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Click here to subscribeDeath NYC - LV Revolver, 2012 Limited edition of 100 proofs on 240gr art paper. Signed and justified A.P. (Artist Proof) by the artist. Certificate of authenticity. Very good condition. Dimensions 45 x 32 cm. Édition limitée de 100 epreuves sur papier d'art 240gr. Signée et et justifiée E.A. (Epreuve d'Artiste) par l'artiste. Certificat d'authenticité. Très bon état. Dimensions 45 x 32 cm.
Family group:The exceptional and poignant Q.P.M. for Gallantry group of seven awarded to Sergeant 1st Class W. W. Riley, New South Wales Police, who was murdered by a deranged gunman he attempted to apprehend in the Sydney suburb of Toongabbie in September 1971Queen's Police Medal, for Gallantry, E.II.R. (William W. Riley, Sgt. Cl. 1, New South Wales Police); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australian Service Medal 1939-45, these four officially impressed 'NX. 90169 W. W. Riley'; Australian Service Medal 1945-75, clasp, S.W. Pacific; Police Exemplary Service Medal, E.II.R. (William R. Riley), the last officially inscribed on pre-prepared ground, together with his 'Returned from Active Service' badge, officially numbered '170866', assorted N.S.W. Police Force badges (4), and a metalled nameplate from his burial service, good very fine (7)The Great War campaign group of three awarded to his father, Sergeant C. U. Riley, Gordon Highlanders1914-15 Star (S. 4226 Sjt. C. W. Riley, Gord. Highrs.), note second initial; British War and Victory Medals (S. 4226 Sjt. C. U. Riley, Gord. Highrs.), minor contact wear, very fine or better (3)Q.P.M. London Gazette 25 May 1972:'The Queen has been pleased to award the Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry to the late Sergeant 1st Class William Watson Riley and the late Sergeant 3rd Class Maurice Raymond McDiarmid, both of the New South Wales Police Force, in recognition of their gallant conduct in the following circumstances:At a house in Toongabbie on 30 September 1971, Sergeants Riley and McDiarmid attempted to apprehend Ronald Desmond Clarke whom they knew to be armed and to have killed his brother and raped a woman. Sergeant McDiarmid forced an entry through the rear door of the house and Sergeant Riley gained an entry through the front door. Both policemen were armed with revolvers. In the events which followed three shots were fired by Clarke, two fatally wounding Sergeant Riley and the third inflicting grievous wounds to the head of Sergeant McDiarmid who died shortly afterwards. Neither officer fired his own revolver. Sergeant Riley and Sergeant McDiarmid both showed outstanding courage and devotion to duty and upheld the high traditions of the New South Wales Police Force.'William Watson Riley was born in Motherwell, Scotland on 22 February 1921, the son of Great War veteran Cecil Urquhart Riley. The family migrated to Australia when he was a child, and William was working as an orchardist when he enlisted in the Permanent Australian Military Forces (A.M.F.) in April 1940, aged 19.Having then served in the A.M.F. as a driver in the Australian Army Service Corps, he took his discharge in March 1942 and immediately re-enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. Posted to the Guerilla Warfare School in Melbourne, he joined the 2/6th Independent Company (Commando) in May 1942. By the time of his discharge from 2/9th Australian General Hospital in December 1945, he had served for two years on active operations in Morotai and New Guinea.Riley next joined the New South Wales Police, attending the Sydney Metropolitan Training Depot before taking up traffic duties at Camperdown and Regent Street police stations. In May 1947 he qualified as a solo motor cyclist and in August 1949 as a motor driver. In November 1950 he received his first commendation when, off duty, he rendered valuable service in combatting a fire which occurred at the railway depot at Bowenfels.Advanced to Constable 1st Class in December 1952 and to Senior Constable in July 1958, he received another commendation in the summer of 1959, his service record stating:'Commended for the excellent work performed, under adverse conditions, during the search for Bryan Thomas Bullock and Anthony James Forster who escaped from Berrima Training Centre on 29 May 1959, and were recaptured by Police near Bigga on 3 June 1959.'For much of the coming decade Riley was employed on general duties - at Bathurst, Parramatta and Blackdown stations - and he received further advancement to Sergeant 3rd Class in March 1960 and to Sergeant 2nd Class in July 1967. He was also awarded his Police Exemplary Service Medal in September 1968.A 'blood bath'Of the above cited events in Toongabbie on 30 September 1971, numerous reports appeared in the Australian press. For it was indeed - as observed by an eyewitness to those events - a blood bath. There were four fatalities within a matter of hours.Riley and McDiarmid were serving at Blackdown Police Station at the time, when a distraught women rushed in and reported a shooting and her rape at 1 Mimosa Avenue. It was later ascertained that a heavily armed and desperate gunman, Ronald Clarke, aged 23, had earlier shot his brother there.Both officers were dispatched to the address in question, in order to investigate further, although it was believed the gunman had long since fled the scene. He hadn't. He was preparing to dispose of his brother's body when the two officers arrived. The offender ran to the rear of the house and McDiarmid did likewise, making a forced entry at the back door, before being fatally wounded from a shot delivered by Clarke. Riley, meanwhile, made a forced entry at the front door, only to be twice shot by Clarke with a .22 rifle, one bullet lodging in lodging in his spine and the other fracturing his skull. The wounds were fatal and he died instantly, but McDiarmid survived his wounds a little longer, dying in an ambulance on his way to Blackdown General Hospital.Clarke sped off in a getaway car but was tracked down by a pair of patrol officers in the suburb of Lurnea. They rammed the fugitive's vehicle off the road and one of the officers - on being threatened with a revolver - shot him dead.The tragic scene at 1 Mimosa Avenue was later described by a neighbour in a newspaper report:"I went around the back of the house and saw a policeman's bloody hand grasping the door," she said."It was horrible … I'll never forget it."Mrs. Roberts said that when she reached Constable McDiarmid, he was slummed in the doorway."He was sitting in the doorway with his face shot away.""He was still conscious but couldn't talk," she said."He kept pointing inside the house."When she went in, she found Sergeant Riley lying dead in the lounge room.In the bedroom, she found the body of Warren Clarke, wrapped up in sheets."The house was a blood bath from front to back," she said."I rushed out and stopped a bread delivery woman who went to contact the ambulance. Then I ran to a neighbour's house to tell her what had happened."Mrs. Roberts said she and her neighbour, Mrs. Dawn Harris, went back to the house and tried to help the dying constable until an ambulance arrived.'Both officers were buried with full police honours, as related in another newspaper report:"Blacktown came to a standstill yesterday to pay tribute to Sergeant William Riley and Senior Constable McDiarmid who were shot dead last week.A hush fell over the town and thousands of people lines the streets to watch the almost mile-long funeral cortege pass by.Others crowded windows and rooftops of buildings and the railway bridge along the route.Simultaneously, police lined up outside every police station in the State and observed two minutes silence in honour of their dead comrades … a joint funeral.'Both men were posthumously promoted and awarded the Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry, Riley to Sergeant 1st Class. He left a widow and two children.Sold with a file of comprehensive research, including numerous police, eyewitness and newspape…
