A First World War group of three medals, including the Territorial Force War Medal, consisting of: British War Medal and Victory Medal named to: Lieut H E M Swan and Territorial Force War Medal named to: 2 Lieut H E M Swan S Lan R (South Lancashire Regiment). Hugh Edward Montgomery Swan was born in Brockweir, Monmouthshire in 1892. He served in France and Egypt during the First World War and was wounded on 31/10/1918. He transferred to the Royal Corps of Signals in 1920 and later served in India where he was promoted to the rank of Major and was awarded the India General Service Medal 1936 with clasp ‘North West Frontier 1937-39’. He retired in 1942 on the grounds of ill health but survived to reach the age of 95 when he died in Devon in 1987. Twenty eight Territoral Force War Medals were issued to S Lan R of which twelve were to officers. With some biographical details, copy MIC and IGS 1936 medal roll.
A collection of carded Star Wars Admiral Ackbar figures, later issue, comprising three 'Force Awakens', one 'Bend-Ems' and two novelty examples, all signed by Tim Rose, together with a signed Howard the Duck novelty mug (boxed) and assorted loose Star Wars small collectables. From the personal collection of Tim Rose, Animatronic Designer, Performer & Puppeteer, best known for his role as Admiral Ackbar in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983). Tim also puppeteered the characters of Sy Snoodles and Salacious B. Crumb, and worked on other projects with George Lucas and Jim Henson. Tim Rose's iMDb profile
A Collection of Star Wars The Force Awakens Figurines with Oirignal Packaging, Including Tie Fighter, Rey's Speeder (Jakku) & More, Included toys are Finn, Han Solo & Tasu Leech (All without accessories) Rey's Speeder (Jakku) TIE Fighter TIE Fighter Pilot Elite
A Volunteer Force Long Service Medal (India), GVR issue. Named in attractive flowing engraved script to: Corpl E A Henderson O & R Ry Voltr Rifles (Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway Volunteer Rifles). The Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway Volunteer Rifles was formed in 1903 by the amalgamation of the Oudh Rifle Volunteer Corps and the Rohilkhand Volunteer Rifle Corps. The unit was redesignated the 25th Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway Battalion in 1917. Good very Fine (GVF) condition.
A Royal Humane Society bronze medal awarded to Warrant Officer J. P. Martin, Royal Navy, who later attested for the Australian Expeditionary Force at the outbreak of the Great War Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (John P. Martin, A.B., H.M.S. “Briton.” 7th. Novr. 1885.) lacking integral bronze riband buckle, nearly very fine £160-£200 --- R.H.S. Case No. 23,608. The Eastern Evening News of 2 September 1887 gives the following account: ‘The silver medal granted to Lieutenant Ernest James Fleet, R.A., and the bronze medal to John Philip Martin, second captain of the quarterdeck, and Lawrence Hennessy, A.B., all of Her Majesty’s ship Briton , for saving the life of R. G. Brice, A.B., off the East African coast. The first cutter, whilst in tow of the steam cutter, was upset amongst the breakers, but the crew were picked up with the exception of Brice, who was seen some distance off in distress. Lieutenant Fleet jumped overboard and swam 150 yards to his assistance, but the surf was so strong that they both had to cling to the swamped boat. Martin and Hennessy then swam out in turn, the latter with a life buoy, by the help of which Brice was ultimately rescued’ John Philip Martin was born at Cawsand, Cornwall, on 1 January 1861, the second child of fisherman John Bral Martin of Rame. His obituary, published in The Hampshire Telegraph & Post on 24 September 1937, states: ‘Horndean Resident’s Death - Retired Naval Warrant Officer’s Interesting Career. Old Horndean sustained another loss on September 15, in the person of Mr. John Philip Martin, an ex-naval warrant officer, who died suddenly at his residence in St. Ann’s Road. Mr. Martin, who was in his 77th year, was well known and highly respected. He had led an adventurous and useful life, and endeared himself to all with whom he had come into contact. In 1876 he joined H.M.S. Impregnable , and the following year was transferred to H.M.S. Condor , and saw service in the Black Sea. During the Sudan War, while serving with H.M.S. Briton , he was awarded the [Egypt and] Sudan Medal and [Khedive’s] Star. He was promoted in 1886 to Petty Officer following gallantry in saving the lives of the crew of a cutter, and also rescuing Able Seaman R. G. Brice, at the risk of his own life, by swimming out into the breakers and supporting him till help arrived. He was promoted to warrant rank six months before time for conspicuous service, when his ship was caught in a gale in the Pacific. Later, as a Warrant Officer with a landing party, he assisted in capturing Benin City, and in 1897 was awarded the [East and West] Africa Medal and Benin Clasp. He also saw service as coxswain of a cutter engaged in suppressing the slave trade near Pemba Island, East Coast of Africa. Retiring from the Royal Navy on pension in 1900, he became a licensee of the Inn at Hog’s Lodge, Horndean. In 1912, the lust for travel again became all conquering in him, and he went to Australia. In 1914, when war broke out, he enlisted in the Australian Expeditionary Force, and came back to England, where he was on home service until 1919. He then settled down in Horndean again.’ ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.noonans.co.uk
A Second War Mentioned in Despatches group of three attributed to Sergeant E. Herman, Woman’s Auxiliary Air Force, who later served at Bletchley Park and ‘Y’ Station, Sheringham, Norfolk, and is also believed to have served with the Special Operations Executive 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, unnamed as issued, court mounted for display purposes, very fine (3) £180-£220 --- M.I.D. London Gazette , 14 January 1944. Edita ‘Dita’ Herman was born into a wealthy Jewish family in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1920. Having arrived alone in England as a refugee shortly before the start of the Second War, she attested into the Czechoslovakian section of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and was fluent in Czech, Russian, German and English. Advanced Sergeant, she was Mentioned in Despatches on 14 January 1944 and saw later service at Bletchley Park and ‘Y’ Station, Sheringham, Norfolk. Converting to Roman Catholicism, she later learnt that, excepting one cousin, her entire family had perished during the Holocaust. Post-War she continued to serve and met her husband William Balmer M.C., at Celle, Germany, in 1946. They later married in Corby, Northamptonshire, in 1948, and eventually settled in Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne, where she died, aged 91, on 25 June 2012. At the memorial mass held in her memory, her eulogy referred to her service behind enemy lines on three occasions during the Second War, ostensibly as a member of the Special Operations Executive, which may possibly account for the award of a Mention in Despatches; however, this is unconfirmed and requires further research and is thus sold accordingly. In July 2009, she was awarded a GC & CS Bletchley Park and Outstations Badge, which is sold with this lot, together with its original box of issue, and a photocopy of the named award certificate. Also sold with copied research, a photocopy photograph of the recipient in uniform, a large file of copied research including copied correspondence from family members, two copies of her memorial mass card, an RAF Cap Badge and two cloth badges. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.noonans.co.uk
A Royal Air Force sweetheart brooch set with diamonds and emeralds, with an enamelled St. Edward's crown, the wings and applied RAF cypher are fully encrusted with single-cut diamonds, and a wreath highlighted with circular-cut emeralds, brooch fittings to verso, Birmingham assay marks for 18ct gold, sponsor's mark for Cropp and Farr, measuring 7.0 cm wide, total weight 10.0 grams.
A Second War ‘Malta convoy’ C.B.E. group of nine awarded to Captain E. G. Jeffery, Chief of Staff of Vice-Admiral Sir James Somerville, commanding Force “H”, previously mentioned in despatches for the Bismarck action The Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) 2nd type, neck badge in its Garrard & Co case of issue, enamel damaged on one arm; British War and Victory Medals (S. Lt. E. G. Jeffery. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, unless otherwise stated, good very fine (9) £600-£800 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, June 1999, as a group of eight and since reunited with missing Victory Medal. C.B.E. London Gazette 25 November 1941. For Operations ‘Substance’ and ‘Style’ (Gibraltar to Malta Convoy, 21 July - 4 August 1941). Originally put forward for a Mention in Despatches, it was subsequently proposed that Jeffery be given the D.S.O., but in the end he was awarded the C.B.E. The following recommendation is taken from Admiralty records: ‘Captain Eric Gordon Jeffery, R.N., Chief of Staff of Vice-Admiral Somerville. F.O. Force ‘H’ particularly brings to notice the name of his Chief of Staff, Captain E. G. Jeffery. He states: ‘This officer was responsible for the preparation of detailed plans to deal with the complicated and tightly adjusted programmes required for these operations, in which secrecy had to be maintained to the fullest degree. The smoothness and precision with which the refuelling of all units and the embarkation of stores and personnel were carried out bear witness to his admirable judgement and foresight which I have previously had occasion to commend to their Lordships in connection with other successful operations.’ It will be recollected that F.O. Force ‘H’ strongly recommended Captain Jeffery for recognition in connection with the Bismarck operation. I think this strong recommendation now received entitles this most able officer to the award of a D.S.O.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 14 October 1941 ( Bismarck action). Admiral Somerville, Flag Officer Force “H”, originally put Jeffery forward for the D.S.O. for this action, a recommendation that was reinforced when submitting awards for Operations ‘Substance’ and ‘Style’. M.I.D. London Gazette 6 January 1942 (Operation ‘Halberd’ - Gibraltar to Malta Convoy, 24-28 September 1941). Captain Eric Gordon Jeffery tragically died in October 1941; after appearing his usual cheerful self in the Wardroom of the flagship Rodney , he was later discovered in the bathroom, having hanged himself. Sold with copies from Admiralty records covering all three awards, and Admiral Somerville’s 11-page report on the part played by Force “H” in the destruction of the Bismarck. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.noonans.co.uk
A US Korean War Air Force Sextant This is a genuine US Sextant from the Korean War. I am told this one is called a periscopic Sextant. It is complete, has been serviced and is in working condition. It comes in its original timber box with Leather carry handle and makers plaques... how often would you come across on of these ? The Box measures 42cm by 26cm and 19cm high
dating: First half of the 20th Century provenance: Kingdom of Italy, Straight, double-edged blade, slightly ribbed, engraved on half of its length on an opaque background, featuring an eagle, trophies and Savoy coat of arms, an aeronautical eagle under crown and floral motifs. With marks 'ME FECIT SOLINGEN' at the tang, 'CARL EICKHORN SOLINGEN' on one side and 'LUIGI PAOLETTI LIVORNO' on the other side. Wing-shaped, gilded-brass hilt. Long cap shaped as an eagle's head with button worked as a crown. Black grip with brass wire binding. Leather scabbard, gilt brass mounts. Two lugs. Complete with sword knot, clutches and green cloth case. length 92 cm.
