Three: Driver W. Brown, Royal Army Service Corps, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War in 1940 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (T/82614 Dvr. W. Brown. R.A.S.C.) officially re-impressed, in named card box of issue, extremely fine Pair: Craftsman T. Inglis, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (82572. Cfn. T. Inglis. R.E.M.E.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Thomas Inglis) nearly extremely fine (5) £100-£140 --- W. Brown attested for the Royal Army Service Corps and served with them as part of the British Expeditionary Force in 1940. He was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Dunkirk, and was held at Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf.
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A particularly fine Second War D.S.M. group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Commander J. A. W. Kellar, Royal Navy, who was decorated for bravery when the Monitor H.M.S. Terror was sunk by enemy aircraft on 24 February 1941, and was later commended for distinguished services on shore in connection with the planning and execution of operations for the invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944 Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (MX.48211 J. A. W. Kellar. E.R.A.3. H.M.S. Terror.) officially impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn; together with the related miniature awards, these similarly mounted, very fine and better (6) £1,200-£1,600 --- D.S.M. London Gazette 29 July 1941: ‘For courage and devotion to duty when H.M.S. Terror was lost.’ A contemporary letter which accompanies the lot from the Secretary of Mutley Baptist Church (Plymouth) to the recipient, dated 25 September 1941, adds: ‘Dear John. I am requested to write and tender you the heartfelt congratulations of our Church [regarding] the honour conferred on you by H.M. the King, for bravery at the post of duty amidst terrible danger... We rejoice that your life was spared and that your devotion to duty amidst great peril has been recognised.’ John Albert William Kellar was born on 23 November 1914 and educated at Plymouth Trinity College. An engineer by profession and Fellow of the Royal Institute of Marine Engineers, he won 1 of seventy-two yard and shipwright apprenticeships (Civil Service Commissions) at Devonport Dockyard in April 1930, and later served with the Royal Navy as Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class at the commencement of hostilities. Posted aboard H.M.S. Terror, Kellar spent the early months of 1941 operating in close support of the North African land campaign which aimed to drive Italian forces from Libya. On 21 January 1941, she provided naval gunfire to assist ANZAC troops during their advance towards Tobruk. A short while later Terror was deployed off Benghazi and upon departure on 22 February 1941 was slightly damaged by two mines which detonated as she left harbour. The following day Axis forces launched sustained air attacks upon Terror; struck repeatedly by shrapnel, the ship sank as a result of underwater damage which effectively ‘broke her back’ and flooded the large machinery spaces - her demise intentionally accelerated by the Commanding Officer who ordered depth charges to be dropped near her. Returned home to Devon, Kellar later caught the attention of the Western Morning News on 9 March 1945 under the headline: ‘“D” Day Services. Westcountry Officers Commended’ - where he was commended for his valuable work the previous year as Warrant Engineer at H.M.S. Drake (Devonport). Raised Lieutenant 1 April 1945 and Lieutenant-Commander 1 April 1953, Kellar retired from the Royal Navy on 23 November 1959 and died in 1997; sold with a fine portrait photograph of the recipient in naval uniform; two further family snapshots; a letter of congratulations regarding the D.S.M.; and extensive copied research.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Major C. H. Hudson, Seaforth Highlanders, later Chief Officer, Woking Fire Brigade Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse contemporarily engraved ‘Captain C H. Hudson 6th Seaforth Highrs 18th. Septr. 1918.’; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. C. H. Hudson. Sea. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. H. Hudson.); Defence Medal; Jubilee 1935 (C. H. Hudson.) contemporarily engraved naming; Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued, mounted for wear, light pitting from Star, very fine and better (7) £700-£900 --- M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1918 ‘For distinguished services in connection with Military Operations in France and Flanders.’ Charles Henry Hudson was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Seaforth Highlanders (Territorial Force) on 6 December 1910 and served with the 1/6 Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 1 May 1915. For a while in late 1915 and 1916 he was employed on the Staff of the School of Instruction, 3rd Army, training young officers and N.C.O.s about to receive a commission in the arts of sapping. Advanced Captain, he was subsequently awarded the Military Cross; the engraved date on the reverse of his M.C. presumably refers to the date that he was invested ‘in the field’. Prior to the Great War Hudson had taught as a master at Bedford Modern School, mainly in the preparatory department. In later life he served as Chief Officer of the Woking Fire Brigade, and is recorded as having received a Nation Fire Brigades Union Bronze Medal for 10 Years’ service. He died in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Sold with the recipient’s original Commission Document, appointing him a Second Lieutenant in the Territorial Force, dated 30 December 1910; a photographic image of the recipient, contained in a modern glazed frame; and copied research.
Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Poona (Lieut. W. Wilkins, 4th N.I.) short hyphen reverse, officially impressed naming, fitted with silver ribbon buckle, extremely fine £3,000-£4,000 --- Provenance: Tombs Collection 1918; Hamilton-Smith Collection 1927; Loxley Collection 1949; Glendining’s, March 1968; Magor Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, July 2003. William Wilkins was born in Somerset on 22 October 1788, son of Rev. George Wilkins. He was nominated a cadet for the Bombay Infantry for the season 1804/05 by East India Company Director John Manship, being examined and passed by the Selection Committee on 17 October 1804. He proceeded to India on board the Royal George and arrived there in June 1805, proceeding to Mahim College the following month. He was appointed Ensign on 21 March 1806, and removed to the 1st Battalion 4th Native Infantry on 19 September 1807, having been promoted to Lieutenant two days beforehand. Wilkins was present at the capture of Poona in November 1817 and received a share of the Deccan prize for general captures. He was promoted to Captain on 1 January 1818, appointed to the temporary command of the Northern Division of Gujerat in April 1827, and promoted to Major on 30 December 1832. He retired from the service in November 1833 and returned to England in May 1834. In 1839 he was permitted to use the surname of De Winton in place of Wilkins, announced under Royal License 24 July 1839. The medal roll for the Army of India medal, held at the India Office Library, in fact states that his medal was awarded for services “as Lieutenant Wilkins”. Sold with research notes from the India Office Library.
Five: Sailmaker’s Mate G. Taylor, Royal Navy, later H.M. Coast Guard and Royal Fleet Reserve Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (G. Taylor, Sailmrs. Mate, H.M.S. Sphinx.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (G. Taylor, Sailmrs. Mate, H.M.S. Sphinx.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (Geo: Taylor Sailmrs. Mte: H.M.S. Pembroke) impressed naming; Khedive’s Star, dated 1884, unnamed, mounted on a period board with a fine Masonic jewel centrepiece, gold (9ct., 21.46g), this engraved ‘Bro: George Taylor W.M. 1898-99, Prince Edwin’s Lodge, No. 125’, contact marks and wear, therefore fair to fine, the Masonic award nearly extremely fine (5) £300-£400 --- George Taylor was born in the Parish of St. Peter’s, Sandwich, Kent, on 9 August 1859. He joined the Royal Navy on 22 September 1874 and was appointed Boy 1st Class aboard St Vincent on 1 December 1875. Advanced Sailmaker’s Crewman aboard Wolverine on 1 March 1878, he transferred to Sphinx on 9 October 1883, later serving aboard her as part of the Naval Brigade during operations in Burma from 14 November 1885 and 30 April 1887. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal in August 1887, Taylor briefly transferred to the Coastguard, witnessing service as Boatman at St Mary’s and Chief Boatman at Sandgate. Sold with extensive copied research, including the service records of a large number of men with the same name.
Family Group: Four: Sapper T. W. Scott, Royal Engineers 1914-15 Star (64826 Spr: T. W. Scott. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (64826 Spr. T. W. Scott. R.E.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Thomas William Scott) officially re-impressed; together with a 1915 Royal Engineers commemorative cross, good very fine Pair: Second Lieutenant J. R. Scott, King’s Royal Rifle Corps British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. J. R. Scott.) nearly extremely fine (6) £70-£90 --- Thomas W. Scott attested for the Royal Engineers and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 July 1918.
Four: Petty Officer W. Brown, Royal Navy, later Royal Fleet Reserve 1914-15 Star (188536. W. Brown. A.B. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (188536. W. Brown. P.O. R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (188536 (CH. B. 2783) P.O. R.F.R.) contact marks, traces of verdigris to Star, very fine (4) £100-£140 --- William Brown, a Sea Boy from Chelsea, London, was born on 13 March 1881. He attested into the Royal Navy as a Boy on 28 April 1896. Advanced Ordinary Seaman on 13 March 1897 and Able Seaman on 17 December 1899, he served in H.M.S. Doris during the Boer War (entitled to a no clasp Queen’s South Africa Medal). Advanced Leading Seaman on 24 November 1903, he was discharged to shore on 16 June 1905 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve. He served during the Great war in H.M.S. Prince George in the Dardenelles campaign, and saw later service afloat in H.M.S. Kingfisher, H.M.S. Brocklesby, H.M.S. Victorious, H.M.S. Garth and H.M.S. Garth. Demobilised on 8 April 1921, he was awarded his LSGC on 25 April 1922. He died, aged 73, in New Malden, Surrey, on 28 April 1954. Sold with the recipient’s original parchment certificate of service and copied research.