An outstanding 'Trench Raid' M.C. group of eight awarded to 2nd Lieutenant J. F. Thoburn, 13th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, later Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Army Service CorpsThoburn was photographed alongside his comrades before going into action and also wrote at length regarding the action which won his decorationMilitary Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. J. F. Thoburn.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Decoration, Territorial, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1947', good very fine (8)M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919:'When the enemy, in a determined counter-attack, gained a footing in our trenches this Officer led his men over the top and attacked those who had got through the wire, killing several, dispersing the remainder, and capturing a machine-gun and trench mortar. The confidence inspired in his men by his example restored a critical situation.'Jack Fancourt Thoburn enlisted into the Honourable Artillery Company on 17 April 1916 and served in France with the 3rd Company, 2nd Battalion (as No. 7455) from 18 November 1916. Sharing in the action at Bucquoy in February 1917, he was wounded in action. Thoburn was subsequently commissioned 2nd Lieutenant into the Rifle Brigade, serving with the 13th Battalion in France from March 1918. He earned his outstanding M.C. for his actions on 12-13 September, when a Trench Raid captured the enemy positions around Havrincourt Wood. Poison shells were sent down and a heavy counter came the following evening. Thoburn was photographed with his comrades before going into action and also wrote of his experiences:'I am off in an hour's time to the line, Captain Jenkins and Wallis are going with me for which I am awfully glad. We three are great chums. You know that since I have been a soldier I have passed through some awfully rough times and most trying experiences, especially in the earlier stages of the war, and I am by now pretty used to being knocked about : but going again into the thick of the fighting gives one a strange sensation - an indescribable feeling - going up to face death, but one must not think of that, the same Mighty Power that kept me all through those awful Somme battles, can still keep me. I'm just going to do my duty to the very best of my ability - my safety lies in Higher Hands. God knows what I have done in the last few days. I must tell you a little of what I have been doing, in myself I am quite fit, but very tired. My hands are cut up with innumerable cuts, my feet are shooting with pain from not taking my boots off for so long, but we are all in the same boat and are feeling quite happy. It is a lovely sunny day and quite warm, all our company officers are squatting outside our little dugout writing home.Now as some time has elapsed since these episodes, I think I can give you a few details of my adventures without in any way falling foul of my duties as a censor. One comes to my mind - We were leading the Company up, preparatory to "going over the top". Wood (the Coy Commander) and myself were trying to find our way in a wood, it was pitch dark. Wood went first and he suddenly disappeared, the next moment I followed him, falling about twenty feet through bushes, thorns and brambles. At the bottom I stumbled to my feet, breathless with the fall and choked with the gas from the shells that the Boches were firing around us. I heard Wood's voice for a moment and then I lost him - I got caught among the barbed wire - round and round I ploughed until I heard to my immense relief Davis' voice. We lay there together, our men just behind us waiting for the moment. Just like a cyclone it came, with one terrific roar our barrage breaks - then clear and distinct above the rumble of the guns came the sharp crack of the Machine guns - then over we went, and did some quick work. The prisoners came trooping up in groups. I came upon a party of young boys, they were terror stricken - up went their hands the moment they saw me and actually cried like babies. Two of our officers were killed, it was awfully hard luck, they were both such jolly good chaps, one of them was married. In consequence of their death, Hunter and I went to their company to help them and which meant we were very unfortunate, because we had to do the work of both companies. When "C" Coy was in, we were, and when "D" Coy was in, we were also, getting no respite from fighting.I enclose two ribbons - the black and white is the Iron Cross, the other ribbon is foreign, probably Turkish. I cut them from the tunic of a Boche Machine gunner - with his gun he held me up for some time doing a good deal of damage. He it was who killed our two officers, anyhow he was dead when I got up to him and these ribbons were his decorations; he was an intelligent looking fellow and looked quite peaceful in death.In one of the captured trenches we had a meal off German bread and sausage, the bread was damp, heavy and nearly black - the sausage reminded me of the German Mail and their uncooked dainties. Some tried the Boche wine, but the general verdict was that it was like methylated spirits. We found some good cigars and it was really amusing to see all our men swaggering about with cigars in their mouths. But there was more serious work ahead. The afternoon of the attack I had come off duty in the advance line and was lying down at Coy Headquarters - when there was a cry, "the Boches are coming", I sprang up and rushing along by a way that I know, gained the front line. There I found Hunter with some men retiring down the trench and some twenty yards away the Germans were coming down toward us. Our men were a bit windy, but Hunter and I made them make a stand and fetch bombs. Hunter is a fine bomber, so he threw the bombs, while I carried on with a borrowed rifle and my revolver. We retired very slowly - the Boches were chucking their bombs. These bombs of theirs make an awful row, but don't do much damage unless you get too close to one. Unfortunately they had also got some of ours, which are of a different calibre. I was bringing up the rear as we retired, and was having quite a pretty little duel with the Hun Serg. Major who was leading their attack - he evidently wanted me as a prisoner, for every time we faced each other round a traverse he signed and shouted to me to put my hands up. Of course my only answer was revolver ammunition, it was not likely that I was going to put my hands up to a Boche. Well at last we got to a fair stock of bombs, so we made a halt and bombed steadily. Hunter stands 6 ft 4 in and throws bombs magnificently. This went on for about twenty minutes, and then we found that we were not being answered, so we decided to advance. First of the party came myself with my revolver - then came Hunter with bombs and one or two men. We went round two traverses then we came upon two Huns. The first was the Serg. Major - dead, the next was a young lad, he had been hit in the hand and had a nasty gash in his head. As this poor lad saw me he tried to collect himself but he was far too gone, I can see his bloodshot eyes now as he tried to raise his head - on the other side of the trench was a Boche officer, dead, As we advanced we found quite a number of dead, we had done better than anticipated - we made a rush and took six machine guns, one Minnen-werfer and coil of telephone wire. So we had managed to stop rather a large counter attack. The "D" Company Commander sent in a very good report to Battalion Headquarters about our work, which was encouraging. The Corporal and two men who backed us up have been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. I have written but bald facts, of course there is much more but I must not tell just yet.The German Planes a…
