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15003 Cover.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2015 14:18 Page 1
£25

19 NOVEMBER 2015
ORDERS, DECORATIONS, CAMPAIGN MEDALS AND MILITARIA
LONDON


69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 4ET
www.spink.com
LONDON
© Copyright 2015
19 NOVEMBER 2015
STAMPS COINS BANKNOTES MEDALS BONDS & SHARES AUTOGRAPHS BOOKS WINES
ORDERS, DECORATIONS
CAMPAIGN MEDALS
AND MILITARIA
GROUP CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Olivier D. Stocker
YOUR SPECIALISTS
SALE CALENDAR 2015/16
STAMPS
18 November
18/19 November
25/26 November
New York
New York
27 November
10 December
16 December
17 January
17 January
27/28 January
April/May
June
The Charles W. Adams Collection of United States and Canada
The Philatelic Collector’s Series Sale
The Philatelic Collector's Series Sale, featuring the John Sussex Collection
of South West Africa, 1880-1928
Great Britain Stamps and Postal History
Bermuda from the Vestey Collection
Meiso Mizuhara, The Exhibition Collection, China Customs Post
Fine Stamps and Covers of China and Hong Kong
The Philatelic Collector's Series Sale
The Pre-New York 2016 Collector’s Series Sale
The Jose Castillejo Collection of Guatemala, 1871-86
London
London
London
Lugano
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
London
New York
New York
15046
15045
15047
SW1018
16012
16013
16010
154
155
COINS
14 November
2 December
2/3 December
11/12 January
16 January
22 March
22/23 March
The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale
Celtic Coins from the Geoff Cottam Collection
Ancient, British & Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals
Banknotes, Bonds & Share Certificates and Coins of China and Hong Kong
The Dr Paul Broughton Collection of English Hammered Gold Coins
Hong Kong
London
London
New York
Hong Kong
London
London
CSS19
15049
15007
323
16011
16014
16004
BOOKS
UK - Philip Skingley Jennifer Mulholland Nik von Uexkull
AUTOGRAPHS
USA - Greg Cole Stephen Goldsmith (Special Consultant)
WINES
CHINA - Guillaume Willk-Fabia Angie Ihlo Fung
BANKNOTES
14 November
8 December
11/12 January
16 January
12/13/14 April
World Banknotes
World Banknotes
Hong Kong
London
New York
Hong Kong
London
CSS19
15048
323
16011
16008
YOUR EUROPE TEAM (LONDON - LUGANO)
MEDALS
19 November
11/12 January
London
15003
21 April
Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale featuring The Liberty Collection of Medals and
Artefacts Relating to the 1916 Easter Rising and Ireland’s Fight for Independance
New York
London
323
16001
BONDS & SHARES
14 November
20 November
16 December
11/12 January
16 January
Bonds & Share Certificates of the World
Hong Kong
London
Lugano
New York
Hong Kong
AUTOGRAPHS
11/12 January
New York
WINES
3 December
15 January
Whisky, Cognac and Other Spirits
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
STAMPS
UK - Tim Hirsch FRPSL Guy Croton David Parsons Nick Startup Neill Granger
Paul Mathews Dominic Savastano Tom Smith Ian Shapiro (Consultant)
USA - George Eveleth Richard Debney
EUROPE - Guido Craveri Fernando Martínez
CHINA - Tommy Chau Doris Lo George Yue (Consultant)
COINS
UK - Richard Bishop Tim Robson Jon Mann Lawrence Sinclair Barbara Mears John Pett
CHINA - Kin Choi Cheung Paul Pei Po Chow
BANKNOTES
UK - Barnaby Faull Andrew Pattison Monica Kruber Thomasina Smith
CHINA - Kelvin Cheung Paul Pei Po Chow
ORDERS, DECORATIONS, MEDALS & MILITARIA
UK - Mark Quayle Oliver Pepys John Hayward
BONDS & SHARES
UK - Mike Veissid (Consultant) Andrew Pattison Thomasina Smith
USA - Greg Cole
EUROPE - Peter Christen
CHINA - Kelvin Cheung
Chairman’s Office
Charles Blane
Directors
Tim Hirsch Anthony Spink
Auction & Client Management Team
Mira Adusei-Poku Grace Hawkins Rita Ariete Dora Szigeti Tatyana Boyadzhieva Nik von Uexkull
John Winchcombe Tom Mathews Maurizio Schenini
Finance
Alison Bennet Marco Fiori Mina Bhagat Dennis Muriu Hemel Thakore Veronica Morris
IT & Administration
Berdia Qamarauli Michael Addo Liz Cones Curlene Spencer
Tom Robinson Cristina Dugoni Giacomo Canzi
152
153
CSS19
15019
SW1017
323
16011
YOUR AMERICA TEAM (NEW YORK)
Managing Director
Charles Blane
Auction Administration and Marketing & Design
Amit Ramprashad Kimberlee Fuller
Finance & Administration
Aleena Nieves
Auctioneer
Stephen Goldsmith
YOUR ASIA TEAM (HONG KONG - SINGAPORE)
Administration
Angie Ihlo Fung Newton Tsang Sue Pui Arthur Chan Doris Lo Gary Tan
Ken Imase [email protected]
The above sale dates are subject to change
Spink offers the following services:
– VALUATIONS FOR INSURANCE AND PROBATE FOR INDIVIDUAL ITEMS OR WHOLE COLLECTIONS –
– SALES ON A COMMISSION BASIS EITHER OF INDIVIDUAL PIECES OR WHOLE COLLECTIONS –
323
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ORDERS, DECORATIONS, CAMPAIGN MEDALS
AND MILITARIA
19 November 2015 in London and on
*
and/or
SALE LOCATION
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SALE DETAILS
Thursday 19 November 2015 at 10.00 a.m.
In sending commission bids or making enquiries,
this sale should be referred to as PREVOST - 15003
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Front Cover Illustration: Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost, Copyright, McCord Museum M403: Lot 116
Back Cover Illustration: Lot 69
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Order of Sale
Thursday 19 November 2015
Orders, Decorations and Medals to the
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders from the
Collection of Thomas Mitchell, Esq. ....................................................
1- 66
Groups and Pairs with Orders and Decorations
for Gallantry or Distinguished Service .................................................. 67- 77
British Orders and Single Awards .............................................................. 78- 98
Campaign Groups and Pairs ...................................................................... 99-115
Single Campaign Medals .......................................................................... 116-220
Life Saving Awards .................................................................................. 221-259
Coronation, Jubilee, Meritorious, Long Service and
Efficiency Medals .................................................................................. 260-288
Honours and Awards Bestowed upon
Ambassador Raymond Herremans ...................................................... 289-300
Foreign Orders, Decorations and Medals ................................................ 301-379
Miniature Awards .................................................................................... 380-381
Miscellaneous ............................................................................................ 382-389
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Page 2
November 19, 2015 - LONDON
THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2015
Commencing at 10.00 a.m.
All Sales are subject to the Terms and Conditions for Buyers printed at the back of this catalogue.
Estimates
The estimated selling price of each lot is printed below the lot description and does not include the Buyer’s Premium.
Bidders should bear in mind that estimates are prepared well in advance of the sale and are not definitive.
They are subject to revision.
ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS
TO THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS
FROM THE COLLECTION OF THOMAS MITCHELL, ESQ.
The vast majority of the following 66 lots come with extensive copied and multi-media research
1
A Superb Great War ‘1916’ C.M.G., Boer War
‘Magersfontein’ Subaltern’s D.S.O. Group of
Seven to Colonel W.G. Neilson, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders, Who Rescued a Wounded
Man During the Battle of Modder River,
28.11.1899, And Was Wounded Himself Later in
the Same Action. He Again Distinguished Himself
When He Led a Bayonet Charge at Magersfontein,
11.12.1899, Which Cleared an Advanced Post of
60 Men, Killing or Wounding Half Their Number.
Neilson Was One of Four Brothers Who All
Represented Scotland at Rugby
a) The Most Distinguished Order of Michael and St.
George, Companion’s (C.M.G.) breast Badge,
converted for neck wear, silver-gilt and enamel, reverse
centre depressed, minor white enamel damage, with
neck riband
b) Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and
enamel, with integral top riband bar
c) Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, three clasps,
Modder River, Paardeberg, Transvaal (Lt. & Adjt:
W.G. Neilson, D.S.O., A & S. Hgrs.), letter ‘N’ of
surname officially corrected
d) King’s South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (Lt. &
Adjt. W.G. Neilson. D.S.O. A & S. Hgrs.)
e) 1914-15 Star (Capt. W.G. Neilson. D.S.O. A. & S.
Hghrs.)
f) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves
(Lt. Col. W.G. Neilson.), last partially officially
renamed, generally good very fine, breast awards
mounted Cavalry-Style as originally worn (7)
£2,800-3,200
C.M.G. London Gazette 3.6.1916 Maj. Walter Gordon
Neilson, D.S.O., Arg. & Suth’d Highrs.
D.S.O. London Gazette 27.9.1901 Lieutenant Walter
Gordon Neilson, Princess Louise’s (Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders)
‘In recognition of services during the operations in South
Africa.’
Colonel W.G. Neilson
3
Colonel Walter Gordon Neilson, C.M.G., D.S.O. (1876-1927) was born at
Thankerton House, Bothwell, Glasgow. He was educated at Merchiston Castle School
and Fettes College. Neilson gained a Rugby Cap for Scotland, against England in 1894.
He was still at school when he was called up, ‘in the 1890’s, four brothers - the Neilsons
- from Merchiston Castle School were all capped by Scotland. Both Walter and William
made their debuts at the age of 17 years and five months; whereas George had to wait
until he was 20 and Robert 19.’
Neilson was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
in 1897. He served with distinction during the war in South Africa, 1899-1902. He was
present during the advance on Kimberley, and the regimental history records his part in
the Battle of Modder River, 28.11.1899, ‘At the battle of Modder River, about midday,
a man of “G” Company, lying in advance of the general line, was badly wounded,
bleeding to death, and unable to crawl back to a small depression in the ground, where
Captain Shanahan, R.A.M.C., was attending to the wounded. 2nd Lieut. Neilson seeing
this ran out and carried the man to the medical officer, thus saving his life. On returning
to the firing line 2nd Lieut. Neilson was shot through the arm....
The total casualties during the day were Lieutenant Baker-Carr and 2nd Lieut. Neilson
wounded, and 19 non-commissioned officers and men killed and 101 wounded, of
whom 11 subsequently died of wounds, not to mention various slight wounds which did
not necessitate men leaving the ranks, making a total of 122 casualties out of 478 for the
whole force engaged.’ (History of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders, R.P. Dunn Pattison
refers)
It was at Magersfontein, 11.12.1899, when Neilson’s leadership came to the fore, ‘It
seems that Colonel Goff was almost killed at the first discharge. The command therefore
devolved on Major Wolrige-Gordon. He went back to where the mass of the battalion
had rallied and shaken out into open order. Wolrige-Gordon at once ordered an advance;
the right of the line was entrusted to 2nd Lieut. Neilson. Very soon after this, about
4.30, the guns opened fire and relieved the strain on the brigade. Neilson, who had most
of his own company well in hand, and a mixture of men from the other battalions of the
brigade, kept bearing away to the right. Soon he came under a very heavy fire from the
mimosa and scrub on his right flank. This fire came from the outpost of Scandinavians,
who were stationed there to cover the gap between the trenches on Magersfontein Hill
and the underfeature. Neilson at once developed an attack on this position, and after
some considerable time, about 6am, he got to within charging distance. He then gave
the word, and, aided by mixed detachments under 2nd Lieuts. Sceales, King, and Lang
who had joined him sometime before, either captured or bayoneted the whole
detachment....’ (Ibid).
Neilson’s account of the action included in the regimental history adds the following:
‘Major Gordon came along to my end of the line and said that he was going to advance,
and that I was to take command of the right of the line. I did so, and we had not gone
far before we were subjected to a very heavy fire from our right flank, where mimosa and
scrub were growing. I made my part of the line change direction and we made for this
fire: very soon I could discern men retiring and lying behind bushes. Against these
bushes fire was directed, and we gradually closed and finally charged, and what was left
of these Scandinavians (for it turned out to be the advanced post of Scandinavians, some
60 or 70), held up (each) a little white flag. It was impossible to stop the bayonet being
used in all cases, as these fellows had fired on us up to the last; but the men were very
good, and gave quarter in almost every case. We found that we had made sore havoc of
this post. Behind one bush I counted six dead. The wounded were scattered about, the
uninjured we collected, some 25 or 30, and I sent them back under an escort.... I found
the officer in command of this post mortally wounded through the body.’
Neilson also took part in the action at Koodoosberg, the battles of Paardeburg and
Poplar Grove, and the actions at Waternal, Houtnek, Bloemberg, Roodeport and
Heilbron. He served under Major General Hamilton during the operations in the
Transvaal and was present during the actions at De Wagen Drift, Zilikats Nek and
Olifant’s Nek (D.S.O.; M.I.D. London Gazette 10.9.1901 and 29.7.1902).
Neilson served as Adjutant with the regiment, 1902-05. He was appointed Brigade
Major, Lothian Infantry Brigade, Scottish Command in 1912. Neilson served in the
same capacity with 1/1st Lothian Infantry Brigade, Central Force, Home Defence,
5.8.1914-19.3.1915. He joined the 1st Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at
Ypres, March 1915. Neilson was posted as Brigade Major, 139th Infantry Brigade, and
served in the French theatre of war, 1.6.1915-21.7.1916. For the remainder of the war
he served in a number of Staff positions on the Western Front including with the 34th
Division, the 15th Army Corps, the 63rd Division and Headquarters 4th Army (C.M.G.;
M.I.D. London Gazette 1.1.1916, 15.6.1916, 4.1.1917 and 15.5.1917; Brevet
Lieutenant-Colonel 3.6.1918).
Neilson was appointed to the command of the 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, Aldershot, in 1922. He held this command until his death, as a result of a
riding accident, 29.4.1927.
PROVENANCE:
Taylor Collection, Christie, November 1990
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2
The Great War ‘Western Front’ D.S.O., ‘Privy
Purse’ M.V.O. Group of Fourteen to LieutenantColonel H.G. Sotheby, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, Wounded in Action During the Boer
War Near Kroonstad, 1.1.1901, and Commanded
the 10th Battalion on the Western Front 1916-18
a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and
enamel, with integral top riband bar, central obverse
medallion slightly depressed
b) The Royal Victorian Order, Member’s Fifth Class
(M.V.O.) breast Badge, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel,
reverse officially numbered ‘439’
Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901,
clasp carriage remodelled for mounting purposes, last
date clasp a copy (Lieut. H.G. Sotheby. Arg. & Suth.
Highrs.)
d) 1914 Star, with copy Bar, unnamed
e) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves
(Lt. Col. H.G. Sotheby)
f) Jubilee 1897, silver (H.G. Sotheby.),
contemporarily engraved in large serif capitals
g) Coronation 1902, silver
h) Coronation 1911
i) France, Republic, Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse
dated 1914-1917, with bronze star on riband
j) Denmark, Kingdom, Order of the Dannebrog,
Knight’s breast Badge, F.VIII.R. (1906-12), 58mm
including crown suspension x 27mm, gold and enamel
k) Sweden, Kingdom, Order of Vasa, Knight’s breast
Badge, 60mm including crown suspension x 39mm,
gold and enamel
l) Norway, Order of St Olav, Knight First Class breast
Badge, 68mm including crown and lion suspension x
44mm, gold and enamel
m) Italy, Kingdom, Order of St. Maurice and St.
Lazarus, Knight’s breast Badge, 39mm, gold and
enamel, enamel damage to St. Lazarus cross on last,
otherwise nearly extremely fine or better (14)
£2,400-2,800
D.S.O. London Gazette 1.1.1918 Capt. Herbert George
Sotheby, Arg and Suth’d Highrs, Spec. Res.
‘For distinguished service in the Field.’
M.V.O. V Class London Gazette 22.6.1914 Herbert George
Sotheby, Esq., of the Private Secretary’s Office, Buckingham
Palace
Lieutenant-Colonel H.G. Sotheby
M.I.D. London Gazette 21.12.1917 Sotheby, Maj. (actg. Lt.Col.) H.G., M.V.O. (Spec. Res.), Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
M.I.D. London Gazette 28.12.1918 Sotheby, Maj. (T./Lt.Col.) H.G., M.V.O., D.S.O., 4th Bn., Comdg. 10th Bn.,
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
M.I.D. London Gazette 9.7.1919 Sotheby, Maj. (T./Lt.Col.) H.G., D.S.O., M.V.O., 4th Bn. (Comdg. 10th Bn.),
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Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert George Sotheby, D.S.O., M.V.O., (1871-1954), Commissioned Second
Lieutenant, 4th (Militia) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 6.1.1900; promoted Lieutenant,
12.12.1900; served in South Africa as Station Staff Officer, and Railway Staff Officer; slightly wounded near
Kroonstad, 1.1.1901; promoted Captain, 4.2.1902; served during the Great War on the Western Front with
the 4th Battalion from 7.10.1914, and present at the First Battle of Ypres, 1914; wounded in the right leg,
9.11.1914, and had a shrapnel bullet removed from his right tibia, 19.11.1914; promoted Major, 20.2.1916,
and commanded the 10th Battalion at the Battle of the Somme, at Longueval, July 1916, and Bapaume,
October 1916; the Battle of Arras, April to May 1917; the Battle of Passchendaele, October 1917; the Battle
of Amiens, August 1918; the Battle of Cambrai, at St. Quentin, September to October 1918; and the Battle of
the River Selle, October 1918; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, 15.12.1916; resigned, 1.7.1921.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sotheby served as a Clerk in the Privy Purse Office, Buckingham Palace, from June 1893,
and accompanied King Edward VII on his Royal Visits to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, April to May 1908;
and to Italy, April 1909; awarded the Royal Victorian Order in 1914. In later life he served as Sherriff and a
Deputy-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire. He was also the author of the 10th Battalion’s History, and his Boer
War diary is in the National Library of Scotland.
PROVENANCE:
Spink Medal Quarterly, June 1995
7
3
3
A Fine Great War 1918 ‘Pursuit to the Selle’
D.S.O. Group of Four to Lieutenant-Colonel
A.G.C. Colquhoun, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, Wounded During The Shimber
Berris Campaigns, He Commanded the 2nd
Battalion on the Western Front in 1918, and Was
Twice Wounded
a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and
enamel, with integral top-riband bar
b) Africa General Service 1902-56, G.V.R., one clasp,
Shimber Berris 1914-15 (Lieut: A.G.C. Colquhoun.
A.&S. Hdrs.)
c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves
(Lt. Col. A.G.C. Colquhoun.), generally good very
fine, A.G.S. scarce to officer and possibly unique to
regiment (4)
£2,600-3,000
D.S.O. London Gazette 30.7.1919 Capt. (A. Maj.) Archibald
Gordon Campbell Colquhoun, 2nd Bn. A. & S. Highrs
‘For conspicuous gallantry and exemplary leadership of his
battalion near Neuvilly on October 10th, 1918. He was in
temporary command and personally led what remained of his
battalion in the second attack made against very strong
enemy positions east of the R. Selle, succeeding, in spite of
violent opposition, in establishing a series of posts on the east
side of the river. On the following day, exposed to intense
machine gun and sniper’s fire, he personally visited these
forward and isolated posts having to traverse the ground in
full view of the enemy in order to do so. He set a fine example
of courage and determination to his battalion, which had
suffered heavy casualties.’
Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Gordon Campbell
Colquhoun, D.S.O. (1887-1960), commissioned Second
Lieutenant, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 4.5.1907;
Lieutenant 28.4.1909; employed with the West African
Frontier Force, 29.3.1911-28.1.1914; Captain 12.12.1914;
attached Camel Constabulary, Somaliland, 29.1.1914-
21.3.1917 (wounded); served with the 2nd Battalion, Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders on the Western Front, May
1917-November 1918; Acting Major, 29.10.191711.2.1919; Acting Lieutenant-Colonel, and Officer
Commanding the regiment, 8th-18th May 1918 (Twice
wounded; Twice M.I.D. London Gazette 28.12.1918 and
9.7.1919); he led the battalion as part of the 98th Brigade,
17th Division in the pursuit to the Selle, and distinguished
himself in this capacity in particular on the 10-11th October
1918, ‘Lieut.-General Shute, about midday [10th October],
ordered a combined attack of the 33rd and 17th Divisions at
5pm under a barrage fired by the artillery of all four of his
divisions and four batteries of heavy artillery, the objective
being the ridge about a mile beyond the Selle. Progress
through the gardens and houses under spasmodic fire was
difficult and slow; but the 2/Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders, supported by the 4/King’s, both of the 98th
Brigade, managed during the night to establish two posts
beyond the river between Montay and Neuvilly, crossing by
wading, swimming and using fallen trees. Companies of the
10/West Yorkshire and 7/East Yorkshire of the 50th Brigade
also got across the Selle north of Neuvilly and took the
railway embankment, the enemy’s main line of resistance; but
the position was untenable, without support on either side,
and at 9pm the companies were withdrawn to the western
bank. Thus at night the main line of the V Corps was on the
western bank along the Montay-Viesly road at the foot of the
slopes of the Selle valley, with two posts east of the stream...
[On the 11th] General Byng gave orders that no advance was
to be made by the main bodies for the present, but that
outposts should be pushed over the Selle to cover the
construction of bridges. This led to a series of somewhat
expensive and largely unprofitable nibblings at the passages of
the river. In the V Corps, on the 11th, the 2/Argyll &
Sutherland Highlanders of the 33rd Division managed to
hold on to its post across the river north of Montay; but the
4/King’s had to withdraw from the post south of Neuvilly’
(Official History of the War, Military Operations, France and
Belgium 1918, Vol. V. refers); Brevet Major, 1.1.1919;
employed with the Egyptian Army, from 10.3.1919.
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A Great War ‘Military’ Division M.B.E. Group of
Three to ‘Zulu War Veteran’ Major, Late SergeantMajor, R.C. Williamson, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st
type, Military Division, Member’s (M.B.E.) breast
Badge, silver (Hallmarks for London 1919)
b) South Africa 1877-79, one clasp, 1879 (1788 Lce.
Sergt. R.C. Williamson. 91st Foot.), suspension slack
c) Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps,
Modder River, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal,
South Africa 1901 (Lt. & Qmr. R.C. Williamson. A &
S. Highrs.), unofficial rivets between State and Date
clasps, generally very fine, with photographic images of
recipient (3)
£800-1,200
M.B.E. London Gazette 15.4.1919 Williamson, Maj. Richard
Charles, A. & S. Highrs. (Originally gazetted as a Civil
Award, 7.1.1918, and changed to Military in the above
gazette)
M.I.D. London Gazette 10.9.1901 Quartermaster and
Honorary Lieutenant R.C. Williamson
Major Richard Charles Williamson, M.B.E. (1859-1927);
enlisted 91st Highlanders in 1877, and served throughout
the Zulu War of 1879; promoted to Sergeant Major of the
1st Battalion on 6.7.1887 and held this important position
for the next ten years, serving under no fewer than four
commanding officers; commissioned Lieutenant and
Quartermaster, 1st Battalion Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, July 1897; and served as such in the Boer War
until September 1900, when he became Quartermaster to the
newly arrived 4th (Paisley) Militia Battalion; advanced
Captain and Quartermaster, November 1900; retired in
March 1908; for his services at home during the Great War
he was awarded the M.B.E., ‘Major R.C. Williamson, the
“Chief” of the National Service Department at Stirling,
attended an investiture at Buckingham Palace, London, last
Wednesday to receive his M.B.E. insignia... at the hands of
the King. There were between two and three hundred
Major R.C. Williamson (right)
military and civilian recipients of the Order, but the Major
was the only one in officer’s uniform of a Highland regiment,
and his stalwart figure in the kilt - which he knows how to
swing properly - attracted much attention. Six times after
leaving the Palace he was held up by press photographers
anxious to get a snap shot of him, and judging by the
illustrations in next day’s papers, they did good work’
(Stirling Observer, 6.4.1918, refers); he was appointed
Superintendent of the Scottish Blinded Soldiers’ and Sailors’
Hostel, Newington House, Edinburgh, October 1918; he
oversaw the Prince of Wales’ visit in December 1924.
PROVENANCE:
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5
5
A ‘Thin Red’ D.C.M. Group of Three to Private A.
Fletcher, 93rd Highlanders
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Alexr.
Fletcher. 93rd Highlanders)
b) Crimea 1854-56, three clasps, Alma, Balaklava,
Sebastopol (No.914 Alexr. Fletcher. 93rd
Highlanders.), regimentally impressed
c) Turkish Crimea, British die, unnamed as issued,
pierced for ring suspension, contact marks overall,
therefore nearly very fine (3)
£6,000-8,000
D.C.M. Recommended 8.1.1855
914 Private Alexander Fletcher, D.C.M., born Forres,
Moray, Scotland; enlisted 93rd Highlanders, September
1834; served 10 years with regiment in North America;
departed for Malta en route for the Crimea, April 1854; and
was present at the Battle of the Alma, 20.9.1854, and the
Battle of Balaklava, 25.10.1854.
‘That Thin Red Streak Topped with a Line of Steel’
At 7:00 am on the 25th October, a force of 25,000 Russians,
with 78 guns, under the command of General Liprandi,
advanced from the far end of the North Valley. Their task was
to capture Kadikoi and cut off the British supply port of
Balaklava. Following the capture of the four Redoubts of the
front line, the Russian cavalry made a two-pronged attack on
Kadikoi. The first prong of 400 sabres crossed the Causeway
Heights between the 2nd and 3rd Redoubts and headed
straight for Sir Colin Campbell’s position on the high ground
to the left front of the village of Kadikoi. As well as his 500
kilted and bearded Highlanders of the 93rd, Campbell had
150 assorted soldiers, including some 30 to 40 Guardsmen,
who had been hurried up from Balaklava, and the remnants
of the Turkish Battalion in support. As the Russian cavalry,
six Squadrons of the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar Hussar
Regiment and three Squadrons of Don Cossaks, approached
at the gallop, Campbell ordered his men into two lines, with
his beloved Highlanders in the centre. Riding along the line,
his orders were simple and effective: “There is no retreat from
here, men! You must die where you stand!” Spotting their
quarry, the Russians in one grand line charged: ‘Gathering
speed at every stride, they dashed on towards that thin red
streak topped with a line of steel. The Turks fired a volley at
eight hundred yards and ran. As the Russians came within six
hundred yards, down went that line of steel in front, and out
rang a rolling volley of Minié musketry. The distance was too
great, the Russians were not checked but swept onwards, here
and there knocked over by the shot of our batteries, but ere
they came within two hundred and fifty yards another volley
flashed from the rifles. The Russians wheeled about and fled
faster than they came. “Bravo, Highlanders! Well Done!”
shouted the excited spectators. The 93rd never altered their
formation to receive the tide of horsemen. “I did not think it
worth while to form them even four deep” said Sir Colin
Campbell. The ordinary British line, two deep, was quite
sufficient to repel the attack of those Muscovite cavaliers.’
(Letters from The Crimea by W.H. Russell, The Times
correspondent, refers). Thus the scene was set for the Heavy
Brigade to rout the Russian cavalry, and the Light Brigade to
Charge to immortality.
Alone amongst infantry Regiments, the 93rd were
commanded to bear, in commemoration of their gallant
conduct, the honour “Balaklava” on their Regimental
Colour. Fifteen Distinguished Conduct Medals were won by
the Regiment, and they were all Recommended on the same
date, 8.1.1855. Interestingly, the Distinguished Conduct
Medals awarded to men of the Heavy Brigade for the Battle
of Balaklava were Recommended over the period 321.1.1855; and those to men of the Light Brigade for the
Battle of Balaklava were Recommended over the period 10.113.2.1855.
Fletcher was discharged September 1856, after 22 years’
service with the Colours, in consequence of ‘the campaign in
the Crimea the constant exposure to climate, and the
numerous and heavy fatigues’ (Service Papers refer).
PROVENANCE:
Christie, March 1988
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D.C.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 3.6.1916 12040
Coy. S./M. (Actg. S./M.) J. Mackie, 12th Bn., L’Pool R.
‘For conspicuous gallantry during a heavy bombardment by
the enemy he moved fearlessly about to places of the greatest
danger. He has done fine work on patrol, and on one
occasion dispersed with bombs an enemy working party.’
6
An Extraordinary ‘Old Sweat’s’ Boer War D.C.M.
Group of Four to Colour Sergeant J. Mackie,
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Who ReEngaged Aged 43 For Service During the Great
War With the 12th Battalion, Kings Liverpool
Regiment; Was Commissioned in the Field,
Awarded a Bar to His D.C.M., and Killed in
Action On the Western Front, All in 1916
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (1980 Clr:
Serjt: J. Mackie. 4th Arg: & Suth: Hig...)
b) India General Service 1895-1902, V.R., one clasp,
Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (1980 Sergt. ...ummer J.
Mackie 2d. Bn. Arg&Suth.. Highrs)
Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901
(.... C. Sgt. J. Mickie [sic], Arg: & Suth: Highrs),
unofficial rivets between 2nd and 3rd clasps, claw
tightened
d) Army Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (1980 C. Sjt:
Instr: Mskty: J. Mackie. A.&.S. Highrs:), last officially
renamed, edge details worn in places, contact marks,
nearly very fine
£3,000-4,000
Captain James Douglas Mackie, D.C.M. (1871-1916),
born Aghada, Cork, Ireland; resided in later life at 49 Esher
Road, Kensington, Liverpool; enlisted as Boy in the 2nd
Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1885; served
with the regiment in India, November 1891-April 1898;
advanced Sergeant, October 1894; Sergeant Drummer,
March 1898; served with the 4th Battalion in South Africa,
18.1.1900-5.8.1901 (D.C.M. and Mentioned in Earl
Roberts Despatch dated, 4.9.1901, London Gazette
10.9.1901); Colour Sergeant Instructor of Musketry,
7.4.1905 (L.S. & G.C. 1.10.1904); transferred 10th
(Scottish) Battalion, The Kings (Liverpool Regiment), from
whom he was discharged 5.6.1909, after 23 years and 194
days service; re-engaged for service during the Great War
aged 43, as Colour Sergeant (No.12040), 12th Battalion,
Kings Liverpool Regiment, 14.9.1914; served with the
regiment in the French theatre of war, from July 1915;
Acting Regimental Sergeant Major, 27.10.1915;
commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant, 12th
Battalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment, 5.3.1916; promoted
Temporary Captain, 30.3.1916; appointed to command ‘B’
Company, 9.4.1916, and was killed in action the following
day, ‘Mackie badly wounded shortly after midnight whilst
examining wire in front of trenches. He died whilst being
brought in 2nd Lt. Mackie was buried at night’ (Battalion
War Diary refers); Mackie was buried in Bard Cottage
Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium.
D.C.M. London Gazette 27.9.1901 Clr. Sgt. J. Mackie, 4th
Battalion, Princess Louise’s (Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders)
‘In recognition of services during the operations in South
Africa.’
PROVENANCE:
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7
7
A Great War 1915 ‘Ypres’ D.C.M. Group of Six to Corporal J. Turnbull,
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1850 Pte. J. Turnbull. 7/A. & S.
Hdrs - T.F.), ‘7’ officially corrected
b) 1914-15 Star (1850. Pte. J. Turnbull. A & S. Highrs.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (1850 Cpl. J. Turnbull. A. & S. H.)
d) Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (32050 Cpl. J. Turnbull. D.C.M. 7-A.
& S. H.)
e) Russia, Imperial, Medal of St. George for Bravery, Third Class, silver,
reverse officially numbered ‘22156’, and edge engraved ‘1850 Pte. J. Turnbull
7/Arg. & Suth. Highrs.’, light contact marks throughout, very fine (6)
£1,200-1,600
D.C.M. London Gazette 23.6.1915 1850 Private J. Turnbull, 9th (The
Dumbartonshire) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Territorial Force, ‘For
gallant conduct and initiative in collecting a party of twelve men, there being no Noncommissioned Officer near by, and in taking charge of, and leading them forward, being
himself severely wounded.’
Russia, Medal of St. George, Third Class, London Gazette 25.8.1915 1850 Private James
Turnbull, 7th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Territorial Force
1850 Corporal James Turnbull, D.C.M., born Clackmannan, Scotland; was employed
as a Miner prior to the outbreak of the Great War; having joined the Territorial Forces
in 1913, he was mobilised with the 1/7th Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
in August 1914; he served with the battalion on the Western Front, from December
1914; the battalion took part in actions at St. Julien, Frezenberg and Bellewarde as part
of the Battle of Ypres, 1915; Turnbull received a gunshot wound to his groin,
26.4.1915; the 1/7th Battalion temporarily amalgamated with the 1/9th Battalion,
May-July 1915 (probably explaining the discrepancy between the battalion number on
the D.C.M. and that which appears in the London Gazette); the battalion served as part
of the 154th Brigade, 51st Highland Division from March 1916; advanced Corporal
12.4.1916; Turnbull was subject to a Court of Enquiry, 6.6.1916, having accidentally
wounded himself the day before; he was immediately cleared, and his account of events
was thus, ‘about mid-day today I was N.C.O. in charge of a forward post in front of the
firing line. Before going forward I put a round into the breech of my rifle as the Germans
are only a short distance away. It had been raining and my rifle was wet. I was wiping
water off, and must have touched the trigger. The bullet went through my right hand’;
he served with the battalion throughout the 1916 Somme campaign; transferred to 16th
Scottish Rifles, January 1917; discharged 15.4.1919 (Territorial Efficiency Medal
August 1923).
PROVENANCE:
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A Great War 1918 ‘French Theatre’ M.M. Group of
Four to Private J. Rusk, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (S-8503 Pte. J. Rusk. 3/A. & S.
Highrs:)
b) 1914-15 Star (S-8503 Pte. J. Rusk. A. & S. Highrs)
c) British War and Victory Medals (S-8503 Pte. J. Rusk. A.
& S. Highrs.), contact marks overall, nearly very fine (4)
£300-400
M.M. London Gazette 13.9.1918 S/8503 Pte. J. Rusk, A. & S.
Highrs. (Glasgow)
8503 Private James Rusk, M.M. served in the 2/7th Battalion
Highland Light Infantry prior to the outbreak of the Great War; he
served during the Great War with the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders in the French theatre of War, from 1.10.1915; he was
serving with the 3rd Battalion, attached 2nd Battalion, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders at time of winning his M.M.
13
9
A Well Documented Second War ‘Escaper’s’
D.C.M. to Private J.M.L. Goldie, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders, Taken POW in France,
June 1940, He and Another Private Made Good
Their Escape, By Foot, Train, Bicycle and Plane,
From the Salt Mines of Germany
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (2985254
Pte. J.M.L. Goldie. A. & S. H.), good very fine,
mounted as originally worn, with the following related
contemporary documentation:
- Letter addressed to recipient’s mother from
Lieutenant A. Brown, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, stating that Goldie was captured with
members of the Carrier Platoon, dated 16.7.1940
- Red Cross documentation relating to the recipient’s
capture
- Messages written by the recipient to his family after
capture and while ‘on the run’ during 1942, all of
which safely reached the UK via the French and
Belgian Underground
- Censored letter written by recipient to his family
upon his arrival at Gibraltar, dated 26.8.1942
- Letters from the Infantry Record Office and Air
Ministry informing the recipient’s family of his
successful escape
- A hand written account by recipient of his capture
and escape, written in later life
- A signed ‘Statement of Service’ from the Infantry
Record Office, dated 25.1.1954
- Portrait photograph of recipient in uniform (lot)
£4,000-5,000
D.C.M. London Gazette 10.11.1942 No. 2985254 Private
James Muir Lang Goldie, The Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders (Princess Louise’s).
Goldie’s Recommendation for the D.C.M. was based on his
interrogation report dated 10/11/12 September 1942 (WO
373). His M.I.9 Debrief gives the following: ‘2985254 Pte.
Goldie, J.M.L., 7 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 51 (H)
Div.
‘I was captured near Abbeville on 6th June 1940 while
serving with the Battalion Bren carriers which had been sent
from Battalion H.Q. to assist C Coy. I was captured along
with Capt. Hewitt, C Coy, and ten other ranks.
After capture I was sent to Germany to Stalag IX C (Bad
Sulza), and from there to the cement works at Steudnitz, near
Dorndorf, about 7 miles S.E. Bad Sulza. I remained at this
camp (Arbeitskommando 116) till Sep. 1941 when I was sent
to the salt mines at Unterbreizbach, 10 miles S.E. Hersfeld
(Arbeitskommando 147). There I was working underground.
I escaped from the camp at Unterbreizbach on 21 Mar 1942
with Pte. MacFarlane, W. of my unit (S/P.G. (G) 821)....’
Private MacFarlane’s Debrief continues: ‘About the
beginning of 1942 I began planning to escape with Pte.
James Goldie of my unit, with whom I had been with since
capture. We saved chocolate biscuits and tea from Red Cross
parcels and discussed ways of getting out of the camp. The
mines were worked in two shifts. I worked from 0600 to
1800 hrs, and Goldie from 1400 to 2200 hrs. We decided to
escape on the night 21 Mar. This was a Saturday, and we
reckoned there would be a chance of our not being missed on
the Sunday. I made a jemmy in the turning shop and burst
open the gate on the East side of the camp which was only
used by the guards and the women working in the kitchen.
We were locked up at 2100 hrs in our huts, and the doors
were not opened again until 2245 hrs, when the second shift
came in from work. There were two sentries and four women
who worked in the cookhouse. After the women finished at
Private J.M.L. Goldie
1900 hrs the two guards became responsible for the feeding
of the second shift when it came off work. One of them
ought to have remained on guard outside, but we knew that
they both generally went into the dining room. I broke the
lock of the gate about 2030 hrs and the gate remained open
till 2245 hrs, when Goldie and I left. Two other men of our
regiment were to have come with us, but they did not turn
up, though we waited ten minutes for them.
The following is a summary of our equipment and plans:
Clothes: We wore ordinary battle dress on top of which we
had blue overalls with “K.G.” in red on the back. We were
able to conceal these letters with rucksacks which we made
out of sacks.
Food: We had collected sufficient chocolate and biscuits for
ten days, six tins of sardines, and about six lbs. of tea.
Maps: We had two maps of Germany and adjacent countries,
one of which Goldie had got from an anti-Nazi German
working underground with him in the mine, and the other of
which I got from a Pole who worked at the head of the shaft.
I told the Pole I was going to escape, but did not tell him
how or when.
Plan: There had been a number of other attempts from the
camp, but none of the men had tried to escape otherwise than
on foot, and they had all been recaptured. We decided to try
to jump on railway waggons at Gerstungen, about 12 miles
N.E. of Unterbreizbach.
We took six days to get to Gerstungen walking in a circle to
avoid detection. We walked at night, avoiding villages, and
slept in the woods by day. There was snow on the ground up
to our knees, and quite frequently we had to use melted snow
instead of water. On our second night out we left our hiding
place rather early and were crossing a main road near a village
when we were stopped by a German. We told him we were
Frenchmen going to Gerstungen and when he asked us why
we did not speak French we admitted we were English. By
giving him cigarettes we persuaded him to let us go, but we
suspect that he reported our presence to other villagers,
because we were chased very shortly afterwards. We managed
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2985254 Private James Muir Lang Goldie, D.C.M.
served with the 7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders during the Second War. He enlisted in
September 1939, and served in France from March 1940. He
was taken prisoner during action at Abbeville, 6.6.1940,
when ‘the Germans attacked on positions south of the River
Somme. Three carriers of the Carrier Platoon were ordered
up to the support of our C Company which was being heavily
attacked. Pte. Goldie went up with these three under the
Carrier Platoon Officer. C Company was late in the day
surrounded completely by the enemy and nobody came back
to give us any information as to what happened to them.
Neither did anyone from the Carriers, come back.’
(Lieutenant Brown’s letter included in lot refers)
The account of Goldie’s internment and subsequent escape
with MacFarlane can be read above, however, Goldie’s handwritten account adds further detail to the last leg of their
return to Allied Lines, ‘our last contact was the Basque
People who had been smuggling rum over the Pyrenees to
Spain and they agreed to take us with them. Unfortunately
we encountered a Spanish Patrol who opened fire on us and
in the darkness Pte MacFarlane and myself got separated.
I arrived at a farm house in the foothills of the Pyrenees and
from there an old Basque woman guided me to the British
Embassy... Safe at last and on August 1942 I arrived in
Gibraltar.’
to hide in a wood and our pursuers did not come in after us.
We reached the goods station at Gerstungen on the night of
26th March. We broke the lead seal of a closed salt waggon
and entered by the door. We then opened a window, came
out by the door - which we resealed - and got in by the
window. There were quite a few railwaymen about, but no
one saw us. We had plenty of room on top of the sacks of salt
inside the waggon. Unfortunately, the train only moved for a
few hours at a time and then lay up for half a day or a day, so
that the journey to Belgium, which would have taken about
two days normal travelling, lasted eight days. We had
neglected to take water with us, and did not leave the waggon
during the numerous stops for fear of being seen. We suffered
terribly from thirst, and during the last few days were unable
to eat the food we had bought with us. We knew the waggon
was bound for Belgium as we saw the destination (Hasselt)
written in German on the notice on the side of the truck. In
Belgium a French notice was substituted for the German one.
We were able to check our position on one of our maps by
watching the names of the stations we passed through. On
Good Friday (3 Apr) we arrived in Hasselt. We remained in
the waggon all day and most of the night, and then dropped
out about 0400 hrs (4 Apr). We walked to a stream on the
outskirts of Hasselt, where we washed and made tea in tin
cans picked up on the road. We then walked to Tirlemont,
the journey occupying two days. We had to walk by day
because we could find no cover for hiding. We were still in
our blue overalls over battle dress, but, though we walked on
the main road, no one challenged us. On 5th Apr. we reached
a house in Kessel Loo and asked for water to make tea,
speaking in broken German, which the people understood.
An old woman took us in and kept us for the night. Early
next morning we were taken by bicycle to Louvain, where we
were sheltered for six weeks by people who belonged to a
Belgian patriotic organisation. We then went to live with
another family who put us in touch with an organisation for
our return to the UK.’
Both Goldie and MacFarlane were awarded the Distinguished
Conduct Medal for their escape and evasion. After a period
back in the UK, Goldie returned to fight in North-West
Europe, 15.7.1944-14.8.1945. He was discharged
3.10.1945, and resided at ‘33 Boyd Street, Glasgow’ in later
life.
PROVENANCE:
Sotheby, February 1990
15
10
11
10
British Empire Medal, E.II.R., Military Division
(24090474 Cpl. Alexander Hannah. A. and S.H.),
good very fine, in Royal Mint case of issue
£300-400
11
Pair: Sergeant J. Lockhart, 93rd Foot, Later 26th
Foot
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Umbeyla
(551 J, Lockhart H.M. 93rd. Highrs.); Abyssinia
1867-68 (1192 J. Lockhart 26th Regt.), contact
marks, nearly very fine (2)
£400-500
B.E.M. London Gazette 11.1.1977 24090474 Corporal
Alexander Hannah, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
(Princess Louise’s)
‘In recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland
during the period 1st May 1976 - 31st July 1976.
1192 Sergeant James Lockhart, born Beith, Ayrshire,
1841; enlisted in the 93rd Foot, March 1859; transferred to
the 26th Foot, April 1866; promoted Corporal, October
1868; Sergeant, November 1875; discharged, March 1878,
after 19 years’ service.
PROVENANCE:
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Three: Private J. Nelson, 91st Foot, Later Cameron
Highlanders
South Africa 1877-79, one clasp, 1879 (2126. Pte. J.
Nelson. 91st. Foot.); Egypt 1882-89, dated, one
clasp, Tel-el-Kebir (436. Pte. J. Nelson. 1/Cam’n.
Highrs:); Khedive’s Star 1882, edge bruising, very fine
or better (3)
£500-700
17
13
13
The Unique Campaign Combination Group of
Five to Corporal C. Burch, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, Attached Telegraph Department,
Later Sergeant, British Red Cross Society, and a
Veteran of the Balkan-Turkish War 1912-13
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Waziristan
1894-5 (3485 Pte. C. Burch. 2nd. Bn. Arg: & Suth’d
Highrs.); India General Service 1895-1902, V.R., two
clasps, Relief of Chitral 1895, Punjab Frontier 189798, second clasp attached by means of two side plates
(3485 Pte. C. Burch 2d. Argyll & Suther: High Tel:
Dept.), unit partially officially corrected; Queen’s
South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Modder River,
Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal (3485 Pte. C.
Burch, A. & S. Highrs:), initial officially corrected;
King’s South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (3485 Corpl:
C. Burch. A. & S. Highrs:); British Red Cross Society
Medal for the Balkan Wars 1912-13, silver (Hallmarks
for Birmingham 1912), one clasp, Servia (Charles
Burch.), with top ‘Balkan War 1912-13’ riband bar,
edge bruise to QSA, contact marks, nearly very fine or
better (5)
£800-1,200
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Sergeant C. Burch (seated centre) with the Welsh unit, British Red Cross Society, that served in Serbia
Sergeant Charles Burch, born Reigate, Surrey, 1870;
enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and served
as a Military Signaller with the Telegraph Department during
operation in Waziristan 1894-5; served again with the
Telegraph Department during the Relief of Chitral 1895;
served with the 1st Battalion Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders in South Africa; in a letter home from the Front,
dated Paardeberg Drift, 20.2.1900, he wrote: ‘Last Sunday
we met the enemy two miles from camp, and fought from
daylight till pitch dark. The Highland Brigade was again in
the thick of it, and suffered terribly. I escaped by a miracle. A
bullet passed through the top of my helmet two inches above
my scalp; another went through my ammunition pouch at my
side, bending up six cartridges like cork screws and exploding
one. The third and last one went through my khaki jacket on
the left breast, and passed along to the right side between
shirt and jacket and out through my right breast pocket.
Everyone says I was the luckiest man in the field that day. The
way the Highlanders went into action under a galling fire and
advanced as if on parade was superb, and a sight never to be
forgotten. The enemy had us just in the same position as at
Modder, they holding entrenched positions along the banks,
and we right in the open veldt, and all day long under a
burning sun. I am sorry to see my old regiment dwindling
away, and the good men gradually getting fewer and fewer,
but we must hope for the best. Lot of my old Indian chums
are killed and wounded, and I shall miss their familiar faces
and chaff knocking about the camp.’ (The Surrey Mirror,
March 1900 refers).
Charles Burch left the Army and joined the Welsh unit of the
British Red Cross Society, and went with them as a Sergeant
as part of a force of fifteen under the command of Captain H.
St. M. Carter, R.A.M.C. to the Balkans, leaving London on
the 12th November 1912, and ultimately arriving in Uskub,
near Belgrade, in Serbia. There they opened up a hospital for
112 patients, before returning to England on the 27th
January 1913.
PROVENANCE:
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14
14
The Regimentally Unique Campaign Combination
Group of Six to Warrant Officer Class II C.
Johnstone, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
India General Service 1895-1902, V.R., two clasps,
Relief of Chitral, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, second
clasp attached by means of replacement lugs to first
(3077 Corpl. C. Johnstone 2nd. A. & S. Highrs:),
with ‘Relief of Chitral 1895’ top silver riband bar;
Africa General Service 1902-56, E.VII.R., one clasp,
Somaliland 1902-04 (3077 Serjt: C. Johnstone. A. &
S. Hdrs.); 1914-15 Star (S-5795. Q.M.Sjt. C.
Johnstone, A. & S. Highrs.); British War and Victory
Medals (S-5795 W.O. Cl.2 C. Johnstone. A. & S.
Highrs); Army Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (3077
C.Sjt: C. Johnstone. A. & S. Hdrs.), good very fine or
better, with various photographs (6)
£600-800
3077 Warrant Officer Class II Charles Johnstone, born
Stirling, 1870; enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, February 1889; promoted Corporal, June
1894; promoted Sergeant, January 1899; awarded Africa
General Service Medal whilst on secondment to the Supply
and Transport Corps, 1904, as one of two Sergeants assisting
Captain D.J. Glasfurd (see Lot 18); promoted ColourSergeant, 21.5.1904; awarded Army Long Service and Good
Conduct Medal, 1907; promoted Sergeant Major and
appointed Instructor, 1st Dumbarton Rifle Volunteers,
25.12.1908; discharged, 4.2.1910, after 21 years’ service; reenlisted, 1.10.1914, promoted Quarter Master Sergeant,
4.11.1914, and served with the 12th Battalion during the
Great War on the Western Front from 19.9.1915, and with
the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force from 13.11.1915;
demobilized, 29.1.1920.
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Warrant Officer Class II Charles Johnstone
15
15
Six: Corporal A. Henderson, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, three clasps, Cape
Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, top lugs removed
(2744 Pte. A. Henderson. A. & S. Highrs:); King’s
South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (2744 Pte. A.
Henderson. A. and S. Highrs:), suspension claw repinned; 1914-15 Star (SR-5336 Pte. A. Henderson. A.
& S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (5336
Cpl. A. Henderson. A. & S.H.); Special Reserve Long
Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (5336 Pte. A. Henderson.
3/A. & S. Hdrs.), edge bruising and contact marks,
nearly very fine, the Great War awards better (6)
£500-700
5336 Corporal Adam Henderson, born Govan, Glasgow,
1875; enlisted in the Scottish Rifles, November 1892;
transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
February 1895; awarded Special Reserve L.S. & G.C. by
Army Order October 1910; served during the Great War on
the Western Front from 18.8.1915; subsequently served with
the Royal Army Veterinary Corps; demobilized, 8.4.1919.
10 Special Reserve L.S. & G.C. Medals awarded to the 3rd
Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
PROVENANCE:
21
16
17
16
Pair: Private D. Anderson, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901 (4819
Pte. D. Anderson, Arg: & Suth: Highrs:); Militia Long
Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (4819 Pte. D. Anderson.
4th. A. & S. Hdrs. Mil.), minor edge bruising to first,
two minor scratch marks to edge of latter, good very fine
(2)
£400-500
17
Pair: Private D. Donnelly, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, two clasps, Cape
Colony, South Africa 1902 (2917 Pte. D. Donnelly.
A. and S. Highrs:); Special Reserve Long Service &
G.C., G.V.R. (2917 Pte. D. Donelly. 3/A. & S.
Hdrs.), minor edge bruising to first, good very fine (2)
£400-500
2917 Private Daniel Anderson, born Barony, Glasgow,
1851; enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
May 1876, having served four years in the Renfrewshire
Militia; discharged, May 1898, after 22 years’ service; reenlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Militia),
August 1898; awarded Militia L.S. & G.C. by Army Order
February 1905; discharged, 7.8.1906.
10 Special Reserve L.S. & G.C. Medals awarded to the 3rd
Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
2917 Private D. Donnelly, awarded Special Reserve L.S. &
G.C. by Army Order October 1912.
PROVENANCE:
13 Militia L.S. & G.C. Medals awarded to the 4th Battalion,
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
PROVENANCE:
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18
The Outstanding Campaign Group of Five to
Brigadier-General D.J. Glasfurd, 12th Australian
Infantry Brigade, Late Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, Who Was Twice Wounded During
the Boer War, Mentioned in Despatches For His
Services in Somaliland 1902-04, Distinguished
Himself During the Landing at Anzac Cove and
During the Evacuation From Gallipoli, And Died
of Wounds on the Somme, 12.11.1916, Despite
An Agonising 10 Hour Stretcher Journey To
Carry Him From the Mud of the Front Line
Through to an Advanced Dressing Station
Coronation 1911, engraved in running script ‘Capt.
D. Glasfurd, Arg & Suthd. Highlanders, Brigade
Major, 24th Brigade’; Queen’s South Africa 18991902, three clasps, Modder River, Paardeberg,
Transvaal (Capt. & Adj. D.J. Glasfurd. A & S.
Highrs.); Africa General Service 1902-56, E.VII.R.,
two clasps, Jubaland, Somaliland 1902-04 (Capt: D.J.
Glasfurd, A & S. Hdrs:); 1914-15 Star (Major D.J.
Glasfurd. 1 Div. H’Q A.I.F.); British War Medal (TBrig-Gen. D.J. Glasfurd. A.I.F.), light contact marks,
good very fine, first three mounted Cavalry Style (5)
£2,000-2,400
Russian Order of St. Anne, 2nd Class, the Recommendation,
dated 20.8.1916, states ‘This officer has rendered most
excellent service since assuming command of the 12th Aust.
Infantry Brigade. In Egypt he did very valuable work in
organising the defences of the Front Line at Serapeum. At
Pozieres he held a long front with his Brigade, and inspite of
the incessant shell fire organised and greatly strengthened the
front line held by his troops.’
Brigadier-General Duncan John Glasfurd (1873-1916),
was born in Matheran, India, the second son of MajorGeneral C.L.R. Glasfurd, Bombay Staff Corps. He was raised
at Altnaskiach, Inverness and educated in Edinburgh and at
R.M.C. Sandhurst. Glasfurd was commissioned into the
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1893. He served as
Adjutant of the 1st Battalion in South Africa, and was
wounded twice, slightly at Paardeberg 21.2.1900 and
severely at Rustenburg on 26.10.1900. In 1901 he served in
Jubaland against the Ogaden Somalis, and in Somaliland
1902-04, when he commanded the 4th Somaliland Camel
Corps and was afterwards employed as a special service officer
under the Director of Supply and Transport (M.I.D. London
Gazette 2.9.1904). In June 1908 Glasfurd became staff
captain for coast defences, Scottish Command, and that year
was selected to attend the Staff College, Camberley, England.
He graduated in 1909 and joined his regiment in Malta in
May 1910. In November of the same year he was appointed
brigade major to the Lothian Infantry Brigade. He was
seconded, 24.6.1912, to the Australian Military Forces and
appointed Director of Military Training at Army
Headquarters with the temporary rank of Captain, A.M.F.
On the outbreak of the war Glasfurd accompanied the 1st
Australian Division on the General Staff. He was present
during the whole of the operations in Gallipoli, going ashore
at 5.35am on the day of the landing. He distinguished
himself by his work in establishing the firing line at Anzac,
and through a number of other gallant actions as the
following merit recommendations from his commanding
officers show:
‘Majors Villiers-Stuart and Major Glasfurd, during the
landing on the 25th April, performed signal service in
selecting forming up places and rendezvous, and aiding in the
collection of units. During the day and night of both the
25th and 26th April, by their gallantry and devotion to duty,
they greatly assisted, firstly, in guiding units into alloted
positions and, subsequently, in re-adjusting the line held.’