Law.- Rastell (William, editor) A collection in English, of the statutes nowe in force, continued from the beginning of Magna Charta, made in the 9. yeere of the reigne of King H.3. vntill the ende of the 23. yeere of the reigne of our gratious Queene Elizabeth, double column, black letter, woodcut decorative initials, D10 and 4A8 blank, large woodcut royal arms above colophon, lacking title, A2, K4, 2A4&5 and ¶¶¶2-4, A3&4 frayed and torn with loss of text, A5-B1 lower corners frayed without loss of text, final f. with marginal fraying, mostly marginal water-staining, occasional spotting or staining, lightly browned, modern calf-backed marbled boards, spine in compartments and with black leather label, [STC 9315.5], folio, [By Christopher Barker, Printer to the Queenes most excellent Maiestie], [?1583]. sold not subject to return. ⁂ Includes archery, armour, bankrupts, beggars, fairs & markets, husbandry, servants and labourers.
A SECOND WAR PERIOD NAVAL AIR FORCE SWORD, 79cm blade etched with scrolling foliage, Royal arms and crowned fouled anchor, regulation brass hilt, the folding side guard stamped with the owner's name K.S.L. Bell, lion's head pommel, wire bound fishskin grip, contained in its engraved brass mounted leather scabbard. Bell was a trained Swordfish pilot who was killed in action during a bombing raid on Maritza aerodrome on Rhodes.
A collection of Mauchline Ware comprising six napkin ring of varying sizes, Scalebar Force, Settle; The Sands & Gordons Bay, Somerset Strand; Wellington Pier, Yarmouth; The Piers, Jetty & Esplanade, Great Yarmouth; Bournemouth from the Pier; The Sands, Marine Hotel, Somerset Strand, various boxes to include a chest, Tunbridge Wells, etc (15)
A rare post-War ‘military division’ O.B.E. group of six awarded to Group Captain, late Warrant Officer, W. A. H. Cullum, Royal Air Force and Royal Indian Air Force, who was twice mentioned in despatches for services during the Second World War, and served as Chief Signals Officer for the newly independent Royal Indian Air Force, 1947-50 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type, breast badge, silver-gilt; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (W/O. W. A. Cullum. R.A.F.); Indian Independence 1947 (35201 Gp. Capt. W. A. H. Cullum, R.A.F.) mounted for display on card, light contact marks overall, therefore very fine (6) £600-£800 --- O.B.E. London Gazette 2 January 1950, the original recommendation states (signed by Air Marshal T. W. Elmhirst, the Commander in Chief R.I.A.F., A.H.Q. New Delhi, India): ‘Group Captain Cullum is now performing the duties of Director of Signals and Radar (i.e. Chief Signals Officer) for the Royal Indian Air Force. He has carried out these duties for the 2 years that the Indian Air Force has been in being as an independent Service. In the performance of his duties Group Captain Cullum has done outstanding successful work quite beyond which would be expected of a normal Wing Commander of the R.A.F. Signals Branch. During the period he has been its head the Indian Air Force Signals branch has had to be built up from new foundations. This work has included the provision of a Point to Point Wireless Signal Service, “Line” Signals Services, Radar Services and the training of officers and men. In addition “Field” Signals Services have had to be arranged for the Air Force operating in Kashmir, Hyderabad and Kathiawar. All this work, which has been well done, has entailed the closest co-operation with the Signals departments of the Indian Army, Civil Aviation, Posts and Telegraphs, etc. Group Captain Cullum has made and maintained the friendliest co-operation with these other departments. I consider that Group Captain Cullum’s work has been of great value to the Indian Government and Air Force and as such also has reflected credit on the Royal Air Force Signals Branch and I strongly recommend him for the award of the Order of the British Empire, grade of Officer (Military).’ M.I.D. London Gazette 11 July 1940 and 1 January 1941. W. A. H. Cullum was born in July 1901. He joined the Royal Air Force and advanced to Warrant Officer in April 1936 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in March 1937). Cullum served as Squadron Warrant Officer with 74 Squadron at Hal Far from November 1935. He was posted to R.A.F. Grantham (5 Bomber Group) in October 1937, and commissioned Flying Officer in March 1938. Cullum was posted to R.A.F. Mount Batten (16 Reconn. Group) in July of the same year, advanced to Flight Lieutenant and was M.I.D. twice during the Second World War. Cullum advanced to Wing Commander in July 1947, and was attached as Acting Group Captain to the Royal Indian Air Force, August 1947 - January 1950. Having returned to the UK, Cullum was posted as Wing Commander Signals, Air Staff, H.Q. Maintenance Command, Andover in November 1950. He was subsequently employed as Wing Commander Training (Ground), Home Command at White Waltham. Cullum was employed as a Technical Officer with the Ordnance Board in 1958, and died in October 1958. The Indian Independence Medal is rare to the Royal Air Force, and especially so to such a high ranking officer. It is quite exceptional for men from the ranks to rise to the rank of Group Captain, and rarer still to see this reflected in the naming of their medals. Sold with copied research. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.noonans.co.uk
A Great War M.C. and Second Award Bar group of four awarded to Captain F. A. Morrell, East Kent Regiment, late Straits Settlements Volunteer Force Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse inscribed ‘Capt. F. A. Morrell Presented by H.M. The King at Buckingham Palace’, with Second Award Bar; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. F. A. Morrell.); Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal, G.V.R. (Captain F. A. Morrell, M.C., S.S.V.F.) good very fine (4) £1,600-£2,000 --- M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1918. M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 16 September 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy had penetrated between our defences, he organised and carried out with his company two counter attacks, driving them back. Two days afterwards, seeing that the flank of the Battalion on his right was exposed, he immediately counter attacked and improved the situation, being severely wounded during the operation.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 18 December 1917. Frederick Alexander Morrell served as a Lance-Corporal in the Malay Straits Volunteer Rifles at Singapore 1914-15 (ineligible for Star). He served in France as a Captain in the East Kent Regiment from 12 April 1916. The Regimental History refers to him “taking post in the front line” at Bully Grenay, 3 miles west of Loos, amongst the coal mines, on 27 March 1917. On 28th July the Battalion was heavily engaged in the Battle of Pilkem Ridge, a carefully planned attack to gain the high ground to the east of Ypres. On 2nd August, with the attack continuing, when relieved by another Bn. and withdrawing in the dark, over very heavy and unknown ground “Captain Morrell was slightly wounded”. After further heavy fighting and due to the inability to provide replacements for the considerable casualties, on 21 January 1918 the Battalion was disbanded. He then joined the 7th Battalion, only 550 strong, many of them from the 8th Battalion, on the eve of the Great German Offensive on the night of 21 March, at Vendeuil, south of St Quentin. At 0445 hours intense hostile shelling began and at first many of the shells were gas-laden. Thick fog led to the defences being penetrated, but the Fort and Clarence Keep held. The history states “D Company under Captain Morrell... made a fine counter attack and drove the Germans back at a critical time.” On the 22nd at 0110 hours, a general withdrawal was ordered to positions west of the St Quentin Canal. The Buffs reformed in a wood just south of Rouez. There was confused fighting, where nothing beyond 50 yards could be observed. “Both Capt. Morrell and 2nd Lieut. Halliday were badly wounded. Both were very gallant officers and a great loss at such a time.” Captain Morrell was awarded a Bar to his M.C. for this action. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.noonans.co.uk
Self-defence.- Walker (Donald) Defensive exercises; comprising wrestling, as in Cumberland, Westmoreland, Cornwall, and Devonshire; Boxing,...defence against brute force...Fencing and Broad Sword, first edition, half-title, 5 wood-engraved plates, of which 1 folding, numerous wood-engraved illustrations in text, 4pp. advertisements at end, occasional spotting or light staining, 19th century bookplate and ink signatures of John Heron, original blind-stamped and gilt pictorial cloth, spine faded, head of spine and corners very slightly frayed, rubbed, [Magriel 41; Hartley 1904], scarce, Thomas Hurst, 1840; and another, Self-defence, 12mo & 8vo (2)
NO RESERVE Turkey.- Sandys (George) Sandys travells, containing an history of the original and present state of the Turkish Empire: their laws, government, policy, military force, courts of justice, and commerce, sixth edition, engraved double-page map, folding panorama and numerous illustrations in text, lacking additional pictorial title, title with small piece from upper corner (affecting part of border), stained and laid down, map trimmed to just within platemark (affecting some numbering), with a couple of short tears and laid down, panorama outer margin trimmed just within border and with split at 1 fold, final f. outer margin repaired, some spotting and staining, lightly browned, modern half morocco, spine in compartments and with basic leather label, [Wing S679], small folio, Printed for Rob. Clavel, Tho. Passinger, Will. Cadman [& others], 1670; and 3 others, 17th (defective) & 19th century Travel, v.s. (4) sold not subject to return.