An extremely rare Edward VII gallantry K.P.M. awarded to Senior Constable J. C. Gates, New South Wales Police Force, the first Australian police officer to be so honoured and one of just four to receive the Edwardian issueIn his gallant pursuit of an armed burglar in North Sydney in April 1909, he exchanged fire until the latter ran out of ammunition, following which he closed with him to make an arrest: in the ensuing struggle, Gates was severely beaten about the head with the burglar's empty revolver, his wounds requiring 23 stitchesKing's Police Medal, E.VII.R., on gallantry riband (J. C. Gates, Sen. Const., N.S. Wales P.), minor edge bruises, good very fineK.P.M. London Gazette 14 January 1910.James Charles Gates was born in Christchurch, New Zealand on 28 February 1885, the son of a distiller. Opting for a new life in Australia when a teenager, he was working as a blacksmith when he enlisted in the New South Wales Police as a Constable.By the time of his K.P.M.-winning exploits in North Sydney, Gates had been advanced to Constable 1st Class but, as reported in various newspapers, he was about to receive accelerated promotion to Senior Constable.The incident in question commenced in Carabella Street, on the heights overlooking Neutral Bay, when an armed burglar broke into the house of Mr. Russell Sinclair in the early morning hours of 1 April 1909. Alerted by a lodger to the burglar's presence, Sinclair gave chase and a violent struggle ensued, in which he was twice shot in the groin. The burglar then made off down the street. Here, then, the moment at which Gates arrived on the scene. A newspaper report takes up the story:'It was after his escape into the streets that the fugitive waged another fight, this time with the constable who arrested him. When Constables McDonald and J. C. Gates, having been informed of that had occurred, proceeded to the locality, Gates saw a man near Milson's Point ferry. He watched the man, and at last he accosted him near Jeffrey Street. The man, who kept his right hand in his pocket, replied that he was on his way to visit someone in Carabella Street. The constable asked him why he kept his hand in his pocket, whereupon the man drew a revolver, fired, and then bolted. The shot missed Gates, who started off after the man, who, while he ran, turned and fired again twice, but still without effect. Constable Gates then fired, and an exchange of shots was kept up. The policeman was not hit but it was afterwards shown that one of his bullets grazed the fugitive's neck, causing a slight flesh wound. Gates, still in pursuit, reached his quarry near Livingstone Lane, and a hand-to-hand fight ensued.The man hit Gates a blow with the butt end of his revolver, and partially stunned him, but the Constable never allowed his prisoner to elude him, and was all the time endeavouring to hand cuff him. The Constable was furiously attacked, blow after blow being delivered about his head with the butt end of the revolver, and at length the man actually got free, but Gates, gallantly refusing to be beaten off, followed him and was joined by a civilian who had been alarmed by the noise of the conflict. Finding the chase hot, the fugitive dashed down some steps into an area in Fitzroy Street, and here he was finally captured, the Constable getting the hand cuffs on him.'The gallant Gates was duly awarded the K.P.M. as well as being advanced to Senior Constable. He was also presented with a Testimonial by the Mayor of North Sydney. His assailant - James Frederick Crook - was sentenced to death, a sentence later commuted to life.Gates died at Ghatswood in the northern district of Sydney in July 1955; sold with copied service record and newspaper reports.…
Royal Navy Channel Fleet Revolver Cup, an extremely elaborate silver and enamel prize medal, 85mm x 62mm, hallmarked Birmingham 1908 by J. A. R., features central ship's anchor with an enamelled white ensign and 'Inter Ship' in riband format below, a branch of laurel to the left side and a branch of oak to the right, above a shooting target and 'Channel Fleet' set in blue enamel, below 'Revolver Cup' set in blue enamel, to the sides two revolvers pointing upwards, the medal topped with a Midshipman's crown, the reverse plain but fitted with ring suspension and also an easel stand for display, a couple of light scratches to the enamel, otherwise lightly toned very fineProvenance:Susan Orlik, May 2006.…
‘I am glad to learn that the Government has granted an increase of the pension allowed to ex-Lieut. Charles Jenkins, a native of Ventnor, of the Cape Mounted Rifles ... for distinguished conduct in the field during the Zulu War of 1879. Lieut. Jenkins daringly made the charge single-handed with revolver and sword upon a number of Zulus who were defending their own kraal, but were forced by him to retreat, seven of the enemy being left dead ... It was owing to the action of Lieut. Jenkins that an army of Zulus who were coming over the hill at the battle of Inyazana ... were successfully put to flight ... Lord Chelmsford afterwards recommended the soldier for promotion from Sergeant-Major to Lieutenant.’A newspaper extract refers.The outstanding campaign group of three awarded to Lieutenant C. Jenkins, Natal Native Contingent, late Royal Navy and Cape Mounted Rifles; he was the only man to earn a field commission from Lord Chelmsford during the Zulu War - that gallantry latter earned him a pension for 'for distinguished Conduct in the field'Baltic 1854-54 (C. J. Jenkins, Boy 2nd C. H.M.S. Ajax); South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (Lieut. C. Jenkins, 4th Battn. N.N.C.), re-engraved naming; Cape of Good Hope General Service 1880-97, 1 clasp, Basutoland (Pte. C. Jenkins. C. M. Rif.), mounted on silver bar as worn, very fineCharles Jenkins was born at Brading, Isle of Wight in 1840 and served in the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in the Baltic operations (Medal), leaving home for a new life in South Africa in 1858. He joined the Cape Mounted Riflemen but returned home in 1868, being married on Christmas Day that year and taking work as a warder at Portsea. Little more needs to be said of his exploits during the Zulu campaign, but his record would appear to be a unique one.His final campaign would be in the Basuto Gun War of 1881, when serving with the Cape Mounted Rifles, although it took until 1903 for his Medal to reach him back on the Isle of Wight (Isle of Wight Mercury refers). Jenkins served in the Bechuanaland expedition as Interpreter to Sir Charles Warren and was 'disabled by accident on duty' in July 1885. This was further detailed in a 1904 letter from Major-General Sir F. Carrington:'I have much pleasure in testifying to the good services of Sgt. Major Charles Jenkins. He served under my command in the Basuto War in the Cape mounted Rifles and afterwards in the 2nd Mounted Rifles during Sir. C. Warren’s expedition in Bechuanaland where he was promoted to Sgt. Major for his efficiency and general good service. He unfortunately met with a severe accident when on duty by his horse backing into one of our wagons he was escorting – the horse being killed and Sgt. Major Jenkins having his collarbone and six ribs broken. He was taken to Mafeking Hospital where for some time he lay in a precarious state. He is in possession of the Baltic medal, Zulu War medal, Cape general Service medal and clasp for Basutoland. He is, I know, in most needy circumstances never having regained sufficient strength to do much work.'By April 1906 Major-General Hart Symot had taken up the case to assist in getting an increase in pension:'...I remember your gallant fighting in the critical action with the 2nd Zulu Army on the 22nd January at Inyazana, and your promotion from Non Commissioned Officer to Lieutenant in our NNC by Lord Chelmsford, upon my report.'The reply followed by letter from the Royal Hospital Chelsea in November 1906:'Sir,I am directed by the Lords and others, Commissioners of this hospital, to acquaint you that having taken into consideration all the circumstances of your case they have been pleased to increase your pension from nine pence to fifteen pence per diem. The additional 6d per day is awarded for ‘distinguished Conduct in the Field’.'The gallant old soldier died on 7 November 1919 and is buried at Ventnor.…