Three: Commander W. St. G. Abbott, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (Lieut. W. St. G. Abbott, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. W. St. G. Abbott. R.N.) mounted as worn; together with the recipient’s Royal Life Saving Society Proficiency Medal in bronze the reverse engraved ‘W. St. G. Abbott July. 1910.’, in case of issue, very fine and better (4) £120-£160 --- William St George Abbott was born in Southsea on 4 November 1893, the eldest son of William J. Abbott, who served as Inspector of Machinery in the Royal Navy. Educated at the Royal Naval College, Osborne, Abbott entered service in 1906 and was appointed Midshipman on 15 May 1911. Advanced Acting Sub Lieutenant 15 September 1913, he witnessed early service during the Great War aboard Achilles, Matchless and the submarine C9. Qualified in Torpedo control, he was raised Lieutenant 15 June 1915 and detailed to train cadets and run the mess decks at Vernon. Described as a ‘very good lecturer’, his Officer Service Records note promotion to Commander on 4 November 1933, describing a man of strong technical ability who was well-liked by his subordinates. Retired at his own request, he returned to the staff of Vernon during the Second World War and was later posted for duty at Roedean School, Brighton, on 9 November 1943. Sold with two fine photographs as a young Midshipman and on his wedding day wearing his awards.
Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (J. Myers. Captn. Forecastle.) officially impressed naming, very fine £240-£280 --- James Myers joined the Royal Navy at Portsmouth as Boy on 19 May 1829. Sent to the Woolwich Dockyard training ship Winchester in the summer of 1830, he was appointed to the 18-gun Brig Sloop Ariadne as Ordinary Seaman on 12 May 1832. Sent initially to the West Indies, he transferred to Imogen as Seaman Gunner in August 1936 and was present two years later when she visited the Hawaiian Islands. Raised Captain of the Forecastle aboard Racer on 21 May 1843, he served off the West coast of Africa before anchoring with the fleet aboard Rodney at the mouth of the Alma River on 19 September 1854 as part of the Crimea Naval Brigade; witnessing the battle the following day, Myers also bore witness to the Bombardment of Sebastopol and Rodney’s collision with a hidden reef - suffering extensive damage aloft. Returned to Spithead from the Crimea 18 January 1856, Myers was awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal and later worked as ship’s cook and labourer aboard Hardy and Melville. Appointed to the Portsmouth guardship Asia 31 May 1858, he was discharged to shore as seaman pensioner in the spring of 1860. Sold with copied research.
A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant W. Gill, 178th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, late East Lancashire Regiment, who was wounded by shrapnel in March 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (147518 Sjt: W. Gill. 178/T´lg: Coy R.E.) edge bruising, very fine £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 14 December 1916. William Gill, a native of Burnley, Lancashire, attested originally for the East Lancashire Regiment and served with the Mounted Infantry Company in South Africa during the Boer War (entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Johannesburg, and Driefonten; and the King’s South Africa Medals with the usual two date clasps). Re-enlisting in the East Lancashire Regiment on 9 September 1914, he served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 2 May 1915, and was wounded by shrapnel to the right arm in March 1916. Recovering, he was posted to the newly formed 178th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, the Company being in action in the Fricourt sector on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916: ‘At 6.25am the intensive bombardment of the enemy’s front system was begun, and between 7.15 and 7.25am in order to mislead the enemy, what remained of the gas was released from the centre of the corps front from which no assault was at first to be delivered. At 7.22am a hurricane bombardment by Stokes mortars on the whole front of attack took place. At 7.26am smoke discharges were launched by the 4th Mortar Company of No 5 Battalion, Special Brigade R.E., in order to create barrages to screen the inner flanks of the attacking wings of the 7th and 21st Divisions, also to form a cloud on the German support line opposite the 7th Division, to mask the direct assault. At 7.28am three mines of 25,000lbs., 15,000lbs. and 9,000lbs., placed by the 178th Tunnelling Company R.E., were fired under the German line opposite the salient known as “The Tambour”, facing Fricourt, against which no assault was to be made. The purpose of the mines was to distract the enemy’s attention and form craters which block enfilade fire against the 21st Division from the northern face of “The German Tambour” (just south of Tambour). Bulgar Point, a heavily wired strongpoint jutting out into No Man’s Land (south of the south-east corner of Mametz) was completely destroyed by a 2,000lbs. mine, and a sap west of it by one of 200lbs. Four small mines of 500lbs. each were also exploded under the German line south of Hidden Wood, where much mining had already taken place.’ (Official History of the War, Military Operations, France and Belgium, refers). As the advance progressed in July 1916, the 178th Tunnelling Company moved up to try to mine enemy positions in the High Wood area, in particular on 3 September: ‘The 1/Black Watch attacking the German Front line in High Wood, had the help of blazing oil drums, “pipe-pushers”, and flame throwers, the objective being too close for artillery bombardment; in addition, a mine was exploded (The 178th Tunnelling Company R.E. used a charge of 3,000lbs. of ammonal) under the German strongpoint at the eastern corner of High Wood 30 seconds before zero hour. The mine crater was seized by the right company of the Black Watch, consolidation began with the assistance of a section of the 23rd Field Company R.E., and bombers worked some distance westward along the German front trench. Unfortunately the “pipe-pushers” in the wood had blown back, and a Stokes mortar, firing short, had ignited the oil drums prematurely, so that considerable confusion prevailed when the other companies of the Black Watch began to advance.’ (ibid). Awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry on the Somme, Gill was discharged due to sickness on 25 August 1917, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, No. 242332.
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 7 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, date clasp block loose on riband (5743 Pte. A. Isherwood. R. Lanc. Regt.) first digit of number officially corrected, polished, very fine £100-£140 --- Note: The medal roll indicates that the recipient was entitled to a King’s South Africa Medal, rather than the two date clasps on the QSA.
A very rare ‘Chinese Civil War’ C.G.M. awarded to Able Seaman Clifford Beese, H.M.S. Kiawo, for ‘conspicuous courage amongst the survivors of the boarding party’ who had attempted the rescue of the crews of the steamers Wanhsien and Wanting which had been seized by Chinese troops at the port of Wanhsien on the Yangtze river in September 1926, an action described by one historian as a ‘twentieth-century revival of a Nelsonic manoeuvre’; Beese was amongst the wounded and received one of two C.G.M’s awarded for this action, the only such awards made in the inter-war period and his sole entitlement Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.V.R. (J.103009 C. Beese. A.B. H.M.S. Kiawo. Wanhsien. 5.9.26.) naming officially impressed in small capitals, mounted as worn, suspension claw tightened, edge bruises and nicks, otherwise nearly very fine and rare £12,000-£16,000 --- Provenance: Captain K. J. Douglas-Morris Collection (Part I), Dix Noonan Webb, October 1996. C.G.M. London Gazette 16 May 1927. The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the following decorations and medals to officers and men of H.M. Navy and the Mercantile Marine, in recognition of their services at Wanhsien, Yangtze River, China, on 5 September 1926, and the connected events: C.G.M. Able Seaman Clifford Breese, H.M.S. Kiawo, ‘for conspicuous courage amongst the survivors of the boarding party.’ At the end of August 1926, General Yang Sen attempted to commandeer the British steamer Wanliu to provide his troops with free transport. As she was discharging passengers at Yunyang, 40 miles down river from the port of Wanhsien, on the Yangtze river, Chinese soldiers from a sampan boarded her whilst another sampan approached. The Chinese rushed the bridge and engine room but were driven back by the ship’s officers. The approaching sampan collided and sank, drowning many soldiers and losing thousands of dollars in currency meant for the troops. In the confusion the soldiers aboard the Wanliu seized the Captain and threatened to kill him unless they were taken to Wanshien. He had no option but to comply; however, on arrival at the destination, they were met by H.M.S. Cockchafer whose Captain and crew were able to order the Chinese to disembark. In order not to lose face, General Yang Sen then seized the S.S. Wanhsien and the S.S. Wantung, placing about 300 soldiers aboard. The two ships were moored alongside the Cockchafer with their rifles trained on her. Hopelessly outnumbered, the Cockchafer was trapped. After negotiations for the release of the men and ships had failed, the Admiralty ordered a naval expedition to Wanhsien to secure their release. H.M. Gunboat Widgeon and the steamer Kiawo, the latter manned by officers and men from H.M. Ships Despatch, Mantis and Scarab, made up the expedition to support H.M.S. Cockchafer. Beese, himself, came from the Scarab. On September 5, the expedition, led by Commander F. C. Darley, R.N., calmly sailed into the trap. When the British ships made their move to release the hostages, they were subjected to a fierce fire from cannon, machine guns and rifles. The British ships promptly replied, firing at the Chinese on the ships as well as at the gun emplacements around the shoreline. During this action the Kiawo attempted a boarding but was repelled by overwhelming odds and suffered heavy casualties. Nevertheless she managed to attain the release of the hostages who were all safe, apart from Mr Johnson, the Chief Engineer of the steamer Wantung, who unfortunately drowned while trying to swim to safety. Commander Darley, two Lieutenants, and four men were killed, while two officers and four men were wounded, including Able Seaman Beese. Petty Officer F. W. Warburton, of H.M.S. Kiawo, was also awarded the C.G.M., when he took command of the boarding party after Lieutenant A. R. Higgins R.N. was killed during this action. These two C.G.M.s were the only awards of this rare medal made between the period 1920 and the Second World War, and being peacetime awards are of great rarity. Awards for the action at Wanhsien, in addition to these two C.G.M.’s, were two D.S.C.’s, four D.S.M.’s and 28 mentions in despatches. Clifford Beese was born at Bristol, Gloucestershire, on 31 August 1904, and was a cabinet maker by trade when he engaged for 12 years service in the Royal Navy on 31 August 1922. His record of service notes that he was ‘wounded in action with Chinese troops on 5/9/26’ and that he was ‘awarded C.G.M. for service at Wanhsien 5/9/26 (London Gazette 6/5/27)’. He was confined for 7 days in November 1929 for being drunk and striking a constable on shore, and for 14 days in October 1931 for absence, although his conduct was always described as Good or Very Good. Beese was granted free discharge from the service on 16 March 1932, the C.G.M. being his sole medal entitlement. The original Admiralty Appreciation Signal of the Wahnsien incident accompanies the C.G.M. and reads as follows: ‘Admiralty to Commander in Chief, China. “Having received your telegraphic report of the expedition to Wanhsien on Sunday 5 September, Their Lordships, while deeply regretting the loss of valuable lives and the number of casualties suffered, note that the traditional gallantry of H.M. Service was fully sustained by all Officers and Ratings who took part in the hazardous expedition which resulted in the extrication of H.M.S. Cockchafer from her dangerous position and the rescue, with one exception, of the British Mercantile Marine Officers of the two Steamers. Their Lordships desire that an expression of their warm appreciation may be conveyed to all Officers and Ratings concerned.” Sold with copied research, including London Gazette entries, service papers, and copied extracts from Armed with Stings by A. Cecil Hampshire and Gunboat! by Bryan Perrett, both of which give detailed accounts of this remarkable incident.
