Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., reverse engraved ‘Capt. C. V. Bessett. North Sea. 19.2.18. 27.2.18 10.3.1918’, with original horizontal striped riband; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. V. Bessett. R.A.F.) mounted as worn, sterling silver card case, engraved ‘C.V.B.’, the latter somewhat dented, the medals nearly extremely fine (3) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 3 June 1918. Claver Victor Bessette (also listed as ‘Bessett’) was born to French-Canadian parents in New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.A., in August 1887. His occupation prior to military service is given in his service papers as ‘Manager of a millionaire’s private estate in California, U.S.A., March 1912 - June 1913.’ Bessette was involved in the testing of Glenn H. Curtiss and John Porte’s flying boat the America at Hammondsport, New York, 1913-14. The aircraft was built to attempt the first non-stop aerial crossing of the Atlantic, and was to be piloted by an American and an Englishman. Bessette was allowed to carry out some test flying in a student capacity. He qualified as a seaplane pilot, 22 June 1914. The project was interrupted by the outbreak of the Great War. Bessette was taken on the strength of the R.N.A.S. at Ottawa in February 1916, and gained his Royal Aero Club Certificate as a Flight Sub Lieutenant in a N.A.C. Seaplane at the Northern Aircraft Company, Windermere, in June 1916. He carried out further training at R.N.A.S. Calshot, Crystal Palace and Grain. Bessette was posted to R.N.A.S. Felixstowe, and flew operationally on submarine patrols from December 1916. He served with H.M.S. Campania (aircraft carrier), from May 1917, before being posted to R.N.A.S. Killingholme in September of the same year. Whilst still flying operationally, Bessette also served as an instructor on Short seaplanes for pilots and observers carrying out training at Killingholme. He advanced to Flight Lieutenant in December 1917, and Honorary Captain whilst continuing to serve at Killingholme after the command of the base had been transferred to U.S. Navy in March 1918. The American naval airmen flew British Short seaplanes and Curtis H-16’s on anti-submarine patrols and convoy protection in the North Sea. Bessette transferred to the Royal Air Force in April 1918, and was subsequently employed as an Instructor in Signals and Ship Recognition. He was discharged in September 1919. Sold with copied research, and copied postcard images of the trials of the America, with copies of the reverses showing annotations including naming Bessette as a student pilot. 
 