The 'Trench Raid Leader's' M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant P. Crampton, 2/5th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who was seriously wounded during a hand-to-hand clashThe same action saw him seriously wounded while leading a bayonet charge, leading to Crampton being treated by Harold Gillies, one of the pioneers of modern plastic surgeryMilitary Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. P. Crampton.), good very fine (3)M.C. London Gazette 16 August 1917, the original citation states:'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded a raid on the enemy trenches. Previously he had done most valuable reconnaissance work, entering the enemy lines on previous occasions. The success of the raid was largely due to his fine patrol work beforehand.'Percy Crampton enlisted initially with the Inns of Court Officer Training Regiment and was Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant from that unit on 15 September 1915. Posted to the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment he was later advanced Lieutenant on 27 July 1915. The Battalion entered the war in Flanders on 8 February 1917 with the 55th Division stationed in the Cordonnerie Sector. Their first actions were largely trenches raids launched across the lines, starting in May 1917, one of these was commanded by Crampton, the Regimental History outlines this stating:'Another raid, but on a smaller scale, took place on the 24th, when two officers- Lieutenants Crampton and Marshall- and fifteen men started off. These had just reached the enemy's support line when a German patrol was heard approaching, and the raiders divided into two parties; one charged the enemy with the bayonet and a sharp fight ensued, two Germans being killed and four captured; two of these last were wearers of the Iron Cross ribbons and all looked very fit and in good condition. Of the raiding party only one- Lieutenant P. Crampton- was wounded.'This is added too by several newspaper articles, one of which entitled 'Plucky Officer Wounded on Raiding Party' states:'From an account received by Mr. Crampton of the incident which resulted in the casualty it appears that Lieutenant Crampton and another officer, accompanied by seven men, took part in a raid on the enemy's lines. In an encounter at close quarters with six of the enemy. Lieutenant Crampton was wounded in the neck and shoulder, it is thought, by revolver fire. Two of the enemy were, however, killed, and the remainder surrendered, the whole party of six thus being accounted for. The Boches' arms and equipment, which had been thrown down, were collected and the prisoners hurried down to the enemy front line, and across No Man's Land to the British lines. It is stated that two, at least, of the Boches were wearing the ribbon of the Iron Cross; one was also wearing a Red Ribbon. Lieutenant Crampton was able to reach his own lines, with assistance, and was quickly put on a stretcher and brought to a dressing station, where first aid was given him.Has done Good Work in France.In a letter to Mr. Crampton, the Commanding Officer of the Battalion writes as follows:- "Your son was wounded severely, but I hope and trust he will be all right. He was very brave over it. He has done good work in France and some weeks back, when my second in command was killed, carried another officer out of the shelled area on his back. This, I know, will be a comfort to you. You will get news when he reaches England, and I trust you will let me know how he progresses."Lieutenant Crampton is 26 years of age and was educated at the Warrington Grammer School. At the age of 21 he was articled as a solicitor, and, up to his joining the Army, was in practice with his uncle, who is a solicitor in Leigh. Yesterday Mr. Crampton was greatly relieved to hear that his son was making satisfactory progress.'Returning to Britain, Crampton's serve injuries were treated by Harold Gillies, a New Zealand born medical officer and one of the pioneering forces behind plastic surgery. After seeing skin grafting techniques in France and America Gillies opened a ward in Cambridge where he began to develop the techniques required to treat facial injuries. Here he performed what is believed to be the first modern plastic surgery on Walter Yeo, who was wounded at the Battle of Jutland.Gillies treatment of Crampton appears to have been for a wound to the jaw, a transcript of his medical record notes 'Fractured Mandible' and 'Keloid Scar Clavicle'. The results of these surgeries are unclear however Crampton certainly survived, going on to work as a solicitor for his uncle T. R. Dootson.During the Second World War he was living near Leigh and joined the Newchurch Local Defence Volunteers. A newspaper article from the time- - in a scene that could have been called straight out of Dad's Army - makes reference to him being asked to resign after an argument with the local Rector. Rather touchingly it is related that eighty members of the L.D.V. threatened to resign if Crampton was forced out of his post; sold together with copied research.…
The scarce Sergeant-Pilot's group of eight awarded to Sergeant F. E. Nash, Royal Air Force, later Major, Royal Artillery, who shot down German Ace Paul Felsmann in 1918 and then became a Prisoner of War in the same action, coming away with a number of interesting photographs of his captivity and later wrote a diary of his experiences during the Second World WarBritish War and Victory Medals (10206. Sgt. F. E. Nash. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Territorial Decoration, dated to the reverse '1945' with second award bar dated '1949'; France, Republic, Croix de Guerre, with Palme, mounted court-style for wear, overall good very fine (8)Croix de Guerre confirmed in an amendment of The Chronicles of 55 Squadron R.F.C. - R.A.F.Frank Elliot Nash was born at Kington, Herefordshire on 26 November 1897 and settled in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire later in life. Enlisting with the Royal Flying Corps on 19 October 1915 as an Armourer he underwent Pilot Training with No. 8 Squadron being awarded his Wings on 2 April 1918. Re-mustering as a Sergeant Mechanic on 2 April 1918 he joined No 55 Squadron as a pilot flying D.H.4.s on 8 July 1918.Crash LandingWith this unit he launched a bombing mission over the Oberndorf Mauser Munitions Works on 20 July 1918 with Sergeant W. E. Baker as his observer. The Squadron was attacked by Albatros fighters with one D.H.4.- piloted by Lieutenant R. A. Butler being shot down- Baker shot down the Albatros immediately after its victory. This was likely Offizierstellvertreter Paul Felsmann, of K4b who was listed as killed in action at the same area that day.Even as they Baker emptied his weapon into Felsmann's aircraft, a second Albatros attacked, stitching the aircraft with rounds, hitting the fuselage and killing Baker. Nash's radiator was holed and hot water and steam splashed over his legs however despite this he was unharmed and managed to keep flying. The Albatros continued to press the attack with Nash remaining in formation as long as possible but, with his Observer dead, he was open and couldn't defend himself.Bullets tore through his shoulder and parts of the fuel tank lodged in his back, these wounds also knocked him unconscious and the D.H.4. dropped into a dive. Nash regained consciousness at 7,000 feet and managed to pull himself out of the plunge despite his wounded arm. This was made more difficult by the body of Baker which had fallen against his emergency stick.He levelled out only a few feet above the ground but was certainly still going down, Nash picked out a small field and attempted to lose some height. Unfortunately he hit a small ridge which tore the undercarriage out from his aircraft and he was deposited from 15 feet onto the ground. Emerging uninjured it is a mark of Nash's character that his first act was to try and remove Baker's body as he didn't want to burn it with the aircraft.His victor- either Vizefeldwebel Happer or Offizierstellvertreter Pohlmann- landed next to him and took him prisoner, offering him a 'particularly nasty cigarette' in consolation. As is often the case with bomber pilots, he needed to be protected from the citizens of the town he was bombing and it was in front of an angry mob that Nash was taken to Oberndorf Hospital, being put in the basement for his own safety. This proved to be a stroke of good luck however as he was sheltered from the second raid his squadron launched the next day when 200 tons of bombs were dropped.Prisoner of WarWhilst at the hospital he was able to attend the funeral of his observer Sergeant Baker and Lieutenant Young- whose aircraft was shot down before his- at Oberndorf cemetery. Butler, Young's observer, was not found for several weeks, having jumped from the aircraft to escape the flames. Nash was photographed at the funeral, wearing his uniform with a borrowed German cap.Taken to Tubingen Hospital he was treated there for the next two months, slowly recovering from the bullet and shrapnel wounds he had taken to his back and shoulder. Repatriated on 20 December 1918 he was further discharged on 26 March 1919.Return to the Colours - FranceNash was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 26 May 1937 with 42nd (Foresters) Anti-Aircraft Battalion. Further advanced Lieutenant after the outbreak of war on 1 August 1940, photographs sold with the lot