A ‘North West Frontier 1940’ I.D.S.M. awarded to Lance Naik Ajab Khan, Tochi Scouts Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (3958 L-Naik Ajab Khan, Tochi Scouts) suspension claw re-pinned, good fine £400-£500 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- I.D.S.M. GGO 115-H/1940. Awarded for operations on the North West Frontier in August 1940.
Pair: Private A. W. P. Jones, East India Railway Volunteer Rifles, later East India Railway Regiment, Auxiliary Forces of India Volunteer Force Long Service Medal (India & the Colonies), G.V.R. (Voltr. A. W. Jones E.I. Ry. Voltr Rfls.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, India (Pte. A. W. P. Jones. 1-E.I Ry. R. A.F.I.) edge bruise to first, generally very fine (2) £80-£100 --- Arthur William Palmer Jones was born in Jemalpur, Bengal, in 1883. Recorded as a boilermaker in the employment of the Indian Railways, he married Margaret Shepherd at Wellesley Square Church, Calcutta, on 5 December 1905, and later witnessed extensive service with the Volunteer Rifles and Indian Defence Force. He was awarded his Volunteer Force Long Service Medal in March 1915, and Efficiency Medal in June 1937.
Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (Ge. Hutchens. Qr. Mr. H.M.Yt. Victoria & Albert.) engraved naming, pawn broker’s mark to obverse field, good very fine £100-£140 --- George Hutchens was born at Alverstoke, Hampshire, on 28 May 1834, and joined the Royal Navy on 31 March 1856. Posted to the Victoria and Albert from 1 October 1858 to 31 March 1876, he witnessed over 50 different cruises aboard the Royal Yacht, and on many occasions carried Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort before his death at Windsor Castle on 14 December 1861. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal as Rigger & Quartermaster, he spent his final years serving at the Royal Naval Barracks in Portsmouth and was discharged dead on 2 September 1894 in consequence of cancer. Sold with copied service record.
Waterloo 1815 (John Hughes, 51st Reg. Light Infantry.) fitted with steel clip and ring suspension, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine £1,200-£1,600 --- John Hughes was born at Monmouth and enlisted into the 51st Foot at Bristol on 1 April 1813 for life at the age of 24, a sail-maker by trade. He was discharged at Corfu on 23 November 1824, in consequence of ‘a severe affection of the chest contracted in Corfu in 1822’. His total allowable service amounted to just 5 years 275 days, including 2 years for Waterloo, having been reduced by 7 years 329 days for ‘desertion’, although his later conduct was described as ‘good’. Sold with copied discharge papers and medal roll extracts.
Three: Guardsman G. Heath, Grenadier Guards, later Special Constabulary British War and Victory Medals (28240 Pte. G. Heath. G. Gds.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue, 2 clasps, Long Service 1941, Long Service 1953 (George Heath.) very fine Three: Private A. Puffer, South Staffordshire Regiment, later Special Constabulary British War and Victory Medals (39502 Pte. A. Puffer. S. Staff. R.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Albert Puffer) nearly extremely fine (6) £80-£100 --- George Heath was born in Hanley, Staffordshire, in 1899, and attested for the Grenadier Guards in November 1916. Posted to France from 9 June 1917 to 24 February 1919, his Army Service Record confirms a gunshot wound to the face on 28 March 1918 during the opening phase of the German Spring Offensive. He later rejoined the 2nd Battalion in the field on 19 April 1918 and was discharged in March 1920.
A scarce 1914 'Battle of Ypres’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Driver T. Wells, Army Service Corps, attached 5th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, who served in the same bearer company as Lieutenant A. Martin-Leake V.C., and was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry on one of the occasions recorded in the official recommendation for the award of Martin-Leake's (then unique) Second Award Bar to his Victoria Cross, both men being noted for their conspicuous gallantry near Zonnebeke on the 12 November 1914 when their advanced dressing station, known as the 'White House', was heavily shelled, during which Wells was noted for his gallant conduct in assisting to remove wounded men from the building whilst under heavy fire Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (T.22849. Dvr: T. Wells. A.S.C.); 1914 Star, with copy clasp (T.22849. Dvr. T. Wells. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (T.22849. Dvr. T. Wells. A.S.C.) mounted court-style, pitting and contact marks, heavily polished and worn, fair to fine (4) £1,200-£1,600 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1915; citation published 16 January 1915: ‘For gallant conduct on 12th November at Zonnebeke when he assisted to remove wounded men from a building into safety during a heavy bombardment, and subsequently performed a similarly gallant act’. Thomas John Wells was born at Landport, Portsmouth, on 28 February 1887, and attested for the Army Service Corps at Winchester on 24 February 1905, having previously served with the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Posted to No. 26 Company, A.S.C., with the rank of Driver, Wells was allocated a ‘T’ Prefix to his service number which confirms service with the Horse Transport Branch. Following completion of his first period of service, he was transferred to Class ‘A’ Army Reserve on 23 February 1907. Recalled from the Army Reserve on the outbreak of war, Wells reported for service at Aldershot on 5 August 1914. As part of the Army Service Corps’ commitment to supply drivers and horse drawn ambulance wagons to the Royal Army Medical Corps, he was amongst a draft of one sergeant and 40 other ranks who were attached for service with the 5th Field Ambulance R.A.M.C. with effect from 6 August 1914; this unit forming part of the medical support units to the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. The unit entrained for Southampton on 18 August and embarked the same day in two groups aboard the transports SS Welshman and SS Achlibster, arriving at Boulogne on 19 August. The 1st Army Corps was not heavily engaged at Mons but in order to conform with 2nd Corps retirement, commenced its retreat on 24 August. The previous day, 5th Infantry Brigade of 2nd Division had been despatched to Frameries in support of the hard pressed right flank of 3rd Division, and as such saw more fighting than any other unit of the 2nd Division, losing 73 all ranks in casualties. During the early days of the retreat, the 5th Field Ambulance War Diary notes that the ambulance wagons were sent to the rear to pick up stragglers. Service with Lieutenant A. Martin-Leake, V.C. On 6 September 1914, Lieutenant Arthur Martin-Leake, V.C., joined the ambulance, and would almost certainly have worked alongside Driver Wells throughout the Battles of the Aisne and the First Battle of Ypres. By 1 November 1914, the 5th Field Ambulance had been moved out of Ypres to a position along the road to Vlamertinge. The War Diary notes that one bearer party was located at Zonnebeke and two at Wulvestraate, and it is clear from the following events that Martin-Leake’s and Wells' party were at Zonnebeke, a few miles east of St Jean. The advanced dressing station of this party was located in a large house known as the ‘White House’, at a junction of two lanes about 500 yards from the front line trenches. Severe cases were treated at this advanced dressing station until nightfall when they were sent by horse ambulance to the principal dressing station some five miles away. On 12 November 1914, as on two previous occasions, the 'White House' was heavily shelled, and the names of both Lieutenant Martin-Leake and Driver Thomas Wells were brought to notice for their gallant conduct in removing wounded men from the building whilst under heavy fire. Martin-Leake was subsequently awarded a bar to the Victoria Cross he had been in South Africa, and Wells the Distinguished Conduct Medal for their gallant conduct on this occasion. Although Martin-Leake’s official citation for the Second Award Bar to his Victoria Cross defines the period of his gallant conduct as between 29 October and 8 November 1914, the Military Secretary, War Office MS3, had originally recorded the dates as between 5 and 12 November 1914, these being the dates quoted in the original recommendation, submitted to HQ by Major General C. C. Munro, Officer Commanding 2nd Division, dated 26 November 1914, as follows: ‘This officer has shown such conspicuous gallantry that I recommend his case be favourably considered, and that he be granted a bar to the Victoria Cross that he already holds. At Zonnebeke, when he was with the Bearer Division of the 5th Field Ambulance, in a most exposed position, he went out continually over the ground in between the English and German positions in search of wounded, and although always fired at, and often having to crawl on hands and knees, he was able to get away large numbers of wounded men... His behaviour on three occasions when the dressing station was heavily shelled on the 5th November, 9th November and 12th November, was such as to inspire confidence both with the wounded and the Staff...’ Wells' D.C.M. was only the second to be awarded to an Army Service Corps Driver during the Great War. He returned to England on 11 March 1918, on account of a fractured thumb received when he was dragged by a runaway horses at Cambrai on 11 February 1918. Initially posted to 665 Company A.S.C., he joined 572 Company AS.S.C. on 27 August 1918, and was transferred to Class 'Z' Army Reserve on 9 March 1919. He was discharged at Woolwich on 31 March 1920, his character reference stating: 'Very good, a good groom and driver, willing and hardworking and gave satisfaction. He is honest, sober and reliable.' Following his discharge, Wells ran a cycle shop in Landport for many years. He is recorded in the 1939 Register, residing at 62 Hertford Street, Portsmouth, where his occupation is given as 'General Dealer'. He died at Portsmouth in 1962, aged 75.