Brigadier-General D.J. Glasfurd
‘General good work as G.S.O.1 during the period from the
date of my taking command of the Division until the
evacuation. He was of the greatest assistance in the
arrangements for the evacuation and it is due in a very large
measure to his efforts that it was carried out so successfully.
At his own request he stayed until the last and saw the whole
Division clear. He served at Anzac throughout the entire
period of our occupation and I strongly recommend him for
advancement in the service.’
Glasfurd was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, A.I.F., on 1
October 1915 and for outstanding service in the field was
made Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel in the British Army in
January 1916 (M.I.D. London Gazette 5.8.1915 and
5.5.1916).
In February 1916 Glasfurd was given temporary command of
the 12th Australian Infantry Brigade. The appointment was
confirmed in March with promotion to Colonel and
Temporary Brigadier-General, A.I.F. His brigade was sent to
France in June and on 4th July moved into the Fleurbaix
sector, where Glasfurd was slightly wounded three days later
(M.I.D. London Gazette 13.7.1916)
Early in August the 12th Brigade went into action in the
Somme sector, fighting at Pozières Heights and later at
Vierstraat and Diependal. On 12th November 1916 it
relieved the 2nd Brigade at Dernafay Wood. That morning
Glasfurd was wounded by shell-fire in “Cheese Road” while
reconnoitring the trenches. After an agonising ten hour
stretcher journey in which relays of gallant stretcher bearers
laboured strenuously to carry him through the mud from the
front line to the advanced dressing station he died at the 38th
Casualty Clearing Station at Heilly.
23
18
Glasfurd is mentioned extensively by Australia’s official War
Correspondent, C.E.W. Bean, in his diaries for Gallipoli.
Bean also wrote the following Obituary for Glasfurd:
‘Probably few men of even those who were there knew how
much they owed to Major Glasfurd during the critical days of
the landing at the Anzac. He was second General Staff Officer
on the staff of the old 1st Australian Division, which was as
brilliant as that of any British unit which ever went to war.
But it is not the usual role of any staff to travel the firing line
ceaselessly from end to end during battle, hopping over the
scrub from one little rifle pit to another, to take new units up
to it, lead old units forward, where they are too far back, and
set them down nearer to the enemy, to rally retiring men and
put them down on the line which they must hold. Glasfurd
did not talk about the things he did; he simply did them
because he saw that they had to be done, and he was there.
At the end of it he would come back to the wooded gully off
the beach, which made the first little headquarters of the last
Australian division, with a sketch of the line as he had found
it, and where each unit or fragment of a unit was. That is the
way in which the position of the line in that hopeless tangle
of scrub and ravine was placed, and it was the only way. And
that is why the staff of the 1st Australian Division obtained
such an enviable name with the rank and file of its command.
Amidst the talk about staff and staff work on the peninsula, I
never heard a disparaging word about that to which Glasfurd
belonged...
One remembers that staff of the 1st Division when it was
working in a wing of the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne
before the separate units of the division had ever been
brought together. Glasfurd was a Scottish officer of the Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders, and had been lent to Australia
to help in the training of our young army under the
compulsory scheme. When General Bridges was given
command of the force which Australia was sending to the
war, he was allowed a free hand in choosing his staff, and
Glasfurd was the one general staff officer whom he chose who
was not an Australian.... General Glasfurd had done a great
deal for Australian military training... He was very loyal to his
service, and at the beginning he found it hard to bring
himself to serve readily under what the British mind still
sometimes regards as a “colonial”, but from this he changed
whole-heartedly. His whole enthusiasm was thrown into the
brigade which he came to command. He had devoted his
whole self to the 1st Division - his personal safety never
entered his mind where there was work to be done for it. And
he laid down his life in reconnoitring for his brigade. It was
in reconnoitring the front line during battle that he had so
often risked his life. And it was so that he died. An Australian
General Officer told me, “Of all the men I have ever served
with, he was the most whole-hearted in his devotion to duty.
I have never known him to criticise and order, and in all the
time I was with him I never knew him to think of himself
when any duty lay before him.”
Copy Research shows that the two Great War medals were
originally accompanied by an official slip which stated: ‘The
Victory Medal will be forwarded as soon as it is issued from
the War Office.’ The 1914-15 Star and British War Medal
were issued by the Australian authorities and it is possible that
the Victory Medal was never received.
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Page 24
19
21
Four: Corporal H. McGill, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
1914 Star (10417 Bndsmn: H. Mc.Gill. 2/A. & S.
Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (10417 Pte.
H. Mc Gill. A. & S.H.); Army Long Service & G.C.,
G.V.R., 1st ‘Field Marshal’s bust’ type (2966442 Cpl.
H. Mc Gill. A. & S.H.), light contact marks, very fine
(4)
£120-160
19
Three: Private J. Dickson, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, six clasps, Relief of
Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg,
Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (849 Pte. J. Dickson, A.
& S. Highrs:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, two
clasps (849 Pte. J. Dickson, A. & S. Highrs:); Army
Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (849 Pte. J. Dickson.
A. & S. Highrs:), light contact marks, good very fine (3)
£180-220
10417 Corporal Henry McGill served during the Great
War on the Western Front from 10.8.1914.
849 Private James Dickson, born Douglas, Lanarkshire,
1862; enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, July
1883; served with the 2nd Mounted Infantry in South Africa,
October 1899 to May 1903; awarded Army Long Service and
Good Conduct Medal, 1.10.1902; discharged, 22.7.1904,
after 21 years’ service.
PROVENANCE:
22
Four: Sergeant J. Smith, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, Later Royal Air Force
1914 Star (3-6137 Cpl. J. Smith. 2/A. & S. Highrs.);
British War and Victory Medals (3-6137 Cpl. J. Smith.
A. & S. Highrs.); Royal Air Force Long Service &
G.C., G.V.R. (340237. Sgt. J. Smith. R.A.F.), Star
silver-plated, generally very fine (4)
£120-160
PROVENANCE:
20
A Great War ‘August 1914’ Casualty Group of
Three to Private D.G. Brown, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders, Wounded During the
Retreat from Le Cateau, 29.8.1914
1914 Star, with Bar (9066 Pte. D.G. Brown. 2/A. &
S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (9066
Pte. D.G. Brown. A. & S. Highrs.), nearly extremely
fine (3)
£180-220
340237 Sergeant John Smith, served during the Great War
on the Western Front from 26.8.1914.
PROVENANCE:
9066 Private David George Brown, enlisted in the Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders, 9.1.1903; served during the
Great War with the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front from
10.8.1914; wounded during the retreat from Le Cateau,
29.8.1914; discharged, 24.12.1914 (entitled to Silver War
Badge).
25
23
23
Four: Sergeant N. Buie, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
1914-15 Star (1528. Sjt. N. Buie. A. & S. Highrs.);
British War and Victory Medals (1528 Sjt. N. Buie. A.
& S.H.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st
‘Field Marshal’s bust’ type (300228 Sjt. N. Buie. 8/A.
& S. Highrs.), nearly extremely fine (4)
£140-180
M.S.M. London Gazette 18.1.1919 300228 Sjt. Buie, N., 8th
Bn. (T.F.) Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Greenock)
‘In recognition of valuable service rendered with the Armies
in France and Flanders.’
1528 Sergeant Neil Buie, born Jura, 1878; enlisted in the
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 13.2.1913; promoted
Corporal, 1.4.1913; Sergeant, 30.11.1913; served with the
8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front
from 1.5.1915; promoted Cook Sergeant, 3.5.1915.
25
A 1916 ‘Somme Casualty’ Group of Three to
Private J. Garvie, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
1914-15 Star (S-4117. Pte. J. Garvie. A. & S.
Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (S-4117 Pte.
J. Garvie. A. & S. Highrs.), extremely fine, with the
recipient’s Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (James
Garvie) (4)
£140-180
S-4117 Private James Garvie, born Govan, Glasgow, 1893;
enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 8.9.1914;
served with the 11th Battalion during the Great War on the
Western Front from 9.7.1915; killed in action, 15.9.1916, on
which date the Battalion was involved in the attack on
Martinpuich, where they led the assault with the 13th Royal
Scots, and then bombed Tangle South and encountered
enemy resistance on the Longueval-Martinpuich road. Garvie
is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
24
Four: Sergeant D. McCallum, Argyll and
1914-15 Star (18 Sjt. D. Mc Callum. A. & S. Highrs.);
British War and Victory Medals (18 Sjt. D. Mc Callum
A. & S.H.); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (18
Sjt. D. Mc Callum. 6-A. & S.H.), good very fine (4)
£80-120
18 Sergeant Daniel McCallum, served during the Great
War on the Western Front from 1.5.1915; discharged,
17.11.1919.
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Page 26
25
27
28
26
Three: Lance-Corporal R. Patterson, Argyll and
1914-15 Star (S-3622. L-Cpl. R. Patterson. A. & S.
Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (S-3622 Pte.
R. Patterson. A. & S. Highrs.), very fine
Pair: Captain J.W.S. Greenlees, Argyll and
British War and Victory Medals (Capt. J.W.S.
Greenlees.), nearly extremely fine
Pair: Lieutenant E.V. Travis, Argyll and
British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. E.V. Travis.),
nearly very fine (7)
£120-160
27
Seven: Corporal W. Donaghey, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders, Later Royal Military
Police
India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., one clasp,
North West Frontier 1935 (2979205 Pte. W.
Donaghey. A. & S.H.); India General Service 193639, one clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37
(2979205 Pte. W. Donaghey. A. & S.H.); 1939-1945
Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals; Army
Long Service & G.C., G.VI.R., with ‘Regular Army’
bar suspension (2979205 Cpl. W. Donaghey.
R.M.P.), traces of lacquer, contact marks, nearly very
fine (7)
£200-240
S-3622 Lance-Corporal Robert Patterson, served during
the Great War on the Western Front from 9.7.1915;
demobilized, 29.3.1919.
2979205 Private W. Donaghey served with the 2nd
Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in India, 193537.
Captain James Walter Samuel Greenlees, born
Pollockshields, Renfrewshire, 1890 a scion of the Greenlees
whisky family; served during the Great War on the Western
Front from 1.7.1916 (entitled to Silver War Badge).
Lieutenant Errol Val Travis, born Penge, Kent, June 1885;
promoted Lieutenant, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
1.7.1917.
28
Seven: Warrant Officer Class I J. McNaught, Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders
1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals;
Africa General Service 1902-56, E.II.R., one clasp,
Kenya (2979383 W.O. Cl.1 J. Mc.Naught. A & S.H.);
Coronation 1953; Army Long Service & G.C.,
E.II.R., with ‘Regular Army’ bar suspension
(2979383 W.O. Cl.1 J. Mc.Naught. A. & S.H.), light
contact marks, very fine or better, ‘Kenya’ scarce to unit
(7)
£300-400
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29
29
Six: Lieutenant-Colonel A.N.W. Kidston, Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders
1939-1945 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence
and War Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaf; General Service
1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp, Palestine 1945-48
(Major A.N.W. Kidston. A & S.H.); Coronation
1953, good very fine, mounted court style as worn,
together with three photographs of the recipient (6)
£240-280
M.I.D. London Gazette 4.4.1946 Lt.-Col. (temp.) A.N.W.
Kidston (56738), A. & S.H.
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NorthWest Europe.’
Lieutenant-Colonel Antony Noel Wallace Kidston, born
17.7.1913, the son of Major N.W. Kidston, Royal Army
Medical Corps; educated at the Royal Military College,
Sandhurst (awarded the King’s Medal and Sword for the
Highest Aggregate); Commissioned Second Lieutenant,
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 31.8.1933; promoted
Lieutenant, 31.8.1936; Captain, 31.8.1941; Officer
Commanding, A Company, 1st/8th Battalion, Middlesex
Regiment; appointed Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion,
Middlesex Regiment, 9.2.1945, with the rank of Acting
Lieutenant-Colonel; promoted Major, 31.8.1946; served as
acting Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders in Palestine, June to July 1947;
retired, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, 24.5.1956.
Lieutenant-Colonel A.N.W. Kidston
29
31
32
30
Pair: Private W.P. Arthur, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
General Service 1962-2007, one clasp, Northern
Ireland (25053558 Pte W P Arthur A & SH); Army
Long Service & G.C., E.II.R., with ‘Regular Army’
bar suspension (25053558 Pte W P Arthur A & SH),
extremely fine, the LS&GC in named card box of issue
(2)
£70-90
25053558 Private W.P. Arthur, enlisted in the Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders 1980; received Long service and
Good Conduct Medal, 9.7.1998; discharged, 13.8.1999.
31
Waterloo 1815 (Ensign. L. Lind, 1st. Batt. 91st
Reg. Foot.), nearly very fine, with later silver clip and
small split ring suspension
£1,600-2,000
Ensign Laurence Lind, born 1796; admitted to the Royal
Military College, November 1810; Commissioned Ensign,
91st Foot, June 1814; served in Captain T.H. Blair’s
company during the Waterloo Campaign, 16-18.6.1815;
subsequently transferred to the 69th Foot on half-pay;
retired, August 1832.
32
South Africa 1834-53 (Major David Forbes, 91st.
Regt.), nearly extremely fine
£800-1,200
Colonel David Forbes, born Aberdeen, April 1808;
Commissioned Ensign, 91st Foot, October 1829; promoted
Lieutenant, November 1832; Captain, July 1835; served with
the Regiment in South Africa, July 1840 to October 1844;
promoted Major, April 1846; served again with the Regiment
in South Africa, May 1847 to December 1853, during the
Second and Third Kaffir Wars; four times Mentioned in
Despatches, and appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, May 1853;
on one occasion during the campaign a force of 200 men of
the 91st under Major Forbes was engaged across the Kei, and
striking through the territory of Chief Kreli succeeded in
capturing 2,200 cattle and 50 horses; retired with the rank of
Colonel, June 1855; died St. Boswells, January 1885.
PROVENANCE:
Glendining, December 1990
33
South Africa 1834-53 (Lieut. F.G. Hibbert, 91st.
Regt.), good very fine
£800-1,200
Colonel Francis Gordon Hibbert, born Dulwich, Surrey,
November 1832; admitted to the Royal Military College,
Sandhurst, January 1857; Commissioned Ensign, 91st Foot,
April 1851; promoted Lieutenant, November 1852; served
with the Regiment in South Africa, July 1851 to November
1855, during the Third Kaffir War; slightly wounded in the
left breast at Waterkloof, 4.3.1852 during operations to drive
the Kaffirs from strong positions; promoted Captain, June
1855; exchanged to Royal Canadian Rifles, June 1857;
promoted Major, May 1863; Lieutenant-Colonel, April
1865; Brevet Colonel, April 1870; transferred to the 20th
Foot, December 1877; retired, February 1878; died,
September 1913, and is buried in East Sheen Cemetery.
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33
34
35
34
South Africa 1834-53 (S.M. Hadaway. Surgn. 91st.
Regt. & Stff. Surgn.), minor edge bruising, good very
fine
£800-1,200
35
South Africa 1834-53 (Crpl. J. Burnside. 91st.
Regt.), edge bruising, good very fine
£450-550
1607 Corporal John Burnsides, born Colchester, Essex,
August 1816; enlisted in the 47th Foot, August 1831;
transferred to the 91st Foot, April 1842; served with the
Regiment in South Africa for ten years from October 1842 to
March 1853; promoted Corporal, March 1843; served with
the Regiment during the Second and Third Kaffir Wars, and
‘on the 29th December 1850 received two assegai wounds,
in action with the enemy near Fort Hare. One assegai
entering the right side of the back, and passing out under the
right nipple, the other entering the loins on the right side and
passing deeply downwards- both assegais were extracted. The
lungs and probably the liver were wounded. He remained in
hospital until 17th February 1851’ (service papers refer);
discharged as a result of his wounds, September 1853, after
19 years and 34 days’ service.
Inspector General Samuel Maitland Hadaway (18051881); educated at the Royal College of Surgeons,
Edinburgh; Commissioned Assistant Surgeon, July 1836;
stationed in Corfu, 1836-42, and ‘awarded the Ionian Gold
Medal given by that Government for having instituted some
and remodelled others of their public hospitals and
institutions’; promoted Surgeon, and attached 91st Foot,
February 1843; served with the Regiment in South Africa,
May 1843 to April 1847, during the Second Kaffir War, and
recommended in Captain Campbell’s Despatch: ‘Dr.
Hadaway, who was in front with the advanced guard,
afforded great assistance by encouraging the men, and doing
everything in his power to get the leading waggons on. He
had a horse killed by two assegai wounds, and his servant had
another killed close to him’; promoted Deputy Inspector
General, January 1856; Inspector General of Hospitals,
August 1863; retired, October 1870; died London,
November 1881.
PROVENANCE:
Christie, July 1986
PROVENANCE:
31
36
A Scarce and Highly Emotive ‘Birkenhead
Survivor’s’ Medal to Colour Sergeant J. O’Neil,
91st Foot, Who Had the Misfortune of Being
Shipwrecked Twice, And Wounded In Action
During the Third Kaffir War
South Africa 1834-53 (J. O’Neil. 91st. Regt.), traces of
brooch mounting, edge bruising, otherwise nearly very
fine, together with a photographic image of the
recipient
£1,800-2,200
1703 Colour Sergeant John O’Neil, ‘the son of a farriermajor in the 7th Dragoon Guards, was born on board ship
near Malta in 1827. Enlisting in the 91st Foot, he set sail for
South Africa in 1842. His ship was wrecked in Table Bay in a
cyclone, and the impedimenta of the regiment was lost. After
a delay of six months he went to the frontier until 1844,
when war broke out with the Kaffirs, and two years later he
was engaged in the war with the Boers. His first adventure in
this was when his regiment made a forced march from
Grahamstown to Boomplats, where they encountered
General Joubert, President Pretorious, and Paul Kruger,
commanding a large number of burghers. The British were
commanded by Sir Harry Smith. In 1850 he was again
engaged with the Kaffirs, and in 1852 he went on escort duty
to Robbin Island with prisoners, and afterwards went on
board the ill-fated Birkenhead at Simonstown. Between that
harbour and Port Elizabeth, in the locality of Danger Point,
the Birkenhead went down through the recklessness of the
skipper, seven hours after the embarkation, and Sergeant
O’Neil was shipwrecked for the second time in his life. There
were over 600 persons on board, and of this number 450
were drowned or fell victims to the sharks. Sergeant O’Neil
swam ashore, and had to walk 16 miles under a scorching sun
before assistance could be obtained. In 1853 he was again
battling with the Kaffirs, and before the conclusion of the
campaign was wounded in the leg by a bullet. He returned
home in 1855, and two years later was ordered to India,
where he served for two years.’ (Recipient’s obituary refers).
O’Neil’s own account of the Birkenhead disaster is as follows:
‘I and my escort had only been on board seven hours when
the vessel struck on a rock between Simon’s Bay and Port
Elizabeth, somewhere near Danger Point. She struck a mile
and a quarter from shore. It is fair to suppose the disaster was
caused by reckless navigation, because outside the breakers
the seas was as smooth, almost, as a floor; there was scarcely
a ripple on the surface of the water. It was a strange scene
when she struck. The Captain of the ship rushed down below
and told the sailors to man the boats. “Lower your boats,
men”, said he, “We are all lost!”. I never saw him again.
Captain Wright [the only officer of the 91st Foot on board]
gave the order: “All hands fall in on deck”, and we fell in,
every man. He told off so many soldiers and so many sailors
to each boat, to get them out and save the women and
children. I forget how many boats there were, but every boat
available was got over the side. No man was allowed to leave
the ranks till the boats were pushed off. Any rush would have
swamped the boats for certain, but no one thought of doing
it. Discipline was maintained till the last. The ship went down
twenty minutes after striking. It was a terrible time, but we
stood on. We all expected to die, but the women and children
were got safely off. Not one of them was drowned, thank
God. They and their escort comprised the greater part of
those who were saved. The water rose as the ship was sinking.
Before we left her we were up to our necks in water on the
top deck. Just before the end came Captain Wright addressed
us. “You men who cannot swim”, said he, “stick to some
wreckage- whatever you can lay hands on. As for you who can
swim, I can give you no advice. As you see, there are sharks
about, and I cannot advise you how to avoid them.” There
Colour-Sergeant J. O’Neil
was many a quiet hand-shake and silent good-bye. Few of us
hoped to live through it. The breakers between us and the
shore were awful. At last the ship sank. There was a lurch and
a plunge, and all was over. I found myself in the water and
struck out for shore. I had next to nothing on in the way of
clothing. It was a fight for life. We were not above a mile and
a quarter from land, as far as my eye served me; but that is
plenty far enough when there are breakers and sharks! The
breakers were so big. Luckily I knew how to swim breakers,
or I should not be here now. Any one not knowing how to
would have been drowned, as sure as fate! They would
smother him. With proper management a breaker will
sometimes sweep you in for hundreds of yards. The backwash
was the worst. I stuck to it, and got ashore at last, escaping
the sharks. I saw nothing of the rest, or of the ship’s boats.
All the trouble was not over when I got ashore. I had to walk
sixteen miles stark naked under a blazing sun before I met
anyone or obtained any assistance. I shall never forget
Captain Wright. If it had not been for him all hands would
have been lost, women and children and all.’
Promoted Corporal in June 1856; Sergeant in October 1859;
and Colour Sergeant in June 1861; O’Neil was discharged in
November 1864, after 21 years and 75 days’ service. The
following January he was appointed Sergeant Instructor of
the Lincolnshire Rifle Volunteers, and served with them for
over twenty years, finally retiring in March 1885, after a total
of 41 years and 131 days’ service. A public testimonial was
organised as a mark of appreciation to his services, to which
Field Marshal the Lord Roberts contributed. He died in
Boston, Lincolnshire, December 1904, and was buried with
full Military Honours; at the time of his death he was said to
be the last military survivor of the Birkenhead disaster.
The Birkenhead Disaster
In January 1852, under the command of Captain Robert
Salmond, the Birkenhead left Portsmouth conveying troops
to the Third Kaffir War in South Africa. She picked up more
soldiers at Queenstown, Ireland, and was also conveying
some officers’ wives and families. In the late afternoon of 25
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37
February 1852, the Birkenhead left Simon’s Bay near Cape
Town with approximately 643 men, women, and children
aboard, under instructions to reach its destination at Algoa
Bay as quickly as possible. In order to make the best speed
possible, Captain Salmond decided to hug the South African
coast, setting a course which was usually no more than three
miles from the shore; using her paddle wheels she maintained
a steady speed of 8.5 knots.
At 2:00am the following morning, the Birkenhead struck an
uncharted rock near Danger Point. The impact was so violent
that the forward compartment of the lower troopdeck
flooded instantly and over 100 soldiers were drowned in their
hammocks. The surviving officers and men assembled on
deck, where Lieutenant Colonel Seton, 74th Foot, took
charge of all military personnel, with Captain Wright as his
second-in-command, and stressed the necessity of
maintaining order and discipline to his officers. Distress
rockets were fired, but there was no assistance available. Sixty
men were detailed to man the pumps, while the rest were
drawn up to await orders. Poor maintenance and paint on the
winches resulted in only a few of the ships’ lifeboats being
launched; eventually two cutters and a gig were launched,
onto which all the women and children were placed and
rowed away for safety. Only then did Captain Salmond order
that those men who could swim should save themselves by
swimming to the boats; Lieutenant Colonel Seton, however,
recognising that rushing the lifeboats would risk swamping
them and endangering the women and children, ordered the
men to stand fast. The soldiers did not move, even as the ship
broke up barely twenty minutes after striking the rock. Some
of the soldiers managed to swim the two miles to shore over
the next twelve hours, often hanging on to pieces of the
wreck to stay afloat; however, most either drowned or were
eaten by sharks.
The next morning the schooner Lioness discovered one of the
cutters, and after saving the occupants of the second boat
made her way to the scene of the disaster. Arriving in the
afternoon, she rescued as many people as possible. It was
reported that of the 643 people aboard the Birkenhead only
193 were saved.
37
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Umbeyla
(Revd. H. Drennan H.M. 93rd. Highrs.), good very
fine, rare
£500-700
The Reverend Hugh Drennan, (1828-1907), born
Tarbolton; educated at Linlithgow Burgh School and the
University of St Andrews; licenced by the Presbytery of
Linlithgow and appointed Assistant at South Leith; Ordained
Priest and appointed Chaplain to the Forces in the Crimea,
and embarked for the East, October 1854, where he served
in the hospitals at Scutari until August 1855, and then, for
the remainder of the War, with the Highland Division in the
Crimea; returned to England, July 1856; appointed Chaplain
to the Troops in India, September 1857; served in India
throughout the Mutiny and present at the Siege of Lucknow;
in Peshawar, 1862, ‘when the Regiment was literally
decimated by the pestilence of cholera’; and in the Umbeyla
Campaign, 1863; in the words of Lieutenant-General
Burroughs, Commanding Officer of the 93rd Highlanders:
‘In a quiet, unobtrusive way Mr. Drennan did an immense
deal of good. He did his duty fearlessly to God and man, and
earned the love and respect of all in the regiment. During the
visitations of cholera I witnessed his fearless devotion to duty,
and although suffering himself, he never deserted his post,
but was constantly by the side of the suffering and dying. I
cannot speak too highly in his favour.’ (The Border Magazine,
April 1907 refers); returned to England, 1871; appointed
Presbyterian Chaplain to the troops stationed at
Shoeburyness, January 1876; retired, 1897.
PROVENANCE:
Glendining, September 1990
33
39
38
38
Crimea 1854-56, three clasps, Alma, Inkermann,
Sebastopol (James McIntosh 93rd. Highrs.),
contemporarily engraved in large serif capitals, contact
marks, nearly very fine, scarce
£700-900
2710 Private James McIntosh was one of two Sergeants
and seven Privates of the 93rd Highlanders attached to
Headquarters, who received the Inkermann clasp
39
India General Service 1895-1902, V.R., one clasp,
Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (Major J.S. Napier. 2nd.
Bn. Arg: & Suth’d Highrs.), nearly extremely fine
£300-400
Lieutenant-Colonel John Stirling Napier, born
Merchiston, Renfrewshire, June 1856; educated at the Royal
Military College, Sandhurst; Commissioned Second
Lieutenant, 93rd Highlanders, September 1874; promoted
Captain, January 1882; appointed Adjutant, 4th Battalion,
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, December 1889;
promoted Major, April 1890; appointed Second in
Command, 2nd Battalion, September 1894; served with the
Battalion as part of the Tochi Field Force under General Sir
Corry Bird on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98;
retired, December 1898; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel,
Reserve of Officers, October 1902; died Stirling, August
1913.
PROVENANCE:
Christie, July 1995
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41
42
40
Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (Lieut. F.G. Newall. 2nd.
Bn. Arg: & Suth’d: Highrs.), top lugs removed, light
contact marks, good very fine
£300-400
41
Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (4189 Pte. J. McFarlane
2d. Bn. Arg: & Suth’d Highrs:), partially officially
corrected, nearly extremely fine
£160-200
Major Fraser George Newall, born Sunbury, Middlesex,
January 1872; served with the 3rd (Militia) Battalion,
Cameronians, as Lieutenant, 1891; transferred as Second
Lieutenant, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, October
1892; promoted Lieutenant, January 1896; served with the
2nd Battalion as part of the Tochi Field Force under General
Sir Corry Bird on the North-West Frontier of India, 189798; took part in the Nile Expedition, 1899 (Mentioned in
Despatches (London Gazette 30.1.1900) and awarded the
Ottoman Order of the Medjidieh, Fourth Class); promoted
Captain, 11.1.1900; Major, 2.2.1915; served during the
Great War with the 11th Battalion on the Western Front
from 19.8.1917; died, Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire,
22.2.1921.
4189 Private J. McFarlane, served with the 1st Battalion in
South Africa during the Boer War and killed in action at
Magersfontein during ‘Black Week’, 11.12.1899.
Major Newall’s British War and Victory Medals, Ottoman
Order of the Medjidieh, and Khedive’s Sudan Medal 18961908 with clasps for Gedid and Sudan 1899 sold as part of
the Taylor Collection, Christie, November 1990.
42
India General Service 1895-1902, V.R., bronze issue,
one clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (Bhistie Albi 2d.
Bn. Arg. & Suthd. Highrs.), minor edge bruising,
suspension claw slack, very fine, scarce
£80-120
PROVENANCE:
35
Scripture Reader A. Tervit
43
43
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Modder
River, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal (Scripture
Reader A. Tervit. A. & S. Hdrs.), nearly extremely
fine, rare
£300-400
Scripture Reader Adam Tervit, was born in West Calder,
Midlothian in 1870, and in December 1885, giving his age as
18, enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; after
an uneventful seven years with the Colours and five years with
the reserve he was discharged in December 1897. ‘In
December 1893 he came under the spell of the Gospel
message. He had gone with some others to poke fun at a
Gospel Service but the Holy Spirit so spoke to him the he left
that gathering a transformed man. Henceforth his life
belonged to Jesus Christ and must be lived for His Glory.
Christ filled his life and satisfied him as nothing else had or
could. The Bible became his great treasure and he gave all his
spare moments to study its truths. On the outbreak of the
Boer War he felt an unshakeable conviction that God wanted
him there, despite the fact that his twelve years with the
colours and the reserves had now elapsed. He received a
telegram inviting him to go to the Transvaal with his old
Regiment and the Highland Brigade as an Army Scripture
Reader. Two days later, on the 4th November 1899, he sailed
on board the troopship Kildonan Castle with 3,000 troops,
and arrived at Cape Town on the 22nd November. Then
commenced a life of service for God. After the Battle of
Magersfontein, when the Highland Brigade alone suffered
812 casualties in 15 hours of non-stop fighting and the
wounded mounted into hundreds on the field of battle,
Adam Tervit was invited to conduct a service on the
battlefield. With the terrible carnage all around- and the loss
of so many dear friends- it was enough to un-nerve any man,
yet with an unshakeable conviction that the Gospel was the
only adequate answer to men’s need he preached faithfully
from the Old Book he knew so well and trusted so implicitly.
Later that evening Major Granville Smith of the Coldstream
Guards sought him out at his bivouac and declared: “I want
to tell you that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour as you
spoke to us”. At the Battle of Modder River, when the
Highland Brigade was completely cut off for a time and faced
being wiped out entirely, with all outside communication
wires cut, Adam Tervit again addressed the weary soldiers and
rallied them with the characteristic utterance: “Praise God
communications with the Throne of Grace are still intact.
Dead men and horse choke the river, bridges have been
blown up, and wires town down, but the Throne of God is
still intact”. No wonder the men loved him and found his
faith infectious.’ (letter included with lot refers).
After the Boer War Adam Tervit laboured in Cairo, and then
later in Palestine, acquiring a deep interest in Biblical
Archaeology in both Egypt and the Holy Land. He returned
to Scotland in 1921 and died at Airdire in February 1958.
The title ‘Scripture Reader’ was commonly used during the
Boer War when referring to Lay readers/ workers. Owing to
the considerable geographical area the War covered, the
Army Chaplains’ Department, being severely understaffed in
many areas, was supported by the Salvation Army, The
Church Army, The Soldiers Christian Association &c.
Approximately 6 Queen’s South Africa Medals issued to
Scripture Readers; this is the only one known to have
appeared for sale.
PROVENANCE:
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 36
44
45
47
44
River, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Belfast (4454. Pte. F.
Marshall, A. & S. Highrs:), suspension claw loose,
nearly very fine, rare
£180-220
46
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Relief
of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg
(6314 Pte. J. Mc’Robbie, A. & S. Highrs:),
surname officially corrected, extremely fine
£100-140
4454 Private Frank Marshall, born Barony, Glasgow,
1873; enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
June 1892; served with the Regiment in South Africa,
October 1899 to June 1902, and present at Belfast, 2627.8.1900, whilst on the staff of General Pole-Carew;
discharged, 14.6.1904, after 12 years’ service.
6314 Private James McRobbie, born Broughty Ferry,
Forfar, 1878; enlisted in the Royal Highlanders, January
1897; transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
November 1897; served with the 2nd Mounted Infantry in
South Africa, 27.10.1899 - 29.5.1903; taken Prisoner of War
at Nooitgedacht, 13.12.1900; discharged, 9.2.1909, after 12
years’ service.
Belfast clasp believed unique to Regiment
PROVENANCE:
PROVENANCE:
Christie, July 1994
47
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps, Cape
Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa
1901, South Africa 1902, unofficial rivets between
State and date clasps (Capt: J. Paton. A: & S: Hdrs:),
nearly extremely fine
£240-280
45
River, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa
1901, unofficial rivets between State and date clasps
(2830 Pte. J. Robertson. A. & S. Highrs:), edge
bruising, nearly very fine
£140-180
Captain James Paton, 3rd (Renfrewshire) Volunteer
Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; Commanded
the Second Active Volunteer Service Company, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders during the Boer War; awarded
Volunteer Forces Long Service Medal, July 1902.
2313 Private John Robertson, born Paisley, Renfrewshire,
1868; enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders, December 1886;
deserted, December 1887; enlisted in the Argyll and
Sutherland Highlander as 2830 Private John Scott, March
1888; convicted of fraudulent enlistment and sentenced to
56 days’ imprisonment, July 1888; served with the Regiment
in South Africa and wounded at Modder River, 28.11.1899
(Boer War casualty roll refers) and/or at Magersfontein, 1012.12.1899 (Service papers refer); discharged, 25.7.1901,
after 13 years and 231 days’ service.
PROVENANCE:
37
52
Sergeant Major R. Doig
48
India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., one clasp,
North West Frontier 1935 (2975978 Pte. W.
Munro. A. & S.H.), edge bruise, good very fine
India General Service 1936-39, two clasps, North
West Frontier 1936-37, North West Frontier 1937-39
(2977903 A.Sjt. J. Burns. A. & S.H.), officially
corrected, extremely fine, two clasps scarce to unit (2)
£100-140
52
Pair: Sergeant Major R. Doig, 91st Foot
Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (691. C. Sergt. R.
Doig, 91st. Foot); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R.,
1st ‘Field Marshal’s bust’ type (S. Mjr: R. Doig.
91/Foot.), edge bruise to first, nearly extremely fine,
together with a photographic image of the recipient
(2)
£200-240
2977903 Sergeant J. Burns, served with the Headquarters,
Northern Command during operations on the North West
Frontier of India, 1936-37.
691 Sergeant Major Robert Doig, born Fife, 1840; enlisted
92nd Foot, May 1858; promoted Corporal, August 1862;
transferred to the 91st Foot, December 1862; promoted
Sergeant, December 1865; Colour-Sergeant, October 1866;
Sergeant Major, July 1876; awarded Long Service and Good
Conduct Medal, July 1876; discharged, June 1879, after 21
years and 30 days’ service; awarded Meritorious Service
Medal, 20.3.1913; died Scone, 27.4.1913, and is buried in
Scone New Churchyard.
PROVENANCE:
(ii) Taylor Collection, Christie, November 1990
49
India General Service 1936-39, one clasp, North West
Frontier 1936-37 (2) (52 Tailor Faqir Mohd., 2-A.
& S.H.; 33 Cook B.T. Babu Lal Peter, 2-A. &
S.H.), unit partially officially corrected on latter, edge
bruise, good very fine, scarce (2)
£100-140
PROVENANCE:
Glendining, March 1997
PROVENANCE:
(i) Taylor Collection, Christie, November 1990
50
Korea 1950-53, 1st ‘Britt: Omn:’ type (22248423
Pte. A. Halliday. A. & S.H.), minor edge nicks, good
very fine
£120-160
51
Iraq 2003-11, no clasp (25161674 Pte F J W Rae A
& SH), good very fine
£100-140
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53
An Exceptionally Rare ‘1848 Dated Obverse’
Meritorious Service Medal to Sergeant Major J.
Murphy, 91st Foot, For His Meritorious Conduct
at the Wreck of the Abercrombie Robinson in Table
Bay, August 1842
Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., obverse dated 1848
below bust (Color Serjt. John Murphy 91st. Regt.),
good very fine, rare, together with a print of the wreck
of the Abercrombie Robinson
£1,800-2,200
‘Wreck of the Abercrombie Robinson’
The Abercrombie Robinson
In 1842 a Reserve Battalion of the 91st Foot was formed. It
sailed for the Cape of Good Hope in June of that year,
arriving at Table Bay on the 25th August in the Abercrombie
Robinson. Upon arriving all the Officers not on duty were
given permission to go on shore, and on the 27th August all
landed except six, with command of the troops on board
devolved to Captain Bertie Gordon. That night a gale blew
up, which developed into a hurricane, the ship’s cables
snapped, and the ship was driven towards the beach. There
were 700 souls on board, of whom 90 were women and
children; all were kept below in order to lessen the weight on
the ship’s deck. From accounts in the Regimental History it
is clear that it was a terrifying time. The following morning it
was decided to disembark and this dangerous exercise was
carried out after a night of great peril and through raging surf
over a period from 8:30am until 3:30pm using towards the
end just a single boat with a capacity of 30, without a single
casualty. For his meritorious conduct and great discipline in
carrying out this disembarkation, Sergeant-Major John
Murphy, who along with Captain Gordon was in the last
boat-load to disembark the stricken ship, was awarded the
Meritorious Service Medal. The Scottish poet William
McGonagall subsequently wrote a poem about the action,
entitled ‘The Wreck of the Abercrombie Robinson’.
M.S.M. Submitted to the Queen 20.10.1848 Colour
Sergeant John Murphy, Reserve Battn. 91st Foot
‘For his meritorious conduct at the period of the wreck of the
Reserve Battalion 91st Regiment in the Abercrombie
Robinson in Table Bay on the 28th of August 1842’
483 Colour Sergeant John Murphy, born Co. Kerry,
Ireland, 1809; enlisted in the 91st Foot, March 1827;
promoted Corporal, September 1830; Sergeant, April 1832;
Sergeant Major, May 1842; distinguished himself in the
disembarkation of the Abercrombie Robinson, 28.8.1842, and
ultimately awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and an
Annuity of £20; discharged, July 1848, after 21 years and
115 days’ service; appointed a Yeoman Warder at the Tower
of London by the Duke of Wellington, July 1848; died at the
Tower, August 1852.
Approximately 10 Meritorious Service Medals dated ‘1848’
awarded to the Army.
39
54
55
54
Army Long Service & G.C., W.IV.R. (William Hill,
91st Regiment Foot. 1833.), edge bruise, very fine,
with steel clip and bar suspension
£300-400
56
56
Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (344. Pte. E. Steel,
91st. Foot), nearly extremely fine
£70-90
30 Private William Hill, born Kendal, Cumberland, 1786;
enlisted in the 91st Foot, May 1811; served in Captain D.
Campbell’s Light Company during the Waterloo Campaign,
16-18.6.1815; awarded Army Long Service and Good
Conduct Medal, 1833; discharged, April 1833, after 26 years
and 104 days’ service.
344 Private Elijah Steel, born Cranbourn, Dorset, 1843;
enlisted in the 91st Foot, July 1859; awarded Army Long
Service and Good Conduct Medal, January 1878; served with
the Regiment in South Africa, March 1879 to August 1880
(entitled to South Africa Medal with clasp 1879 for service
against the Zulus- ‘Medal returned to Mint, 17.9.1885’);
discharged, August 1880, after 21 years and 36 days’ service.
55
Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (58th. Bde. 2739.
Pte. C. Broomwick, 91st. Foot.), polished, therefore
good fine, the reverse better
£100-140
57
Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (687 Cr. Sergt. A.
Allen [sic]. Arg: & Suth’d. Highrs:), nearly extremely
fine
£70-90
2739 Private Charles Broomwick, born Warwick, 1841;
enlisted in the 24th Foot as 981 Private, November 1859;
served with the 2nd Battalion in Mauritius, the East Indies,
and in South Africa from March 1878; according to the Roll
compiled by Lieutenant J.R.M. Chard, ‘981 Private C.
Bromwich [sic], 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot was present at the
Defence of Rorke’s Drift, 22-23.1.1879’; transferred to the
58th Brigade, 91st Foot, December 1879, as 2739 Private;
awarded Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, April
1880; discharged, June 1880, after 21 years and 93 days’
service.
687 Colour Sergeant Alexander Allan, born Gibraltar,
1847, the son of 2048 Sergeant Robert Allan; served with the
4th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; awarded
Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, January
1883.
58
Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (2048. Sjt. R.
Allan. Renfrew Milta.), minor edge bruising, good
very fine, and the first ever LS&GC awarded to this unit
£100-140
Note: Broomwick was sent to the General Depot at
Pietermaritzburg, 31.10.1878, and his pay via the Service
Companies of the 24th Regiment ceased with effect from this
date. There is no record of him returning to his Company
between then and the end of January 1879 in order for him
to have been present at the Defence of Rorke’s Drift. He was
subsequently sent to Cape Town and then transferred to the
91st Highlanders with the new Army number 58B/2739.
2048 Sergeant Robert Allan, born c.1800; enlisted in the
18th Foot, July 1826; transferred to the 47th Foot,
December 1828; transferred to the 72nd Foot, October
1830; promoted Corporal, June 1836; Sergeant, July 1842;
discharged, May 1852, after 25 years and 249 days’ service;
enlisted in the Royal Renfrew Militia, 1854; awarded Army
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, September 1860,
and presented with his medal, ‘the first man to wear a military
medal with the name of the county (Renfrew) engraved upon
it’ (Paisley Herald and Renfrewshire Advertiser refers),
November 1860.
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59
Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., V.R. (2) (Cr.
Sergt. John Blackstock, C Coy. 1st. D.R.V.; Pte. A.
Mc.Dougall, 2nd. V.B. A. & S.H.), scratch to obverse
field of first, good very fine or better (2)
£80-120
Colour Sergeant John Blackstock served with the
Dumbartonshire Rifle Volunteers, and represented them in
Rifle Association competitions.
PROVENANCE:
(ii) Spink, January 1990
60
Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., V.R. (2) (Col.
Sergt. James Campbell C Company 1st. R.V.B. A.
& S. Highlanders. 16th. Feby. 1895; Pioneer
Sergt. J. Mc.Farlane. 1st. D.R.V. 1895.), good very
fine or better (2)
£80-120
61
Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C. (2), V.R.
(Lieut: J.B.M. Shand. 4/V:B: Arg:-Suth: H’drs.);
E.VII.R. (3343 Serjt. A. Robertson. 4/V.B. A. &
S. Hdrs.), good very fine (2)
£80-120
63
Lieutenant J.M.B. Shand, awarded Volunteer Force Long
Service Medal, July 1899.
64
Territorial Force Efficiency Medal (2), E.VII.R. (283
Pte. A. Mc.Coll. 8/A. &S. Hdrs.); G.V.R. (250814
Pte. J. Perry. 6-A. & S.H.), edge bruise to first, nearly
very fine or better (2)
£140-180
62
Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (2)
(2935 C.Sjt: J. Mc.Leod. 1/Dumbarton: V.R.C.;
33 Pte. R. Thompson. 1/Dumbarton: V.R.C.),
good very fine (2)
£70-90
283 Private A. McColl awarded Territorial Force Efficiency
Medal, 1.7.1909.
250814 Private John Perry, served during the Great War
with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on the Western
Front from 1.5.1915; awarded Territorial Force Efficiency
Medal, November 1920.
63
Militia Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (5851 Pte. D.
Barnes. 3/A. & S. Hdrs.), edge bruise, very fine
£300-400
65
Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (250297 Pte. D.
Paton. 9-A. & S.H.), good very fine
Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., with ‘Territorial’ scroll
suspension (2972586 Sjt. A. Forsyth. 7-A. & S.H.),
good very fine (2)
£60-80
5851 Private David Barnes, born Dumbarton, 1869;
enlisted in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, November 1893; served with the Regiment in
South Africa during the Boer War (entitled to the Queen’s
South Africa Medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Orange
Free State, and Transvaal; and the King’s South Africa Medal
with two clasps); promoted Corporal, 1.8.1904; discharged,
9.11.1907; re-enlisted, 15.1.1908; discharged, 14.1.1912,
after 18 years’ service; awarded Militia L.S. & G.C. by Army
Order February 1913.
250297 Private Daniel Paton, served during the Great War
with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on the Western
Front from 1.5.1915; awarded Territorial Efficiency Medal,
November 1922.
3 Medals awarded to the 3rd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
66
Efficiency Medal (2), G.V.R., with ‘Canada’ scroll
suspension, and Second Award Bar (C.S.M. (W.O.
Cl.2 F. Walton A. & S.H. of C. (P.L.)); E.II.R.,
with ‘T. & A.V.R.’ scroll suspension (23871882 Cpl.
R.B.F. Rice 51 Highland), good very fine or better (2)
£80-120
PROVENANCE:
Spink, July 1950.
41
GROUPS AND PAIRS WITH ORDERS AND DECORATIONS
FOR GALLANTRY OR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Captain A. Campbell
67
67
A Scarce ‘Burma 1885-7’ D.S.O. Pair to Captain
A. Campbell [C.I.E.], Royal Indian Marine
a) Distinguished Service Order, V.R., gold and
enamel, with integral top riband bar, adapted for
mounting
b) India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Burma
1885-7 (Captn. A. Campbell, H.M. I.M.S.), nearly
extremely fine, mounted for wear by Spink & Son (2)
£4,000-5,000
D.S.O. London Gazette 20.5.1887 Alexander Campbell,
Capt, R.I.M.
‘For operations in Burma.’
The recommendation, made by Sir Charles Bernard, Chief
Commissioner, Burma, to General the Hon. G. Chesney,
states: ‘I wish to bring to your notice the good services done
by Officers of the Indian Marine in Upper Burma during the
last 16 months. They have been partly under the Military
Authorities, and their work has been highly appreciated by
the soldiers. Since none of the Marine Officers received
recognition for their services while soldiers, navy men and
civilians have been more or less honoured in the ‘Upper
Burma Campaign Gazette’, and on the occasion of the
Jubilee. As I am leaving Burma for good I wish to
recommend to your notice two men who have come most to
the front among Indian Marine Officers:
Captain Alexander Campbell. He was Transport Officer with
the Expedition, arranged marshalling etc. of steamers, was
Transport Officer at Mandalay for months. Did well and gave
satisfaction all round, while at the same time holding his own.
General Prendergast spoke highly of his work. But none but
naval men knew the difficulties of conducting 28 steamers,
with flats, smoothly and regularly up a shallow river without
pilots. The Irrawaddy, Kathleen and Marine Survey Party
helped, but Captain Campbell was the real Commodore, or
sailing-master of the fleet.’
Captain Alexander Campbell, C.I.E., D.S.O. (18391914), born Ballyatton, Country Down, Ireland; employed
as an Apprentice aboard the Acadia from 1854, and served in
this vessel until 1858; appointed Third Officer in the
Delgancy, 1858; served as 2nd Officer in the Barousmore, and
was one of the 19 survivors when she foundered in a cyclone
in 1863; joined the Indian Marine as a 1st Grade Officer for
service in the Clyde, August 1865; subsequent service
included in the Coromandel and the Sir John Lawrence;
promoted Commander, August 1867 and served in a number
of vessels over the following three years before being
appointed Dock Master at Karachi Dockyard, September
1880; he also carried out duties of Superintendent of Marine;
appointed Port Officer Rangoon, 1883, and Staff Officer
Bombay Dockyard the following year; he served as Transport
Officer Calcutta, from October 1885; in this capacity he was
employed in connection with the 1885-87 Burma
Expeditionary Force; Campbell subsequently received the
following appointments: Acting Deputy Director Indian
Marine, May 1886; Staff Officer Bombay Dockyard, April
1887; Officiating Director Indian Marine, May 1887;
Deputy Director Indian Marine, Bombay, November 1888;
Officiating Director Indian Marine, Bombay, May 1890;
Deputy Director Karachi Dockyard, August 1890; Officiating
Director Bombay Dockyard, October 1891; Deputy Director
Karachi Dockyard, October 1891; retired 1894 (created
C.I.E. October 1893); in later life he resided at Rathgael,
Bedford.
Only three Officers of the Royal Indian Marine were
recommended for any form of reward for their services during
the Burma Campaign 1885-87. Of these men only one,
Captain Alexander Campbell, received a decoration, the
other two being promoted in rank.
PROVENANCE:
Loffet Collection 2014.
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 42
68
M.C. London Gazette 24.9.1918 Capt. (A./Maj.) John
Sandeman Allen, R.G.A.
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his
battery position was being bombarded, some full cartridgeboxes and the camouflage material over the gun were set on
fire. This officer ran out and extinguished the flames, burning
his hand in doing so, but his prompt action and personal
courage undoubtedly saved further damage and explosions.’
The Recommendation, dated 11.6.1918, states: ‘On the 2nd
June, 1918, at about 8:00pm when his Battery position near
Coq de Paillee was being shelled, some full cartridge boxes
and the camouflage material over the gun were set on fire.
Major Allen ran out of his B.C. post and extinguished the
flames and prevented the fire spreading. He burnt his hand in
doing so and by his prompt action and personal courage
undoubtedly prevented further serious damage to his
material, as the fire was prevented from being communicated
to other cartridges and shells in the near vicinity. Although
Major Allen was assisted by others it was due to his personal
initiative and example that serious consequences were
avoided.’
68
The 1938 O.B.E., Great War 1918 ‘Western
Front’ M.C. Group of Fifteen to Colonel J.S.
Allen, Royal Artillery, Commanding Officer of
106th (Lancashire Yeomanry) Field Regiment,
Royal Artillery, and Member of Parliament for
Birkenhead West, 1931-45
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire,
2nd type, Military Division, Officer’s (O.B.E.) breast
Badge, silver-gilt
b) Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately
engraved ‘2nd. June 1918. Captain A. Major John S.
Allen. 279 Siege Btty R.G.A.’
c) British War and Victory Medals (Major J.S. Allen.)
d) Territorial Force War Medal (Major J.S. Allen.
R.A.)
e) 1939-1945 Star
f) Atlantic Star
g) Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 Bar
h) Italy Star
i) Defence and War Medals
j) Jubilee 1935
k) Coronation 1937
l) Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., silver and silver-gilt,
with integral top riband bar
m) Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R.
(John S. Allen), the TFWM and Special Constabulary
Medal silver-washed, nearly very fine or better, mounted
court-style as worn (15)
£1,000-1,400
T.D. London Gazette 4.2.1927 Maj. John Sandeman Allen,
M.C., 53rd (C. of Lond.) A.A. Bde., Royal Artillery
Colonel John Sandeman Allen, O.B.E., M.C., T.D.,
M.P., born May 1892, the son of Sir John Sandeman Allen,
M.P.; educated at Birkenhead School; appointed Consul for
Belgium in Liverpool; served during the Great War with the
Royal Garrison Artillery (Territorial Force) on the Western
Front, attached to 279 Siege Battery, R.G.A.; subsequently
commanded 106th (Lancashire Yeomanry) Field Regiment,
Royal Artillery, Territorial Army; served during the Second
World War in Beach defence and Anti-Aircraft units, 194042, and at sea as Staff Officer Movements, 1942-45; served as
a member of Birkenhead Chamber of Commerce and as
Conservative Member of Parliament for Birkenhead West,
1931-45; died, 29.9.1949.
O.B.E. London Gazette 9.6.1938 Lieutenant-Colonel and
Brevet Colonel John Sandeman Allen, M.C., T.D., M.P.,
Territorial Army Reserve of Officers, late Officer
Commanding 106th (Lancashire Yeomanry) Army Field
Brigade, Royal Artillery, Territorial Army.
43
69
A Superb 1972 ‘Foreign Service’ O.B.E., 1944
Special Operations Executive (SOE) Saboteur’s
M.M. Group of Ten to Captain L.P. Fernandez,
Who Trained Countless Agents, Including Violette
Szabó, G.C., Before Parachuting in to Join Major
Francis Cammaerts’ Jockey Circuit in Occupied
France. Working With the Maquis and Italian
Partisans During The Summer of 1944, Fernandez
Executed a Series of Crippling Operations on The
Germans, In and Around the French-Italian
Border. After the War He Was Engaged By The
Foreign Service For Intelligence Work Throughout
Africa and the Middle East. In 1958 Fernandez
Was Employed as Military Advisor for the Film
Carve Her Name With Pride, In Which Virginia
McKenna Portrayed Violette Szabó
2nd type, Civil Division, Officer’s (O.B.E.) breast
Badge, silver-gilt
b) Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2584928 W.O. Cl.2. L.P.
Fernandez. A.P.T.C.)
c) 1939-1945 Star
d) Africa Star
e) Italy Star
f) France and Germany Star
g) Defence and War Medals
h) Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., with ‘Territorial’ scroll
suspension (Lt. L.P. Fernandez. M.M. Gen. List.)
i) France, Republic, Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse
dated ‘1939-1940’, light contact marks overall, very
fine, mounted for wear, with Royal Mint case of issue
for the O.B.E.; two Identity Passes complete with
photographs from his time in the Foreign Service after
the War; and several photographic images (lot)
£20,000-30,000
O.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1972 Leslie Percival Fernandez,
lately H.M. Consul, Algeciras.
M.M. London Gazette 21.6.1945 2584928 WO2. L.P.
Fernandez, A.P.T.C.
The Recommendation, dated 3.3.1945, states: ‘C.S.M.
Fernandez was dropped by parachute into S.E. France behind
enemy lines in July 1944 and was sent to Col De Larche on
Franco-Italian frontier with instructions to prevent the
movement of German materials over the pass. It became clear
in the middle of July that German attacks along the frontier
were directed against this road, and the Italian partisans were
forced to retreat leaving the greater part of their material
behind. By the end of August the very weak detachment of
the French Forces of the Interior in the area were faced with
a considerable German force, and the local commander
ordered a withdrawal. C.S.M. Fernandez, however,
remaining behind almost alone, carried out a series of wellplanned demolitions, frequently under enemy fire, and always
under the immediate threat of being surrounded by German
patrols. His action made it impossible for the Germans to
cross the frontier except on foot, and did much to raise the
morale of the French Forces of the Interior. From 20th
August to 10th September the success of these actions
prevented the Germans from advancing against the exposed
right flank of the American Army, who, owing to the rapidity
of their progress, were unable to leave garrisons in such
important towns as Digne and Sisteron. For his coolness
under enemy fire, and his great courage and devotion to duty
in most adverse circumstances, it is recommended that this
Warrant Officer be awarded the Military Medal.’
Captain L.P. Fernandez
Captain Leslie Percival Fernandez, O.B.E., M.C. (19182009) was born in Bristol. He was educated at Plymouth
College and read Modern Languages at Exeter University.
Shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War
Fernandez enlisted in the Royal Signals. He transferred, given
his physical prowess, to the Army Physical Training Corps.