make it clear that he was managing searchlights during this period.Promoted Captain in 1944 he joined the British Army on the continent on 22 June, his diary of events during the war describes his first sight of France stating:'Cannot accurately described the sight of Utah Beach. Literally thousands of craft of all shapes and sizes. Big battle in progress towards Caen, columns of black and purple smoke and very heavy artillery duel going on.'He goes on to describe his role in France which appears to have been rather unusual and certainly included some intelligence work:'Busy time on job. Jack-of-all-trades Interpreter, water engineer, undertaker, questioners of "Collaborators", etc. Giver out of permits to travel. Everything tranquil except for Boche night bombers thousands of prisoners going back all day to cages. Did an interrogation for Yanks, (65 P.O.W.s) could only find two who spoke German, others were Russians in German Uniforms!!'He was present for the Liberation of Paris and marvelled at the calm of the crowds, pouring into the streets and waving allied flags even as the Battle continued in the city. He gives a hair-raising account of one sticky moment when the fighting caught up with him quite alarmingly:'Moved baggage into billet about 14-00. 16-00 hours a terrible fusillade started all over the city. (De Gaulle came from Ave du [….] to Notre Dame.) Jerries and Milice arrived firing down from rooftops. About 17-30 our hotel attacked from courtyard at rear and adjoining roofs. Hardly a window left after 5 mins. Mons le Patron, wife and family very frightened. Returned fire with all available weapons Sgt Walsh (.45 Tommy) knocked one Boche from roof top into courtyard! Situation saved by arrival of platoon of F.F.I.'GermanyAdvancing swiftly through France and Belgium via Arras and Lille he was soon into Germany. Here the diary depicts yet more tension as Nash describes the reaction of the frightened and hostile population to their presence and sleeping with a loaded revolver under his pillow.He was reassigned to the Military Government Department in Diest, Belgium, being assigned to the village of Binkom. Posted to 229 (P) Military Government Department as a Staff Officer Nash was sent into Germany to help ease the administrative problems surrounding the Allied Invasion, encountering if anything greater tension than ever before. On one occasion the town in which he was billeted was strafed by several M.E.109s, with the townspeople finding themselves not only occupied but under attack by their own Luftwaffe.Stationed in Hanover he was ordered to help maintain order in the city which had been heavily damaged in its capture. Nash's diary takes up the story:'Incredible sight in Rathaus Platry [Rathausplatz], thousands milling around all wanting something! Very large proportion being German civilians reporting that (a) they had no food on accommodation, (b) their houses or what was left of them, had been plundered by DP's (c) someone had been murdered.'A volunteer police force had been recruited from the local population to try and keep order however Nash relates that '90%' of them had been killed by the time of his arrival. He cornered the leading civilian official in the town, a Dr Knibbe and 'Ordered him implicitly (Knibbe) to …
Natal Mounted PoliceRaised by Major Dartnell in 1874, the N.M.P. was never given the same opportunities as the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police, later Cape Mounted Riflemen, and the unit always had difficulty in trying to obtain proper arms and equipment. Nonetheless, it always attracted a 'very good class of recruit', and in 1877, when Shepstone annexed the Transvaal, a 25-strong N.M.P. contingent acted as his sole escort. Moreover, of those men who served in the Zulu War of 1879, over 30 of them lost their lives at Isandhlwana.256 Medals were awarded to the Natal Mounted Police, 167 of them with the '1879' clasp.The Zulu War Medal awarded to Trooper A. R. Parsons, Natal Mounted Police, who was Killed in Action at the Battle of Isandhlwana - he was perhaps the unluckiest man on the field, for he accidentally discharged his weapon and was left in camp in punishmentSouth Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (Tr. A. R. Parsons. Natal Md. Police.), nearly extremely fineExhibited:Anglo-Zulu War Society, Royal Logistic Corps HQ, 2009.Details of his sad demise is recorded by Holt in the History of the Natal Mounted Police:'Taking fifteen days' supplies on ox wagons, the column moved on to Isandhlwana on the 20th January. A month's supplies were left behind at Rorke's Drift, where a number of sick and wounded remained in hospital. The men paraded at 4 a.m. and the police acted as advance-guard. Some of them had to scout the country, keeping at least a mile from the road. They climbed up and down stony hills for miles, coming out on the plain where the Isandhlwana church now stands, the troops being halted on the nek below Isandhlwana Hill. The police had had a hard task, and were anticipating rest and food for themselves and their beasts when a Staff officer rode up and ordered Inspector Mansel to place out-posts on all the commanding hills on the east. Colonel Clarke recalls the fact that his troop was sent to an outlying ridge, and it was left there until long after dark, when a non-commissioned officer rode out and explained apologetically to the ravenous men that they had been forgotten by the Staff officer. It was then 8 p.m., and they did not reach camp until an hour later, when dinner (which consisted of biscuits and bully beef) was over.At 9.30pm Fall in for orders was sounded, and the police were informed that they had to parade at 3 a.m. with the volunteers to reconnoitre in the direction of Matyana's stronghold. The news that Major Dartnell was to be in command was received with cheers. The police, having only a few hours in which to rest, did not trouble to find their kits, and they never saw them again. All but thirty-four members of the police went off before dawn. They took no rations, being informed that they would be back at noon, when a hot meal would be provided for them. There was many a man wished, sorrowfully, afterwards, that he had put something to eat in his pocket.They covered a considerable extent of the country during the morning without getting a glimpse of the enemy, and after midday met the Native Contingent, under Colonel Lonsdale. The troopers offsaddled for a while, and then received sudden orders to move in an easterly direction, away from the main camp, where small bodies of the enemy had been reported. On a ridge near the Isipezi Mountain a few Zulus were seen, whereupon the force dismounted, while Inspector Mansel, with a small number of police, Sergeant-Major Royston, and a few of the Carbineers, galloped out to reconnoitre. It was soon seen that the enemy were there in large numbers, for they opened out until they covered the whole ridge, and dashed down the hill in an attempt to surround Inspector Mansel's party, who, however, wheeled back and escaped the impi. A trooper named Parsons, in attempting to load his revolver, accidentally discharged the weapon. His horse shied and he fell off. As a reward he was sent back to camp in disgrace, the incident causing a good deal of merriment. Parsons was killed during the attack on the camp the next day.'…
Vinyl / Box Set - 3 The Beatles box sets to include: Revolver (4 LP and 7” single set on Apple Records / Parlophone – 0602445599523, 2022 with 100 page booklet) sealed, Let It Be (5 LP set on Apple Records – 0602507138899, 2021 with 100 page booklet) sealed, Abbey Road (3 LP’s set on Apple Records – 0602508007446, 2019) EX+
REVOLVER | EUROPE, EUROPEAN | Country: Europe | Date: before 1890 | Condition: Good | Lot information | European revolver made before 1890. Compact design with open frame and short barrel. A six-chamber cylinder for pinfire or centerfire cartridges, common in civilian self-defense weapons of the late 19th century. The handle is equipped with wooden handles, the lower part is finished with a metal loop for a loop. | Dimensions | Length: 145 mm | Weight: 350 g***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** | SHIPPING ONLY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION | Bidders are obliged to inform themselves about the condition of the lots before the auction, subsequent complaints will not be taken into account.