An extremely rare Second World War ‘Burma’ D.F.C., Venezuelan Cross of Las Fuerzas Aereas, group of seven awarded to Wellington, Dakota and Liberator pilot Wing Commander C. V. Beadon, 215 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who carried out 3 tours of operations, including 2 over Burma. The latter proving particularly hazardous, when on 1 January 1945, Beadon’s aircraft was described as trailing ‘Rivers of flame. The plane was hit when making an attack from only 150 feet above the Burma-Siam railway. The shell blasted a hole two feet square in the fuselage and tore away the tail gun turret doors, starting rivulets of flame in the turret as the hydraulic oil gushed from a broken pip and caught alight...’ Using ‘the tea and water in their flasks, as well as fire extinguishers... to fight the blaze in the rear-gun turret. They flew 500 miles over the Bay of Bengal with the turret aflame then, exhausted by their struggles, flew another 500 miles before reaching the base in India... they had survived one of the most hazardous journeys experienced by Eastern Air Command Liberators.’ Surviving the war, and on the orders of Churchill, Beadon took part in the ‘kidnapping’ of the King of Buganda in November 1953. Arriving in Entebbe, Beadon kept the engines of his Hastings aircraft running as King “Freddie” was dragged screaming across the tarmac and bundled in the back with a blanket of his head. Beadon served as British Air Attaché in Caracas, 1954-57, and later became an authority on Dowsing - pinpointing large deposits of oil in Africa and South America Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Venezuela, 2nd Class Cross of Las Fuerzas Aereas, 18 ct gold and enamel, in Huguenin case of issue, with related dress miniature also in 18 ct. gold and enamel, British awards mounted as originally worn but lacking retaining pin, generally very fine or better (lot) £4,000-£5,000 --- Provenance: Spink Circular 1999. D.F.C. London Gazette 17 August 1945. The recommendation states: ‘This Flight Commander has recently completed his third tour of operations, and his second in this theatre. His cheerfulness, undoubted courage and devotion to duty have been of the highest order, and have contributed largely to the success of numerous operations. His sorties during this tour have been on Wellington, Dakota and Liberator aircraft, and have included daylight attacks on Rangoon, Bangkok and Mbulmein, supply dropping to the 14th Army during the monsoon period of 1944, and as Pathfinder for the Group attacks on Bangkok. He was recently awarded a Command Mention for bringing back his badly damaged aircraft a distance of over 1000 miles after attacking successfully at extremely low level, trains on the Bangkok-Chiengmei railway. He has led the Squadron on several occasions with outstanding success. Station Commander’s Remarks: I concur. The actions, which gained S/Ldr. Beadon a Command Mention, illustrate his outstanding qualities which have prevailed throughout this tour as Captain of a Heavy Bomber and a leader both in the air and on the ground. Remarks of Group Commander: I very strongly endorse the Remarks of the Station Commander and the Squadron Commander. S/Ldr. Beadon’s work has been quite outstanding. He has proved himself an exceptionally able and courageous Flight Commander and his enthusiasm, coupled with sound judgement, have been an inspiration to the other members of his Squadron.’ Clive Vernon Beadon was born in Coonor, near Poona, India in April 1919. He was the son of Colonel V. Beadon, M.C. 9th Gurkhas, and was educated at the Imperial Service College, Windsor. Beadon was awarded a scholarship to Sandhurst, but elected to go to Royal Air Force College, Cranwell instead. He carried out training as a pilot, was commissioned in 1939, and was posted to 101 Squadron - a Blenheim training unit. Beadon was posted for operational flying, with the outbreak of the Second World War, to 502 Squadron (Whitleys) at St. Eval. The Squadron was part of Coastal Command, and was employed on convoy duties on the Western approaches. In September 1940 Beadon qualified as a flying instructor at the Central Flying School and spent the next two years training pilots. He was posted to No. 1 Middle East Ferry Control in September 1942, and three months later moved on to India where he flew Wellingtons (and later Liberators) with 215 Squadron against the Japanese in Burma. This was the beginning of a long and hazardous two tour stint on the Burma front - with his log book recording varying targets, engine break ups, crash landings and damage by rifle fire! With perhaps the pinnacle of his flying exploits occurring during an attack on the Siam Railway, 1 January 1945, ‘Loco Strike. Thanbulyat to Milestone 42. Photography of Milestone 6 & M8 North & South town. Milestone 37 direct hit by flack. R/G Killed. A/C write off. Bombs finally jettisoned.’ (Log Book refers) More detail is added to Beadon’s rather laconic entry above, by the following press article: ‘With its rear gun turret aflame, a RAF Liberator bomber flew for 500 miles over the Bay of Bengal and then, the fire quelled, covered another 500 miles before reaching base in India. The nose-heavy bomber, its elevators almost shattered by a Japanese A/A shell over Siam, was brought down safely on its home airfield four hours after nightfall by S/Ldr Clive Beadon, of Wokingham-road, Reading, and his second pilot, W/O A. C. Combe, of Endfield-road, Acton, London. Embers were still glowing in the metal turret when the first aid squad reached it. The gunner had been killed, but the rest of the crew were safe. The plane was hit when making an attack from only 150 feet above the Burma-Siam railway. The shell blasted a hole two feet square in the fuselage and tore away the tail gun turret doors, starting rivulets of flame in the turret as the hydraulic oil gushed from a broken pip and caught alight. Gaining height to avoid more attacks while over Japanese-held territory, S/Ldr Beadon made for the coast 40 miles away. Five hours flight over the sea faced the crew before they could hope to reach friendly coast. Tea and water in their vacuum flasks, as well as all fire extinguishers, were used to fight the flames. Sgt. R. Handson, of St. Ivian’s Drive, Gidea Park, Romford, Essex, and Sgt. T. Bennet, of Wakefield-street, Warrington, Lancs., who had been knocked down by the blast of the explosion while manning the beam guns, helped to fight the fire and Sgt. D. J. Morgan, of High-street, Cefmcoed, Merthyr, South Wales climbed from the gunner’s turret to help. Fuel was transferred from the bomb bay tanks, in the middle of the bomber, to reduce the danger if the fire spread, and burning material was thrown from the back of the aircraft. After three hours the flames were put out. The red hot gun turret hung precariously on the bomber’s tails, and the controls were sluggish, the Indian coast still far away but “H for Harry” got back.’ Beadon had advanced to Temporary Squadron Leader in July 1944, and was been appointed a Flight Commander. Still on active service when his well-merited D.F.C. was gazette in August 1945, but now on the Operations Staff of H.Q. Air Command, South East Asia, Beadon was unable to attend an Investiture back in the U.K. He did, however, meet King George VI at a later date, the latter telling him that it was to men like him “that we owe our freedom”. Returning home ...

Four: Able Seaman T. Flood, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (J.27971 T. Flood. Ord. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.27971 T. Flood. A.B. R.N.); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1936-1939 (J.27971 T. Flood, A.B. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, traces of adhesive to base/bottom edge of medals, the Great War trio heavily polished and worn, these fair; the rest good very fine (8) £100-£140 --- Thomas Flood was born in Norwich on 5 December 1897 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class in December 1913. He served during the Great Ware in the cruiser H.M.S. Highflyer from September 1914 until August 1917, and then in various other ships and shore based establishments, being promoted Ordinary Seaman in April 1917. He served in H.M.S. Brilliant from October 1933 to September 1936, and saw active service in this ship off the coast of Palestine. Shore pensioned in December 1937, he was recalled for War service and served during the Second World War in the Minesweeper H.M.S. Saltash. He was invalided to R.N. Hospital Southport in March 1945, and died in Norwich in 1967. Sold with copied research.