Training The Best
Fernandez served at the Commando Training Centre in
Iceland, and in 1941, was assigned to train agents in the
newly formed Special Operations Executive (SOE). As a Staff
Sergeant Instructor he was part of the permanent staff
assigned to No. 17 Special Training School. Fernandez’s
main role was ‘to provide the physical training element - on a
one to one basis - in a programme designed to equip agents
for operations in occupied Europe... They were taught field
craft, the art of concealment, obstacle-crossing, and escape
and evasion techniques. After pre-parachute training,
Fernandez accompanied trainees to Ringway airfield, where
the basic parachute course was conducted by RAF instructors.
He also taught close combat skills, including unarmed
combat. Instruction in the art of silent killing with a knife or
garotte was given, but with the caveat that agents should
attack enemy soldiers only as a last resort.
“You would not expect well-brought-up girls to creep up
behind someone and slit his throat,” Fernandez said, “but if
they were grappled, there were one or two nasty tricks that
the Shanghai Police taught us that we handed on.”
Women, in his judgement, were not commando material;
they did not have the physique. But, no less important when
it came to survival, he thought they had great mental stamina
and excelled at slipping into a role and “living” a cover story.’
(Obituary refers)
Amongst the most notable operatives that Fernandez trained
was Violette Szabó. She carried out a series of successful
missions in 1944, before she was captured by the Germans,
and then tortured and executed by the Gestapo. After the war
she was posthumously awarded the George Cross. In 1958
Fernandez was employed as Military Adviser to the film
Carve Her Name With Pride, which told the story of Violette
Szabó, played by Virginia McKenna. Fernandez taught the
actress how to fire a Sten gun as part of a crash course in SOE
tactics.
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69
Time To Put Things Into Practice - An Exhibition Of
Field Craft
In January 1943 WO2 Fernandez joined Military Operations
1 in Algiers. It was from here that he prepared for a mission
behind enemy lines into southern France and Italy. In
Summer of the following year he joined Major Francis
Cammaerts’ Jockey Circuit in southern France. By this time
Cammaerts’ covert organisation of agents and maquisard
numbered 10,000, and ‘in July of that year it became clear
that German attacks along the Franco-Italian frontier were
directed against the road running through Col de Larche,
and the Italian partisans were forced to retreat, leaving the
greater part of their equipment behind. Fernandez was
ordered... [to] prevent the movement of German equipment
over the pass.
On July 5, after a fiver-hour flight in a US Air Force
Liberator, he was dropped by parachute on to a plateau above
Barcelonnette, north-east of Digne. He wore full protective
equipment and had a large kitbag strapped to his leg which
contained essential supplies.
The Drop Zone (DZ) reception committee had laid out the
DZ marker, a large T-shaped bonfire. On landing, after two
members of the Maquis helped him to bury his parachute, he
was briefed by the mission commander, Major John Halsey,
and moved to a safe house for the night.
After a few days reconnoitring the area, he organised regular
supply drops of arms and explosives and met Cammaerts, the
regional commander, who impressed upon him the
importance of destroying the road over the Col de Larche.’
(ibid)
By the end of August the weak detachment of the French
Forces of the Interior in the area were faced with two German
Divisions complete with air support. They were forced to
retreat in the face of such overwhelming numbers,
‘Fernandez, however, with the help of some partisans, set
about filling a culvert under the road in the Col de Larche
with explosives. It was a laborious task, but effective: the road
was blown up and remained blocked for two years.
On one occasion, as his small group was approaching the
summit of the Col, a party of 20 German soldiers was seen
below, climbing up the other side of the valley. Fernandez
engaged them with a Bren gun and after several prolonged
bursts they withdrew, taking their wounded with them.
On another, he and some Maquis were meeting in an isolated
farmhouse in the mountains when a lookout spotted a
German staff car driving up the track towards them. The
officer wanted a meal for himself and his men. In that remote
spot, Fernandez said later, it was a million to one against such
a thing happening. The Germans were killed and quickly
buried and the car was dropped into a ravine.’ (ibid)
Fernandez’s activity in the area continued to be a thorn in the
Germans’ side. His knack of appearing to strike at will had a
two-fold effect, one of utterly demoralising and frustrating
the Germans, the other of giving the maquis and Italian
partisans a much needed morale boost. His series of wellplanned demolitions had made it impossible for the Germans
to cross the frontier except by on foot. This was particularly
felt during Operation Dragoon, when ‘the US Army, because
of the speed of its advance, was unable to leave garrisons in
the important towns of Digne and Sisteron but, from August
20 to September 10, the success of Fernandez’s sabotage
operations in the Col de Lache area prevented the Germans
from advancing against the Allies’ exposed right flank.’ (ibid)
Fernandez was commissioned into the Special Forces in
December 1944. He was posted for service as British Liason
Officer (BLO) working with the partisans in northern Italy.
Early ‘in 1945 the trapped German garrisons capitulated and
Fernandez, as the senior Allied officer in the area, accepted
their surrender at Digne.
Accompanied by a small number of armed partisans, he
agreed terms with the German commandant and escorted the
garrison to the nearest US Army unit several miles away.
Fernandez said afterwards that, along with the commandant,
he had led, with his pistol drawn, but found the trek hard on
his feet because his shoes were falling apart. Behind him
marched a column of German soldiers, still carrying their
weapons, but without ammunition, flanked by the partisans.’
(ibid)
45
Foreign Service duties
Fernandez was appointed BLO with the 6th Airborne Division in the Baltic, before
returning to the UK in August 1945. On the latter date he was appointed Staff Officer PT
to the 1st Allied Airborne Group HQ, London. Fernandez retired from the Army in 1947,
and made the natural progression for a man of his ability into the Foreign Service. He was
engaged in intelligence work in Africa and the Middle East. His ‘activities ensured that
some members of the Gestapo who had escaped justice were subsequently brought to trial
for war crimes.’ (ibid)
Fernandez left the Service in 1974, and became a director of a shipping company. He
retired in later life to Weybridge.
Fernandez with Virginia McKenna on the set of
Carve Her Name With Pride
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70
Family Group:
A 1939 Military Division M.B.E. Group of Nine to Warrant Officer Class II, Later
Major D.K. Edwards, Royal Engineers, A Military Historian in Later Life
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division,
Member’s (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver
b) British War and Victory Medals (6726 Pte. D.K. Edwards. 16-Lond. R.)
c) 1939-1945 Star
d) Defence and War Medals
e) Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st ‘Field Marshal’s bust’ type (S-443722 Pte.A.Sjt:- D.K. Edwards. R.A.S.C.)
f) Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., silver and silver-gilt, reverse officially dated ‘1949’,
with Second Award Bar, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1950’, and top ‘Territorial’
riband bar
g) Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., with ‘Territorial’ scroll suspension (29205 W.O. Cl.II.
D.K. Edwards. R.E.), nearly very fine or better, mounted court-style as worn
Defence Medal, extremely fine, with Home Secretary’s enclosure, in named card box of
issued, addressed to ‘Mrs. J.E. Edwards, Station Hotel, Station Road, Dorking, Surrey’
(10)
£400-500
M.B.E. London Gazette 8.6.1939 No. 29205 Warrant Officer, Class II (Company Sergeant-Major),
Dudley Keith Edwards, The London Divisional Engineers, Royal Engineers, Territorial Army.
M.S.M. London Gazette 12.12.1919 S/443722 Pte. (A./Sjt.) Edwards, D.K., Royal Army Service
Corps (Purley)
‘In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the War.’
T.D. London Gazette 4.2.1949 Maj. D.K. Edwards, M.B.E. (91373), Royal Engineers
T.D. Second Award Bar London Gazette Maj. D.K. Edwards, M.B.E., T.D. (91373), R.E.
Major Dudley Keith Edwards, M.B.E., T.D., Commissioned Lieutenant, Royal Engineers,
19.7.1939; promoted Major, 1.5.1947; retired, 29.2.1952. In retirement he wrote the history of
the 1st Middlesex Volunteer Engineers, 1860-1967.
47
71
71
A Great War 1917 ‘French Theatre’ M.C. Group
of Three to Lieutenant L.C. Morris, London
Regiment
a) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
b) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. L.C.
Morris), good very fine (3)
£500-600
M.C. London Gazette 16.8.1917 2nd Lt. Leonard Charles
Morris, Lond. R.
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After his
Company Commander was killed, he reorganised the
company, and by his personal example assisted in maintaining
the spirits of his men under heavy shelling, and showed
marked energy and judgement throughout.’
Lieutenant Leonard Charles Morris, M.C. (1894-1957),
born Fulham, London, October 1894; Commissioned
Second Lieutenant, London Regiment, 28.1.1916; served
during the Great War with the 1/15th (County of London)
Battalion (Prince of Wales’s Own Civil Service Rifles),
London Regiment on the Western Front, from 26.5.1916;
the battalion served as part of the 140th Infantry Brigade,
47th (2nd London) Division and were heavily engaged in the
Battle of Messines, 7-13.6.1917; Lieutenant 28.7.1917; died
in Wimbledon, Surrey.
One other ‘Lieutenant L.C. Morris’, serving in the East
Lancashire Regiment, appears on the medal roll for the
British War and Victory Medals.
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72
d) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany
Bar
e) Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 Bar
f) Defence and War Medals
g) Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold II, Knight’s
breast Badge, 69mm including crown suspension x
40mm, silver and enamel, with silver palm on riband
h) Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, L.III.R.,
bronze, with bronze palm on riband, generally very
fine or better, mounted as worn, with the following
related items:
- D.F.C. Royal Mint case of issue, Order of Leopold
case of issue
- Two R.A.F. Pilot’s Flying Log Books (covering the
period
4.6.1943-29.2.1952
and
3.3.195221.7.1953), 1st annotated on inside cover ‘Previous
Log Book Destroyed In North Africa Through Enemy
Action’ and Certified Correct by O.C. 72 Squadron
that up until that point recipient had 11 Destroyed, 1
Shared Destroyed and 2 Probables
- a Rare “Balbo” Book for B Flight, 19 Squadron,
R.A.F Fowlmere, covering the period 26.2.19413.8.1941, this somewhat distressed
- The Battle of Britain “The Few” file as presented to
the recipient, with additional photographs, MOD
copies of citations, Air Ministry correspondence
relating to Belgium awards, Bestowal Document for
the Order of Leopold, cuttings and other ephemera all
added by Charnock (lot)
£15,000-20,000
72
A Scarce Second War Fighter Ace’s 1943 D.F.C.,
1942 ‘ Immediate’ D.F.M. Combination Group of
Nine to Spitfire Pilot, Warrant Officer, Later
Flight Lieutenant, H.W. ‘Chas’ Charnock, Royal
Air Force, Who Having Crashed His Spitfire
During the Battle of Britain, Went on to be
Accredited With At Least 11 Victories, 1 Shared
Destroyed, and 2 Probables. A Desert Ace, Two of
His Victories Came On The Same Day, When He
Single-Handedly Engaged 30 Enemy Aircraft.
Charnock Eventually Succumbed to the
Overwhelming Numbers and Was Shot Down
Over Enemy Lines. Despite His Wounds He
Persuaded a Hostile Arab, at Gunpoint, to Guide
Him the 11 Miles Back to Safety. Charnock Had
Lost Nearly 4 Pints of Blood During His Ordeal,
However, He Still Managed to Convince A
Medical Officer That He Was Physically Capable
of An Almost Immediate Return To Operational
Flying. Having Tricked His Way Passed The
S.M.O. Charnock Had To Tie His Hand To The
Throttle Before Every Take Off. Finally The Truth
Was Established - But Not Before He Had
Accounted For A ‘One-Handed’ Victory Over
Another Me. 109
a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse
officially dated ‘1943’
b) Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (901005. Sgt.
H.W. Charnock. R.A.F.)
c) 1939-1945 Star, with Battle of Britain Bar
49
‘Chas’ (centre with cravat) and the gang
D.F.C. London Gazette 26.2.1943 Warrant Officer Harry
Walpole Charnock, D.F.M. (901005) 72 Squadron
The Recommendation states: ‘Warrant Officer Charnock is a
section leader of distinction who has at all times shown great
keeness to engage the enemy. He has participated with much
success in numerous low level attacks against enemy transports
and has destroyed at least six hostile aircraft.’
D.F.M. London Gazette 7.4.1942 Sergeant Harry Walpole
Charnock (901005), 19 Squadron
The Recommendation, dated 8.11.1941, states: ‘This N.C.O. has
shown great courage, dash and powers of leadership in engaging
the enemy. He has destroyed four enemy aircraft and shared in
the destruction of another. He also led his flight and showed the
highest morale during our recent losses.
Remarks by Station Commander:
This N.C.O. Pilot has done exceptionally valuable work in his
squadron and has contributed largely to its morale in trying
circumstances, when his Squadron Commander and both Flight
Commanders were lost.’
Belgium, Order of Leopold, Chevalier, Flight Lieutenant Harry
Walpole Charnock, D.F.C., D.F.M. (147902), 61 O.T.U.
The Recommendation states: ‘This officer served with the
Lympne Wing which included No. 350 (Belgian) Squadron from
October, 1944. In December, 1944, he proceeded to Brussels
with his squadron, the Wing (125) being led by Wing
Commander Donnet (Belgium). Later the Wing moved to Diest
and, during this period, Flight Lieutenant Charnock carried out a
large number of Armed Reconnaissances destroying 25 trains, 40
trucks and a barge.’
Flight Lieutenant Harry Walpole Charnock, D.F.C., D.F.M.
(1905-1974) was educated at Harrow, Jesus College, Cambridge
and R.A.F. College Cranwell. His family were involved in the
textile business in Russia, and did a great deal to pioneer football
in that country. He was commissioned into the Royal Air Force
in December 1925. Charnock was initially posted to 32 Squadron
(Gloster Grebes and Gamecocks), Kenley, before being posted to
1 Squadron in August 1930. He flew Siskins out of Tangmere
until December of that year, when he was court martialled for a
combination of a low flying offence and high-jinx. Rules and
discipline would appear to have been at their most stringent
during peace time as he found himself cashiered.
The advent of the Second World War changed everything, and
two days after the outbreak of war he was welcomed back into the
R.A.F. Charnock, having lost his commission, returned as a
Sergeant-Pilot. He was posted for operational flying to 64
Squadron (Spitfires). He flew operationally during the Battle of
Britain, and crashed his Spitfire K 9903 during a patrol, 6.9.1940.
Later that month he was posted to 19 Squadron (Spitfires),
Fowlmere as part of the Duxford Wing. He achieved his first
victory when he shot down an Me. 109 over Deal, 5.11.1940.
Charnock was mainly engaged in fighter sweeps, before the
squadron became tasked with escorting day bomber raids to the
Continent. It was whilst carrying out escorts that he added
another two victories to his score. Firstly when he shot down an
Me. 109 north of Montreuil, 21.7.1941, and then another over
Mardyck-St. Omer, 7.8.1941. The Recommendation for his
D.F.M., which came at the end of his tour with 19 Squadron,
suggests that he had scored at least one other victory, and shared
in the destruction of another enemy aircraft by the first week of
November 1941.
After completing his tour Charnock was posted to C.F.S. Upavon
and then to 9 (P) A.F.U. Hullavington. In August 1942
Charnock was promoted Warrant Officer and posted to 72
Squadron. He joined as the squadron was posted north to reequip for overseas duty. At the start of November he flew with the
squadron to Gibraltar, and from there to Algiers. They arrived at
their new base Maison Blanche on the 16th, and were up and
flying operationally the following day. The change in climate
seemed to work wonders for Charnock. The squadron achieved
it’s first victory on the 19th November, and Charnock was not
long in adding to his score.
The squadron was primarily tasked with flying operational patrols
over the Front, and between 25th November - 18th December
1942, Charnock recorded at least 5 enemy aircraft and 1
Probable.
His purple patch consisting of:
25th November Me. 109, Destroyed, Tunisia
27th November Me. 109, Destroyed, NE of Djedeida
27th November Me. 109, Destroyed (Probable), NE of Djedeida
4th December Me. 109, Destroyed, Tebourba
18th December Me. 109, Destroyed, Mateur
18th December, Fw. 190, Mateur
The 18th December was a particularly eventful day for Charnock,
as not only did he shoot down two aircraft, he was also shot down
himself. The following is taken from a handwritten account by
Lawrence Wilkinson from Charnock’s airfield dated, 18.12.1942,
called One R.A.F. Fighter Took On 30 - Missing Man Came Back.
“I Got 2 Germans”:
News that cheered everyone here today was that a Warrant
Officer, nicknamed “Chas”, who is the top-scorer of a topscoring Spitfire Squadron in Tunisia had survived a fight with 30
German fighters he tackled single-handed.
His fellow pilots who saw him go into the weaving enemy
formation thought him killed.
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After two days without news of him they said “Old Chas has had
it” and they recalled the days at Hendon Air Pageant and what
good times they had together in the air and in the Mess. Today
came a message from a base hospital saying “Please credit
Squadron with 2 certainly destroyed, Chas.”
With it came the official report describing what happened. Chas
broke away from the Spitfire escort to the R.A.F. bombers
attacking Mateur and climbed into the sun to attack 30
Messerschmitts and Focke-Wulfs. He was firing at one when he
noticed tracer bullets streaking past the cockpit from a second
plane behind. He turned and blew the enemy to pieces with
cannon and machine-gun fire. Then he resumed the chase,
recaught the first plane and sent it spinning down, with flames
tearing through fuselage. When he was out of ammunition he
turned for home and was pounced on by 4 more. Their shots
pierced the plane everywhere and set fire to the engine. Chas took
off the cockpit cover and flung it back at them in the hope that it
would damage the pursuers or spoil their aim.
With cannon splinter wounds in the head and arms and burns on
the wrists and face he roared down and put the aircraft into the
ground at 180mph.
It was a successful crash landing.
Chas jumped out and ran for cover just as the Spitfire exploded.
Four of the German fighters circled twice and made off. Chas
walked 11 miles to a British encampment. From there he was sent
to an emergency dressing post and taken to a base hospital.
Once in bed, he called for paper and pencil and scribbled the
message “Please credit Squadron with 2 certainly destroyed.”
British war correspondent Guy Ramsey offers more insight in his
One Continent Redeemed:
There was much trafficking with the Arabs by both sides. One
R.A.F. pilot, for example, was shot down behind the German
lines. A strange man, this pilot, holding only the rank of warrant
officer, once a flight lieutenant. He had been in the R.A.F. before
the war. He wore, in civil life, the tie of my own school - Harrow.
He was dismissed from the Service for a hilarious breach of
discipline, undertaken after a party. He rejoined the ranks.
He flew through the Battle of Britain; he had been recommended
four times for a commission, but his youthful indiscretion - he
had dumped a wing commander into a bath! - always forbade his
getting it. In North Africa his squadron leader recommended him
for a fifth time; and the application read, at one point:
Number of flying hours... More than 300.
Have you ever held commissioned rank before?... Yes. Cashiered.
“He was only a sergeant pilot, but God, how he can fly!” said his
C.O. with humorous bitterness, to me. “He could lead the
squadron, and nobody gave a damn. He ought to be a wing
commander with his ability and experience. All he cares for is
flying. If I have him as a flight leader, or as my No. 2, I know if
I make a clot of myself or black-out it doesn’t matter: he’ll pull us
out of the botch.”
The whole squadron - even the C.O. - was on Christian name
terms with Chas, unusual for a W.O. in the British service. And
one day, during a sweep, Chas started to climb and tackled,
irrespective of his support, a line of thirty German machines
‘stooging around’ and waiting to pounce.
I have heard it debated whether his action was undertaken to
prevent an Axis swoop; I have heard it maintained that it was “just
one of Chas’s things.” I cannot tell - and Chas won’t...
Some saw him crash; and “Poor old Chas - he’s had it,” the
squadron said... until from a military hospital came a scrawl of
pencil. “Please credit squadron with two more officially destroyed
2”, it read. “Back as soon as poss. Chas.”
He was back somewhat sooner than poss. “He was binding
because he was away from the chaps,” said his C.O. to me. “He
couldn’t stand it in hospital. He broke out - always was crazy as a
coot. He’ll be flying again in a week. He ought to be still in bed
- but he bloody well won’t bloody stay there - blast him!”
It was not from Chas that I heard this epic. He had, as he so
briefly reported, shot down two of the thirty planes that he
assailed before a shot in his Glycol - not, you notice, a “lucky A.A.
splinter” - sent him ‘to the deck.’ He came down, wounded,
scalded with oil, got out of his burning aircraft - and found
himself menanced by an Arab with a dog. With no common
language, he yet made the Arab understand what he wanted, but
the man was as hostile as his dog, which attacked Chas. So to save
his life, Chas shot the dog. He then poked his gun in the Arab’s
stomach, and compelled him to lead him eighteen kilometres eleven miles - on foot, despite his own wounds, through the
German lines to safety.’
By the time Charnock reached medical assistance it was estimated
that he had lost nearly 4 pints of blood from his various wounds.
The surgeon that examined him suggested that he would spend a
minimum of two months in hospital, a similar period of
convalescence and at least a year’s rest from operational flying. In
‘actual fact I was flying again - though not legally, as it were,
because I took matters into my own hands - just thirteen days
after I had been shot down... There was just one minor drawback:
I had to tie my left hand to the throttle with a handkerchief, or
something similar, before attempting to take off and concealing
this operation from anyone who might “talk” presented some
difficulty. In the end this proved my undoing; the S.M.O. got to
hear of it when the fact was related to him in jest and he
immediately put his foot down with some force, but not before I
had been lucky enough to get another 109.’ (Typed account of
the North African Campaign by recipient refers)
As the truth of Charnock’s physical state became apparent, he was
sent back to the UK. Charnock had in the interim period been
awarded the D.F.C. He was posted for instructor duties to No.
61 O.T.U., Rednal, in June 1943. Charnock continued his ‘rest’
period at A.F.D.U. Wittering, before being being posted for
operational flying to 66 Squadron (Spitfires) as part of 132 Wing,
2nd T.A.F. He flew with the squadron to France in August 1944,
but was almost immediately involved in a car accident. After
another period of recuperation he was posted as a Flight
Commander to 41 Squadron (Spitfires) in October 1944. Initially
based at Lympne, before moving to Belgium with the squadron,
he mainly flew bomber escorts and armed recces. Charnock left
the squadron in February 1945, and was posted as Officer
Commanding No. 61 O.T.U. (Test Flight) in June of the same
year. He flew his ‘last trip’ in September 1945, and was
demobilised two months later. Charnock’s flying skills were not
wasted, and for a number of years he found post-war employment
as an Instructor at No. 1 B.F.T.S., R.A.F. Booker.
Investiture day, Buckingham Palace
51
73
x73
A Second War ‘1944’ Night Fighters’ D.F.C. Group
of Six to Beaufighter and Mosquito Pilot, Squadron
Leader H.V. Ellis, 600 and 219 Squadrons, Royal Air
Force Volunteer Reserve, Who Was Accredited With
At Least 3 Destroyed, 1 Probable and 2 Damaged,
During Two Full Tours of Operational Flying From
1940-1944
a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse dated
‘1944’
b) 1939-1945 Star, with Battle of Britain Bar
c) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Star
d) Italy Star
e) War Medal
f) Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R. (Act. Sqn. Ldr. H.V.
Ellis, R.A.F.V.R.), generally very fine, mounted as
originally worn (6)
£4,000-5,000
D.F.C. London Gazette 3.11.1944 Acting Squadron Leader
Harold Valentine Ellis (84968), R.A.F.V.R, 219 Squadron
‘Squadron Leader Ellis has completed many sorties by night and
day, often in most adverse weather. His determination and
keeness throughout have been most commendable and have set
an excellent example. He has destroyed three enemy aircraft and
damaged several others.’
The Recommendation, dated 11.8.1944, states: ‘This Officer
has been flying operationally, in a night fighter squadron since
December 1940. During his first tour in No.600 Squadron he
destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged two others. He
joined this Unit in April 1943 and became a Flight Commander
in October 1943 whilst the Unit was overseas. He has so far
destroyed two enemy aircraft and probably destroyed a third on
his second tour. Squadron Leader Ellis has, at all times, shown
himself to be extremely proficient as a pilot in any type of
weather both by day and by night. During a period of two years
when he never had the opportunity of chasing an enemy aircraft,
he carried out many sorties by day and by night in the worst
possible weather. His determination and keeness to destroy the
enemy together with his high standard of pilotage have, during
the 3 1/2 years I have known this Officer, been of the highest
order. I recommend him strongly for the award of the D.F.C.’
Remarks By Air Officer Commanding: ‘This Officer has
completed two operational tours comprising 370 operational
hours, during which he has Destroyed 3 enemy aircraft and
Probably Destroyed a fourth. I consider his devotion to duty and
achievements over a very long period of active operational flying
well merits the award of the D.F.C.’
Squadron Leader Harold Valentine Ellis, D.F.C. enlisted as a
Sergeant Pilot (754961) in the Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve in August 1939; with the outbreak of the Second War
he carried out initial training at 1 E.F.T.S. and 10 S.F.T.S.; he
was commissioned in September 1940, and served operationally
with 600 (Night-Fighter) Squadron (Beaufighters), Catterick;
the squadron, as an early pioneer of night fighting suffering with
the unrealiability of rader, met with very limited success during
1940; after being briefly based at Prestwick, he moved with the
squadron to Colerne as part of 10 Group in the West Country;
the squadron started scoring, and Ellis opened his account when
he Damaged a Ju.88 over Colerne, 1.6.1941; he Destroyed a
He.III north-west of the Scillies, 8/9.9.1941 and Damaged a
Do.217 off Falmouth, 18/19.12.1941; Flight Lieutenant,
September 1942; he was posted overseas to Algeria for
operational flying with 219 Squadron (Beaufighters), April
1943; the squadron was tasked with aiding the night defence of
Algeria, and operating all along the North African coast,
providing coverage with detachments as far as Malta; Flight
Commander, October 1943; by Autumn the squadron was
operating off Naples, but in January 1944 it returned to the UK;
having suffered a period of inactivity the return to home shores
kicked started Ellis’ score; the squadron converted to Mosquitos
and became operational again in March, with Ellis getting them
off the mark, ‘On 27th, Squadron Leader Ellis, at the Colerne
detachment, Destroyed a Ju.88 over Yeovil’ (Fighter Squadrons
Of The R.A.F. And Their Aircraft, J.D.R. Rawlings refers); the
squadron were tasked with regular night patrols over the
Channel and as far afield as Holland; Ellis added a Probable to
his score, 15.7.1944, before a final Ju. 88 Destroyed, 30.7.1944;
Ellis and his radar operator (Flight Lieutenant J.M. Craig)
finished their tour of operations, 12.9.1944; both received the
D.F.C.
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x74
A Second War 1944 ‘Lancaster Bomb Aimer’s’
D.F.C. Group of Four to Flight Lieutenant R.G.
Campbell, 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Volunteer Reserve, Who Flew in At Least 27
Operational Sorties, 11 of Which Were to Berlin
and Back
a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse dated
‘1944’, in Royal Mint case of issue
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Air Crew Europe Star
d) War Medal, good very fine, with the following
related items:
- The recipient’s related Miniature Awards, mounted
for wear
- Identity Discs; three cloth Brevets
- R.A.F Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book
(August 1942 - March 1945), with pencil sketch of
Lancaster bomber on inside page
- Two Group Photographs; Pencil and Charcoal
sketch of recipient in uniform
- Original copy of London Gazette for the award of the
D.F.C. and another listing his promotion to Flight
Lieutenant; a copy of R.A.F. Station Heaton Park
Manchester, A Guide For Newly-Arrived Cadets, signed
by recipient; with other ephemera (lot)
£1,400-1,800
Flight Lieutenant R.G. Campbell
Flight Lieutenant Reginald George Campbell, D.F.C.,
served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the
Second War; carried out initial training at No. 10 (O) A.F.W.
Dumfries, November 1942-February 1943; after postings to
No. 19 O.T.U and 1654 Conversion Unit he was posted as
a Bomb Aimer for operational service to 207 Squadron
(Lancasters), Langar, July 1943; he flew in 27 operational
sorties with the squadron, including: Milan; Munchen
Gladbach; Berlin (11); Hanover; Kassel; Stuttgart (4);
Leipzig (2); Stettin; Schweinfurt; Augsburg; Clermont
Ferrand Airfield and Frankfurt (2); posted for instructor
duties to No. 26 O.T.U., Little Horwood, April 1944;
promoted Flight Lieutenant, 15.7.1945.
D.F.C. London Gazette 6.6.1944 Pilot Officer Reginald
George Campbell (169491), Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve, 207 Squadron
The Recommendation states: ‘This Officer has proved
himself a keen and capable Bomb Aimer and has obtained
good photographic results on the twenty four successful
operations carried out over heavily defended enemy targets,
eleven of which were on Berlin. All his photographs have
shown fire tracks in the target area. His keeness, courage, and
co-operation have been of great assistance to his Captain and
an example to his Section.’
53
75
75
A Great War A.F.C. Group of Three to Airship Pilot, Captain A. Sparrow, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air
Force
a) Air Force Cross, G.V.R., in John Pinches case of issue
b) British War and Victory Medals, BWM with official corrections, nearly extremely fine (3)
£800-1,200
A.F.C. London Gazette 1.1.1919 Captain Arthur Sparrow, R.A.F.
Captain Arthur Sparrow, A.F.C (1893-1921), of ‘Green Manor, Shrewsbury’; commissioned Temporary Flight Sub-Lieutenant, Royal
Naval Air Service, 19.8.1915; posted to R.N.A.S. Wormwood Scrubbs, October 1915; and saw postings as an Airship Pilot at R.N.A.S.
Kingsnorth, Polegate and Howden; Flight Lieutenant 7.5.1917; Lieutenant (Honorary Captain), Royal Air Force, 1.4.1918.
x76
A Scarce Great War ‘Submariner’s’ D.S.M. Group of Three to Leading Seaman H.C. Wright, H.M. Submarine D7,
Royal Navy, For His Part in the Sinking of U-45, 12.9.1917
a) Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (191473. H.C. Wright, LG. Sean. H.M.S. “D7” Atlantic Ocean. 12th Sept. 1917.)
b) Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, one clasp, Natal (H.C. Wright. A.B. H.M.S. Doris), suspension slack
c) 1914-15 Star (191473 H.C. Wright, L.S., R.N.), light contact marks overall, therefore nearly very fine or better (3)
£1,400-1,800
D.S.M. London Gazette 17.11.1917 Ldg. Sea Herbert Charles Wright, ON 191473 (Po.)
‘For services in action with enemy submarines.’
191473 Leading Seaman Herbert Charles Wright, D.S.M., born Bray, Berkshire, 1881; joined Royal Navy as Boy 2nd Class, July
1899; service included in H.M.S. Doris, 28.10.1899-15.11.1899; joined the Submarine Branch in 1912, and service during the Great War
included at H.M.S. Bonaventure and Titania; served in H.M. Submarine D7, 1916-1919; on the 12th September 1917, ‘a patrol
submarine north of Ireland achieved a sinking. U-45 (Sittenfeld) had sailed with U-88 and U-54 on the 5th; a week later she was on the
surface west of the Shetlands when D-7 sighted her and dived to attack. Twenty minutes later a stern torpedo, fired at 800 yards, struck
the U-boat just before the conning tower. One of the two survivors picked up by the British submarine was the radio operator, who had
been about to send a message to Wilhelmshaven. He did not have time to do so, and the German command had no idea as to where U45 was sunk’; Wright was ‘Shore Pensioned’, July 1921.
D7’s commanding officer, Lieutenant O.E. Hallifax, R.N. was awarded the D.S.O. for this action. Another officer was awarded the D.S.C.,
and Wright was awarded one of two D.S.M.s to the crew for the action.
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77
Family Group:
A Second War 1945 ‘Landing Craft Tank’ D.S.M.
Group of Five to Leading Seaman W.G. Smith,
Royal Navy
a) Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (A/L.S.
W.G. Smith, P/JX. 328652)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Italy Star
d) France and Germany Star
e) War Medal, generally very fine or better, mounted as
originally worn, with the following related items:
- The recipient’s Miniature Awards
- Silver Identity Bracelet, reverse additionally engraved
‘W.G. Smith. 50 Enbrook St. Queens Pk. London.
W.10.’
- D.S.M. case of issue, with named award enclosure
slip
- Campaign Medal enclosure slip
- Four photographs of the recipient in uniform
- Order of Service for recipient’s funeral
Pair: Driver C.F. Smith, Royal Artillery
British War and Victory Medals (156217 Dvr. C.F.
Smith. R.A.), light contact marks, very fine, with the
recipient’s Royal Artillery Cap Badge (lot)
£700-900
D.S.M. London Gazette 11.12.1945 P/JX 328652 Acting
Leading Seaman William Godfrey Smith
P/JX 328652 Leading Seaman William Godfrey Smith,
D.S.M. (1922-2006), served in the Royal Navy during the
Second War; service included in H.M.S. Landing Craft Tank
(LCT) 361, which was launched in March 1942.
Leading Seaman W.G. Smith
55
BRITISH ORDERS AND SINGLE AWARDS
78
Deputy River Surveyor C.F.U. Kelly
78
The 1936 ‘River Hoogly’ George Cross (Empire Gallantry Medal exchange) to Assistant River Surveyor C.F. Kelly,
Port Commissioners, Calcutta, For His Bravery and Skill in Piloting a Barge Full of Defective Dynamite, For
Nearly 18 Hours Non-Stop, Whilst it was Dangerously Leaking Nitro-Glycerine
George Cross (Cecil Francis Kelly, Asst. River Surveyor, Calcutta, 1st. February, 1937.), contact marks to tips of cross,
very fine, with the following related items:
- Letter to the recipient from Government House, Calcutta, accompanying the recipient’s George Cross, dated 17.2.1942,
this glazed and framed
- Government of Bengal Investiture Letter for the Empire Gallantry Medal
- Various letters of congratulations to the recipient on the award of the Empire Gallantry Medal
- Various newspaper cuttings and other documents
- Photographic image of the recipient
£6,000-8,000
E.G.M. London Gazette 1.2.1937 Cecil Francis Kelly, Assistant River Surveyor Port Commissioners, Calcutta, Bengal (in a joint citation
with George John Adamson, Inspector, River Traffic Police, Calcutta, Bengal)
‘In May last, Inspector Adamson, with Mr. Kelly as pilot, was in charge of two Port Police launches escorting a cargo of defective dynamite
which was being taken for destruction up the river Hooghly in a barge in tow of a launch. The barge proved quite unseaworthy, and after
a journey of about 15 miles up the river was in a sinking condition. Inspector Adamson and his assistants had no responsibility except for
escorting the cargo, but in spite of this they tried at great personal risk to keep the barge afloat by bailing from 7 o’clock in the evening
till midnight, when it was found necessary to beach the barge on the bank near a large jute mill. In spite of the dynamite exuding
nitroglycerine, Inspector Adamson with two sergeants worked indefatigably in the water and in the dark to help guide the barge ashore
by hand. The beaching took five and a half hours. The barge was partially unloaded, but it was found impossible to remove the 2 tons at
the bottom owing to its dangerous condition, and the barge had to be re-floated, towed into deep water, and sunk. Inspector Adamson
rendered great assistance during the whole operation, and stood by in a police launch in spite of grave danger. Mr. Kelly supervised the
handling of the barge throughout, and without his skilled assistance the feat could not have been accomplished. A small accident such as
the striking of a bootsole nail on a stone in the river bank, the “working” of the hull of the barge when she was subsequently towed off,
or a slip with any of the gear used, would have resulted in practically certain death to those working, and a disaster of the first magnitude
to the surrounding mills. Though it was not his duty as pilot, Mr. Kelly remained in the barge while it was towed off the beach and until
it was safely sunk, superintending its handling in the current by the aid of two launches. Both men displayed cool, deliberate, and sustained
gallantry for many hours under conditions, of the greatest strain.’
Major Cecil Francis Ulysses Kelly, G.C., born India, 2.11.1900; employed as an Assistant River Surveyor by the Port Commissioners,
Calcutta; awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal for his bravery on the River Hooghly, 6.5.1936, and presented with his Medal by the
Governor of Bengal, Calcutta, 17.11.1937; advanced Deputy River Surveyor; received the George Cross in exchange for the Empire
Gallantry Medal, Calcutta, 17.2.1942; served during the Second War in the D of I Corps; retired with the rank of Major, 20.7.1946; died,
Calcutta, 23.11.1948, and is buried in Calcutta Catholic Cemetery.
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x79
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, a c.1855 Knight
Companion’s (K.G.) Star, 95mm x 86mm, silver,
gold, and enamel, with gold retaining pin, the reverse
back-plate engraved ‘C.F. Hancock, late Partner of
Hunt & Roskell successors to Storr & Mortimer. 39
Bruton Street, London’, nearly extremely fine
£3,500-4,500
57
80
x80
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military
Division, Knight Grand Cross (G.C.B.) set of Insignia,
sash Badge, 81mm, silver-gilt and enamel, reverse
central medallion slightly loose; Star, 97mm x 92mm,
silver, gold, and enamel, with gold retaining pin, very
minor enamel damage, therefore nearly extremely fine,
with full sash riband, in Garrard, London, case of issue
(2)
£3,000-4,000
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81
81
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Civil
Division, Knight Commander’s (K.C.B.) set of
Insignia, by Garrard, London, neck Badge, 56mm x
36mm, gold (Hallmarks for London 1879); Star,
75mm, silver, gold, and enamel, with gold retaining
pin, extremely fine, with neck riband with gold clasp,
in case of issue (2)
£1,400-1,800
x82
Division, Companion’s (C.B.) breast Badge, gold
(Hallmarks for London 1873), nearly extremely fine,
with integral gold riband buckle
£500-600
x83
Division, Companion’s (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt
(Hallmarks for London 1944), nearly extremely fine,
with neck riband, in Garrard, London, case of issue
£240-280
82
59
84
x84
The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St.
George, Knight Grand Cross (G.C.M.G.) Collar
Chain, comprising 24 medallions made up out of six
English lions, eight Maltese crosses, four SM cyphers,
four SG cyphers, and two pairs of winged lions, one
pair surmounted by a crown, 1080mm, silver-gilt and
enamel, with screw-ring suspension from crown
medallion to support Badge Appendant, enamel
damage to one arm of three Maltese Crosses, otherwise
good very fine, in Garrard, London, case of issue
£2,400-2,800
The Order of St. Michael and St. George does not have a
separate Collar Badge, but utilises the sash Badge for this
purpose.
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x85
George, Knight Grand Cross (G.C.M.G.) set of
Insignia, sash Badge, 100mm including crown
suspension x 75mm, silver-gilt and enamel; Star,
87mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with gold
retaining pin, extremely fine, with full sash riband and
additional evening dress section, in Garrard, London,
case of issue (2)
£2,000-2,400
61
86
x86
George, Knight Commander’s (K.C.M.G.) set of
Insignia, neck Badge, 89mm including crown
80mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with gold
retaining pin, extremely fine, with neck riband, in
Garrard, London, case of issue (2)
£1,400-1,800
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87
x87
The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire,
Knight Grand Commander’s (G.C.I.E.) set of
Insignia, sash Badge, 90mm including crown
suspension x 60mm, gold and enamel; Star, 92mm,
silver, silver-gilt, gold, and enamel, with gold retaining
pin, extremely fine, with full sash riband, in Garrard,
London, case of issue (2)
£5,000-7,000
63
88
x88
The Royal Victorian Order, Knight Grand Cross
(G.C.V.O.) set of Insignia, sash Badge, 72mm, silvergilt and enamel, reverse officially numbered ‘596’;
Star, 90mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with gold
retaining pin, reverse officially numbered ‘596’,
extremely fine, with evening dress section of sash
riband, in Collingwood, London, case of issue (2)
£1,600-2,000
x89
The Royal Victorian Order, Commander’s (C.V.O.)
neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially
numbered ‘2367’, extremely fine, with both full and
miniature width neck ribands, in Collingwood, London,
case of issue
£280-320
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90
x90
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd
type, Military Division, Knight Grand Cross (G.B.E.)
set of Insignia, sash Badge, 94mm including crown
103mm x 89mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel,
extremely fine, with full sash riband, in Garrard,
London, case of issue (2)
£1,800-2,200
65
91
x91
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st
type, Military Division, Knight Commander’s (K.B.E.)
set of Insignia, neck Badge, 80mm including crown
79mm, silver and enamel, traces of lacquer, nearly
extremely fine, with neck riband (2)
£600-800
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93
92
92
The Order of the Companions of Honour, E.II.R.,
Member’s (C.H.) neck Badge, 68mm including crown
suspension x 40mm, silver-gilt and enamel, extremely
fine, with neck riband, in Pinches, London, case of
issue, together with a copy of Companions of Honour
by Peter Galloway (Chancery Publication, 2002)
£2,400-2,800
93
The Royal Guelphic Order, Military Division, Knight
Commander’s (K.C.H.) Star, by Storr and Mortimer,
London, 75mm, silver, gold, and enamel, the reverse
engraved ‘Storr & Mortimer F.W. French’, with gold
retaining pin, about extremely fine
£2,400-2,800
94
x94
Kaisar-i-Hind Medal, G.VI.R., First Class, gold, with
integral top riband bar, extremely fine, in case of issue,
this inscribed ‘Rev. H. Bridges’
£1,200-1,600
Kaisar-i-Hind First Class London Gazette 8.6.1939 The
Reverend Harold Bridges, Baptist Mission, Patna, Bihar.
67
97
95
The Most Venerable Order of St John, Serving Brother’s Badge, silver and enamel, the reverse engraved
‘15195 W. Kitchin 26th Nov 1946’, good very fine
Service Medal of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, with Additional 5 Year Bar (3854 Amb. Sis. A.
Grimshaw Reddish Nsg. Div. No. 4. Dist. S.J.A.B. 1924.), good very fine
Imperial Service Medal (2) G.VI.R. (Alfred Holt Albinson); E.II.R. (Henrietta Margaretta Elisa
Werner), good very fine, both in Royal Mint cases of issue (4)
£80-120
Mr. Alfred Holt Albinson, employed as Assistant Inspector, Manchester G.P.O.
x96
Military Medal, G.V.R. (294851 Gnr: W.J. Saunders. R.G.A.), suspension re-affixed with replacement claw
and scroll suspension, good very fine
£100-140
M.M. London Gazette 13.3.1919 294851 Gnr. Saunders, W.J., 147th Hy. By., Royal Garrison Artillery (Rickmansworth)
97
Military Medal, G.V.R. (57319 Cpl.- L. Sjt.- W. Kilgour. 5/L’pool R.), nearly extremely fine
£180-220
M.M. London Gazette 23.7.1919 57319 Cpl (L./Sjt.) Kilgour, W., 5th Bn., Liverpool Regiment (Bradford)
98
Royal Victorian Medal, G.V.R., silver, unnamed as issued, extremely fine, in Royal Mint case of issue, with
hand written note attributing the award to ‘Superintendent Duncan McLean’ for ‘Royal Protection DutiesKing George’s Visit to Scotland [sic] 1913 Spring’
£80-120
Superintendent Duncan McLean, Lancashire County Constabulary, was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in silver on
the occasion of Their Majesties visit to Lancashire, 12.7.1913.
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CAMPAIGN GROUPS AND PAIRS
100
99
Pair: Able Seaman G. Aplin, Royal Navy
Egypt 1882-89, dated, one clasp, Alexandria 11th July (G. Aplin. A.B. HMS “Alexandra”);
Khedive’s Star 1882, naming details worn and partially enhanced on first, pitting from Star,
nearly very fine (2)
£120-160
100
Three: Sergeant A.W. Ferrett, Royal Engineers
Egypt 1882-89, undated, one clasp, The Nile 1884-85 (17602. Driv: A.W. Ferrett. 4 Sec. T.
Bn. R.E.); Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (17602 Serjt: A.W. Ferrett. R.E.); Khedive’s Star
1884-6, reverse engraved ‘17602 2/Corpl. A.W. Ferrett 4/Sec. T.B. R.E.’, pitting to first
from Star, nearly very fine, the LS&GC good very fine (3)
£240-280
17602 Sergeant Arthur William Ferrett, born Southampton, 1860; enlisted in the Royal Engineers,
January 1883; served with the Engineers in Egypt, September 1884 to November 1887, and Specially
Commended by H.R.H. the Commander in Chief ‘for good services rendered during the Egyptian
Campaign, 1884-85’; promoted Corporal, December 1889; Sergeant, December 1892; awarded L.S. &
G.C., 1.1.1902; discharged, 22.12.1902, after 19 years and 332 days’ service, latterly serving with the
3rd Telegraph Battalion, R.E.
101
Pair: Private H. Spanswick, East Surrey Regiment
Egypt 1882-89, undated, one clasp, Suakin 1885 (1359. Pte. H. Spanswick. 2/E. Surr: R.);
Khedive’s Star 1884-6, lightly polished, good very fine (2)
£140-180
1359 Private Henry Spanswick, born Devizes, Wiltshire, 1854; enlisted in the 47th Brigade,
November 1878; served with the East Surrey Regiment in Egypt, September 1884 to September 1885;
transferred to the Reserve, September 1885; discharged, November 1890, after 12 years’ service
69
102
102
Five: Major P.H.G. Feilden, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, Aide-de-Camp to the Governor
and Commander-in-Chief of Queensland, and Attached Queensland Mounted Infantry
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, two clasps, Cape Colony, Rhodesia (Lieut. P.H.G.
Feilden. 7th. K.R.R. (Attad. Queensland Mtd. Inf.), with official corrections; British War and
Victory Medals (Major P.H.G. Feilden); Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, good very fine (5)
£400-500
Major Percy Henry Guy Feilden, born 1870, the son of Lieutenant-General R.J. Feilden, C.M.G.;
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, 7th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Militia), August 1895;
appointed an Extra Aide-de-Camp to the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., Governor and
Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand, February, 1896; promoted Lieutenant, January 1897; appointed
an Extra Aide-de-Camp to the Rt. Hon. Lord Lamington, K.C.M.G., Governor and Commander-inChief of Queensland, June 1899; appointed Lieutenant, 3rd Queensland Mounted Infantry, 15.2.1900,
and served in South Africa during the Boer War; invalided to Australia, where he arrived, 1.9.1900;
promoted Captain, 12.3.1904; Major, 2.2.1915; served during the Great War with the 6th Battalion,
King’s Royal Rifle Corps; retired, 10.7.1920; in later life was a Justice of the Peace and a Deputy
Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and was High Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 1938; died at home at Witney,
Oxfordshire, 25.3.1944.
103
Pair: Sergeant V.J. MacMahon, East Kent Regiment
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal,
South Africa 1902 (6457 L.Corpl: V.J. McMahon. E. Kent. Regt.); Army Long Service &
G.C., G.V.R., 1st ‘Field Marshal’s bust’ type (6457 Sj...J. MacMahon. The Buffs.), major
edge bruising and cuts to latter, otherwise nearly very fine (2)
£120-160
104
Pair: Private J. Allsopp, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State,
Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (2508 Pte. J. Allsop [sic], Derby: Regt.); King’s South Africa
1901-02, two clasps (2508 Pte. J. Allsopp. Notts: & Derby: Regt.), light contact marks, good
very fine (2)
£120-160
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Sapper F.W. Duke
Stoker T. Davies
105
Four: Sapper F.W. Duke, Royal Engineers
Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1902 (7113
Spr: F.W. Duke. R.E.), retaining rod loose; 1914 Star
(7113 Sapr: F.W. Duke. R.E.); British War and
Victory Medals (7113 Spr. F.W. Duke. R.E.), traces of
verdigris to last, generally very fine, together with unit
insignia, a portrait photograph of the recipient, a 1914
group photograph, and a related postcard
Three: Stoker T. Davies, Royal Navy
1914-15 Star (300113 T. Davies. Sto. 1. R.N.);
British War and Victory Medals (300113 T. Davies
Sto. 1. R.N.), nearly very fine, together with a
photographic image of the recipient, and two related
postcards
Africa Service Medal (N52338 W. Bartman), very
fine
South African Medal for War Services, unnamed as
issued, nearly extremely fine, with Y.M.C.A. Durban
‘For Service’ Badge on riband, this scarce (9)
£140-180
106
Four: Sergeant A. Osler, Norfolk Yeomanry
1914-15 Star (1268 Pte. A. Osler Norf. Yeo.); British
War and Victory Medals (1268 Sjt. A. Osler. Norf.
Yeo.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R.
(320021 Sjt. A. Osler. 12/Norf: R.), good very fine,
together with a Norfolk Regiment cap badge (4)
£120-160
107
Three: Private E. Dennis, Royal North Devonshire
Yeomanry
1914-15 Star (2166 Private E. Dennis. R.N. Devon.
Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (2166 Pte. E.
Dennis. R. 1-Devon. Yeo), good very fine
Pair: Private A.E. Bricknell, Devonshire Regiment
British War and Victory Medals (71921 Pte. A.E.
Bricknell. Devon. R.), extremely fine
Pair: Private C.E. Hopkinson, Devonshire
Regiment
British War and Victory Medals (291527 Pte. C.E.
Hopkinson. Devon. R.), light contact marks, good very
fine
Pair: Private W. Sellick, Royal Devonshire
Yeomanry
British War and Victory Medals (2460 Pte. W. Sellick.
R. 1St. Devon Yeo.), area of attempted erasure upon
the British War Medal, good very fine (9)
£100-140
71
108
Three: Private C. Heywood, Cheshire Regiment
1914-15 Star (17772 Pte. C. Heywood. Ches: R.);
British War and Victory Medals (17772 Pte. C.
Heywood. Ches.R.), extremely fine, with original card
box of delivery addressed ‘Mr C. Haywood, 65
London Road, Osmaston, Derby’
Three: Pioneer I. Ward, Royal Engineers
1914-15 Star (39174, Pnr. I.Ward, R.E.); Imperial
Service Medal, G.V.R. (Isaac Ward); Jubilee
(Metropolitan Police) 1887, with 1897 Bar (PC, I.
Ward. E. Divn:), nearly very fine (6)
£70-90
109
Pair: Leading Stoker H.H. Bright, Royal Fleet
Reserve
1914-15 Star (K.8807 H.H. Bright. Sto. 1., R.N.);
Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st
‘Admiral’s bust’ type (K.8807 Dev. B. 11043 H.H.
Bright. L.Sto. R.F.R.), number partially corrected on
latter, good very fine
Pair: Corporal G. Ainscough, Royal Artillery
British War and Victory Medals (138020 Cpl. G.
Ainscough. R.A.), very fine
1914 Star, with copy Bar (RTS-4156 Pte. D. Annan.
A.S.C.), right hand side of Bar damaged, nearly very
fine
1914 Star (8043 Pte. J. Riley. L.N. Lan: R.) very
fine
British War Medal (2) (876277 Gnr. A. Garnham.
R.A.; 29667 Pte. W. Smedley. Linc. R.), good very
fine
Mercantile Marine War Medal (Herbert Simpson),
very fine
Victory Medal (DM2-165971 Pte. E. Brookes.
A.S.C.), extremely fine
Territorial Force War Medal (1340 Gnr. A. Brown.
R.A.), very fine (11)
£240-280
110
Six: Leading Seaman J. Price, Royal Naval Reserve
1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, with North
Africa 1942-43 Bar; Defence and War Medals; Royal
Naval Reserve Long Service & G.C., G.VI.R.
(18894.A. J. Price L/Smn. R.N.R.), surname partially
officially corrected, nearly extremely fine, mounted
court-style, with the recipient’s Parchment Certificate
of Service (6)
£70-90
112
x111
Three: Bombardier S.E. Sykes, Royal Artillery
War Medal; Korea 1950-53, 1st ‘Britt: Omn:’ type
(14468611 Bdr. S.E. Sykes. R.A.); United Nations
Medal for Korea, good very fine (3)
£100-140
112
Pair: Guardsman S.A. Brennan, Welsh Guards
Ireland (24520159 Gdsm S A Brennan WG); South
Atlantic 1982, with rosette (24520159 Gdsm S A
Brennan WG), good very fine, mounted court-style as
originally worn (2)
£700-900
18894.A. Leading Seaman Joseph Price, born Holywell,
Flintshire, 17.2.1917; enlisted in the Royal Naval Reserve,
17.4.1936; mobilised for service in the Second World War,
27.8.1939, serving in H.M.S. Pembroke; discharged,
8.8.1946.
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113
113
Six: Warrant Officer Class I M.J.P. Anderson,
Royal Signals, Later Yeoman Warder, H.M. Tower
of London
Ireland (244789882 Sig M J P Anderson R Signals);
Gulf 1990-91, one clasp, 16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991
(24479882 Sgt M J P Anderson R Signals); NATO
Service Medal, with Former Yugoslavia bar; Jubilee
2002; Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994
(24479882 Cpl M J P Anderson R Signals); Army
Long Service & G.C., E.II.R., with ‘Regular Army’
bar suspension and Second Award Bar (24479882 Sgt
M J P Anderson R Signals), light contact marks,
generally good very fine or better, mounted court-style
as worn; together with a commemorative Yeoman
Warders of the Tower of London gilt medallion, in
Royal Mint box of issue; and a H.M. Tower of
London Chief Yeoman Warder bronze medal (6)
£700-900
x114
Pair: Gunner A.J. Sheldrake, Royal Artillery
Gulf 1990-91, one clasp, 16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991
(24852453 Gnr A J Sheldrake RA); Saudi Arabia,
Kingdom, Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait, silvered
and gilt, extremely fine, mounted court style for display
purposes (2)
£100-140
24479882 Warrant Officer Class I Mark J.P. Anderson,
born Penzance, Cornwall; served with the Royal Signals for
30 years in Germany, Northern Ireland, the Gulf, Bosnia, and
Oman, and rode in the Signals’ White Helmets motorcycle
display team; subsequently served as a ‘Beefeater’ at H.M.
Tower of London.
73
115
115
An ‘Operation Herrick’ Q.C.V.S. Group of Five to Company Intelligence Marine,
Lance Corporal T. Harrison, 40 Commando, Royal Marines
General Service 1962-2007, one clasp, Northern Ireland (Mne T Harrison PO58382B
RM); Iraq 2003-11, one clasp, 19 Mat to 28 Apr 2003 (Mne T Harrison PO58382B
RM); Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, one clasp, Afghanistan, with Queen’s
Commendation for Valuable Service Oak Leaves (Mne T Harrison PO58382B RM);
Jubilee 2012; Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 2011 (LCpl T Harrison RM
PO58382B), light contact marks, nearly extremely fine, mounted as originally worn, with
the following related items:
- Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service Certificate, named to ‘Lance Corporal
Thomas Harrison Royal Marines
- Named box of issue for the QCVS emblems, with two additional emblems
- The recipient’s Award of British Military Parachute Wings Certificate, dated
28.10.2008
- The recipient’s Royal Marines green beret
- Two identity tags, and the recipient’s somewhat damaged hip flask (5)
£1,800-2,200
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Q.C.V.S. London Gazette 4.10.2013 Acting Lance Corporal Thomas Harrison, Royal
Marines, P058382B
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1
October 2012 to 31 March 2013.’