RIFLE BREECH "LEFAUCHEUX" | FRANCE, FRENCH | Model pattern: Lefaucheux | Country: France | Date: 3rd quarter of the 19th century | Condition: Period repair on barrel, cracked ejector case, patina of metal parts | Lot information | This Lefaucheux system breech dates from the 3rd quarter of the 19th century and represents a significant step in the development of firearms through the use of a revolver drum. The gun shows a period repair on the barrel and a cracked ejector case. The metal parts bear a patina commensurate with age and frequent handling, while the elegant engraved decoration on the bascule and drum indicates precise gunsmithing. This model is an interesting example of a technical innovation of its time, which combined the advantages of a revolver mechanism with a long barrel, thereby achieving greater accuracy when shooting. | Dimensions | Length: 1045 mm | Caliber: 10 mm | Barrel: 616 mm | Weight: 1,9 kg***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** | SHIPPING ONLY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION | Bidders are obliged to inform themselves about the condition of the lots before the auction, subsequent complaints will not be taken into account.
REVOLVER | EUROPE, EUROPEAN | Country: Europe | Date: before 1890 | Condition: Mechanism non-functional, strong traces of removed corrosion | Lot information | European revolver made before 1890. Compact design with open frame and short barrel. A six-chamber cylinder for pinfire or central ignition cartridges, typical of civilian self-defense weapons of the late 19th century. The handle is fitted with wooden handles, the lower part is equipped with a metal eyelet for fastening the loop. | Dimensions | Length: 130 mm | Weight: 260 g***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** | SHIPPING ONLY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION | Bidders are obliged to inform themselves about the condition of the lots before the auction, subsequent complaints will not be taken into account.
REVOLVER | EUROPE, EUROPEAN | Country: Europe | Date: before 1890 | Condition: Barrel welded, full-surface traces of corrosion removed. Handguards replaced with non-original pieces. Mechanism probably non-functional, outer surface bears traces of long-term wear. | Lot information | European revolver made before 1890. Compact design with open frame and short barrel. A six-chamber cylinder, probably designed for pinfire or centerfire cartridges. The handle is fitted with non-original wooden handles, the lower part is equipped with a metal loop for a strap. | Dimensions | Length: 185 mm | Weight: 470 g***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** | SHIPPING ONLY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION | Bidders are obliged to inform themselves about the condition of the lots before the auction, subsequent complaints will not be taken into account.
LEFAUCHEUX REVOLVER | BELGIUM, BELGIAN | Model pattern: Lefaucheux | Country: Belgium | Date: before 1890 | Condition: Non-functional mechanism, non-original rear sight and front sight | Lot information | Revolver of the Lefaucheux system for centerfire cartridges, manufactured before 1890. Steel frame with open construction, six-shot cylinder, rifled bore barrel. The original rear sight and front sight have been replaced with non-original elements. Wooden handles with metal screws, finished with a belt ring. | Dimensions | Length: 230 mm | Weight: 650 g***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** | SHIPPING ONLY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION | Bidders are obliged to inform themselves about the condition of the lots before the auction, subsequent complaints will not be taken into account.
REVOLVER "J. GASSER" | AUSTRIA (VIENNA), AUSTRIAN | Country: Austria (Vienna) | Date: 1870 - 1898 | Marking: Torso markings of Austrian units, among others "2lstb 21". | Weapon Number: 31098 | Manufacturer: J. Gasser | Condition: Heavily damaged by corrosion, mechanism non-functional | Lot information | Austrian Gasser M1870 revolver, manufactured for the Imperial Army in Austria-Hungary. Single-action revolver with open frame, robust construction and large caliber. Handle with grooved wooden grips, the lower part finished with a metal loop for a loop. Barrel long, smooth. Cylinder with six chambers, manually rotated when cock is pulled. Signature includes torso markings of Austrian units, including "2lstb 21". Weapon number: 31098. | Dimensions | Length: 310 mm | Caliber: 11 mm | Barrel: 180 mm ***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** | SHIPPING ONLY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION | Bidders are obliged to inform themselves about the condition of the lots before the auction, subsequent complaints will not be taken into account.
REVOLVER | BELGIUM, BELGIAN | Country: Belgium | Date: 1880s | Condition: The mechanism is non-functional, the barrel is sealed, the right buttplate is cracked | Lot information | Belgian revolver made in the 1880s. Robust construction with an open frame and solid barrel. A six-chamber cylinder designed for uniform cartridges with a central ignition. The lower part of the frame is equipped with a cartridge ejector. The handle is equipped with wooden grips with knurling for a better grip. | Dimensions | Length: 230 mm | Weight: 570 g***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** | SHIPPING ONLY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION | Bidders are obliged to inform themselves about the condition of the lots before the auction, subsequent complaints will not be taken into account.
LEFAUCHEUX REVOLVER | BELGIUM, BELGIAN | Country: Belgium | Date: 1860 - 1870 | Condition: Traces of removed corrosion on the barrel, overall in a preserved condition corresponding to the age of the weapon | Lot information | Belgian revolver of the Lefaucheux system, produced in 1860-1870. Frame and lock decorated with fine engraving. The revolver uses uniform pinfire cartridges, which were popular in both civilian and military environments. Six-chamber cylinder, solid barrel with smooth finish, open frame without top yoke. Handle shanks made of wood with knurling and screw fastening. | Dimensions | Length: 225 mm | Weight: 710 g***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** | SHIPPING ONLY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION | Bidders are obliged to inform themselves about the condition of the lots before the auction, subsequent complaints will not be taken into account.
