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Auction Details - AUCTION ALREADY HELD
Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Auctioneer:	Spink	Location:	69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 4ET
Contact:	Tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4000 Fax: +44 (0)20 7563 4066
Date:	21st April 2011	Time:	10:00AM
Details:	Viewing: Tuesday 19th April 10am to 5pm Wednesday 20th April 10am to 5pm
Page:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Auction Lots - Page 1
GROUPS AND PAIRS WITH ORDERS AND DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY OR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
1
The Unique 'Defence of Kars' V.C., K.C.M.G., C.B., K.H. Group of Sixteen to Lieutenant, Later Major-General Sir C.C. Teesdale, Royal Artillery, Who, As One of Just Four British Officers Present, Inspired by Personal Example and Led the Remnants of the Shattered Turkish Army To Victory Against a Russian Force Comprising 22 Battalions of Infantry and a Division of Cavalry, 29.9.1855, When He Volunteered to Take Command of the Most Vulnerable Positions, and 'During the Hottest Part of the Action', Having Rallied His Men, 'Led the Final Charge Which Completed the Victory of the Day'; Having Forced the Russians to Revert to Siege Warfare, Teesdale Was Finally Taken Prisoner of War When The City Could Hold Out No Longer, 28.11.1855; In Later Life He Was Equerry to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, and Master of Ceremonies to Queen Victoria a) Victoria Cross, reverse of suspension bar engraved 'Lieut. Christopher C. Teesdale C.B. Royal Artillery', reverse of Cross engraved '29. Sep: 1855' b) The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Knight Companion's (K.C.M.G.) set of Insignia, neck Badge, 90mm including crown suspension x 67mm, gold and enamel; Star, 79mm, silver, gold, and enamel, with gold retaining pin, enamel damage to both Badge and Star c) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) breast Badge, 47mm, gold (Hallmarks for London 1858) and enamel, lacking integral gold riband buckle d) The Royal Guelphic Order, Military Division, Knight's (K.H.) breast Badge, 54mm including crown and crossed swords suspension x 31mm, gold and enamel, with integral gold riband buckle, tip of one sword broken, with suspension adapted e) Jubilee 1887, silver f) Denmark, Kingdom, Order of the Dannebrog, Commander First Class set of Insignia, C.IX.R. (1863-1906), neck Badge, 79mm including crown suspension x 40mm, gold and enamel, gold mark on suspension ring; Star, 82mm x 72mm, silver-gilt, gold, and enamel, with Godet, Berlin, cartouche on reverse, minor damage to inscription, one retaining pin broken g) France, Second Empire, Legion of Honour, Officer's breast Badge, 64mm including crown suspension x 42mm, gold and enamel, poincon mark on obverse h) Greece, Kingdom, Order of the Redeemer, 2nd type, Knight Grand Cross set of Insignia, sash Badge, 86mm including crown suspension x 56mm, gold and enamel; Star, 84mm, silver, gold, and enamel, with Lemaitre, Paris, cartouche on reverse, with a short section of sash riband for display purposes i) Hawaii, Kingdom, Royal Order of Kalakaua I, Grand Officer's set of Insignia, neck Badge, 87mm including crown suspension x 55mm, gold and enamel; Star, 70mm, silver, gold, and enamel, with Kretly, Palais Royal, cartouche on reverse j) Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, Second Class neck Badge, by Keibel, St. Petersburg, 44mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, maker's mark and court stamp on reverse, 1865 date mark and gold mark on suspension ring, with replacement riband suspension k) Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Vladimir, Third Class neck Badge, by Keibel, St. Petersburg, 45mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, maker's mark and court stamp on reverse, 1865-96 assay office mark, date mark, and gold mark on suspension ring, minor enamel damage to reverse central medallion l) Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Order of the Medjidieh, First Class set of Insignia, sash Badge, 82mm including Star and Crescent suspension x 63mm, silver, gold applique, and enamel; Star, 93mm, silver, gold applique, and enamel, with a short section of sash riband for display purposes m) Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Order of Osmania, Second Class set of Insignia, neck Badge, 84mm including Star and Crescent suspension x 59mm, silver, gold, and enamel; Star, 85mm, silver, gold, and enamel n) Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Order of Osmania, Third Class neck Badge, 87mm including Star and Crescent suspension x 64mm, silver, gold, and enamel, suspension re-affixed o) Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Imtiyaz Medal, silver, reverse named (in Arabic) to the recipient, with 'Kars' riband bar p) Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Defence of Kars Medal 1854 (AH 1272), silver, generally good very fine or better, together with the following related documents &c.: - Bestowal Document for the K.C.M.G., named to Major General Christopher Charles Teesdale, R.A., V.C., C.B., and dated 21.6.1887, together with Chancery enclosure, dated 28.7.1887 - Chancery letter to the Recipient informing him of the award of the K.C.M.G., dated 5.7.1887 - Bestowal Document for the C.B., named to Lieutenant Christopher Charles Teesdale, and dated 10.5.1856, together with Heralds College enclosure, dated 21.6.1856 - Bestowal Document for the Commander First Class of the Order of the Dannebrog, named to Hrr. Christ. Teesdale, and dated 4.12.1875 - Bestowal Document for the Officer of the Legion of Honour, named to Monsieur le Lieutenant-Colonel Teesdale, and dated 6.12.1856 - Bestowal Document for the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer, named to Colonel Teesdale - Bestowal Document for the Second Class Order of St. Anne, with Diamonds, named to Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Teesdale, and dated 6.3.1874 - Bestowal Document for the Third Class Order of St. Vladimir, named to Colonel Christopher Teesdale, and dated 8.4.1881 - Permission to Wear Document for the Third Class Order of the Medjidieh, named to Captain Christopher Charles Teesdale, and dated 21.1.1856, together with Foreign Office enclosure, dated 24.6.1856 - Bestowal Documents for the Imtiyaz Medal - Warrant Appointing Major General Sir Christopher Charles Teesdale, K.C.M.G., C.B., V.C. as Master of Ceremonies in Ordinary to Her Majesty the Queen, dated 1.6.1890, together with a copy letter detailing the duties of the Master of Ceremonies - Portrait photograph of the recipient - RUNDELL, Anthony J., O.B.E., Kars: Victory into Defeat, 2005, an account of Christopher Teesdale's role at the Defence of Kars, 220pp, with illustrations, casebound with dust jacket (lot) £160,000-200,000 Footnote: V.C. London Gazette 25.9.1857 Lieutenant Christopher Charles Teesdale, C.B., Royal Artillery 'Date of Act of Bravery, 29th September 1855 For gallant conduct, in having, while acting as Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Sir William Fenwick Williams, Bart., K.C.B., at Kars, volunteered to take command of the force engaged in the defence of the most advanced part of the works,- the key of the position- against the attack of the Russian Army when, by throwing himself into the midst of the enemy, who had penetrated into the above redoubt, he encouraged the garrison to make an attack, so vigorous, as to drive out the Russians therefrom, and prevent its capture; also for having, during the hottest part of the action, when the enemy's fire had driven the Turkish Artillerymen from their guns, rallied the latter, and by his intrepid example induced them to return to their post; and further, after having led the final charge which completed the victory of the day, for having, at the greatest personal risk, saved from the fury of the Turks, a considerable number of the disabled among the enemy, who were lying wounded outside the works,- an action witnessed, and acknowledged gratefully before the Russian Staff, by General Mouravieff.' K.C.M.G. London Gazette 8.7.1887 Major-General Christopher Charles Teesdale, R.A., V.C., C.B. C.B. London Gazette 10.5.1856 Lieutenant Christopher Charles Teesdale, Lieutenant-Colonel in the Service of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan France, Legion of Honour, Officer London Gazette 1.5.1857 Lieutenant Christopher Charles Teesdale, C.B., Royal Artillery 'For distinguished services before the enemy during the late war.' Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Order of the Medjidieh Third Class London Gazette 7.2.1856 Captain Christopher Charles Teesdale, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Turkish Service 'For distinguished services before the enemy during the defence of Kars.' Major-General Sir Christopher Charles Teesdale, V.C., K.C.M.G., C.B., K.H., was born in Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, on the 1st June 1833, the third son of Lieutenant-General Henry Teesdale, Royal Horse Artillery, who was posted there at the time, and his wife Rose. At the age of two he returned with his family to England, and spent the remainder of his childhood in both England and Guernsey, the home of his mother's family. In 1848 he was accepted as a Gentleman Cadet in the Royal Artillery, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, on Waterloo Day, 18th June 1851, being promoted Lieutenant two years later on the 22nd April 1853. War with Russia As the British and French forces made their way to the Crimea, intending to destroy the Russian Black Sea Fleet and the Sebastopol port, in order to prevent a Russian naval advance on Constantinople, the land route through the Caucasus and Asia Minor was protected by a large Turkish standing army in the east of the country guarding against a Russian invasion from Tiflis. Earlier in 1854 the Russians had moved 35,000 troops into the area, hoping to open up a 'second front' against a weak and disorganised army, and thus have a largely unopposed march west. On the 3rd August a Turkish force of 8,000 was routed by 11,000 Russians at Bagazid; 1,800 Turks were killed and wounded. Three days later, at the Battle of Kurukdere, the result was even more emphatic, with the Turkish force, this time numbering over 35,000, again heavily defeated; only the caution showed by the Russian commander saved the Turkish army from being completely annihilated. As the disorganised remnants of Ottoman power in Asiatic Turkey fell back on the town of Kars, it was decided back in London, and confirmed following a heated debate in the House of Commons, to send out a British Commissioner with a small staff to join the Turkish force in the east and for him 'to pick up what political information he could.' The man chosen for the role was Colonel William Fenwick Williams, Royal Artillery, who was given the temporary rank of Brigadier-General. He was to be accompanied by Lieutenant Teesdale, as his Aide-de-Camp, who was given the temporary rank of Major, and Dr. Humphry Sandwith, as 'Inspector General of Hospitals in Asia Minor.' Williams was to maintain a suitable liaison between the Ottoman Porte in Constantinople and Lord Raglan's Headquarters in the Crimea, under whose nominal command he was placed. Otherwise it was up to him. Arrival in Kars Williams, Teesdale, and Sandwith