The Recommendation, dated 24.3.2013, states: ‘Lance Corporal Harrison has been the
Company Intelligence Marine for the Nahr-e Saraj Operations Company (South) on
Operation Herrick 17. With no command or specialist intelligence training he has
provided his Company with a refined intelligence product that has shaped the way it
operated. His input has been well above what could reasonably be expected from a man
of his rank.
Leading a team of fellow marines, Harrison focussed on the collation, analysis, and
exploitation of intelligence in support of operations across a particularly complex area of
Helmand Province. Despite only holding the substantive rank of Marine, and having
received no formal command training, his capacity to forge team ethos and lead detailed
second and third order analysis was truly exceptional. With a mandate that extended to
include both governed and ungoverned space, and the contested area of Torghai where
some of the tour’s heaviest fighting took place, Harrison understood and clarified long
standing complex tribal tensions and dynamic local accommodations. Employed in a
high readiness Operations Company role he routinely worked against the clock,
flourishing in the highly charged environment, and he effectively shaped the Company’s
ground manoeuvre plans. Selflessly working extremely long hours Harrison, with no
previous intelligence experience, stood out above other company intelligence specialists
and he outshone both non-commissioned and commissioned officers. Passionately
committed to the success of the campaign he ensured that fellow marines were launched
on operations armed with the very best possible understanding of the threat that they
faced, often deep into defended insurgent territory, and against the most tenacious and
determined foe. He achieved this by energetic and thorough application to often
mundane tasks. His analysis and advice made a tangible difference to Company
operations.
I have never before encountered an intelligence specialist with Harrison’s ability to
translate and communicate the most complex threats in a way that can be understood by
even the youngest and most inexperienced Marine. Ultimately, his briefings directly
shaped the way that the marines of the Company confronted threats and I have no doubt
that his capacity to articulate the context of these threats saved lives. Throughout a
demanding tour he was an indispensable member of the Company planning team and,
despite his junior rank, his counsel and expertise were always sought. A huge character,
Harrison’s contribution was not restricted to a planning role and he constantly hunted
opportunities to deploy onto the battlefield. His unstinting professional desire to acquire
information from all sources, and his willingness to expose himself to personal risk when
he could have remained in the relative safety of a static protected location, went above
and beyond the standard requirements of his role and in doing so he added significant
depth to the Company’s understanding.
Harrison’s performance over the course of a gruelling six months has been exceptional.
His enthusiasm, hard toil and pride, combined with a maturity that I have only seen in
men well beyond his rank, have left their mark. For his effort and steadfast contribution
he deserves national recognition.’
PO58382B Lance Corporal Thomas Harrison, enlisted in the Royal Marines,
25.9.2000; served with the Royal Marines in Northern Ireland on Operation Banner,
March to September 2002; in Southern Iraq on Operation Telic 1, March to May 2003;
promoted Lance Corporal, 20.10.2003; served with the Special Forces Support Group
in Baghdad and Basra, Iraq, on Operation Crichton, May to December 2006, and on
Operation Spartan, March to June 2007; in Helmand, Afghanistan, on Operation
Bassett, June to August 2007, and in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Operation Kindle,
March to September 2008; served with 40 Commando, Royal Marines, in Sangin
District, Helmand, Afghanistan, on Operation Herrick 12, April to October 2010; and
in Nahr-e Saraj District, Helmand, Afghanistan, on Operation Herrick 17, September
2012 to March 2013; awarded Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service for services
as the Company Intelligence Marine on his last tour; discharged, 17.2.2014.
75
SINGLE CAMPAIGN MEDALS
x116
The Historically Important Army Large Gold
Medal to Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost,
Bt., ‘The Defender of Canada’ - The Governor
General and Commander in Chief of British North
America, 1811-1815, Who Was Inextricably
Linked to Almost Every Major Action of the War
of 1812, And Who ‘Arguably, After the Duke of
Wellington... Held One of the Most Important
Commands in the British Empire During the
Napoleonic Period... Sir George Prevost Became
Responsible For Defending a Group of North
American Colonies that Stretched as Far as Paris
Did From Moscow, And He Eventually
Commanded One of the Largest Overseas Forces
Employed By the British During the Napoleonic
Wars’
General Officer’s Large Army Gold Medal for
Martinique (Lieut. Genl. Sir George Prevost.),
extremely fine, with all the proper gold suspension
fittings and full neck cravat
£35,000-45,000
Lieutenant General Sir George James Marc Prevost, Bt.
was born in New Jersey in 1794. He was the son of Major
General Augustin Prevost, a Protestant Swiss who had been
commissioned into the 60th Foot (or also known as the
Royal Americans) in the British army. The family had
accumulated considerable wealth from land speculation in the
colonies of New York and Nova Scotia, and because of his
father’s service George became a naturalized Briton. Prevost
received a military education in a private academy and was
commissioned (aged 12) in the 60th Foot in 1779.
Early Success in the West Indies
Prevost rose to Lieutenant-Colonel, and the command of the
3/60th in 1794. He led his men in action for the first time
against the rebel Caribs on St. Vincent, ‘the fortuitous arrival
of Prevost and the 3/60th at Kingston [sic] in June 1795, in
response to an appeal by Governor James Seton for reenforcements, strengthened the force on St. Vincent
sufficiently for the garrison commander, Colonel Baldwin
Leighton, to attack the insurgent forces deployed at Vigie
ridge on the south-eastern side of the island... Leighton
organized the 800 men from his own 46th Regiment, a
contingent of local levies, and Prevost’s battalion into three
columns. Two of the columns drove the insurgents from their
position toward Prevost, who was positioned to cut off their
retreat. Over 200 insurgents were killed and their
commander captured for the loss of sixty soldiers, killed and
wounded. Prevost’s first action had gone well, and the entire
force was directed to Mount Young, which commanded the
road on the eastern side. Patrols were then sent out to clear
the region of rebels.’ (Defender of Canada, Sir George Prevost
And The War Of 1812, Major J.R. Grodzinski refers)
Prevost continued to be involved with the fighting on St.
Vincent for the next twelve months. He acquitted himself
well with limited resources, and raw recruits, including on
one occasion repelling some 20 attempts to storm a position
he held. Prevost was wounded twice during the campaign and
Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost
Copyright, McCord Museum M403
obtained leave to return to England to recover from his
wounds. In 1798 at the age of 31 Prevost was promoted
Brigadier General and ordered back to the West Indies to
take command of the garrison at Barbados. He quickly found
himself appointed commandant of the newly acquired island
of St. Lucia. It was here that Prevost discovered a talent for
colonial administration in difficult circumstances, ‘His first
concern was to address the discontent of the French
residents, who feared the loss of their legal and religious
rights. Prevost adopted a conciliatory policy towards these
concerns, reforming the law courts and securing guarantees
for the Catholic Church that won the hearts of the populace.
Due to the satisfactory manner in which he conducted the
administration of public affairs and following representations
by the Court of Appeal to George III, Prevost was appointed
Lieutenant Governor of the colony in April 1801.
Unfortunately for Prevost, the climate aggravated his
wounds, which seem not to have fully healed, and it was with
much regret that in March 1802 he departed for England.’
(ibid)
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77
A Just Reward - Lieutenant Governor of Dominica
Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Trigge, Commander of the
British Forces in the West Indies, praised and recommended
Prevost to the Duke of York. This was heeded, and upon his
return to England, Prevost was offered the post of lieutenant
governor of Dominica. He accepted and was in situ by 1803.
As hostilities had been renewed with France Prevost was keen
to volunteer his services. Lieutenant General William
Grinfield was the newly appointed Commander of British
Forces in the West Indies, and he was all too happy to accept
a man of Prevost’s experience into his service.
Prevost was appointed as Grinfield’s second-in-command,
and arrived with the combined British force off the coast of
the French held island of St. Lucia, 21.6.1803. Over three
thousand troops were landed and Prevost proceeded at the
head of one of three columns to the attack and capture of the
fort atop Morne Fortuné.
The plan was well executed, and the fort and its batteries were
taken in a relatively short time. Grinfield praised Prevost’s
conduct, and the army moved on to Tobago. Prevost
returned to carry out his duties as lieutenant governor of
Dominica.
It was fortunate that Prevost returned to the island, for the
following year saw a change in French strategy in the West
Indies. By February 1805 a French naval force of ten ships
under the command of Rear-Admiral Missiessy, combined
with 3,500 troops under General Joseph Legrange, arrived in
the area with a plan to land military stores on Martinique and
Guadeloupe before capturing Dominica.
The French force arrived off the capital of Dominica, Roseau,
early in the morning of 22nd February, and against them was
‘Prevost, who had been promoted to major general in
January 1805, commanded a 700 man garrison comprising
250 men of the 46th, fifteen gunners from the Royal
Artillery, and a seventy man detachment of the 1st West India
Regiment, supported by several companies of militia and a
contingent of sailors who manned the coastal batteries.’
(ibid)
What followed over the next five days was a game of ‘cat and
mouse’ skilfully played out by Prevost and his vastly
outnumbered troops. When it looked as if the island would
be overrun Prevost prevented the French Admiral from
consolidating his gains, including by using a forced overnight
march through treacherous terrain, and the sovereignty of the
island was held. The losses incurred by Prevost’s force was
estimated at 19 killed, 21 wounded, and 8 taken prisoner,
whilst it was believed that the French had suffered some 300
casualties.
By the summer of 1805 Prevost’s health was again in decline
and he had to resign his governorship of Dominica. He
returned to the UK, where he was appointed lieutenant
governor of Portsmouth. Prevost was created a Baronet for
his distinguished service during the defence of Dominica. In
September 1806 he was appointed Colonel Commandant of
the 5/60th Foot.
Prevost was keen for another overseas appointment, and with
the continuing breakdown in Anglo-American relations at the
time, he did not have to wait long. In January 1808, Prevost
was appointed as governor and commander of the forces in
the Maritime Provinces of North America. He set off for
Nova Scotia the following month, with the local rank of
lieutenant general, and a brigade of regulars comprising of
battalions from the 7th, 8th, 13th and 23rd Regiments of
Foot.
Nova Scotia - A Talent For Administration
Prevost arrived at the important colonial free port of Halifax
in April 1808. The vast majority of his brigade set up there,
primarily to act as a deterrent to the Americans. Prevost ‘had
received private and secret instructions from Lord
Castlereagh, the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies,
“which may be of use in exigencies” authorizing him to
exploit American discord, particularly in New England, where
many politicians, mercantile leaders, and inhabitants
disapproved of the hostile measures against Britain.
Castlereagh directed Prevost to “gain Intelligence with
regard to the projects of the American Government in
General, and particularly those states bordering upon his
Majesty’s Territories.” In the event of hostilities, Prevost was
authorized, if he found the “adjacent states indisposed to
active Warfare, and willing to enter into any private
arrangement for mutual convenience in point of Trade,” to
offer British commodities and goods... Prevost also had
permission to prepare and circulate “propaganda which will
show the Americans that it would be unwise for their
Government to engage in war with Great Britain.” (ibid)
Prevost set about implementing wide-ranging changes to the
Province, and how it was run. He immediately carried out a
six week tour of Nova Scotia with a particular focus on how
to improve its defence. He complemented his regular troops
(often over the following years removed for service elsewhere
- including Europe) by establishing locally raised regiments
and militia. Perceiving the militiamen that he inherited to be
both poorly equipped and poorly trained, Prevost put in place
new training structures and over the course of the next two
years created levy’s to provide funds for arms and
ammunition.
Not for the first time Prevost found himself working with
limited resources, and as a consequence having to be creative.
He identified that the Native Indians could be a useful source
of manpower, and recognised that they had been consistently
poorly treated over a number of years. Provisions were put in
place for the distribution of supplies, arms and clothing to
improve relations with the Mi’kmaq.
These measures were to be called upon at a later date, due to
the advent of a new President (James Madison) who initially
appeared to be keen to explore more peaceful negotiation.
With the tension temporarily removed from the area focus
once again resumed upon French held islands in the West
Indies.
Martinique - A Return to a Soldier’s Life
In December 1808 Prevost and 2,800 troops left Halifax enroute to join forces with Rear-Admiral Alexander Cochrane
and Lieutenant-General Sir George Beckwith.
On the 30th January 1809 a British force under the overall
command of Beckwith was landed on the French held island
of Martinique. The land force of approximately 10,000 men
was comprised of troops from the 7th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 23rd,
25th, 60th, 63rd and 90th Regiments of Foot, additionally
aided by the 1st West Indian Regiment and men of the Royal
York Rangers. Beckwith remained offshore in H.M.S.
Neptune, whilst the troops were split into two divisions under
the command of Prevost and Major-General Frederick
Maitland. Prevost was given command of the larger 1st
Division of 7,000 men.
Maitland landed his division first, at Sainte-Luce, supervised
by Captain W.C. Fahie, R.N. The other division was
subsequently landed at Le Robert. A third force, under a
Major Henderson and consisting entirely of 600 soldiers
from the Royal York Rangers, landed at Cape Salomon near
Les Anses-d’Arlet on the south-western peninsula to secure
the entrance to Fort-de-France Bay.
During the first day of the invasion, the two main forces
made rapid progress inland, forcing the French back. On the
1st February Prevost’s division under the direct command of
Brigadier-General D. Houghton attacked the defenders on
the heights of Desfourneaux and Surirey. Fighting was fierce
throughout the next two days, as the outnumbered French
used the fortified high ground to hold back a series of frontal
assaults. By the 3rd February the French had been forced to
withdraw to Fort Desaix near the capital. Progress was also
made at Cape Salomon, where the appearance of British
troops panicked the French defenders into burning a naval
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brig and retreating to the small island, Ilot aux Ramiers,
offshore. Henderson’s men, assisted by a naval brigade under
Captain G. Cockburn, R.N. set up batteries on the coast and
by 4th February had bombarded the island into surrender,
opening the principal harbour of Martinique to naval attack.
On 8th February, Maitland’s force arrived on the western side
of Fort Desaix and laid siege to it. Two days later Prevost’s
force linked up with Maitland’s, to continue the siege on Fort
Desaix, which had become the only remaining point of
resistance.
For nine days, ‘the British soldiers and sailors of the
expeditionary force constructed gun batteries and trenches
around the fort, bringing ashore large quantities of supplies
and equipment in readiness for a lengthy siege. At 16:30 on
19th February the preparations were complete and the
bombardment began, 14 heavy cannon and 28 mortars
beginning a continuous attack on the fort which lasted for the
next four days. French casualties in the overcrowded fort
were severe, with 200 men killed or wounded. British
casualties were minimal, with five killed and 11 wounded,
principally in an explosion in an ammunition tent manned by
sailors from HMS Amaranthe. At 12:00 on 23rd February,
Villaret de Joyeuse’s trumpeter was sent to the British camp
with a message proposing surrender terms. These were
unacceptable to Beckwith and the bombardment resumed at
22:00, continuing until 09:00 the following morning when
three white flags were raised over the fort and the French
admiral surrendered unconditionally. The bombardment had
cracked the roof of the fort’s magazine, and there were fears
that further shelling might have ignited the gunpowder and
destroyed the building completely.’ (The Naval History of
Great Britain, W. James refers)
British losses for the expedition were 3 officers and 81 men
killed, 9 officers and 325 men wounded. Upon entering the
fort, ‘amongst the booty were two of the cherished French
eagle standards of the 62nd and 80th Regiments which were
the first to be taken to England and were lain at the King’s
feet with much pomp and celebration.’
Prevost received the praise of Beckwith for his, and his
troops, conduct during the campaign. They then embarked
for their return to Halifax in March 1809. Over the coming
year the situation once again worsened between Britain and
America. In 1811 ‘when the British government was looking
for a replacement for the ailing Sir James Craig as governor
general and commander in chief of North America, Prevost
was the natural choice.’ (Defender of Canada, Sir George
Prevost And The War Of 1812, Major J.R. Grodzinski refers)
of North American colonies that stretched as far as Paris did
from Moscow, and he eventually commanded one of the
largest overseas forces employed by the British during the
Napoleonic Wars. By December 1814, the strength of the
British army in Upper and Lower Canada numbered 31,000
British regular and provincial troops, several thousand
embodied militia, and the most powerful naval force ever
assembled on the Great Lakes. Prevost’s wide range of
responsibilities included overseeing affairs with Native allies,
ensuring the proper management of logistical matters,
monitoring the needs of naval construction and personnel
requirements, supervising the conduct of colonial
governments and their fiscal management, and commanding
the defence of the Canadas. Prevost’s authority was not
limited to land operations. Each of these responsibilities had
its own unique problems that, when combined with the
instructions Prevost received from his superiors, added
further complexities to an already challenging situation...
As the Commander in Chief of British North America,
Prevost bore a very heavy weight of responsibility. For the
first two years of war, his objective was “to hold the line” and
he held it well. Only in the spring of 1814, as the war
approached its third year, did he receive the reinforcements
necessary to carry out offensive operations, albeit limited
ones, and it was the failure of one of these operations, against
Plattsburgh in 1814, that led to his recall.’ (ibid)
Where Prevost was successful in his preparations for war, was
in his civil administration. He raised men in a similar fashion
to his previous time of employment, improved relations with
catholic Lower Canada, established communication routes
along the Upper St Lawrence River and improved relations
with the Native Nations in an attempt to get manpower.
Prevost provided a detailed report for the British Government
in May 1812 with regard to the defence of British North
America, in which despite his best efforts, he concluded ‘If
the Americans are determined to attack Canada, it would be
in vain the General should flatter himself with hopes of
making an effectual defence of the open Country, unless
powerfully assisted by Home.’ (ibid)
Prevost also ‘acknowledged another possibility, one in which
the Americans, for various reasons, might experience
difficulties in raising armies, formulating strategy, or
executing their plans. In this case, Prevost anticipated that
“all predatory or ill concerted attacks undertaken
presumptuously and without sufficient means can be resisted
or repulsed.” (ibid)
War of 1812 - Early Success at Fort Mackinac and
Queenston Heights
War was declared in June 1812, and it was with the above
sense of realism that Prevost employed his meagre military
budget on defensive strategy. He sent reinforcements north
to Major-General Brock in Upper Canada, when Brigadier
General Hull’s North West Army crossed the Detroit River
into Canada. He was determined to support Upper Canada,
and received good news when in July he heard of the
successful capture of Fort Mackinac. This British success
threatened Hull’s flank, and combined with the actions of
Native allies forced the American troops to start their retreat
back to Detroit the following month.
On the 16th August 1812 Brock’s troops pursued the
Americans, by crossing the Detroit River under cover of fire
from his artillery and supporting fire from the Queen
Charlotte. Hull capitulated with barely a shot fired, and a
large quantity of weapons and stores fell into British hands, as
well as the surrender of the entire Michigan Territory to
Great Britain. Brock had exploited British control of the
inland waters, enhanced and consolidated by Prevost, to
corner Hull. The latter’s attack was poorly conceived, and
Prevost’s pre-war preparations had proved adequate up to
this point.
Governor General and Commander in Chief of British
North America - A Natural Progression
Prevost arrived in Quebec to take up his new position on
13th September 1811. In a similar approach to his
appointment in Nova Scotia, Prevost set about trying to
gauge the colonial defensive strength of his position. As well
as the growing pressures emanating from America, Prevost
discovered that much had been done by his predecessor to
alienate the French speaking population in Lower Canada.
It was a challenging posting at an awkward time, where
Prevost’s preparations were hampered by the British
Government’s strategic focus on the war in Europe. Funding
and reinforcements were funnelled closer to home and strict
instructions were given to Prevost with regard to his
authority in foreign affairs and military operations. He could
not declare war or strike offensively without informing, or
receiving the instruction of, the government which was
several thousand miles away.
All this despite, ‘arguably, after the Duke of Wellington,
Prevost held one of the most important commands in the
British Empire during the Napoleonic period. When war
broke out between Great Britain and America in June 1812,
Sir George Prevost became responsible for defending a group
79
Early success continued at Queenston Heights on the 13th
October. The American attack was a hastily planned attempt
to make up for the disaster at Fort Detroit before the
campaigning season ended. The attempt to establish a
foothold on the Canadian side of the Niagara failed when the
Americans were unable to land the majority of their assault
force. Despite outnumbering the British forces by almost 3 to
1, the American force was mainly comprised of Militia and
their discipline under artillery fire let them down. Brock was
killed during the battle, and despite not always agreeing with
his commander’s cautious approach, his death was another
blow to the resources at Prevost’s disposal.
During the first three months of 1813, Prevost undertook a
tour of reconnaissance around Upper Canada. At times he
averaged up to 70 miles a day in an attempt to prepare his
provinces for the renewal of the campaigning season. The
growing American position on Sackets Harbour had ceded
naval superiority of the lakes to them.
Caution at Sackets Harbour
At the start of the campaigning season of 1813, the main
American forces on the border between the United States and
Canada had been concentrated at Sackets Harbour. The naval
squadron which Chauncey had created was superior to the
opposing British and Canadian-manned squadron at
Kingston, and the troops under Major General Henry
Dearborn could outnumber the British at any point on their
extended front. The force included some 5,000 regulars and
militia. The Americans immediately exploited their control of
Lake Ontario, and plans were made to attack Kingston, York
and Fort George.
On the 27th April 1813, Chauncey put his naval superiority
to good use by transporting troops across Lake Ontario to
attack York. Despite the detonation of the grand magazine at
Fort York costing the Americans 250 casualties the attack was
a partial success. Prevost was pressured into replacing MajorGeneral Robert Sheaffe (commanding Upper Canada), as a
consequence of his indecision during the battle. The
American casualties did however delay the attack on Fort
George and forced a return to Sackets Harbour. Importantly
Prevost received reinforcements from the Royal Navy in early
May. The arrival of Commodore James Yeo and
approximately 200 officers and seaman attempted to
readdress the balance.
While Prevost ‘dealt with the results of the raid on York, the
enemy struck again and 27th May 1813, following a two-day
bombardment of Fort George, an American army landed on
the Niagara Peninsula. Its objective was to encircle and
capture British forces in the area of Fort George... Prevost
was in Kingston, where, on 26th May, after studying reports
that Fort George was under tremendous bombardment that
had begun on the previous day, he concluded this was a
prelude to an enemy assault on the fort and proposed a bold
plan to relieve pressure in the Niagara Peninsula and to divert
American attention. He would attack the enemy base at
Sackets Harbour. Prevost first conceived this idea on 22nd
May, when an American spy confirmed that Chauncey’s
squadron was at the western end of the lake. He ordered Yeo
to reconnoitre Sackets Harbour during the night of 26th
May, and at noon the next day Yeo confirmed that
Chauncey’s squadron was absent and that the garrison
appeared to be weak. Once he knew that Fort George was
under heavy bombardment, and that Chauncey was
supporting the assault on the fort, Prevost appointed Colonel
Edward Baynes to command the raid and began planning
earnest.’ (ibid)
On the 27th May Prevost’s force hastily assembled and
embarked upon Yeo’s ships, ‘the 900 man assault force
included most of the Kingston garrison and Yeo’s Lake
Ontario squadron. It was drawn from the light companies of
eight different regiments and included two field artillery
pieces and forty warriors. Less than one third of the regular
troops had seen any action at all.’ (ibid)
Prevost led the expedition himself, delegating the command
of the troops once they were ashore to Baynes. The British
force arrived off Sackets Harbour around 4.30am on the
28th. The wind was very light, which made it difficult for Yeo
to manoeuvre close to the shore. The conditions were alien
to him, as the waters were uncharted and he was unfamiliar
with the local depths of water. Several reconnaissances were
carried out, including by Yeo personally, before he and
Baynes decided to call off the attack. Meanwhile a
detachment of Natives and regulars had been sent out from
the squadron in three canoes and a gunboat. They had
intercepted and captured 115 American troops which were
en-route to reinforce Sackets Harbour. Over a hundred
American troops that managed to escape the action, landed at
Stoney Point and fled into the woods. Encouraged by this
action, and on the assumption that the defences of Sackets
Harbour would be of a similar level to what they had just
encountered, Yeo and Baynes (with the approval of Prevost)
agreed to proceed with the attack.
Given the lateness of the hour, the attack had to be delayed
until the following morning. The defence that greeted them
on the morning of the 29th was unexpected, and had in fact
been devised a year earlier. Approximately 800 men and two
guns were stationed at Horse Island, beyond that was the
main defensive position centred on two block-houses, ‘here a
regiment of dismounted dragoons and elements of three
regular infantry regiments, equivalent in number to the entire
British assault force, were expected to defeat any attack.
Behind them was Fort Tompkins, surrounded by a stockade
and armed with a powerful 32-pounder gun; farther beyond
that, in the low ground was Navy Point, a peninsula covered
by six guns ranging from 12 to 32-pounders manned by
experienced sailors. Overlooking the harbour from the high
ground to the east was Fort Volunteer, which was armed with
six or seven guns. Altogether the strength of the defenders
amounted to 1,500 men and sixteen or seventeen pieces of
ordnance, which outnumbered the attacker’s ground force
and also enjoyed an eight-to-one advantage in artillery.’
(ibid)
Initially the British troops met with success, as they landed on
Horse Island and forced their way through the militia held
positions. Despite the artillery ranged against them Prevost’s
two columns of attacking troops advanced upon the block
houses. These were attacked, but Baynes’ men were beaten
back with heavy losses, ‘by this point, the supporting fire
from the British gunboats ended, as the line of fire was
masked by a rise in the ground. Baynes was now in a difficult
position: he faced a strong, entrenched enemy with clear
fields of fire and artillery support, while his infantry were in
the open with no artillery support and his force had been
reduced by this time to some 300 men.
Prevost now intervened and ordered a second attack. The
right of the British line faced overwhelming fire and was
rebuffed, but the troops on the left cleared one of the barrack
buildings. An attempt to cross the open space to the next
barracks was met by heavy fire, however, and more casualties
were suffered. Among the wounded were two senior officers,
Major Robert Moodie of the 104th and Major Thomas
Evans, commanding the companies from the 8th Foot.
Another key officer, Captain Andrew Gray, who had helped
plan the landings, was killed. Major William Drummond took
a message to the Americans demanding their surrender,
which was refused. Baynes, who had limited command
experience, was uncertain what to do next and consulted
Prevost. The commander in chief intervened a second and
final time, ordering the force to withdraw and re-embark.
It was the correct decision. The British attack force had been
ashore for five hours at this point and while they had
advanced in land more than 1,200 yards nearly unmolested
and were now at the last obstacle before the dockyard, this
progress proved deceptive. The infantry had taken casualties
of approximately 30 percent, and three of the key officers Young, Evans, and Drummond - were unable to continue.
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The attackers were unable to break through the Americans
main defensive position, where the protected defenders
enjoyed artillery support. Many soldiers were running around
aimlessly and in confusion... At this critical moment, Prevost
directed his attention back toward the stationary British
squadron and considered where the American fleet might be.
If Chauncey’s squadron arrived, it would be disastrous.’
(ibid)
The American fleet did not materialise for several days, and
the blame for the withdrawal, unsuccessful action, and some
200 casualties was placed at Prevost’s feet. It did not compare
well with the American success at York and Fort George. The
plan had been bold in its timing, and in that successfully
carrying out an amphibious operation was extremely hard to
achieve even with experienced commanding officers. These
officers were not at Prevost’s disposal, and as he was present
at the action, combined with his increasingly unpopular
cautious approach his reputation suffered.
The positive that arrived as a consequence of the action at
Sackets Harbour, was Chauncey’s decision to withdraw naval
support from the American army at the head of Lake Ontario.
He determined that it was more important to be positioned
in Sackets Harbour to protect the production of his new
vessel the USS General Pike. This action ceded control of
Lake Ontario back to the British Navy, and ‘Prevost
immediately exploited this turn of events by sending the
commodore [Yeo] to deliver 220 men of the 8th Foot along
with much needed supplies to Vincent’s army at Burlington
Bay. Commodore Yeo sailed on 3rd June. Meanwhile,
Vincent approved a plan put forward by Lieutenant Colonel
John Harvey to attack the American camp at nearby Stoney
Creek. During a night action on 5-6th June 1813, 700
British troops confronted more than 3,000 Americans,
captured their two generals, and left the defenders in disarray.
On 7th June, the Americans withdrew eastward to Forty Mile
Creek. By this time, Yeo had arrived and worked out a plan
with Vincent to cut off the American force, but Dearborn,
the U.S. commander at Fort George, fearing this might
occur, ordered it to withdraw to the fort... By the second
week of June, all American forces were back at Fort George
and by and large remained there for the summer. Encouraged
by these successes, Yeo next ranged around Lake Ontario
ferrying troops, bombarding shore targets, landing raiding
parties...’ (ibid)
Steps had been made to readdress the balance after Sackets
Harbour, however, Prevost’s superiors in Britain expected the
enemy to be defeated. The American force at Fort George
was unable to break out, and was less inclined to do so after
being ambushed at Beaver Dams, 24th June 1813. The
British force primarily comprising of Native allies captured
approximately 500 Americans during a vicious skirmish.
Prevost’s efforts with his allies were bearing fruit.
The following month the American forces attempted their
own amphibious action, an assault on Burlington Heights.
Upon arrival it was decided that the defensive position was
too strong and Chauncey re-embarked the troops for another
attack on York. They landed unopposed (the British Regulars
had rushed to support Burlington Heights) on the 31st July
and burnt the barracks. Finding nothing of any real worth
they departed for Niagara.
Prevost left his command post and returned to the front line
around Fort George at the end of August. With the situation
on Lake Erie and around Detroit worsening from a supplies
perspective he considered a general assault on Fort George.
However, he was not willing to plan the attack until a full
reconnaissance of the enemy’s defences had been carried out.
He could not afford to sacrifice resources he did not have, or
indeed suffer another heavy defeat. Prevost himself inspected
the American defences from the deck of one of Yeo’s ships.
The general conclusion was that it would be too complicated
and to costly, with perhaps thoughts of Sackets Harbour still
in the back of his mind.
Instead Prevost recognised the need for naval dominance on
Lake Ontario. The American position at Fort George
massively disrupted the line of communication to Lake Erie
and Fort Detroit. Prevost authorised Yeo to seek out a major
action with Chauncey. The three ‘engagements’ that
followed in August through to early September proved a
great disappointment to Prevost. Neither Yeo or Chauncey
would engage fully unless the conditions were totally in their
favour, leading Prevost to express his displeasure in a report
to the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, ‘I cannot
disguise from your Lordship that I feel some disappointment
at the return of our squadron after being so many days in
sight of the enemy’s squadron without having obtained a
decided advantage.’ (ibid)
Prevost lost patience with Yeo’s apparent restraint and
ordered him to return to army co-operation duties, but not
before a fourth naval action took place on the 28th
September. On the latter date, in an encounter that became
known as the ‘Burlington Races’, Yeo’s flagship suffered
extensive damage in action against Chauncey’s General Pike.
Yeo’s squadron had to beat a hasty and chastening retreat,
before being saved any further embarrassment by worsening
weather conditions. The relationship between Prevost and his
senior naval commander continued to deteriorate.
Chateauguay and Chrystler’s Farm
October heralded a change of direction from the Americans,
as they began to focus their largest offensive of the war
towards Montreal. Prevost had received intelligence to this
effect and moved from Kingston to Montreal. Having
arrived, further news reached him that an army of over 7,000
men under Major General James Wilkinson was to move
down the St. Lawrence River, whilst another force of over
4,000 men under General Wade Hampton would thrust
north into Lower Canada from New York State.
Prevost ‘concluded that the most dangerous threat came
from Hampton, who was moving directly against the city;
therefore, he concentrated a considerable body of troops to
protect it.’ (ibid)
On the 26th October Hampton’s men were engaged at the
mouth of the River Chateauguay by a mixed force under the
command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry.
Approximately 1,700 Canadian soldiers and Native Warriors
forced the Americans to retreat over the swampy terrain.
Whilst the Battle of Chateauguay was being fought Wilkinson
was attempting to move his men by boat from the eastern end
of Lake Ontario. Given the lateness of the year for
campaigning the bad weather hampered his movement. The
first of his transport boats reached French Creek, where
despite being harassed by a naval detachment under the
command of Captain William Mulcaster, they continued
throughout the first week of November towards Montreal.
Sometime earlier Prevost had ordered the formation of a
corps of observation under the command of Lieutenant
Colonel Joseph Morrison, 81st Foot. The British troops had
left Kingston in order to prevent Wilkinson’s advance down
the river. They met a division of the American force under the
command of Major General John Boyd at Chrystler’s Farm.
On the 11th November Morrison’s force of approximately
800 men engaged an American force numbering over 3,000.
Morrison drew his men up in a favourable position, with the
river on his right and a wood on the left. On account of the
heavy rainfall the previous night Boyd was compelled to
advance over muddy and recently ploughed ground. After
two hours hard fighting the British advanced forcing Boyd
into an overall retreat. British losses were 1 officer and 21
other ranks killed; 10 officers and 137 men wounded. The
Americans suffered 339 all ranks killed or wounded,
approximately 100 men taken prisoner and one field piece
captured.
81
Soon after this defeat Wilkinson learned that Hampton was
taking no further part in the advance. Being now on the
Canadian bank and sandwiched between two advancing
forces he decided to return to the American side. Prevost’s
defence of Montreal had been well planned and well
executed, and in some way led to a more positive end to the
campaigning season of 1813. However, the British position
at the western end of the province around Detroit had
eroded.
In an attempt to keep Upper Canada Prevost had focused his
attention and his resources on and around Lake Ontario. This
was to the detriment of Major General Henry Proctor who
had been left with the command of the Detroit border, and
the naval squadron on Lake Erie. During the course of 1813
America had asserted naval dominance on Lake Erie, and
Proctor had suffered reverses against Harrison’s Army of the
Northwest at Fort Meigs and Fort Stephenson. With the
supply route desperate and the alliance faltering with the
Native Warriors Proctor had gambled on a decisive naval
action on Lake Erie. On the 10 September 1813 the Battle of
Lake Erie ended in defeat. The British naval commander was
seriously wounded, his senior lieutenant killed, and the
squadron fell into confusion before surrendering.
The supply lines were cut to Proctor, and he decided to
retreat what was left of his force towards Burlington Heights
ceding territory to Harrison as he went. On the 5th October
he made what was to be a disastrous stand at Moraviatown.
Proctor’s troops were exhausted and starving on half rations.
After what was termed the Battle of the Thames, only 50 men
(including Proctor) escaped the debacle.
Prevost had anticipated that Proctor’s retreat would be an
ordered one, moving his force east towards the central
division. This did not materialise, and fortunately the lateness
of the season checked the Americans from any further
advancement. Proctor was subsequently tried by court martial
in Quebec for his conduct during the retreat and at the Battle
of the Thames.
Prevost ‘in his account to London about these events... used
the opportunity to express his frustration over the lack of
instructions from his superiors. “Since the commencement of
the last campaign,” Prevost had provided London with
detailed reports and had “faithfully exposed the difficulties”
of his situation, “including the inadequacy of the means
afforded me by His Majesty’s Government to the object - the
preservation of the North American Provinces.” Despite
setbacks, Prevost had defended the Canadas “against the
attacks of a foe whose war resources of every description are
very considerable, when compared with those of myself.” In
1813, the situation had changed dramatically, as
improvements in the leadership and training of the American
army and the unprecedented expansion of the U.S. inland
naval force offered Prevost “difficulties of a new and imposing
character,” which, while not being insurmountable, were
exacerbated by his not being “honoured with a single
instruction from his Majesty’s Government upon the mode of
conducting the campaign since it opened to this late period.”
(ibid)
The issue that continued to greatly hinder Prevost was that
for Britain the events unfolding in Europe mattered far more.
His theatre of operations was of secondary importance at that
time. This was of course the complete opposite for the
Americans, for whom it was the only theatre of operations.
Prevost continued to be left on his own, to achieve the best
that he could whilst being expected to produce far more than
he could realistically deliver. The abdication of Napoleon in
1814 should have changed all of this.
The Secretary of State for War and the Colonies wrote to
Prevost thus, ‘I take the earliest opportunity of acquainting
you that His Majesty’s Government have not failed to avail
themselves of the present favourable state of affairs in Europe
to order reinforcements, both of infantry and artillery, for the
army under your command to proceed to Quebec as soon as
they can be collected from the different quarters in which
their services have hitherto been required.’ (ibid)
The promise of peninsular veterans was to amount to four
companies of artillery, fourteen battalions of infantry, and a
contingent of cavalry. In June 1814 Prevost’s superior Earl
Bathurst instructed that when these reinforcements were to
arrive that they be employed in a robust but essentially
defensive manner. One that protected what was already
established rather than proceeding in an invasive manner.
Bathurst now took a more active role coordinating all forces
including the Admiralty who were to conduct seaborne
operations off the American coast. Prevost had no role in
operations outside of the Canadas, however, he was to
influence the decision to burn Washington in August 1814.
The latter course of action was decided upon by the new
naval commander Vice Admiral Cochrane, mainly as a
consequence of American raids on Dover in Upper Canada
and destruction of private property in violation of the laws of
war at St. David’s and Queenston.
Prevost wrote to Cochrane ‘in consequence of the late
disgraceful conduct of the American troops in the wanton
destruction of private property on the north shores of Lake
Erie, in order that if the war with the United States continues
you may, should you judge it advisable, assist in inflicting that
measure of retaliation which shall deter the enemy from a
repetition of similar outrages.’ Cochrane agreed, ‘and
eventually decided he would occupy Washington, which
would deliver a great “Blow to the [American] Government,”
while offering good quarters and supplies for the army. Thus,
with a retaliatory policy that was partially inspired by Prevost,
the Royal Navy commenced raiding settlements in the
Chesapeake Bay area, culminating in the occupations and
burning of Washington in August 1814.’ (ibid)
Bathurst provided Prevost with a long list of objectives to
achieve in the Canadas during the campaigning season of
1814, ‘topping the list was the requirement to secure control
of the lakes, destroy the enemy naval base at Sackets Harbour,
and eliminate the American squadrons on Lakes Erie and
Champlain. After Lake Erie was secured, Detroit was to be
reoccupied and the Northwest retained for the Natives.
Lastly, Prevost was to occupy an advanced position on
American territory near the shore of Lake Champlain to
prevent American incursions into Lower Canada. This
ambitious plan was much greater than anything attempted by
either side thus far in the war, including the large American
offensives of late 1813. Achieving all of these objectives
would require considerable planning and coordination and
careful management of the logistical system. More important,
it would necessitate Yeo’s cooperation.
In the event, Bathurst’s orders arrived too late for all of the
tasks to be achieved in 1814. The re-establishment of a
presence on Lake Erie and the retaking of Detroit would have
to wait until 1815, while current American naval supremacy
on Lake Ontario ruled out an attack on Sackets Harbour for
the time being... This left Prevost with the prospect of
mounting only two of the objectives he had been assigned the related objectives of destroying the enemy naval
establishment on Lake Champlain and securing an advance
position on the frontier that extended toward Lake
Champlain. Prevost selected Plattsburgh, New York, as the
ideal objective to improve the security of Lower Canada. This
offensive would be his primary effort in 1814.’ (ibid)
The Plattsburgh Campaign - The Beginning of The End
The promised reinforcements, complemented by experienced
field officers, arrived by the end of August. Prevost arranged
both the army and naval elements proposed for the campaign.
The army consisted of a division of over 10,000 troops, whilst
the naval squadron comprised of four warships and several
gunboats. This was the largest British force that had been
assembled for a single operation during the war.
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Prevost, rather than choosing one of the newly arrived
officers, chose his most senior Major General (Francis de
Rottenburg) as the divisional commander. He did, however,
divide the command of the three brigades involved amongst
the Peninsula officers. The 1st Brigade was placed under the
command of Major General Frederick Robinson, and
consisted of the Peninsula veterans of the 3/27th, 39th, 76th
and 88th Regiments of Foot. The 2nd Brigade under the
command of Major General Thomas Brisbane was comprised
of soldiers already serving in Canada, the 2/8th, 13th, and
49th Regiments of Foot, the Regiment de Meuron, the
Canadian Voltigeurs, and the Canadian Chasseurs. The 3rd
Brigade under the command of Major General Manley Power
was a mixture of soldiers with Peninsula experience and
various garrisons, made up from the 3rd, 5th, 1/27th, and
58th Regiments of Foot. Each brigade was supported by a
battery of five 6-pounder guns and one 5.5-inch howitzer of
the Royal Artillery, and a squadron of the 19th Light
Dragoons was attached to the force.
Prevost was met with a number of challenges in the short
time that he had to prepare his men for the attack. There was
tension amongst the command due to differences in
experience, quality and outlook. Those recently arrived from
the Peninsula greatly differed in their approach to those used
to fighting in the North American theatre. The brigade
commanders were unsure of Prevost, and he did not endear
himself by issuing a general order complaining about the
standards of dress amongst the recently arrived troops.
The naval contingent of his force was also not in harmony. It
was poorly supplied, and crewed with a vast majority of men
who had either not served together, or at sea at all. The best
equipment and seaman were requisitioned by Yeo on Lake
Ontario.
The Plattsburgh ‘offensive began on 31st August 1814 with
advance of Brisbane’s brigade across the border. That day,
Prevost ordered de Rottenburg, the divisional commander,
to move the remainder of the division forward on 1st
September. Once in American territory, Prevost issued a
proclamation to the “peaceable and unoffending inhabitants”
of New York State assuring them that “they have no cause for
alarm from the invasion of their country for the safety of
themselves or their families, of for the security of their
property. So long as they acted peaceably, the local populace
would be permitted to continue with business as usual.”
Prevost also strove to limit the potential of difficulties with
civilians by not allowing the Native warriors to accompany
the expedition into any towns.’ (ibid)
All three British brigades had crossed into American territory
by the 3rd of September. The advance proceeded in good
order and the following day Prevost halted the division at
Chazy. The latter was approximately 9 miles to the north of
the town of Plattsburgh. British gunboats had moved up in
tandem with the land forces. As Prevost proceeded he
detached troops at Chazy and Champlain to secure his ever
lengthening lines of communication. The American troops
under Brigadier General Alexander Macomb slowly fell back
burning bridges and setting up road blocks to add to the
already poor conditions through which the British (especially
the artillery) struggled to advance.
Three short sharp actions took place ahead of the Prevost’s
arrival at Plattsburgh on the 6th September. The defending
forces, however, merely slowed the advance and the British
cleared those in front of them with relative ease. The three
brigades converged on the town, however, indecision over
the next steps to be taken and a slow decision to finally carry
out a reconnaissance meant that any attack could not be
carried out until the following day. At ‘9.00am on 7th
September, Prevost held a council at his headquarters. After
passing on details gained from a reconnaissance of the
American defences, he announced that the ground attack was
postponed indefinitely because he had decided to wait “for
the operation of the flotilla under Captain Downie.” In the
meantime, the troops would “remain in their present
positions until further notice.” He ordered that batteries be
erected and that guns, ammunition, and stores be moved
forward using whatever transport was available. The
deficiency in transport delayed the arrival of two medium 12
pounders and two 8 inch mortars, both necessary for siege
work, that Prevost had ordered taken from the garrison at Isle
aux Noix. The result was that, by the time Prevost was ready
to launch the attack on the 11th, the only siege ordnance in
position were two experimental light brass 24 pounder guns
that were unsuitable for the task ahead.’ (ibid)
Macomb’s force comprised of about 1,800 regulars, and
3,400 militiamen from New York and Vermont. The
defences of Plattsburgh were well established, and consisted
of three forts and a number of other fortified points on the
east side of the Saranac River. Fort Moreau was armed with
12 guns, and Fort Brown and Fort Scott were both armed
with 8 guns respectively. These were also interspersed with
manned blockhouses. Prevost was consistent with his
cautious approach and decided to lay siege rather than going
for an all-out assault.
Prevost’s troops certainly had strength in numbers, however,
they lacked the necessary skilled personnel of sappers and
gunners to carry out the siege. His decision to wait for the
arrival of the full naval squadron was not helped by the delays
in the completion of the frigate H.M.S. Confiance, which was
to be the mainstay of Captain George Downie’s squadron. In
fact the Confiance only left the dockyard of the Isle de Noix
on the 8th September, with the crew still working on her as
she travelled. Of equal importance was that Yeo had only
replaced the previous squadron commander with Downie,
the day after Prevost had already set off for Plattsburgh.
Downie had no knowledge of the campaign plan, did not
know his command and had not met Prevost.
On the 8th September Prevost requested that Downie go
straight into the action, however, he replied that the
Confiance was still not ready for action and as such he was not
willing to risk the entire squadron. On the evening of the 9th
Downie informed Prevost that he would attack the following
morning. Prevost ‘was delighted with this information and
immediately gave order for the Left Division to prepare to
attack on the morning of the 10th September. The troops
would be ready from ‘six o’clock this morning to storm the
enemy’s works at nearly the same moment as the naval action
should commence in the Bay.’ The wind then changed again,
however, preventing Downie from sailing into position.
Prevost’s frustration was evident in his next letter to the naval
commander: “I ascribe the disappointment I have
experienced to the unfortunate change of wind and shall
rejoice to learn that my reasonable expectations have been
frustrated by no other means.”’ (ibid)
The combined attack was re-scheduled to take place on the
11th September. Prevost planned for Brisbane to attack from
the north, and Robinson from the south. During the night
the artillery was manoeuvred into position. Prevost met with
Robinson early in the morning of the 11th and final orders
were given. Downie’s squadron had scaled their guns
indicating that he was moving in to position. As Robinson
and Brisbane readied themselves, Prevost moved his
headquarters to a position that enabled him to view both
Cumberland Bay and the peninsula.
British artillery fire opened on the American positions and
Robinson’s men started to skirmish, ‘Everything was ready
for the attack, or so it seemed. Robinson had “hardly reached
the front” to supervise the next stage of the attack when in
the early afternoon Cochrance returned with an order from
Prevost - who had witnessed the naval battle from his
headquarters - that had been issued at noon. It stated that
since two of the British warships had struck their colours,
Robinson and his men were to break off the action and return
to Prevost’s location.’ (ibid)
The naval engagement had gone disastrously wrong from a
British perspective. The lack of a favourable wind had
exposed Downie’s flag ship to the full firepower of the
83
American squadron. Unable to manoeuvre out of harm’s way
Downie had been killed early in the exchange. The Confiance
suffered many casualties amongst her crew, and two other
British vessels were put out of action. As a consequence
Prevost was not willing to continue the land attack without
the naval element of his assault.
The artillery was withdrawn, and ‘once reassembled, the Left
Division spent the night of 11th September near Plattsburgh.
During the evening, Prevost had decided to withdraw back to
Canada and ordered the movement to commence two hours
before daybreak on 12th September. He then composed a
report to Bathurst that explained his decision to withdraw:
“Scarcely had His Majesty’s Troops forced passage across the
Saranac and ascended the Height on which stand the enemy’s
works, when I had the Mortification to hear the Shout of
Victory from the Enemy’s Works in consequence of the
British Flag being lowered on board the Confiance and
Linnet... This unlooked for event depriving me of the
Cooperation of the Fleet without which the further
Prosecution of the Service was become impracticable, I did
not hesitate to arrest the course of the Troops advancing to
the attack because the most complete success would have
been unavailing, and the possession of the Enemy’s Works
offered no advantage to compensate for the loss we must have
sustained in acquiring Possession of them.”’ (ibid)
Surplus stores and munitions were destroyed, before the
British forces commenced their retreat back to Canada on the
12th September. The frontier into Lower Canada was
reached two days later. Once Prevost had returned to
Montreal he ‘sent a second, private letter to Bathurst that
elaborated on his decision to withdraw. He stated it was
necessary due to the loss of the naval support, rising desertion
in the division, a potential threat from local militia, and the
poor state of the roads, which so affected his line of
communication that further delay would make a march back
to Canada more difficult. Prevost had to choose, he said,
“whether I should consider my own Fame by gratifying the
Ardor of the Troops in persevering in the Attack, or consult
the more substantial interests of my Country by withdrawing
the Army which was yet uncrippled for the security of these
Provinces”’ (ibid)
Prevost’s thoughts of preservation were not what was
required by his superiors at that time. An overwhelming
victory had become a necessity and it now appeared, despite
his best intentions, that Prevost was not the man qualified to
achieve this. Once the Left Division ‘crossed the frontier,
Prevost’s supervision of the campaign was uninspired. His
leadership could not overcome the shortfalls in the divisional
staff, which proved incapable of coordinating the
complexities of the advance, the construction of siege works,
and the making of final preparations for the assault of
Plattsburgh. His appointment of de Rottenburg as
commander of the Left Division proved unsound; as a result,
Prevost had to take direct command of that formation.
Prevost’s greatest transgression was in leaving the detailed
coordination of the naval and land attacks to his aides, rather
than undertaking these arrangements personally with
Downie. Had he instead chosen to ride the few short miles to
where the naval squadron was moored, Prevost most certainly
could have avoided the confusion that ensued on 11th
September, and perhaps eliminated the acrimony that ensued
afterward over the conduct of the campaign.
The commander in chief may have mishandled parts of his
command, but at least he did not lead the Left Division to
destruction. Nor was he responsible for the fate of the naval
squadron, which he had supported in every way he could. He
emerged from the campaign at the centre of a great
controversy that included not only the army’s interests but
also those of the navy and influential English merchants and
civilians.’ (ibid)
The campaign season ended in autumn, and despite not
achieving the success that was required Prevost continued to
make preparations for the following year. The signing of the
Treaty of Ghent in December 1814, however, changed
everything. The treaty was ratified in February 1815, and the
war between Britain and America ended. With peace secured
full details of the unsuccessful campaign now filtered through
to Britain, and Prevost’s subordinates were quick to relay
their dissatisfaction with their commanding officer. In
particular Yeo, who wrote a series of reports to the Admiralty
bitterly complaining about the fate of Downie and his
squadron and the role that Prevost had played in this. It is
quite possible that this was to deflect attention away from his
own part during the campaign.
Allegations were made regarding Prevost’s conduct at
Plattsburgh, and indeed the public tide started to turn against
him. Defamatory articles appeared in both the newspapers of
Canada and Britain. The British Government concluded that
the apparent loss of confidence in the governor general was
too serious to let him continue in office. The decision to
recall Prevost was carried out without hearing his account.
On the 2nd March 1815 Major General Sir George Murray
arrived in Quebec to inform Prevost of the government’s
instructions, and that he found himself being recalled with his
conduct in question. Three days later he wrote to Bathurst:
“This is the first and only notice I have received from your
Lordship respecting my conduct at Plattsburgh, and I cannot
but express the surprise excited by the nature, as well as the
mode of this communication. Conscious of no fault I dread
not the strictest investigation, but it appears adding
unnecessary poignancy to the unexpected blow, that the
mortification you have judged proper to inflict should be
conveyed through a third person and this an officer so much
my junior in the Service.
Your Lordship states that the revocation of my commission as
Governor General is not meant to mark His Royal Highness
the Prince Regent’s displeasure: unfortunately the distinction
will be very difficult for the world to discover, and I must
confess that to my own feelings the circumstances may
probably be that I remain some time from severity of climate,
or other circumstances (as your Lordship observes) seeing
myself deprived of every authority and every emolument after
four years of the most arduous duties I have performed in the
course of the five and thirty I have devoted to His Majesty’s
service, unless to avoid such an interval I should prefer
passing through the United States like a fugitive.”’ (ibid)
Prevost disbanded the embodied militia and dealt with a
number of fiscal matters before departing for England in the
first week of April. During the course of his journey his health
began to deteriorate, and he eventually arrived at Portsmouth
on the 11th May 1815. In August 1815 a naval court-martial
was carried out over the operations at Plattsburgh. During
this procedure Prevost was condemned, and the findings of
the court-martial were made public. This ‘was too much for
Prevost, and he protested the publication of the findings to
the Duke of York, the commander in chief of the army,
complaining their public release was both premature and
unjust. Prevost stated it was unfair of the court to reach these
conclusions “as his conduct and that of the army under his
command not being properly the subject of their enquiry.”
Prevost was angered by the failure of his accusers to address
their accusations directly against him and requested York’s
assistance in causing the charges to be produced in legal form
to provide him the opportunity of “vindicating his character
and conduct.”’ (ibid)
By October a list of 41 witnesses had been compiled, and
their readiness to attend a court-martial secured. In
December 1815 it was announced that the court-martial
would sit at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea on the 15th
January the following year. During this time Prevost’s health
had deteriorated even further, and he developed Dropsy. As
a consequence the court-martial was re-scheduled to take
place on the 5th February.
The court-martial never convened, nor was Prevost given the
opportunity to clear his name, as he died on the 5th January
1815. Prevost’s brother wrote to the Duke of York
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requesting that the court-martial proceed, but it was advised
by the Judge Advocate General that court-martial or indeed
a court of inquiry would achieve nothing given the death of
one of the parties. Meanwhile, ‘given the circumstances, the
Prince Regent, the head of state in the continued illness of
George III, felt obliged to provide the Prevost family with an
acknowledgement of Sir George’s many years of dedicated
service. An offer of a peerage was made to Prevost’s son,
George, who declined the honour because the family could
not financially support a title... The Prince Regent therefore
suggested the additional honour of granting “supporters” for
the family coat of arms might be appropriate; and this offer
was accepted by Lady Prevost. The grant was published in the
London Gazette in September 1816, with the following
description: “On either side a grenadier of the 16th (or
Bedfordshire) regiment of foot, each supporting a banner;
that on the dexter side inscribed ‘West Indies’, and that on
the sinister, ‘Canada’; and the said supporters, together with
the motto servatum cineri [Faith Kept with the Dead], may
also be borne by Sir George Prevost, Baronet, son of the said
late Lieutenant General, and by his successors.” This was a
rare distinction, and it is the oldest such award that has been
made to a baronet in England.’ (ibid)
A letter from Wellington to the Earl of Liverpool in
November 1814, whilst discussing the idea of the Duke
replacing Prevost, may have offered the latter some peace:
“That which appears to me to be wanting in America is not a
General, or General Officers and troops, but a naval
superiority on the Lakes. Till that superiority is acquired, it is
impossible, according to my notion, to maintain an army in
such a situation as to keep the enemy out of the whole
frontier, much less to make any conquest from the enemy,
which, with those superior means, might, with reasonable
hopes of success, be undertaken. I may be wrong in this
opinion, but I think the whole history of the war proves its
truth; and I suspect that you will find that Prevost will justify
his misfortunes, which, by the bye, I am quite certain are not
what the Americans have represented them to be, by stating
that the navy were defeated, and even if he had taken Fort
Moreau he must have retired. The question is, whether we
can acquire this naval superiority on the Lakes. If we cannot
I shall do you but little good in America; and I shall go there
only to prove the truth of Prevost’s defence, and to sign a
peace which might as well be signed now.’