Four: Private G. H. J. Cook, Royal Marine Light Infantry 1914-15 Star (Po.11565, Pte. G. H. J. Cook, R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Po.11565 Pte. G. H. J. Cook. R.M.L.I.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (Po.11565 G. H. J. Cook. Pte. R.M.L.I.) mounted as worn; together with a R.M. Association lapel badge, the reverse numbered ‘18957’, toned, good very fine Three: H. J. Tait, Mercantile Marine 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, with Minister of Transport enclosure, in Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen named card box of issue addressed to ‘Mr. H. J. Tait, 7 Union Street, Lerwick, Shetland Is.’, extremely fine (7) £120-£160 --- George Henry James Cook was born in Petersfield, Hampshire, on 9 July 1882 and enlisted in the Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 6 June 1901. He served during the Great War both ashore and afloat, notably in H.M.S. Skipjack, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 22 April 1922. He transferred to the Royal Marine Reserved on 6 June 1922, and died on 12 April 1961. Sold with a postcard photograph of the recipient.

A unique Second War D.S.M. group of nine awarded to Acting Temporary Sub-Lieutenant R. E. Harris, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.320955 R. E. Harris A.B.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France & Germany; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (P/JX.320955 R. E. Harris. D.S.M. Ldg. Smn. R.N.) minor official correction to prefix of number; Efficiency Medal, Territorial, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (JX 320955. A.B. R. E. Harris (D.S.M.) R.N.) minor official correction to surname; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1939-1940, bronze, mounted as worn, traces of verdigris to Stars, good very fine (9) £1,800-£2,200 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2000. D.S.M. London Gazette 24 February 1942: ‘For resource and devotion to duty.’ Seedies roll states for services aboard H.M.S. Royal Eagle when mined on 4 January 1942, and successfully brought to port. Royal Eagle was a former Thames Paddle Steamer which had a distinguished war record, especially in the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk in 1940. Harris served aboard her from December 1941 to May 1942. M.I.D. London Gazette 3 March 1943. Efficiency Medal, Territorial, confirmed 27 February 1944. It is believed that only 26 were awarded to the Royal Navy, only Harris receiving the D.S.M. in addition. Richard Ernest Harris was born at Dawdon, Durham, on 24 May 1918. He volunteered for service in the Royal Navy on 29 December 1941, at which time he was allowed to count 2 years 119 days former Army Service towards pension and badges. He was previously a fitter and draughtsman and served in the navy as a Radar specialist. He was commissioned Acting Temporary Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 30 March 1946. Sold with the recipient’s original Certificate of Service which confirms all awards except the Croix de Guerre; various letters and documents, including one regarding his T.A. Efficiency Medal addressed to Captain Harris; and two French banknotes signed by the crew of ‘H.M.S. Waveny, D-Day, 6th June 1944, Bernieres sur Mer, 3rd Brigade, J2 Assault Group.’