arrived in Kars in late 1854. It was a barren place. Situated at the far easternmost point of Turkey, over 1,000 miles from Constantinople, at a height of 1,770 metres above sea level, its climate was harsh and its land rocky. Yet by its location it acted as the key to Asia Minor- if the Russians could capture it then they could enter the Ottoman Empire and materially affect the course of the Crimean War. Soon, with the onset of winter, the snows arrived, and the town was all but cut off from the outside world. Williams and Sandwith left Kars to spend the winter travelling through Asia Minor, leaving Teesdale on his own in the town, to keep an eye on the situation there. For the 21 year-old Teesdale this was hardly good news: 'I am not so enamoured of the "Sunny East" as to wish to stay six months in a mud hovel on my own, unable to get out more than six times during that period. As to the fair ones, I have had a fine opportunity of seeing them during our inspection of these winter quarters. They are about as fair as an old boot and if you can imagine anything between a chimney-sweep and a dancing bear you will form a better idea of their costume and grace than it is possible for me to give you.' (letter written by Teesdale, quoted in Kars: Victory into Defeat refers). The following April, after a long, cold, and depressing winter Williams and Sandwith returned, and they were joined in Kars by three more Englishmen: Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Lake, Royal Engineers; Captain Henry Thompson, 68th Bengal Native Infantry, and Mr. Churchill, an Attaché of Her Majesty's Mission in Persia seconded as a civilian secretary for Williams. Formerly Commissioned into the Sultan's Army, and given effective command of the Turkish force, together they all set about preparing the town's defences and men into a state of readiness. Starting from scratch, Lake constructed, with remarkable haste and effectiveness, a complex series of fortifications designed to cover the heights behind Kars as well as the town to the south of the river, based upon a series of redoubts, known as tabias. At the centre of the fortifications was a new construction, called Fort Lake, 'a large and very formidable redoubt' which could hold 3,000 men, and which would become General Williams' command post. Meanwhile Thompson, the Infantry expert, got to work training up the regular and irregular Turkish soldiers for the action to come. They would not have to wait long. Towards the end of June some 35,000 to 40,000 Russian troops arrived in the area, under the command of General Mouravieff, who, as a young subaltern, had taken part in the Russian capture of Kars in 1828, and set up camp approximately four miles from the town. For most of July they were occupied in reconnaissance and skirmishes to probe the town's defences. On the 8th August, in the absence of Mouravieff, the skirmishes became more intense, as Teesdale relates: 'To this moment I do not know what the demonstration against our position was meant for. The only explanation I can imagine is that, in the absence of Mouravieff, General Brumer wished to do something- what, no one probably knows except himself. The Russians were quite deceived by our silence on the day of the demonstration in that quarter as to the range of our guns, and therefore came within easy reach of them before they were made painfully aware of the fact. The number of enemy killed included a General, a Lieutenant-Colonel, and eight or nine officers of superior rank.' (ibid). Just as the enemy retreated, Teesdale, who from the opposite side of the defences had heard the firing, galloped up to the menaced position, ordered a large cannon to be elevated, and, laying the piece himself, threw a ball of enormous magnitude into the midst of the retreating squadrons, causing signal havoc amongst them. Thus he had the honour of firing, with his own hands, the last and best shot of the action. Following this reverse, and on the return of Mouravieff, the Russians ceased their occasional attacks, and switched tactics, laying siege to the town in an attempt to starve the defenders into submission. By the end of August the effects of the siege were being felt- fewer and fewer carts from the surrounding countryside were getting into Kars, and the Russian army destroyed stores of grain in every village through which they passed. News of the fall of Sebastopol reached Kars on the 17th September. The defenders by this time were on less than half rations, and cavalry horses were dying where they stood. Re-enforcements were desperately needed, and plans were drawn up to send a relief force. On learning of this news, Mouravieff decided to switch tactics, abandoning the siege, and drawing up plans for an all-out attack. Defence of Kars, 29th September 1855 'I have the honour to inform your Lordship that General Mouravieff, with the bulk of his army, at day-dawn this morning, attacked our entrenched position on the heights above Kars, and on the opposite side of the river. The battle lasted, without a moment's intermission, for nearly seven hours, when the enemy was driven off in the greatest disorder, with the loss of 2,500 dead, and nearly double that number of wounded, who were, for the most part, carried off by the retreating enemy. Upwards of 4,000 muskets were left on the field. Your Lordship can, without a description on my part, imagine the determination of the assailants, and the undaunted courage of the troops who defended the position for so many hours. I have great gratification in acquainting your Lordship with the gallant conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Lake, Major Teesdale, and Captain Thompson, who rendered the most important service in defending the redoubts. I beg to recommend these officers to your Lordship's protection. I also beg to name my Secretary, Mr. Churchill, an Attaché of Her Majesty's Mission in Persia. He directed the fire of a battery throughout the action, and caused the enemy great loss. Dr. Sandwith has been most active and efficient in the management of the ambulances and in the hospital arrangements. Our loss was about 700 killed and wounded.' (Brigadier-General Williams' Despatch, dated Kars, 29.9.1855, refers). The following day Teesdale wrote a letter home, relating the battle in more depth, and detailing his own involvement: 'I dare say when this reaches you that you will heave heard of the desperate action we had here yesterday; I wish you to know as soon as possible that, by God's mercy, I came out of it unhurt. I had just returned from a patrol at 4:30am when the first gun fired from Laz tabia, to which I immediately galloped and remained fighting there for hours in utter ignorance of how the day went. For seven hours I was in a tremendous fire but thank God, escaped with only a bruise on the thigh from a case shot. I had patrolled around our line of works from three in the morning on the 29th according to the wish of General Kmety who always advised my being in the saddle a little before daylight as he always expected that any attack would take place at dawn. The darkness of the nights together with the rocky ground and the nature of our duties usually obliged us to keep our horses at a slow walk, but on this particular night it was so bitterly cold that after having completed the rounds my interpreter, Rennison, begged that we should push home a little quicker; so, trusting our horses to keep on their feet we cantered sharply to our tents. Rennison was already in his tent and I had at that moment reined in my horse and taken my foot from the stirrup to dismount when I was startled by a gun flashing through the darkness directly in front of me. This was so extraordinary and event that almost before the sound had reached me I was galloping at speed to the work from whence the sound had come. Springing from my horse I asked the officer at the gun what was going on when for the first time I was informed that the Russians were upon us. The Turk's eyes were better than mine from being constantly at work at night; all I could see was a blacker than usual shadow across the valley. This was at half past four in the morning. The guns continued to fire continuously on the approaching mass, and soon all uncertainty ceased; the Russians, finding that they were discovered set up yell from twenty thousand throats. The whole black valley seemed alive with the howling mass, that came boiling up through the darkness in apparently irresistible numbers. The fire ran along the whole of our front line almost at the same moment and the flashes showed the busy figures of Turks rushing to every assailable point, and, before the noise became so great as to drown all human voices, the cries and screams of the wounded were heard with fearful distinctness, amid the general uproar. Knowing the confidence that the soldiery reposed in the English officers my first care was to make my presence known to them, and I addressed a few words to those already in place. My knowledge of Turkish and the pressing nature of the moment made this of short duration! However, they answered with a wild cheer for the Sultan in such a hearty manner that I finally anticipated the best of results from them. They were scarcely at their posts before the Russians were upon us. The guns were by this time in full play and being loaded entirely with case shot; this, assisted by the rolling fire of the musketry that at once broke out from the parapet swept the enemy completely from our front. The column thus split swerved to either side; on our left it overwhelmed the small open breastwork (Yarum-ai tabia) and on our right penetrated through the unguarded space and swept forward on the tents in our rear. As soon as the soldiers posted at Yarum-ai tabia took refuge in the redoubt I was defending and reported its occupation by the enemy I directed the fire of the guns and a portion of the infantry upon the interior of this work. This speedily cleared it of its occupants who then took refuge on the reverse side of the parapet- from whence they kept up a most galling fire on our men and were almost protected from our own fire. Whilst this conflict occupied our attention on our left front, that part of the Russian column which had passed by on our right silently reformed amidst the darkness and, led on by an intrepid officer rushed upon an almost unguarded point in our rear. So sudden was the assault that almost before I could rally a company to resist it the Russians were swarming like bees upon the parapet and were already inside the work. This moment was the most critical for the Yuksek tabia. The Turks attacked on all sides, but bewildered by the firing which raged around them, wavered for a moment as the black figures of their enemies seemed to swoop down upon them as they jumped off the parapet. Every moment was now of such vital importance that ceasing my efforts to attract the attention of those who were fighting in front of their assailant in the rear, and shouting to the few who were around me, I rushed up into the salient already occupied by the enemy. This sudden impulse saved us. Those who had already penetrated were in a moment struck down on the platform where I stood and their gallant leader- as he was about to cross his sword with mine- received a ball in the centre of his forehead and fell backwards into the ditch. Seven Russian soldiers lay dead at my feet. Still the brave young volunteers who