Sir George Prevost was buried in the family crypt at St. Mary
the Virgin, East Barnet in Hertfordshire. His family erected a
memorial to him in Winchester Cathedral, the inscription for
which was worded thus:
“Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant General Sir George
Prevost Baronet of Belmont in this county; Governor General
and Commander in Chief of the British forces in North
America, in which command by his wise and energetic
measures and with a very inferior force he preserved the
Canadas to the British Crown from the repeated invasions of
a powerful enemy his constitution at length sunk under
incessant mental and bodily exertion in discharging the duties
of that arduous station and having returned to England he
died shortly afterwards in London on the 5th of
January1816. Aged 48 years thirty four of which had been
devoted to the service of his country he was interred near the
remains of his father Major General Augustin Prevost at East
Barnet in Hertfordshire his Royal Sovereign the Prince
Regent “To evince in an especial manner the sense he
entertained of his distinguished conduct and services during
a long period of constant and active employment in stations
of great trust both military and civil was pleased to ordain as
a lasting memorial of his majesty’s royal favour that the names
of the countries where his courage and abilities had most
signally displayed the West Indies and Canada should be
inscribed on the banners of the supporters granted to be
borne by his family and descendants in testimony of his
private worth, his piety, integrity and his benevolence...”
Prevost Family Coat of Arms
85
117
x117
A Fine Army Small Gold Medal to Major Robert
Kelly, 47th Foot, Who Commanded His Regiment
at the Battles of Vittoria and St. Sebastian, Before
Being Killed Leading His Men At the Forefront of
the Assault on St. Sebastian Fortress, 31.8.1813
Field Officer’s Small Army Gold Medal for Vittoria
(Major Robert Kelly), extremely fine, with integral
gold riband buckle
£15,000-20,000
Major Robert Kelly was commissioned Ensign, 47th Foot,
March 1791; Lieutenant, February 1794; Captain-Lieutenant,
June 1798; and was made Captain of a Company, June 1806,
before advancing to Major, July 1810; he commanded the
2/47th during the Peninsula campaign, including at the battle
of Vittoria, 21.6.1813, when they served in Major-General
Frederick Robinson’s 2nd Brigade (which comprised of the
2/47th, 1/4th, 2/59th and a company of Brunswick Oels
Jager), as part of Major-General John Oswald’s 5th Division.
The 5th Division formed part of Lieutenant-General Thomas
Graham’s Left Column at the battle. The 2nd Brigade carried
the village of Gamarra-Mayor at the point of the bayonet
under heavy artillery and musket fire. They repulsed numerous
desperate efforts by the French to recover the position. After
the battle Graham praised the brigade thus:
“The attack of the village of Gamarra by Major-General
Robinson’s brigade was justly admired by all who witnessed it.
Too much praise cannot be given to Major-General Robinson
and the troops of his brigade for their persevering defence of
a post so gallantly won, against numerous artillery and great
masses of infantry, the enemy employed to retake it, in
repeated attacks.”
A month later Kelly led his regiment, still as part of the 2nd
Brigade, 5th Division, at the Siege of St. Sebastian, 17th July
- 8th September 1813. The 2/47th were one of the battalions
that led the second, and successful, assault on the fortress,
31.8.1813. This success was not without great loss, including
Kelly himself who was killed during the maelstrom, ‘On the
31st, once breaches had been made which were deemed
practiable, a second and successful assault was made. Crossing
the River Urumea, which was fordable at low tide, the British
rushed up to the main breach, but were met by such a storm
of shot and shell that each man, as he mounted, was swept
down. Again and again the assailants mounted the breach, and
again and again they were swept down by a resistless hurricane
of fire. Thus the slaughter continued for two hours; the attack
seemed hopeless and it appeared that the British would have
to retire a second time, repulsed from the walls of St.
Sebastian. Sir Thomas Graham, seeing the state of affairs, after
consulting with Colonel Dickson, commanding the artillery,
resolved upon the desperate expedient of firing over, and
within a few feet of, the heads of the attacking party on the
breach. By chance, a shell fell amongst some powder barrels,
grenades and other combustibles stored up behind the breach,
the explosion of which fired a mine prepared for the
destruction of the assailants; the French were, for a time,
paralysed by this disaster, which blew up 300 of their
grenadiers. Under cover of the smoke and confusion which
ensued, the British mounted the breach and entered the
town.’ (British Battles and Medals, refers)
The losses were severe, during the entire operation the Allies
suffered 951 officers and men killed, and 2490 wounded.
During the second assault the 2/47th not only lost their
brigade commander (Major-General Robinson) wounded, but
suffered a succession of losses to commanding officers,
‘Lieutenant-General Sir J. Leith commends highly Captain
Livesay, who succeeded to the command of the 47th Foot on
Major Kelly being killed, and kept it till wounded, when the
command devolved on Lieutenant Power, who ably
performed.’ (General Graham’s St. Sebastian despatch, dated
Oyarzun, 1.9.1813, refers).
Whilst Kelly’s entitlement to a St. Sebastian Bar to his medal
is undoubted, Gold Medals and Bars were not automatically
issued to those killed in action. There appears to be no
evidence in the London Gazette to suggest that the Bar was
either sanctioned after his death, or indeed forwarded to his
family.
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118
119
120
x118
Naval General Service 1793-1840, one clasp, 1 June
1794 (E. Ratsay, Midshipman.), edge bruising,
£2,000-2,400
119
Naval General Service 1793-1840, one clasp, Gut of
Gibraltar 12 July 1801 (Joseph Haine.), extremely
fine
£2,000-2,400
Edward Ratsey [sic] served as Midshipman in H.M.S Defence
during the major fleet action that became known as ‘The
Glorious First of June’. A total of seven Large Naval Gold
Medals and 15 Small Naval Gold Medals were awarded for
this action.
Joseph Haines served as Able Seaman in the 74-gun H.M.S.
Hannibal, as part of the successful attack under the
command of Rear-Admiral Sir James Saumarez upon the
Franco-Spanish squadrons under the enemy batteries in
Algeçiras Bay, 12.7.1801, which resulted in the destruction
of the Spanish three-decker, 112-gun Real Carlos and San
Hermenegildo, together with the French 74-gun St. Antione.
Rear-Admiral of the Red Edward Ratsey came from a
naval family, as both his brother Nathaniel and his first cousin
Thomas retired with the rank of Commander; Edward was
educated at the Royal Naval College prior to service as a
Volunteer in H.M.S. Shark, from July 1793; served as
Midshipman in H.M.S. Defence for Lord Howe’s action,
1.6.1794; appointed Lieutenant for service in H.M.S.
Eurydice on the Channel station, April 1795; subsequent
service included in H.M. Ships Ambuscade, Renown and
Revolutionnaire; he served in H.M.S. Neptune (flag-ship of
Admiral Gambier) and H.M.S. Isis (flag-ship of Admiral
Thornbrough) prior to being appointed to H.M.S. Culloden
‘bearing the flag of Sir Edward Pellew, with whom he sailed
for the East Indies. On his arrival he was nominated, 14th
March, 1805, Acting Captain of the Howe 38, and next, 25th
April in the same year, Acting Commander of the Harrier 18.
In the latter vessel, on 2nd August, following, Capt. Ratsey
(who was not confirmed to her until 4th February 1806)
fought, in company with the Phaeton 38, a severe action of
two hours and a half with the French 36-gun frigate
Semillante and several batteries at the entrance of the Straits
of St. Bernardino, Philippine Islands. The Harrier on the
occasion was much cut up in her masts, sails, and rigging, and
sustained a loss of 2 men wounded. Before leaving her Capt.
Ratsey had the good fortune to prevent some British
supercargoes from being captured by the Ladrones on their
passage from Macao to Canton. On 5th September 1806 he
was made Post into the Sir Edward Hughes 38’ (O’Byrne
refers); he attained Flag-rank, 23.11.1841.
The only Naval General Service Medal awarded to H.M.S.
Hannibal.
Able Seaman Joseph Haines, born 1773; enlisted as an outpensioner, Greenwich Hospital, April 1811.
120
Naval General Service 1793-1840, one clasp, Basque
Roads 1809 (Robert Dry.), minor edge nicks, therefore
very fine
£1,400-1,800
Robert Dry served as Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. Unicorn
during Lord Cochrane’s successful destruction of a number
of French ships, including four ships of the line, in the Basque
Roads, off St. Nazaire, 11-12.4.1809.
PROVENANCE:
Glendining, June 1940
Sotheby, March 1980
PROVENANCE:
Glendining, November 1984
87
121
122
121
Naval General Service 1793-1840, one clasp, Syria
(Geo. Mitchell.), minor edge bruise, nearly extremely
fine
£400-500
Two men with this name appear on the Admiralty Claimant’s
List, the other also a single clasp award for Syria.
122
Naval General Service 1793-1840, two clasps, 1 June
1794, St. Vincent (William Houghton.), very fine
£4,500-5,500
William Houghton served as Landsman in H.M.S. Defence
for the fleet action that became known as ‘The Glorious First
of June’. A total of seven Large Naval Gold Medals and 15
Small Naval Gold Medals were awarded for this action;
Houghton served as Able Seaman in H.M.S. Excellent during
the defeat of the Spanish fleet off Cape St. Vincent,
14.2.1797. Six Large Naval Gold Medals and 14 Small Naval
Gold Medals were awarded for this action.
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Rear-Admiral of the White W. Ward
Cadiz; having advanced to Lieutenant, subsequent service
included in H.M. Ships Arethusa, Discovery, Malborough and
Oiseau, including being wrecked in the Malborough near
Belleisle, 4.11.1800; he was appointed to H.M.S. Pique
(Captain C. Ross) and ‘as First [aged 21] of La Pique he
witnessed the taking, in 1803, of Aux Cayes and Cape
Francois, St. Domingo. Besides aiding at the capture, in the
course of 1804-5 of Le Terreur French cutter of 10 guns and
75 men, and of the Spanish ships-of-war Diligentia and
Orquijo, he boarded in the gig and yawl, and took, in March,
1806, after a sharp struggle, a schooner, the Santa Clara,
carrying one 9-pounder and 28 men and completely equipped
for the purposes of war. He was further, 26 March, 1806,
present at the capture of the French corvettes Phaeton and
Voltigeur of 16 guns and 115 men each. The former, after 20
minutes of destructive firing, was by him boarded at the head
of about 30 men. Her decks were, inch by inch, defended with
desperate obstinacy, and the slaughter on both sides was
dreadful, amounting on the part of the British (one-half of
their opponents were either killed or wounded) to 9 killed and
14 wounded. Included among the dangerously wounded was
Mr. Ward, whose good conduct, we learn from his Captain’s
official letter, had at all times merited his highest approbation
and now induced him to recommend him to the notice of the
Commander in Chief [London Gazette 1806, p731]. As a
reward for his gallantry, he was offered by the latter, the
command of either of the two prizes. Choosing the one he
had boarded, and whose name on her being added to the
British Navy was changed to Pelican [sic - it was in fact named
H.M.S. Mignonne, the Voltigeur was named Pelican], he was
accordingly appointed to her 8 April ensuing; and 23 July he
was confirmed. He was presented, we may add, with the sum
of 100l by the Patriotic Society’ (O’Byrne refers); he saw
service during the expedition to Copenhagen, 1807, and
having returned to the West Indies the following year he
served at the reduction of Desada; he was nominated ActingCaptain of the Daedalus on the same station, and posted to
bring the frigate Bacchante home to be paid off; in summer
1809 ‘he was appointed to the Resolution 74... he sailed with
the expedition to the Walcheren. During the operations in the
Scheldt he served with the flotilla in an attack on Ter Ver, and
commanded a division of armed transports employed to
complete the investment of Flushing [London Gazette 1809,
p1326]. He lost a Lieutenant and 2 men in passing the
enemy’s batteries’ (O’Byrne refers); he went on half-pay in
1810, and attained flag-rank 9.11.1846.
The Douglas-Morris roll gives Ward’s entitlement to all three
clasps, but with ‘verifed aboard not on roll’ for his first clasp.
Message’s latest online roll gives his entitlement to ‘St
Vincent’ only, despite listing Ward as being wounded during
the Pique action. The Hayles roll gives entitlement to all three
clasps, as does O’Byrne, with British Battles and Medals and
the London Gazette listing Ward’s presence for the Pique clasp.
The medal is entirely as issued, and a unique clasp
combination.
123
123
The Unique Three Clasp N.G.S. to Rear-Admiral
of the White W. Ward, Royal Navy, Who as First of
H.M.S. Pique Led the Boarding Party of the French
Corvette Phaeton, 26.3.1806; He Was Severely
Wounded During the Action, With Over 75% of
His Men Being Killed or Wounded as ‘Her Decks
Were, Inch By Inch, Defended With Desperate
Obstinacy, And the Slaughter On Both Sides Was
Dreadful.’ As a Reward For His Gallant Conduct,
Ward Was Appointed to the Command of His
Prize, the Newly Named H.M.S. Mignonne
Naval General Service 1793-1840, three clasps, 23rd
June 1795, St. Vincent, Pique 26 March 1806
(William Ward, Midshipman.), darkly toned, very fine
£18,000-22,000
William Ward served as Midshipman in H.M.S. Barfleur at the
defeat of the French fleet and capture of three ships-of-theline by Admiral Bridport off the Isle de Groix, Brittany,
23.6.1795; Ward served in the same capacity and in the same
ship for the defeat of the Spanish fleet off Cape St. Vincent,
14.2.1797. Six Large Naval Gold Medals and fourteen Small
Naval Gold Medals were awarded for this action; he also
served as Lieutenant in H.M.S. Pique when she captured two
16-gun French corvettes the Phaeton and the Voltigeur,
between St. Domingo and Curacoa in the Caribbean Sea,
26.3.1806.
Approximately 8 ‘Pique 26 March 1806’ clasps issued.
Rear-Admiral of the White William Ward was born in
Southampton, November 1782; he joined the Royal Navy as
First Class Volunteer, aged 11, March 1793; Ward initially
served in H.M.S Sceptre (Captain J. Dacres), and ‘on 1 June,
1794, he was present, as Midshipman, in company with the
Belliqueux 64, at the capture, after a smart action of some
hours, off Fort Brissoton, near Port-au-Prince, which place,
with several others adajacent, surrendered in the course of the
same month. Having rejoined Capt. Dacres on board the
Barfleur 98, he took part in her in the actions off the Ile de
Groix and Cape St. Vincent 23 June, 1795, and 14. Feb.
1797’ (O’Byrne refers); his last action of note in the Barfleur
was assisting at the cutting-out of three French men-of-war
from Tunis Bay and at the blockade and bombardments of
89
124
125
126
124
Military General Service 1793-1814, one clasp, Egypt (J.
Parkins, R. Arty.), minor edge bruise, good very fine
£600-800
Gunner John Parkins, born Rotherham, Yorkshire, 1773; enlisted
in the Royal Artillery, November 1796; discharged, November
1818, after 22 years’ service.
125
Military General Service 1793-1814, one clasp, Talavera (J.
Nicholas Solter, Corpl. 7th Line Bn. K.G.L.), nearly
extremely fine
£400-500
The latest published transcript of the Military General Service Medal
Roll lists the name as ‘Private J. Nicholas Sotten’
x126
Military General Service 1793-1814, one clasp, Fort Detroit
(Peter Powlass, Warrior.), suspension slack, contact marks,
nearly very fine
£3,500-4,500
x127
Military General Service 1793-1814, one clasp,
Chateauguay (Jacob Sotaontion, Warrior), suspension claw
re-affixed, officially re-impressed, edge bruising, good fine
£2,000-2,400
‘Jacob Sotaontion’ does not appear on the latest published
transcription of the medal roll, a ‘Sak Sotaontion’ is listed as entitled
to this clasp.
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127
128
129
x128
Military General Service 1793-1814, four clasps, Fuentes
D’Onor, Vittoria, Nivelle, Nive (R. Walters, 3rd Foot
Gds.), pawnbroker’s marks to backstrap of top clasp which has
been refurbished and subsequently added leaving traces of
rivets, minor edge bruising, otherwise good very fine
£800-1,200
PROVENANCE:
Spink, 1898
129
Army of India 1799-1826, short hyphen reverse die type,
one clasp, Ava (James Reid, H.E.I.C. Yacht Nereide.),
officially impressed, Royal Mint, edge nick, nearly extremely
fine, scarce to vessel
£1,000-1,400
The Honourable East India Company’s Yacht Nereide sailed from
Calcutta for service in the Burmese Campaign, 12.4.1824
x130
Army of India 1799-1826, short hyphen reverse die type,
one clasp, Bhurtpoor (Michl. Murphy. 11th. Dragns.),
officially engraved in serif capitals, India, good very fine
£600-800
Two men with the name Michael Murphy of the 11th Light
Dragoons were awarded the Army of India Medal with clasp
Bhurtpoor.
PROVENANCE:
J.B. Hayward, August 1975.
91
130
131
131
Honourable East India Company’s Medal for Egypt
1801, 48mm, silver, a fine quality later striking with
die cracks to obverse, nearly extremely fine, with
contemporary pillar suspension
£400-500
PROVENANCE:
Spink, April 2009
132
Waterloo 1815 (Paymaster Charles Marr 2nd Batt.
59th Reg. Foot.), darkly toned, second ‘r’ of surname
lightly impressed, good very fine, with steel clip, screw
fitting, and straight bar suspension
£3,500-4,500
Charles Marr was appointed Paymaster 2/59th Foot, March
1805; he was placed on half pay in 1816.
132
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133
135
136
x133
Waterloo 1815 (William Anderson, 2nd Batt. 69th
Reg. Foot.), minor edge bruising, good very fine, with
original steel clip and later small ring suspension
£1,000-1,400
Two men of this name appear on the Waterloo Medal roll as
having served with the 2nd Battalion, 69th Foot during the
Waterloo Campaign. One of which is recorded as ‘Invalided’.
x134
Hanoverian Waterloo 1815 (Husar Johann
Habermann, Hus. Rgt. Bee....verden), worn, fine,
with later silver eyelet and ring suspension
£180-220
x135
Hanoverian Waterloo 1815 (Soldat Jan Eldering,
Landwehr Bataillon Bentheim), very fine, with later
steel clip and split ring suspension
£300-400
x136
Candahar 1842 (Hugh Lawes, 40th Regt.),
contemporarily engraved in upright serif capitals,
toned, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine, with
original steel clip, screw fitting, and straight bar
suspension
£500-600
137
x137
Cabul 1842 (Simon Jacob 3rd. Lt. Dragns.),
officially renamed in impressed naming, minor edge
bruising, otherwise good very fine, with original steel
clip and ring suspension
£240-280
93
138
139
140
x138
Candahar Ghuznee Cabul 1842 (Private James
Guppy H.M. 40th Regiment), engraved in running
script, minor edge bruise, light scratches, otherwise good
very fine, with original steel clip and straight bar
suspension
£500-600
x139
China 1842 (Thomas
Blenheim.), very fine
Fitzgerald,
H.M.S.
£400-500
140
Punniar Star 1843 (Private James Boston 50th
Queen’s Own Regt.), traces of solder to reverse, nearly
very fine, with later rivetted brass hook and ring
suspension
£350-450
141
Punjab 1848-49, two clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat
(W. Brookes, 3rd Lt. Dragns.), reverse toned, minor
edge bruising, good very fine
£400-500
141
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142
143
146
147
x147
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Chin Hills
1892-93 (1790 Sapper Rangasami Q.O. Mad. S.&
M.), officially renamed in running script, pawnbroker’s
mark to obverse field, very fine
£200-240
142
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Persia (H.
Morrison, 78th Highlanders), good very fine
£300-400
x143
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Jowaki
1877-8 (57 Pte. Giles Gregory. 4 Bn. Rifle Bde.),
scratch to obverse field, edge bruise, good very fine
£140-180
148
Baltic 1854, unnamed as issued, toned, extremely fine
£100-140
149
Crimea 1854-54, no clasp, unnamed as issued, contact
marks, nearly very fine
£70-90
144
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Burma
1885-7 (634 Private H. Reed 2nd. Bn. Rl. Muns.
Fus.), good very fine
£100-140
150
Crimea 1854-56, one clasp, Sebastopol, unnamed as
issued, obverse toned, edge bruise, good very fine
£100-140
145
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Burma
1887-89 (4040 Pte. W. Day 1st. Bn. Rif. Brig),
good very fine
£100-140
151
Crimea 1854-56, one clasp, Sebastopol (Private John
Mayer 95th Foot), contemporarily engraved in large
serif capitals, suspension claw re-affixed, contact marks,
nearly very fine
£140-180
x146
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Hunza
1891 (Naick Ummon Khan 24th. Regt. N.I.), claw
tightened, nearly very fine
£200-240
3086 Private John Mayer, dangerously wounded in action
at the Battle of Inkermann, 5.11.1854
95
152
A Superb ‘Heavy Brigade’ Crimea Medal to
Captain S.T. Williams, 2nd Dragoons, Who Led a
Handful of Men From The Regiment When They
Routed a Force of 200 and Captured a Russian
General, 25.9.1854; Shortly After This Action He
Was Seized With Fever, and Was Only Able to Rise
From His Bed Two Days Before The Charge of the
Heavy Brigade at Balaklava, 25.10.1854 - Still
Suffering From His Affliction He Was Carried By
Adrenaline Alone As He Led The Second
Squadron To Glory. A Month Later His Health
Finally Failed Him and His Body Was Conveyed to
Scutari For Internment
Crimea 1854-56, two clasps, Balaklava, Sebastopol,
second clasp loose on riband, as issued (Capt. S.T.
Williams. 2nd. Drgs.), contemporarily engraved in
serif capitals, minor edge bruise, otherwise extremely fine
£4,000-5,000
Captain Samuel Toosey Williams, born Faringdon,
Berkshire, 1822; educated at Rugby under Dr. Arnold (an
exact contemporary of the fictitious Harry Flashman);
Commissioned Ensign, 20th Foot, June 1840; transferred to
the 47th Foot, July 1840; promoted Lieutenant, April 1842;
appointed Extra Aide-de-Camp to Lord Besborough, Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland, and retained his appointment under
Besborough’s two immediate successors, Lords Clarendon
and St. Germans; promoted Captain, December 1847;
transferred as Captain to the Scots Greys, June 1848; ‘Upon
his Regiment being ordered to the East he proceeded to
Varna. When the army embarked for the Crimea, the Scots
Greys followed; but like the other cavalry regiments it was
from the very nature of the ground chosen by the enemy
doomed to inaction save in reconnaissances. On the 25th
September, however, Captain Williams was with the handful
of men that surprised several hundred Russians and put them
to flight, and on which occasion he captured the Russian
General, Cunija. In the following month, from excessive
fatigue and privation, he was seized with fever, and was just
out of his bed two days before the great battle of Balaklava.
On the 25th October, the day on which so many untried men
were to win their spurs, the Scots Greys, to their great joy,
were ordered to handle the enemy. They obeyed! Captain
Williams had the honour of leading the second squadron.
How they speeded to meet the foe- how they slashed, cut,
thrust, and pistolled the immense masses of Russian cavalry,
who were as four to one against our heavy horsemen. In this
grand affair Captain Williams covered himself with glory. His
swordsmanship stood him in good stead, for no less than four
times was he beset, first by six, then three, two, and four of
the enemy. Out of that bloody encounter he came without a
scratch. How our heavy cavalry escaped is marvellous, for the
enemy not only outnumbered it, as already stated, but fought
most courageously. On two occasions during the Grey’s
cutting their way through the massive circle formed round
them by the Russian horse, Captain Williams had near paid
with his life his devotedness to two privates in his squadron.
Out of this carnage came Williams without injury from the
152
enemy. But there was death in him. He should have been in
hospital, not in fight. The fever had not left him when he
mounted, two days before this huge encounter. Excitement
carried him through the fatigue, and a sort of miracle
preserved him from the dangers of this fearful cavalry day.
The thrill of battle passed, Captain Williams was again
attacked with fever, and was seriously advised by the medical
men of his regiment to leave the camp for Constantinople,
but he refused. He looked upon his illness as momentary, and
certain to wear off. His brave heart had deceived him. He
could no longer mount the horse so gloriously as he had
against the Russians on the 25th October. His end was
drawing to a close, not to be put aside by all that pluck and
passion for war’s grandeur could essay, to reanimate a body
exhausted by war’s privations. On the 23rd November he
died, and on the following day his body was conveyed to
Scutari for interment.’ (Our Heroes of the Crimea refers).
Whereas the majority of medals to those Officers and men
who were either killed in action or died of wounds or disease
were issued officially named, a small number of Officer’s
medals were sent out in advance, either directly to the
recipient’s family, or to Messrs Hunt and Roskell, to be
privately engraved.
PROVENANCE:
Christie, November 1987
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153
154
x153
Crimea 1854-56, four clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann,
Sebastopol (T. McGovern. 20th Regt.), officially
impressed, heavy file marks over naming, good very fine
£600-800
3146 Private Terence McGovern, killed in action at the Battle of
Inkermann, 5.11.1854.
x154
Indian Mutiny 1857-58, no clasp (Thos. Gladwin,), edge
bruise, very fine
£240-280
Thomas Gladwin was employed as a Civlian Clerk in the Sudder
Court at Agra.
x155
Indian Mutiny 1857-58, one clasp, Defence of Lucknow
(Colr. Serjt. T. Kerslake, 32nd. L.I.), nearly extremely fine
£800-1,200
1648 Colour Sergeant Thomas Kerslake, 32nd Light Infantry,
‘Died 4.10.1857.’ (Medal Roll refers).
97
155
156
157
161
162
156
Indian Mutiny 1857-58, one clasp, Lucknow (Lieut.
S, Cary, 37th. N,I, O,D,J,A,G.), suspension claw
tightened, minor edge bruise, good very fine
£600-800
160
Abyssinia 1867-68 (2207 Sapper A. Greig Royal
Engrs), good very fine
£240-280
Lieutenant S. Cary, Commissioned Ensign, 37th Native
Infantry, December 1854; served in the Sonthal Campaign
with the Force under Brigadier Bird, July to December 1855,
first with the Detachment of Calcutta Militia, and
subsequently with a Detachment of the 39th Native Infantry;
promoted Lieutenant, November 1856, and served during
the Indian Mutiny with the Jounpore Field Force, and
present at the actions of Misrutpore, Chanda, Ameerapore,
and Sultanpore, and the siege and capture of Lucknow; three
times Mentioned in Despatches.
161
South Africa 1877-79, no clasp (Pte. W. Bird. Rl.
Dn. Rifles.), extremely fine
£280-320
157
Indian Mutiny 1857-58, two clasps, Delhi, Relief of
Lucknow (Gunner W. Walker, 2nd. Tp. 3rd. Bde.
Bl. H, Arty.), unofficial retaining rod between clasps,
minor edge bruising, good very fine
£350-450
158
China 1857-60, no clasp (Serjt. Andw. Greig. 10th
C. Royal Engrs.), heavy contact marks, nearly very fine
£80-120
Approximately 94 no clasp medals issued to the Royal
Durban Rifles.
x162
The South African Campaign Medal to Private S.
Boulton, 1st Battalion, 24th Foot, Killed in Action
at the Battle of Isandhlwana, 22.1.1879
South Africa 1877-79, one clasp, 1879 (64, Pte. S.
Boulton, 1/24th. Foot.), minor edge bruise, nearly
extremely fine
£4,500-5,500
64 Private Samuel Boulton enlisted 1st Battalion, 24th
Foot, at Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, February 1874; he
served with the battalion during the South African
Campaign, 1877-79, and was killed in action at the Battle of
Isandhlwana, 22.1.1879. His effects were claimed by his
mother.
159
China 1857-60, one clasp, Canton 1857, unnamed as
issued, obverse toned, minor edge bruise, good very fine
£100-140
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163
165
166
167
163
South Africa 1877-79, one clasp, 1879 (Corpl. G.T.
Noyce, A/3rd. Cape Yeory.), obverse toned, nearly
extremely fine
£350-450
164
Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (1443 Pte. W. Major.
2/8th. Regt.), nearly extremely fine
£80-120
165
Afghanistan 1878-80, one clasp, Ali Musjid (1482.
Gunr. J. Graham, 13/9 Bde. R.A.), light contact
marks and minor edge nicks, good very fine
£160-200
166
Afghanistan 1878-80, one clasp, Ahmed Khel (817.
Pte. A. Smith. 2/8th Regt.), edge bruising, very fine
£160-200
x167
Afghanistan 1878-80, one clasp, Ahmed Khel (218.
Pte. T. Brooker. 59th. Foot.), minor edge bruising,
darkly toned, good very fine
£180-220
x168
Afghanistan 1878-80, three clasps, Charasia, Kabul,
Kandahar (58B/803 Pte. J. Lamont. 72nd.
Highrs.), light pitting from Star, nearly very fine
£300-400
168
x170
Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (Rifleman Chundree
Groon 2nd Goorkha Regt.), very fine
£120-160
169
Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (56/99 Private P.
Nugent 92nd Highlanders), very fine
£200-240
99
171
172
177
171
Cape of Good Hope General Service 1880-97, one
clasp, Bechuanaland (271. Pte. E.J.C. Brusson. C.
Pol.), light contact marks, edge nick, good very fine
£140-180
172
Egypt 1882-89, dated, one clasp, Alexandria 11th July
(J. Sampson. Ord: H.M.S. “Sultan”), edge bruising,
good very fine
£100-140
173
Egypt 1882-89, dated, one clasp, Tel-el-Kebir (1858.
Pte. B. Young 1/Sea Highers), with official
corrections, pitting from Star, nearly very fine
£100-140
x174
Egypt 1882-89, dated, one clasp, Tel-el-Kebir (1449.
Pte. R.M. Horton. 11th. Co. C&T. C.), good very
fine
£140-180
x175
Egypt 1882-89, dated, two clasps, Suakin 1884, ElTeb_Tamaai (25423. Gunr. P. Mc.Kenna. 6/1st.
Sco: Div: R.A.), light pitting, very fine
£160-200
x176
Egypt 1882-89, undated, one clasp, The Nile 188485 (546. Pte. C. Lover. 2/ Essex. R.), very fine
£140-180
x177
Egypt 1882-89, undated, two clasps, Suakin 1885,
Tofrek (4447. Pte. W. Taylor. 12th. Co. C.T.C.),
minor edge bruising, good very fine
£200-240
178
Khedive’s Star 1882, reverse impressed ‘2592, Priv.t
J. Bews. C.T.C.’, contact marks, very fine
£50-70
x179
Royal Niger Company’s Medal 1886-97, bronze issue,
one clasp, Nigeria, the edge officially numbered
‘2145’, edge bruise, very fine
£400-500
180
East and West Africa 1887-1900, one clasp, Benin
1897 (W. Clark, Stoker. H.M.S. Forte.), nearly
extremely fine
£180-220
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179
180
182
183
184
181
East and West Africa 1887-1900, one clasp, Benin
1897 (F.J. Avent. Boy. 1 Cl, H.M.S. Forte.),
contact marks, very fine
£180-220
182
British North Borneo Company’s Medal 1888-1916,
silver, one clasp, Punitive Expeditions, unnamed as
issued, good very fine
£240-280
x183
Defence of Chitral 1895 (637 Sepoy Bahadir Ali,
14th. Sikhs.), officially renamed in running script,
nearly very fine
£800-1,200
184
Relief of Chitral (Lieut. W.G. Hibbert Q.O. Madras
S & M.), extremely fine, together with three
photographic images of the recipient
£240-280
Lieutenant-Colonel William George Hibbert, born
Kingston, Ontario, Canada, December 1869; Commissioned
Second Lieutenant, February 1889; promoted Lieutenant,
February 1892; served with the Chitral Relief Force as
Company Officer, No.6 Company, Queen’s Own Madras
Sappers and Miners, employed on line of communications;
promoted Captain, 15.2.1900; Major, 14.10.1908; retired,
21.2.1910; re-employed as Commandant, Royal Engineers,
Preston District, 7.8.1914; retired with the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel, 28.12.1918; died, Paris, 28.9.1931.
Lieutenant-Colonel W.G. Hibbert
101
188
190
185
India General Service 1895-1902, E.VII.R., bronze
issue, one clasp, Waziristan 1901-2 (16 Dvr Jeewa
Singh S. & T. Corps), name partially officially
corrected, nearly extremely fine
£70-90
189
Queen’s Sudan 1896-98, unnamed as issued, nearly
extremely fine
£120-160
186
Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Malakand 1897 (2671
Sepoy Rulia Singh. 31st. Bl. Infy.), number partially
officially corrected, suspension slack, contact marks,
nearly very fine
£60-80
187
Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (1948 Pte.
A.C. Templeston 2nd. Bn. York: Regt.), unofficial
rivets between clasps, good very fine
£120-160
x188
Jummoo and Kashmir 1895, one clasp, Chitral 1895,
unnamed as issued, reverse of clasp stamped Gurney,
London, good very fine
£400-500
x190
British North Borneo Company’s Medal 1900, bronze
issue, one clasp, Tambunan (397. Private Marian.),
£600-800
191
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Cape
Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg
(23463. Spr. A.J. Freemantle: R.E.), extremely fine
£120-160
23463 Sapper A.J. Freemantle, served with the 9th Field
Company Royal Engineers; died of disease at Wickham
Siding, 24.7.1901.
192
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps, Cape
Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa
1901, South Africa 1902 (6681 Pte. J. Green. L. N.
Lanc: Regt.), unofficial rivets between second and third
clasps, and between State and date clasps, edge bruise,
good very fine
£70-90
193
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps, Relief of
Kimberley, Orange Free State, Johannesburg,
Diamond Hill, Belfast, unofficial rivets between first
and second clasps (3790 Pte. C. Smith. 6/Drgn.
Gds.), obverse toned, contact marks, very fine
£120-160
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196
194
202
199
China 1900, no clasp (J.G. Innes, Ord., H.M.S.
Isis.), edge bruising, nearly very fine
£120-160
x194
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, six clasps, Cape
Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of
Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (Lt. W. Newman.
Bethune. M.I.), good very fine
£240-280
200
China 1900, one clasp, Relief of Pekin (92905 Dvr:
W. Gray. R.A.), traces of lacquer, very fine
£300-400
W. Newman served as a Lieutenant (Veterinary) in
Bethune’s Mounted Infantry.
201
Africa General Service 1902-56, E.VII.R., one clasp,
Somaliland 1908-10 (203 Pte. Mahomed. 1/
K.A.R.), worn, therefore good fine
£70-90
195
Anglo-Boere Oorlog 1899-1902 (Burger A.J. Van
Wyk.), obverse toned, good very fine
£80-120
x202
Africa General Service 1902-56, G.V.R., one clasp,
Somaliland 1920 (340285 A.C.2. W.H. Wormall.
R.A.F.), nearly very fine, Scarce
£500-600
196
Queen’s Mediterranean 1899-1902 (1685 Pte. C.
Gardiner. Rl: W. Kent Regt.), reverse toned, good very
fine
£200-240
203
Africa General Service 1902-56, E.II.R., one clasp,
Kenya (22953934 Pte. R. Jones. Glosters.), nearly
extremely fine
£100-140
197
Kimberley Star 1899-1900, silver (Hallmarks for
Birmingham 1900), lacking top brooch bar, good very
fine
£80-120
204
India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., one clasp (2),
Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (267343 Pte. A.
Stevenson, Devon. R.); North West Frontier 193031 (4300 Sep. Telu Ram. 3-17 Dogra R.), good very
fine
General Service 1918-62, G.V.R., one clasp, Iraq
(1333 Sepoy Pritam Singh. 32-Pioneers.), unit
partially rubbed, very fine (3)
£80-120
198
Yorkshire Imperial Yeomanry Medal for South Africa
1900-01, 3rd Battalion (Private H. Peck), good very
fine
£100-140
103
205
1914-15 Star (2) (91616. Dvr. A. Bower. R.F.A.;
S.7072. J. Moore, Sto., R.N.R.), very fine
British War Medal (4) (16893 Pte. G. Golding. 8Hrs.; 6768 Pte. B.R. Green. H.A.C.; 3895 Pte. J.
Handley. Notts. & Derby. R.; 329424 Gnr. R.A.
Miller. R.A.), good very fine or better
Mercantile Marine War Medal (Arthur Hobbs), good
very fine
Victory Medal (3) (3657 Pte. R. Fordham. 13-Hrs.;
879 Bmbr. J.W.F. Stacey. H.A.C. -Art.-; 6001 Pte
Wilson 2/KAR), generally very fine or better (10)
£50-70
3657 Private Robert Henry Fordham, served with the
13th Hussars attached the 2nd Life Guards during the Great
War; died of accidential injuries 3.3.1915 and is buried at the
Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery.
206
1914-15 Star (2) (13445 Pte. W.C. Cattell. Devon:
R.; 10592 Pte. G.T. Hill. Devon: R), the second with
ornate gilt brooch, very fine
British War Medal (7) (2198 Pte. H. Channon. R.
1-Devon Yeo.; 29180 Pte. E.C. Deakin. Devon.
R.; 60545 Pte. H.K. Dingley. Devon. R.; 2701
Pte. A.E. Penberthy. R. 1-Devon Yeo.; 58548 Pte.
E.G. Prentice. Devon. R.; 2457 Pte. R.S. Revell.
R. 1-Devon Yeo; 52504 Pte. H.C. Steer. Devon.
R.), generally very fine or better
Victory Medal (4) (35395 Pte. F.J. Coleman Devon.
R.; 989 Pte. B.W. Halls. R.N. Devon Yeo.; 16529
Pte. E. Meyer. Devon. R.; 16171 Pte. F. Willcox.
Devon. R.), generally very fine or beter (13)
£100-140
10592 Private George T. Hill, served with the Devonshire
Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from
25.7.1915.
207
Territorial Force War Medal (802 Gnr. P. Moysey.
R.A.), nearly very fine
£80-120
208
Territorial Force War Medal (2254 Pte H.S.
Symons. Devon. R.), extremely fine
£120-160
x209
Naval General Service 1915-62, two clasps, Near East,
Arabian Peninsula, 2nd clasp loose on riband
(C./J.928220 J.B. Day. Ord. R.N.), very fine
£70-90
x210
General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp (2),
Palestine (3958756 Pte. T. Ashford. Welch. R.);
Palestine 1945-48 (2385758 Sigmn. R.S. Harkins.
R. Sigs.), toned, light pitting to first, otherwise nearly
extremely fine, the second extremely fine, latter in named
card box of issue (2)
£100-140
213
211
General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp (3),
Palestine (61984 Dvr. G. Passmore, R.A.S.C.);
Palestine 1945-48 (2) (14105168 Pte. J. Gull.
Cheshire.; 5120217 Pte H Mulliner ACC), number
enhanced on second, extremely fine (3)
£100-140
212
General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp, Palestine
(576 B. Cons. R.W.C. Andrews. Pal. Police), nearly
extremely fine
General Service 1962-2007, one clasp (3), Borneo
(2004 Bs. Tama Uding. Sarawak Police); South
Arabia (23833952 Cpl. L. Hart. RMP.); Northern
Ireland (24093639 Pte. V.F.J. Anderson 1
Queens), generally very fine or better (4)
£140-180
x213
General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Canal
Zone (22431235 Spr M P Smith RE), extremely
fine, with named card box of issue
£100-140
214
General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Cyprus
(S/19167761 Sgt. C. Campbell. R.A.S.C.), very
fine
Ireland (24324539 Pte. R.D. Cook R.A.O.C.),
nearly extremely fine (2)
£60-80
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219
220
215
General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp (2),
Cyprus (3517963 S.A.C. C.G. Jones. R.A.F.); Near
East (23284916 Pte. D.N. Baker. R.P.C.), edge
bruising to first, extremely fine
Ireland (24502324 Gnr K J Knapp RA), nearly
extremely fine (3)
£80-120
218
Korea 1950-53, 1st ‘Britt: Omn:’ type (1157523
Gnr. J. Armes. R.A.), edge bruise, good very fine
£80-120
x216
General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Brunei
(1330854 Cpl. S.B. Wood. R.A.F.), minor contact
marks, very fine
£100-140
The Flagship of the Royal Navy Task Force, H.M.S. Hermes,
in company with H.M.S. Invincible, shared in the provision
of almost all the air power of the campaign, her operational
capacity amounting to 15 Sea Harriers and six Harrier GR3’s,
in addition to assorted helicopter types.
217
India General Service 1936-39, one clasp, North West
Frontier 1936-37 (9532 Sep. Fateh Mohd., 3-7
Rajput R.), good very fine
Second World War Medals (12), 1939-1945 Star (2);
Atlantic Star, with France and Germany Bar; Africa
Star (2); Pacific Star; Burma Star (2); Italy Star; France
and Germany Star; War Medal; India Service Medal,
generally very fine or better (13)
£80-120
x220
Iraq 2003-11, one clasp, 19 Mar to 28 Apr 2003
(25113748 Cfn G J Shaw REME), extremely fine,
with named card box of issue and rosette for riband
bar
£100-140
x219
South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (RO2(G) R.
Marshall D182704L HMS Hermes), extremely fine,
with named card box of issue
£400-500
105
LIFE SAVING AWARDS
221
Mr. T. Stokes
221
A Rare Posthumous Edward Medal (Mines) in
Silver to T. Stokes, For His Heroic Attempt to
Save the Lives of Five Miners Trapped by Fire at
Cannock Chase Colliery, 14.12.1911
Edward Medal (Mines), G.V.R., 1st ‘coinage head’
type, Silver (Thomas Stokes), edge bruise, otherwise
extremely fine, in fitted case of issue, with Home Office
letter to the recipient’s widow, dated 20.4.1912, and
signed ‘Frank Elliot’; and a photographic image of the
recipient
£2,000-2,400
Mr. Thomas Stokes, E.M., born 1870, employed as a
Stallman at Old Hednesford Pit, Cannock Chase Colliery;
buried in Cannock Cemetery. For his gallantry his name was
entered in the Carnegie Hero Registers, and the Carnegie
Fund granted his wife, Sarah Stokes, an Annuity of £25.
Only four posthumous Edward Medals in Silver have ever
been awarded, two during the reign of Edward VII, and two
during the reign of George V.
Note: One other man with the name of Thomas Stokes
received a G.V.R. Edward Medal (Mines) in Silver, but for a
later date.
E.M. London Gazette 19.4.1912 Thomas Stokes, miner (in a
joint citation with Henry Merritt, fireman)
‘An underground fire broke out, on the 14th December,
1911, in the intake airway of the No.9 Cannock Chase
Colliery, which rendered necessary the withdrawal of all the
workmen. Most of the men, including Merritt and Stokes,
reached the shaft safely, but it was found that five were still in
the pit. Merritt went with Stokes to their rescue, and
penetrated 800 yards along the return airway, in spite of the
smoke, which was rapidly increasing in density, and found the
men. One of them got out by holding on to Merritt, but the
other four were suffocated, and Stokes also lost his life.
Merritt did not at first discover that the other men had not
followed him, and when he became aware of this he made
two further attempts to reach them, but was finally driven
back by the smoke, and reached the surface in an exhausted
condition.’
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222
222
The Highly Emotive Edward Medal (Mines) in
Bronze to Workman, Later Deputy, H. McKenzie,
Who Helped With the Attempted Rescue of
Miners Trapped by a Terrible Fire in the
Wellington Pit, Whitehaven, 11.5.1910; Of the
Original Shift of 143 Miners Only 7 Survived;
McKenzie was Subsequently Killed Alongside 13
Other Miners in the Haig Pit Disaster,
Whitehaven, 11.2.1928 - Their Bodies Have Never
Been Recovered
Edward Medal (Mines), E.VII.R., Bronze (Hugh
McKenzie.), nearly extremely fine
£1,400-1,800
For this action John Henry Thorne and James Littlewood
were awarded Edward Medals (Mines) in Silver (the award to
Thorne being a Second Award bar); and 64 men, including
McKenzie, were awarded Edward Medals (Mines) in Bronze,
the greatest number of Edward Medals ever to be given for
one incident. H.M. King George V presented all the medals
at Buckingham Palace in two separate ceremonies, firstly in
August 1910, and secondly, in the ceremony which included
the award to Hugh McKenzie, in February 1911.
The Wellington Pit Disaster
‘The first indication something was wrong reached the shaft
top about eight o’clock on the evening of Wednesday, 11th
May, 1910. An exploration party was dispatched down the
shaft and news quickly spread around the town. A large party
of police was almost immediately on the spot but there was
no issue of keeping order - the huge crowds, which soon
grew to thousands, stood quietly on the clear, starlit night. A
terrible explosion involving a large loss of life was feared.
An entire shift of men, numbering 143, had entered the mine
the previous evening. Only seven had managed to escape
immediately after the explosion, leaving 136 men still
unaccounted for.
Right through the night and all the next day, rescue parties
were at work trying to reach the workings where the missing
men were entombed, but it was extremely difficult, the
atmosphere dense. Some of the timbering in the mine was on
fire while the only means of ventilating the portion of the pit
where the men were trapped was entirely cut off. At the
pithead there were heart-rending scenes. Women, with
children, in pain and anxiety waited for news of their loved
ones. Many of them stayed at the pithead all night and the
whole of the following day refusing to leave for rest or
refreshment and a number collapsed, worn out by their vigil.
As the day wore on and successive rescue parties reported the
stupendous difficulties underground, hopes of saving the
imprisoned men diminished and the distress of the crowd
grew more acute. The demonstration of grief was extreme.
Weeping women and children would not leave as it became
E.M. London Gazette 11.2.1911 Hugh McKenzie, Workman
‘On account of conspicuous bravery in connection with the
attempt made to rescue their fellow workmen at the
Wellington Pit, Whitehaven, on the 11th of May, 1910.’
The original citation, London Gazette 22.7.1910, states: ‘On
the 11th May, 1910, a terrible fire occurred in the Wellington
Pit, Whitehaven, at a point about 4,500 yards from the shafts.
Various rescue parties, with great courage and self-devotion
and at considerable risk, descended the mine and
endeavoured to extinguish the fire and penetrate to the
persons in the workings beyond the same. Thorne and
Littlewood, fitted with breathing apparatus, reached within a
distance of 150 yards of the fire, but were driven back by the
great heat and effusion of gases. The others got to within
about 300 yards of the fire, working in the smoke backing
from the fire. It was found impossible to penetrate to the
scene of the fire or to rescue any of the entombed miners.
Had an explosion occurred - a by no means unlikely
eventuality, seeing that the mine is a very gassy one - they
would undoubtedly all have been killed. Special gallantry was
shown by John Henry Thorne, to whom the Edward Medal
of the First Class has already been awarded, and by James
Littlewood.’
107
extremely doubtful any further lives would be saved. The
mine was on fire, many fire extinguishers and other fire
appliances had been sent to the scene. In Whitehaven itself
business was at a standstill. The fishermen and dock labourers
all volunteered any assistance they could render. And a large
number of doctors and nurses had mustered waiting to give
aid. The police were engaged keeping the crowd from
surging on to the pit shaft.
Mr. J.B. Atkinson, H.M. Chief Inspector of Mines for the
Northern District, arrived at four o’clock in the afternoon,
accompanied by Mr. H.A. Abbott, Inspector of Mines for the
North-Eastern District, and they were briefed on the
situation. They both then descended the shaft to inspect the
progress that had been made. The fire by now had taken hold
at the friction gear. With the risk to the rescue teams and the
possibility of a further explosion, Mr. Atkinson ordered the
mine be cleared of all men. He stated it would be impossible
for anyone to be alive on the other side of the fire and
ordered every man to proceed to the surface. Some of the
rescue party, concerned for trapped men, needed to be
forcibly dragged away.
A conference was held at the pit top at nine o’clock that
Thursday evening between the Inspectors and Colliery
Officials. It was decided to wait until special rescue teams
arrived from Armstrong Whitworth and Co. at Elswick, and
The Sheffield Mining Company. The teams arrived around
eleven o’clock that evening and proceeded to enter the shaft
with their special breathing apparatus. The Sheffield men,
John Thorne and James Littlewood, were well known in
mining circles as the two most experienced men available.
The party descended the shaft at 11:25pm, accompanied by
the Inspectors, Colliery officials, and a party of the best
miners that they could find. On reaching the bottom, they
walked for just under three miles before stopping to set their
equipment. Thorne and Littlewood then set off on their own
in an attempt to pass the fire and get into the workings
beyond, to check the air there. After battling ahead for 170
yards the smoke was so thick that they could not see their
torches. Thorne, who led, with Littlewood a few steps
behind, tripped over some fallen telegraph wires which were
so hot they badly burned his legs. On reaching the brattice
cloth, he put his hand around the side and described it “like
putting your hand inside an oven”. They could hear the
crackling of the fire but could see nothing for the smoke. The
heat was so intense that the soldered name plates on the
helmets were melted and caused a blister on each of the
men’s faces. Reluctantly, they decided to turn back after
twenty minutes, no longer able to stand the heat and fearing
for another explosion. On arrival back at the shaft top, it was
realised that nothing further could be done for the trapped
men. Mr. Atkinson made the decision to build a two foot
thick stopping in the main passageway in an attempt to starve
the oxygen of fire. This was achieved by Friday morning.
On Friday morning a large congregation of around 3,000
miners assembled in the Market Place demanding to be
allowed to continue the search for their trapped comrades. A
telegram had already been sent, by the miners, to the Home
Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, asking for such
permission.
On Sunday morning, a party of seven entered the mine
hoping to reach the seat of the fire by the return airway.
About one and a half miles in, the doors separating the intake
from the outtake were opened and four men entered with
breathing apparatus. Mr. Steel, the Mine Manager; Mr. Blair,
the Assistant Manager; Mr. Henry, the Under Manager; and
John Thorne had travelled about 190 yards when their canary
fell from its perch. Further on, their safety lamps went out.
Undaunted, they continued over many falls until the heat was
85 degrees Fahrenheit and they could no longer see their
electric lamps for the smoke. They had reached a point 500
yards beyond the stopping in the intake and within 400 yards
of the fire. They reluctantly came to the decision that no one
could make it past the fire and all beyond must be long since
dead. It was decided to build another stopping in the return
and a further stopping in the intake as the only possible
course to put the fire out.’ (Whitehaven News, 12-17.5.1910
refers).
The first of the bodies were recovered from the pit on the
27th September, and a mass funeral took place with an
estimated 10,000 people attending. Many families had lost
more than one family member, with the McAllister family
losing seven members to the fire.
Mr. Hugh McKenzie, E.M., born Whitehaven, 1879;
awarded the Edward Medal for gallantry at the Wellington
Pit Disaster; killed in an explosion at Haig Pit, Whitehaven,
11.2.1928 along with 13 others, their bodies to this day
having never been recovered.
The Haig Pit Disaster
‘On the 13th December, 1927, an explosion occurred at the
Haig Pit, Whitehaven, causing the deaths of 2 workmen and
2 deputies. As a result of a fire caused by that explosion 2
inbye districts had to be sealed off. The whole pit remained
idle for nearly two months, and as all indications pointed to
the fire having been extinguished it was decided to attempt to
recover the sealed area. On the 11th February, 1928, rescue
men were sent forward to the place where a fire was known
to have broken out in December. The rescue team returned
and reported the fire out and the place cool, and brought
back pieces of coke and charred timber. Further progress was
made up to a little after midnight, when a series of explosions
took place, one of which was extremely violent, blowing out
for about 100 yards the brick and cement stopping walls on
the main intake. The rescue team and other persons stationed
on the outbye side of the district managed to escape, but the
14 explorers actually in the district at the time perished. A
gallant attempt was shortly afterwards made by a rescue party
to penetrate the district, but owing to the main intake being
completely blocked by falls, and the great risk of further
explosion, it had to be abandoned and the area sealed off
again. At the time of writing the seals have not been broken.’
(1928 Mines Inspectors Annual Report refers).
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223
223
Edward Medal (Mines), G.V.R., 1st ‘coinage head’
type, Bronze (Harold West), extremely fine
£800-1,200
E.M. London Gazette 24.3.1922 Harold West (in a joint
citation with Samuel Peters, Joseph Harrison, and Thomas
Oalladine [all awarded the Edward Medal (Mines) in
Bronze])
‘On September 22nd, 1920, a heavy fall of earth occurred in
a seam of the Holmewood Colliery, near Chesterfield,
imprisoning two men who were working in the seam. It was
ascertained that the men were uninjured, but, as it was
obvious that the work of reaching them would occupy some
days the first necessity was to supply them with food. Peters,
the undermanager, with great ingenuity, passed food through
a cycle tyre enclosed in iron piping. Further falls occurred
during the forty-eight hours following the original fall, but it
then became possible to pass some timber through, although
gas appeared in the cavity and began to give trouble. A small
hole was made through to the imprisoned men, and they
were eventually freed after being four days in the seam.
Peters, West, Harrison and Calladine all distinguished
themselves greatly in the work of rescue, and were engaged
for practically the whole time in a dangerous: position at the
face of the fall. They were exposed to the risk of injury from
falling stones and displayed a dogged courage and
endurance.’
Mr. Harold West, E.M., was employed as as Stallman, at the
Holmwood Colliery, Chesterfield.
PROVENANCE:
Fevyer Collection, November 1998
109
224
224
A Good Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal in Silver to Mr. A.H.
Stokes, H.M. Inspector of Mines, for Gallantry in Rescuing a Miner Who Had
Been Imprisoned for Five Days and Nights, Without Food, in the Black Engine
Mine, Eyam, July 1879; He Was Subsequently Awarded an Albert Medal in Gold
For the Baddesley Colliery Disaster, 22.5.1882, Becoming the Only Living Person
to Hold the Two Highest Awards For Saving Life
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal, 1st type, silver (Arthur H. Stokes.