Family Group: An outstanding Great War ‘Dewdrop Trench 1916’ D.C.M. and ‘Sensee River 1917’ M.M. group of five awarded to Corporal C. E. Read, 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who died of wounds in December 1917 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (10444 L. Cpl. C. E. Read. 1/Middx: R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (10444 Cpl. C. E. Read. 1/Midd’x: R.); 1914-15 Star (G-10444. Pte. C. E. Read, Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (G.10444 Cpl. C. E. Read. Midd’x R.) together with Memorial Plaque (Charles Edward Read) contact marks and polished, otherwise nearly very fine Three: Private George Read, 12th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who killed in action at Thiepval in September 1916 1914-15 Star (G-3232 Pte. G. Read. Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (G-3232 Pte. G. Read. Midd’x R.) together with Memorial Plaque (George Read) good very fine Four: Ernest J. Read, 1/8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who was invalided home with gas poisoning at Ypres April 1915, and later rejoined in the Labour Corps 1914-15 Star (2362 Pte. E. J. Read, Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2362 Pte. E. J. Read. Midd’x R.); Defence Medal, unnamed, nearly very fine (14) £2,800-£3,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 21 December 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action at DEWDROP TRENCH on the 28th October 1916. He showed marked courage and skill in the capture of a strong point, which contained a machine gun and was causing many casualties.’ M.M. London Gazette 18 June 1917: ‘West of the SENSEE River on 23rd April, the 33rd Division took part in a general attack at 4.45 a.m. only the flank portions of its line reached their objectives. The centre of the Division was met with most determined resistance. After several hours fighting, our centre was driven back to its starting point. The troops on our left did not appear. Our flank troops, who had gained the objective, consisted of officers and men of the 1st Middlesex Regt., and the 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, at first about 170 strong. They were completely isolated, about 1200 yards from our original line, and about the same distance from our right flank in the HINDENBURG LINE. When the enemy found nothing to the left of our left, he sent strong forces behind them, and attacked these companies from flank and rear - he also reinforced his original centre - “We were taking prisoners in front and being attacked from behind” as one wounded man described it. A hurried attack was made by the Division from the original line at 6 p.m. without much immediate success. The artillery barrage for this attack passed over our isolated troops, of whom no news had been received. Fighting continued during the night all along our lines, but the enemy was evidently very unsettled, for he retired in haste about 4 a.m., 24-4-1917, leaving rifles, ammunition, mine warfare and equipment in large quantities. Our centre at once advanced and found our isolated groups holding their positions stoutly. The gallant conduct of this man, together with others, directly influenced the retirement of the enemy.’ (Official account of action for which M.M. was awarded provided by the War Office to his next of kin in August 1920 refers) Charles Edward Read attested for the 1st Middlesex Regiment on 10 May 1915, at Hounslow and landed in France on 30 September 1915. He won the D.C.M. for his actions during the capture of Dewdrop Trench when the 1st Battalion suffered 208 casualties in killed, wounded and missing. He won the M.M. for his actions during the battle of Arras on 23 April 1917. Lance-Corporal Read died of wounds on 7 December 1917, aged 20, and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, south west of Poperinghe. Sold with 33rd Division Gallantry Cards for both awards, these dated 28 October 1916 and 23 April 1917 respectively, together with War Office copies of the ‘official account of the deeds for which the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Military Medal were awarded to the late Lance-Corporal C. E. Read, 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment’, dated 13 August 1920, together with two news cuttings and copied research. George Read served in France from 25 July 1915, and was killed in action in the attack on Thiepval Ridge on 26 September 1916. He is commemorated by name on the Thiepval Memorial. Sold with copied research. Ernest J. Read served in France from 9 March 1915, until invalided home with gas poisoning during the second battle of Ypres, 24 April 1915. He later returned to France and served with the Labour Corps. During the Second War he served as a Civil Defence Warden. Sold with named transmission card for Defence Medal ribbon and CD cloth Warden’s badges, together with a white metal Silver Jubilee Medal issued by Middlesex County Council and copied research.
Pair: Petty Officer H. W. Curtis, Royal Navy Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (H. W. Curtis, A.B., H.M.S. Sybille); British War Medal 1914-20 (165479 H. W. Curtis, P.O., R.N.) edge nicks, generally very fine (2) £160-£200 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2016. Henry William Curtis was born in Winchester in October 1875 and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in January 1892. He subsequently served off South Africa aboard H.M.S. Sybille, which ship was wrecked in Lambert’s Bay on 16 January 1901, thereby becoming the Royal Navy’s only ship to be lost during the Boer War. By the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, he was serving in the light cruiser Southampton and he was consequently present in the battle of Heligoland Bight on the 28th. He subsequently transferred to another light cruiser, the Birmingham, that December, and remained similarly employed - as a Petty Officer - until coming ashore to Vernon in November 1916. He was consequently present at Dogger Bank in January 1915 and at the battle of Jutland, on which latter occasion Birmingham sustained splinter damage. Curtis was demobbed ashore in February 1919. Entitled to the 1914-15 Star and Victory Medal, he was not entitled to the L.S. & G.C. Medal on account of offences committed in 1901 and 1914. Sold with copied service record.
A ‘Balcombe Street Siege’ terrorist incident Q.G.M. awarded to Constable B. C. Court, Metropolitan Police, for his bravery in attempting to apprehend four IRA gunmen running amok through the streets of London on 6 December 1975. The six-day siege that ensued gripped the nation ‘with marksmen on rooftops, in adjoining flats and outside the building, both sides prepared for a long battle of nerves. Television and radio crews set up their camps. One reporter who was covering the events for radio was Jon Snow, now a Channel 4 newsreader. “I think we all fell victim to Balcombe Street fever,” he recalled.’ The IRA men, upon surrender and trial, received unprecedented sentences, and the Metropolitan Police who ended their terror spree were recognised with the award of 3 George Medals, and 5 Queen’s Gallantry Medals Queen’s Gallantry Medal (Barry Charles Court) remnants of adhesive to reverse, good very fine £7,000-£9,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Q.G.M. London Gazette 18 October 1977 (jointly listed with Inspector H. Dowswell, Sergeant M. P. McVeigh, Inspector J. F. Purnell all of the Metropolitan Police and all for the award of the George Medal; and with Constables A. S. Claiden, R. Fenton, S. P. Knight and Sergeant P. W. Mansfield all of the Metropolitan Police and all for the award of the Queen’s Gallantry Medal): ‘On 6th December 1975, several shots were fired from a passing car into a restaurant and Inspector Purnell and Sergeant McVeigh, who were unarmed and on plain clothes duty in the vicinity, went quickly towards the scene. They saw the suspect car and as Sergeant McVeigh broadcast a report, Inspector Purnell hailed a passing taxi and asked the driver to follow the vehicle. A chase followed and as the taxi got close to the car it turned into a side turning, began to slow and then stopped. The Inspector told the taxi driver to stop about 20 yards from the car and both officers got out. The driver saw four men running away pursued by the two officers; he heard shots and stopped his cab to broadcast a description of what was taking place to police through the cab radio system. After leaving the taxi the officers had seen the men first walk and then run up the road. As the men ran they fired shots at both the officers who pursued them for some distance. At one point the gunmen dropped a bag and as Inspector Purnell ran past the bag he saw that it contained weapons. Police cars then began to appear; the men fired at them and then turned round and ran back towards Inspector Purnell and Sergeant McVeigh. The gunmen split into two pairs and as they approached, Inspector Purnell armed himself with a gun barrel from the bag; both officers then had to take cover as the men were shooting as they ran. Three men were seen to run down some steps into a side street and the fourth took another direction. Having instructed Sergeant McVeigh to broadcast details over his radio, Inspector Purnell followed the direction which the single running man had taken. He chased the man for some way but he eluded him, managed to join up with the other three gunners and they entered a block of flats where they forced their way into a flat and held the occupants hostage. Meanwhile the first police vehicle to arrive at the scene was a transit van driven by Constable Court with Constable Knight and Claiden amongst the passengers. They had been alerted by radio of the incident and saw the suspects running along the road pursued by Inspector Purnell and Sergeant McVeigh. Constable Court drove his vehicle past the men, stopping about 5 yards in front of them to cut off their escape. As soon as the van stopped Constable Court heard a bang and knew that one of the men was shooting at him. At the same time Constables Knight and Claiden, who were armed, left the van and began to return fire. Constable Court realised that bullets were entering his van and for the safety of the remaining unarmed officers who were still in the vehicle and had taken cover on the floor he began to move away to avoid injury to them; as he did this he could see the men running away, but firing their weapons at Constables Knight and Claiden who were pursuing them. As they gave chase the two officers saw the gunmen fire on a second police vehicle when it arrived at the scene. In the second vehicle were Inspector Dowswell, Sergeant Mansfield and Constable Fenton who were in plain clothes and unarmed. They had received a radio message of the incident and heard shots being fired as they approached. When they arrived they saw the four men standing by a gate. The siren of the police car was sounding and the men broke up into two pairs, ran past the car firing at it as they went. Inspector Dowswell, Sergeant Mansfield and Constable Fenton all left the car and pursued the men until they reached the top of the steps where the gunmen had turned off, one of the gunmen deliberately stopped and fired a shot at them. Inspector Dowswell then ran on and with Constable Knight continued to follow three of the men until they entered the block of flats. All the officers involved in this incident displayed outstanding bravery and devotion to duty when they faced these armed and ruthless terrorists who did not hesitate to use their weapons.’ The above incident describes the drive-by shooting at Scott’s Restaurant in Mayfair by an IRA unit, leading to their pursuit by the police and ultimately the ‘Balcombe Street Siege’. The following article which appeared in The Daily Express in December 2015 sketches the necessary details of an event that was televised and gripped the nation at the time: ‘It was just before 10pm on Saturday December 6, 1975. John and Sheila Matthews, a married couple in their 50s, were watching an episode of the US detective series Kojak in their council flat in Balcombe Street, Marylebone, London. Little did they know but they would soon be involved in their very own crime drama. As shots rang out on screen there was a bang on the front door. John went to open it and four armed men barged in. The siege of Balcombe Street had begun. For the next six days Britain held its breath. The men who had so violently disturbed the Matthews that night 40 years ago were part of a six-strong group of highly trained and ruthless IRA gunmen, a so-called “active service unit” who had been carrying out a string of attacks in England since the autumn of 1974, including the deadly Guildford pub bombings, for which the authorities later arrested and convicted the wrong men. Joe O’Connell, Hugh Doherty, Edward Butler and Harry Duggan believed a terror campaign would help bring about the withdrawal of British troops from Ulster and lead to a united Ireland. After a six-month ceasefire the gunmen recommenced their attacks in August 1975 by bombing another pub frequented by soldiers in Caterham, Surrey. A month later two people were killed when the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane was bombed. Then on November 12 the men threw a bomb into Scott’s Oyster Bar in Mayfair, killing one. Overall the gang launched more than 40 attacks in and around London. “These bomb attacks are becoming so familiar as to seem almost commonplace. Police believe the public are going to have to be more vigilant than ever,” the BBC reported. In October the IRA men attempted to kill Sir Hugh Fraser, a Tory MP who had made a speech denouncing them. They placed a bomb under his car but the plot didn’t go according to plan and instead Gordon Hamilton Fairley, Britain’s number one cancer specialist, was killed ...
Five: Chief Petty Officer C. G. R. Reynolds, Royal Navy, who made a gallant attempt to save the life of a seaman who fell overboard between the battlecruiser H.M.S. Invincible and a collier in Scapa Flow 1914-15 Star (133354. C. G. R. Reynolds. C.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (133354 C. G. R. Reynolds. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (133354 C. G. R. Reynolds, C.P.O. H.M.S. President III.); Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (unsuccessful) (C. G. R. Reynolds. R.N. 19th. April 1909.) with integral top riband buckle, very fine and better (5) £240-£280 --- R.H.S. Case No. 36588: ‘On the 19th April 1909, R. Brown, A.B., fell overboard from H.M.S. Invincible in Scapa Flow, Orkney, the sea being rough at the time. Denison, Reynolds and O’Rourke at great risk endeavoured to save him, but failed.’ Charles George Richard Reynolds was born in Southsea on 9 May 1870 and joined the Royal Navy at Portsmouth as Boy 2nd Class on 22 November 1888. Raised Ordinary Seaman aboard Calliope and Leading Seaman aboard Collingwood, he was advanced Petty Officer in 1897 and Chief Petty Officer aboard the protected cruiser Amethyst on 24 October 1908. A few months later he was awarded the R.H.S. Medal in bronze, his service record stating: ‘Strongly commended by C in C Home Fleet for his promptness in endeavouring to save the life of Brown, A.B. 167999 on the 19th April 1909.’ Shore pensioned on 10 May 1910, Reynolds transferred the following day to the Royal Fleet Reserve, with whom he served during the Great War; posted to Eagle from 25 September 1914 to 5 April 1916 and the cruiser Liverpool from 6 January 1917 to 16 April 1919, he witnessed the end of hostilities as part of the Aegean Squadron. Liverpool was later committed to the Russian Intervention, supporting the White Army from November 1918 and later transporting military delegations to the port of Novorossisk to establish contact with General Anton Denikin. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal on 24 January 1919, Reynolds died in Wolverhampton in March 1954.
Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (Harold Siddall. P.C. 18th. Jany 1916.) with integral top bronze riband buckle, in Elkington & Co. Ltd. case of issue, minor edge nick, nearly extremely fine £140-£180 --- R.H.S. Case No. 42257: ‘On the 18th January 1916, a man in an attempt at suicide threw himself into the Thames at Chelsea, the depth being 6 feet and the night dark. Siddall went in, and with the help of a buoy succeeded in saving him.’ Harold Siddall was born in Devonport and witnessed early service policing the Royal Dockyard and patrolling the River Tamar in a launch. Transferred to the Metropolitan Police, his brave action on the north bank of the River Thames soon caught the attention of the Chelsea News and General Advertiser on 21 January 1916: ‘Chelsea Policeman’s Plucky Rescue. - An exciting incident at Chelsea Bridge has resulted in serious injury to a plucky police officer. About eleven o’clock on Tuesday night P. C. Harold Siddall 518B, was informed by a young woman that a man had jumped from the parapet. Running down the steps the officer saw the man about mid-stream, and, without a moment’s hesitation, he dived in to the rescue. In doing so he struck his leg against the railings, fracturing his left thigh. Although he was in great pain he stuck to the task, swam out to the man, and brought him safely ashore. Meanwhile another constable had gone off in search of a boat, believing that his comrade would be unable to get back with his burden. The rescued man, a postal official named Peel, was subsequently found to be insane. We are glad to learn that P.C. Siddall is making good progress, though he will naturally remain on the sick list for a considerable time. He is a very popular officer, and before coming to Walton-street he was stationed at Walham Green, where he came in for his fair share of rough handling.’
Four: Able Seaman W. Porter, Royal Navy, who served at the Battle of Jutland in H.M.S. Iron Duke 1914-15 Star (J.12141. W. Foster, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J. 14121 W. Foster. A.B. R.N.); Defence Medal, contact marks, some staining, nearly very fine Three: Leading Seaman G. S. Marshall, Royal Navy 1914-15 Star (210087, G. S. Marshall, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (210087. G. S. Marshall. L.S. R.N.); together with a Borough of Portsmouth bronze Coronation Medal 1902, by J. Moore, 38mm, contact marks, polished, good fine, coronation medal very fine (7) £140-£180 --- William Porter, a grocer’s assistant from Dorchester, was born in Bridport, Dorset, on 15 July 1894. He attested into the Royal Navy as a Boy on 24 May 1911 and was Advanced Able Seaman on 30 January 1914. He served afloat during the Great War as a Seaman Gunner in H.M.S. Vindictive and later the flagship of Admiral Jellicoe, H.M.S. Iron Duke, and was present at the Battle of Jutland when she was lead ship of the Third Division of the Fourth Battle Squadron. He later served in the escort ship H.M.S. Wyncote. Post-War he returned to H.M.S. Iron Duke and served in the operations in the Black Sea during the Russian Civil War, and later witnessed the burning of Smyrna on 3 September 1922 during the Greco-Turkish War. Discharged to shore on 14 July 1924, he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day and was discharged medically unfit on 19 May 1931. During the Second War he served as an Air Raid Precautions Warden in Aldershot, Hampshire, and later died in Surrey in 1971. Sold with a hallmarked silver ARP button lapel badge, a U.S. Battleship medallion, original service papers, copied photographs of the recipient in uniform and copied research. George Stephenson Marshall, a pupil at Greenwich Hospital School, was born in Portsmouth on 31 January 1885, and attested into the Royal Navy as a Boy on 16 June 1900. Advanced Leading Seaman on 4 March 1910, he served afloat during the Great War in H.M.S. Matchless, and H.M.S. Jason and possibly survived the latter’s sinking after hitting a mine off the west coast of Scotland on 7 April 1917. He later served in the survey ship H.M.S. Endeavour and was shore pensioned on 3 February 1925. Sold with copied service papers and copied research.
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Michl. Burke. 73rd. Regt.) edge bruising, nearly very fine £140-£180 --- Michael Burke was born in Rosscabery, County Cork on 4 April 1835 and attested for the 73rd Regiment of Foot on 4 February 1853. He served with the Regiment overseas in South Africa for 2 years and 8 months; in India for 3 years and 5 months; in China for 2 years and 6 months; and in Ceylon for 1 year. He was discharged, medically unfit for further service, on 19 October 1872, after 19 years and 78 days’ service. Sold with copied discharge papers and medal roll extract.