had made up the attacking column came swarming up but the deadly and deliberate fire from within kept them in check and their bravest already lay thickly in and on the edge of the little ditch which surrounded the work. It was a terrible scene before the day broke; in the darkness and confusion Russians actually got inside our redoubt and three men were killed at my feet while an officer, dashing over the parapet, was shot down when almost at the point of my sword. The Russians sent up battalion after battalion but our fire prevented them forming any regular formation for assault. Another mass was coming to their support and it became evident that succour of some sort must be given to those who opposed them. Seeing this I left them fighting with unflinching perseverance to try and bring a gun from the front. To my great delight I found that one of the guns of our reserve, having lost its way in the darkness and confusion had taken refuge in our work and stood limbered up and inactive. By dint of yelling at and beating the gunners I succeeded in attracting their attention to explain what I wanted. Leaving two men at the limber to supply nothing but grape I managed with the help of four of the gunners to run the gun up into the salient. Acting as No.1 I pointed at the thickest of the mass that approached us which was but a few yards from the muzzle. Six times the iron shower tore through their ranks and left long lines of dead and wounded in their tracks. Then the attacking column in utter confusion from the rapidity of the fire broke and fled past the redoubt down the hill pursued by the infuriated Turks. Dawn had just broken. The column we had just disposed of was the centre one of three that attacked simultaneously; on our left Tachmach tabia with its flanking line of breastworks turned seemed but a mass of smoke and fire. On our right a column of eight battalions had marched straight upon the Rennison lines, where Kmety commanded in person. The Third regiment of Arabistan and a battalion of Chasseurs formed the two sides of a triangle into which the enemy entered and made straight for the gate at the apex. Leaving the guns which protected their flank to do their work when the enemy was close upon them they then opened a converging fire upon the head of the column; the first rank fell but the rest still surged up pressing those in advance forwards- but it was impossible to withstand the deadly fire of the elite of our old soldiers who, deployed and protected by a breastwork, sent every ball into the centre of the advancing column. This horrid carnage continued until, stopped by a mound of dead, and dislocated by the repeated discharges of grape, the Russians were brought to a standstill. The Turks, led by the brave Hungarian General Kmety, leaped over the breastwork and finished with the bayonet the utter rout of their assailants. This column left 850 dead upon a space not exceeding an acre in area; their General Kavalieffsky was mortally wounded; Prince Gagarin who next took command fared little better and nearly every superior officer fell. A few moments breathing time were now afforded us; we rallied the men and put things in as much order as possible for a renewal of the struggle. The fire still raged on the left with undiminished violence and in our rear warm work was evidently going on. Day had now completely broken and our artillery became of more value. After having turned the left the Russians had managed to get up sixteen guns, the fire of which fell heavily upon us- without our being able in the confusion to reply to it. When the Russians saw how the position between ourselves and their comrades who were now fighting among the rocks on which Yarum-ai tabia stood, such a fire was concentrated upon us that for a time we were almost paralysed by the screeching showers that fell around us without interruption. But other movements were going on of which we were unaware; the troops by whom we were thus mercilessly 'mitraillés' were in their turn reduced to silence and finally obliged to leave the field by the well directed guns in our rear under the command of Colonel Lake and from a heavy gun for which Mr. Churchill (the General's secretary) had assumed direction. Scarcely we were free from this crushing fire when Kmety at the head of three companies of our dashing chasseurs came up from the Russian lines and, running into Yarum-ai tabia, and springing like cats among the rocks, they made short work of the Russians who still held their ground there. By Kemty's desire I remained at Yuksek tabia and directed the fire of our guns upon the column opposed to our right; this had reformed out of range under cover of some hills and was vainly endeavouring to mount a second attack. Each time they attempted to debouch on us our shot fell with such beautiful precision at the head of the column that after several vain attempts they finally retired and were no more seen. While the fight had thus raged along the line at Tachmach tabia the enemy had gained so important an advantage at the Inglis tabia that had it not been for the energy and decision of General Williams the day might still have been lost. Nine or ten battalions of infantry supported by sixteen guns and all Baklanoff's division of cavalry attacked the Inglis tabia shortly after daybreak under the command of the Cossack General in person who, it is said by the Russians, had managed to gain during the preceding nights a perfect knowledge of the works he was to attack. Unfortunately for us the only garrison that could be spared for the defence of these lines consisted of about three hundred regular troops and some of the Laz irregulars. No officer in whom the men placed any confidence was there and the consequence was that the whole line was carried on the first attack without any resistance. The Laz fled so precipitately that, although the enemy were out of musket shot at that time, left their clan colours flying on the parapet to fall into the hands of the Russians. Not content with this disgrace these lawless mountaineers continued their flight into the town where, taking advantage of the general confusion, they began to plunder the unprotected houses. Luckily for us the few regular troops who were spread along the line rallied in a work called Williams Pasha tabia built expressly in anticipation of these circumstances; it was situated on the edge of the cliffs above the river and approachable only from beneath by a rugged path hewn from the cliff for this specific purpose. Here the regular troops were joined by many of the townspeople who by this time were flocking to the scene of action. As soon as the Russians had carried the Inglis tabia lines they broke down part of the breastworks and brought in their artillery which began to shell the town, undisturbed by the castle on the opposite side of the river where there were mounted three heavy guns which might have been of the greatest service had they not been under the command of an officer whom fear had rendered imbecilic, and who afterwards had no other excuse to offer that that "he was afraid". No sooner was the news brought to General Williams that the Inglis tabia was in the hands of the enemy than, selecting the bravest of the Anatolian troops under Kadri-Bey, an officer to be relied upon, he spoke a few words to them and sent them to the scene. Even before their arrival the enemy had been so disquieted as to make their longer stay doubtful. Captain Thompson seeing what had happened had harnessed some of his men to the heavy gun on the Cardagh and brought it at a run to a position bearing on the Inglis lines; it commanded Teesdale tabia as well as all the right of the line, and its plunging fire soon drove the enemy from that part of the position. His Bashi-Bazooks had already started to climb the rocky paths that led up to the rear of the Inglis redoubts, and, in anticipation of General Williams' order to march up as a reserve part of Thompson's regulars were already on their way to the start point when the order arrived. At this time, when the Russian artillery had been silenced, Colonel Lake left his command to a Turkish officer and succeeded in reaching Fort Lake; he arrived in time to alter the bearing of some guns to fire with deadly effect upon the already shaken enemy. The Russians were now fiercely striving to carry Williams Pasha tabia as well as to engage the guns in Fort Lake which swept the front of Williams Pasha tabia of its assailants. At the same time the reserves arrived at each extremity of the line, attacked with the bayonet, and finally drove the enemy back over the disputed line. Further than this they could not follow for the Russian cavalry remained in unshaken order to repel any attempt on the part of our infantry to pursue their advantage. Thus supported, Baklanoff's column retreated under a heavy fire from all points, carrying away two field guns from the first rush and the colours which the Laz had left behind them. Once indeed, some of our soldiers, carried away by the excitement of success, jumped over the parapets and tried to pursue but a squadron of dragoons immediately faced about and charged fiercely on the scattered foot soldiers who would have been cut to pieces but for the earthworks which effectively stopped the progress of the Russian cavalry. Having just heard of the desperate plight of Tachmach tabia, great was our joy to see the dark masses of Russians retiring from the Inglis lines and the shot from our guns once more plunging amongst them. We then knew that our rear was safe, and that if we could hold out all was safe. At this moment a battalion of the enemy debouched from the right flank and apparently meant to repeat their previous manoeuvre which had so nearly succeeded; however, from Yuksek-tabia we opened such a fire of grape upon them that, despite the efforts of their officers who were bravely leading them on, they again took refuge inside the line. Here they encountered some of our reserves from below which cut off their retreat to the left. It appeared at that moment that their intention was to seize a small work overlooking the village of Chakmak so as to afford easy access for Baklanoff's column which was then almost opposite to it and which could have made a considerable diversion in our rear. It was of importance therefore that they should not succeed and so fire was opened from every gun that could bear upon them; so severely did they suffer that, out of this single battalion, 250 men were hors-de-combat and it was finally dispersed by the garrison of guns in the small work they had tried to surprise. Baklanoff's artillery fired its last shots in support of this battalion as it left the ground. In spite of our success on every other front, the fight still continued around Tachmach tabia with unabated fury. Kmety had taken up three companies to their assistance and I had sent three more with a gun but their losses were scarcely made good by this addition and all of their ammunition was expended. Incredible as it might appear, the last hour of that battle was fought with ammunition from the Russian dead. Sallies were made for no other purpose than to obtain the needful supply, and at one point, part of the garrison was employed in stripping off the pouches from the fallen on one side of the redoubt and throwing them to their comrades who were thus able to repulse the enemy from the other side. Such fighting as this deserved to be