1879), extremely fine, with original riband, in Wyon, London, fitted case of issue,
together with a photographic image of the recipient
£1,800-2,200
A.M. London Gazette 12.1.1883 Mr. Arthur Henry Stokes, Inspector of Mines (in a joint citation
with Mr. Reuben Smallman, Mining Engineer; Charles Day, Collier; and Charles Chetwynd,
Collier [all awarded the Albert Medal for Land First Class], and Mr. Samuel Spruce, Mining
Engineer; Mr. Frederick Samuel Marsh, Certified Colliery Manager; Mr. Thomas Harry Mottram,
Certified Colliery Manager; William Morris, Collier; William Pickering, Collier; and Joseph
Chetwynd, Collier [all awarded the Albert Medal for Land Second Class])
‘For conspicuous gallantry displayed on the occasion of the Fire and Explosion at the Baddesley
Colliery in May last.’
‘On 22nd May, 1882, a fire occurred in the underground workings at the Baddesley Colliery,
Warwickshire, and Mr. Stokes was summoned by telegram in the night to render help. He arrived
at the Colliery to find that only an hour of two before there had been an explosion and many men
burnt. It was subsequently found that out of a rescue party of about 32 men, 23 were either killed
or died shortly after. Mr. Stokes, with five others, descended the mine and succeeded in rescuing
the owner and two others who were so badly burnt that they died shortly afterwards.’
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal: ‘Arthur Stokes, Assistant Inspector of Mines,
Greenhill, Derby (in a joint citation with Charles Matlby, Manager, Eyam Mining Company; John
Hancock, Mine Manager for Lord Houghton, Troeswell by Sheffield; Thomas Davis, Skilled
Miner, Bulls Heads, Foolow, Eyam; and John Davis, Skilled Miner, Shepherds Park, Eyam [all
awarded the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal in Bronze])
‘For Rescuing one Dennis Bagshawe who had been imprisoned for five days and nights, without
food, in the Black Engine Mine, Eyam, via Sheffield, on 8th July 1879, by a sudden fall of shale.
The rescuers being in great danger themselves of being either buried also or killed from choke
damp.’
Extract from the Chapter General Report, 1880: ‘These four men [Messrs Maltby, Hancock, T.
Davis, and J. Davis] had been most conspicuous in their bravery in rescuing one of their comrades,
Dennis Bagshawe, who had been for five days and nights imprisoned in the Black Engine Lead
Mine, near Follow, on July 22nd 1879. A Medal was also awarded to Mr. Arthur H. Stokes,
Assistant Inspector of Mines, who also exposed his life to the same danger, and through whose
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Mr. A.H. Stokes
ability and presence of mind the work of the rescue was greatly accelerated. The accident occurred
on the 22nd of July last at the Black Engine Mine, which is 140 yards deep, with two drifts
extending from the bottom of the shaft, 120 yards and 70 or 80 yards respectively. Dennis
Bagshawe was working in the lowest and most distant part of the mine, when a portion of the roof
fell, and his escape rendered almost hopeless. The ill tidings no sooner reached the bank that
volunteers rushed eagerly to the rescue from all quarters, and worked in relays for many hours
under the most dangerous conditions. The attention of Mr. Bagshaw, the part owner of the mine,
was not called to the accident until the day after it had taken place But on hearing of the accident
he at once telegraphed Mr. A.H. Stokes, the Government Inspector of Mines for that district, and
proceeding immediately to the scene of the disaster, at once perceived that the system hitherto
adopted was faulty, and could not be successfully carried out. Heroic exertions had failed for want
of proper organisation. At three o’clock on Friday Mr. Stokes entered the mine and devised a
system of ventilation which cleared the mine of choke damp, enabling the men to recommence
their labours.
On Friday the engine broke down, but the damage having been repaired the work went on
unremittingly, under the personal supervision of Mr. Stokes, until eleven o’clock on Sunday
forenoon when the rescue was affected. Dennis Bagshawe, the imprisoned miner, had been for five
days and nights without food or light, overcome with the choke damp, and struggling between life
and death. For five hours the signals between the imprisoned man and the rescuers had not been
audible, when early on Sunday a fresh rap was heard. The rescuers increased their exertions, the
barrier suddenly gave way, and they were close upon their comrade. A hole being opened, Mr.
Stokes passed some milk to the imprisoned man, and at length Dennis Bagshawe was got out alive.
The bravery of the men who accomplished this gallant deed should not be forgotten. Their
conduct was a lesson of self-devotion and courage prompted by a sense of duty, and without any
expectation of reward. No occurrence that had happened for many years in Derbyshire could equal
in moral effect the noble conduct of these brave miners.’
Mr. Arthur Henry Stokes, A.M., born Wednesbury, Staffordshire, March 1844; served as a
bound apprentice to a firm of Mining Engineers in Staffordshire, 1858-63; appointed H.M.
Inspector of Mines, and Assistant-Inspector in the Midland District, 1874; promoted Inspector in
Charge of the Midland District, 1887; retired, May 1909; died, Derby, October 1910.
Stokes was presented with his Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal at the Cutlers Hall,
Sheffield, 21.1.1880. Following the award of the Albert Medal First Class to Mr. Stokes for his
gallantry at the Baddesley Colliery Disaster it was stated that no other living person held the same
two highest awards for saving life, namely the Albert Medal in gold, and the Order of St. John of
Jerusalem Life Saving Medal in silver.
Only 34 silver and 18 bronze 1st type Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medals awarded
1874-88.
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A Fine ‘Edward Medal Action’ Order of St. John Life Saving Pair to J. Blenkiron,
Denaby Main Corps, St. John Ambulance Brigade, For Gallantry During the
Denaby Colliery Disaster, 9.7.1912
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal, 2nd type, silver (Joseph Blenkiron
Presented by H.M. The King 16.12.1913), in fitted case of issue; Service Medal of the
Order of St. John, silver, with Second Award Bar (1950 Pte. J. Blenkiron (Denaby) Div.
D.M. Cps No.5. Dist. 1919.), in Lamb, London, fitted case of issue, edge bruise to latter,
otherwise good very fine, with the recipient’s St. John Ambulance Brigade Denaby Main
Corps badge, silver (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1910) and enamel, the reverse engraved
‘1911 Denaby Div. J. Blenkiron.’, in card box of issue (3)
£1,400-1,800
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal: ‘A terrible disaster occurred on 9th July 1912,
through an explosion in the south west portion of the Cadeby Main Pit, Denaby Colliery, and of 32
men at work there, all but two were killed. Later in the day, while a rescue party was exploring the
workings, a series of further explosions took place, as a result of which the initial death toll was more
than doubled. Many of the rescuers were subsequently gazetted for the King Edward Medal but as
a number of deserving cases were not so recognised, at the instance of His Grace the Archbishop of
York, Prelate of the Order, a small local committee instituted an enquiry, the result of which is the
application of the bestowal of the Life Saving awards of the Order on the above mentioned men.
Numbers 6-17 inclusive were concerned with the rescue work on the actual day of the disaster, while
numbers 1-5 [Blenkiron was no.5] were included by the Committee because they felt that the work
done subsequently during the recovery of the bodies of the victims was of great danger. No.10, The
Rev. F.S. Hawkes, Vicar of Denaby Main, although warned of the danger of further explosions
(which actually occurred at a later hour) descended the pit after the first explosion, administered
spiritual consolation to many of the injured, and greatly assisted the two medical men in their efforts
to relieve the sufferings of the victims. Nos. 8 and 9, Dr. James Forster and Dr. Dhun Feroze, in
similar circumstances rendered medical aid to the victims. The rescue work was conducted in
circumstances of great danger and difficulty owing to the poisonous atmosphere, the high
temperature, the risk of fire, further explosions and falls of roof, while some of the victims being
stupefied by the effects of the poisonous gases greatly impeded the work of the rescue parties by
becoming almost unmanageable and struggling with their rescuers. The eventual death toll for the
disaster totalled 88.’
Mr. Joseph Blenkiron was not employed by the Colliery, but volunteered for the rescue operations
by virtue of being a member of the local St. John Ambulance Brigade. He was presented with his
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal by H.M. The King, 16.12.1913, the first time in
the history of the Order that the medal had been bestowed by the reigning monarch.
2 Silver and 3 Bronze Edward Medals (Mines); and 17 Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving
Medals were awarded for the Denaby Colliery Disaster.
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An Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Royal Humane Society Group of Three to J. Williams, For
His Gallantry During the Terrible Hulton Colliery Disaster, 21.12.1910, in Which 344 Miners Lost
Their Lives, The Third Worst Mining Disaster Ever to Have Occurred in Great Britain
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal, 2nd type, bronze (Presented to John Williams July
1911.); Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal, successful (John Williams. 21st. Dec. 1910.), lacking
integral top bronze riband buckle, in Elkington, London, fitted case of issue; Bolton and District Humane
Society Medal, bronze, reverse embossed ‘Hulton Colliery Disaster December 21st 1910’, scratch to obverse
field of last, otherwise nearly extremely fine or better (3)
£1,400-1,800
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal: ‘On 21st December 1910, a terrible disaster occurred at the Hulton
Collieries, near Bolton, Lancashire, resulting from an explosion caused by the combination of gas and coal dust. A large
number of miners were killed by the force of the explosion, and very great risk was caused to the lives of the members of
the rescuing parties by the dangerous afterdamp, the rescuers having repeatedly to retrace their steps through the
poisonous fumes. They entered the cages immediately after the explosion and descended the shaft under unknown
conditions. Besides a number of miners killed by the force of the explosion, about 300 died from the effects of afterdamp,
but through the exertions of the rescue parties nearly 500 lives were saved. In the case of these colliery disasters such
unselfish devotion is invariably shown by colliers and miners who go to the aid of their distressed comrades that the
selection of names is always very difficult, but after careful investigation the above mentioned have been recommended
for the awards in question, in recognition not only of their own gallant services, but as typical of the heroism shown by
all concerned.’
Royal Humane Society case no. 37,996: ‘At 7:50am on the 21st December 1910, at the Pretoria Pit, over Hulton, near
Bolton, a disastrous explosion took place in the mine which is some 435 yards deep. After damp succeeded the explosion
rendering it very dangerous to enter the pit, there being also the danger of further explosion by ignition of the liberated
gas. Mr. Alfred Tonge, the Manager, aged 42, and 17 other men [including John Williams, aged 38] acquainted with
the mine descended in the hope of being able to save some of those who were below. From the moment they reached
the pit bottom they were in an atmosphere of noxious gases liable to ignite at any moment, rendering the work not only
difficult, but exceedingly dangerous. For several hours they continued their exertions, no effort being spared by any of
the men in their self-imposed task of saving or attempting to save their less fortunate fellow workmen. By their exertions
4 lives were saved, 344 others being lost, and a further 500 saved. Doctors William H. Leigh, aged 34, and John C.
Russell, aged 32, went down and attended to 3 men who had been overcome by the gas. Abraham Stott and William
Turton went down to extinguish fire and both were overcome, Stott trying to save Turton before being overcome.
Turton did not recover. Five firemen subsequently went down to extinguish the fire.’
Mr. John Williams was born in 1872, and at the time of the Hulton Colliery Disaster was employed as under-manager
of the Pretoria pit. For his gallantry he also received the Bolton and District Humane Society Medal. He was presented
with his Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medal by Field Marshal H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, K.G., Grand
Prior of the Order of St. John, 5.7.1911.
10 Edward Medals (Mines) in Bronze; 1 silver and 20 bronze Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medals; 1 silver
and 25 bronze Royal Humane Society Medals; and 160 Bolton and District Humane Society Medals were awarded for
the Hulton Colliery Disaster, 21.12.1910. In all 344 miners lost their lives, in what was the second worst mining disaster
ever to occur in England, and the third worst in Great Britain. Mrs. Miriam Tyldesley lost her husband, four sons, and
two brothers in the disaster.
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Mr. J. Brass
227
Royal Humane Society, small silver medal, successful
(John Brass. Nov: 20. 1903), with integral top silver
riband buckle, edge bruise, otherwise very fine, in fitted
case of issue, together with a photographic image of
the recipient
£400-500
Royal Humane Society case no. 33,080: ‘On 16 November
1903, at 11:38am, at Sacriston Colliery, Durham, there was
a sudden inrush of water into the Colliery, flooding the mine
up to the roof for a great distance. Three miners, R.
Richardson, J.W. Whittaker and T. McCormick, became
trapped underground. From the 16th to the 20th, six miners,
including John Brass, kept at their work in their efforts at
rescue despite the risk from drowning, fire, damp, foul gas, or
falls of stone from the roof. Eventually they were able to save
Richardson, after a lapse of 92 hours, but the other two men
were drowned. All six miners were awarded the Silver Medal
of the Royal Humane Society.
These men were also awarded the Sacriston Inundation Gold
Medal, a one-off award for this disaster, there being 54
recipients in total of this award. All the awards were made at
the Co-operative Hall, Sacriston, Co. Durham, April 1904.
Mr. John Brass, born Wingate, Durham, 1879; at the time
of his gallantry at Sacriston Colliery was serving as Colliery
Manager, Primrose Main Colliery; subsequently served as the
Manager of Houghton Main Colliery.
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A Good Royal Humane Society Medal to W.D. Woolley, For His
Actions in Leading a Rescue Party Following a Gas Explosion at the
Markham Colliery, 18.5.1912 - For Their Gallantry He and His Rescue
Party All Received Edward Medals (Mines) in Bronze
Royal Humane Society, small silver medal, successful (William D. Woolley.
18th. May 1912), with integral top silver riband buckle, edge bruise, otherwise
nearly extremely fine, in Elkington, London, fitted case of issue
£700-900
E.M. London Gazette 24.9.1912 William Downing Woolley, Collier (in a joint citation
with Arthur Thomas Winborn, James Joseph Leach, and Llewellyn Howells [all
awarded the Edward Medal (Mines) in Bronze])
‘On the 18th of May last an explosion of firedamp occurred at one of the pits which
was in process of sinking at the Markham Colliery, Tredegar, and resulted in the death
of five men. At the time of the explosion two men were down the shaft, which was then
full of afterdamp. A rescue party was organised, consisting of the men abovementioned, who descended the shaft, and after an hour’s work reached the pump
lodge room at a depth of 350 yards from the surface, where they found a man named
Snashall, who was badly burned. After some difficulty they managed to get Snashall
into the bucket, in which he was safely raised to the surface. All the rescuers were
equipped with breathing apparatus, but Mr. Woolley had not previously worn it.’
Royal Humane Society case no. 39195: ‘At 1:40pm on the 18th May, 1912, an
explosion occurred at the Markham Colliery, Hollybush, Monmouthshire, caused by
an ignition of gas at a depth of about 350 yards. Four men standing at the top of the
pit were blown considerable distances and killed, the shaft being much damaged, the
air-pipes being wrenched from their fastenings and hanging in very dangerous
positions. Only one man was down the shaft at the time, a sinker named Snashall, and
in order to save him a rescue party, consisting of W.D. Woolley, A.T. Winborn, J.J.
Leach, and L. Howells was formed, and these men descended the shaft, each man
wearing the Draeger breathing apparatus, and succeeded in bringing Snashall to the
surface alive. Considerable risk was incurred, not only from the after-damp with which
the shaft filled, but from the dangerous position of the debris and loose hanging
material through which they had to pass.’
PROVENANCE:
Tom May Collection, 2012
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229
Royal Humane Society, small silver medal, successful (Martin
Rowley. 1st. July 1916.), lacking integral top silver riband buckle,
suspension repaired and non-swivelling, edge bruising and scratch to
obverse field, therefore nearly very fine, in Elkington, London, fitted
case of issue
£400-500
Royal Humane Society case no. 42,628: ‘At 1:00am on the 1st July 1916,
four men named Gallagher, Lynch, McLoughlan, and Ashurst were at
work repairing the roof in the four-foot seam at the Long-Lane Colliery,
Ashton-in-Makerfield, when a fall took place, burying all four men. A
rescue party, consisting of Martin Rowley, Patrick Regan, Thomas Eden,
and Thomas Kelly, at once went to their assistance, it being found that the
fall, which was estimated at about 14 tons of stone and earth, had
completely buried McLoughlan and partly buried Lynch, with iron girders
on top of both. Ashurst and Gallagher were easily liberated, but it was only
after one and a quarter hours’ arduous work that Lynch was reached and
got out, and a quarter of an hour later when McLoughlan was also freed,
but he was then dead. Owing to the confined space in which the rescuers
had to work it was necessary for one man to lead, this post being taken by
Rowley. There was a constant fear of another fall, which might have taken
place at any moment, so that great risk was incurred.’
Mr. Martin Rowley was born in 1885 and was employed at the time of
his gallantry as a contractor at Poplar Bank, Ashton. He was killed,
5.7.1941, at the same Long-Lane Colliery, following a fall of stone from
the roof whilst setting up a prop, and is buried at All Saints R.C. Church,
Golborne.
One Royal Humane Society Silver Medal (to Rowley), and three Royal
Humane Society Bronze Medals were awarded for this action.
PROVENANCE:
Sotheby, November 1985
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A Good Royal Humane Society Medal to R. Walmsley, Under Manager, Littleton Collieries, For
Gallantry in Directing an Eleven-Hour Mine Rescue; He Later Lost His Own Life Whilst Involved in
an ‘Edward Medal Action’ Rescue at the Same Colliery
Royal Humane Society, small silver medal, successful (Richard Walmsley 18th. Nov. 1922), silver (Hallmarks
for Birmingham 1922), with integral top silver riband buckle, lacking buckle pin, suspension loose, extremely fine
£500-600
Royal Humane Society case no 46,688: ‘At 11:00am on the 18th November 1922, a fall of roof took place in the No.2
Pit, Littleton Collieries, Huntington, Stafford, the fall extending for over a length of 20 yards, bringing down many tons
of rock and debris, pinning down a miner named Ronald Leckie under the mass. A rescue party was at once organised,
directed by Richard Walmsley, Under Manager, but their work was rendered exceedingly difficult and dangerous by the
continually falling roof and sides. It was found that Leckie, who was still alive, could be reached by crawling under the
broken timbers, but it was impossible to reach him until a rad had been dug down from the top of the fall. While this was
being done, Walmsley several times crawled in to where the man was, and gave him refreshment, and did his best to keep
the debris from smothering him. Some thirty five to forty men were actually engaged in the work of rescue, under the
direction and constant leadership of Walmsley, and eventually after eleven hours’ heroic work the man was brought out
alive.’
Mr. Richard Walmsley, born Brownhills, Staffordshire, 1876; appointed Under Manager, Littleton Collieries,
Huntington, Staffordshire, 1909; killed in a mining accident at the same colliery whilst attempting another rescue,
14.5.1937, and is buried at Cannock Cemetery.
For their gallantry in the rescue attempt in which Walmsley lost his life, brothers Noel and Samuel Booker were both
awarded the Edward Medal (Mines) in Bronze.
E.M. London Gazette 4.2.1938 David Noel Booker and Samuel Booker
‘On the afternoon of the 14th May, 1937, three men were at work dismantling the plant at a conveyor face in a gate, at a
distance of some 70-80 yards from the main level, in the Littleton Colliery, South Staffordshire. Firedamp appeared to be
spreading in the gate, since, at about 8:00pm, a fireman set off from the level to see what the men were doing up the gate
and found that his lamp was extinguished at about 20 yards from the level. Between this time and about midnight, when
full rescue apparatus became available and the bodies were recovered, efforts at rescue were made by a succession of men,
some of whom themselves collapsed and thereby added to the task of later rescuers: of these one, Mr. Walmsley, the UnderManager, himself lost his life, thus bringing the death roll to four. In these operations the brothers Booker were
outstanding. Each of them forced his way up the gate on four or five separate occasions, and they were jointly or severally
responsible for extricating four earlier rescuers who had succumbed to the gas; all of these survived except Mr. Walmsley,
the Under-Manager. On all of these occasions the brothers Booker, who seem to have been men of high resisting powers,
displayed great courage, which is to be rated even more highly as it was reinforced by an almost equal measure of coolness
and forethought.’
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The Jubilee 1977 Medal Awarded to S.T. Booker,
G.C., Who Had Been Awarded the Edward Medal
(Mines) in Bronze for Gallantry During Rescue
Operations at Littleton Colliery, 14.5.1937
Jubilee 1977, unnamed as issued, tarnish mark to
obverse, extremely fine, with Buckingham Palace
Certificate, named to ‘Samuel T. Booker, G.C.’, in
Central Chancery envelope
£200-240
E.M. London Gazette 4.2.1938 Samuel Booker (in a joint
citation with David Noel Booker)
‘On the afternoon of the 14th May, 1937, three men were at
work dismantling the plant at a conveyor face in a gate, at a
distance of some 70-80 yards from the main level, in the
Littleton Colliery, South Staffordshire. Firedamp appeared to
be spreading in the gate, since, at about 8:00pm, a fireman
set off from the level to see what the men were doing up the
gate and found that his lamp was extinguished at about 20
yards from the level. Between this time and about midnight,
when full rescue apparatus became available and the bodies
were recovered, efforts at rescue were made by a succession of
men, some of whom themselves collapsed and thereby added
to the task of later rescuers: of these one, Mr. Walmsley, the
Under-Manager, himself lost his life, thus bringing the death
roll to four. In these operations the brothers Booker were
outstanding. Each of them forced his way up the gate on four
or five separate occasions, and they were jointly or severally
responsible for extricating four earlier rescuers who had
succumbed to the gas; all of these survived except Mr.
Walmsley, the Under-Manager. On all of these occasions the
brothers Booker, who seem to have been men of high
resisting powers, displayed great courage, which is to be rated
even more highly as it was reinforced by an almost equal
measure of coolness and forethought.’
Mr. Samuel Thomas Booker, G.C., born Bloxwich,
Walsall, Stafforshire, 1.4.1902; educated at Bloxwich Church
of England School; awarded the Edward Medal (Mines) in
Bronze for gallantry at the Littleton Colliery, Staffordshire,
14.5.1937; awarded the Medal by H.M. King George VI at
Buckingham Palace, 17.2.1938; exchanged his Edward
Medal (Mines) for a George Cross, and presented with the
G.C. by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace,
20.3.1973; died, Walsall, Staffordshire, December 1979.
His George Cross is currently on display in the National Coal
Mining Museum for England.
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Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal, successful
(Wm. Rushton, 13th. September, 1890.), with
integral top bronze riband buckle, virtually Mint state
£120-160
Royal Humane Society case no. 25,139: ‘At 4:30pm on the
13th September 1890, at a disused pit, near Clifton,
Manchester, a boy, Ernest Rankin, aged 7, was bathing at the
side when some of his companions urged him to go further
out which he did, and got into water 10 feet deep. Mr.
William Rushton, aged 31, a coal miner from Clifton, jumped
in with all his clothes on and rescued the boy, who was at this
state unconscious.’
Mr. William Rushton was presented with his Royal Humane
Society Medal at the Blue Ribbon Hall, Pendlebury, in
November 1890.
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Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal, successful (David Williams, 28th
March, 1895.), with integral top bronze riband buckle, extremely fine
£200-240
Royal Humane Society case no. 27,632: ‘At 10:30am, on the 28th March, 1895, the pit
at Taff Llantwit Colliery, Pontypridd, became flooded through water from an old
working. All the men escaped except two. John Owen, aged 30, and David Williams,
aged 66, at the greatest risk, descended the pit and with difficulty succeeded in rescuing
the two men.’
Incident at the Taff Llantwit Colliery
‘On Thursday week, an accident which might have caused a serious loss of life occurred
at the Taff Llantwit Colliery. It appears that a lad named Joe Thomas was engaged in the
occupation known as “Holing”, when a stream of water, like a rushing torrent, broke
through out of an old mine named Rhydyrhelig. The boy Joe, and another lad called
Willie Chubb, who stood by, were hurled off their feet, and rolled some distance by the
flood. They eventually managed to escape. By this time most of the miners became aware
of their critical situation, and what added to the horrors of the moment was the fact that
most of the lights had gone out. The shaft is not very deep, and as the vein slopes
upwards to the north and south, many working places had been driven right up to the
surface. Through these surface holes the men managed to escape, and assembled on the
pit-bank. Now, however, it was found that two men named David Morgan and Edward
Thomas, who worked alone on the Dyffryn side, were still in the mine, and their case was
considered hopeless. Nevertheless, the overman, David Williams, and a young man
named John Owen, went down through the ladder shaft, and although the current was
so strong that the overman, who is an aged man, failed to proceed far, the gallant young
fellow struggled bravely on to the two men. The journey back was a veritable struggle
with death, and the three were in a very exhausted state when they reached the bank.
Such bravery as was displayed by this intrepid young fellow surely deserves some
recognition. It is not expected that the water will be got out for several weeks.’
Mr. David Williams, born Llantwit Vadre, Glamorgan, 1829; employed as a Mine Filler
at the Llantwit Vadre Iron Works in 1881; subsequently Overman, Taff Llantwit
Colliery.
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234
A Royal Humane Society and ‘Hulton Colliery Disaster’ Group of
Three to Colliery Fireman W. Potter
Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal, successful (William
Potter. May 11. 1899.), with integral top bronze riband buckle;
Bolton and District Humane Society Medal, bronze, reverse embossed
‘Hulton Colliery Disaster December 21st 1910’; Lancashire &
Cheshire Coal Owners Rescue Station Medal, silver, reverse engraved
‘William Potter’, with ‘Hulton 1911’ suspension Bar and integral top
riband bar, good very fine, together with a facsimile of the recipient’s
Royal Humane Society certificate, named to William Potter and dated
15.6.1899, and mounted in a glazed frame (3)
£700-900
Royal Humane Society case no. 29,995: ‘At 5:00pm on the 11th May 1899
Timothy Mulligan, aged 10, was playing with two other boys on the top of an
old colliery brink shaft in Stanley Road, Walkden, which is connected with the
Bridgewater Trustees’ Underground Canal. The cover of the pit gave way and
he fell for 46 feet where he hung on part of the old ladder, there being danger
of choke damp and also from loose brickwork. William Potter was lowered
down by a rope and at great risk rescued the lad, who was seriously injured.’
Mr. William Potter, employed as a Colliery Fireman at Walkden; subsequently
involved in the rescue operations following the explosion at the Pretoria Pit at
Hulton, 21.12.1910, when 344 miners were killed, in what was the second
worst mining disaster ever to occur in England, and the third worst in Great
Britain. Mrs. Miriam Tyldesley lost her husband, four sons, and two brothers in
the disaster.
10 Edward Medals (Mines) in Bronze; 1 silver and 20 bronze Order of St. John
of Jerusalem Life Saving Medals; 1 silver and 25 bronze Royal Humane Society
Medals; and 160 Bolton and District Humane Society Medals were awarded for
the Hulton Colliery Disaster, 21.12.1910.
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(Thomas. P. Dunphy. P.C. 7th May 1908.), with
integral top bronze riband buckle, nearly extremely
fine, in Elkington, London, fitted case of issue
£120-160
Royal Humane Society case no. 35,923: ‘On the 7th May,
1908, a boy fell into the mill-pond at Leigh and was carried
out 20 yards, the depth being 10 feet. Police Constable
Thomas Dunphy, on reaching the place, swam out and
rescued him, and then restored him to consciousness.’
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236
Dr. W.H. Leigh
236
A Good ‘Hulton Colliery Disaster’ Royal Humane
Society Medal to Dr. W.H. Leigh, Medical Officer
of Health, For His Gallantry During the Terrible
Hulton Colliery Disaster, 21.12.1910, in Which
344 Miners Lost Their Lives, The Third Worst
Mining Disaster Ever to Have Occurred in Great
Britain
(William H. Leigh. M.R.C.S. 21st. Dec. 1910.), with
integral top bronze riband buckle, minor edge bruise,
otherwise extremely fine, in Elkington, London, case of
issue, together with a photographic image of the
recipient
£300-400
Royal Humane Society case no. 37,996: ‘At 7:50am on the
21st December 1910, at the Pretoria Pit, over Hulton, near
Bolton, a disastrous explosion took place in the mine which
is some 435 yards deep. After damp succeeded the explosion
rendering it very dangerous to enter the pit, there being also
the danger of further explosion by ignition of the liberated
gas. Mr. Alfred Tonge, the Manager, aged 42, and 17 other
men acquainted with the mine descended in the hope of
being able to save some of those who were below. From the
moment they reached the pit bottom they were in an
atmosphere of noxious gases liable to ignite at any moment,
rendering the work not only difficult, but exceedingly
dangerous. For several hours they continued their exertions,
no effort being spared by any of the men in their self-imposed
task of saving or attempting to save their less fortunate fellow
workmen. By their exertions 4 lives were saved, 344 others
being lost, and a further 500 saved. Doctors William H.
Leigh, aged 34, and John C. Russell, aged 32, went down
and attended to 3 men who had been overcome by the gas.
Abraham Stott and William Turton went down to extinguish
fire and both were overcome, Stott trying to save Turton
before being overcome. Turton did not recover. Five firemen
subsequently went down to extinguish the fire.’
Dr. William Hamer Leigh, was born in 1880; appointed
Medical Officer of Health for Weathoughton and Atherton;
for his gallantry during the Hulton Colliery Disaster he also
received a bronze Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving
Medal, and the Bolton and District Humane Society Medal;
he died October 1949.
10 Edward Medals (Mines) in Bronze; 1 silver and 20 bronze
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medals; 1 silver
and 25 bronze Royal Humane Society Medals; and 160
Bolton and District Humane Society Medals were awarded
for the Hulton Colliery Disaster, 21.12.1910.
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(Griffith Davies, 15th. Nov. 1915.), with integral
top bronze riband buckle, edge bruising, otherwise good
very fine, in Elkington, London, fitted case of issue
£200-240
Royal Humane Society case no. 42,233: ‘On the 15th
November 1915, a fall of roof took place in the Glynea
Colliery, Llanelli, a man named Bowen being pinned down
under some 60 tons of debris. Meredith, Thomas, Davies,
Daniels, and Howells, at great risk, burrowed a hole under
the floor of the workings and, on reaching Bowen, succeeded
in bringing him out to safety.’
Mr. Griffith Davies was presented with his Royal Humane
Society Medal alongside the other four recipients at Llanelli
Town Hall in February 1916 by Mr. Llewelyn Williams, K.C.,
M.P.
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238
Mr. J. Storr
238
Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life From Shipwreck Medal, silver, type 1 1824-62, obverse: head of
King George IV facing left (John Storr. Voted 7 July, 1853.), with eyelet suspension and riband ring, minor edge
bruising, good very fine, together with a photographic image of the recipient
£800-1,200
R.N.L.I. Medal voted 7.7.1853: ‘The Wreck and Reward Sub-Committee on 30th May 1853 recommended a grant of two sovereigns be
voted in aid of the fund being collected for the relief of John Storr who had been made a cripple by being thrown out of his boat while
going to a wreck in September 1851. On advising the authorities of this award, the reply came that “Storr had on several occasions
distinguished himself in saving life from wreck, and that £23 had been collected for him”. The Institution therefore decided to award the
Silver Medal.’
Mr. John Storr, a fisherman from Whitby, North Yorkshire, lost his life, along with virtually all his colleagues in the Whitby Lifeboat
Crew, in the great storm of the 9th February, 1861.
The Whitby Lifeboat Disaster
At Whitby, North Yorkshire, a fierce gale, which at times had reached hurricane level, had whipped up the seas to a violent pitch. About
an hour after dawn on the 9th February, 1861, the Brig John and Ann, of Sunderland, was driven ashore at Sandsend to the north of
Whitby. In the vicinity, but at some distance from where the Whitby Lifeboat was stationed, were seven members of the Whitby Lifeboat
crew, including their coxswain, local fisherman John Storr. These men at once launched a fishing coble and despite the prevailing
conditions, succeeded in rescuing the crew of five. Having accomplished this, they then set off to the Lifeboat Station correctly assuming
that their services would be required again before the day was out. Having reached Whitby and the new West Pier Lifeboat, The Lucy,
Storr and his crew of eleven were called upon at about 10:00am to go to the aid of the Schooner Gamma, carrying coal, which had been
driven ashore some 400 yards from the pier. Launching from the slipway into heavy surf, they took off the crew of four. Shortly afterwards,
The Lucy was called out again to the Barque Clara, en route from Newcastle to Madeira, which had been driven onto the beach just before
noon. The crew took to the rigging as tumultuous seas swept clean over her. With great difficulty the last of her crew of twelve was taken
off just before the ship broke up and disappeared. At about 1:00pm the Brig Utility and the Schooner Roe were driven ashore. The lifeboat
was launched for a third time and both crews were rescued in one trip. Then at about 2:00pm two Schooners were sighted being driven
ashore under bare poles. The first, The Flora, by luck or great management, passed through the harbour entrance. However, the Merchant
came ashore no more than 40 yards from the pier. The crew took to the rigging with the sea making clean breaches over them. The sea
was full of wreckage, with ships’ timbers being tossed around like matchsticks as huge waves swept in and high water was expected at
3:57pm. It was a daunting prospect even for John Storr, whose initial reaction was that a launch would serve no useful purpose. However,
he formulated a plan though fraught with peril, which offered sufficient chance of success to make the risk worthwhile to get to the
Merchant. The men of the lifeboat were exhausted, and many were without sustenance since breakfast, but they launched for a fifth time.
Vast waves driving shoreward met others rebounding off wrecks or the pier, making the sea a boiling cauldron. The lifeboat was some 50
yards from the slipway when, to the horror of many watching from the land, the lifeboat was struck by two heavy waves and capsized,
flinging the crew into the violent maelstrom. Life-buoys were flung and rocket lines were fired to the men in the sea by those nearby on
land. One by one they sank. John Storr alone managed to scramble face down onto the upturned hull. The sea clawed at him. Eventually
he was spun onto his back and, after hanging on for a few moments, he too was swept to his death. Only one man, Henry Freeman, was
saved. For his courageous services that day he was awarded the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life From Shipwreck
silver Medal. Eventually the crew of the Merchant were successfully brought ashore by rocket line. Later the Brig Urania was driven ashore
but the crew were able to maintain their precarious position aboard the vessel until the tide abated.
Described as ‘the best Lifeboatman Whitby ever had’, it was said of Storr that ‘If he would take charge, the men did not consider any risk
too great for his steady watchful gaze and powerful arm.’ He is buried in Whitby Parish Church.
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A Scarce Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medal to Private M. Byrne, Royal
Irish Regiment, For Gallantry In Saving Life in Heavy Seas in Southampton
Water, 1.5.1893, Whilst a Patient in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley
Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medal, silver, type 2 1862-1902, obverse: head of
Queen Victoria with chaple of oak leaves facing left (Private Byrne Voted 8th June
1893.), with uniface dolphin suspension, pawnbroker’s mark to edge near suspension claw,
otherwise extremely fine and scarce, together with a related brass plaque commemorating
the award of the ‘Silver Medal of the Royal National Life-Boat Institution awarded in
June 1893, to Private James Carroll, Royal Irish Regiment’
£700-900
R.N.L.I. Medal voted 8.6.1893: ‘When a boat capsized on the 1st May, 1893, in a heavy sea in
Southampton Water, three men were thrown into the water. Four soldiers, patients in the Royal
Victoria Hospital, Netley, Hampshire, invalided home from India, noticed the men’s plight and set
out in a skiff. They picked up the men, returned to land in an overloaded condition, and risked
further injury to their health from wet clothing and exposure to the cold wind.’
2691 Private Michael Byrne, born Waterford, Ireland, 1868; enlisted in the Royal Irish
Regiment, November 1886; posted to the 2nd Battalion for service in India, October 1889;
recommended for Medical discharge, January 1893; arrived back in England and admitted to the
Royal Victorian Hospital, Netley, 28.3.1893; discharged, 9.5.1893, a week after his act of
gallantry, after 5 years and 77 days’ service. This is his only medal.
Four Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medals were awarded for this action, to Private Frederick
Sutcliffe, 21st Hussars; Private James Carroll, Royal Irish Regiment; and Corporal John George
Holmes, Rifle Brigade.
Approximately 25 awards of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medal to Army Personnel
since its inception in 1825.
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Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medal, silver, type 2 1862-1902, obverse: head of Queen Victoria with chaple of oak
leaves facing left (Mr. David Sinclair Voted 10th. Jany. 1895.), with uniface dolphin suspension, extremely fine, in
embossed case of issue
£800-1,200
R.N.L.I. Medal voted 10.1.1895: ‘On the 29th December
1894 the self-righting lifeboat Busbie was called out to the
Tönsberg ship Frey in distress near the Lady Isle, off Troon
Harbour, Ayrshire. It had been impossible to get the Troon
lifeboat out of the harbour because of the terrific hurricane
blowing from the north-west. Under sail, the Irvine lifeboat
covered five miles in half an hour. At the wreck, 16 crewmen
jumped into the water one by one and were dragged into
the lifeboat by ropes. Coxswain Sinclair decided to land at
the south beach, Troon, but nearing the beach the lifeboat
was overwhelmed by 12-15 feet waves and thrown on her
beam ends. The coxswain and three or four others were
thrown out. When the boat was righted all regained her
except one of the rescued Norwegians who had been washed
away; the shore was then finally reached safely. Coxswain
Sinclair was 70 years old [actually 71] at the time of this
service.’
Mr. David Sinclair was born at Irvine in October 1823. At
the time of this gallant action he had been a member of the
Irvine lifeboat crew for 55 years, and on the day in question
eleven of the 13 man crew were members of his family. Six
foot high, weighing 16 stone, and injured from the
gunwhale in the action when he was thrown out of the
lifeboat, he was presented with his R.N.L.I. silver medal at
Irvine Town Hall on the 25th April 1895. For his gallant
conduct he was awarded the Norwegian Medal for Heroic
Deeds in gold, whilst the rest of the lifeboat crew were
awarded the Norwegian Medal for Heroic Deeds in silver.
He died in Irvine in July 1913, and is buried in Irvine Old
Parish Church burial ground.
Mr. D. Sinclair (seated, second from left), with the crew of the Busbie 12 of the 14 men in the photograph are from David Sinclair’s family
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Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medal, bronze, type 5 1937-, obverse: head of Sir William
Hillary, Bt., the founder, facing left (Thomas E. Rimmer, Voted 18th January 1940.), with
uniface dolphin suspension, minor edge nicks, otherwise extremely fine, in embossed case of issue
£800-1,200
R.N.L.I. Medal voted 18.1.1940: ‘At midday on the 24th November, 1939, the 434-ton pilot boat
Charles Livingstone left Liverpool to cruise at a pilotage station with 32 men on board. At midnight 2526th she was about one mile from the Liverpool Bar light vessel in bad weather with a strong breeze and
rough sea. In a confused weather pattern she drove ashore at 3:24am; it was at first thought that this was
on the north coast of Wales. She was, however, finally located at 8:20am on Ainsdale Beach, between
Southport and Formby on the Lancashire coast. Five of the men on board were lost when the ship’s boats
were capsized in the surf, leaving the rest of the men stranded on board. Several men were washed out of
the rigging, only four reaching the shore alive. Arriving at Ainsdale Point in the Lytham Watson class
motor lifeboat Dunleary, Coxswain Parkinson could see the casualty’s mast and funnel, the vessel lying
broadside onto the beach, embedded in the sand, her decks awash. He ran his boat in and made her fast
under the wreck’s lee but the nine survivors on board refused to leave, hoping to walk ashore at low tide.
Dunleary returned to her station, her crew having been on duty for 24 hours. Shortly after she left the
Blackpool Liverpool class motor lifeboat Sarah Ann Austin arrived at 2:00pm, and going alongside in an
ebbing tide, Coxswain Parr took off the six men now remaining on board and ran his boat onto the beach
and landed them with the help of crowds of spectators. In this incident, 11 top Liverpool Pilots and 15
apprentice Pilots lost their lives.’
Mr. Thomas Edward Rimmer, served as a mechanic with the Blackpool Lifeboat Sarah Ann Austin, and
was alongside his elder brother Jack on this rescue. He died in Blackpool in December 1966.
A total of 2 silver and 2 bronze Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medals were awarded for this action.
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An Extremely Rare ‘Triple’ Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Group of Five to
Captain J. Fortay, Mercantile Marine
British War Medal (James Fortay); Mercantile Marine War Medal (James Fortay); Liverpool
Shipwreck and Humane Society, small silver medal (Jas. Fortay, Mate S.S. “St. Pancras” for Rescuing
with Boat’s Crew the Crew of Brigantine “Petrel” Feb. 1892), with integral top silver riband buckle,
in Elkington, London, fitted and embossed case of issue; Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society,
small silver medal (Capt. Jas. Fortay. S.S. “St. Dunstan” for Rescue of Crew (5 in Number) of
Schooner “Nesta”, on N. Atlantic. 26/10/03.), with integral top silver riband buckle, in Oldfield,
Liverpool, fitted and embossed case of issue; Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, small silver
medal (To Capn. James Fortay. S.S. St. “George” for Gallant Service. 25th. Feb: 1917), with integral
top silver riband buckle, in Oldfield, Liverpool, fitted and embossed case of issue, extremely fine, a rare
and probably unique combination (5)
£1,800-2,200
Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Annual Report July 1892: ‘A Silver Medal and vote of thanks to Mr.
James Fortay, Mate of the St. Pancras, for having effected the rescue with a boat’s crew of 6 men of 5 men forming
the crew of the Brigantine Petrel, which vessel was in distress and in immediate danger of foundering during a
heavy easterly gale in the Irish Sea on the 19th of February 1892. This was a work of considerable risk from the
heavy sea which was running.’
Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Annual Report July 1904: ‘A Silver Medal and vote of thanks to
Captain James Fortay, of the S.S. St. Dunstan, for the rescue of the crew (5 in number) of the Schooner Nesta on
the 26th of October, 1903. The St. Dunstan sighted the Nesta at 3:00am on the Monday, showing signals of
distress, bore down on her, and found that she was from Cadiz, bound to St. John’s, Newfoundland. The
Schooner was in a disabled condition, and the crew wished to abandon their vessel. Owing to the state of the
weather and the heavy sea, the Captain of St. Dunstan decided to standby until daylight, when the lifeboat was
launched in charge of the Chief Officer. The work of taking the men off the wreck was one of great difficulty and
danger, but after several attempts it was successfully accomplished owing to the free use of oil bags.’
Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Annual Report July 1917: ‘A Silver Medal and Certificate of thanks to
Captain John [sic] Fortay, S.S. St. George, for rescuing the crew, 22 in number, of the S.S. Falcon, torpedoed off
the coast of Ireland on 25th of February 1917. After the crew were picked up a submarine was sighted, but the
St. George put on full speed, and escaped.’
Captain James Fortay was born on the Isle of Whithorn, Scotland, in 1866, and by the age of 16 was a sailor
based in Liverpool; received his Master’s Certificate, January 1888. He died, 22.10.1938, and is buried in Anfield
Cemetery, Liverpool.
Three individual silver medals to one man is probably unique in the annals of the Liverpool Shipwreck and
Humane Society, as in the normal course of events he should have received a single medal with two additional
Award Bars.
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Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, small silver medal (Capt.
Andrew Heron S.S. “Aeon” for Having Rescued 32 Men Crew of
the S.S. “Bear Creek”. Dec. 26. 1892.), with integral top silver riband
buckle, name neatly corrected, nearly extremely fine, in Elkington,
London, fitted case of issue
£140-180
The S.S. Bear Creek was a 2,410-ton British screw-steamer, built in 1890, and
owned by the Bear Creek Oil Shipping Company. She left Amsterdam in Ballast
on the 9th December 1892, with a crew of 32, bound for Philadelphia. She
encountered bad weather, with gales and heavy seas. On the 18th December a
leak was discovered in the engine room, which became increasingly worse, the
bulkheads leaking and the pumps failing. At 5:00am on the 24th December the
S.S. Aeon, 1,429-tons, was sighted, and it was agreed to take the Bear Creek in
tow. Two hawsers subsequently parted, and the crew refused to remain with the
vessel any longer. The Master decided to abandon the vessel as the only means of
saving the crew. They reached the Aeon in safety and were subsequently landed
in Liverpool. The Master stated that he had never experienced such bad weather
before, and the log entries showed that it was very severe indeed.
Captain Andrew Heron, born Berwick-on-Tweed, Northumberland, 1863;
appointed Second Mate, February 1887; First Mate, October 1888; Master, July
1890.
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Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, small silver
medal (John W. Jinks. Chf. Offcr. S.S. “Mexican”
for Rescuing With Boats Crew 6 of Crew of Schr.
“Drisko”. Oct 16. 1893), with integral top silver
riband buckle, extremely fine, in Elkington, London,
fitted and embossed case of issue
£240-280
Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Annual Report
July 1894: ‘A Silver Medal and vote of thanks to Mr. John W.
Jinks, Chief Officer of the Mexican, for having with a boat’s
crew of four men effected the rescue of the schooner Drisko’s
crew on the 16th October 1893. The Drisko had been
dismasted in a hurricane and waterlogged, and when seen by
the Mexican the crew, consisting of the Captain, his wife, and
four men, had been without food or clothing for four days,
the only part of the vessel above water being the top of the
after deck.’
A Thrilling Bridal Trip
‘Captain Drisko had all his savings invested in the schooner
Drisko, and after his wedding a bridal trip to the West Indies
from Charleston, South Carolina recommended itself to the
happy groom. Mrs. Drisko assented. She was unfamiliar with
blue water and thought the trip would be an interesting one.
It proved to be something more. Including the captain and
his wife, there were seven people on board when the
schooner cleared Charleston Harbour on the 8th October
1893. There was one whole day of quiet seas and whispering
winds, and then, as the land dropped behind the sea line, the
sky grew overcast and the barometer portended rough
weather. About midnight a gale of cyclonic fury was raging.
Huge waves broke over the vessel, carried the deck load
adrift, and wrecked the bulwarks before the schooner’s head
could be brought round to meet their savage blows. Only for
a short time was the vessel able to lie in that position. Captain
Drisko decided that his one chance of safety lay in putting the
helm up and making a run for it. With nothing showing but
a close-reefed mainsail, the vessel began her flight at 4:00am.
By daylight she was struggling along with bare poles. Captain
Drisko was knocked almost senseless by a heavy timber,
hurled against him by one of the waves that constantly swept
the deck.
“I took another look at the Barometer”, recounted the
Captain, “and I saw that we were in for more trouble.
Shipwreck was written all over it, and as all of our boats had
been swept away, matters began to look very serious. The
schooner had become waterlogged and was steering very
badly. I dragged Mrs. Drisko up the hatchway and lashed her
to the top of the deckhouse. Then, seeing that the schooner
would founder outright unless something was done very
quick to ease her, we clambered along the weather rail and
commenced hacking at the rigging of the masts. All three had
to be cut away before she righted, and then, as she hove up
her battered bulwarks, we sought refuge on the deckhouse,
which was the only part of the ship that was left above water.
Running across the deckhouse was an iron bar. I first tied one
end of a rope around my wife, passed the line once around
the bar, and made the other end fast to myself. Mrs. Drisko’s
end of the line was too long. A big wave came along, and
when I had rubbed the brine out of my eyes I looked for her,
but she was gone. The line was still fast, however, and we
244
seized it and dragged her back on board, bruised, bleeding,
and nearly drowned. All of us then assisted in lashing each
other to the deckhouse, and it is very lucky for us that we did,
as our strength was wholly exhausted, but neither rest nor
sleep could be had. A man cannot sleep when he is expecting
to be drowned every minute, and is half drowned at shorter
intervals by waves that dash every bit of the breath out of his
body.”
For two days and nights the crew clung to that frail support,
while angry seas did their utmost to wreck it. The driving rain
which beat in the faces of the shipwrecked stung the flesh like
so many volleys of birdshot, and, as the hours dragged by,
there came the madness of hunger and thirst, and then,
finally, despair. The schooner was wreck on Tuesday night,
and it was Friday morning before the storm abated. A can of
vegetables which was fished up from the hold formed their
only sustenance. A few hours later the smoke of a steamship
was spotted. It proved to be the Mexican, bound from New
Orleans for Liverpool. Two hours later the rescue was
effected. The transfer from the drowning wreck to the deck
of the Mexican was made just as another storm came up.’
(The New York Times, 16.11.1893 refers).
Mr. and Mrs. Drisko returned to America from Liverpool on
board the Cunard steamship Etruria, and arrived in New
York in early November.
Mr. John William Jinks, born Manchester, January 1862;
obtained his Master’s Certificate, July 1887; died May 1942.
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Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, small silver medal
(Mr. Ed. Foster 4th. Officer S.S. “Branksome Hall” for
Rescue of Crew of”Schiffswerft” in Bay of Biscay, 6 March
1897.), with integral top silver riband buckle, virtually Mint
state, in Oldfields, Liverpool, fitted case of issue
£200-240
Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Annual Report July 1897:
‘On March 6th, 1897, at 2:00am, in the Bay of Biscay, with a gale
from the N.W. and a very heavy sea, the S.S. Branksome Hall, Captain
Hood, fell in with the dismasted Barque Schiffswerft showing signals of
distress. The falling masts had damaged the pumps, broken in the deck
in places, and there was 14 feet of water in the hold. At 10:30am a
boat from the Barque capsized under the stern of the Branksome Hallthree of the crew however were rescued. Not until noon was it possible
to send a boat, Mr. Benjamin Dowse, Chief Officer in charge, and with
him Mr. Edward Foster, 4th Officer, and two Quarter-Masters. They
made two extremely difficult trips, and succeeded in saving the
remainder of the crew and Captain. As the men got on the steamer the
boat was smashed alongside and lost. A vote of thanks, framed in
Russian leather, was awarded to Captain Hood, Silver Medals and
votes of thanks to Mr. Dowse and Mr. Foster, and £2 to each of the
Quarter-Masters’
Mr. Edward Foster, born Little Sutton, Cheshire, 1872; received his
Master’s Certificate, 30.11.1901.
PROVENANCE:
Spink, April 2005.
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Carnegie Hero Fund Trust Medal, bronze, 90mm, edge engraved ‘Henry
Bickerton. Chesterton. 25th February 1915.’, the reverse inscribed
‘For Heroic Endeavour to Save Human Life 1915’, minor edge bruising,
nearly extremely fine, scarce
£600-800
Carnegie Hero Fund case no. 2,225: ‘Harry Bickerton, aged 43, a Fireman, of 27
Victoria Street, Chesterton, and Thomas Gleaves, aged 38, a Fireman, of 8 George
Street, Chesteron, on the 25th February 1915, at considerable risk to themselves,
rescued six men who were overcome by carbon monoxide gas in the engine dip
workings at New Hem Heath Colliery, Chesterton, Staffordshire, the result of a fire
which broke out in the haulage engine house. The following statement was
submitted:
“About 3:15pm on the 25th February 1915, an engineman at the New Hem
Heath Colliery was filling a paraffin lamp in the haulage engine house when he
accidentally upset it, and the paraffin ignited, setting the engine house, which was
to a great extent made of wood, in a blaze in a few minutes. The haulage engine is
situated on the main ‘intake’, and as a result of the fire the whole engine dip
workings were charged with smoke and carbon monoxide gas. There were 18 men
in the dip workings and being overcome by the fumes were unable to make their
way out. Harry Bickerton and Thomas Gleaves, Firemen at the Colliery, decided to
try to make their way through the smoke and gas in an endeavour to rescue the
others. They accordingly made their way through the red shag seam, and eventually
encountered three men and two boys in a distressed condition. With difficulty
Gleaves got them to a place of safety, while Bickerton went forward, and in 37
level, he found three men, only one of whom was alive. He tried to rouse this man,
but felt himself being overcome, and turned back to 45 level, where one of the
rescue brigades- ten of which had now come upon the scene- found him. He was
able to inform them where the unconscious man was lying, and the latter was safely
got out. Only six men were rescued, the remaining twelve being suffocated. The
manager states that in traversing the area charged with carbon monoxide gas, both
Bickerton and Gleaves were subjected to very grave danger.”’
The Bronze Medal is the highest award that the Carnegie Hero Fund Trust can
bestow. Since 1909 when the first medal was bestowed, fewer than 200 medals
have been awarded in the United Kingdom.
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Mr. S. Jones
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Order of Industrial Heroism Medal, bronze, reverse
embossed ‘Awarded by the Daily Herald’ and
engraved ‘To Mr. Samuel Jones May 17th 1925’,
extremely fine, together with a photographic image of
the recipient
£600-800
‘On June 25th 1924, a man named Zakaria Hurst of Hindley
Green, was working in Priestners Pit, when he was suddenly
buried by a fall of the roof. A cry was raised and Jones, who
had gone out with his full tub, hurried back to the spot to
find his mates standing there and saying there was no hope
for Hurst. Jones, however, pushed between the pack and the
stacks, squeezed himself over the debris, and released Hurst
from his dangerous position, bringing him after a time to
safety. There was great danger to both men, as all the time
the place was filling up owing to the pressure of the roof.
Hurst, the injured man, was off work for ten months as a
result of his experience and has only recently resumed work.’
Mr. Samuel Jones was presented with his Order of Industrial
Heroism Medal at the Leigh Labour Club, 18.5.1935.
Created by the Daily Herald, the Order of Industrial
Heroism Medal was first awarded in 1923 as a reward to
workers for bravery in the workplace. In total 440 awards
were made up until 1963, when the Daily Herald ceased
publication, of which 128 were to Miners. Jones’s was the
21st to be presented.
PROVENANCE:
W.H. Fevyer Collection, November 1998
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Hartley Colliery Disaster Medal, 52mm, silver, the reverse embossed ‘Presented to
those who risked their own lives in attempting to save the lives of their fellow
workmen buried in Hartley Colliery, January 1862’, the edge engraved ‘Thomas
Hetherington.’, with silver ring and loop suspension, converted from silver straight
bar suspension, this still present, otherwise very fine, with integral top riband bar, in
Wyon, London, fitted case of issue
£1,000-1,400
‘On the 10th January 1862 Disaster struck at the Hartley Colliery in Northumberland, leaving
in its wake a death toll of some 204 Miners. A cage carrying 8 people proved too much weight
for the massive pumping engine beam which, although weighing over 40 tons, gave way and
tumbled down the colliery’s single shaft, carrying with it a mass of machinery and debris. Much
of it came to rest a little over 400 feet from the surface on the immense oak beams which held
the centre set of pumps in the shaft. The unwalled sides of the shaft collapsed, piling tons of
rock and rubble on top of the initial fall, sealing the shaft. It took six days of dangerous and
strenuous work by the rescuers to reach the men trapped by the fall, but all were found to be
dead. One of the dead, James Armour, kept notes of the ordeal in a book whilst trapped
underground, and it appears certain from the dates of the entries that all had died not later than
the afternoon of the day following the accident, having fallen victims to the noxious gases
generated in the pit.