A small collection of Royal Air Force collectables comprising a Royal Air Force commemorative ashtray inscribed 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few Winston S Churchill | MADE FROM A ROLLS ROYCE "MERLIN" ENGINE PISTON AS USED IN THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN-AUGUST-OCTOBER 1940', 13.5cm diameter; forage cap; poster - ON TO VICTORY AIR CREWS WANTED R.A.A.F - Urgently; boxed Chobert Riveter "A" type, with booklets etc. (4)
A collection of Mauchline Ware comprising six napkin ring of varying sizes, Scalebar Force, Settle; The Sands & Gordons Bay, Somerset Strand; Wellington Pier, Yarmouth; The Piers, Jetty & Esplanade, Great Yarmouth; Bournemouth from the Pier; The Sands, Marine Hotel, Somerset Strand, various boxes to include a chest, Tunbridge Wells, etc (15)
Vernickelte zweischneidige Klinge mit langer Fehlschärfe. Das Messinggefäß (verformt) mit Adlerkopfkappe ohne Glasaugen, auf dem Rücken aufgelegtem Staatswappen und einer propellerförmigen Parierstange mit aufgelegtem silbernen Sternmotor sowie teils schwarz lackiertem Holzgriff. In Resten belederte Eisenscheide mit Messingbeschlägen. Länge 24 cm. Deutliche Altersspuren. Condition: II - III
Vernickelte, zweischneidige Klinge mit ellipsenförmigem Querschnitt und beidseitigen Zierätzungen auf teils gebläutem Grund sowie Herstellerlogo. Das Messinggefäß mit Adlerkopfkappe (rote Glasaugen), auf dem Rücken aufgelegtem Staatswappen und einer propellerförmigen Parierstange mit aufgelegtem silbernen Sternmotor sowie schwarz lackiertem Holzgriff. In schwarz belederter Eisenscheide mit Messingbeschlägen. Komplett mit dem seltenen Gehänge. Länge 25 cm. Condition: II +
A George V Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, A George V Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, named to 202 220 PTE. V G Whatley 4/Dorset.R, with ribbon, together with a collection of commemorative medals and coins, including three King George VI and Queen Elizabeth 1937 Coronation Medals, with ribbons, a George V and Queen Mary 1935 Silver Jubilee Medal, a 1951 Festival of Britain George IV Crown, a 1949 10 Years of Safe Driving Medal, and similar examples (qty.)
A white metal, glasses case, with the SAS WHO DARES WINS emblem on it. AND An aviators pair of sunglasses in a case with the Logo U.S. AIR FORCE. Both items are in mint-unused condition.
Fester Karton mit schwarzer Einfassung und Herstellerstempelung von Mauer/Wien, darauf aufgeklebt 17 Tätigkeitsabzeichen in überwiegend maschinengestickter Ausführung für Mannschaften/Unteroffiziere, darunter ein Beobachter- und ein Bordschützenabzeichen. Mottenspuren. Condition: I - II
A set of Force Skilog polished cast iron scales, A set of Force Skilog polished cast iron scales, with circular detachable trays, 46cm wide, together with a similar japanned example, 42cm wide (2)
A Sterling Silver US Army Air Force Senior Parachutist Pin Marked Length: 4 cm Condition: For a detailed condition report, please contact us at info@hammersite.com
*China, Air Force Order of Ch’ien Yuan in silver-gilt and enamels, reverse with raised inscription and numbered No. 586, 49mm, in case of issue, extremely fine, with related riband bar
A box of vintage collectables, a pair of Wildsmith of Jermyn St spurs, two horseshoes, Georgian silver fruit knife with mother-of-pearl handle, metal vestas and watch albert, a pair of mother-of-pearl opera glasses, crucifix, Army Cadet Force badge, etc
First printing of the Isle of Man Statutes.- Stowell (Thomas) The statutes and ordinances of the Isle of Man, now in force, alphabetically arranged. By T. Stowell, Advocate. Most humbly Inscribed To the Honourable Alexander Shaw, Esq. Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor Of the Isle of Man, Douglas, 2 errata ff. at end, inter-leaved, with the odd note, library stamps to title, water-stained, some spotting and finger-marking, library cloth, black and red leather labels to spine, marked, 8vo, C. Briscoe, 1792. ⁂ The rare first printed compilation of Manx Statutes. ESTC records only four works printed by a Briscoe at Douglas in the 18th century. Provenance: John Llewellyn (ink signatures, one dated 1803).
A Second War 1943 ‘North Africa’ M.M. group of six awarded to Aircraftman 1st Class R. Quigley, 2744 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, who was awarded the Military Medal for dismounting a Bren light machine-gun from his knocked out armoured car and engaging an enemy attack until his ammunition was expended; he subsequently evaded capture in no-man’s land supporting a wounded comrade for 24 hours Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1513587 A.C.M. 1 Cl. R. Quigley. R.A.F.) on original mounting pin; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘R. Quigley, Esq., 2, Thornfield Rd, Kingsway, Manchester, 19.’, edge bruise to MM, otherwise nearly extremely fine and a rare combination of awards (6) £2,600-£3,000 --- M.M. London Gazette 17 September 1943: ‘In recognition of distinguished service rendered in the Mediterranean Air Command during the period 1 February to 12 May 1943.’ The original Recommendation states: ‘This airman has been employed as a gunner. On 28 April 1943, during an attack on our positions at Medjz-el-Bab, he came under heavy mortar and machine gun fire. With another member of his gun crew, he dismounted his gun and, taking up a forward position, continued to engage the enemy. Having expended his ammunition and his comrade being wounded, he then evaded the enemy successfully for 24 hours, although they were now between him and our lines. Eventually he succeeded in gaining friendly ground, and having handed over his wounded companion to a first aid post, he reported to his Unit. The airman has displayed constant devotion to duty and accomplished good work during the advance on Bizerta.’ Kingsley Oliver's book, The R.A.F. Regiment at War, 1942-46, provides some further background on Quigley's award: ‘In April 2744 Field Squadron, with 4091 AA Flight under command was attached to 24th Guards Brigade and took over a sector of 5,000 yards on the hills south of, and overlooking, the road Medjez el Bab-Oued Zarga from 5th Northants on the left of 1st Irish Guards. The armoured car flight was attached to the 1st Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment and carried out a number of patrols, during which one of the flight's armoured cars received a direct hit from an enemy anti-tank gun. One crew member was wounded, but was extricated from the wrecked vehicle by another crewman, Aircraftman 1st Class Robert Quigley, who dismounted a Bren light machine gun from the disabled vehicle and engaged the enemy until all his ammunition had been expended. He then helped his wounded comrade into the cover of broken ground and both evaded the enemy who were searching for them. 24 hours later Quigley reached the British lines with the wounded airman and returned to his unit.’ The R.A.F. Regiment was founded by Royal Warrant in February 1942 as a specialist airfield defence corps whose role was to seize, secure and defend airfields although in practice they were frequently used in conventional infantry and armoured reconnaissance roles. The origin of the R.A.F. Regiment went back to the R.A.F. Armoured Cars which operated in Iraq and the Middle East in the 1920's and 1930's. The regiment was comprised of Field Squadron's operating in parachute, infantry and armoured car roles and Anti-Aircraft Squadron's equipped with 20mm Hispano cannon and 40mm Bofors guns. Each Field Squadron was divided into a Headquarters Flight, three Rifle Flights, an Air-Defence Flight, and an Armoured Car Flight. Note: Approximately 119 Military Medals awarded to the RAF during the Second World War, of which 14 were to the R.A.F. Regiment. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
A fine Second War 1941 ‘Defence of Maleme Airfield, Crete’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Aircraftman 1st Class M. G. Comeau, Royal Air Force, for his for bravery during the pre-invasion bombing of Maleme on 18 May 1941, when he left his slit trench during a heavy bombing and strafing raid in an attempt to rescue Greek soldiers who had been buried in a bomb blast, digging out two men with his bare hands; he later recovered under fire a Vickers machine gun which he used to great effect, shooting down a strafing Me-109 the following day. Finally, during the airborne invasion of Crete on 20 May 1941, he personally shot two Fallschirmjäger as they exited a glider, joining the New Zealanders in the defence of the airfield and the fighting withdrawal to Sfakia where he was evacuated to Egypt: his 1961 book Operation Mercury remains one of the most vivid and dramatic published first-hand accounts of the campaign on Crete Military Medal, G.VI.R. (625329 A.C.1. M. G. Comeau. R.A.F.) on original mounting pin, in named card box of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Greece, Kingdom, War Medal 1940-41, for Land Operations, bronze, unnamed as issued, generally good very fine and better (7) £2,400-£2,800 --- M.M. London Gazette 17 October 1941: ‘In the course of a heavy bombing and machine gun attack on an aerodrome, a bomb exploded on a trench causing 2 soldiers, both Greeks, to be buried in the debris. Aircraftman Comeau, displaying great bravery, left the shelter of his trench and, although the station was under continuous fire, managed to dig them out with his hands. One of them however subsequently died. Later on, in the face of enemy fire, Aircraftman Comeau secured from another position a gun which greatly improved the defence of his own position.’ Marcel Gerard Comeau, a ‘fourth generation Englishman of Nova Scotian ancestry’, enlisted in the Royal Air Force as a ground crew rigger in 1938, and served during the Second World War with 33 Squadron (equipped at the time with Gloster Gladiator biplanes) in the Western Desert from June 1940. One of the squadron’s pilots, Flying Officer Charles ‘Deadstick’ Dyson, D.F.C., received extensive press coverage in Britain after shooting down seven Italian aircraft in one sortie, a British and Commonwealth record which would not be surpassed during the War, and for which he was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross. During this period Comeau served as rigger on the aircraft flown by Southern Rhodesian ace Pilot Officer Percy ‘Ping’ Newton, D.F.C. In late April 1941 R.A.F. ground crew (including Comeau) and the few remaining Hurricanes were evacuated from Greece to Crete where preparations were made to defend the island from an impending German invasion. ‘From early morning on Sunday 18 May [1941], we could hear the distant skies thunder as wave after wave of dive-bombers, Ju88s and Heinkel 111s escorted by Messerschmitts massed over the shipping in Suda Bay and the Cretan capital, Canea. At Suda, the sky was blotched with sudden black patches as the British ack-ack defence hurled everything they had at the diving Stukas...The Bay was turbulent with the water-spouts of near-misses and covered with a haze of smoke coming from burning shipping, victims of earlier attacks. At the same time large formations of Heinkels droned over Canea, pattern-bombing as they went. At Maleme airfield I had joined Ken Eaton in the Lewis-pit and throughout the morning had witnessed a procession of strafing Messerschmitts falling out of the skies, raking Bofors guns, hitting the riddled wrecks now littering the perimeter...A deafening metallic explosion suddenly darkened everything. A bomb had hit the sand-bags and exploded in the pen below. The gun-pit caved in upon us and I was conscious of a searing pain across my back. I thought that I had been hit. Ken was underneath me and I struggled to shift the weight of the sand-bags pinning me down. Then I could hear McKenna's voice. He and the gang, swarming out of the trench ran to the pit and pulled it apart. They lifted the hot machine-gun muzzle from my bare back and the pain went. I was setting about rebuilding the gun-pit when a fresh formation of Heinkels drifted in over the hills. Once bitten, twice shy, this time I watched the bomb-doors open and saw the falling bombs flash silver in the afternoon sun. There was a slit trench across the road. I made a dive for it - at the same moment there was an ear-splitting explosion and once again everything went dark. I had been buried twice in the space of 15 minutes!’ (the recipient’s account in Operation Mercury refers). The last surviving Hurricane was flown from Maleme for Alexandria on the evening of 18 May. With no serviceable aircraft remaining at Maleme, the R.A.F. ground crews could do little else but await the inevitable invasion. The following day, Comeau secured and set up a salvaged Vickers ‘K’ machine gun in a gun pit and throughout the afternoon of 19 May used it against attacking Luftwaffe aircraft. Another ground crewman from 33 Squadron, Leading Aircraftman Ronald ‘Ginger’ Stone, set up a Browning .303 machine gun salvaged from a destroyed Hurricane in a gun pit nearby. ‘By late afternoon the airfield wore the desolate appearance of an out-of-season seaside resort. Wisps of black smoke drifted from the littered beach across the sandy strip and over the road which curved eastwards towards Pirgos like a deserted promenade. The Bofors concert party had closed down and Ginger and I were the last of the side-shows. Only the Germans still arrived by the score like vulgar sightseers to poke about in the litter dumps of wrecked aircraft. Without Bofors to worry them [the Royal Marines crewed Bofors anti-aircraft guns had all been knocked out during earlier raids] the Messerschmitts cruised to and fro across the airfield. There was a German pilot banking and looking down at us and Stone and I followed him as he flew slowly past. Three rings, then two, then half a ring on the gun sights when suddenly the fighter pulled up, heading for the sea and belching smoke. A chunk of metal cowling clattered on the aerodrome. Ginger and I were shouting to each other excitedly but our jubilation was short-lived. Sailing over Kavkazia Hill came 18 Heinkels. Formatting on the leader they dropped their bombs in a long stick and we watched them most of the way. Then the earth erupted suddenly among the New Zealanders up the slope, then down the rising ground towards us. A sudden series of explosions straddled our two gun-pits; the world blacked out in a dozen showers of dust and clods of earth. Something smacked into the front gun-sight of my 'K' and knocked it loose. Instinctively reaching to screw it back again the hot muzzle seared my fingers. Ginger Stone, covered in white dust like a miller, was standing by my pit scratching his head and muttering: “Well, flake me!” as he surveyed the pattern of craters all around us. The last bomb had fallen just in front of his Browning. Sometime later Squadron Leader Howell came down the camp road and walked over to us. “Any luck?”, “Yes sir, I think we pranged a 109. There's a piece of it out there on the ‘drome somewhere”, said Stone. It was getting dark. The C.O. paced out the nearest craters and congratulated us on our escape.’ (ibid). Squadron Leader Edward Howell, D.F.C., was badly wounded the following day and taken prisoner. Two days later ‘Ginger’ Stone was killed in action during the defence of Maleme. On the morning of 20 May 1941 the defenders of Maleme airfield comprised 620 men of 22nd New Zealand Battalion under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Leslie Andrew, V.C., D.S.O.; 85 men of the Royal Marines; 55 men of the Fleet Air Arm; and 229 men from 30 and 33 Squadrons, Royal Air Force. Comeau recorded the morning bombing raid which preceded the invasion: ‘Messerschmitts, the sunlight flashing on their wings, approached rapidly from the sea. They swept low over the airfield strafing the Bofors and the empty aircraft pens. Then they turned their attention to the hillside defences. For 20 minutes or so they flew up and down the New Zealand lines firing their cannon at the rising ground around the hill. I looked up and saw a vast armada of aeroplanes approaching. The throbbing of their engines grew to a crescendo. Then bombs started falling and the air reverberated with sound. Above flew Ju88s, Heinkels and Dorniers, wave after wave. Bombs fell in sticks around the base of the hill, among the New Zealanders, and through the RAF camp. For half an hour or more the bombs rained down. Fresh aircraft thundered in large formations out of the afternoon sky. On all sides I could hear the screaming of the bombs and the occasional metallic clang of shrapnel fragments of bomb-casing flew in every direction. I had grabbed my rifle and dived into a one-man hole a few yards away. There was a violent eruption ahead of me and, through the haze, I thought I saw the bomb lift a man off the ground but I could not be sure. The next bombs burst behind me among “D” Company lines and I started to breathe again - but not for long.’ (ibid). Comeau next found himself in the midst of the airborne invasion: ‘Above me, I heard the sound of rushing air. A glider swooped low through the curtain of dust, silent and sinister, and disappeared westwards. Almost at once there was a crackling and cracking through the olive trees - a second glider was careering straight towards me. I had no time to avoid it. It skidded into the tent, slewed half-round, showering me with loose soil and stopping in a cloud of dust with one wing dug into the bank behind me. Another glider piled in close by. I ducked under the wing feeling pretty scared. Before I could reach the bank leading to the high ground the door of the nearest glider opened. Out jumped a dazed-looking German and I fired and shot him at almost point-blank range. He fell backwards on to a second glider-trooper now standing behind him. I had time to eject and re-load. The second man was holding his head with his hands. I fired again and he spun around and collapsed, his body blocking the doorway. I sent a third bullet into the darkness of the doorway. This could not go on forever. I moved backwards to the bank ejecting the empty case as I went. The next round jammed. Sweating and swearing I wrestled with the bolt but it refused to budge. The rest of the Germans were piling out by now while out of the corner of my eye, I could see more of them racing through the trees from the second glider. It was the longest second of my life! Then I was clambering up the bank, clawing at the loose earth, running towards “D” Company trenches, with bursts of rapid fire following me. Bullets sliced through the trees and flicked into the ground. I reached the trenches. One of “D” Company's Tommy-guns lay beneath a tree loaded with a drum. More suitably armed I made my way cautiously back down the slope to the top of the bank. The two bodies lay where I had left them by the glider seemed deserted. I raked it through from nose to tail just in case.’ (Ibid). Reaching the safety of the New Zealand defences, Comeau witnessed the arrival of the paratroopers: ‘Flying low over the sparkling sea came an armada of Junkers 52 troop-carriers. In impeccable vic formation they made a left handed circuit of the area dropping their human cargo as they went. On the hill the airmen of 30 and 33 Squadrons joined with the army defenders in firing at every German within range. They fell on all sides and it was sometimes difficult to know which target to pick. The dead were probably hit several times over as they fell among the living. The few who reached the ground alive grabbed their parachutes and instantly vanished into the shrubbery. In the middle of this a Kiwi entered our gun pit. When he saw my Tommy-gun he asked for it back as it really belonged to the New Zealanders. Limited in range it was of little value at the time and in any case I had used up most of the drum on the glider in the RAF camp. I exchanged it for a Lee Enfield rifle. The Junkers were being knocked all over the sky. One aircraft was out of control and careering towards a string of parachutes; another was on fire and we could see men leaping out to escape the flames while, by Maleme beach, a troop-carrier hit the sea with a wing and, in slow motion, cartwheeled into the water with a mighty splash. An isolated parachutist, caught by a thermal, drifted away over the sea, receding from us towards a watery death, pulled down by the weight of his equipment. The loss of life must have been fantastic. We did not know at the time but we had witnessed the almost complete destruction of Student's III Battalion, Sturm Regiment. Although as the morning progressed, a few isolated paratroops moved up the hill towards us they were soon dispatched. On one occasion a German suddenly appeared among the shrubbery a few feet away and opened up with his Schmeisser. Stevenson swivelled the Lewis and his sudden burst splashed across the man like water from a garden hose. He fell to his knees and pitched forward, his face buried in the mountain thyme and his hands reaching out stiff before him. We took his gun and drank the coffee in his water bottle. We were retracing our footsteps when Hess made a quick gesture to take cover. I soon saw why. Between us and the summit lay a paratrooper. In his hands he held a sub-machine gun. He was resting on one forearm with his back turned towards us, and he had not seen us. I lined him up in my rifle sights, loath to pull the trigger at such a sitting target. He was a dead duck. As I hesitated Hess ran up to him, shouted in German, and prodded him in the back with his rifle. The Schmeisser clattered from the German's grasp. Hess kicked him flat. The paratrooper, letting out a shriek of agony rolled over, clutching his leg with both hands. We could now see that it was soaked in blood. We took away his gun and examined his leg while Hess questioned him in German. He produced a flick-knife with a swastika-marked handle for us to hack at his clothing. His bared leg was a sickening pulp of red, bullet shattered flesh and bone. The poor devil must have caught a burst from a Lewis. He was in great pain; agony contorted his sweating face. I felt pity for him. No longer a matchstick man to knock down, a mere clay-pipe target at a fairground, the enemy became a human being for the first time. I heard myself saying: “All right old chap”, as we eased him under a shady bush.’ (ibid). During the withdrawal from Kavkazia Hill, Comeau joined a party of New Zealanders, Royal Air Force personnel, and Royal Marines under Captain Campbell, “D” Company, 22nd Battalion, N.Z.E.F., which was ambushed: ‘Suddenly, the German machine-gunners opened fire. A hail of bullets from the hills slanted across the clearing among the men now dashing for scanty cover, and into the soldiers and airmen in the river; almost immediately other Spandaus opened fire from the hills around us. We unslung our rifles. McKenna and Stevenson were standing in the line of fire, then, ducking low, searching the hills in vain for a target. A soldier got to his feet. I saw the big man standing there in the clearing, swaying, and then he collapsed. Four bullets thudded into Jack Diamond from “A” Flight, as he lay face downwards in the mud by the water's edge. A corpse in the river turned over and started to drift away. Men were trying to crawl stealthily backwards the way they had come. The Germans, sitting tight behind their guns, still sprayed the clearing. While we floundered, helplessly, the bushes ahead moved and parted and then a hulking Maori stood surveying us and grinning from ear to ear. He reached down for our rifles and dragged us out dripping, one by one. The Maori, who had a bullet wound in the leg, said: “You jokers should be all right now. This is Maori territory.” When I showed concern for his leg he only grinned again. “I’m just waiting here to catch the bastard who done it”, was his only comment.’ (ibid). After walking overland to Sfakia which was under heavy air attack, Comeau was evacuated on 30 May by destroyer H.M.S. Kelvin, which was damaged by JU88s on the way to Alexandria. Of the 229 RAF personnel at Maleme airfield at the time of the airborne invasion no less than 50 were killed in its defence. The need for RAF ground crew to participate in defending the airfield was one of the key factors that led to the creation of the RAF Regiment the following year. After further service with 33 Squadron in North Africa, where its Hurricanes supported the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942, Comeau qualified as a Sergeant pilot in Rhodesia in 1943. He died in Huntingdon in 1999, aged 78. In 1991 on the 50th anniversary of the invasion of Crete, Royal Mail produced a commemorative cover limited to 900 issues which were flown in an R.A.F. Hercules of 30 Squadron from R.A.F. Lyneham to Suda Bay, Crete and thence to R.A.F. Akroitiri, Cyprus, before returning to R.A.F. Lyneham. Of the two veterans of the Battle of Crete who signed each copy of the commemorative cover, one was ‘Mr. M.G. Comeau, MM’ of 33 Squadron and the other ‘Mr. N.J. Darch, MM’ of 30 Squadron, both awarded the Military Medal for bravery during the pre-invasion bombing of 18 May 1941. Darch’s award was for bravery as a Medical Orderly in an R.A.F. Ambulance during the pre-invasion bombing of 18 May 1941, and these were the only two gallantry awards to the R.A.F. for the Battle of Crete. Sold with a copy of the recipient’s book Operation Mercury; and a Battle of Crete 50th Anniversary First Day Cover signed by Comeau. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
A Great War 1917 ‘Passchendaele’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant G. H. Craik, Royal Marines Divisional Train, attached 149th (Royal Naval) Field Ambulance, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, who was originally recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry at Ypres, 26-30 October 1917; he subsequently served with the Shanghai Municipal Police, and was interned by the Japanese throughout the Second World War Military Medal, G.V.R. (Deal-1718 (S) Cpl. -A.Sjt:- G. H. Craik. R.M. D.T.); 1914-15 Star (Deal 1718-S- Sgt. G. H. Craik. R.M.); British War and Victory Medals (Deal 1718-S- Sgt. G. H. Craik. R.M.); Shanghai Municipal Council Emergency Medal 1937, bronze, unnamed as issued, very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400 --- M.M. London Gazette 23 February 1918. The original Recommendation, by Colonel R. W. Clements, C.M.G., D.S.O., Royal Army Medical Corps, for a D.C.M. states: ‘Operations N.E. of Ypres, 26/27 and 30 October 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At great personal risk he remained at his post in charge of the horse ambulances during the attacks. Two of his ambulance wagons were damaged by shell fire and two horses killed. He has on many occasions exhibited great courage and devotion to duty. His work in arranging the constant supply of horsed ambulance wagons to the Advanced Dressing Station and back was magnificent. He has done previous good work in the same capacity, always exhibiting great courage.’ George Hutcheon Craik was born in Aberdeen on 7 May 1896, and enlisted into the Royal Marines in 1914. He served with the Royal Marines Divisional Train, Royal Naval Division, during the Great War from 1914- this unit was formed in 1914 as a naval equivalent to the Army Service Corps for service with the Royal Naval Division. Royal Marines posted to the unit were enlisted for short service with Deal number prefixes and borne on the books of H.M.S. Victory. The unit was divided into an Ammunition Column and Field Ambulance Unit for the transport of the Royal Naval Division Field Ambulances and Royal Marines Medical Unit. The unit served at Gallipoli and went to France with the Royal Naval Division after its transfer from Admiralty to Army command as 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. After discharge from the Royal Marines, Craik volunteered for service with the Shanghai Municipal Police, the multi-national police force of the Shanghai International Settlement. After the war the S.M.P. began a recruitment drive in Britain amongst discharged soldiers for volunteers. Craik sailed with 44 other recruits for the S.M.P. from Liverpool on SS Laertes on 9 October 1919. In July 1937, Japan invaded China from its occupied territory in Manchuria. In response to the invasion and occupation of Beijing, Chinese nationalists began attacking Japanese interests in Shanghai which in turn resulted in Japan despatching reinforcements to the city. From 13 August, a full scale war was fought between Chinese nationalists and the Imperial Japanese Army with the multi-national Shanghai International Settlement caught in the middle. The settlement remained neutral territory but was frequently shelled and bombed by both the Chinese and Japanese. Five soldiers from the Royal Ulster Rifles manning guard posts on the borders of the settlement were killed by fire from Japanese forces during the Emergency. By the end of November the Chinese nationalist forces had been forced from Shanghai and the territory surrounding the city was occupied by the Japanese. In recognition of services during the fighting, the Shanghai Municipal Council commissioned creation of a medal for award to volunteers, council employees, police and civilians for services during the ‘Shanghai Emergency’. Japanese troops entered and occupied the international settlement on 8 December 1941 with barely a shot fired. European Shanghai residents were forced by the Japanese to wear armbands and were evicted from their homes and interned. Senior members of the S.M.P. were arrested as political prisoners, and former Sub-Inspector George Craik was interned in Haiphong Road camp, with his wife Anne interned at Ash Camp. Both were released in 1945 after the Japanese surrender. Craik remained in Shanghai until Mao Tse-tung's Communists took control of China in October 1949 when he returned with his wife to Scotland. Craik was awarded the S.M.P. Long Service Medal in 1930 (for 12 years’ service), and further clasps in 1935 (17 years) and 1940 (22 years), although the whereabouts of this medal is unknown. Sold with two photographic images of the recipient, one of him in S.M.P. uniform wearing the ribands of the M.M., the 1914-15 Star; the British War Medal; the Victory Medal; the S.M.C. Emergency Medal 1937, and the S.M.P. Long Service Medal. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