crowned with success but the Russians fought with equal obstinacy until only two battalions remained which had not been committed to the battle proper. The last shadow of hope having vanished, the Russian General gave the order to retire- but it was too late. Reserves arrived from below and drove the enemy from the interior lines. Tired of acting so long on the defensive I mounted my horse which had remained unhurt and led a charge against the enemy's chasseurs and stragglers who, favoured by the ground, still kept shooting our men at leisure. This was no easy task, and on reaching the exterior of Tachmach tabia we found ourselves confronted by a regiment of the enemy- fresh men firing heavily along their front. It was the last remnant of the Russian infantry. The Turks still left alive in Tachmach tabia could no longer be restrained; seeing our plight they burst forth like a pent-up torrent from the redoubt and rushed with the blind fury of wild animals to our assistance- and the Russian regiment seemed to melt before them. In a moment the ground was thick with corpses and the survivors flying as best each one might. Our men could not be stopped until they had passed the road at the bottom of the hill- but the affair was over. A few more shots were fired at the fugitives when a band struck up and the soldiers were dancing amidst all the horrors of a battle ground' (letter from the recipient to his father, dated Kars, 30.9.1855, refers). Turkish loses after seven hours of uninterrupted combat were 362 dead and 631 wounded. The townspeople suffered an additional 101 dead and 202 wounded. Of the Russian dead General Williams wrote in a later despatch: 'Their loss was immense- they left on the field more than 5,000 dead, which literally covered the country, and it took the Turkish infantry four days to bury. Their wounded and prisoners in our possession amount to 160, whilst those who were carried off are said to be upwards of 7,000.' Later a Russian officer was to paint an even starker picture: 'At the muster call in camp more than a third, and nearly a half, were missing from the night before. The whole of the following day was spent in collecting the dead and wounded. The Tsar's personal regiment of Carabiniers had suffered most- all of its thirty-two officers had either been killed or wounded, and we had up to 15,000 hors-de-combat as a result of the battle.' That night, having spent the afternoon burying their own dead, with the wounded being treated to by Dr. Sandwith, the defenders of Kars slept out under arms in their positions, but no further attack was made. The Siege In the weeks following the battle it became apparent to both sides that there was little likelihood of an Allied relief force being sent to Kars. As one British civil commissioner commented: 'To embark an army in the Crimea, to transport it across the Black Sea, to disembark it again at the worst port upon that sea, where it is often impossible for a week at a time to communicate with the shore, to march this army a distance of 180 miles over often impassable terrain, including two mountain passes at a season of the year when they are blocked with snow, and to arrive in a condition capable of coping with a hostile army 40,000 strong and perfectly fresh- and to have accomplished all this within the short space of six weeks would have been an achievement worthy of a greater general than this war has hitherto produced.' Having deployed his troops once and lost, Mouravieff was in no hurry to do so again, and instead re-focused his efforts on maintaining the siege, and starving the defenders into submission. 'The horrors of the concluding part of the siege are almost too terrible to recall- men too proud to beg locked their doors and lay down to die in their houses. The misery within the town increased by the day, and the vigilance of the Russians doubled. A stock of wood eked out to the last had vanished, and the cold at night became so bitter that numbers of men were found every morning to be frozen to death in their tents. Horses and mules had long ceased to be of any service except for food. Towards the middle of November snow began to fall, and so intense did the cold now become that to sleep under canvas became nearly impossible. General Williams was now increasingly employed in nursing the remaining strength of the men. For some time past the health of Captain Thompson had been failing but he kept gallantly at his post until the cold and exposure had entirely unfitted him for further exertion. At last so few days provisions remained that it became evident that the place was untenable for any further length of time, and unless some very unexpected piece of good news reached us we should have to abandon the city we had so long defended. By November 20th the state of weakness and complete prostration to which the garrison was now reduced had increased so terribly that the prospect of cutting our way out through the Russian lines- which at one time had seemed feasible- now appeared utter recklessness.' (Letters written by Major Teesdale, taken from Kars: Victory into Defeat refers). In his own account, Dr. Sandwith described the conditions in the town thus: 'At last the pangs of hunger became unendurable; grass was torn up wherever it appeared, that the soldiers and people might feed upon the roots. Round the lines flocks of vultures hovered, contending with the dogs of the city for the corpses scratched by the latter from their shallow graves. The soldiers are dying at a rate of one hundred a day of famine. They were skeletons and were incapable of fighting. The city was strewn with dead and dying.' (ibid) Following a Council of War on the 24th November, and with no prospect of being relieved, the inevitable decision to surrender was reached: 'I was sent from the Council with the flag of truce to the Russian Camp. Having arrived at the outposts the Cossacks approached me. Having explained the object of my mission I was blindfolded and led towards their camp. Arriving at the headquarters of General Mouravieff I was admitted at once and presented the note from General Williams which I carried. An interview was arranged for the following day at noon and having been treated with great civility I took my leave. The following day General Williams, accompanied by his secretary Mr. Churchill and myself, presented ourselves at the Russian headquarters at the appointed time and, after the ordinary civilities, the two Generals were left alone to proceed to the settlement.' (Letter written by Major Teesdale, taken from Kars: Victory into Defeat refers). Prisoner of War The formal surrender took place at an old Genoese church about three miles from Kars. The officers and regular troops of the garrison, around 8,000 in all, were all made prisoners of war, and the irregulars, numbering 6,000 in total, were allowed to go free. Under a clause in the surrender, personally inserted by General Mouravieff, 'Officers of all grades will be allowed to retain their swords, in consequence of the brave defence made by the garrison of Kars.' Dr. Sandwith, as a non-combatant, was allowed free to find his own way home. Armed with a Russian passport, he finally arriving back in England some three months later. The four British Officers, Williams, Lake, Teesdale, and Thompson, together with Mr. Churchill, as a volunteer prisoner, were all taken into custody at the Russian town of Tiflis. The Russians had finally had control of Kars, and with it the door to Constantinople lay ajar; but it was too late. On the conclusion of hostilities in the Crimea, and the signing of the treaty of peace on the 30th March 1856, the four British officers were released. General Williams, together with Teesdale, was granted to an audience with the Tsar in St. Petersburg. On arriving in St. Petersburg in June, he received a letter from his old adversity, General Mouravieff: 'Dear General Williams, I shall always be happy to remember the times I passed in your company and I do not doubt for a moment the distinguished reception that you will meet in St. Petersburg from our Emperor; your renown could not but be honoured by a Sovereign who esteems real merit in friend and foe. I feel very gratified in reading in the newspapers that your Queen honours you with a grateful testimonial of her satisfaction. Please give my best compliments to Major Teesdale and believe me to be, ever most sincerely yours, Nikolay Mouravieff.' Victoria Cross Teesdale arrived back in England on the 11th June 1856, reverting to his substantive rank of Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, having been created a Companion of the Order of the Bath the previous month in recognition of his distinguished services before the enemy in Kars (there were awards for all the British Officers present at Kars- General Williams was created K.C.B., raised to a Baronetcy as Sir William Williams of Kars, and voted a pension of £1,000 per annum for life; Lieutenant-Colonel Lake and Captain Thompson were also created a C.B.s; and there was a Civil C.B. for Dr. Sandwith), and awarded the Order of the Medjidieh by the Ottoman Empire. He was also created an Officer of the French Legion of Honour, and ultimately received the Victoria Cross, the only one given for Kars, being presented with his Cross by Queen Victoria on the 21st November 1857 at Windsor Castle, the first South African-born recipient of the V.C. He also received the Turkish campaign medal for the Defence of Kars- a unique occurrence of the Victoria Cross being paired with a foreign campaign medal. Later Life Teesdale was promoted Captain and Brevet Major in January 1858, and in November of that year was appointed Equerry to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. The relationship was clearly a happy one, as evidenced by a letter written by the Prince of Wales in June 1861: 'My dear Teesdale, I enclose two Post Office orders for £1 the sum you won here by successfully drawing the winner of the Oaks...I remain, yours very sincerely, Albert Edward.' He also pursued his passion as an amateur artist, and later developed a close friendship with the French painter Gustave Doré. Ten years after his release from captivity in Russia and audience with the Tsar he returned once more to St. Petersburg, to take part in the Garter Mission for the Investiture of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia with the Order of the Garter; at the Investiture Ceremony on the 28th July 1867 he carried the hat, plume, and Star of the Order. Promoted Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1868, he was appointed an Aide-de-Camp to Her Majesty the Queen, 1st October 1877, and promoted to his ultimate rank of Major-General in April 1887- in July of that year he was created a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in celebration of Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee. His final appointment was that of Her Majesty's Master of Ceremonies, a job he held from May 1890- his main duties, as a 'Gentleman well languaged, of good education and discretion &c.', involved liaising between the Court and the Corps Diplomatique, and being in attendance at the audience of an Ambassador or Minister with the Sovereign. Major-General Teesdale retired from the Army on the 22nd March 1892, and died at home the following year in South Bersted, near Bognor, Sussex, on the 1st December 1893, where he is buried in the village churchyard.