A well-documented post-War ‘Palestine’ M.B.E. group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Powell, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who served in the Army Kinema Section in Palestine, and subsequently as Ordnance Executive Officer with the Control Commission for Germany The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (44195 W.O. Cl.1. J. B. Powell. R.A.O.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (44195 W.O. Cl.1. J. B. Powell. R.A.O.C.) good very fine (6) £300-£400 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 7 January 1949: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th September 1946 to 26 March 1947.’ Jack Baden Powell was born on 15 December 1912 and attested for the Royal Army Service Corps as a Boy Soldier on 15 February 1927. After a period of home service he was stationed in the late 1930s in Singapore, where he was a member of the Singapore Coronation Parade for the Coronation of H.M. King George VI in 1937. Returning home, it is probable that he served during the Second World War with the British Expeditionary Force prior to the retreat from Dunkirk in 1940, before he transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps on 1 October 1942. He served with the R.A.O.C. on Home Service as a Sub-Conductor, being awarded the General Headquarters Home Forces Certificate of Appreciation on 5 January 1943, and was advanced Warrant Officer Class I in 1945. Post-War, he saw extensive service in Palestine during the Jewish Revolt, and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services with the Army Kinema Section, which was responsible for showing films and news bulletins to the troops; as a consequence he would have travelled widely over Palestine at the time of the formation of the state of Israel. Whilst in Palestine he was awarded his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. His photograph album also indicates that he was present in Jerusalem around the time of the bombing of the King David Hotel. Powell subsequently served with the Control Commission for Germany, and was commissioned Lieutenant and Ordnance Executive Officer on 30 October 1950. He was promoted Captain on 16 March 1954; Major on 15 March 1960, and Lieutenant-Colonel on 1 September 1964. He retired on 15 December 1967. Sold with the following related archive i) The recipient’s Commission Document, dated 30 October 1950 ii) Bestowal Document for the M.B.E., with named Buckingham Palace enclosure and Central Chancery notification iii) General Headquarters Home Forces Commander-in-Chief’s Certificate of Appreciation, named to ‘44195 Sub-Conductor J. B. Powell, Royal Army Ordnance Corps’, and dated 5 January 1943 iv) Three Army Certificates of Education v) The recipient’s Control Commission for Germany British Zone Driving Licence vi) The recipient’s R.A.O.C. cap badge vii) A mother-of-pearl encrusted vesta lighter, the obverse inscribed ‘J. B. P.’ viii) The recipient’s Rotary watch, in case ix) The recipient’s Soldiers Bible and New Testament x) A fine photograph album, the cover inscribed ‘Souvenir from the Holy Land’, containing 56 photographs, the majority annotated, including images of the Wailing Wall, the King David Hotel, including the immediate aftermath of it having been bombed xi) A group photograph of the Army Kinema Section, Royal Army Ordnance Corps xii) Various other group photographs, including two portrait photographs of the recipient, in one of which he is wearing his medals xiii) Various Christmas cards, military notices, letters, newspaper cuttings, and other ephemera.
A Second War ‘Bomber Command’ D.F.C. group of six awarded to Rear Gunner Flight Lieutenant H. W. J. Stewart, Royal Canadian Air Force, who was awarded an Immediate D.F.C. for his gallantry in shooting down a Focke Wulfe 190 and assisting his pilot in evading the attention of no fewer than six enemy fighters in December 1942, and was subsequently killed in action when his Lancaster was shot down during a raid over Berlin on 23 November 1943, on what was his fifth Operational Sortie to the ‘Big City’ Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1943, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence Medal, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, the campaign stars and medals all in card boxes of issue; together with the recipient’s Canadian Memorial Cross, G.VI.R., ‘F.L. H. W. J. Stewart, D.F.C. J15536’, fitted with a Birks R.C.A.F. silver and enamel brooch bar, in embossed case of issue; and Birks Memorial Bar ‘F/L H. W .J. Stewart D.F.C. R.C.A.F. Died in his Country’s Service 23 Nov. 1943’, extremely fine (8) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 8 January 1943 (in a joint citation with Acting Wing Commander Donald Peveler, D.F.C. [awarded the D.S.O.]): ‘In December, 1942, Wing Commander Peveler and Pilot Officer Stewart, were captain and rear gunner respectively of an aircraft engaged in a search for the crew of an aircraft lost at sea. When leaving the area after searching for 12 hours, 3 Junkers 88's attacked their aircraft. Pilot Officer Stewart gave a splendid running commentary on the movement of the enemy aircraft which enabled his captain to take evasive action. Wing Commander Peveler manoeuvred his aircraft with superb skill and determination until safety was gained in the clouds, but the bomber had been damaged and the second pilot and bomb aimer wounded. Some time later a further attack was made by 3 Focke Wulfe 190’s. In the ensuing combat, despite the heavy odds, Pilot Officer Stewart, by his accurate shooting, shot down one of the fighters and damaged another while the third was driven off. Displaying magnificent airmanship Wing Commander Peveler flew his badly damaged aircraft safely back to this country. Pilot Officer Stewart's coolness and gallantry very materially assisted his captain throughout this hazardous operation. Wing Commander Peveler has always displayed outstanding leadership and an example of devotion to duty worthy of the highest praise.’ Herbert William Joseph Stewart was born in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, in 1919, and having emigrated to Canada attested for the Royal Canadian Air Force on 11 October 1940. After undergoing training at No. 1 I.T.S.; No. 4 E.F.T.S.; and No. 1 B.G.S. he was commissioned Pilot Officer in May 1942. Whilst serving with 10 (O.T.U.) Special Detachment, he was awarded an Immediate D.F.C. for his gallantry in shooting down a Focke Wulfe 190 and assisting his pilot in evading the attention of no fewer than six enemy fighters. Posted to 156 Squadron (Pathfinder Force), R.A.F. Warboys, flying Lancaster Mark III’s, and promoted Flight Lieutenant, Stewart was killed in action on a raid over Berlin on 23 November 1943, along with his entire crew, on what was his fifth operational sortie to the Big City. He is buried in Berlin War Cemetery, Germany. Sold with the recipient’s silver Operational Wings; R.C.A.F. padded Officer’s Cap Badge; a personal R.C.A.F. identity bracelet, the front engraved ‘H. W. J. Stewart R-77141’, the reverse engraved ‘Love Beth May 1941’; a personal diary; and three letters, including one from the High Commissioner to the U.K. at Canada House, and another from the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary regarding the D.F.C.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal J. Redpath, East Yorkshire Regiment, who was subsequently awarded a scarce Second Award Bar with the Hull Pals, and died of wounds on 29 September 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (16632 Cpl. J. Redpath. 8/E. York: R.); 1914-15 Star (16632 Pte. J. Redpath. E. York: R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (16632 Cpl. J. Redpath E. York. R.) traces of verdigris, polished and worn, good fine (3) £260-£300 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1916. M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 21 October 1918. John Redpath was born in Choppington New Pit in 1882 and lived in Choppington as a Miner. He attested for the East Yorkshire Regiment at Scotland Gate, Bedlington on 3 October 1914 and served with the newly formed 8th Battalion, part of Kitchener’s Army on the Western Front, from 9 September 1915 being pretty much straight into action at Loos. Promoted Corporal on 10 March 1916, he served on the Somme from 1 July 1916 to November 1916, and was awarded the Military Medal. On 17 February 1918 the 8th Battalion disbanded in France, and they then formed part of the 10th Entrenching Battalion with soldiers from the 12th West Yorkshire Battalion and the 10th (Service) Battalion (1st Hull Pals) East Yorkshire Regiment. It was this Battalion, the Hull Commercials, that featured in the series “The Trench”, and it was for service with this Battalion that he was awarded a Second Award Bar to his M.M. Wounded on 29 June 1918, most likely from the start of the Fifth Battle of Ypres, whilst serving with the 10th Battalion, he died of wounds on 29 September 1918 at the 8th Casualty Clearing Station, Boulogne, and is buried in La Kreule Military Cemetery, Hazebrouck, France. He is additionally commemorated on the Choppington, Bedlington and Choppington Miners’ War Memorial.
Seven: Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class P. H. Watts, Royal Navy Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1908-10 (M.257 P. H. Watts, Act. E.R.A. 4Cl, H.M.S. Diana.); 1914-15 Star (M.257. P. H. Watts. E.R.A. 2, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (M.257 P. H. Watts. E.R.A.2. R.N.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (M.257 P. H. Watts. E.R.A.1 H.M.S. Vivid.) mounted court-style for wear, pitting and contact marks, good fine and better (7) £200-£240 --- Percy Henry Watts was born in Barrow, Lancashire, on 6 June 1882 ands joined the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class on 13 April 1908. He served in H.M.S. Diana from 17 November 1908 to 3 February 1911, and then in a variety of ships and shore based establishments during the Great War. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 25 November 1922, and was shore pensioned in the rate of Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class on 12 April 1930. Recalled for service during the Second World War, he was invalided out of the service, physically unfit, on 19 May 1944. Sold with copied record of service.
Family Group: Four: Squadron Leader W. H. Stokes, Royal Australian Air Force 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘262668 W. H. Stokes.’, good very fine Pair: Patricia de G. Stokes, Royal Australian Air Force War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘353018. P. de G. Stokes.’, good very fine (6) £70-£90 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- William Henry Stokes was born on 30 June 1908 and was commissioned Pilot Officer in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the Royal Australian Air Force on 2 June 1941. Promoted Flying Officer on 2 December 1941, and Flight Lieutenant on 1 April 1943, he was discharged in the rank of Squadron Leader on 31 January 1946. In civilian life he was a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Sold with the recipient’s riband bar, copied service papers, and other research. Patricia de Garis Stokes was the wife of William Henry Stokes.