‘Kingsmill, who was following Esmonde, flew so low that he was hit by ricochets from the surface of the sea as he pressed through the smoke and bursting shells. He watched Esmonde’s aircraft erupt in a ball of fire and then his friend Brian Rose crash into the sea, before he turned towards the Prinz Eugen at a range of 2.000 yards. Kingsmill had received the first of several wounds, a hit in the back. His observer, “Mac” Samples, had blood running from his boots, and his leading telegraphist air gunner, Don Bunce, had his seat shot away, so that he had to brace his legs to avoid falling into the sea. Swordfish W5907 had one wing on fire, it had engine damage, and the controls were becoming increasingly sluggish as Kingsmill turned full circle to avoid enemy fighters, then steadied up for his torpedo drop. Prinz Eugen manoeuvred violently to comb the torpedo track which just missed astern. As Kingsmill turned away, his Swordfish was hit again, detonating its distress flares. Trailing ragged fabric streamers and with gaping holes in virtually every part of its wings, fuselage and tail, he tried to prevent it stalling before ditching.’ The fate of Swordfish W5907 on 12 February 1942, as described in the obituary notice of the pilot, Pat Kingsmill; The Daily Telegraph, January 2003, refers. The unique ‘Channel Dash’ C.G.M. group of six awarded to Chief Petty Officer (Air) D. A. ‘Don’ Bunce, a Telegraphist Air Gunner in 825 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm Already a veteran of a celebrated Swordfish attack against the Bismarck in May 1941, when his pilot dropped to 100 feet in the face of a ‘very vigorous and accurate barrage of heavy and light A.A. fire’ – and indeed of the loss of the Ark Royal – Bunce added to his laurels in a supreme act of defiance in 825’s suicidal strike against enemy capital ships in the English Channel in February 1942 Amidst curtains of flak, and in the face of relentless cannon shell fire from Fw 190s, his armament amounted to a ‘feeble’ .303 Vickers machine-gun and ‘every Naval swear word I could muster’ Of the six Swordfish that went in, none returned, just five airmen out of 18 living to tell the tale. The force’s leader, Lieutenant-Commander Eugene Esmonde, D.S.O., R.N., was awarded a posthumous V.C., a distinction which recognised the valour of all of 825’s participating aircrew: ‘Their aircraft shattered, undeterred by an inferno of fire, they carried out their orders, which were to attack the target. Not one came back. Theirs was the courage which is beyond praise’ Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. (FAA/SFX. 631 D. A. Bunce, Naval Aimn. 1.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, minor edge bruise to first, nearly extremely fine (6) (6) £80,000-£100,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- C.G.M. London Gazette 3 March 1942: ‘Naval Airman First Class Donald Arthur Bunce, FAA/SFX. 631, who was Air Gunner in the Swordfish aircraft piloted by Sub-Lieutenant Kingsmill. With his machine on fire, and the engine failing, he stayed steadfast at his gun, engaging the enemy fighters which beset his aircraft. He is believed to have shot one of them down. Throughout the action his coolness was unshaken.’ Donald Arthur Bunce was born in Oxford on 27 May 1921 and joined the Fleet Air Arm as a Naval Airman Second Class in January 1940, when he commenced training as a Telegraphist Air Gunner (T.A.G.). Bismarck action – Loss of Ark Royal Posted to 825 Naval Air Squadron (N.A.S.) at Campbeltown in mid-April 1941, he and the squadron were embarked in the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Victorious a month later, shortly before the famous pursuit of the Bismarck. Bunce subsequently took part in all the sorties flown by 825 N.A.S. during the pursuit, achieving over 14 hours airborne in less than one and a half days. The first of these sorties was flown on 24 May 1941, when nine Swordfish aircraft set-off to attack the Bismarck under Lieutenant-Commander E. K. Esmonde, R.N. Bunce’s aircraft, part of the first wave, was piloted by Lieutenant N. G. MacLean, R.N.V.R., and went into the attack at midnight, in the face of a ‘very vigorous and accurate barrage of heavy and light A.A. fire’, and dropped a torpedo off Bismarck’s port beam from 100 feet. It - in common with all but one of the ‘fish’ dropped by the squadron - was artfully dodged by Bismarck’s helmsman, but vital damage was inflicted by a hit obtained amidships by another Swordfish. The flight back to the Victorious was by no means a foregone conclusion, the homing beacon aboard the carrier being unserviceable. Moreover, the searchlights deployed by Victorious’s captain to guide in Esmonde’s flight were swiftly shut down by command of Rear-Admiral Curteis. Nonetheless, all the Swordfish made it back safely, landing between 0200 and 0230 hours. The squadron’s strike role now concluded, 825 N.A.S. was nonetheless called upon to carry our ongoing search patrols - two on the 25th and one on the 26th, and Bunce participated in all three, flying as T.A.G. to Esmonde in the last of them. However, he was not among those decorated or mentioned in despatches in the subsequent list of awards granted to the squadron in September 1941, a list which included a D.S.O. for Esmonde, and four D.S.C.s and three D.S.M.s. No matter; Bunce would shortly be the recipient of a much rarer distinction. Meanwhile, in the first week of June 1941, he and 825 N.A.S. were embarked on the Ark Royal. Fresh, too, from the Bismarck action, the Ark was deployed to the Malta run, and lent valuable support in Operations ‘Substance’ and ‘Halberd’. On 13 November 1941, however, disaster struck in the form a fatal torpedo strike, her demise famously captured on film. Mercifully, all but one of her crew survived. The Channel Dash In early 1942, and having re-mustered at Lee-on-Solent, 828 N.A.S. was ordered to R.A.F. Manston, as part of Operation ‘Fuller’, the much-flawed plan to counter the anticipated breakout of enemy capital ships from Brest, namely the battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen. When indeed the German ships made their bid for freedom - in what became known as the Channel Dash - the response mounted by air and sea proved entirely inadequate. Apart from anything else, the breakout was daringly enacted in daylight, whereas ‘Fuller’ had been planned around a nocturnal breakout. Moreover, the Germans had assembled a formidable defensive screen, the three capital ships being covered by six destroyers and 34 E-boats, in addition to a mass of Me 109s and Fw 190s. Nonetheless, gallant attempts were made to counter the enemy fleet’s progress, including those mounted by elements of our Coastal Forces - but of all such endeavours one stood out above the rest: the strike mounted by six aircraft of 828 N.A.S. under by Lieutenant-Commander Eugene Esmonde, D.S.O., R.N. ‘In my opinion,’ wrote Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, Flag Officer Dover, ‘the gallant sortie of these six Swordfish constitutes one of the finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty that the war had yet witnessed.’ Admiral Otto Ciliax of the Kriegsmarine was equally impressed, writing in his diary: ‘The mothball attack of a handful of ancient planes was piloted by men whose bravery surpasses any other action by e...