2
The Unique and Exceptionally Well Documented 'North East Frontier 1891' V.C. Group of Five to Lieutenant, Later Colonel, C.J.W. Grant, 12th Regiment (2nd Burma Battalion) Madras Infantry; Who Set Out With Only 80 Men to Rescue British Political Prisoners After Treachery at Manipur, March 1891; Having Discovered He Was Too Late to Prevent Their Murder, He Stormed and Captured the Fortified Position of Thobal and Held Out For 8 Days Against Overwhelming Odds, With Limited Ammunition and Growing Disease Amongst His Own Men. Twice Wounded During the Expedition, He Was Carried into Manipur By His Men a) Victoria Cross, reverse of suspension bar engraved 'Lieut: Chas. Jas. Wm. Grant Indian Staff Corps', reverse of Cross engraved '27th March 1891' b) India General Service 1854-95, two clasps, N.E. Frontier 1891, Burma 1885-7, clasps in this order (Lieut. C.J.W. Grant 12th Madras Infy.), suspension claw loose, light pitting from Star c) 1914-15 Star (Bt. Col. C.J.W. Grant. V.C.) d) British War and Victory Medals (Bt. Col. C.J.W. Grant.), generally very fine or better, mounted as originally worn, with the following related contemporary items and documents: - Thirteen items of insignia including: 12th (2nd Burma Battalion) Madras Infantry Victorian Officer's shoulder belt plate; 6th Punjab Rifles Victorian Officer's pouch belt plate; 89th Punjabis Victorian Officer's helmet plate; 92nd Punjabis Officer's silver cap badge - Inkwell fashioned from 9 pdr shell case retrieved from Thobal by Grant, case in the shape of a horses' hoof and engraved 'Thobal 1st April 1891', with silver hinged lid, stamped O.R.R., surmounted by a silver cannon, all mounted on a turned mahogany base with a small silver plaque engraved 'Helen Grant from Her Son' - Commission appointing C.J.W. Grant a Lieutenant in the Suffolk Regiment, dated 5.5.1882 - Royal Military College Gentleman Cadet's Certificate, dated December 1881; Examination For Promotion Special Certificate, dated November 1889; Riding Certificate, dated 26.9.1891 - Two Parchment copies of Grant's Record of Officers Service - Grant's Officer's Field Note and Sketch Book and Reconnaissance Aide-Memoire, leather bound, in which he records in detail the march to Manipur, the capture and subsequent defence of Thobal, including several detailed sketches of both actions and positions - Folder of original letters, including negotiating between Grant and the Manipuris and a coded message from Grant in Greek characters to the relief force, with a similar folder of transcripts of the originals and of diary of events made in his Field Note Book - Scrap book made by recipient replete with annotated photographs taken during the relief expedition, dedicated to 'Douglas & Helen Grant from their loving son, Charlie - 1891' - Scrap book of newspaper cuttings relating to Grant and the expedition - Copy of Manipur, a narrative and a copy of War Office official Correspondence Relating to Manipur - Portrait photograph of recipient in uniform - Official photograph of V.C. Dinner, 9.11.1929, with original named invitation and a handwritten seating plan - Several other photographs relating to Grants military career; copies of The Dwarf, dated 4.4.1891; The Graphic, dated 18.4.1891; Punch, dated 25.4.1891 - Three letters of condolence on the death of Grant (lot) £130,000-160,000 Footnote: V.C. London Gazette 26.5.1891 Lieutenant Charles James William Grant, Indian Staff Corps 'For the conspicuous bravery and devotion to his country displayed by him in having, upon hearing on the 27th March, 1891, of the disaster at Manipur, at once volunteered to attempt the relief of the British Captives, with 80 Native Soldiers, and having advanced with the greatest intrepidity, captured Thobal, near Manipur, and held it against a large force of the enemy. Lieutenant Grant inspired his men with equal heroism, by an ever-present example of personal daring and resource.' Colonel James William Grant, V.C. (1861-1932), born Bourtie, Aberdeenshire; the son of Lieutenant-General P.C.S. St. J. Grant; educated privately and at R.M.C. Sandhurst, 1881; commissioned Lieutenant Suffolk Regiment, 1882; joined Madras Staff Corps, 1884; initially served as Wing Officer 5th Madras Native Infantry and was attached to the 12th Madras Native Infantry for the expedition against King Thebaw, Upper Burma, 1885-87; transferred 12th Madras Native Infantry, 1.6.1890. Manipur - Intrigue and Overthrow The small state of Manipur, under the rule of Rajah Chandra Kirti Singh, adjoined Assam and Burma. Despite having a small army the Rajah was reliant upon British protection against Burmese incursions. During the latter's reign relations between the state and the British authorities had been cordial. In 1886 the Rajah died leaving eight sons. Sura Chandra Singh succeeded his father, however, rival factions soon appeared between the siblings. After a period of unrest, one brother, Takendrajit Singh who occupied the post of Senapati (Commander-in-Chief), allied with the 5th and 7th brothers to overthrow the declared ruler. After a fairly bloodless coup the throne was given to Kula Chandra Dhuya Singh, September 1890, and the declared ruler fled to the British Residency. The British authorities were well aware of the failings of the declared ruler, who had proved himself to be weak and unpopular amongst his subjects. Their response was to send the Chief Commissioner of Assam, J.W. Quinton, to Manipur to officially recognise Kula Chandra Dhuya Singh as Regent rather than Ruler and to remove the scheming Senapati. Quinton proceeded on his mission with an escort of 400 rifles under the command of Colonel Skene, 42nd Gurkhas. They arrived in Manipur on the 22nd of March with the intention of arresting the Senapati in open Durbar. The Senapati failed to turn up to the Durbar so it was postponed until the following day. Once again excuses were made by the Manipuris as to why he was unable to attend and the surrender of the Senapati was demanded. This was refused and at 4am on the 24th March troops were sent to the Senapati's palace to arrest him. A sharp action ensued with the Senapati rallying his forces to counter-attack the Residency. The British forces fell back upon the Residency and came under artillery fire. With ammunition running short the decision to try and obtain a truce was made. The Chief Commissioner with Colonel Skene and three others agreed to meet the Senapati unarmed half way between the palace and the Residency. Once there treachery occurred and the party were taken captives inside the palace. The remaining British forces withdrew and the Residency was raised to the ground. News of the difficulties being experienced in arresting the Senapati had reached the Viceroy on the 29th March and troops were despatched in the hope of saving the prisoners. They were ignorance of the fact that all of Quinton's party had already been murdered. Grant to the Rescue During this time Grant, who had been posted to the 12th Regiment (2nd Burma Battalion) Madras Infantry, was in command of a detachment of 80 men at Tammu, Burma. Given his proximity to Manipur and that it was still believed that Quinton and the others might be still alive, on the 27th March General Stewart ordered him to move at once upon Manipur with his detachment. Grant advanced with a force that was comprised of a small number of old soldiers and a large number of recruits, who had only fired a few rounds in musketry practice let alone been under live fire. There was no artillery and his transport consisted of three elephants, a few ponies and some Cossiah Coolies. The little column started out on the 28th March and had only advanced 7 miles before they were under fire. This was to prove sporadic but continual throughout the rest of the day culminating in the discovery of a road block made out of felled trees, 'Taking twenty men, he [Grant] passed beyond the obstacles , which the Gurkhas with kookris began to clear away. The Manipuris were on the hill above.... The twenty men on their way up the hillside fired 40 or 50 shots, and then rushed the position from the flank. It proved to be a shelter trench 90 yards long.... and was held by 150 men. These, in their flight, left some guns and accoutrements behind them.' (Manipur, a narrative, refers) On the 30th Grant's men reached Palel, which was garrisoned by 200 Manipuris. They were routed and forced to flee, with Grant pursuing them for three miles and taking three prisoners. One of the latter informed him that Quinton's party had been executed, 'I did not like the news much, but I did not believe it. I considered the matter, and arguing that if the military authorities wished me to return they could easily recall me by a messenger from Tammu, I decided to push on. I thought I might find a fort of some kind in which I could entrench myself, leave my baggage and transport under a small guard, and go out with the rest of my men, taking plenty of ammunition. In that way I believed I might afford help to the prisoners.' (Ibid) Grant sent a letter back to Tammu informing the authorities of what he intended to do and pushed on in the moonlight of the 30th, for Manipur. By dawn he reached a series of villages which began 4-5 miles from Thobal. The latter place being 14 miles south-east of Manipur. Advancing across open country towards Thobal they saw a bridge, directly on their route, in flames. Grant rushed to secure the bridge, when the Manipuris opened fire at close range from covered positions on the other side, 'Hurrying forward to put out fire when 200 yards from river met with heavy fire from opp. bank. Advanced by alternate rushes to 100 yds, losing one man, Mahd. Lyat shot thro' the head by snider rifle. I was grazed by bullet, but no damage. Fire very severe and enemy entirely concealed, could only fire at puffs of smoke.' (Grant's Field Note Book refers) Grant reformed his men and the order to advance was given, 'they behaved beautifully. It was like a page out of the drill book. There was a volley from the right party, and a rush from the left, and vice versa.... The enemy were firing through loopholes in walls, hidden by hedges. We got to within 100 yards of them, but a watercourse was between us, and I could not tell their numbers. We lay down and fired for ten minutes, but made no impression. I went back to the supports on each flank and ordered them to creep up wide of the first firing line, but like brave fellows, as they are, they jumped up, rushed forward right to the edge of the stream and began firing. The fighting line fixed bayonets and joined them. There was a cry from the left that the enemy were running, and then we plunged pell-mell into the watercourse. It was rather deep, and one little Gurkha disappeared altogether. For a second I myself got fast in weeds, and was ignominiously hauled out by a Jemadar, but we got across somehow. The Manipuris were seen in full flight, their white clothing making them excellent targets. On the enemy's left was a line of rifle pits, and in these numbers were caught, like rats in a trap, and bayoneted. On the right were the compound walls giving good shelter, but behind them lay a number of dead, shot through the head. There was 800 Manipuris holding this position.' (Ibid) Grant had not found a fort ready to his hand to occupy, but he made for himself a fortified post amongst the three compounds beyond the watercourse. The rest of the day was spent destroying most of the houses in the compounds and