A scarce Great War A.F.M. awarded to Sergeant Mechanic R. H. Derry, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, who served at the R.N.A.S. Airship Station Luce Bay, 1916-18 Air Force Medal, G.V.R. (208252 Sergt. Mech. Derry. R. H., R.A.F.) suspension slack, very fine £1,400-£1,800 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- A.F.M. London Gazette 2 November 1918. One of 102 Air Force Medals awarded for the Great War. Richard Harry Derry was born in Lincoln in January 1882, and resided with his wife at 2 Denman Road, Peckham, London. He enlisted as A.M. 1 in the Royal Naval Air Service on 16 September 1915. Derry advanced to Petty Officer (Engineer) in February 1918, and transferred as Sergeant Mechanic in to the Royal Air Force in April 1918. His service during the Great War included at H.M.S. President II, and at the R.N.A.S. Airship Station Luce Bay in Scotland, from August 1916. Derry was discharged in April 1920.
Four: Lieutenant J. Holmes, Royal Navy Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, Cape Colony, clasps mounted in this order, with unofficial rivets between state and date clasps (J. H. Holmes, P.O. 1Cl., H.M.S. Terpsichore.) impressed naming; 1914-15 Star (Gnr. J. H. Holmes. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Ch. Gnr. J. H. Holmes. R.N.) with crushed named card boxes of issue for both the QSA ansd the 1914-15 Star, good very fine and better (4) £300-£400 --- James Herbert Holmes was born at Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, on 15 October 1875 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 9 July 1891. Advanced Petty Officer First Class on 21 December 1900, he served in H.M.S. Terpsichore from 7 February 1901 to 14 March 1902, and served ashore with the Naval Brigade during the Boer War in South Africa. Promoted Acting Gunner on 14 July 1903, he was confirmed in that rank on 12 July 1904, and served during the Great War in H.M.S. Lancaster. He was promoted Chief Gunner on 14 July 1918, and Lieutenant on 12 August 1922, and having been placed on the Retired List, medically unfit, on 4 April 1925, died in Colchester on 27 June 1925. Sold with copied records of service and medal roll extracts.
A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Head Warden R. O. Arnold, Doncaster Civil Defence British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Richard O. Arnold) mounted on investiture pin, nearly extremely fine £100-£140 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- B.E.M. London Gazette 15 June 1945: ‘Head Warden, Civil Defence, Doncaster.’
A post-War B.E.M. awarded to Mr. V. S. Sackett, Signals Research and Development Establishment, Ministry of Supply British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Victor Stanley Sackett) nearly extremely fine £80-£120 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Provenance: Buckland Dix & Wood, December 1994. B.E.M. London Gazette 13 June 1957: ‘Leading Draughtsman, Signals Research and Development Establishment, Ministry of Supply (Christchurch, Hampshire.)’ Victor Stanley Sackett, son of John Sackett and Alice Matilda Coleman, was born in Plumstead, London, in April 1894. He died at the age of 79 in Greenwich, London, in April 1974, and was cremated at Eltham Crematorium, Greenwich.
An important and early Royal Humane Society Silver Medal awarded to Professor E. Coleman, who held the office of Professor and Director of the Royal Veterinary College for 45 years and was recognised by the Society as ‘a young man of extraordinary hope’ after composing An Essay on Suspended Animation which engaged in the study of asphyxia Royal Humane Society, large silver medal, engraved to reverse ‘Ne Silentio Transeat Vita. Adivdicatvm Edvo. Coleman Adolescenti Eximie Spei, 1790.’ pierced with silver loop suspension, nearly very fine and rare £300-£400 --- Edward Coleman was born in June 1765 in Kent, the son of ‘a respectable yeoman of Romney Marsh’, who placed his son - at the age of 17 - as an apprentice to Mr. Kite, a Surgeon at Gravesend. Sent to London in 1789, Coleman came under the guidance of Mr. Cline and soon devoted his time to the study of asphyxia; his work resulted in the Medal of the Royal Humane Society in 1790 and invitations to scientific lectures in Leicester Square. Removed to Fenchurch Street, Coleman began practice as a surgeon and was later able to conduct experiments at St. Thomas’ and Guy’s Hospitals; through his acquaintance with Mr. Phipps, an oculist, he was led to study the eye, becoming proficient in drawing that organ, both human and comparative. Appointed Professor at the Royal Veterinary College, Coleman spent his career tirelessly striving to raise the art of surgery in the estimation of the general public and to give its practitioners a much higher status; early in his Directorship he obtained an annual grant of money from Parliament and succeeded in gaining the patronage of the King, without which the privilege of using the word ‘Royal’ as a designation to the College would not have been possible. Appointed Veterinary Surgeon General to the Army, he was permitted to select graduates from the College for the office of Veterinary Surgeon to the Cavalry Regiments. In March 1835, he was presented with a marble bust of himself by the students and fellow practitioners of the Royal Veterinary College, the respect for their 70-year-old teacher being clear to see; Coleman died shortly thereafter at his work on 14 July 1839, after ‘a life of great gratification and extensive usefulness’ (The Veterinary Record of 19 September 1891, refers). Sold with an extensive file of research, including the recipient’s award winning dissertation and copied images of his bust and memorial tablet at Burmarsh Church, Kent.
A Great War M.M. awarded to Pioneer B. T. Hird, 231st ‘Doncaster's Own’ Company, Royal Engineers, who was the first man raised by the Corporation to be decorated for gallantry after attempting to help a severely wounded soldier trapped in the debris of a shelled cafe Military Medal, G.V.R. (99253 Pnr: B. T. Hird. 231/Fd: Co: R.E.) very fine £200-£240 --- M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1916. The Eckington, Woodhouse & Staveley Express of 5 October 1935, states: ‘On August 16th, 1916, a shell burst on an estaminet. Pioneer Hird ran to the spot and saw a soldier, who was badly wounded, partially hanging through the first floor window frame. Pioneer Hird obtained a plank and propped it against the side of the building which was leaning towards the road and tottering. He climbed the plank and helped the wounded man. On reaching the man Hird found he was bound fast by the leg on the inside of the building. Hird made the man as comfortable as he possibly could and helped him until assistance arrived from inside the wrecked building. A second shell burst quite close whilst Pioneer Hird was on the plank and half an hour later the whole structure collapsed. Unfortunately, the wounded man died later that night.’ Ben Thompson Hird was born in Skipton in 1869 and is recorded in 1901 as a married man with three sons, and employed at a wagon works in Doncaster. Affectionately known at the time as 'Dare Devil' Hird on account of his robust tactics and fearless play on the field for the Doncaster Rugby Football Club, he was one of over 1,500 local men to answer the call of the Doncaster Corporation and Northern Command and sign up for the 224th, 229th and 231st Companies of the Royal Engineers. Sent to Bordon Camp for training, these volunteers crossed in May 1916 from Southampton to Havre, going into the line at Colonne just weeks before the opening exchanges of the Battle of the Somme. Described by the Leeds Mercury of 2 September 1916 as 'well over military age', Hird soon distinguished himself on the Western Front and was feted back home by the Mayor of Doncaster (Councillor S. Balmforth) upon news of the M.M.: ‘He is the first man of the “Doncaster's Own” to receive any distinction of this kind, and I can assure you it was well-merited!’ Transferred to Dormart-en-Ponthien, then the Racour Sector to the north of Peronne, the 231st Company was forced to dig in during the winter of 1916-17 and was then heavily engaged in holding the line from Headecourt, through Villers Gouzlan and Villers Pluich until mid-October 1917. Placed in forward positions prior to the attack on Cambrai on 20 November 1917, the 231st fought at Bourlon Wood, Flesquiers, Grandecourt and Havrincourt; on 26 November 1917 they lost their O.C., Major Frederick Henry Johnson, V.C., shot dead by a sniper whilst on reconnaissance. The Sheffield Daily Telegraph later noted the 231st being relieved on 6 December 1917, 'having gone through a terrible strain'. Withdrawn to St. Leger and Ervillers for the purpose of support, the survivors were flung into the fray on 21 March 1918 as infantry in a desperate attempt to plug the line on the opening day of the German Spring Offensive; few answered roll call just days later. Discharged on 1 February 1919, Hird returned home to Abel Street in Doncaster and took employment at Silverwood Colliery. Incapacitated by an accident at work on 30 July 1928, he later died of a heart attack in October 1935 whilst playing dominoes at the Unemployment Hut, Thrybergh.
Three: Trooper J. Harding, Kimberley Light Horse, later Botha’s Mounted Rifles and 4th South African Infantry Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Relief of Mafeking, Defence of Kimberley, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (477 Tpr. J. Harding. Kimberley. L.H.) this a slightly later issue with fixed suspension; 1914-15 Star (Pte. J. S. Harding Bothas M.R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Pte. J. S. Harding. 4th S.A.I.) minor edge bruise to first, good very fine (3) £140-£180 --- John Harding served with the Kimberley Town Guard at No. 2 Schmidt’s Breastwork during the Defence of Kimberley, and also served in the Christiana Scouts. He served in the Kimberly Light Horse from 6 November 1900, and saw further service during the Great War with Botha’s Mounted Rifles and the 4th South African Infantry. Sold with copied medal roll extracts that states that his QSA was re-issued in 1908.