Three: Brigadier-General W. E. Edwards, C.M.G., Director of Inspection of Munitions (Canada), late Royal Artillery, who served with distinction in Ghana and Nigeria and was twice wounded; subsequently serving at the War Office and Ministry of Munitions his contribution in raising the efficiency of overseas ‘war factories’ resulting in the award of the C.M.G. in 1918 Ashanti 1900, no clasp (Capt. & Bt: Maj: W. E. Edwards. R.F.A.); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, S. Nigeria (Bt. Major W. E. Edwards. R.F.A.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Col. W. E. Edwards.) the first two mounted as worn, the last loose, good very fine and better (3) £1,000-£1,400 --- C.M.G. London Gazette 1 January 1918. William Egerton Edwards was born in Mauritius on 25 June 1875, the son of C. F. Edwards, Registrar-General. Educated at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, from 1892-94, he graduated from the 1st Class as Senior Cadet of the Royal Artillery. Awarded the Tombs’ Memorial Scholarship with £28 gratuity, he was appointed to a commission on 1 April 1894 and posted to India. Transferred to the West African Frontier Force, 1899-1901, he participated in operations in Ashanti against Yaa Asantewa and was severely wounded; for his service in quelling the rebellion he was mentioned in despatches and raised Brevet Major. Transferred to South Nigeria to maintain British control, Edwards is listed as ‘dangerously wounded’. Returned home to England to recuperate, he passed an advanced ordnance course in 1903 and is recorded in the Army and Navy Gazette of 5 March 1904 as Secretary of the Explosives Committee. Raised Staff Captain to the Director of Artillery, War Office, he served as Deputy Assistant Director of Artillery from 1907 to 1909 and is stated in the London Evening Standard of 23 January 1911 as a specialist in the development of armour plate. Appointed to the Inspection Staff at Woolwich from 1910 to 1916, Edwards was raised Assistant Deputy Director General of Inspection at the Ministry of Munitions in 1916 and served as Director of Inspection of Munitions (Canada) until the tutelage of Sir R. Sothern Holland; it was in the latter capacity that he crossed the North Atlantic in the winter of 1916 with the brief of achieving the same standards of efficiency in Canadian war factories as achieved back home. With control of a staff of over 4,000 personnel, Edwards took a keen eye to the manufacture of aeroplanes, high explosives, steel shells, high explosive shells, shrapnel shells, fuses, and rounds of ammunition; in recognition of services rendered in this capacity, he was appointed C.M.G. Raised Brigadier-General 9 October 1918, Mr. A. H. Collinson, Director General of Inspection, was particularly praiseworthy in a post-war letter of recommendation: ‘Colonel (sic) Edwards possesses considerable technical knowledge, as well as exceptional organising and administrative abilities. In the course of his duties he had to deal with many difficult problems requiring tact, initiative and energy, in handling all of which he displayed marked success. He possesses a fine sense of duty and responsibility...’ Called back home to Woolwich, Edwards took employment as Superintendent of Designs at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Woolwich Arsenal. He died not long thereafter on 25 July 1921, aged 46 years, his body later conveyed with military honours to Charlton Cemetery for interment. Sold with a fine archive of original documentation including R.M.A. Academic Reports for 1892 and 1894; Commission Certificate appointing W. E. Edwards, Gent: 2nd Lieutenant, Land Forces, Royal Artillery; Chancery of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George Award Certificate, dated 21 October 1918; Grand Lodge of Scotland Master Mason Award Certificate, Victoria Lodge, dated 15 July 1898; with a group graduation photograph at the R.M.A., Woolwich, and copied research.

Twenty six Soul / Dance / Boogie / Funk LPs and two 12" singles to include Funky Nassau (Atlantic K40304), Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life with booklet, Innervisions and Fulfillingness' First Finale, Chi-Lites, two Millie Jackson, Linda Lewis, Chaka Khan, Barry White, Luther Vandross, Level 42, Style Council etc, vinyl appears VG+ to Ex+ in the main

Approximately forty one Tamla Motown and related LPs, to include rare early releases Meet The Supremes (Stateside SL 10109) mono, The Two Sides of Mary Wells (Atlantic 588049), JR Walker & All Stars Shotgun (SOUL SM 701) USA, Mary Wells Greatest Hits sealed re-issue, Mary Johnson I'll Pick A Rose For My Rose (TML11111), 21st Creation Finished Touch, Mandre, five Four Tops, Temptations, Diana & Marvin, Michael jackson, Stevie Wonder etc. Vinyl appears VG+ to EX+ in the main

Led Zeppelin IV (untitled) (Atlantic) with plum / orange stickered label version four with 'marketed by Polydor Limited' at 6 o'clock under licence from Atlantic Recording Corp' above white strip, Led Zeppelin is stickered on label as are credits to Kinney / Superhype and Jimmy Page, catalogue number at 3 o'clock reads 'Delux' 2401012', matrix / runout 2401012  A//3 125 Pecko Duck and 240102 B1//3 114 Porky in correct inner and gatefold sleeve with price sticker. Record appears VG+, would be Ex+ but for one or two non-feelable lines 

Birds of Kenya & Northern Tanzania 1996 with 124 colour plates. The Sibley Guide to Birds (National Audubon Society) 2000. Guide to the Birds of Venezuela 1978. Birds of Southern Africa by Sinclair & Hockey. Birds of Russia by Knystautas. Birds of the West Indies. The Birds of Zambia. Field Guides to North America; West Africa; East Africa; USSR. Birds of the Atlantic Islands. Atlas of the Birds of the Western Palaearctic 1982. European Raptors with presentation copies to Nigel Tucker of A Field Guide to Birds by Roger Peterson etc (21) From the private library of Nigel & Laurel Tucker, Nigel a wildlife sound and field recordist, formerly with the BBC Natural History Unit, while his wife was an illustrator who contributed the artwork for numerous bird books among other things

39 50p's inc Suffrogette x 2, King Charles Atlantic Salmon (recently made £168 on Ebay!) Battle of Britain, Public Library, Cambia croc etc etc 

A Royal Naval Warrant Officer's double breasted No1 jacket, with medal ribbons, comprising, British Empire Medal, General Service Medal, South Atlantic Medal with rosette, Meritorious Service Medal, Long Service & Good Conduct Medal..