cutting down trees to form an abatis around the walls. The Defence of Thobal The following day, '1.4.91 6am. Enemy advancing in force. Sent out 30 men to meet them, we fired 3 shots only, dropped 2 of the enemy. I got one at 700 yards. Enemy retired behind hill. Measured ranges up to 500 yards in front of position, found blood all about from yesterday's action.' (Field Note Book refers) Later that afternoon the Manipuris advanced to within 600 yards of Grant's position before being repelled, 'Then from hills 1,000 yards off, at 3.45pm, 2 guns opened fire and shelled us till 6.30pm with elongated common shell and shrapnel from two 9 pounder rifled guns. The enemies practice was very good till we got the exact range of the guns by "smoke and report" and then after 30 mins concentrated individual fire of 10 martinis we silenced one gun and the other retired to a higher hill 1500 yards off where they only ran the gun up to the crest to fire, retiring to load, and their firing was wilder, as they feared to lay the gun accurately." (Field Note Book refers) Whilst Grant was engaging the artillery the Manipuris had surrounded his position and from there kept up heavy rifle fire throughout the night. In an effort to maintain as much of their dwindling supply of ammunition as possible Grant ordered not a single shot to be fired in return during the night. On the 2nd of April the Manipuris showed no signs of renewing hostilities and Grant took the time to strengthen his position and also to pen the following summary, 'Enemy appeared from 2,000 to 2,500 strong and at 6pm occupied an enveloping line 4 miles long. They were better armed than we are. I attribute our success chiefly to the fact that the enemy are nearly all in white coats and so distinctly visible. The men's behaviour is wonderful; under the hottest fire they pay attention to all directions.... Our expenditure of ammunition is 600 rounds since 3pm on 1.4.91. Total expenditure 2,000 rounds of 9,000. Reinforcements begin to be looked for as Gukhas have only 35 rounds per man, and we depend on their M.H.'s to silence the guns... I consider every sepoy deserves the Order of Merit..... The flags displayed by the enemy showed that the army was commanded Sarnu Hun Juba, the youngest brother of the Maharaja.' (Ibid) At 3pm Grant was out with a party near the enemy lines when he saw a man signalling with a flag. The man came running forward and proved to be a Gurkha signaller of the 44th who had been taken prisoner at Manipur. He had a letter from a number of babus, Clerks etc who had also been taken prisoner, in it they begged Grant to go back stating that if he continued to advance they would all be killed. The letter also stated that Mr. Williams was with them. Grant thought that he remembered an officer of that name in one of the Assam Regiments and sent back a message demanding to see him the following day. 'Colonel Howlett' Manipur takes up the narrative on the extraordinary sequence of events that followed, 'The Gurkha returned to Manipur, and came back with an offer from the Senapati to suspend fighting that day. To this Lieutenant Grant assented. Next morning Mr. Williams appeared. Lieutenant Grant met him well outside his camp, and for the first time acted the part of Colonel Howlett. He borrowed two stars from a jemadar's shoulder-straps and placed them on his own. He was no longer a Subaltern commanding a small detachment, but a Colonel, with his regiment at his back. It was to this ruse that he unquestionably owed much of the respect with which he was afterwards treated by the Manipuris, who had no real idea of the strength of force with him, or that one solitary young officer was leading them. They had had a taste of the fighting quality of these bold intruders into their country, who continued to push forward, even when they knew that 500 Gurkhas had been beaten at Manipur itself and officers of high position killed. On meeting with Mr. Williams, Lieutenant Grant saw, to his astonishment, that he was not the officer he had expected to meet. A few words served to explain that Mr. Williams was the telegraph signaller. He stated that Manipuris had only taken him out of irons on April 1st, and sent him to Thobal to negotiate. Then followed a long conversation between the two, Mr. Williams telling Colonel Howlett, for such Lieutenant Grant said he was, and that was all that he knew.' A series of letters were exchanged between 'Howlett' and the Senapati via Williams. The Senapati was willing to release the prisoners if Grant left, but Grant would not leave without the prisoners. The Senapati countered with the fact that the prisoners wanted to go direct to Assam in reply to which Grant's ultimatum was as follows, 'The babus can do as they like, but the sepoys must obey orders and come with me. If one of the prisoners is harmed the officers here will not be able to restrain the Sikhs and Punjabis from killing every man and burning every house in the country.' Lieutenant Grant could not resist the temptation, even at this critical time, to show the contempt he had for the cowardly lot of men who attacked him and had been defeated, so he added: "P.S. - I am going to shoot some ducks, Don't be afraid." (Manipur, a narrative refers) The rest of the 3rd of April was spent strengthening the camp, placing Panjis (sharpened bamboo spikes) around the camp and improvising fire extinguishers for the flammable rooves left in the compounds. On the 4th of April Grant received a letter from the Senapati stating that all of the prisoners had been released the day before and that Grant must return to Tammu, with safe passage guaranteed, 'Many an officer with greater experience than Lieutenant Grant would have closed with this offer and marched away, only to find himself treacherously attacked on the road and his party destroyed. But with his brevet rank of Colonel there seems to have come a ripening of his judgement, by which he was enabled accurately to gauge the danger which enveloped him.' Grant sent a letter directly to the Regent saying that he could not return to Tammu empty handed as he would be disgraced. He requested a man of high rank to be sent to him as a hostage to return to Tammu with. Upon receiving a telegram saying that the prisoners had safely reached Cachar he would free the hostage and give him his horse to return to Manipur. By the 5th of April it became clear that negotiations were at an end, and the Gurkha prisoner made Grant aware that the Manipuris now knew of the limited strength of his force. The following day Grant 'had to fight his third action, and the mettle of his sepoys was tried to the utmost. A little before 6 o'clock in the morning his patrols reported the enemy on the move, and their guns opened fire. Fifteen shells fell in and about the camp, wounding two of the elephants. At seven the guns ceased firing, and the Manipur Infantry advanced to the attack. This time Lieutenant Grant contented himself with holding the enclosure, which was his camp proper, on the bank of the watercourse... Not until they were within 200 yards did he give the signal for fire to be opened and then his men began pouring in steady volleys. These had the effect of making the Manipuris take such cover as was offered, behind walls and trees. At 8am finding the attack was most pressed against his left front, Lieutenant Grant took ten Gurkhas, crept along the watercourse, enfiladed the walls on his left, and in a few minutes had cleared that side..... At 11am no impression had been made on the camp, the sepoys being so well protected that they could fire accurately through the loopholes without exposing themselves. Lieutenant Grant now decided to try and clear his front a little. This time he took only six Gurkhas of the 43rd, with their Havildar. He himself was armed with a 16 bore breech-loader, double-barrelled, and his revolver. This party crept up the ditch between the road and the compounds, got to the corner and enfiladed the wall, behind which were 100 of the enemy. They ran at once; but facing the corner, and cut off from it by a deep ditch full of water, was a wall five feet high, from which the party of Manipuris began firing...... For a quarter of an hour the Gurkhas had a fine chance of snap-shots at their heads as they were raised behind the wall; while their young commander was using his buckshot cartridges with fine effect. At last the Manipuris, finding that exposure was almost certain death, sneaked away from this hot corner, and his immediate front being clear, Lieutenant Grant returned to his entrenchment.' (Manipur, a narrative refers) There was a pause in the fighting at around noon and during this time Grant distributed his last box of ammunition amongst his men. His new instructions to them was to let the enemy advance to within 100 yards before firing. Fortunately for Grant's men the Manipuris did not make another organised assault that day. Despite being hard pressed Grant was resolute, 'Thus our 10th day and no support. Determined not to return without hostage.' (Field Note Book refers). After fifteen hours of constant fighting the Manipuris ceased fire for the night. At dawn on the 7th of April it appeared that most of the Manipuris had retreated to their capital. Grant, ever the professional, once again took the opportunity to strengthen his defences and search for food as supplies were running short, 'At noon two men appeared, carrying a white flag. One was a Burman postman who had been sent with a letter from Tammu to Manipur, and was carrying back a letter from the Maharaja to the Viceroy. He reported only 300 Manipuris left, out of an army between 2,000-3,000 strong who had attacked on the previous day. Lieutenant Grant opened the Maharaja's letter without ceremony, and was amused to find His Highness complaining of the doings of one Colonel Howlett, and requesting the Viceroy to cause him to withdraw. The postman had also in his possession a telegram addressed to Mr. Quinton. This was also opened and found to be from the Viceroy.' (Manipur, a narrative refers) Grant now saw a chance to communicate with Tammu and wrote to Captain Presgrave informing him of what had happened and where he was, 'Gave him a letter in vile French written in what I remember of Greek characters in case of treachery, telling them to hurry up.' (Field Note Book refers) April the 8th passed without major incident, however, given the limited supplies fever and dysentery were becoming rife amongst the men. The following day a letter from Presgrave arrived with orders from Grant to retire on Palel at the first opportunity. That night there was a tremendous thunderstorm, 'Ordered march at 7.30pm. Took straw out of wounded elephant's saddle, it has eaten nothing since wounded on 6th in belly and can carry nothing. Throw enemies ammunition in the water. Rained heavily, pitch dark, night awful. Men falling down on road with fever. Met Presgrave at 2am - rain and hail and lightning.' (Field Note Book refers) Punitive Expedition Affording himself little respite Grant and his men were to be attached to the Tammu Column, one of three columns under the overall command of Brigadier-General Collet, C.B., which were to advance on Manipur, capture the Regent, and restore British authority. Grant and Presgrave were to wait for the advanced body of the Tammu Column under the command of Major Sir Charles Leslie. With this in mind they marched their combined force of 197 men back to Palel, 'They were