THE BEATLES: A collection of thirteen LPs to include 'Please Please Me' (PMC 1202 -1N/-1N), 'A Hard Day's Night' (PCS 3058), 'Help!' (PCS 3071, French pressing), 'Rubber Soul' (PCS 3075), 'Revolver' (PCS 7009 -1/-1), 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' (PCS 7027, no cut-outs), 'Magical Mystery Tour' (MAL-2835, US pressing), 'Let It Be' (PCS 7096), 'A Collection Of Beatles Oldies' (PCS 7016), '1962-1966' (Red Album) (SKBO 3403, Canadian pressing) and '1967-1970' (Blue Album) (PCS 7181), '20 Greatest Hits' (PCTC 260) and 'Rock 'N' Roll Music Vol.2' (MFP 50507) (13, vinyl and sleeves generally VG+ with a few dropping slightly under)
THE BEATLES: A collection of eight LPs, all early UK mono pressings with black/yellow Parlophone labels, to include 'Please Please Me' (PMC 1202 -1N/-1N), 'With The Beatles' (PMC 1206 -6N/-6N), 'A Hard Day's Night' (PMC 1230 -3N/-3N), 'Beatles For Sale' (PMC 1240 -4N/-4N), 'Help!' (PMC 1255 -2/-2), 'Rubber Soul' (PMC 1267 -4/-4), 'Revolver' (PMC 7009 -2/-2) and 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' with psychedelic red inner and cut-outs insert (PMC 7027 -1/-1). Together with 'Magical Mystery Tour' double 7" EP (MMT 1) (9, vinyl generally VG, sleeves generally VG+)
A London Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver. SN 8249, 10½” overall, 5” octagonal barrel with bead fore sight and London Proofs. 2 line address: “ADDRESS COL COLT LONDON” 5 shot cylinder with stage coach hold-up scene, silver plated iron backstrap and trigger guard, numbered on all parts 8249, walnut grips.
Vinyl records: 19 x The Beatles and members' solo LP album records - including George Harrison 'Wonderwall Music' (SAPCOR 1); The White Album (PMC 7067/8), no. 0290196 (sleeve poor); Imagine x 2 (PAS 1004); A Hard Day's Night x 2 (mono, PMC 1230); With The Beatles (mono, PMC 1206); Please Please Me (mono, PMC 1202); Revolver (PCS 7009); Help! (mono, PMC 1255); Double Fantasy (K99131); Ram (PAS 10003); Wings at the Speed of Sound (PAS 10010); Rubber Soul (mono, PMC 1267); John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (PCS 7124); Let It Be (PCS 7096); Beatles For Sale (mono, PMC 1240); The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl (EMTV 4); All Things Must Pass (STCH 1/2-639).
A handcrafted, small-batch barrel-aged cocktail, the Velvet Revolver is a unique blend featuring Basil Hayden Bourbon, Cocchi Sweet Vermouth, Nola Coffee Liqueur, and locally roasted coffee beans. Aged for 42 days and bottled by Batch Hospitality Group, this cocktail is presented in a wax-sealed bottle, hand-numbered as Batch 1, Bottle No. 17. The label showcases vintage-inspired typography and imagery, reflecting the spirit of artisanal craftsmanship. Produced in Florida, this limited-release cocktail is a standout collector's piece for cocktail enthusiasts and whiskey aficionados alike.Issued: 20th centuryDimensions: 9.5"HCountry of Origin: United States In-house shipping from Lion and Unicorn is not available for this lot. Winning Bidders will have to arrange to pick up their purchases at the Lion and Unicorn Auction Studios at 200 Oakwood Ln. Suite 200 Hollywood, Florida 33020, or make arrangements with their own third-party shipper. A local third-party shipper that can be contacted directly for a domestic shipping quote is: First Class Shipping Center 7826 NW 44th Street Sunrise, FL 33351 Tel: 754-800-7674 Fax : 954-999-5166 Email: 1shippingcenter@gmail.com https://www.1shippingcenter.comCondition: Age related wear.
A collection of The Beatles and similar LPs/7" Singles, to include; The Beatles - Please Please Me (1983 UK Mono, Crossover pressing Black & Gold Label, Dick James credit on A1/A2 Only), Paul Hardcastle - Just For Money (1985 UK 7", Blue Label, back of sleeve credit to Laurence Olivier is Miss-pelt as Lawrence Olivier), lot also includes The Beatles titles; Revolver & With The Beatles (Early Presses) and HELP! (70's Reissue). Conditions appear from Poor to Very Good (generally poorer on older The Beatles presses) within generally Poor to Good Plus sleeves. See photo.
A Great War anti-U-boat operations D.S.M. group of three awarded to 2nd Hand J. H. Crumpton, Royal Naval Reserve, who was decorated for his gallant deeds in the Sea King – ex-Q-ship Remexo - in June 1917, when she successfully attacked with depth charges and sank the UC-66 off the Lizard Distinguished Service Medal G.V.R. (SD.3186 J. H. Crumpton, 2nd Hd. R.N.R. “Sea King” English Channel, 12 June 1917); British War and Victory Medals (SD.3186 J. H. Crumpton. 2nd Hd. R.N.R.) mounted court-style for display, nearly extremely fine (3) £1,200-£1,600 (3) £1,200-£1,600 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- D.S.M. London Gazette 31st July 1919: ‘For services in action with enemy submarines.’ Note: Award delayed as destruction of submarine not confirmed until May 1919. Jesse Henry Crumpton was born in Rochester, Kent on 25 June 1883, and enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve in November 1915. He saw no seagoing service until the following year, when he served in H.M. Trawlers Moray and Lorna Doone, following which, in May 1917, he joined the Sea King (Ex-Q-ship Remexo) under Lieutenant-Commander Godfrey Herbert, D.S.O., R.N.; the latter had already gained notoriety for his uncompromising command of the Q-ship Baralong, not least in her close encounter with the U-27 in August 1915. Of Sea King’s subsequent action against the UC-66 in the Channel on 12 June 1917, Keeble Chatterton’s Amazing Adventure takes up the story: ‘Admiral Luard, the Senior Naval Officer at Falmouth, had received a report that night of a submarine's presence somewhere near the Lizard and ordered Herbert's flotilla off to sea. This sudden alteration of routine, after coming into port and stand-off, was something of a surprise. Men were below taking their well-earned rest and looking forward to a walk ashore in the morning. “I immediately sent a signal to prepare for sea,” Herbert still remembers, “but had some difficulty getting the orders to my friend Buchanan in the Sea Sweeper. After several attempts failed, I fired my revolver at his waterline, which quickly did the trick and we sailed on time.” Through the dark and still summer’s night they all four steamed out past old Pendennis Castle, Helford River’s mouth, the Manacles, and so to the Gaunt Lizard. “We spent a gorgeous middle-watch in perfect weather, and at sunrise I thought to myself how many City workers would have given £10 a minute to be yachting with us.” The dark hours passed, and the dawn of a beautiful day revealed the channel in its kinder mood with shipping going up and down on its lawful occasions. No submarine, however, in sight! Perhaps just one more of those numerous yarns which never came to anything? None the less, you could never be sure, and it was generally supposed that somewhere between the Lizard and Kynance Cove U-boats were fond of going to rest on the bottom. So long as she was down below with engines stopped these four Trawlers would only waste their hours. Besides, the sun had risen, it was time the enemy rose likewise and did something. So Herbert decided to wake him up. “At 4.30 a.m.,” he relates, “I dropped a baby depth charge on a known submarine resting ground not far from Kynance Cove, with the objective of stirring to life any somnolent Hun and incidentally, desiring some fresh fish for breakfast.” During the forenoon, all four trawlers were keeping watch south of the Lizard, listening keenly with their hydrophones. So far nothing had been seen, nothing heard. The Sea King and her sisters seemed to have been brought on a fool’s errand. But at 11.30 a.m. when 2½ miles south east of the headland, “I spotted about 400 yards away, two or three points off my port bow, the periscope, stanchion, and jumper stay of a submarine