A WWII medal group, comprising 1939-45 War Medal, Atlantic Star and 1939-45 Star, with ID tag, inscribed to KX141776 R Harrison, Royal Navy.

SOUL / FUNK / DISCO - LP COLLECTION. Its boogie time with this collection of approx 69 LPs. Artists/ Titles include The True Reflection - Where I'm Coming From, Muscle Shoals Horns - Born To Get Down, Margie Joseph - Sweet Surrender, Dennis Coffey - Back Home, Archie Bell - I Never Had It So Good, Junior Mance, Tony Wilson, Patsy Gallant, Aretha Franklin, Evelyn King, Jackie Moore, Atlantic Starr, Luther Vandross and Dayton. The records are generally VG+ to Ex+. Please note that all sleeves will contain archival stickers from the BBC. The majority of these stickers are 'on top' of the plastic with some 'underneath' (i.e. on the sleeve itself). Some sleeves have been 'laminated' either by way of 'punching' the plastic wallet to two parts of the sleeve or by fully wrapping the plastic to the sleeve - generally G to VG.

CLASSIC / HEAVY ROCK / POP - LP COLLECTION. A collection of approx 69 x LPs. Artists/ Titles include Led Zeppelin inc III (plum/ red Atlantic labels, no Peter Grant) and Led Zeppelin (plum/ red Atlantic labels, no inverted feather), Stephen Stills inc Stephen Stills and Stephen Stills 2, Bloodgood - Detonation, Sleeze Beez - Screwed Blued & Tattooed, Frank Zappa, Altar Boys, Colosseum, Domain, Mark Farner, Cowboy, J. Geils Band and The Age Of Atlantic. The records are generally VG+ to Ex+. Please note that all sleeves will contain archival stickers from the BBC. The majority of these stickers are 'on top' of the plastic with some 'underneath' (i.e. on the sleeve itself). Some sleeves have been 'laminated' either by way of 'punching' the plastic wallet to two parts of the sleeve or by fully wrapping the plastic to the sleeve - generally G to VG.

ATLANTIC - LP COLLECTION. A collection of approx 88 x LPs. Artists/ Titles include Dr. John - Positively Bananas, Charles Mingus - Mingus Moves, The Detroit Spinners - Mighty Love, Yusef Lateef - Part Of The Search, Eddie Harris - E.H. In The UK, Les McCann - Layers, Billy Cobham - Total Eclipse, Sister Sledge - Circle Of Love, Yes - Relayer, Herbie Mann - Discoteque, Charles Mingus - Mingus At Carnegie Hall, Stanley Clarke, CSNY, Graham Nash, Tracy Nelson, The Electric Flag and Daryl Hall/ John Oates. The records are generally VG+ to Ex+. Please note that all sleeves will contain archival stickers from the BBC. The majority of these stickers are 'on top' of the plastic with some 'underneath' (i.e. on the sleeve itself). Some sleeves have been 'laminated' either by way of 'punching' the plastic wallet to two parts of the sleeve or by fully wrapping the plastic to the sleeve - generally G to VG.

JAZZ - LP COLLECTION. One for the Jazz Cats with this collection of approx 89 LPs. Artists/ Titles include Caldera inc Caldera and Sky Islands, Charles Mingus - Cumbia And Jazz Fusion, King Curtis - Get Ready, Charlie Palmieri - Latin Bugalu, Rahsaan Roland Kirk & Al Hibbler - A Meeting Of The Times, Misha Menelberg - Pech Onderweg, Roland Kirk - Left & Right, Ornette Coleman - On Tenor..., First Cosins Jazz Ensemble - For The Cos Of Jazz, Sonny Stitt - Blue Brass Groove, Atlantic Jazz inc Introspection and Fusion. The records are generally VG+ to Ex+. Please note that all sleeves will contain archival stickers from the BBC. The majority of these stickers are 'on top' of the plastic with some 'underneath' (i.e. on the sleeve itself). Some sleeves have been 'laminated' either by way of 'punching' the plastic wallet to two parts of the sleeve or by fully wrapping the plastic to the sleeve - generally G to VG.

PLUM ATLANTIC ROCK RARITIES - LP PACK. A pack of 4 x LPs all with the classic Plum/ Red Atlantic centre labels. Artists/ Titles are MC5 - Back In The USA (2400016, glossy VG/ G+), Ars Nova - Sunshine & Shadows (588196, Ex/G+), Cartoone (588174, G+ record with heavy shadowing/ G+) and Led Zeppelin III (2401002, 'Peter Grant' credit, A6/B5, strong VG+/G+).

DAWN - LP PACK. A pack of 8 x LPs. Artists/ Titles are Titus Groan - Titus Groan (DNLS 3012), Jackie Mcauley - Jackie Mcauley (DNLS3023), Trio - Conflagration (DNLS3022), Paul Brett's Sage - Jubilation Foundry (DNLS3021), Atlantic Bridge - Atlantic Bridge (DNLS3014), Donovan - Open Road (DNLS 3009), Mike Cooper - Trout Steel (DNLS3011) and Mungo Jerry - Mungo Jerry (DNLS3008). The records are generally VG+ to Ex+. Please note that all sleeves will contain archival stickers from the BBC. The majority of these stickers are 'on top' of the plastic with some 'underneath' (i.e. on the sleeve itself). Some sleeves have been 'laminated' either by way of 'punching' the plastic wallet to two parts of the sleeve or by fully wrapping the plastic to the sleeve - generally G to VG.