advancing towards Palel when they met a picquet of the enemy, which immediately retreated. A little further on they encountered three hundred Manipuris who did not long withstand their attack. Lieutenant Grant, with a portion of his force, pursued and killed fifty of the enemy, and Grant's charger was shot under him.' (Manipur a narrative refers) By the 18th of April the whole of the advanced body of the Tammu Column, under Leslie, had reached Palel. Combined with Grant and Presgrave their orders were to watch the enemy movement but not to take to the field against them. Over the course of the next six days the area was fully reconnoitred, and on the 24th April a fortified position blocking the road to Manipur was found near the village of Langatel. Another Fort to Storm The mud fort appeared to be garrisoned by approximately 300 Manipuris, a letter written by Grant to his mother shortly after the event gives the following, 'On 25th I went out from Palel 50 of my own men, Sikhs, 50 of our mounted infantry under Cox and 50 2nd 4th Gurkhas, the whole under Drury of 2nd 4th Gurkhas. We had orders only to reconnoitre the enemies position, not to attack as the General - Graham and the rifles were to arrive that morning and the place was to be kept for them. The road ran along the plain due North towards Manipur and with open plain on the left and hills on the right. We saw the enemy on hills and in a strong mud fort..... I worked along the hills and drove the enemy out of them without loss. As we found them unexpectedly and had to fight in spite of orders. Then Drury sent in to the General to say we had them in a trap and would he come out with guns and more men and slate them. Then he sent the mounted infantry to the left to the NW of the enemy and we worked behind the hills to their NE, thus cutting them off from Manipur. So we went behind a hill and waited. At 11.30 we saw from the top of our hill the column from Palel, 2 mountain guns and 100 2nd 4th Gurkhas. The guns went to a hill 1000 yards to the E of the enemy fort and we waited and watched the fun.... Soon they started shrapnel and made lovely practice the enemy replying with 2 small guns and rifles. Then we got impatient and advanced and worked round to their west flank.... Then our party charged but were brought up by a deep nullah under their walls, down and up we scrambled and when a lot of our men had collected within 10 paces of their walls, firing at every head that showed. The enemy put up a white flag and I at once stopped the fire. Then they sprang up and fired at us. I felt a tremendous blow on the neck and staggered and fell, luckily on the edge of the nullah rather under cover, but feeling the wound with my fingers and being able to speak and feeling no violent flow of blood I discovered I wasn't dead just yet, so I reloaded my revolver and got up. Meanwhile my Sikhs were swarming over the wall - I ran in and found the enemy bolting at last from the East and running away towards Manipur. My men were in first well ahead of both parties of Gurkhas. After I had seen all the Manipuris near the fort polished off I sent for a dresser and lay down in one of the huts in the fort and soon had my clothes off and found the bullet had gone through the root of my neck just above the shoulder and carried all the cloth of my collar and shirt right thro' the wound leaving it quite clean. I was soon bound up and the men shampooed me and kept away the cramp. It was only a very violent shock and felt much better in the evening...... The Manipuris here say we killed over 400 so we paid off part of our score against their treachery.' The next morning the column advanced to Grant's fort at Thobal to find that it had been abandoned. Triumphant Entrance into Manipur The Cachar Column entered a deserted Manipur at 7am on the 27th April, followed by the Tammu Column and shortly after by Collett and the Kohima Column. Grant and his men were honoured, 'My Thobal party, by order of the General, being first to enter the palace on our side... I alas in my doolie did not get up till 2 hours after as it poured all the march and the mud was awful...... General Collett commanding the whole army came today to see me and said all sorts of nice things to me and his AG asked me when I would be a Captain and said I wouldn't be one long! - meaning I would get a brevet majority - but all these people are very excited now and talk of my getting brevet rank and VC and DSO, but when these things get home to Wolseley he will cut them all out as he usually does with Indian officers and if I get anything at all I will be content.' (letter to mother dated 28.4.1891 refers) The Royal Family had fled Manipur, destroying both the Rajah's palace and the armoury before they left. The remains of the Chief Commissioner and the rest of his party were exhumed from the grounds of the Residency and given a proper burial. Chandra Dhuya Singh, his brother Prince Angao Sana and the Senapati were captured in May, the latter was tried and executed, and the two others were exiled to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Pomp and Ceremony Grant was to receive his brevet Majority and was presented his Victoria Cross by the Governor at Ootacmund, 6.7.1891, 'The Band played the National Anthem, and the Guard of Honour, drawn up on the terrace below presented arms... the decoration of the Victoria Cross was handed to His Excellency the Governor, and the Adjutant-General of the Army conducted Major Grant to the front of the platform, the Band playing "See the Conquering Hero Comes." At the same ceremony all of the men that were with Grant at Thobal were awarded the Order of Merit. When questioned about their part in the action at Thobal they attributed everything to Grant, 'How could we be beaten under Grant Sahib? He is a tiger in fight. When hundreds of Manipuris were coming close he just took ten men out to stop them, and in a minute they had beaten the enemy back. We could not help winning under such a sahib.' Later that year Grant was appointed A.D.C. to Lieutenant-General Sir J.C. Dormer, Commander-in-Chief, Madras. Promoted Lieutenant Colonel in June 1904 he was given command of the 89th Punjabis in 1906. Made Brevet Colonel the following year he served as Commandant of the 92nd Punjabis, 1907-11. Grant retired in 1913, only to re-engage as D.C.O. attached 3rd Royal Scots for service during the Great War. He lived out the rest of his life in Sidmouth, Devon.
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Family Group: A 1951 Military Division C.B., Second War 1945 'Far East' D.S.O., 'Operation Iceberg' Group of Eleven to Rear-Admiral P.V. McLaughlin, Royal Navy, Naval Aide-de-Camp to King George VI a) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with full and miniature width neck ribands, in Garrard, London, case of issue b) Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., reverse of suspension bar officially dated '1946', with integral top riband bar c) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. H.G.B. [sic] McLaughlin.) d) 1939-1945 Star e) Atlantic Star, with copy France and Germany Bar f) Pacific Star g) Italy Star h) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaf i) Coronation 1937, good very fine or better, mounted as worn, together with the following related documents &c.: - Commission appointing Patrick Vivian McLaughlin Esquire, D.S.O., a Rear-Admiral in His Majesty's Fleet, dated 11.6.1951 - Bestowal Document for the Order of the Bath, named to Rear-Admiral Patrick Vivian McLaughlin, D.S.O., and dated 1.1.1951 - Bestowal Document for the Distinguished Service Order, named to Captain P.V. McLaughlin, Royal Navy, and dated 11.6.1946 - Certificate of award for the Coronation Medal, named to Commander Patrick Vivian McLaughlin, R.N., with forwarding letter from the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Station - Letter appointing Mr. Patrick V. McLaughlin a Midshipman, R.N., of H.M.S. Colossus, dated 26.9.1917 - The recipient's First Class Certificate for the Rank of Lieutenant, dated 15.12.1922 - The recipient's Certificate of Qualification in Gunnery at the rank of Lieutenant, dated 10.5.1926 - Letter to the recipient informing him of his appointment as a Naval Aide-de-Camp to the King, dated 19.1.1949 - Photograph of the recipient in uniform receiving the arms of H.M.S. Swiftsure The Great War Memorial Plaque and Scroll to Second Lieutenant H.G.B. McLaughlin, Seaforth Highlanders Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Hubert Guy Bromilow McLaughlin); Great War Memorial Scroll '2nd Lt. Hubert Guy Bromilow McLaughlin 3rd attd. 7th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders', together with Buckingham Palace enclosure (lot) £1,800-2,200 Footnote: C.B. London Gazette 1.1.1951 Rear-Admiral Patrick Vivian McLaughlin, D.S.O. D.S.O. London Gazette 11.6.1946 Captain Patrick Vivian McLaughlin, Royal Navy 'For distinguished service during the War in the Far East.' M.I.D. London Gazette 23.1.1941 Captain Patrick Vivian McLaughlin, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Cairo 'For courage and endurance in action against enemy aircraft in Norwegian Waters.' Rear-Admiral Patrick Vivian McLaughlin, C.B., D.S.O., born Gloucestershire, 7.4.1901, and educated at Royal Naval College Osborne and Dartmouth; appointed Midshipman, 26.9.1917, and served during the Great War in H.M.S. Colossus; following the Armistice was invited by Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Jellicoe to serve on his Flagship on a World Empire Cruise; Commissioned Sub-Lieutenant, H.M.S. Dragon, 1921; Lieutenant, H.M.S. Dublin, 1923; Lieutenant-Commander, 1930; Commander, 1935; served as Fleet Gunner Officer on the Commander-in-Chief's Staff, Mediterranean Station, 1937-39; served during the Second World War in command of H.M.S. Mashona, 1939 (North Sea Operations); Captain, 31.12.1939; appointed to the command of H.M.S. Cairo, 1940 (Norwegian Campaign, Mentioned in Despatches); served as Deputy Director of Naval Ordnance, Admiralty, 1941-43; Appointed to the Command of H.M.S. Spartan, August 1943; sailed with her to Malta, and took part in Operation 'Shingle', the Anzio Landing, in January 1944- H.M.S. Spartan was sunk after being attacked by a bomb from a glider aircraft which detonated in her magazine, 29.1.1944, with the loss of 5 officers and 41 ratings killed, and 42 ratings wounded; Appointed to the command of H.M.S. Swiftsure, 1945, as part of the British Pacific Fleet, and took part in Operation 'Iceberg', the invasion of Okinawa; Captain, H.M.S. Excellent, 1947-49; appointed Naval Aide-de-Camp to H.M. the King, 8.1.1949; Rear-Admiral, 8.7.1949; Senior Naval Member and Vice President (Naval), Ordnance Board, February 1950; President, Ordnance Board, February 1952. Rear-Admiral McLaughlin retired in 1953, and died at home in Sandwich, Kent, 8.6.1969. Second Lieutenant Hubert Guy Bromilow McLaughlin, the brother of Rear-Admiral P.V. McLaughlin, served during the Great War with the 3rd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders; died of wounds, 12.10.1916, whilst attached to the 7th Battalion, and is buried in Warlencourt British Cemetery, France. It is understood from a member of the recipient's family that Rear-Admiral McLaughlin's Great War medals were lost on the occasion of H.M.S. Spartan sinking in Anzio Bay, and in their place he wore the medals awarded to his late brother, who had been killed during the Great War.