The Third Kaffir War Medal awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel the 5th Earl Annesley, 43rd Regiment of Foot, later Scots Fusilier Guards, who was severely wounded in South Africa, and further wounded at the Battle of the Alma, resulting in him loosing 23 teeth and ‘a good bit’ of his tongue. Elected Member of Parliament for Cavan in 1857, Annesley succeeded his brother to the Earldom in 1874, and subsequently served as an Irish Representative Peer in the House of Lords South Africa 1834-53 (Ensign Hon. Hugh Annesly. 43rd. Regt.) fitted with a contemporary top silver brooch bar with gold retaining pin, heavy edge bruising and contact marks, about fine £1,000-£1,400 --- Hugh Annesley, 5th Earl Annesley, was born in Dublin on 26 January 1831, the second son of William Richard Annesley, 3rd Earl Annesley, an Irish peer, and was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Dublin. Commissioned Ensign in the 43rd Regiment of Foot by purchase on 18 April 1851, he served with the Regiment in South Africa during the Third Kaffir War, and was severely wounded. Promoted Lieutenant on 29 July 1853, Annesley transferred to the Scots Fusilier Guards, and saw further service in the Crimea, where his jaw was shattered by a bullet at the Battle of the Alma on 20 September 1854, resulting in him losing 23 teeth and ‘a good bit’ of his tongue. ‘Undaunted, he cheerfully informed his mother the following day that the “summary dentist” had still left him with “four grinders”, and that in spite of his injuries he would be able “to speak as plainly as ever, or at most only with a becoming lisp”.’ (History of Parliament - Irish MPs and the Crimean War refers). After receiving rudimentary medical treatment, Annesley was transferred to the hospital ship London, on which his younger brother, the Hon. Robert John Annesley, lay dying of cholera. Invalided home, Annesley soon recovered from his wounds, for which he was paid £100 in compensation (or £4 6s. 11d. per tooth). Promoted Captain on 7 August 1855, and Lieutenant-Colonel, by purchase, on 18 May 1860, Annesley was elected conservative Member of Parliament for the family seat of Cavan in 1857, holding the seat until 1874. A reluctant politician, he rarely spoke in the Commons, and then only on Army matters. He succeeded his brother at 5th Earl Annesley upon the former’s death on 10 August 1874, and in 1877 was elected as an Irish Representative Peer in the House of Lords, serving until his death. He died at Castlewellan, County Down, on 15 December 1908, and was succeeded to the Earldom by his son.
British War Medal 1914-20 (Commr. P. G. V. Van Der Byl. R.N.) extremely fine £60-£80 --- Pieter Gerhard Voltelin Van der Byl was born on 26 October 1854 and graduated from Dartmouth Royal Naval College in November 1877. Raised Lieutenant on 23 June 1880 and described as a ‘zealous officer of the watch’, he was placed in command of H.M.S. Bramble on 11 May 1889, followed by postings aboard Iron Duke, Edgar, Devastation and Nile. Placed on the Retired List at his own request with the rank of Commander on 28 April 1899, he returned to service aboard Ariadne, Essex and Albemarle during the Great War - his time being hampered by an injury to the left knee which necessitated a stay in Plymouth Hospital. Promoted Captain (Retired) on 11 November 1918 ‘in recognition of services rendered during the war’, Van der Byl suffered a heart attack and died on 7 November 1921.
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Corporal H. E. Baker, Royal Army Medical Corps, for his gallantry in bringing severely wounded men to safety through heavy artillery barrage fire near Ypres in September 1918 Military Medal, G.V.R. (350276 Cpl. H. E. Baker. R.A.M.C.) number partially officially corrected, very fine £160-£200 --- M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919. The original citation states: ‘For bravery and devotion to duty whilst bringing severely wounded men through heavy artillery barrage fire during the night, and then carrying on under difficult conditions after the dressing stations had all been burnt out and totally destroyed by the enemy guns, near Ypres, September 1918.’ Herbert Edward Baker attested into the Royal Army Service Corps, Territorial Force on 1 December 1914, for service during the Great War and served on the Western Front with 2/1st (East Lancashire) Field Ambulance, Territorial Force, from 27 February 1917. Discharged on 31 March 1920, he later died in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1941. Sold with copied research.
Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Geo Birks. 53rd. Regt.) edge bruising, suspension claw tightened, abrasively cleaned, good fine £220-£260 --- George Birks was born in Sheffield and attested for the 53rd Regiment of Foot on 29 January 1856. He served in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny, and was discharged at Clonmel, Ireland, on 14 November 1865. Sold with copied medal roll extract and muster rolls.
A C.B. group of four awarded to General J. H. E. Dalrymple, Scots Fusilier Guards, who was wounded at the Battle of the Alma, 20 September 1854, and received his Crimea Medal personally from the hands of Queen Victoria The Most Honourable Order of The Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge, gold and enamel, hallmarks for London 1877, with swivel ring and straight bar suspension, with integral gold riband buckle; Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Lt. Col. I. H. E. Dalrymple, S.F. Gds. 18th May 1855) Hunt & Roskell engraved naming; Ottoman Empire, Order of Medjidieh, Fifth Class breast badge, silver, gold, and enamel; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian type, a contemporary tailor’s copy by ‘J.B.’, unnamed, with swivel ring suspension, the second, third, and fourth all fitted with contemporary top silver riband buckles, contact marks, generally very fine and better (4) £3,000-£4,000 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2007. C.B. London Gazette 2 June 1877. John Hamilton Elphinstone Dalrymple was born on 6 January 1819 and was commissioned Lieutenant by purchase in the Scots Fusilier Guards on 10 November 1837. Advanced Captain by purchase in December 1844 and Lieutenant-Colonel by purchase in March 1853, he served in the Crimea War, up until 8 November 1854, serving at the battle of Alma, where he was wounded; at Inkerman and at the siege of Sebastopol. For his services he was awarded the Turkish Order of Medjidie. Dalrymple returned early from the Crimea and was present at the medal award ceremony at Hyde Park on 18 May 1855 and received his medal directly from Queen Victoria - the date of which is recorded on his medal. He was promoted to Colonel in November 1854 and commanded the 2nd Battalion Scots Fusilier Guards on the expedition through New Brunswick after the ‘Trent affair’ in the Winter of 1861-62. He was promoted to Major-General in October 1866, Lieutenant-General in September 1874 and attained the rank of General in October 1877. He was appointed Colonel of the 108th Regiment Madras Infantry in November 1875 and then Colonel of the 71st Highland Light Infantry in January 1880. Appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 1877 Birthday Honours’ List, he was placed on the Retired List on 1 July 1881, and died on 28 June 1888. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient, and copied research.
Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, General Medal, silver, with Second Award Bar (To Mr. William Cox. For Gallant Service. 25th. July 1914) the bar additionally engraved ‘Second Service 8th. March 1917.’, with silver riband buckle, in Oldfields Ltd. fitted case of issue, nearly extremely fine £300-£400 --- William Cox was awarded the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society General Medal in silver for an act of bravery which took place at Manchester Street in Liverpool. He received a Bar to his Medal for a similar deed at Dale Street in Liverpool in 1917.
A scarce Defence of Ookiep pair awarded to Private J. Thomas, Namaqualand Town Guard
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (32 Pte. J. Thomas, Namaqualand T.G.) official correction to one letter of unit; Cape Copper Company Medal for the Defence of Ookiep, bronze issue (J. Thomas) first with edge bruise, otherwise very fine or better (2) £2,800-£3,400 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2011. Confirmed on the roll of the Namaqualand Town Guard as having engaged the enemy at Ookiep. His home address was ‘5 Kirby Grove, Shotton, Flintshire.
Six: Private T. D. Luckhurst, East Kent Regiment 1914-15 Star (1266 Pte. T. Luckhurst. E. Kent R.); British War and Victory Medals (1266 Pte. T. Luckhurst. E. Kent R.); Defence Medal; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (200088 Pte. T. Luckhurst. 4/E. Kent R.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Thomas D. Luckhurst) nearly very fine (6) £120-£160 --- Thomas Daniel Luckhurst was born in Homestall, Kent on 31 March 1892 and attested for the 4th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (Territorial Force) at Sittingbourne on 18 May 1911. He served with the 1/4th Battalion during the Great War in India for service with the Waziristan Field Force from 5 August 1915, and was later attached to the Supply and Transport Corps. He saw further service during the Second World War as a Special Constable in Sittingbourne, ands died on 3 April 1974. Sold with copied attestation papers, medal roll extracts, and other research.
Pair: Petty Officer Class II H. W. Freeland, Royal Navy Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901, second clasp loose on riband, as issued (H. W. Freeland, A.B. H.M.S. Naiad.) impressed naming, minor official correction to surname; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (H. W. Freeland, A.B. H.M.S. Naiad.) contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £240-£280 --- Harry William Freeland was born in Ore, Hastings, Sussex, on 2 July 1876 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 21 March 1892. Advanced Petty Officer Class II on 13 April 1899, he reverted to Able Seaman on 25 January 1901, and served in H.M.S. Naiad from 19 March 1901 until 2 August 1904, on which date he purchased his discharge. He saw further service at home during the Great War as a Sergeant in the Royal Army Service Corps, although was not entitled to any medals. Sold with copied record of service and medal roll extracts.
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