ATLANTIC - LP COLLECTION. A collection of approx 51 LPs. Artists/ Titles include Graham Nash - Songs For Beginners, Vanilla Fudge - Renaissance, Heads Hands And Feet - Old Soldiers Never Die, The Persuaders - Thin Line Between Love And Hate, The Electrifying Eddie Harris, Yes - The Yes Album, Ornette Coleman, Yusef Lateef - The Gentle Giant, Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Blacknuss, Cactus, Wilson Pickett, Stephen Stills, John Coltrane and Aretha Franklin. The records are generally VG+ to Ex+. Please note that all sleeves will contain archival stickers from the BBC. The majority of these stickers are 'on top' of the plastic with some 'underneath' (i.e. on the sleeve itself). Some sleeves have been 'laminated' either by way of 'punching' the plastic wallet to two parts of the sleeve or by fully wrapping the plastic to the sleeve - generally G to VG.

ATLANTIC - LP COLLECTION. A collection of approx 49 LPs. Artists/ Titles include The Persuaders - Thin Line Between Love And Hate, Good God - Good God, Roland Kirk - The Inflated Tear, Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Blacknuss, Wilson Pickett - The Midnight Move, Vanilla Fudge - Renaissance, Ornette Coleman - Twins, Eddie Harris - Plug Me In, Delbert And Glen - Old Standby, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells - Play The Blues, Yusef Lateef - The Gentle Giant, Cactus, Heads Hands And Feet and John Coltrane. The records are generally VG+ to Ex+. Please note that all sleeves will contain archival stickers from the BBC. The majority of these stickers are 'on top' of the plastic with some 'underneath' (i.e. on the sleeve itself). Some sleeves have been 'laminated' either by way of 'punching' the plastic wallet to two parts of the sleeve or by fully wrapping the plastic to the sleeve - generally G to VG.

ATLANTIC - LP COLLECTION. A collection of approx 56 LPs. Artists/ Titles include Billy Cobham - A Funky Thide Of Sings, Billy Cobham - Life & Times, Eddie Harris - Bad Luck Is All I Have, Percy Sledge - The Golden Voice Of Soul, Charles Mingus - Changes 1, The Jimmy Castor Bunch - Supersound, The Wiz, Barrabas - Barrabas, Keith Jarrett - El Juicio, John Coltrane - Giant Steps, Charles Mingus - Blues & Roots, Ornette Coleman, Joe Turner, Freddie Hubbard and Mose Allison. The records are generally VG+ to Ex+. Please note that all sleeves will contain archival stickers from the BBC. The majority of these stickers are 'on top' of the plastic with some 'underneath' (i.e. on the sleeve itself). Some sleeves have been 'laminated' either by way of 'punching' the plastic wallet to two parts of the sleeve or by fully wrapping the plastic to the sleeve - generally G to VG.

Camera Tripod Group including Velbon CX 680, Miranda 650, Atlantic, Cullmann, etc.

Nikon Camera Group Including 2 35mm camera bodies, Nikon AF TW, 3 lenses, Binoculars, some boxed in Atlantic carry bag, etc.

Mitchell & Co Manchester greenheart fly rod 12' 6" 3pc brass sliding reel fittings, cloth bag. Abu Atlantic 405 hollow glass spinning rod, 9' 2pc CW 10-50g, no bag. Unnamed greenheart boat rod 8' 2pc alloy reel fittings in Playfair cloth bag (3)

French Cinema - Zut Alors! - A collection of sixteen French films UK Quad posters by notable directors such as Eric Rohmer, Louis Malle, Luc Besson, Robert Bresson and others - titles include TWO ARE GUILTY (1962), FOUR NIGHTS A DREAMER (1971), THE DEVIL PROBABLY (1977), ATLANTIC CITY (1980), FULL MOON IN PARIS (1984), CINEMA PARADISO (1988), NIKITA (1990), LA HAINE (1995) and MY GIRLFRIEND'S BOYFRIEND (1999) - rolled / previously folded (16)

Roland Sudderby (1912-1972) - Atlantic Cove, Cornwall, gouache, signed lower right, 42x56cm

Large woven tapestry; Commemorating The Solo flight of Charles Lindbergh across the Atlantic. [47x130cm]

Frank Harding (British 1935-1990): The Atlantic Patrol and 'St Ives', two etchings signed signed and inscribed in pencil max 17cm x 28cm (2)

Boxed Hornby OO gauge ltd edn R2194 The Atlantic Coast Express Great British Train Pack, complete with certificate and outer trade box

Boxed Hornby OO gauge R4140 Atlantic Coast Express Coaches Pack, complete

Boxed Hornby OO gauge R4140 Atlantic Coast Express Coaches Pack, complete

Sindy - Seven boxed / cased Sindy dolls to include Vivid Imaginations Air 2000 Sindy, 2 x 1960's Sindy Classic BOAC Cabin Crew Uniform (Different Outfits), Sindy Virgin Atlantic Cabin Crew, etc, boxes vary in condition from vg-tatty, figures ex