The 204 bodies were recovered from the pit on Saturday, 25th January, and they were all
buried the following day- a crowd over 60,000 strong gathered for the funeral. The oldest
victim was 71 years of age, and the youngest just 10. A monument to their memory stands in
Earsdon Churchyard.’
Mr. Thomas Hetherington, born West Moor, Northumberland, 1828.
One Gold and 37 Silver Hartley Colliery Disaster Medals were awarded for the rescue
operation.
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Bank Hall Colliery Medal, 65mm, silver, obverse featuring a portrait of
Queen Victoria facing left, reverse engraved ‘Presented to Adam Eckusley
by the Little Hulton Relief Committee for his heroic conduct in
rescuing at the risk of his own life his fellow Workmen, at the Bank
Colliery Explosion, Decr. 10: 1866.’, nearly extremely fine
£1,000-1,400
‘On the afternoon of the 10th December, 1866, a fearful explosion occurred at the
Bank Hall Collieries, resulting in the loss of 5 lives and serious injury to 20 other
persons. The mine, which is about 350 yards deep, is worked by two shafts- an upper
and a down-cast, the first being situated in the northern side of the workings,
extending along which is a road nearly 200 yards long, denominated the ‘downbrow’, and declining very rapidly, leading into the Cannel mine. Situated at a
distance of 150 yards from the top of this brow, and leading off to the right, is a
waggon road, at the end of which is a large bay, and here it is surmised that the
explosion took place.
About 150 men and boys were employed in the mine, and these resumed their daily
avocations on Monday morning at six o’clock. About 2:00pm, a number of the men
resolved to cease work for the day and were making their way to the piteye to join
some few others who were already there waiting to be wound up to the surface, when
an extensive fall of roof occurred in the open bay above mentioned, and a loud
explosion immediately followed. There were about 7 men and boys working in the
bay at the time, and they had only a few minutes previously been warned by the usual
cracking noise, which invariably precedes such an event, that a fall of earth was about
to take place, and proceeded to prepare for it by removing their tools. Some of them
saw the flame, and instantly threw themselves on the ground with their faces
downwards, but they were all shockingly scorched. The gas and sulphur rushed in a
stream up the pit brow, carrying some of the men with it by its violence, whilst others
fell on the ground and lay by as if dead from its effects. A number of men at the
bottom of the shaft, waiting their turn to ascend, were more or less burned, and
another set of men who were engaged further up the workings narrowly escaped
suffocation, having to scramble over the injured bodies of their fellow workmen,
unable to assist them, in order to make their escape.
The report of the explosions was heard by persons in the neighbourhood of the pit,
and they were alarmed by perceiving an immense volume of smoke issuing from the
mouth of the north shaft, and large stones and pieces of coal projected a great height
into the air. As soon as it was safe, several parties descended the pit and found a
number of wounded men strewn about in all directions. They were quickly taken to
the surface, and within an hour all of them had been removed.’
Mr. Adam Eckersley, born Mid-Hulton, 1828; awarded the Bank Hall Colliery
Medal for his gallantry in assisting with the rescue parties following the explosion,
10.12.1866.
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250
Marsden Colliery Presentation Life Saving Medal, gold (9
carat, Hallmarks for Birmingham 1892), the reverse
engraved ‘Presented to Thomas Varley by a few Friends
& the Officials of Marsden Colliery for his Heroic Act in
saving the lives of Thos. Purvis & His Assistant off
Souter Point 21st Augt. 1893’, with gold ring suspension,
very fine
£300-400
R.N.L.I. Medal voted 14.9.1893: ‘The South Shields pilot coble
Polly capsized in a squall during a west-south-west gale and a rough
choppy sea near Marsden Bay, South Shields, Co. Durham. Mr.
Varley put off in a small boat, only 8 feet long and, at great personal
risk, saved two men.’
The Marsden Hero
‘The brave conduct of Thomas Varley, the Marsden Miner, who, at
the imminent risk of his own life, a few weeks ago rescued two
Shields pilots whose coble had capsized during a gale, has not gone
unrewarded. Varley’s gallant act evoked feelings of admiration
amongst all who heard of it, and different bodies determined to
recognize his bravery. Quite naturally the Tyne pilots wanted to
show their appreciation of the noble deed, and they subscribed for
a gold chain and medal for the hero. At the same time a number of
Shields gentlemen procured him a gold watch and chain, while at
Marsden another presentation was organised, and Varley was the
recipient of a handsome gold medal, a sum of money, and a gift for
his wife; a further testimonial from the same district taking the shape
of a pair of binocular glasses. The Marsden Hero, as he has come to
be called, has furthermore received the silver medal of the National
Lifeboat Institution, a certificate, and £1, and it is stated that he is
also likely to have a good substantial boat given to him. Excepting
the boat, the various articles have all been presented within the last
week, and everyone who knows the risk that Varley underwent to
save the two pilots will agree that they are well deserved.’ (Newcastle
Courant, 30.9.1893 refers).
Mr. Thomas Varley, born Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1847.
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251
The Unique and Highly Emotive ‘Posthumous’
Hamstead Colliery Disaster Medal in Gold to ‘The
Altofts Hero’ J. Welsby, For His Gallantry in
Attempting to Rescue At Great Personal Risk 24
Entombed Miners Following a Terrible Fire at the
Colliery, 4.3.1908, And Laying Down His Own
Life In the Process. For His Conspicuous Bravery
He Was Also Awarded a Posthumous Edward
Medal (Mines) in Bronze
Hamstead Colliery Disaster Medal 1908, gold (15
embossed and engraved ‘Presented to John Welsby
(Deceased) for Conspicuous Bravery in Attempting to
Rescue the Entombed Miners March 1908’, lacking
top suspension bar, minor edge bruise, good very fine, in
case of issue, together with a portrait of the recipient
and various photographic images of the recipient’s
funeral procession
£1,800-2,200
E.M. London Gazette 27.7.1908 John Welsby (in a joint
citation with James Hopwood, James Whittingham, James
Cranswick, John Henry Thorne, and Walter Clifford [all
awarded the Edward Medal (Mines) in Silver]; and Joseph
Outram [awarded the Edward Medal (Mines) in Bronze])
‘On the 4th March, 1908, a fire broke out at the Hamstead
Colliery; 24 miners were entombed. The above named
miners descended the mine at various times at great personal
risk to rescue the miners. They were provided with oxygen
apparatus, but were unable to effect their object.’
251
before they could reach Welsby their stock of oxygen had
become dangerously low, and there was nothing for it but to
return. A consultation was held, and it was decided that it
would be an unwarrantable risk of life to make any further
attempt to rescue Welsby. His body was recovered several
days later, still wearing his smoke helmet.’ (Yorkshire Evening
Post, 6.3.1908 refers). In spite of their valourous efforts, all of
the twenty-four trapped miners died.
The Hampstead Colliery Disaster
‘Hamstead Colliery, near Birmingham, suffered a disastrous
fire on the 4th March, 1908, whereby 24 miners were
entombed. Rescue attempts by the Hamstead men were
augmented by the efforts of volunteers from the
neighbouring
Tankersley
(Barnsley)
and
Altofts
(Normanton) Mine Rescue Brigades. John Welsby, from
Altofts, was involved in the third rescue attempt, and he
descended into the pit wearing life saving apparatus. He was
working with another Yorkshireman, James Whittingham,
and in their anxiety to travese the workings as far as possible,
they used up too much of their oxygen supply. When some
800-900 yards from the bottom of the shaft Welsby
discovered that his supply of oxygen was running out. They
tried to return but Whittingham soon found that his comrade
was becoming faint. With great gallantry, Whittingham
helped him along as best he could in a passage that was only
4’ 6” in height, whilst encumbered with a breathing
apparatus weighing 35 lbs., through smoke which was
encompassing them like a wall, but they had not travelled far
when he collapsed. Whittingham did not leave him. There
was no help near and they were at least 500 yards from a place
of safety. First carrying and then dragging his comrade, he
pressed forward, but overcome with exhaustion and finding
his own oxygen had nearly spent itself, he was reluctantly
compelled to leave Welsby behind. He placed a lamp beside
him so that he might easily be found when other assistance
could be obtained. There were two other men in the pit, but
they had taken another direction. When the cage was drawn
up, Whittingham was distressed and scarcely able to explain
himself. Another party went down. Their progress was slow
and painful owing to the increasing density of the smoke, and
Mr. John Welsby, E.M. was born in Liverpool in 1877 and
was employed at Pope and Pearson’s Colliery, Altofts. ‘A
member of the local ambulance class, he had rendered
valuable aid to injured comrades on several occasions, and was
also proficient in the use of oxygen apparatus in the mine.
Last Thursday week he was brought out of the pit to go to
Hamstead. So urgent was the call that he had not time to go
home to bid his wife and two children good-bye, but they
were told of his going by the messenger who went to the
house for his clothes. The next that his widow heard of him
was when Mrs. Garford, the wife of the Chairman of the
Colliery, called personally at the house to inform her of her
husband’s death.’ (Yorkshire Evening Post, 16.3.1908 refers).
Over 6,000 miners lined his funeral route. A local road,
Welsby Avenue, was later named in his honour.
24 Hamstead Colliery Disaster Medals were awarded in gold
to those miners who took part in the rescue operations, as
well as to the Government Inspectors and officials who
directed underground operations at great personal risk; and a
further 16 in silver to the local miners who assisted in the later
exploration work. In addition, 5 Silver and 2 Bronze Edward
Medals (Mines) were awarded. John Welsby’s widow received
his Edward Medal (Mines) from H.M. King Edward VII at
Buckingham Palace.
137
252
A Hamstead Colliery Disaster Medal in Gold Pair
to Mr. A.M. Henshaw, General Manager, Talk-o’th’-Hill Colliery, For His Gallantry, at Great
Personal Risk, in Directing Underground
Operations During the Attempts to Rescue 24
Entombed Miners Following a Terrible Fire at the
Colliery, 4.3.1908
Hamstead Colliery Disaster Medal 1908, gold (15
embossed and engraved ‘Presented to A.M. Henshaw
for Conspicuous Bravery in Attempting to Rescue the
Entombed Miners March 1908’, with integral top
suspension bar, in case of issue; North Staffs Colliery
Owners Rescue Team Medal, silver (Hallmarks for
Birmingham) and enamel, with top ‘Jamage 1911’
riband Bar, and additional ‘Norton 1912’ Bar, reverse
engraved ‘A.M. Henshaw’, extremely fine (2)
£1,400-1,800
O.B.E. London Gazette 3.6.1932 Albert Mayon Henshaw,
Esq., M.Inst.C.E., M.I.M.E., J.P.
‘For many years a Central Examiner to the Board for Mining
Examinations, Mines Department, and a member of the
Safety in Mines Research Board.’
Albert Mayon Henshaw, Esq., O.B.E., General Manager
and Director, Talk-o’-th’-Hill Colliery, Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire; awarded the Hamstead Colliery Disaster Medal
following the devastating fire at the Hamstead Colliery,
4.3.1908, in which 24 miners were entombed and perished;
subsequently a member of the North Staffs Colliery Owners
Rescue Team, and involved in the rescue at Jamage Pit,
Bignal Hill Colliery, 25.11.1911, when an explosion killed
six miners; and at Norton Colliery, 24.2.1912, following a
huge explosion that resulted in the death of one miner and
the injury of another (fortunately the explosion occurred on
a Saturday afternoon, when there were only three men, as
opposed to the usual work force of 500, underground- as it
was 50 pit ponies were killed in the explosion). Appointed an
Officer of the Order of the British Empire, 1932.
24 Hamstead Colliery Disaster Medals were awarded in gold
to those miners who took part in the rescue operations, as
well as to the Government Inspectors and officials who
directed underground operations at great personal risk; and a
further 16 in silver to the local miners who assisted in the
later exploration work. In addition, 5 Silver and 2 Bronze
Edward Medals (Mines) were awarded.
The North Staffs Colliery Owners Rescue Team Medal was
instituted in 1911, following the Team’s founding that year
in consequence of the Whitehaven Pit Disaster the previous
year, and was awarded to those men of the rescue team who
took part in rescue efforts and recovery work. Awarded in
silver, it was suspended from a top riband bar bearing the
details of the incident for which the medal was first awarded;
further rescues were commemorated by additional bars. It
was awarded for nine separate rescues, ‘Birchenwood 1911’,
‘Jamage 1911’, ‘Hednesford 1911’, ‘Norton 1912’,
‘Silverdale 1913’, ‘Crackley 1914’, ‘Minnie 1915’, ‘New
Hem Heath 1915’, and ‘Minnie 1918’. Mr. Walter Clifford
received the medal with all nine Bars.
252
253
A C.B.E. Group of Four to J.E. Henshaw, Esq.,
H.M. Inspector of Mines, Late Lieutenant, Royal
Engineers
2nd type, Civil Division, Commander’s (C.B.E.) neck
Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband
b) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J.E.
Henshaw.); Coronation 1953, extremely fine, with the
recipient’s Great Britain Empire Mining and
Metallurgical Congress 1949 lapel badge (4)
£240-280
C.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1959 John Edward Henshaw,
Esq.
‘Lately Divisional Inspector of Mines and Quarries, West
Midlands and Southern Division, Ministry of Power.’
John Edward Henshaw, Esq., C.B.E., born Talk-o’-th’Hill, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, 1896, the son of Mr.
Albert Mayon Henshaw; served during the Great War in the
103rd Field Company, Royal Engineers on the Western
Front from 21.6.1917; and captured at Maissemy, near
Vermano, 21.3.1918; served as H.M. Inspector of Mines
from 1939.
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Page 138
254
Mr. R. Picton
254
Maypole Colliery Disaster Medal, gold (15 carat,
Hallmarks for Birmingham 1908) and enamel, the
reverse engraved ‘Mr. Robert Picton from the Moss
Hall Coal Coy: Ltd: for able and kindly services
rendered in exploring at the Maypole Colliery
Disaster 18th. August 1908’, with gold ring
suspension; together with the recipient’s Lancashire &
Cheshire Coal Owners Rescue Station Medal, gilt,
reverse engraved ‘Robert Picton’, with ‘Hulton 1911’
suspension Bar and integral top riband bar, minor edge
bruise to latter, nearly extremely fine, together with a
photographic image of the recipient (2)
£400-500
‘At about 5:10pm on the 18th August, 1908, a devastating
explosion occurred at the Maypole Colliery, Abram, about 4
miles from Wigan, which accounted for the loss of 76 lives.
Robert Picton, who was the assistant Under Manager on the
day shift, and his brother William, the Under Manager of the
Maypole Pit, were both involved in the rescue operations.’
Mr. Robert Picton, born Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire,
1875; employed as an assistant Under-Manager, Maypole Pit;
subsequently involved in the rescue operations following the
explosion at the Pretoria Pit at Hulton, 21.12.1910, when
344 miners were killed, in what was the second worst mining
disaster ever to occur in England, and the third worst in
Great Britain, although not awarded the Bolton and District
Humane Society Medal.
139
255
255
A ‘Hulton Colliery Disaster’ Group of Four to
Driver F. Smith, Royal Artillery
British War and Victory Medals (2673 Dvr. F. Smith.
R.A.); Bolton and District Humane Society Medal,
bronze, reverse embossed ‘Hulton Colliery Disaster
December 21st 1910’, in Jenkins, Birmingham, case of
issue; Lancashire & Cheshire Coal Owners Rescue
Station Medal, silver, reverse engraved ‘Fred Smith’,
with ‘Hulton 1911’ suspension Bar and integral top
riband bar, extremely fine, with Manchester Collieries
Limited and Lancashire & Cheshire Coal Owners
Rescue Station lapel badges (4)
£700-900
10 Edward Medals (Mines) in Bronze; 1 silver and 20 bronze
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Life Saving Medals; 1 silver
and 25 bronze Royal Humane Society Medals; and 160
Bolton and District Humane Society Medals were awarded
for the Hulton Colliery Disaster, 21.12.1910. Despite the
obvious danger, many volunteered to assist in rescue
attempts. In all 344 miners lost their lives, in what was the
second worst mining disaster ever to occur in England, and
the third worst in Great Britain. Mrs. Miriam Tyldesley lost
her husband, four sons, and two brothers in the disaster.
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Page 140
256
256
Snowdown Sinking Pit Bravery Medal, gold (9 carat, Hallmarks for
Birmingham 1916) and enamel, reverse embossed and engraved
‘Presented to J.H. Tipple by the Directors, Officials, Staff &
Workmen of Snowdown and Tilmanstone Collieries’, nearly
extremely fine, suspended from a gold (9 carat) bar and chain
£300-400
‘On December 7th, 1915, a terrible accident occurred at No.2 Pit, Snowdown
Colliery, Kent, when ten miners who were engaged at a depth of 2,100 feet in
sinking a shaft. A hoppit and its contents was hurled down on top of the men,
due to it being overwound. The hoppit had broken away the electric cables and
water pipes, plunging the whole mine into darkness. Two miners were instantly
killed, and two were severely injured. Rescue work commenced immediately
and several men were lowered down in a smaller hoppit with lamps to the
survivors who had spent an hour in total darkness, the water level having
reached 4 foot in depth. Eventually, after some hours of rescue work, the dead
and the survivors were brought to the surface.
Mr. J.H. Tipple was awarded his Snowdown Sinking Pit Bravery Medal by the
Mayor of Dover at Dover Town Hall, 23.9.1916.
The Snowdown Sinking Pit Bravery Medal was instituted in 1908, to
commemorate the bravery of those involved in various rescue operations during
the sinking of the pit, and was subsequently awarded for bravery during rescue
operations during the pit’s operational service. 6 Snowdown Sinking Pit Bravery
Medals were awarded for this action.
141
257
Lancashire & Cheshire Coal Owners Rescue Station Medal, silver (6), reverse
engraved ‘John Hopwood (Senr); Arthur Davies; Joseph Yates; Frederick
Evans; John Wm. Latham; Arthur Miller’, first three with integral top riband
bars, generally very fine or better; together with a Lancashire & Cheshire Miners
Welfare Committee Safety Badge, silver (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1935) and
enamel, reverse engraved ‘St. Helens R. Davies 1937’ (7)
£140-180
Following the Wellington Pit Disaster at Whitehaven in 1910, Rescue Stations were
established across the country, with the Lancashire and Cheshire station establishing their
own medals for those who had taken part in mine rescue work.
One man with the name ‘J. Yates’ received the Bolton and District Humane Society Medal
for the Hulton Colliery Disaster, 21.12.1910.
258
National Coal Board Mines Rescue Service Medals (13), Bronze, for 5 Years’
Service (4) (A.E. Robbins Ashington R.S. 1947; J.J. Stokoe Clara Vale 1948;
A. Stacey Tankersley Rescue Station; West Midlands Division Chatterley
Whitfield A.E. Walker); Silver (all Hallmarked Birmingham), for 10 Years’
Service (6) (A.E. Robbins Ashington Rescue Station 1953; J.J. Stokoe Clara
Vale 1953; A. Stacey Tankersley Rescue Station; Chesterfield Rescue Station
E. Jacques; W. Rattigan Boothstown 1969; J.H. Ogley Wath Rescue
Station); Silver-gilt (all Hallmarked Birmingham), for 15 Years’ Service (3) (A.E.
Robbins Ashington Rescue Station 1957; J.J. Stokoe Clara Vale 1958;
Scottish Division Fife and Clackmannan T. Wynne 1950), gilding rubbed on
last two, generally very fine or better, the three to Robbins and two to Stacey all in
Fattorini, Birmingham, card boxes of issue, together with the recipient’s St John
Ambulance Association Badge, silver (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1929), reverse
engraved ‘324828 Allan Stacey’, with five silver Year Bars, ‘1931’, ‘1932’,
‘1933’, ‘1939’, and ‘1940’, these all numbered ‘324828’, and eight bronze Year
Bars, ‘1952’, and ‘1956’ to ‘1962’, these unnumbered as issued; a Brierley Rescue
Station silver medal (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1924), the reverse engraved
‘Ferrymoor Colliery March 1925 W.H. Fairbotham’; and a Fife &
Clackmannan Rescue Station Badge for 1912, bronze and enamel (lot)
£180-220
Mr. Albert Robbins joined the Mines Rescue Service in 1942, having previously worked in
Brancepeth Colliery, Co. Durham, and subsequently served as Fire Prevention Officer at
Ashington. He died in 1958.
259
A Selection of Badges Relating to the Miners’ Strike 1984-85
Eleven gilt and enamel badges relating to the Miners’ Strike 1984-85, including
one each commemorating Joe Green and Davey Jones, who were both killed in
the strike, and one for the Battle of Orgreave, generally extremely fine (11)
£30-40
Mr. David Gareth Jones, from Wakefield, died amid violent scenes outside Ollerton colliery
in Nottinghamshire, 15.3.1984.
Mr. Joe Green was crushed to death by a lorry while picketing in Ferrybridge, West
Yorkshire, 15.6.1984.
The Battle of Orgreave was a confrontation between police and picketing miners at a British
Steel coking plant in Orgreave, South Yorkshire, 18.6.1984. 95 miners, including Mr.
Arthur Scargill, President of the National Union of Mineworkers, were arrested and charged
with riot, unlawful assembly, and similar offences after the battle.
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Page 142
CORONATION, JUBILEE, MERITORIOUS,
LONG SERVICE AND EFFICIENCY MEDALS
260
Jubilee (Metropolitan Police) 1887 (P.C. C. Kemp.
F. Divn.), good very fine
Coronation (Metropolitan Police) 1911 (P.C. B.
Richardson.), extremely fine
Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued, minor edge
bruise, good very fine
Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R. (2)
(Edward Grist; Charles E. Hopkinson), good very
fine (5)
£70-90
261
Coronation 1911 (4176 Pte. J. Hales. Gren. Gds.),
good very fine
Delhi Durbar 1911, silver (6644 L/C. L. Higgs 2
Royal Berks Regt.), minor edge cut, good very fine
Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued, extremely fine
Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued, nearly extremely
fine
Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, extremely fine
Pakistan Independence Medal 1947 (MT/6560451
Hav Amir Khan R.P.A.S.C.), very fine (6)
£140-180
263
262
Coronation 1911 (3), Metropolitan Police (P.C. P.
Burnby); City of London Police (P.C. W.G. Green);
London Fire Brigade (Coachman H.G. Smith),
nearly very fine or better (3)
£140-180
267
265
Army Long Service & G.C. (3) V.R. (6234. Gunner
J. Parry, C.B. R.A.); E.VII.R. (612 Cpl. J. Ware.
W.F.P); G.VI.R., with ‘Regular Army’ bar suspension
(T-5223 Sjt. H.J. Lawless. R.A.S.C.), the second very
fine, the others good very fine or better (3)
£140-180
x263
Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., obverse dated
1848 below bust (W. Ryan, Troop Serjt. Major 3rd
Dragoon Guards.), officially impressed, minor edge
bruising, therefore very fine and extremely rare
£1,800-2,200
266
Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (5491. Corpl. H.
Rodd, Rl. Engineers), obverse toned, nearly extremely
fine
Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., V.R. (No.
6076 Band Sergt. G. Boyer. Manchester
Artillery.), pawnbroker’s mark to reverse, good very fine
(2)
£100-140
Troop Sergeant Major William Ryan, born Tipperary,
Ireland; enlisted 3rd Dragoon Guards, February 1825;
advanced Troop Sergeant Major, March 1838; discharged
July 1857, after 26 years and 158 days service with the
Colours (M.S.M. and Annuity of £10, August 1849).
Captain K. Douglas-Morris, R.N. Naval Medals 1793-1856
gives the following:
‘For the record, the five dated ‘1848 Type’ M.S.M. Medals
struck at this time for use by the Army were awarded to:
William Ryan, Troop Sergeant Major, 3rd Dragoon Guards
Samuel Hargreaves, Colour Sergeant, 9th Foot
Thomas McMullen, Sergeant Major, 20th Foot Reserve Bn.
John Weir, Sergeant Major, 27th Foot
Robert Cook, Qtr. Mstr. Sergeant, Rifle Bde. Reserve 2nd
Bn.
267
Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (526 Wm.
McGinn, 2nd. Bn. 25th. Foot), obverse toned, very
fine
£70-90
268
Army Long Service & G.C. (2), E.VII.R. (87506 Sjt.
H.G. Holmes. R.G.A.); G.V.R., 1st ‘Field Marshal’s
bust’ type (7397 Gnr: W.H. Richards. R.F.A.), good
very fine
Naval Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st ‘Admiral’s
bust’ type (340728. William Howells. Carp. Mate.,
H.M.S. Duncan.), good very fine
Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st
‘Admiral’s bust’ type (SS.5324 (Dev. B. 10012) T.
Street. A.B. R.F.R.), light contact marks, good very
fine (4)
£100-140
There was one other later striking of three Army Annuity
Medals with the dated ‘1848’ Obverse, of which one is
known with a differing style of ‘1848’ to that found on the
original 50 dated Royal Marine (and five aforementioned
Army) Meritorious Service Medals.
264
Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (6. Armr. Sergt. A.
Cox, D.S. R.A.), good very fine
£70-90
143
271
277
269
Naval Long Service & G.C., (2), V.R. (G.T.
Whitfield, Ch. Sto., H.M.S. Lizard.); G.VI.R. (JX.
128538 J. Farrington, P.O. H.M.S. Spartiate.),
edge bruise to first, good very fine (2)
£100-140
274
(1157 Serjt: T. Martin. 2nd. V.B. Devon: Regt.;
1739 Gnr. J. Oakford. 1/Devon: R.G.A.V.), very
fine (2)
£70-90
270
Naval Long Service & G.C., V.R. (Andr. Nicholls.
Boatman H.M. Coast Guard), obverse toned, minor
edge nicks, nearly extremely fine
£70-90
275
(1528 C.S.Maj: A.J. Isaake. 1st Lon: R.E.V.; 4009
2/Cpl. S.W. Goldsworthy. 1/D. & S. R.E.V.),
light contact marks to first, good very fine or better (2)
£70-90
271
Indian Army Long Service & G.C. (Europeans),
H.E.I.C. Arms (Store Serjt. F. Henderson Ordce:
Dept.), obverse toned, good very fine
£450-550
272
Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., V.R. (2) (37
Pte. J. Edwards. 4th V.B. D.R.; 14 Private J.
Harvey. 4th V.B. D.R.), good very fine (2)
£80-120
273
Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., V.R. (2) (Colr.
Sergt. C. Mattingly. 2nd V.B. Wilts. Regt.; 2359
Pte. T. Cornish. 4th V.B. Devon. Regt.), first toned,
edge bruise to second, good very fine (2)
£80-120
4009 2nd Corporal Samuel Wilkey Goldsworthy, born
1870; served during the Great War with the Devon Fortres
Company, Royal Engineers; died, 5.1.1915, and is buried in
Exeter Higher Cemetery, Devon.
276
Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C. (2), V.R.,
unnamed as issued; G.V.R. (Pte. J. McCullough. 1
Bn. The B.N.R.R. A.F.I.), unit partially officially
corrected and edge cut to latter, good very fine
Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (94 Sjt:
G. Taylor. 7/Lanc: Fus.), pawnbrokers mark to
reverse field, minor edge bruise, good very fine
Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., with ‘Territorial’ scroll
suspension (4078317. Gnr. J. Traynor. R.A.),
contact marks, nearly very fine (4)
£140-180
Private J. McCullough served with the 1st Battalion,
Bengal-Nagpore Railway Rifles, Auxiliary Force India.
277
New Zealand Volunteer Service Medal, type II (Capt
John Redmond. Wanganui Rifle Vols. (1903)),
suspension claw slightly loose, toned, good very fine
£160-200
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Page 144
278
280
281
278
Militia Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (2856 Gnr. P.
Byrn. D.O.E.O. Edinburgh R.G.A. Mil.), good very
fine
£300-400
281
Imperial Yeomanry Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R.
(29 Pte. G. Pettefer. Notts: I.Y.), edge bruising, good
very fine
£300-400
2856 Gunner P. Byrn, awarded Militia L.S. & G.C. by
Army Order August 1906
29 Private G. Pettefer, awarded the Imperial Yeomanry L.S.
& G.C. by Army Order July 1905.
27 Medals awarded to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own
Edinburgh Royal Garrison Artillery
44 Medals awarded to the Nottinghamshire Imperial
Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers).
279
Militia Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (932 Cpl. F.
Miller. Devon: Regt Mil.), officially renamed, edge
bruising, otherwise nearly extremely fine
£160-200
282
Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (2) (63
C. Sjt: W. Ferguson. 5/Lanc: Fus.; 646 Pte. T.
Reeves. 5/D.C.L.I.), nearly extremely fine (2)
£140-180
932 Corporal F. Miller, awarded Militia L.S. & G.C.by
Army Order August 1905.
283
Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (3)
(865004 Sjt. F.G.G. Langdon. R.F.A.; 254853
Spr. F. Wasley. R.E.; 200023 Pte. R.W.H. Leach.
4/Devon: R), edge bruise to second, generally very fine
or better (3)
£160-200
11 Medals awarded to the 4th Battalion Devonshire
Regiment.
PROVENANCE:
Hayward, September 1970
Glendining, July 1977
280
Militia Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (1892 Pte. W.
Eales. 4th Devon: Regt Mil.), very fine
£300-400
284
Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (2) (732337
Bmbr. J. Frame. R.A.; 329467 Gnr. W. Pethick.
R.A.), edge nick to second, good very fine (2)
£50-70
1892 Private W. Eales, awarded Militia L.S. & G.C. by
Army Order February 1905
11 Medals awarded to the 4th Battalion Devonshire
Regiment.
145
286
287
285
Efficiency Medal (5), G.V.R., with ‘Territorial’ scroll
suspension (2) (4605612 Cpl. E. Ingleson. 6D.W.R.); with Second and Third Award Bars
(747954 W.O.Cl.II. F. Grills. R.A.); G.VI.R. (3),
with ‘Territorial’ scroll suspension (2) (890255 Bdr.
E.D. Hayes. R.A.; 2586410. Sjt. A.J. Frederick. R.
Sigs.); with ‘India’ scroll suspension (Pte. G.A.
Clarke. 1 B.B. & C.I. Ry.R., A.F.I.), minor edge
bruising, generally very fine or better (5)
£70-90
287
Special Reserve Long Service & G.C., G.V.R. (37307 Sjt J. Biggins. 3- Black Watch.), good very fine
£300-400
286
Special Reserve Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (5311
Pte. J. Digney. 3/R. Scots Fus.), nearly extremely
fine
£300-400
3-7307 Sergeant J. Biggins, awarded Special Reserve L.S.
& G.C. by Army Order May 1921
8 Medals awarded to the 3rd Battalion Black Watch
288
Rocket Apparatus Volunteer Long Service, G.V.R
(Henry Payne), suspension loose, edge bruise, nearly
very fine
Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R.
(Albert T. Dear), extremely fine (2)
£70-90
5311 Private J. Digney, awarded the Special Reserve L.S. &
G.C. by Army Order January 1911.
A unique Medal to the 3rd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers.
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Page 146
HONOURS AND AWARDS BESTOWED UPON AMBASSADOR RAYMOND HERREMANS
292
293
289
The Belgian Honours and Awards Bestowed Upon
Ambassador Raymond Herremans, Belgian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
a) Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold, Civil
Division, Officer’s breast Badge, 67mm including
crown suspension x 41mm, gilt and enamel, French
motto, converted for neck wear, with neck riband
b) Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold II, Grand
Officer’s neck Badge, 74mm including crown
suspension x 51mm, silver-gilt and enamel, French
motto, with short section of neck riband
c) Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold II, Grand
Officer’s Star, 85mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel,
French motto, in Fisch, Brussels, embossed case of issue
d) Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Grand
Officer’s neck Badge, 78mm including wreath
suspension x 58mm, gilt and enamel, with neck riband
e) Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Grand
Officer’s Star, by Wolfers, Brussels, 88mm, silver, silvergilt, and enamel, maker’s cartouche on reverse, in case
of issue
f) Belgium, Kingdom, War Medal 1914-18, bronze
g) Belgium, Kingdom, Allied Victory Medal, bronze,
minor enamel damage and slight damage to tips of
points of awards, otherwise nearly very fine or better,
with the recipient’s large certificate for service in the
Great War; together with the Belgian Queen Elisabeth
Medal bestowed upon the recipient’s wife, in card box
of issue, with named accompanying certificate and
Ministry of the Interior letter (8)
£280-320
290
Brazil, Republic, Order of the Southern Cross,
Officer’s breast Badge, 60mm including wreath
suspension x 41mm, silver-gilt and enamel, wreath
suspension detached and crudely re-connected to badge,
therefore nearly very fine, with rosette on riband, in La
Royale, Rio de Janeiro, embossed case of issue,
together with the Bestowal Document for the Order
of the Southern Cross, Officer, named to Senhor
Raymond Herremans, and dated 28.6.1939
£50-70
291
France, Fourth Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer’s
breast Badge, 58mm including wreath suspension x
42mm, silver, gold, and enamel, minor white enamel
damage, very fine, with rosette on riband, in Arthus
Bertrand, Paris, case of issue, together with the
Bestowal Document for the Legion of Honour,
Officer, named to M. Raymond Herremans, and dated
27.10.1948
France, Fourth Republic, Order of the Academic
Palmes, Officer’s breast Badge, 37mm x 29mm, silvergilt and enamel, good very fine, with rosette on riband,
in Arthus Bertrand, Paris, case of issue (2)
£60-80
292
Germany, Bavaria, Order of St. Michael, Merit Cross,
no crown, 35mm, silver and enamel, good very fine, in
Hemmerle, Munich, case of issue
£100-140
293
Greece, Kingdom, Order of the Redeemer, 2nd type,
Knight’s breast Badge, 55mm including crown
suspension x 35mm, silver and enamel, about extremely
fine, in Pomonis, Athens, case of issue
£80-120
Mr. Raymond Herremans, served during the Great War as
a Sergeant in the Corps of Interpreters, Belgian Army;
entered the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and served
successively as Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium in Batavia;
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belgium in
Japan; and Ambassador of Belgium in Sweden
147
294
294
Japan, Empire, Order of the Rising Sun, First Class set of Insignia, sash Badge, 109mm including paulownia flowers x
76mm, silver-gilt, enamel, and red cabochon in centre; Star, 90mm, silver, silver-gilt, and red cabochon in centre, extremely
fine, with full sash riband, in rio-nuri lacquer case of issue, together with the Bestowal Document for the Legion of
Honour, Officer, named (in Japanese) to Mr. Raymond Herremans, and dated 12.6.1959 (2)
£1,600-2,000
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Page 148
296
296
Malta, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Grand
Officer’s set of Insignia, by Tanfani & Bertarelli,
Rome, neck Badge, 83mm including crown suspension
x 51mm, silver-gilt, gilt, and enamel; Star, 81mm,
silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, maker’s cartouche on
reverse, very fine, with short section of neck riband and
lapel rosette, in case of issue (2)
£160-200
295
Malta, Order of Malta, Knight of Grace’s neck Badge,
108mm including crown and bow suspension x
49mm, silver-gilt and enamel, very fine, with neck
riband
£140-180
149
297
297
Netherlands, Kingdom, Order of Orange Nassau, Civil Division, Knight Grand Cross set of Insignia, by Royal Mint,
Utrecht, sash Badge, 84mm including crown suspension x 56mm, silver-gilt and enamel, silver marks on suspension ring;
Star, 87mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, maker’s cartouche on reverse, cross on top of crown of Badge slightly bent, and edge
bruise to central medallion of Star, therefore good very fine, with full sash riband, in fitted case of issue, together with the
Bestowal Document for the Order of Orange Nassau, Knight Grand Cross, named to Heer Raymond Herremans, and
dated 15.5.1950; and a copy of the Statutes of the Order
Netherlands, Kingdom, Order of Orange-Nassau, Civil Division, Knight’s breast Badge, 61mm including crown
suspension x 39mm, silver and enamel, minor enamel damage to motto on reverse central medallion, otherwise nearly
extremely fine, together with the Bestowal Document for the Order of Orange Nassau, Knight, named to Heer Raymond
Herremans, and dated 28.1.1936; and a copy of the Statutes of the Order (3)
£500-600
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299
298
Spain, Kingdom, Order of Isabella the Catholic, Commander’s neck Badge, 76mm including wreath suspension x 57mm,
silver-gilt and enamel, about extremely fine, with neck riband, in Cejalvo, Madrid, case of issue, together with the Bestowal
notification for the Order of Isabella the Catholic, Commander, named to Monsieur P. [sic] Herremans, and dated
2.5.1923
£120-160
299
Sweden, Kingdom, Order of the North Star, Knight Grand Cross set of Insignia, by Carlman, Stockholm, sash Badge,
79mm including crown suspension x 55mm, silver-gilt and enamel; Star, 83mm, silver, maker’s mark and silver marks for
Stockholm 1954 to hinge of retaining pin, minor damage to one tip of Badge, otherwise good very fine, with full sash riband,
in case of issue, together with the Bestowal Document for the Order of the North Star, Knight Grand Cross, named to
Ambassador Raymond Herremans, and dated 11.6.1963 (2)
£400-500
300
Vatican, Holy See, Order of St. Gregory, Grand Officer’s Star, 87mm, silver, gilt, and enamel, silver marks to retaining
pin, nearly extremely fine
£140-180
151
FOREIGN ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS
301
x301
Argentina, Republic, Order of San Martin, Grand Cross set
of Insignia, sash Badge, 80mm, silver-gilt and enamel; Star,
90mm, silver-gilt and enamel, with horizontal retaining pin
and top hook, good very fine, with full sash riband and lapel
rosette, in case of issue (2)
£600-800
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302
304
302
Austria, Empire, Royal Hungarian Order of St.
Stephen, Knight’s breast Badge, 58mm including
crown suspension x 32mm, silver-gilt and enamel,
£400-500
305
303
Austria, Empire, Order of Leopold, an early 19th
Century reduced sized Knight’s breast Badge
attributed to Baron Lejeune, 32mm including crown
suspension x 19mm, gold and enamel, about extremely
fine, with bow riband
£800-1,200
PROVENANCE:
Christie, Rome, December 2000
Louis-François, Baron Lejeune (1775-1848), French
General, painter, and lithiographer, created a Knight of the
Order of Leopold, 1810.
PROVENANCE:
Christie, November 1992 (when sold alongside his other
honours and awards)
304
Austria, Empire, Order of Leopold, Knight’s breast
Badge, by Rothe, Vienna, 56mm including crown
suspension x 31mm, gold and enamel, maker’s mark
and gold mark on suspension ring, nearly extremely
fine
£600-800
PROVENANCE:
Sotheby, June 1985
x305
Austria, Empire, Order of Leopold, Knight’s breast
Badge, with War Decoration wreath, 59mm including
silver mark on suspension ring, good very fine, with
crossed on riband, these superimposed with a
miniature Star of the Order of Franz Joseph
Austria, Empire, Medal for the Defence of the Tyrol
1866, silver, nearly very fine (2)
£300-400
303
153
307
308
Austria, Empire, Red Cross Decoration, Second Class
breast Badge, 45mm x 37mm, silver and enamel, with
War Decoration wreath, good very fine, with Red Cross
lapel pin
£60-80
306
x306
Austria, Empire, Order of Franz Joseph, Civil
Division, Commander’s neck Badge, by Vinc Mayer’s
Söhne, Vienna, 69mm including crown suspension x
37mm, gold and enamel, maker’s mark on suspension
ring, with later gold loop ring, extremely fine, with neck
riband
£300-400
x307
Austria, Empire, Order of Franz Joseph, Civil
Division, Commander’s pin-back Badge, by Vinc
Mayer’s Söhne, Vienna, 75mm including crown
suspension x 40mm, gilt and enamel, with additional
green enamel bands from crown, maker’s cartouche
and export marks on reverse, and additional export
mark on retaining pin, minor white enamel cracking to
central medallion, otherwise good very fine, scarce
£200-240
x309
Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold, Civil Division,
Commander’s neck Badge, 83mm including crown
suspension x 53mm, silver-gilt and enamel, French
motto, very fine, with neck riband, in Galère, Brussels,
case of issue
£70-90
x310
Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold, Civil Division,
suspension x 59mm, silver-gilt and enamel, bi-lingual
motto, good very fine, with neck riband
£70-90
311
Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown,
Commander’s neck Badge, 78mm including wreath
suspension x 58mm, gilt and enamel, very fine, with
neck riband
Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Officer’s
43mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, good very fine,
with rosette on riband, in Deses, Antwerp, case of issue,
with related miniature award
Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Officer’s
46mm, gilt and enamel, good very fine, with rosette on
riband (3)
£80-120
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312
x312
Burundi, Kingdom, Royal Order of the Karyenda, Knight
Grand Cross sash Badge, 92mm including crown suspension
x 64mm, gilt and enamel, enamel crack to lower obverse arm
of cross, otherwise nearly extremely fine, with full sash riband
£240-280
155
313
314
313
Denmark, Kingdom, Order of the Dannebrog, Grand
Officer’s Star, 70mm x 53mm, silver, silver-gilt, and
enamel, extremely fine
£500-600
x314
Denmark, Kingdom, Order of the Dannebrog,
Commander’s neck Badge, C.IX.R. (1863-1906),
79mm including crown suspension x 40mm, gold and
enamel, gold mark on suspension ring, minor enamel
cracking to reverse, otherwise nearly extremely fine
£400-500
315
Denmark, Kingdom, Order of the Dannebrog,
C.X.R. (1912-47), Commander’s neck badge, 82mm
including crown suspension x 41mm, gold and
enamel, with gold mark on suspension loop, test mark
to base, nearly extremely fine, with neck riband, in
Michelsen, Copenhagen, case of issue
£300-400
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Page 156
316
x316
Egypt, Kingdom, Order of the Nile, First Class set of Insignia, by
J. Lattes, Cairo, sash Badge, 92mm including crown suspension x
63mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, maker’s name and silver marks on
reverse; Star, 94mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, maker’s name on
reverse, good very fine, with full sash riband
£600-800
157
319
320
317
Egypt, Kingdom, Order of the Nile, Grand Officer’s
set of Insignia, by Lattes, Cairo, neck Badge, 92mm
including crown suspension x 63mm, silver, silver-gilt,
and enamel, maker’s name and silver marks on reverse,
lacking loop suspension; Star, 80mm, silver, silver-gilt,
and enamel, maker’s name and silver marks on reverse,
good very fine (2)
£300-400
318
Egypt, Kingdom, Order of the Nile, Officer’s breast
silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, good very fine, with
rosette on riband
Egypt, Kingdom, Order of the Nile, Knight’s breast
Badge, by Lattes, Cairo, 66mm including crown
suspension x 45mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel,
maker’s name and silver marks on reverse, good very
fine, with unofficial gold straight bar suspension (2)
£240-280
319
Egypt, Kingdom, Order of Ismail, Commander’s neck
Badge, by Lattes, Cairo, 78mm including crown
suspension x 61mm, gold and enamel, maker’s name
and gold marks for 1924 to reverse of badge, and
additional gold marks to crown and loop suspension,
extremely fine, with neck riband, in case of issue
£800-1,200
320
Egypt, Kingdom, Judge’s Badge, 115mm x 85mm,
silver-gilt and enamel, good very fine, scarce
£600-800
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Page 158
321
321
Egypt, Republic, Order of the Republic, Second Class set of
Insignia, by Tewfik Bichay, Cairo, neck Badge, 82mm
including eagle suspension x 62mm, silver-gilt and enamel,
with maker’s mark and silver mark on reverse; Star, 86mm
including surmounted eagle x 81mm, silver, silver-gilt, and
enamel, with maker’s mark and silver mark on reverse,
surmounted eagle loose on Star, gilding rubbed in places, very
fine, with neck riband and lapel rosette, in case of issue (2)
£280-320
159
322
323
x322
Finland, Republic, Order of the Cross of Liberty, 3rd type,
Second Class breast Badge, 67mm including wreath and swords
suspension x 39mm, gilt and white enamel, reverse dated
‘1941’, good very fine
£140-180
x323
France, First Empire 1804-14, Legion of Honour, an Early ‘1st
type’ 1804-06 Knight’s breast Badge with affixed ‘2nd type’
crown suspension, 50mm including crown suspension x 36mm,
silver, gold, and enamel, reverse centre medallion depressed,
minor enamel restoration to one arm, very fine, scarce
£1,000-1,400
First Empire Legion of Honour Badges were often converted by the
recipient to conform with changes in the Legion of Honour regulations
regarding the appearance of the Badge.
324
France, Kingdom, Second Restoration 1815-30, Legion of
Honour, Commander’s neck Badge, 87mm including crown
suspension x 59mm, gold and enamel, good very fine
£800-1,200
325
France, Kingdom, Second Restoration 1815-30, Royal and
Military Order of St. Louis, Chevalier’s breast Badge, 38mm,
gold and enamel, balls to points of cross, significant white
enamel damage, therefore nearly very fine
£140-180
324
326
France, Second Empire, Legion of Honour, Chevalier’s breast
Badge, 66mm including crown suspension x 42mm, silver,
gold, and enamel, poincon mark on obverse, enamel damage to
points of badge and motto, good fine
£70-90
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328
x328
Germany, Baden, Order of the Lion of Zahringen,
Civil Division, Knight Grand Cross sash Badge,
61mm, gilt, green crystal, and enamel, nearly extremely
fine, with full sash riband
£800-1,200
x327
France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Grand
Officer’s Star, by Arthus Bertrand, Paris, 92mm,
silver, maker’s mark and silver poincon mark on
retaining pin, scratch test marks to obverse centre,
reverse, and retaining pin, therefore very fine
£100-140
161
329
x329
Germany, Bavaria, Order of St. Hubert, Knight
Grand Cross Star, by Rothe, Vienna, 90mm, silver,
silver-gilt, and enamel, silver marks on reverse and
maker’s name on retaining pin, good very fine, scarce
£1,400-1,800
x330
Germany, Hohenzollern, Royal House Order,
Military Division, Knight’s breast Badge, by Sy and
Wagner, Berlin, 58mm including crown suspension x
39mm, silver and enamel, Prussian eagle at centre,
maker’s mark and silver mark to base, good very fine
£70-90
x331
Germany, Oldenburg, House and Merit Order of
Peter Frederick Louis, Civil Division, Grand Cross
Star, 85mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, minor blue
enamel damage to central medallion, and tiny chip to
red enamel of motto, otherwise nearly extremely fine
£400-500
332
Germany, Oldenburg, House and Merit Order of
Peter Frederick Louis, Civil Division, Officer’s breast
Badge, by Knauer, Pforzheim, pin-back version,
44mm, silver-gilt and enamel, maker’s name on pin,
extremely fine, scarce
£300-400
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Page 162
331
333
x333
Germany, Reuss, Honour Cross, First Class neck
Badge, 50mm, silver-gilt and enamel, minor red
enamel damage to obverse central medallion, therefore
good very fine, with neck riband
£400-500
334
Germany, Saxony, Saxe-Ernestine House Order, 2nd
type, Civil Division, Knight First Class breast Badge,
67mm including crown suspension x 44mm, silver-gilt
and enamel, minor enamel damage to one tip of cross
and part of wreath, otherwise extremely fine
£240-280
PROVENANCE:
Neville Collection (the actual badge illustrated in his 1974
book on German Orders)
334
163
335
335
Germany, Saxony, Military Order of St. Henry, Grand
Cross set of Insignia, neck Badge breast Badge, 78mm
including crown suspension x 53mm, silver-gilt and
enamel; Star, 75mm, silver-gilt and enamel, silver mark
to retaining pin, nearly extremely fine, in Schott,
Frankfurt, case of issue, the lid embossed ‘G.B.’ (2)
£6,000-8,000
WWW.SPINK.COM
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x336
Germany, Saxony, Order of Civil Merit, 2nd type,
Knight Second Class breast Badge, with Swords,
35mm, silver and enamel, minor enamel damage to
reverse central medallion and to one point of cross,
therefore good very fine
£80-120
x337
Italy, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Grand Officer’s
set of Insignia, by Cravanzola, Rome, neck Badge,
52mm, gold and enamel, maker’s name on base; Star,
76mm, silver, gold, and enamel, maker’s cartouche on
reverse, nearly extremely fine, with neck riband (2)
£240-280
338
A Group of Medals Attributed to an Italian
General
a) Italy, Kingdom, Order of the Crown,
Commander’s neck Badge, 51mm, gold and enamel,
lacking reverse central medallion, with neck riband
b) Italy, Kingdom, Order of St. Maurice and St.
Lazarus, Commander’s neck Badge, 85mm including
crown suspension x 53mm, gold and enamel, crown
unofficially attached, with neck riband, together with a
Knight’s breast Badge, 60mm including crown
suspension x 37mm, silver-gilt, gold, and enamel, this
with enamel damage
c) Italy, Kingdom, Al Valore Militare, silver, unnamed
as issued, together with another similar
d) Italy, Kingdom, Independence Medal, silver, with
four date bars, ‘1849’ (War with Austria), ‘1859’ (War
with Austria), ‘1866’ (War with Austria), and ‘1870’
(Capture of Rome)
e) Italy, Roman Republic Merit Medal 1848, silver,
‘Lupa’ on obverse; trophy of arms on reverse, generally
very fine or better, together with the group of eleven
miniature awards attributed to the recipient, mounted
as worn ‘Continental style’ on a double braid gold
chain, with gold fixing pins at either end (lot)
£500-600
339
x339
Italy, Parma, Sacred and Military Constantine Order
of St. George, Star, skeletal type, 76mm, gilt and
enamel, of more recent manufacture, extremely fine
£60-80
x340
Italy, Tuscany, Order of Civil Merit, Knight’s breast
gold and enamel, gold marks on suspension ring,
extremely fine
£600-800
340
165
341
x341
Japan, Empire, Order of the Rising Sun, First Class set
of Insignia, sash Badge, 109mm including paulownia
flowers x 76mm, silver-gilt, enamel, and red cabochon
in centre, paulownia flowers suspension re-affixed; Star,
90mm, silver, silver-gilt, and red cabochon in centre,
minor damage to tips of badge, therefore very fine or
better (2)
£600-800
x342
Japan, Empire, Order of the Rising Sun, Third Class
neck Badge, 82mm including paulownia flowers x
54mm, silver-gilt and enamel, with red cabochon in
centre, extremely fine, with adjustable neck riband, in
rio-nuri lacquer case of issue
£180-220
x343
54mm, silver-gilt and enamel, red cabochon in centre,
£120-160
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Page 166
344
345
344
54mm, silver-gilt and enamel, red cabochon in centre,
top ray of badge bent and enamel lacking, top suspension
ring damaged, therefore nearly very fine or better, with
neck riband
£120-160
x345
Korea, Empire, Order of the Taeguk, Second Class
neck Badge, 79mm including plum flower suspension
x 56mm, silver-gilt and enamel, suspension ring
replaced, minor contact marks, very fine
£600-800
x346
Laos, Kingdom, Order of the Million Elephants and
the White Parasol, Knight’s breast Badge, 62mm x
38mm, silver-gilt and enamel, uniface issue, reverse of
scroll impressed ‘Auger Froment-Meurice’, significant
enamel restoration to all three elephants and solder
repairs to reverse, therefore good fine
£60-80
167
347
347
Liberia, Republic, Order of the Pioneers of Liberia, Grand
Officer’s set of Insignia, neck Badge, 89mm including
wreath suspension x 61mm, silver-gilt and enamel, minor
damage to one tip; Star, 95mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel,
silver marks to retaining pin, good very fine, with neck riband,
in Bacqueville, Paris, case of issue (2)
£500-600
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Page 168
348
x348
Liberia, Republic, Order of the Star of Africa, First Class set of Insignia, sash
Badge, 91mm including wreath suspension x 57mm, silver-gilt and enamel,
silver mark to ring; Star, 74mm, silver-gilt and enamel, silver mark to retaining
pin, minor enamel damage to tips of star on Badge, otherwise good very fine, with
full sash riband and lapel rosette, in Chobillon, Paris, case of issue (2)
£300-400
169
349
351
349
Malta, Order of Malta, Knight of Honour and
Devotion’s neck Badge, 136mm including crown and
trophy of arms suspension x 48mm, silver-gilt, gilt,
and enamel, trophy of arms suspension with Latin
Cross, minor enamel restoration to top arm of cross, and
small Maltese cross on breast plate in trophy of arms
suspension, otherwise good very fine, with neck riband
and miniature award, in Tanfani & Bertarelli, Rome,
case of issue
£160-200
351
Netherlands, Kingdom, Order of the Netherlands
Lion, an Early Commander’s Star, 92mm including
top crown x 66mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, very
minor enamel damage to central medallion, otherwise
£600-800
x350
Montenegro, Kingdom, Order of Danilo, 3rd type,
suspension x 51mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel,
extremely fine
£300-400
x352
Netherlands, Kingdom, Order of Orange Nassau,
Officer’s breast Badge, 64mm x 41mm, silver-gilt and
enamel, nearly extremely fine, with rosette on riband
£100-140
WWW.SPINK.COM
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353
354
x353
Netherlands, Kingdom, Order of the Crown,
Commander’s neck Badge, 69mm including
suspension x 55mm, gilt and enamel, very fine, with
neck riband, in Koninklijke Begeer, Voorschoten, case of
issue, with lapel rosette and riband bar, together with
the following related documents: - Bestowal
Document for the Commander of the Order of the
Crown to Lieutenant-Colonel Blair Stewart-Wilson,
and dated 10.11.1982 - Buckingham Palace Restricted
Permission to wear letter for the Order of the House
of Orange [sic], named to Lieutenant-Colonel Blair
Stewart-Wilson, M.V.O. dated 8.2.1984, and signed
‘Philip Moore’ - Extract of the Statutes of the Order
of the House of Orange, as used for the Order of the
Crown - Framed photograph of H.M. Queen Beatrix
and H.R.H. Prince Claus of the Netherlands, signed
‘Beatrix’ and ‘Claus’
£500-600
x354
Nicaragua, Republic, Order of Grey Town, Grand
lacking top Grey Town towers emblem, reverse lightly
engraved ‘Sir John Scott 1890’, green enamel damage
to both outer and inner wreaths, central medallion loose,
otherwise very fine
£200-240
Awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Blair Stewart-Wilson,
Deputy Master of the Household and Equerry to H.M. The
Queen, during the State Visit to the United Kingdom of
H.M. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, 16-19.11.1982.
The Order of the Crown was instituted in 1969, replacing the
Order of the House of Orange.
PROVENANCE:
Spink, April 2012 (when sold alongside the other Foreign
Orders awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Blair StewartWilson, K.C.V.O.)