A Great War 1917 ‘Gavrelle Windmill’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private, later Lieutenant, W. H. Watts, 1st Royal Marines Battalion, Royal Naval Division, who served with the Royal Marines Brigade at Dunkirk and in the Defence of Antwerp in 1914; at Gallipoli, where he was wounded; and on the Western Front, where he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the Royal Marine’s disastrous attack on Gavrelle Windmill on 28 April 1917, in what was the bloodiest action in the history of the Royal Marines Military Medal, G.V.R. (Ch-16180 Pte. W. H. Watts. 1/R.M.L.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Ch.16180 Pte. W. H. Watts, R.M. Brigade.); British War and Victory Medals (Ch.16180 Cpl. W. H. Watts. R.M.L.I.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (Depot 607 W. H. Watts. St. Cl. R.M.) light contact marks, good very fine (5) £2,000-£2,400 --- M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1917. William Henry Watts was born in 1894 and was admitted to Royal Hospital School, Greenwich in 1905 aged 11 years. In 1909 enlisted into Royal Marines as Bugler, aged 14. He served during the Great War with the Royal Marine Brigade at Dunkirk from 30 September to 2 October 1914, and then at the Defence of Antwerp from 3 to 9 October of that year. The following year he proceeded to Gallipoli, and was slightly wounded in action on 15 June 1915. He saw further service on the Western Front at the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and in August 1916 was tried and found guilty by Field General Court Martial for ‘using insubordinate language to his superior officer’, and was reduced in rank from Corporal to Private, but later had these entries in his service record blacked out. The following year he was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during the momentous action fought by the 1st and 2nd R.M.L.I. at Gavrelle Windmill in the battle of Arras on 28-29 April 1917, in which the two battalions suffered over 1,000 casualties - at one point an overwhelming enemy counter-attack was only stemmed by the senior officer enlisting the assistance of his H.Q. Staff, cooks and bottlewashers. As verified in Blumberg’s definitive history, Britain’s Sea Soldiers, three D.C.Ms and 15 M.Ms were awarded to the Royal Marine Light Infantry in respect of this action, Watts being listed among the latter. Watts served out the rest of the War in defensively armed merchant ships, and then was employed post-War at the Royal Marines Depot, being awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 20 January 1927. Technically, as a result of his Court Martial, he should have been ineligible for the award of the L.S. & G.C., but it appears that, following the award of the Military Medal, the charge was overlooked and blacked out. He retired from the Royal Marines in the Rank of Superintendent Clerk (Warrant Officer) in 1934, but was recalled for service in 1940 as a Lieutenant in the Royal Marine Records, until retiring in 1942. He died in 1972. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
The unique Russian Civil War ‘Murmansk 1919’ D.C.M. awarded to Private T. Pyle, 6th Royal Marines Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry, late Royal Naval Division, who was wounded in action and taken prisoner during the failed attack on the Red village of Koikori on 9 September 1919, subsequently having his leg amputated by a Red Army doctor, and held by the Soviets as a prisoner of war in Moscow until his release in a prisoner exchange the following year. Pyle’s D.C.M. was the only award ever made for services as a Prisoner of War of the Soviets, and the only award to the Royal Marines for Russia 1918-20 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (CH-22549 Pte. T. Pyle. R.M.L.I.) heavy edge bruising, suspension repaired, therefore fair £1,600-£2,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 20 October 1920: ‘For gallant service in North Russia, where he effectively bombed hostile sangars which were holding up the advance. Subsequently as a prisoner of war he showed much determination under very trying conditions.’ Thomas Pyle, a native of Neath Abbey, Glamorgan, enlisted in the Royal Marines on 27 October 1915 as a special service enlistment with the service number 1099, and served with the 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Naval Division, from 5 March 1917. He was wounded by gunshot to the right thigh on 20 October 1917, and again by gunshot to the left leg on 8 September 1918. Invalided back to the U.K. he was subsequently discharged from the service. Pyle re-enlisted into the Royal Marines at Chatham depot on 10 March 1919 with the service number CH/22549, and was posted to “B” (Chatham) Company, 6th Royal Marine Battalion. The battalion had been formed to supervise a referendum to be held in the northern German province of Schleswig-Hosltein but were instead diverted to duty with Murmansk Command, North Russia Expeditionary Force. Several months after the end of the Great War the men in the battalion were not particularly pleased about being diverted to a ‘sideshow’ and being expected to fight and possibly be killed or wounded, especially when the British government was telling the public that only volunteers were being sent to Russia. The ill feeling eventually escalated to outright mutiny and refusal to obey orders. After the failed attack on the Red villages of Koikori and Ussuna on 9 September 1919, the battalion was recalled from the front after only a matter of weeks and two officers and nearly 100 marines were tried by Courts Martial with charges ranging from desertion to refusal to take up advanced posts. All but three marines were found guilty, thirteen of those convicted of the charge of desertion being sentenced to death, later commuted to five years penal servitude with hard labour after H.M. the King had issued secret orders that no executions were to be carried out in relation to offences committed in Russia after the Armistice. The remainder were sentenced to variously 5 or 2 years imprisonment with hard labour. The Royal Marines and British government did their utmost to cover up the mutinies and after some difficult questions were asked by families and Members of Parliament, all of those imprisoned were eventually released in most cases after serving only 6 months. The Royal Marines completely erased any mention of the mutinies from their Official History and no subsequent Royal Marine battalion was ever numbered ‘6’. General Sir H. E. Blumberg’s post-war history of the Royal Marines 1914-19, Britain's Sea Soldiers: A Record of the Royal Marines during the War 1914-1919, contains a chapter titled ‘Royal Marines in North Russia’ including an account of the services of the 6th Royal Marine Battalion, but excludes any mention of the mutinies. To this day, even within the Royal Marines, few people are aware that the mutinies or Court Martial ever took place. Blumberg gives the following account of the attack on Koikori: ‘The machine-guns were placed in position and opened fire and the platoons worked forward, but the Russian guide, who was found afterwards to be a Russian spy (Private Pyle saw him in their camp) had led them to the wrong point and into an ambush which was successful as most of the casualties were caused by fire from their rear, whilst the howitzers were unable to see the Very's lights fired by the company. Lieutenant Smith-Hill and Privates Jenkins and Pyle advanced to where they could reconnoitre the trenches and bomb them; in doing this Pyle was wounded and after two men had been killed in trying to rescue him he was captured and kept prisoner by the Bolsheviks for a year. Pyle was awarded the D.C.M. For his gallantry on this occasion and for the determination and loyalty displayed by him whilst a prisoner of war... the losses being 10 killed and 23 wounded.’ Pyle's D.C.M. was not gazetted until after his release by the Bolsheviks in a prisoner exchange in October 1920. The following account subsequently appeared in the newspapers: ‘Held Prisoner by the Bolshies - Marine’s Story of Nine Months’ Captivity. Private Tom Pyle, who has been a prisoner in the hands of the Bolsheviks for nine months, is now at home in But Street, Chatham. He was with the marines at Marmingsk [sic], and was badly wounded in the left leg. he told me (writes a correspondent) that some of the Bolshevik soldiers deliberately shot him in the other leg and left him. he was picked up by other Bolshies, and received medical treatment, such as it was. His left leg was amputated. For nine months he was moved from hospital to prison and prison to hospital in different parts of Russia. He describes his treatment as being very rough. The hospital lacked proper appliances. A two days’ ration, he said, consisted of mouldy black bread weighing about half a pound. Water was insufficient. Russia, he declared, was in a state of chaos, and he described the Bolshevik leaders as “more like children than anything else”. They had no idea of government, and were unable to control the rank of file. He reached the frontier in company with refugees, and for a considerable period was in quarantine. He reached home last week. Originally he was a fine, muscular man, who went in for boxing and other athletic pursuits. He is now a weak and helpless cripple. The Admiralty, he said, had taken his depositions.’ Pyle was invalided from the service in July 1921, his service record being noted ‘amputation left leg’. Only 18 D.C.M.s were awarded to the Royal Marine Light Infantry 1914-20, with Pyle’s being the only award for Russia 1918-20, the other awards being to Royal Marine battalions of the Royal Naval Division on the Western Front 1916-18. A full account of the mutinies in the 6th Royal Marines Battalion, and the subsequent Court Martial can be found in ‘Churchill’s Secret War with Lenin’ by Damien Wright. Pyle is also mentioned in this work. Sold with the recipient’s brother’s Soldiers’ Small Book, belonging to Private Robert John Pyle, Welsh Regiment and South Lancashire Regiment, who was killed in action during the Great War on 20 October 1916, this in relic condition. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