Two boxed 1/43 Lansdowne Models white metal models to include LDM 44 1948 Austin A90 Atlantic Convertible top down (ensign red) and LDM 47 1936 Railton Fairmile 3 position drop head coupe (blue), plus a boxed Western Models WMS 104 1938 Vauxhall 14/6 DX in black, all ex (3)

ww2 atlantic star medal group complete with original ribbons

Merrythought Cheeky/Punkie bear group including: (1)Punkie Bengal, LE 48/100, plush with mohair top knot, swing label certificate, 10"/26cm; (2) Cheeky Party Animal, LE 64/1000, mohair, swing label certificate,14"/36cm; (3) Branson Bear, LE 475/2000, made for Virgin Atlantic, mohair, swing label, within Good Plus box, 10"/26cm; (4) Musical Cheeky, mohair, MISSING swing label, 11"/28cm; would benefit from cleaning due to storage odour otherwise Good to Good Plus; (4).

Atlantic Bears unknown bear, artist designed centre seam teddy bear, by Alan and Wendy Mullaney, blonde mohair, fully jointed, black vertical stitched, black claw stitching, boot button eyes, nose swing label (detached, creased but present), sewn-in label to back (discoloured), Good Plus to Excellent; 17"/43cm.

Charlie Bears Isabelle Collection Atlantic teddy bear, SJ 5038, designed by Isabelle Lee, LE 300/400, 2012, dark blue mohair, with swing label certificate (slight crease), Excellent Plus, 17"/43cm.

A ROYAL MINT SILVER PROOF 2001 WIRELESS BRIDGES THE ATLANTIC MARCONI 1901 ,£2 COIN BOXED WITH COA .

A WOODEN CABINET CONTAINING A COLLECTION OF UNBOXED AND ASSORTED PLAYWORN 1950'S DINKY TOYS, to include Morris Oxford, No.40g/159, 1st casting, green body, light green hubs, Austin A90 Atlantic, No.106/140a, blue body, red interior, cream hubs, Massey-Harris Tractor, No.300, red body, cast wheels, yellow centres with unpainted tyres, tan driver, metal steering wheel, Universal Jeep, No.25y, red body, blue hubs, all contained in a homemade wooden box with hinged Perspex lid, with a quantity of mainly boxed Matchbox Models of Yesteryear diecast models, mainly 1970's & 1980's issues to include the 1982 Limited Edition Pack of 5 Models (models may be replacements), Corgi, Oxford Diecast, majority of models all appear in fairly good condition, some of the boxes with damage and wear (2 boxes)

A QUANTITY OF UNBOXED ASSORTED MAINLY CAR MODELS, to include 1/16 scale Polistil Jaguar XK E, 1/18 scale Bburago Jaguar SS100, 1/24 scale Bburago Bugatti Atlantic, small quantity of Atlas Editions Stobart Rail 1/76 scale models, assorted Airfix, Gowland & Gowland and other constructed plastic kit vintage car models, some of the models including many of the plastic kits are incomplete and/or have some damage (2 boxes)

Vanguards Days Gone Matchbox and other boxed diecast, including a Taylor's of Harogate Yorkshire Tea and Heartbeat souvenir model van, Vanguards Morris Commercial dropside, Vanguards Bedford S Type van, Matchbox Sky Busters SB12 Pitt's Special Virgin Atlantic, Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y62 1932 Model AA Ford one and a half tonne truck, etc. (1 tray)

1/400 scale Gemini Jets airbus A340-600, Virgin Atlantic, Thank You, near mint, storage wear to box. UK P&P Group 2 (£20+VAT for the first lot and £4+VAT for subsequent lots)

1/400 scale Gemini Jets Boeing 747-400, Virgin Atlantic, near mint, storage wear to box. UK P&P Group 1 (£16+VAT for the first lot and £2+VAT for subsequent lots)

Live steam 2.5inch gauge, Ayesha, LBSC design Atlantic, finished in Southern green, copper boiler, no paperwork, but has build plans, been a display model for a few years, with display track, if steaming, will require recommissioning and testing. Door to door delivery available, mainland England and Wales £60, Scotland £70.

Beswick Atlantic Salmon 1233

A sterling silver Morpho butterfly wing souvenir brooch pin for Cunard RMS Samaria. Marked Made in England Sterling Silver PT 220213. Measures 3.8cm. Weight 5.47g.The Samaria was Cunard's second ship with this name. Launched at Cammell Laird & Co., in 1920, she was the largest ship built on the Mersey up to that time. Her maiden voyage, on 19 April 1922, was from Liverpool to Boston. Later, her route was extended to include a stop in New York after Boston.Samaria was used extensively for cruising, beginning with round-the-world cruises in 1923 and 1924. She was also used for winter cruising out of New York in 1928, followed by cruises from Ireland to Lourdes and Fatima that summer and summer cruising out of London in 1934. Samaria was also used as a backup ship, taking the place of Cunarders under repair or being overhauled. Converted into a troopship in 1939, Samaria was returned to Cunard in 1950 and, after a full overhaul, she returned to service in 1951, joining Scythia on the Canadian route. Laid up in December 1955, Samaria was sold for scrap in 1956. Sources: Haws' Merchant Fleets, Bonsor's North Atlantic Seaway.