travelling westward at about 4 or 5 knots. Having seen that stay, I could judge her course much more easily than if only her periscope had been visible. I concluded that her captain had probably just been taking a bearing from the Lizard, and as I turned towards him he dived. At once I hoisted in the Sea King a signal to turn eight points, though this was not taken by all the flotilla. But we all wasted not a second letting-go 16 large depth charges and 64 smaller ones. “It was an exciting moment whilst these were exploding. There was very little time for any signals, and the manner in which the whole flotilla dropped their bombs was admirable. No one could tell exactly where the enemy existed: all I knew was that she lay very near, and it was a barrage which did the trick. Every charge detonated perfectly, all explosions were very heavy, and one sent up water three times the height of any others.” As the tide off the Lizard has, at its maximum, a velocity of 3 knots, a fresh breeze blowing against this soon kicks up a nasty sea. For most of the year there will be found off here a rough tumble of waves and unpleasant jobble: the worst conditions for hydrophone operations. This forenoon, however, the tide was running at about 2 knots to the eastward, and everything remained calm under the favourable weather. To leeward of the enemy there rose up a quantity of oil. The depth charges had beyond all questioning, burst the submarine, set off her mines and torpedoes. Not one German body came to the surface. “The Admiralty instructions,” adds Herbert facetiously, “were very carefully designed to prevent more than one large depth charge being ready at any given moment. Whilst each of us had four, the official orders were that one of these big types was to be ready on deck, but the remainder below unprimed. However, I realized that such levels of precaution were not warranted and, consequently, we all kept our big charges primed and ready “in case”. During the general melee which followed my signal ordering a turn to port, we somehow managed to have one collision, through a helmsman’s misunderstanding, but the damage was very slight. After the sea had regained its calm from the underwater disturbance, we stopped our engines and listened on our hydrophones. It was ideal for hearing any movement, but nothing came through, not a sound reached us. Had she survived, our expert listeners would certainly have detected her under way. The depth at this spot was 40 fathoms, so she could not have rested on the bottom voluntarily. Finally, after hanging about the locality during several hours, we returned to Falmouth, were I reported the affair to Admiral Luard.” Months passed, the Armistice came and went, and at the end of May 1919 - almost two years since the event - an official letter reached Herbert from the Lords of the Admiralty “that it is now known that the submarine in question, UC-66, commanded by Herbert Pustkuchen, was destroyed with the loss of all hands.” This announcement set every doubt at rest, although as a submarine officer himself he had been convinced all the while that the German perished utterly. During the year 1917, Herbert had been at last promoted to Commander, and now for his Lizard victory received a Bar to his Baralong D.S.O. Lieutenant Buchanan was awarded the D.S.C. and two of the crew the D.S.M.’ And one of them was Crumpton, who was demobilised in March 1919.
A Second World War ‘Burma operations - Battle of Legyi’ stretcher bearer’s M.M. group of six awarded to Private H. C. Jesty, 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5723746 Pte. H. C. Jesty. Dorset. R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (5723746 Pte. H. C. Jesty. M.M. R.A.M.C.) edge bruising, otherwise generally very fine or better (6) £1,400-£1,800 --- M.M. London Gazette 17 January 1946. The original recommendation states: ‘Burma 16 Feb - 15 May 1945. During the period under review, Pte. Jesty has been a stretcher bearer in ‘C’ Coy, 2 Dorset. Throughout the first ten weeks of the period the Bn. was engaged continuously in active operations in the Mandalay Plain. Pte. Jesty took part in every battle, and consistently displayed outstanding personal gallantry and devotion to duty. At Legyi on 5 Apr., a number of Japanese infiltrated into the Bn. perimeter during the night, and harassed some posns, including the R.A.P. When two Japanese attacked the R.A.P Pte. Jesty himself killed one with his revolver at very close range, the other being subsequently dealt with by a neighbouring sec. of ‘C’ Coy. Pte. Jesty displayed the utmost coolness, and his prompt action undoubtedly prevented cas. in the R.A.P. At Leygi on 11 Apr., Pte. Jesty’s Coy posn. was heavily shelled. Pte. Jesty attended cas. spread over a wide area, quite regardless of his personal safety, at a time when it was courting death to move from the comparative cover of a slit trench. In more than one trench Pte. Jesty was confronted with the task of not only attending the cas., but of encouraging and administering to other occupants whose nerves had been affected by the severe shelling. He succeeded in this most difficult task by sheer force of character and determination. On these and many other occasions Pte. Jesty’s high courage, skill, initiative and devotion to duty were an example to his fellow stretcher bearers, and a great comfort to casualties. His conduct at all times would have been worthy of a soldier many times his senior in rank, and for a private solider was quite outstanding.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 10 January 1946 [Burma]. Henry Charles Jesty served as a stretcher bearer with ‘C’ Company, 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment in Burma, February - May 1945.
Original vintage propaganda poster Evolution of Portable Firearms / Evolution des armes a feu portatives, featuring numbered illustrations of various guns, rifles and firearms including - petrinal, arquebus, chenapan, miquelet, barrel weapon, forsyth, pistol, revolver gun, pepperbox, Colt, Adams, Sharp, Lefaucheux, Smith & Wesson, Gatling, Volcanic Henry, Springfield & Allen, Westerli, Mannlicher, Maxim, Browning, Borchardt, Bener-Mercier, Villar-Perosa, Saint-Etienne, and Thompson, with figures of soldiers in the bottom. Good condition, folds, creasing, staining, pinholes, backed on old linen. Country of issue: France, designer: Unknown, size (cm): 60x43, year of printing: 1972
Colt M1851 Navy Percussion Revolver In Contemporary Colt Box .36 cal, 7 1/2 inch, octagonal barrel. Top flat marked "Address Saml Colt, Hartford CT". Lower swivel loading rod. Six shot cylinder with faint engraved naval battle scene and "Colts Patent 96903". Steel frame marked to the left side "Colts Patent". Steel spur hammer. Brass trigger guard and grip frame with traces of plating. Polished wooden grips. Serial numbers to barrel, frame, guard and butt all match "96903". Old, brass, museum tag numbered "207". Contained in a contemporary, polished mahogany case. The lid with brass cartouche. Interior lid with printed loading label. Lower case with refitted compartments containing steel, Colts Patent bullet mould for ball and conical shot ... Copper and brass pistol priming flask by "James Dixon & Sons Sheffield", normally used in London cased pistols ... Tin of Colt patent, percussion caps by Eley Bros ... Well made, steel replacement cleaning rod. Colt number 96903 dates from 1860 Payment by Bank Transfer ONLY
Mid 19th Century Percussion Pepperbox Revolver 120 bore, 2 3/4 inch, six shot, fluted cylinder barrel. Rear percussion nipples. Rounded steel body with traces of engraving. Top bar percussion hammer. Steel trigger guard and grip frame with oval butt cap. Replaced, checkered wooden slab grips. Action AF. Payment by Bank Transfer ONLY
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