A rare Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. and M.S.M. group of five awarded to Chief Petty Officer W. J. Gallagher, Hood Battalion, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, a survivor of service with the ill-fated Collingwood Battalion on Gallipoli, described by General Hamilton as being “practically destroyed” during the attack of 4 June 1915, and was recipient of one of only two D.C.M./M.S.M. combinations awarded to the Royal Navy Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (CZ-1672 C.P.O.W. J. Gallagher. Hood: Bn: R.N.V.R.); 1914-15 Star (C.Z.-1672. W. J. Gallagher, C.P.O., R.N.V.R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (M.Z. 1672W. J. Gallagher. C.P.O. R.N.V.R.) VM officially re-impressed; Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (CZ-1672 C.P.O. W. J. Callagher [sic]. Hood. Bn: R.N.V.R.); together with the recipient’s riband bar for the first three awards; a scarce Hood Battalion cap badge; and two original Royal Naval Division Chief Petty Officer badges, light contact marks, generally very fine and better and a rare combination (5) £2,400-£2,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919, citation published 11 March 1920: ‘Since June, 1915, he has shown the greatest devotion to duty, both in and out of the line. He has never failed to personally deliver the rations in the line, through often under heavy shell fire. From 15 October, 1917, to 15 April, 1918, and again during the operations of August, 1918, he was acting as Battalion Quartermaster, and during the March retreat rendered the most invaluable services.’ The published citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal above is actually extracted from the recommendation for the recipient’s Meritorious Service Medal by Commander H. B. Pollock, R.N.V.R., Commanding Hood Battalion, dated 22 September 1918. The original recommendation for Gallagher’s D.C.M., by Commander W. M. le C. Edgerton, R.N.V.R., Commanding Hood Battalion, dated 27 January 1918, states: ‘On the night of 19 January 1918 C.P.O. Gallagher, the Hood Battalion Q.M.S. and Acting Quartermaster, accompanied the limbers conveying water and rations to the Battalion in the Front Line on Highland Ridge. The enemy put down a heavy barrage on Beaucamp, and owing to this a traffic block occurred at Charing Cross. C.P.O. Gallagher went ahead to where the block had occurred, found out that a convoy of G.S. Wagons and pontoons conveying trench boards was held up, and at once gave orders for those drivers who had unhooked their horses to rehook them and stand by to move forward. He then went forward through the shelling to see if the road was passable. Finding it was, he returned and went forward with his battalion convoy through the barrage, giving a lead to the R.E. convoy who were about to return. By his initiative, quick action, and courage he enabled much needed stores, rations and water to be got forward to the Front Line, and but for the courageous way in which he reconnoitred the road, which was damaged by the shelling, and the leadership he displayed in taking charge of the traffic, probably no transport would have got forward.’ M.S.M. London Gazette 18 January 1919: ‘In recognition of valuable service rendered with the Armies in France and Flanders.’ The original Recommendation, by Commander H. B. Pollock, R.N.V.R., Commanding Hood Battalion, dated 22 September 1918, states: ‘Since June 1915 he has shown the greatest devotion to duty, both when the Battalion has been in the line and out of the line. He has never failed to personally deliver the rations in the line, though often under heavy shell fire. During the March retreat he was acting as Battalion Quarter Master, and did most invaluable work. He has been recommended for the D.C.M. for bravery and devotion to duty under shell fire, and has acted as Battalion Quarter Master from 15 October 1917 to 15 April 1918, in the most capable and efficient manner. This N.C.O. was recommended for the D.C.M. for services at Welsh Ridge but was not awarded the same.’ William James Gallagher was born in Glasgow on 7 January 1893, and enlisted into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve at Crystal Palace on 31 October 1914. He was posted to the Collingwood Battalion, which had only recently returned with the rest of the Royal Naval Division from the failed expedition to defend Antwerp. Promoted Chief Petty Officer on 26 February 1915, Gallagher sailed with the Royal Naval Division for the Mediterranean two days later before going into camp on Lemnos Island in March. The Royal Naval Division took part in a diversionary convoy in the Gulf of Saros on 25 April whilst A.N.Z.A.C. troops were landing at Gaba Tepe and British troops at Helles, with most of the Royal Naval Division coming ashore on 28 April. From that date battalions of the Division saw action at A.N.Z.A.C. attached to 4th Brigade Australian Imperial Force and at Helles alongside 29th Division during the Turkish counter attacks of May 1915. On 4 June the Royal Naval Division took part in an offensive at the Helles sector aimed at capturing the dominating hill of Achi Baba. The French Division on the right of the Royal Naval Division failed to maintain the advance leaving the sailors and marines exposed to Turkish positions on the right flank. The Collingwood Battalion was enfiladed in the open by Turkish machine guns and within 15 minutes had been virtually destroyed. Casualties in other battalions of the Royal Naval Division during the failed attack were also high but none so heavy as the Collingwood. Most of the officers had been killed including the Commanding Officer, Second in Command and virtually all of the Company and Platoon commanders. Those that had not been killed were either wounded or missing, the senior surviving officer being a junior Sub-Lieutenant. In his Despatch General Hamilton wrote that the battalion had been ‘practically destroyed’. The Collingwood Battalion had ceased to exist as a unit and was disbanded only days later, with the survivors posted to Hood Battalion. Just a few days after being posted to Hood Battalion, on 12 June while in the rest camp behind ‘Backhouse Post’, Gallagher was wounded by shrapnel in the groin, his Certificate for Wounds and Hurts being signed by Bernard Freyberg, who would be awarded the Victoria Cross for his command of Hood Battalion during the Royal Naval Division’s first major action on the Western Front at the Ancre, 13-14 November 1916, and would finish the war with the V.C., and the Distinguished Service Order with Three Bars. After the evacuation from Gallipoli the Admiralty relinquished command of the Royal Naval Division to the Army, who gave the division the new designation of 63rd (Royal Naval) Division but allowed to retain its naval ranks, identity and traditions. Chief Petty Officer Gallagher was appointed Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant shortly before the Division’s first action on the Western Front on the Ancre River. He was subsequently present at the Royal Naval Division’s battles at Gavrelle in April 1917, part of the Arras offensive in which the two Royal Marine battalions were virtually wiped out; the Passchendaele offensive in October 1917; Welsh Ridge in December 1917, when the German troops attacked over the snow covered ground dressed in white smocks (for which action he was unsuccessfully recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal); the March 1918 retreat and Aveluy and Logeast Wood actions the following month; and the Drocourt-Queant Line and Canal du Nord actions in September and October 1918 shortly before the end of the War. In existence for just over four years, two years under Admiralty command and two years under Army command, by November 1918 the Royal Naval Division had established itself as ‘elite’ shock troops used to break the most difficult parts of the enemy line and was considered one of the best divisions of the British Army. For his services with the Hood Battalion during 1918 Gallagher was awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Meritorious Service Medal, one of only two D.C.M./M.S.M. combinations awarded to the Royal Navy. As a Chief Petty Officer, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Gallagher was ‘Discharged to Shore on Demobilisation’ on 13 April 1919. Sold with a privately published book entitled ‘The Collingwood Battalion’, being a short history of the Battalion together with biographical notes of all the officers and lists of the men; the recipient’s Certificate of Wounds and Hurts; the recipient’s Certificates of Service and Employment; D.C.M. League Membership Card; Pay Book; Army Guard Book for Field Service Forms used by Gallagher as company record book and containing a unique record of sailors of 'C' Company, Collingwood Battalion on Gallipoli; a group photographic image of officers and Chief Petty Officers of Hood Battalion taken in January 1919; and original typed recommendations for awards of the D.C.M. and M.S.M. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