171
355
x355
Norway, Kingdom, Order of St. Olav, Knight Grand
Cross sash Badge, by Tostrop, Oslo, 88mm including
maker’s mark and silver mark on suspension ring, good
very fine, with full sash riband
£400-500
WWW.SPINK.COM
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356
356
Oman, Sultanate, State Emblem Insignia Badge, by
Asprey, London, 48mm x 36mm, gold and enamel,
maker’s name on reverse, extremely fine, scarce, in case
of issue
£300-400
357
Portugal, Kingdom, Military Order of Christ, a finequality Commander’s neck Badge, 72mm including
Sacred Heart suspension x 33mm, gold and enamel,
minor test mark to base, extremely fine, with neck
riband
£400-500
357
358
Portugal, Kingdom, Military Order of Christ, a finequality early 19th Century Knight’s breast Badge,
46mm including crown suspension x 22mm, gold and
enamel, extremely fine, in fitted case
£400-500
359
Miniature Awards: Portugal, Kingdom, Military
Order of Christ, Knight’s Badge (3), gold and enamel,
no crown or sacred heart suspension, generally good
very fine or better (3)
£50-70
358
173
360
360
Portugal, Republic, Military Order of Christ, A most
attractive, early 20th Century gem-set Commander’s
neck Badge, 39mm x 30mm, comprising 21 rose-cut
diamonds in central cross surrounded by 44 finely
matched natural rubies, set in a gold open lattice
frame, with diamond set ring and loop suspension,
£1,800-2,200
361
362
x361
Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class
breast Badge, by Keibel, St. Petersburg, 35mm, gold
(56 zolotniki) and enamel, Court stamp and maker’s
mark on reverse, 1865-96 assay office mark and gold
mark on suspension ring, nearly extremely fine
£800-1,200
362
Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, First Class sash
Badge, 49mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, 1861
date stamp and gold markon suspension ring, lacking
gold loop suspension, enamel dmage to one reverse arm,
central medallion slightly loose, otherwise good very fine
£1,400-1,800
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 174
363
363
Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, First
Class Star, by Keibel, St. Petersburg, 89mm,
silver (84 zolotniki), silver-gilt, and enamel,
manufacturer’s name and 1865-96 assay
office mark on reverse and on retaining pin,
minor enamel damage to central red cross,
therefore nearly extremely fine
£1,800-2,200
x364
Serbia, Principality, Order of Cross of
Takovo, Civil Division, Commander’s neck
Badge, by Fischmeister, Vienna, M.O.IV,
74mm including crown suspension x
42mm, silver-gilt and enamel, maker’s mark
and silver mark on suspension ring, good very
fine
£300-400
x365
Serbia, Kingdom, Order of St. Sava, 3rd
type, Knight Grand Cross Star, 90mm,
silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, Bishop with
green robes, top point of Star damaged,
otherwise good very fine
£240-280
365
175
367
x366
Serbia, Kingdom, Order of St Sava, 3rd type,
suspension x 52mm, silver-gilt and enamel, Bishop
with green robes, minor enamel dmaage to band
around central medallions, otherwise good very fine
£140-180
x367
Serbia, Kingdom, Order of the Star of Karageorge,
Grand Officer’s set of Insignia, by Schied, Vienna, neck
silver-gilt and enamel, blue enamel damage to motto
around reverse central medallion; Star, 95mm, silver,
silver-gilt, and enamel, silver marks on reverse and
maker’s name and silver marks on retaining pin, minor
enamel damage therefore very fine, with neck riband
(2)
£400-500
x368
Spain, Kingdom, Order of Charles III, Knight Grand
Cross Star, 83mm, silver, gold, and enamel, extremely
fine
£300-400
368
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 176
370
371
x369
Spain, Kingdom, Order of Military Merit, Knight’s (nonCombatant) breast Badge, 59mm including crown
suspension x 40mm, gold and white enamel, undated, minor
enamel dmaage ot reverse lower arm, otherwise extremely fine
£50-70
x370
Spain, Kingdom, Order of Civil Merit, Commander’s neck
Badge, 71mm including crown and wreath suspension x
49mm, silver-gilt and enamel, gilding rubbed in places,
otherwise good very fine, with neck riband and lapel rosette, in
Cejalvo, Madrid, case of issue
£70-90
371
Spain, Kingdom, Order of Mary Louisa, Lady’s Badge,
70mm including wreath suspension x 48mm, gold and
enamel, minor purple enamel damage to arms of cross on
obverse, therefore very fine, with lady’s bow riband
£300-400
177
372
x372
Sweden, Kingdom, Order of the North Star, A Fine Quality Grand
Cross with Collar set of Insignia, Collar Chain, 1150mm, gilt and
enamel, with 20 medallions comprising of alternate crowned
ciphers and North Stars; Badge Appendant, 80mm including crown
suspension x 54mm, gold and enamel; Star, 73mm, silver, minor
enamel damage to Collar medallions, one gold ball on tip of Badge
Appendant repaired, otherwise about extremely fine, all housed in a
custom-made fitted Spink, London, case (3)
£3,000-4,000
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 178
374
375
x373
Sweden, Kingdom, Order of the North Star,
suspension x 55mm, silver-gilt and enamel, two tips of
cross damaged and repaired, therefore very fine, with
neck riband, in Carlman, Stockholm, case of issue
£200-240
x374
Sweden, Kingdom, Order of the North Star,
suspension x 55mm, silver-gilt and enamel, extremely
fine, with neck riband
£240-280
x375
Sweden, Kingdom, Order of Vasa, Commander’s
neck Badge, by Carlman, Stockholm, 81mm including
crown suspension x 55mm, gold and enamel, maker’s
mark and gold mark to base, extremely fine, with neck
riband, in case of issue; together with the related
miniature award
£300-400
x376
Thailand, Kingdom, Order of the White Elephant,
Officer’s breast Badge, by Benson, London, 62mm
including suspension x 34mm, gilt and enamel, good
very fine, in case of issue
£40-50
179
377
x377
Vatican, Holy See, Order of Pius, Knight Grand Cross
set of Insignia, by Tanfani, Rome, c.1865, sash Badge,
57mm, gold and enamel, maker’s cartouche on
reverse; Star, 79mm, silver, gold, and enamel, maker’s
cartouche on reverse, nearly extremely fine, rare, with
full sash riband (2)
£1,400-1,800
Attributed to Isma’il Pasha, Khedive of Egypt 1863-79
PROVENANCE:
Spink 1991
x378
Vatican, Holy See, Order of Pius, Knight’s breast
Badge, by Pierret, Rome, 44mm, gold and enamel,
maker’s name on reverse, nearly extremely fine
£100-140
x379
Vatican, Holy See, Order of St. Sylvester, Grand
central medallion slightly loose, nearly extremely fine
£80-120
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 180
MINIATURE AWARDS
380
380
Miniature Award: The Most Honourable Order of the
Bath, Civil Division, Companion’s (C.B.) breast
Badge, gold, with integral gold riband buckle,
extremely fine, in Garrard, London, fitted case
£60-80
381
381
Miniature Award: The Most Distinguished Order of
St. Michael and St. George, Commander’s (C.M.G.)
Badge, gold and enamel, gold mark to base, extremely
fine, in Spink, London, fitted case
£60-80
181
MISCELLANEOUS
382
383
x382
Queen’s Messenger Badge, V.R., 88mm including
greyhound appendage x 40mm, silver-gilt (Hallmarks
for London 1875) and enamel, with silver greyhound,
£1,000-1,400
383
A Fine-Quality Queen Victoria ‘Homage’ Badge
A fine-quality Badge, designed in the style of a Maid
of Honour’s Badge, featuring a miniature portrait of a
youthful Queen Victoria facing centre, topped by a
crown set with 40 diamonds, and contained in a
converted, hinged, silver and silver-gilt frame made up
of a wreath of vine-leaves, topped and flanked by
cherubs, with bunches of grapes and a butterfly at the
base, nearly extremely fine, on short section of lady’s
broad riband for display purposes
£600-800
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 182
384
384
United Service Institution of India Prize Essay Gold Medal, by
Wyon, London, 45mm, gold (52.89g), Athena facing left on
obverse; two crowns within laurel wreath on reverse, edge
engraved ‘Lieut. Colonel G.P. Rankin, 46th. Punjab
Infantry, 1901.’, extremely fine, in fitted case of issue
£800-1,200
Lieutenant-Colonel George P. Rankin, 46th Punjab Infantry,
served with the Burmese Expedition 1886-87 as Staff Officer to the
Director of Transport (Mentioned in Despatches), and with the
Hazara Expedition in 1888; he later served with the Chitral Relief
Force under Sir Robert Low in 1895; and in the campaign on the
North West Frontier of India under Sir William Lockhart in 1897-98
with the 24th Punjab Infantry. He was awarded the annual United
Service Institution of India Prize Essay Gold Medal in 1901 for his
essay on ‘The Practical Training of British and Native Troops in India
with Reference to the Lessons of the War in South Africa.’
Sikkim Camp, Imperial Coronation Durbar, Delhi, 1903. H.R.H. Crown Prince Sidkyong Tulku of Sikkim
seated second from right; Lieutenant-Colonel G.P. Rankin standing far right
183
385
387
385
A Royal Artillery Cap Badge Die
An interesting decommissioned cap badge die,
fabricated of hardened steel, 53mm in diameter x
45mm in height, the artwork of the die illustrating
superb
contemporary
workmanship,
with
identification number ‘2270’ impressed upon the
base, made available as a collectable via a
decommissioning strike made to the face of the die
£60-80
387
A Royal Hampshire Regiment Cap Badge Die
superb
contemporary
workmanship,
with
£50-70
386
A Welsh Guards Cap Badge Die
superb
contemporary
workmanship,
with
£60-80
388
A King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Cap Badge
Die
superb contemporary workmanship, made available as
a collectable via a decommissioning strike made to the
face of the die
£50-70
386
388
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 184
389
389
A Framed Painting of Lieutenant A.H.H. Batten-Pooll Winning the V.C.,
Painted for and Appearing in Deeds that Thrill the Empire
A view of a bomb exploding and severely wounding Lieutenant A.H. Batten-Pooll,
Royal Munster Fusiliers, at the moment of entry into the enemy’s lines when in
command of a raiding party near Colonne, 25.6.1916, signed ‘H. Ripperger’,
520mm x 355mm, lithograph, mounted in a glazed frame
£400-500
V.C. London Gazette 5.8.1916 Lt. Arthur Hugh Batten-Pooll, R. Muns. Fus.
‘For most conspicuous bravery whilst in command of a raiding party. At the moment of entry
into the enemy’s lines he was severely wounded by a bomb, which broke and mutilated all
the fingers of his right hand. In spite of this he continued to direct operations with
unflinching courage, his voice being clearly heard cheering on and directing his men. He was
urged, but refused, to retire. Half an hour later, during the withdrawal, whilst personally
assisting in the rescue of other wounded men, he received two further wounds. Still refusing
assistance, he walked unaided to within 100 yards of our lines when he fainted, and was
carried in by the covering party.’
END OF THE SALE
185
Auction Notes
WWW.SPINK.COM
Page 186
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – # – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury,
London WC1B 4ET
tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4005
fax: +44 (0)20 7563 4037
email: [email protected]
WRITTEN BIDS FORM
NAME ______________________________________________________
This form should be sent or faxed to the
Spink auction office in advance of the sale.
References for new clients should be
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________ supplied in good time to be taken up
before the sale. Bids received later than
one hour before the start of the sale may
____________________________________________________________ not be processed.
____________________________________________________________
YOU CAN ALSO BID IN REAL TIME ON SPINK LIVE.
POSTCODE ___________________________________________________
SALE TITLE
JUST VISIT WWW.SPINK.COM, REGISTER AND LOG
INTO THE SALE.
DATE
CODE NAME
SALE NO.
Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals
PREVOST
15003
and Militaria
at 10.00 a.m.
I request Spink, without legal obligations of any kind on its part, to bid on the following Lots up to the price given below. I understand that if my bid is successful the
Purchase Price will be the sum of the final bid and Buyer’s premium as a percentage of the final bid, any VAT chargeable, also a fee for bidding on the-saleroom.com only
and fee for paying by credit card. The Rate of Premium is 20% of the final hammer price of each lot. I understand Spink will pursue me for payment for any successful bid.
In addition, I understand and consent that Spink may share my personal details relating to the default with other auction houses and live bidding platforms to protect
themselves from such defaults.
All bids shall be treated as offers made on the Terms and Conditions for Buyers printed in the catalogue. I also understand that Spink provides the service of executing
bids on behalf of clients for the convenience of clients and that Spink will not be held responsible for failing to execute bids. If identical commission bids are received for
the same Lot, the commission bid received first by Spink will take precedence. Please note that you will not be notified if there are higher written bids received.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IN BLOCK LETTERS AND ENSURE THAT BIDS ARE IN STERLING
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(in numerical order)
TEL. HOME
Price Bid £
(excluding Buyer’s Premium)
Lot Number
Price Bid £
Lot Number
Price Bid £
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Continued ...
DATE
SALE NO.
at 10.00 a.m.
15003
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IN BLOCK LETTERS AND ENSURE THAT BIDS ARE IN STERLING
Lot Number
Price Bid £
Lot Number
Price Bid £
BIDDING INCREMENTS
Bidding generally opens below the low estimate and advances in the following order
although the auctioneer may vary the bidding increments during the course of the
auction. The normal bidding increments are:
Up to £100
£100 to £300
£300 to £600
£600 to £1,000
by £5
by £10
£320-£350-£380-£400 etc.
by £50
£1,000 to £3,000
£3,000 to £6,000
£6,000 to £20,000
£20,000 and up
by £100
£3,200-£3,500-£3,800-£4,000 etc.
by £500
Auctioneer’s discretion
Lot Number
Price Bid £
VAT is chargeable on the Hammer price and
the Buyer’s premium of daggered (†) and (Ω)
lots at the standard rate (currently 20%), and
on lots marked (x) at the reduced rate
(currently 5% on the Hammer price and 20%
on the Buyer’s premium). VAT on Margin
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VAT symbol next to the lot number) is
payable at 20% on the Buyer’s premium only.
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________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
AUCTION RESULTS
SALE:
Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals
and Militara
SALE NO:
DATE:
VENUE:
15002
Spink & Son Ltd
69 Southampton Row
Bloomsbury
London WC1B 4ET
Tel: (020) 7563 4000
Thursday 23 July 2015
London
The following prices in sterling do not include the buyer’s premium and are rounded to the
nearest pound. Lots which did not sell are not shown.
Spink & Son are not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.
Lot
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Price
£5,000
£1,300
£2,000
£420
£350
£48,000
£3,800
£320
£240
£600
£280
£260
£1,200
£800
£1,900
£2,200
£1,800
£1,500
£2,100
£1,400
£600
£7,500
£17,000
£1,000
£1,800
£420
£450
£750
£320
£320
£1,000
£500
£350
£250
£250
£290
£250
£320
£400
Lot
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
Price
£450
£1,700
£300
£1,400
£150
£230
£450
£850
£3,800
£480
£170
£110
£190
£3,800
£1,300
£1,300
£800
£900
£850
£850
£480
£800
£950
£550
£700
£450
£160
£420
£110
£160
£200
£270
£140
£160
£55
£180
£800
£100
£95
Lot
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
Price
£110
£95
£650
£90
£270
£160
£190
£150
£180
£520
£150
£130
£160
£270
£900
£350
£1,000
£120
£110
£320
£160
£230
£1,300
£220
£120
£120
£140
£450
£120
£290
£520
£230
£120
£190
£120
£95
£210
£160
£550
Lot
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
Price
£210
£160
£220
£200
£350
£380
£210
£1,500
£140
£150
£210
£270
£85
£200
£120
£120
£190
£220
£250
£160
£170
£400
£200
£580
£1,500
£800
£180
£110
£170
£230
£520
£400
£1,700
£210
£750
£420
£230
£2,200
£1,500
Lot
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
Price
Lot
Price
£480
£600
£4,000
£2,700
£3,200
£650
£1,900
£300
£580
£350
£420
£800
£800
£900
£700
£280
£580
£180
£180
£240
£280
£160
£130
£850
£160
£1,300
£140
£380
£1,800
£750
£2,600
£1,700
£2,900
£1,000
£380
£380
£380
£350
£450
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
£270
£160
£140
£100
£300
£220
£300
£450
£250
£220
£300
£300
£320
£260
£750
£400
£150
£140
£240
£130
£100
£300
£250
£180
£200
£210
£150
£240
£130
£120
£100
£260
£700
£300
£260
£240
£400
£150
£110
Lot
Price
Lot
Price
Lot
Price
Lot
Price
Lot
Price
Lot
Price
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
£90
£85
£95
£50
£95
£80
£110
£95
£110
£100
£55
£85
£75
£200
£100
£130
£120
£2,300
£950
£800
£800
£480
£350
£250
£500
£170
£240
£480
£180
£2,600
£4,500
£1,000
£2,900
£120
£320
£280
£400
£450
£160
£1,800
£210
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
£170
£210
£320
£320
£150
£450
£270
£250
£580
£3,200
£260
£420
£420
£140
£240
£380
£320
£170
£580
£400
£260
£200
£240
£180
£350
£650
£250
£480
£420
£380
£210
£1,050
£1,600
£85
£520
£160
£300
£520
£380
£240
£300
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
357
358
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
£900
£80
£900
£520
£520
£120
£130
£800
£900
£380
£700
£450
£1,300
£5,000
£3,800
£3,200
£1,600
£850
£580
£1,100
£350
£950
£270
£1,100
£400
£400
£2,800
£5,000
£400
£2,500
£4,000
£1,100
£500
£400
£900
£650
£450
£500
£350
£270
£200
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
£750
£320
£230
£130
£120
£120
£110
£100
£90
£140
£480
£950
£380
£480
£380
£520
£220
£600
£190
£300
£480
£180
£250
£180
£190
£150
£270
£220
£350
£850
£130
£140
£180
£100
£220
£130
£260
£150
£120
£230
£580
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
£240
£250
£140
£140
£350
£260
£110
£120
£120
£120
£160
£150
£180
£700
£170
£220
£90
£120
£130
£180
£300
£210
£220
£140
£800
£850
£85
£160
£90
£120
£200
£150
£700
£120
£350
£140
£800
£850
£250
£290
£3,500
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
473
474
475
476
477
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
£170
£260
£1,900
£130
£350
£85
£380
£650
£600
£320
£380
£80
£400
£45
£400
£120
£150
£210
£120
£550
£100
£190
£400
£100
£270
£450
£320
£110
£110
£320
£700
£160
£800
£180
£2,900
£900
July/14
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR BUYERS
These conditions set out the terms on which we (Spink and Son Limited of 69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury London WC1B 4ET (company no. 04369748)) contract
with you (Buyer) either as agent on behalf of the Seller or as principal if we are the Seller. You should read these conditions carefully.
1
2
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply in these conditions:
Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme
means a VAT margin scheme as defined by HM Revenue & Customs;
Buyer’s Premium
means the charge payable by you as a percentage of the Hammer Price, at the rates set out in clause 5.1 below;
Certificate of Authenticity
means a certificate issued by an Expert Committee confirming the authenticity of a Lot;
Expert Committee
means a committee of experts to whom a Lot may be sent for an extension in accordance with clause 3.4.3;
Forgery
means a Lot constituting an imitation originally conceived and executed as a whole with a fraudulent intention to deceive as to
authorship, origin, age, period, culture or source where the correct description as to such matters is not reflected by the description
in the catalogue and which at the date of the auction had a value materially less than it would have had if it had been in accordance
with the description in the catalogue. Accordingly, no Lot shall be capable of being a Forgery by reason of any damage and/or
restoration work of any kind (including re-enamelling);
Hammer Price
means the amount of the highest bid accepted by the auctioneer in relation to a Lot;
Lot
means any item deposited with us for sale at auction and, in particular, the item or items described against any Lot number in any
catalogue;
Reserve
the amount below which we agree with the Seller that the Lot cannot be sold;
Seller
means the owner of the Lot being sold by us;
Spink Group
Spink and Son Limited, our subsidiaries and associated companies.
VAT
value added tax chargeable under VAT and any similar replacement or additional tax; and
VAT Symbols
means the symbols detailing the VAT status of the Lot details of which are set out at the back of the catalogue.
SPINK’S ROLE AS AGENT
2.1
2.2
3
3.4.3 If we accept a request for an expert opinion or Certificate of
Authenticity we will submit the Lot to the Expert Committee. You
acknowledge and accept that the length of time taken by an Expert
Committee to reach an opinion will vary depending on the
circumstances and in any event is beyond our control.
All sales undertaken by us either at auction or privately are undertaken
either as agent on behalf of the Seller or from time to time, as principal
if we are the owner of the Lot. Please note that even if we are acting as
agent on behalf of the Seller rather than as principal, we may have a
financial interest in the Lot.
3.4.4 We will not accept a request for an extension on account of
condition. Any Lot described in the catalogue as having faults or
defects may not be returned even if an expert opinion or Certificate
of Authenticity cites other faults or defects not included in the
catalogue description, other than in the case of a Forgery.
The contract for the sale of the Lot will be between you and the Seller.
BEFORE THE SALE
3.1
3.2
Examination of goods
You are strongly advised to examine personally any goods in which you
are interested, before the auction takes place. Condition reports are
usually available on request. We provide no guarantee to you other
than in relation to Forgeries, as set out in clause 5.13 of these Terms
and Conditions.
3.4.5 Should Spink accept a request for an extension under the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the fact may be stated by the
Auctioneer from the rostrum prior to the sale of the Lot.
3.4.6 It should be noted that any stamp accompanied by a Certificate
of Authenticity is sold on the basis of that Certificate only and not
on the basis of any other description or warranty as to authenticity.
No request for an extension will be accepted on such a stamp and
the return of such a stamp will not be accepted.
Catalogue descriptions
3.2.1 Statements by us in the catalogue or condition report, or made
orally or in writing elsewhere, regarding the authorship, origin,
date, age, size, medium, attribution, genuineness, provenance,
condition or estimated selling price of any Lot are merely
statements of opinion, and are not to be relied on as statements of
definitive fact. Catalogue and web illustrations are for guidance
only, and should not be relied on either to determine the tone or
colour of any item. No lot shall be rejected on the grounds of
inaccurate reproduction. No lot illustrated in the catalogue and
online shall be rejected on the grounds of cancellation, centring,
margins, perforation or other characteristics apparent from the
illustration. Estimates of the selling price should not be relied on as
a statement that this price is either the price at which the Lot will
sell or its value for any other purpose.
3.2.2 Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being
in perfect condition and some descriptions in the catalogue or given
by way of condition report make reference to damage and/or
restoration. We provide this information for guidance only and the
absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from
defects or restoration nor does a reference to particular defects
imply the absence of any others.
3.4.7 If you receive any correspondence from the Expert Committee
in relation to the Lot, including but not limited to a Certificate of
Authenticity, you must provide us with copies of such
correspondence no later than 7 days after you receive such
correspondence.
4
AT THE SALE
4.1
Refusal of admission
Our sales usually take place on our own premises or premises over
which we have control for the sale, and we have the right, exercisable
at our complete discretion, to refuse admission to the premises or
attendance at an auction.
4.2
Registration before bidding
You must complete and sign a registration form and provide
identification before making a bid at auction. Please be aware that we
usually require buyers to undergo a credit check.
If you have not bid successfully with Spink in the past, or you are
registering with us for the first time, we reserve the right to require a
deposit of up to 50% of the amount you intend to spend. Such deposit
will be deducted from your invoice should you be successful. If you are
unsuccessful at auction, your deposit will be returned by the same
means it was paid to Spink.
Some lots may be designated, prior to the auction, as “Premium Lots”,
which means a deposit may be required before placing a bid on the
item for sale. Information will be posted on our website in such an
event.
4.3
Bidding as Principal
When making a bid (whether such bids are made in person or by
way of telephone bids operated by Spink, commission or online or
email bids), you will be deemed to be acting as principal and will be
accepting personal liability, unless it has been agreed in writing, at the
time of registration, that you are acting as agent on behalf of a third
party buyer acceptable to us.
4.4
Commission Bids
If you give us instructions to bid on your behalf, by using the form
provided in our catalogues or via our website, we shall use reasonable
endeavours to do so, provided these instructions are received not later
than 24 hours before the auction. If we receive commission bids on a
particular Lot for identical amounts, and at auction these bids are the
highest bids for the Lot, it will be sold to the person whose bid was
received first. Commission bids are undertaken subject to other
commitments at the time of the sale, and the conduct of the auction
may be such that we are unable to bid as requested. Since this is
undertaken as a free service to prospective buyers on the terms stated,
we cannot accept liability for failure to make a commission bid. You
should therefore always attend personally if you wish to be certain of
bidding.
3.2.3 Other than as set out in clause 5.13, and in the absence of fraud,
neither the Seller nor we, nor any of our employees or agents, are
responsible for the correctness of any statement as to the
authorship, origin, date, age, attribution, genuineness or
provenance of any Lot nor for any other errors of description or for
any faults or defects in any Lot. Every person interested should
exercise and rely on his own judgment as to such matters.
3.3
Your Responsibility
You are responsible for satisfying yourself as to the condition of the
goods and the matters referred to in the catalogue description.
3.4
Extensions – Stamps only
3.4.1 If you wish to obtain an expert opinion or Certificate of
Authenticity on any Lot (other than a mixed Lot or Lot containing
undescribed stamps) you must notify us in writing not less than
forty-eight hours before the time fixed for the commencement of
the first session of the sale. If accepted by us, such request shall have
the same effect as notice of an intention to question the
genuineness or description of the Lot for the purposes of clause
5.13 (Refund in the case of Forgery) of these Terms and
Conditions and the provisions of clause 5.13 (Refund in the case of
Forgery) shall apply accordingly.
3.4.2 Notice of a request for an expert opinion or Certificate of
Authenticity must give the reason why such opinion is required and
specify the identity of your proposed expert which will be subject
to agreement by us. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to
refuse a request for an expert opinion or Certificate of Authenticity
including (without limitation) where the proposed expert is not
known to us.
4.5
On-line Bidding
We offer internet services as a convenience to our clients. We will not
be responsible for errors or failures to execute bids placed on the
internet, including, without limitation, errors or failures caused by (i) a
loss of internet connection by either party for whatever reason; (ii) a
breakdown or problems with the online bidding software and/or (iii)
a breakdown or problems with your internet connection, computer or
system. Execution of on-line internet bids on www.spink.com and
Spink Live is a free service undertaken subject to other commitments at
the time of the auction and we do not accept liability for failing to
execute an online internet bid or for errors or omissions in connection
with this activity. Buyers who acquire lots on the-saleroom.com will
have a fee of 3% on the hammer price added to their invoice for using
this facility.
4.6
Telephone Bids
If you make arrangements with us not less than 24 hours before the
sale, we shall use reasonable endeavours to contact you to enable you
to participate in bidding by telephone, but in no circumstances will we
be liable to either the Seller or you as a result of failure to do so.
4.7
Currency Converter
At some auctions, a currency converter will be operated, based on the
one month forward rates of exchange quoted to us by Barclays Bank
Plc or any other appropriate rate determined by us, at opening on the
date of the auction. Bidding will take place in a currency determined by
us, which is usually sterling for auctions held in London. The currency
converter is not always reliable, and errors may occur beyond our
control either in the accuracy of the Lot number displayed on the
converter, or the foreign currency equivalent of sterling bids. We shall
not be liable to you for any loss suffered as a result of you following the
currency converter.
4.8
Video images
At some auctions there will be a video screen. Mistakes may occur in its
operation, and we cannot be liable to you regarding either the
correspondence of the image to the Lot being sold or the quality of the
image as a reproduction of the original.
4.9
Bidding Increments
Bidding generally opens below the low estimate and advances in the
following order although the auctioneer may vary the bidding
increments during the course of the auction. The normal bidding
increments are:
Up to £100
by £5
£100 to £300
by £10
£300 to £600
£320-£350-£380-£400 etc.
£600 to £1,000
by £50
£1,000 to £3,000
by £100
£3,000 to £6,000
£3,200-£3,500-£3,800-£4,000 etc.
£6,000 to £20,000
by £500
£20,000 and up
Auctioneer’s discretion
5.2
5.3
4.10 Bidding by Spink
4.10.1 We reserve the right to bid on Lots on the Seller’s behalf up to
the amount of the Reserve (if any), which will never be above the
low estimate printed in the auction catalogue.
4.10.2 The Spink Group reserves the right to bid on and purchase
Lots as principal.
4.11 The Auctioneer’s Discretion
The auctioneer has the right at his absolute discretion to refuse any bid
to advance the bidding in such manner as he may decide to withdraw
or divide any Lot, to combine any two or more Lots and, in the case of
error or dispute, to put an item up for bidding again.
4.12 Successful Bid
Subject to the auctioneer’s discretion, the striking of his hammer marks
the acceptance of the highest bid, provided always that such bid is
higher than the Reserve (where applicable), and the conclusion of a
contract for sale between you and the Seller.
4.13 After Sale Arrangements
If you enter into any private sale agreements for any Lot with the Seller
within 60 days of the auction, we, as exclusive agents of the Seller
reserve the right to charge you the applicable Buyer’s Premium in
accordance with these Terms and Conditions, and the Seller a
commission in accordance with the terms of the Seller’s agreement.
4.14 Return of Lot
4.14.1 Once your bid has been accepted for a Lot then you are liable
to pay for that Lot in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
If there are any problems with a Lot then you must notify us within
7 days of receipt of the Lot, specifying the nature of the problem.
We may then request that the Lot is returned to us for inspection.
Save as set out in clause 5.13, the cancellation of the sale of any Lot
and the refund of the corresponding purchase price is entirely at
our sole discretion. We will not normally exercise that discretion if
the Lot is not received by us in the same condition that it was in at
the auction date.
4.14.2 No lot may be returned on account of condition if the
condition was stated by a third party grading company (including,
but not limited to PCGS, NGC, ANACS, ICG, PMG, WBG).
5
AFTER THE AUCTION
5.1 Buyer’s Premium and other charges
In addition to the Hammer Price, you must pay us the Buyer’s
Premium at a rate of 20% of the final Hammer price of each lot, a fee
of 3% on the hammer price total for using the-saleroom.com and a fee
for paying by credit card.
July/14
5.4
Value Added Tax
Other than in respect of Zero-rated Lots (o) VAT is chargeable on the
Hammer price and the Buyer’s premium of daggered (†) and (Ω) lots
at the standard rate (currently 20%), and on lots marked (x) at the
reduced rate (currently 5% on the Hammer price and 20% on the
Buyer’s premium). VAT on Margin scheme lots (identified by the
absence of any VAT symbol next to the lot number) is payable at 20%
on the Buyer’s premium only.
VAT Refunds
General
5.3.1 As we remain liable to account for VAT on all Lots unless they
have been exported outside the EU within 3 months of the date of
sale, you will generally be asked to deposit all amounts of VAT
invoiced. However, if a Spink nominated shipper is instructed, then
any refundable VAT will not be collected. In all other cases credits
will be made when proof of export is provided. If you export the
Lot yourself you must obtain shipping documents from the
Shipping Department for which a charge of £50 will be made.
5.3.2 If you export the Lot you must return the valid proof of export
certificate to us within 3 months of the date of sale. If you fail to
return the proof of export certificate to us within such period and
you have not already accounted to us for the VAT, you will be
liable to us for the full amount of the VAT due on such Lot and we
shall be entitled to invoice you for this sum.
5.3.3 To apply for a refund of any VAT paid, the proof of export
certificate must be sent to our Shipping Department clearly marked
‘VAT Refund’ within 3 months of the date of sale. No payment will
be made where the total amount of VAT refundable is less than £50
and Spink will charge £50 for each refund processed.
VAT Refunds - Buyers from within the EU
5.3.4 VAT refunds are available on the Hammer Price and Buyer’s
Premium of Daggered (†) and Investment Gold (g) Lots. You must
certify that you are registered for VAT in another EU country and
that the Lot is to be removed from the United Kingdom within 3
months of the date of sale.
5.3.5 Where an EU buyer purchases a Lot on which import VAT has
been charged, no refund of VAT is available from us. It may be
possible to apply directly for a refund on form VAT 65 to
HM Revenue & Customs Overeseas Repayment Section,
Londonderry.
VAT Refunds – Buyers from outside the EU
5.3.6 Where a Lot is included within the Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme
and evidence of export from the EU is produced within 3 months
of the date of sale, the VAT on Buyer’s Premium may be refunded.
5.3.7 Where the Lot is marked as a Daggered (†) or Investment Gold
(g) Lot the VAT charged on the Hammer Price may be refunded
where evidence of export from the EU is produced within 3
months of the date of sale. A refund of VAT charged on the Buyer’s
Premium can also be made on receipt of proof of business as a
collectibles dealer.
5.3.8 Where the Lot is marked as an Omega (Ω) Lot or an Import
VAT (x) Lot and evidence of export from the EU is produced
within 3 months of the date of sale, the VAT charged on both the
Hammer Price and Buyer’s Premium may be refunded. Where
required, we can advise you on how to export such Lots as a specific
form of export evidence is required. Where we advise you on the
export of the Lots, please be aware that the ultimate responsibility
in respect of obtaining a valid proof of export certificate will lie with
you and we will not be responsible for your failure to obtain such
certificate.
Payment
5.4.1 You must provide us with your full name and permanent address
and, if so requested, details of the bank from which any payments
to us will be made. You must pay the full amount due (comprising
the Hammer Price, the Buyer’s Premium and any applicable VAT)
within seven days after the date of the sale. This applies even if you
wish to export the Lot and an export licence is (or may be)
required.
5.4.2 You will not acquire title to the Lot until all amounts due
have been paid in full. This includes instances where special
arrangements were made for release of Lot prior to full settlement.
5.4.3 Payment should be made in sterling by one of the following
methods:
II(i) Direct bank transfer to our account details of which are set
out on the invoice. All bank charges shall be met by you.
Please ensure that your client number is noted on the
transfer.
i(ii) By cheque or bank draft made payable to Spink and Son Ltd
and sent to Spink at 69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury,
London WC1B 4ET. Please note that the processing charges
for payments made by cheques or bank drafts drawn on a
non-U.K bank shall be met by you. Please ensure that the
remittance slip printed at the bottom of the invoice is
enclosed with your payment.
(iii) By Visa or Mastercard. A fee of 2% will be applied. Payments
made by American Express are subject to a 4% fee. Payments
exceeding £5,000 can normally only be made by the card
holder in person whilst on our premises.
5.4.4 Payments should be made by the registered buyer and not by
third parties, unless it has been agreed at the time of registration
that you are acting as an agent on behalf of a third party.
Invoices
Invoices may consist of one or more pages and will show: Zero rated
Lots (o); no symbol Lots sold under the Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme;
Lots marked (g) special scheme Investment Gold; Daggered Lots (†),
imported Lots marked (x) and (Ω), (e) Lots with Zero rated hammer
for EU VAT registered buyers.
5.6 Collection of Purchases
5.6.1 Unless specifically agreed to the contrary, we shall retain lots
purchased until all amounts due to us, or to the Spink Group, have
been paid in full. Buyers will be required to pay for their lots when
they wish to take possession of the same, which must be within 7
days of the date of the sale, unless prior arrangements have been
made with Spink. Without prior agreement, lots will not be released
until cleared funds are received with regard to payments made by
cheque.
5.6.2 Unless we notify you to the contrary, items retained by us will
be covered in accordance with our policy which is available for
inspection at our offices from the date of sale for a period of seven
days or until the time of collection, whichever is sooner. After seven
days or from the time of collection, whichever is the earlier, the Lot
will be entirely at your risk.
5.6.3 Our policy will not cover and we are unable to accept
responsibility for damage caused by woodworm, changes in
atmospheric conditions or acts of terrorism.
5.7 Notification
We are not able to notify successful bidders by telephone. While
Invoices are sent out by mail after the auction we do not accept
responsibility for notifying you of the result of your bid. You are
requested to contact us by telephone or in person as soon as possible
after the auction to obtain details of the outcome of your bids to avoid
incurring charges for late payment.
5.8 Packing and handling
5.8.1 We shall use all reasonable endeavours to take care when
handling and packing a purchased Lot but remind you that after
seven days or from the time of collection, whichever is sooner, the
Lot is entirely at your risk. Our postage charges are set out at the
back of the catalogue.
5.8.2 It is the responsibility of the Buyer to be aware of any Import
Duties that may be incurred upon importation to the final
destination. Spink will not accept return of any package in order to
avoid these duties. The onus is also on the Buyer to be aware of any
Customs import restrictions that prohibit the importation of
certain collectibles. Spink will not accept return of the Lot(s) under
these circumstances. Spink will not accept responsibility for Lot(s)
seized or destroyed by Customs.
5.8.3 If the Buyer requires delivery of the Lot to an address other than
the invoice address this will be carried out at the discretion of
Spink.
5.9 Recommended packers and shippers
If required our shipping department may arrange shipment as your
agent. Although we may suggest carriers if specifically requested, our
suggestions are made on the basis of our general experience of such
parties in the past and we are not responsible to any person to whom
we have made a recommendation for the acts or omissions of the third
parties concerned.
5.10 Remedies for non-payment or failure to collect purchases
5.10.1 If you fail to make payment within seven days of your stipulated
payment date set out in your invoice, we shall be entitled to exercise
one or more of the following rights or remedies:
5.10.1.1 to charge interest at the rate of 2% per month compound
interest, calculated on a daily basis, from the date the full
amount is due;
5.10.1.2 to set off against any amounts which the Spink Group may
owe you in any other transaction the outstanding amount
remaining unpaid by you;
5.10.1.3 we may keep hold of all or some of your Lots or other
property in the possession of the Spink Group until you have
paid all the amounts you owe us or the Spink Group, even if the
unpaid amounts do not relate to those Lots or other property.
Following fourteen days’ notice to you of the amount
outstanding and remaining unpaid, the Spink Group shall have
the right to arrange the sale of such Lots or other property. We
shall apply the proceeds in discharge of the amount outstanding
to us or the Spink Group, and pay any balance to you;
5.10.1.4 where several amounts are owed by you to the Spink
Group in respect of different transactions, to apply any amount
paid to discharge any amount owed in respect of any particular
transaction, whether or not you so direct;
5.10.1.5 to reject at any future auction any bids made by you or on
your behalf or obtain a deposit from you before accepting any
bids.
5.10.2 If you fail to make payment within thirty-five days, we shall in
addition be entitled:
5.10.2.1 to cancel the sale of the Lot or any other item sold to you
at the same or any other auction;
5.10.2.2 to arrange a resale of the Lot, publicly or privately, and, if
this results in a lower price being obtained, claim the balance
from you together with all reasonable costs including a 20%
seller’s commission, expenses, damages, legal fees, commissions
and premiums of whatever kind associated with both sales or
otherwise, incurred in connection with your failure to make
payment;
5.5
July/14
5.10.2.3 when reselling the Lot, place a notice in our catalogue
stating that you successfully purchased the Lot at auction but
have subsequently failed to pay the Hammer Price of the Lot; or
5.10.2.4 take any other appropriate action as we deem fit.
5.10.3 If you fail to collect within fourteen days after the sale, whether
or not payment has been made, you will be required
5.10.3.1 to pay a storage charge of £2 per item per day plus any
additional handling cost that may apply.
5.10.3.2 you will not be entitled to collect the Lot until all
outstanding charges are met, together with payment of all other
amounts due to us.
5.11 Uses of default information
If you fail to make payment for a Lot in accordance with these Terms and
Conditions:
5.11.1 We reserve the right to refuse you the right to make bids for any
future auction irrespective of whether previous defaults have
been settled; and
5.11.2 You consent to us disclosing details of such default to other
auctioneers and live bidding platforms, which will include your
name, address, nature of the default and the date of the default.
Auctioneers or live bidding platforms who receive details of the default
may rely on such information when deciding whether to enter into a
transaction with you in the future.
5.12 Export Licence
5.12.1 If required we can, at our discretion, advise you on the detailed
provisions of the export licensing regulations. Where we advise you
in relation to export licensing regulations the ultimate responsibility
in respect of any export will lie with you and we will not be
responsible for your failure to apply for any necessary licences.
5.12.2 If the Lot is going to be hand carried by you, you may be
required to produce a valid export licence to us or sign a waiver
document stating that a licence will be applied for.
5.12.3 You should always check whether an export licence is required
before exporting. Export licences are usually obtained within two
or three weeks but delays can occur.
5.12.4 Unless otherwise agreed by us in writing, the fact that you wish
to apply for an export licence does not affect your obligation to
make payment within seven days nor our right to charge interest on
late payment.
5.12.5 If you request that we apply for an export licence on your
behalf, we shall be entitled to recover from you our disbursements
and out of pocket expenses in relation to such application, together
with any relevant VAT.
5.12.6 We will not be obliged to rescind a sale nor to refund any
interest or other expenses incurred by you where payment is made
by you despite the fact that an export licence is required.
5.13 Refund in the case of Forgery
5.13.1 A sale will be cancelled, and the amount paid refunded to you
if a Lot (other than a miscellaneous item not described in the
catalogue) sold by us proves to have been a Forgery. We shall not
however be obliged to refund any amounts if either (a) the
catalogue description or saleroom notice at the auction date
corresponded to the generally accepted opinion of scholars or
experts at that time, or fairly indicated that there was a conflict of
opinions, or (b) it can be demonstrated that the Lot is a Forgery
only by means of either a scientific process not generally accepted
for use until after publication of the catalogue or a process which at
the date of the auction was unreasonably expensive or impracticable
or likely to have caused damage to the Lot. Furthermore, you
should note that this refund can be obtained only if the following
conditions are met:
5.13.1.1 you must notify us in writing, within seven days of the
receipt of the Lot(s), that in your view the Lot concerned is a
Forgery;
5.13.1.2 you must then return the item to us within fourteen days
from receipt of the Lot(s), in the same condition as at the
auction date; and
5.13.1.3 as soon as possible following return of the Lot, you must
produce evidence satisfactory to us that the Lot is a Forgery and
that you are able to transfer good title to us, free from any third
party claims.
5.13.1.4 you must provide to us all evidence obtained by you that
a Lot is a Forgery no later than 7 days after you receive such
evidence.
5.13.2 In no circumstances shall we be required to pay you any more
than the amount paid by you for the Lot concerned and you shall
have no claim for interest.
5.13.3 The benefit of this guarantee is not capable of being
transferred, and is solely for the benefit of the person to whom the
original invoice was made out by us in respect of the Lot when sold
and who, since the sale, has remained the owner of the Lot without
disposing of any interest in it to any third party.
5.13.4 We shall be entitled to rely on any scientific or other process to
establish that the Lot is not a Forgery, whether or not such process
was used or in use at the date of the auction.
6
LIABILITY
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes our liability for:
6.1 death or personal injury resulting from negligence; or
6.2 any damage or liability incurred by you as a result of our fraud or
fraudulent misrepresentation.
7
8
9
USE OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
7.1 We will use the personal information you provide to us to:
7.1.1 process the bids you make on Lots (whether successful or
otherwise) and other auction related services we provide;
7.1.2 process your payment relating to a successful purchase of a Lot;
7.1.3 arrange for delivery of any Lot you purchase, which will include
passing your details to shipping providers and, on overseas
deliveries, to customs where they make enquiries regarding the Lot;
7.1.4 inform you about similar products or services that we provide,
but you may stop receiving these at any time by contacting us.
7.2 In accordance with clause 4.2, you agree that we may pass your
information to credit reference agencies and that they may keep a record
of any search that they do.
7.3 In accordance with clause 5.11, you agree that where you default on
making payment for a Lot in accordance with these terms and conditions
we may disclose details of such default to other auctioneers and live
bidding platforms.
7.4 We are also working closely with third parties (including, for example,
other auctioneers and live bidding platforms) and may receive
information about you from them.
COPYRIGHT
8.1 We shall have the right (on a non-exclusive basis) to photograph, video
or otherwise produce an image of the Lot. All rights in such an image
will belong to us, and we shall have the right to use it in whatever way
we see fit.
8.2 The copyright in all images, illustrations and written material relating
to a Lot is and shall remain at all times our property and we shall have
the right to use it in whatever way we see fit. You shall not use or allow
anyone else to use such images, illustrations or written material without
our prior written consent.
VAT
You shall give us all relevant information about your VAT status and that of
the Lot to ensure that the correct information is printed in the catalogues.
Once printed, the information cannot be changed. If we incur any unforeseen
cost or expense as a result of the information being incorrect, you will
reimburse to us on demand the full amount incurred.
10 NOTICES
All notices given under these Terms and Conditions may be served personally,
sent by 1st class post, or faxed to the address given to the sender by the other
party. Any notice sent by post will be deemed to have been received on the
second working day after posting or, if the addressee is overseas, on the fifth
working day after posting. Any notice sent by fax or served personally will be
deemed to be delivered on the first working day following despatch.
11 ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
The following provisions of this clause 10 shall apply only if you are acting for
the purposes of your business.
11.1 Limitation of Liability
Subject to clause 6, we shall not be liable, whether in tort (including
for negligence) or breach of statutory duty, contract, misrepresentation
or otherwise for any:
11.1.1 loss of profits, loss of business, depletion of goodwill and/or
similar losses, loss of anticipated savings, loss of goods, loss of
contract, loss of use, loss of corruption of data or information; or
11.1.2 any special, indirect, consequential or pure economic loss,
costs, damages, charges or expenses.
11.2 Severability
If any part of these Terms and Condition is found by any court to be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that part may be discounted and the
rest of the conditions shall continue to be valid and enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law.
11.3 Force majeure
We shall have no liability to you if we are prevented from, or delayed
in performing, our obligations under these Terms and Conditions or
from carrying on our business by acts, events, omissions or accidents
beyond our reasonable control, including (without limitation) strikes,
lock-outs or other industrial disputes (whether involving our workforce
or the workforce of any other party), failure of a utility service or
transport network, act of God, war, riot, civil commotion, malicious
damage, compliance with any law or governmental order, rule,
regulation or direction, accident, breakdown of plant or machinery,
fire, flood, storm or default of suppliers or subcontractors.
11.4 Waiver
11.4.1 A waiver of any right under these Terms and Conditions is only
effective if it is in writing and it applies only to the circumstances
for which it is given. No failure or delay by a party in exercising any
right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions or by law shall
constitute a waiver of that (or any other) right or remedy, nor
preclude or restrict its further exercise. No single or partial exercise
of such right or remedy shall preclude or restrict the further exercise
of that (or any other) right or remedy.
11.4.2 Unless specifically provided otherwise, rights arising under
these Terms and Conditions are cumulative and do not exclude
rights provided by law.
July/14
11.5 Law and Jurisdiction
11.5.1 These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising
out of or in connection with them or their subject matter, shall be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of England
and Wales.
11.5.2 The parties irrevocably agree that the courts of England and
Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or
claim that arises out of, or in connection with, Terms and
Conditions or their subject matter.
Postal Charges
Prices for books
(items sent by this method are not covered by insurance)
Weight
UK
EU
Rest of the World
Up to 1kg
£8 for any weight
£12
£15
Up to 2kg
£8 for any weight
£18
£25
Prices for all other items including postage and packaging
Invoice Value
UK
EU
Rest of the World
Up to £1,500
£10
£15
£20
Up to £10,000
£20
£30
£40
Above £10,001
£20
£50
£60
Shipments of more than 2kg or volumetric measurement of more than 2kg have to
be sent by courier. Certain countries may incur extra charge when courier services
are required by our insurance policy. For lots sent by courier please contact
[email protected] for calculation of any further relevant cost in addition to
the above charges.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Charging of (VAT) at Auction
The information shown on this page sets out the way in which Spink intends to
account for VAT.
i.
Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme
1. Where possible, we will offer Lots for sale under the Auctioneers’
Margin Scheme. Such Lots can be identified by the absence of any
VAT symbol next to the Lot number in the catalogue and will not be
subject to VAT on the Hammer Price.
2. Where Lots are sold using the Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme to UK
VAT–registered businesses, the VAT on Buyers’ Premium is not
recoverable as input tax. Upon request on sale day, we will issue
invoices that show VAT separately on both the Hammer Price and
the Buyer’s Premium. This will enable VAT-registered businesses to
recover the VAT charged as input tax, subject to the normal rules for
recovering input tax.
ii.
Zero-Rated Lots
Limited Categories of goods, such as books, are Zero-rated (o) for VAT in
the United Kingdom. Such Lots are offered under the Auctioneers’ Margin
Scheme. In these circumstances no VAT will be added to the Buyer’s
premium.
iii.
Daggered Lots
Lots which are Daggered (†) in the catalogue are subject to VAT at 20%
on both the Hammer Price and the Buyer’s Premium.
iv.
Imported and Omega Lots
Lots which are marked (x) in the catalogue are subject to VAT at 5% on
the Hammer price plus 20% on the Buyer’s premium. Lots which bear the
Omega symbol (Ω) are subject to VAT at 20% on the Hammer Price and
on the Buyer’s Premium. This VAT is payable on items imported from
outside the EU. In these cases we have used a temporary importation
procedure, which in effect means that the point of importation is deferred
until the Lot has been sold. At this point the Buyer is treated as the
importer and is liable to pay the import VAT due. We will collect the VAT
from you and pay it to HM Customs and Excise on your behalf.
v.
Investment Gold Lots
Lots marked (g) in the catalogue are exempt from VAT on the Hammer
Price and are subject to VAT at 20% on the Buyer’s Premium. A refund of
VAT charged on the Buyer’s Premium can also be made on receipt of proof
of business as a collectibles dealer outside of the EU.
GROUP CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Olivier D. Stocker
YOUR SPECIALISTS
SALE CALENDAR 2015/16
STAMPS
18 November
18/19 November
25/26 November
New York
New York
27 November
10 December
16 December
17 January
17 January
27/28 January
April/May
June
The Charles W. Adams Collection of United States and Canada
The Philatelic Collector's Series Sale, featuring the John Sussex Collection
of South West Africa, 1880-1928
Great Britain Stamps and Postal History
Bermuda from the Vestey Collection
Meiso Mizuhara, The Exhibition Collection, China Customs Post
Fine Stamps and Covers of China and Hong Kong
The Philatelic Collector's Series Sale
The Pre-New York 2016 Collector’s Series Sale
The Jose Castillejo Collection of Guatemala, 1871-86
London
London
London
Lugano
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
London
New York
New York
15046
15045
15047
SW1018
16012
16013
16010
154
155
COINS
14 November
2 December
2/3 December
11/12 January
16 January
22 March
22/23 March
Celtic Coins from the Geoff Cottam Collection
The Dr Paul Broughton Collection of English Hammered Gold Coins
Hong Kong
London
London
New York
Hong Kong
London
London
CSS19
15049
15007
323
16011
16014
16004
BOOKS
UK - Philip Skingley Jennifer Mulholland Nik von Uexkull
AUTOGRAPHS
WINES
CHINA - Guillaume Willk-Fabia Angie Ihlo Fung
BANKNOTES
14 November
8 December
11/12 January
16 January
12/13/14 April
World Banknotes
World Banknotes
Hong Kong
London
New York
Hong Kong
London
CSS19
15048
323
16011
16008
YOUR EUROPE TEAM (LONDON - LUGANO)
MEDALS
19 November
11/12 January
London
15003
21 April
The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale featuring The Liberty Collection of Medals and
Artefacts Relating to the 1916 Easter Rising and Ireland’s Fight for Independance
New York
London
323
16001
BONDS & SHARES
14 November
20 November
16 December
11/12 January
16 January
Hong Kong
London
Lugano
New York
Hong Kong
AUTOGRAPHS
11/12 January
New York
WINES
3 December
15 January
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
STAMPS
UK - Tim Hirsch FRPSL Guy Croton David Parsons Nick Startup Neill Granger
Paul Mathews Dominic Savastano Tom Smith Ian Shapiro (Consultant)
USA - George Eveleth Richard Debney
EUROPE - Guido Craveri Fernando Martínez
CHINA - Tommy Chau Doris Lo George Yue (Consultant)
COINS
UK - Richard Bishop Tim Robson Jon Mann Lawrence Sinclair Barbara Mears John Pett
CHINA - Kin Choi Cheung Paul Pei Po Chow
BANKNOTES
UK - Barnaby Faull Andrew Pattison Monica Kruber Thomasina Smith
CHINA - Kelvin Cheung Paul Pei Po Chow
ORDERS, DECORATIONS, MEDALS & MILITARIA
UK - Mark Quayle Oliver Pepys John Hayward
BONDS & SHARES
UK - Mike Veissid (Consultant) Andrew Pattison Thomasina Smith
USA - Greg Cole
EUROPE - Peter Christen
CHINA - Kelvin Cheung
Chairman’s Office
Charles Blane
Directors
Tim Hirsch Anthony Spink
Auction & Client Management Team
Mira Adusei-Poku Grace Hawkins Rita Ariete Dora Szigeti Tatyana Boyadzhieva Nik von Uexkull
John Winchcombe Tom Mathews Maurizio Schenini
Finance
Alison Bennet Marco Fiori Mina Bhagat Dennis Muriu Hemel Thakore Veronica Morris
IT & Administration
Berdia Qamarauli Michael Addo Liz Cones Curlene Spencer
Tom Robinson Cristina Dugoni Giacomo Canzi
152
153
CSS19
15019
SW1017
323
16011
YOUR AMERICA TEAM (NEW YORK)
Managing Director
Charles Blane
Auction Administration and Marketing & Design
Amit Ramprashad Kimberlee Fuller
Finance & Administration
Aleena Nieves
Auctioneer
Stephen Goldsmith
YOUR ASIA TEAM (HONG KONG - SINGAPORE)
Administration
Angie Ihlo Fung Newton Tsang Sue Pui Arthur Chan Doris Lo Gary Tan
Ken Imase [email protected]
The above sale dates are subject to change
Spink offers the following services:
– VALUATIONS FOR INSURANCE AND PROBATE FOR INDIVIDUAL ITEMS OR WHOLE COLLECTIONS –
– SALES ON A COMMISSION BASIS EITHER OF INDIVIDUAL PIECES OR WHOLE COLLECTIONS –
323
SFW17
SFW18
£25

19 NOVEMBER 2015
LONDON


69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 4ET
www.spink.com
LONDON
© Copyright 2015
19 NOVEMBER 2015
STAMPS COINS BANKNOTES MEDALS BONDS & SHARES AUTOGRAPHS BOOKS WINES
ORDERS, DECORATIONS
CAMPAIGN MEDALS
AND MILITARIA

Catalogue PDF

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