A Great War 1918 ‘March Retreat’ M.C. group of four awarded to Captain G. J. Wharf, 1st Royal Marines Battalion, Royal Naval Division, who served with the Royal Marines Brigade at Dunkirk and in the Defence of Antwerp in 1914; at Gallipoli in 1915; and on the Western Front 1916-18, where he was killed in action at Aveluy Wood on 6 April 1918 Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in case of issue; 1914 Star, with clasp (Ch.16660. Sergt. G. J. Wharf, R.M. Brigade.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. G. F. Wharf. R.M.); Memorial Plaque (George James Wharf) extremely fine (5) £2,800-£3,200 --- M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in commanding a company with marked ability. Although gassed, he set a fine example to his men throughout the operations, on one occasion engaging the enemy and finally withdrawing his company with great skill under very adverse circumstances.’ George James Wharf was born in Rotherhithe, London, on 4 August 1891, and enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 8 February 1910, giving his trade as ‘Porter’. Posted to the Chatham Division, he was promoted Corporal on 28 July 1914, and embarked with Royal Marine Brigade on 12 September 1914. He served during the Great War with the Royal Marine Brigade at Dunkirk from 30 September to 2 October 1914, and then at the Defence of Antwerp from 3 to 9 October of that year. The following year he proceeded to Gallipoli, and was promoted Sergeant on 21 October 1915. The following year he saw service on the Western Front with the 1st Royal Marine Battalion, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, and was commissioned Temporary Lieutenant, Royal Marines, on 7 July 1917. Wharf was awarded the Military Cross for actions on the Western Front on 26 March 1918. Britain's Sea Soldiers gives the following account: Shortly after the withdrawal from Thiepval Ridge to behind the Arras - Albert Railway the Germans attacked 1/R.M.L.I. and succeeded in gaining a footing in the position. A successful counter attack led by Lieutenant G. J. Wharf and Captain and Adjutant R. H. West drove the Germans out and re-established the line; Lieutenant Wharf was killed, he was awarded the Military Cross posthumously; although gassed he “set a fine example to his men and engaged the enemy with skill and determination; he had been one of the old long service non-commissioned officers of the Corps and had distinguished himself by his gallantry and efficiency”.’ Wharf was killed in action at Aveluy Wood on 6 April 1918, aged 27. He is buried in Mesnil Communal Cemetery, France. Approximately 36 Military Crosses awarded to the Royal Marine Light Infantry for the Great War. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
An exceptionally rare Great War 1918 ‘Logeast Wood’ M.C., 1917 ‘Miraumount’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sub-Lieutenant R. H. Brewer, Hood Battalion, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who was twice wounded, and was the recipient of one of only three M.C./M.M. combinations awarded to the Royal Navy Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; Military Medal, G.V.R. (T.Z-6450 A.P.O. R. H. Brewer. Hood Bn: R.N.V.R.); 1914-15 Star (C.Z. 6450 R. H. Brewer, L.S., R.N.V.R.); British War and Victory Medals (S.Lt. R. H. Brewer. R.N.V.R.) light contact marks, good very fine and an exceptionally rare combination of awards to the Royal Navy (5) £4,000-£5,000 --- M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919: ‘He displayed conspicuous gallantry and initiative when part of the line was held up. He crept forward and bombed and captured a machine-gun post that was impeding our advance, which was then able to proceed.’ M.M. London Gazette 17 April 1917. Robert Harold Brewer was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, on 27 June 1883, and prior to the Great War was employed as a Ship’s Steward. He enlisted in the Royal Naval Reserve Trawler Service in late May 1915, before joining the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 7 August 1915, aged 32. Rated Ordinary Seaman and given the number ‘Tyneside Z/6450’, Brewer was advanced Able Seaman on 13 September 1915, and Leading Seaman on 6 October of that year. Drafted to Hood Battalion on 5 December 1915, Brewer served at Gallipoli for a short period before being evacuated. Brewer transferred to the 188th (Royal Naval Division) Machine Gun Company on 16 May 1916, before proceeding to France in August of that year, and saw service with the Royal Naval Division during the Ancre River operations and during the Miraumont operations early the following year. He was promoted Acting Petty Officer on 10 February 1917, before being wounded 20 February 1917 with shrapnel wounds to his right arm, back, and left leg. He was evacuated to the UK on 13 March 1917, where he was hospitalised until April. Brewer was awarded the Military Medal for the action in which he was wounded, and was presented with his Military Medal by the General Officer Commanding, Royal Naval Division Reserve, at the Royal Naval Division Depot at Blandford on 12 May 1917. He returned to France and served with Nelson Battalion from July to September before returning to England to commence officer training at No. 2 Officer Cadet Battalion, Pembroke College, Cambridge. He was commissioned Temporary Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, for service with 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, on 27 February 1918. Brewer rejoined Hood Battalion on 1 August 1918 and was wounded in action a second time with a gun shot wound to the right hand at Logeast Wood on 21 August 1918. Evacuated to the U.K., on 15 October an announcement was made in the Royal Naval Division orders of the award of the Military Cross for the action in which he was wounded, one of only three Military Cross and Military Medal combinations awarded to the Royal Navy for the Great War. Note: Brewer subsequently applied for the Mercantile Marine War Medal for which he believed he was entitled as a result of his service as a Ship’s Steward during the first months of the war. However, the Mercantile Marine Office determined no eligibility, and the medal was not issued. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
A Second World War Royal Air Force cap badge in gilding metal, buttons, R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve lapel pin numbered 7353 to the reverse, a Flight Sergeants rank crown, and spent bullet belonging to Sergeant Pilot David Denchfield with a newspaper clipping reporting that his parents had been informed that he was a prisoner of war, together with items belonging to his father Herbert, a First World War veteran, including a white metal identity bracelet engraved, ' 42390 Pte. Denchfield, 2nd R. Innis. Fus.', a bi metal Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers cap badge and 1916 economy issue example, both with sliders removed, a Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers shoulder title in gilding metal, two hexagonal lugs to reverse, two General Service buttons, two items of trench art, a bullet case with General Service button to the base, and a brass disc with scalloped edge and tunic button for the Kings Royal Lancaster Regiment fixed to the centre, a pre First World War pamphlet to The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers giving the history and distinctions of the Regiment up to the Boer War, and a quantity of family photos and post cards, records show Private Herbert Denchfield of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers entitled to the 1914-1918 British War Medal and Victory Medal, he also served in the Army Service Corps with the regimental number 367505, Herbert David Denchfield was born 2/11/19 at Eckington near Stavely, he worked as a clerk after finishing his education at Hemel Hempstead Grammer School, he joined the R.A.F.V.R. in May 1939 and was called to full time service on 1st September 1939, after pilot training he joined 610 (Spitfire) at Acklington, on a Blenheim bomber escort to St.Omer on 5/2/1941 the squadron was attacked by a force of Me 109's and Denchfield's Spitfire was hit, he baled out and was captured by the Germans, a nice father and son group of items, (Qty) - Stock Ref:7514-16
The Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, edited by W. R. Chorley, Six Volumes, Volume 1: 1939-40, 2nd (2013) Edition, including Prewar Losses July 1936 - September 1939; Volume 2: Aircraft and Crew Losses 1941; Volume 3: Aircraft and Crew Losses 1942; Volume 4: Aircraft and Crew Losses 1943; Volume 5: Aircraft and Crew Losses 1944; Volume 6: Aircraft and Crew Losses 1945, softback, generally good condition The Bomber Command War Diaries, an operational reference book 1939-45, by Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt, 808pp., Midland publishing, hardback, with dust-jacket; together with a paperback re-print by Pen & Sword publishing, good condition (8) £80-£120 ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
Three: Flight Sergeant S. Alexander, 159 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action when his Liberator exploded and crashed near the Irrawaddy River whilst carrying out a Special Forces supply drop over Central Burma, 3 August 1945 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Air Council enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. M. Alexander, 23 Eastfield Road, Benton, Newcastle-on-Tyne 7.’, nearly extremely fine (3) £120-£160 --- Stanley Alexander served during the Second World War with 159 Squadron in the Far East. Operating in Liberators out of Digri, India, from April 1944, Alexander was with the forward detachments at Jessore, (other detachments at Karachi and Akyab Island in Burma) by the summer of 1945. The Squadron was tasked with long range bombing and mining missions and, latterly, after being strengthened by hand-picked Liberator crews, on path finder duties. Alexander was killed in action when Liberator KL671 "Q" (Queenie), piloted by Pilot Officer G. Green, exploded in flames in a heavy downpour during a Special Duties supply-dropping operation over Central Burma, on 3 August 1945. Having taken-off at 0830, they were believed to have reached the target, but were unable to make the drop because of bad weather. At about 1430 the aircraft was seen by the inhabitants of the village of Bigaing South of Magwe, Burma, flying west through a heavy storm and completely enveloped in flames. It suddenly dived into the ground, crashing 100 yards east of the village on the west bank of the Irrawaddy River. An explosion was heard before impact. The remains of 6 of the 8 crew were found at the crash site, and were buried by villagers. As these could not be individually identified, the remains were never exhumed and moved to a war cemetery, and Alexander, along with the rest of his crew, is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial. His medals were sent to his mother, Miranda Alexander. Sold with copied research. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