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A 1942 Civil Division C.B. Group of Six to Colonel M. Barkley, Northamptonshire Regiment, Late Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion a) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Civil Division, Companion's (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1939), very fine, with neck riband, in Garrard, London, case of issue b) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, two clasps, Cape Colony, Wittebergen (Lieut. M. Barkley. 3 Co. 1/ Imp. Yeo.) c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaf (Major M. Barkley) d) Territorial Force War Medal, unnamed e) Defence Medal f) Jubilee 1935 g) Coronation 1937, lacquered, contact marks, very fine, the pre-Second War awards mounted as worn, together with the related six pre-Second War miniature awards (8) £500-700 Footnote: C.B. (Civil) London Gazette 1.1.1942 Brevet Colonel MacDonald Barkley, D.L., Chairman, Territorial Army Association of the County of Huntingdon Colonel MacDonald Barkley, C.B., born 1871; educated at Haileybury and Lincoln College, Oxford; Commissioned Lieutenant, 2.6.1900; served with the 3rd (Gloucestershire) Company, 1st Battalion Imperial Yeomanry during the Boer War, and severely wounded at Brandw'r Basin, 24.8.1900; served during the Great War with the Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, attached to the 7th Sherwood Foresters in France (Mentioned in Despatches); Major 13.5.1916; Lieutenant-Colonel, 17.8.1917; Commanded the 5th (Huntingdonshire) Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, 1919-24; Appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Huntingdon, 30.10.1919; Managing Director, Huntingdon Steeplechases; served during the Second War as Zone Commander, Huntingdonshire Home Guard, 1940-42; Assistant Secretary, Territorial Army Association, Northampton, 1942-44. Colonel Barkley died, 8.7.1956.
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A Great War 1916 'Military Division' C.B. Group of Five to Engineer Rear-Admiral F. Hore, Royal Navy, Who Served as Engineer-Lieutenant of the Royal Yacht Osborne, 1893-98 a) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, converted for neck-wear b) 1914-15 Star (Eng. Capt. F. Hore. R.N.) c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Eng. R. Adml. F. Hore.) d) Jubilee 1897, silver, generally very fine or better (5) £700-900 Footnote: C.B. London Gazette 3.6.1916 Engineer Captain Fred Hore, R.N. Engineer Rear-Admiral Fred Hore, C.B. (1863-1932); educated at Plymouth Grammar School and Royal Naval College, Greenwich; joined Royal Navy as Acting Assistant Engineer, 1884; served as Engineer-Lieutenant of Royal Yacht Osborne, 1893-98; advanced Engineer-Commander, 1902; served in H.M.S. Albemarle (flagship of Rear-Admiral Sir John Jellicoe), 1908-09; Officer in charge of torpedo distribution and equipment of the Navy, 1909-13; Engineer-Captain 1913, and served during the Great War on the staffs of Vice-Admirals Sir Doveton Sturdee, Sir Charles Madden, The Hon. Sir Somerset Gough-Calthorpe and Admiral Sir Cecil Burney; Engineer Rear-Admiral, 13.5.1918; retired 1921. For the medals awarded to Commander R.W. Hore, D.S.C., the son of Rear-Admiral F. Hore, C.B., see Lot 16.
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A Superb C.M.G., 'Gallipoli' D.S.O., and Rare 'Archangel Command' Albert Medal Group of Eight to Captain G.P. Bevan, Royal Navy, Who Extricated a Trapped and Wounded Seaman From a Burning Munitions Ship in the Port of Archangel, 8.11.1916, Despite Small Arms Ammunition Exploding All Around Him a) The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and George, Companion's (C.M.G.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel b) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar c) Albert Medal, Second Class, For Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, bronze and enamel, the reverse officially engraved, 'Presented By His Majesty To Capt. George Parker Bevan C.M.G., D.S.O. For Gallantry In Saving Life From the Burning S.S. "Earl of Forfar" After the Explosion at Bakaritsa On the 8th November 1916.' d) 1914-15 Star (Commr. G.P. Bevan. R.N.) e) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Commre. 2 CI. G.P. Bevan. R.N.) f) France, Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer's breast Badge, 52mm including wreath suspension x 40mm, gold and enamel, poincon mark to reverse, with rosette on riband g) Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, Third Class neck Badge, by Eduard, St. Petersburg, 44mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, maker's mark on reverse, 1908-17 kokoshnik mark and gold mark to suspension ring, extremely fine, with Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque, 'George Parker Bevan' and bullion cap badge, all housed in a glazed and hinged mahogany display case, with a large framed and glazed portrait photograph of recipient in uniform (8) £15,000-20,000 Footnote: C.M.G. London Gazette 3.6.1918 Captain George Parker Bevan, R.N., D.S.O. (Commodore 2nd Class) 'In recognition of valuable services rendered during the War.' D.S.O. London Gazette 14.3.1916 Bevan, George Parker, Commander, R.N. 'Has done continuous patrol work with great zeal and energy, and carried out valuable feints at landings in the Gulf of Xeros on 6 and 7 Aug. during the landing at Suvla.' A.M. London Gazette 9.7.1918 Captain George Parker Bevan, C.M.G., D.S.O., R.N. 'For gallantry in saving life at sea. On the 8th November, 1916, a series of explosions and fires occurred at Bakaritsa, Port of Archangel, on merchant ships and on the wharves. The S.S. Baron Driesen had blown up at 1pm and part of the S.S. Earl of Forfar forty minutes later, and fresh explosions were expected every instant. It was thought that all their crews had either escaped or been killed or rescued, but after dark cries of distress were heard from the Earl of Forfar. The ship was a mass of flame at the time, and burning embers from the fire which was raging on shore were continually showered over her. She had a cargo of explosives on board and was abreast of the main conflagration. The flames were blown towards her by the wind, and the remaining portion of the ship was expected to be blown up at any moment. Captain Bevan, however, on hearing the cries proceeded on board, accompanied by Lieutenant-Commander MacMahon, and, hearing moans from under the smouldering debris of the forecastle, cleared away the wreckage and extricated the mate, who had an arm and a leg and his collarbone broken, and passed him into a tug. Captain Bevan displayed the utmost gallantry and disregard of his personal safety.' France, Legion of Honour, Officer London Gazette 7.6.1918 Capt. George P. Bevan, C.M.G., D.S.O., R.N. (Cdr., 2nd Cl.) Russia, Order of St. Anne, Second Class, London Gazette 27.2.1917 Captain George P. Bevan, D.S.O., R.N. Captain George Parker Bevan, C.M.G., D.S.O., A.M. (1878-1920), born Staines, second son of sixteen children, including four pairs of twins; joined Royal Navy as Naval Cadet, 1894; was a gunnery specialist and passed for the rank of Lieutenant with "Firsts" in every subject after only one years service as Sub-Lieutenant; Lieutenant 1899; served at Sheerness Gunnery School, March 1906-August 1908; advanced Commander 22.6.1911; appointed Naval Secretary to the Ordnance Board, Woolwich, April 1913; continued to serve in this capacity at the outbreak of the Great War, and received a letter of Appreciation from their Lordships for his invention of a quick firing gun; appointed to the Command of the Armed Trawler Emir, 'in March, 1915, he was selected to command a flotilla of some 50 trawlers and drifters fitting out for the Dardanelles and he remained in the Eastern Mediterranean until the evacuation of Gallipoli, when he was awarded the D.S.O. and promoted Captain, June 1916' (The Distinguished Service Order 1886-1923, refers); appointed as P.T.N.O. to the Staff of the Governor-General of the Province of Archangel, 7.4.1916, where he was in charge of the landing and transport of munitions to the Russian front (C.M.G. and promoted Commodore); it was whilst unloading such munitions that, 'disaster struck on 8 November 1916 at Bakarista, Port of Archangel, North Russia when the merchant ship S.S. Baron Driesen blew up at 1pm. Desperate attempts were made to move other ships away but at 1.40pm the after part of S.S. Earl of Forfar also exploded. Before that ship's master, Capt. James Campbell Hurry, tried to return to his vessel but, being unable to do so, helped other vessels in danger of being burned. While doing so he heard voices coming from his own ship which was burning and exploding furiously so he led volunteers aboard and saved several men, having to lift live shells as he went. Ten minutes later the deck blew up. The ship was a mass of flame and burning embers from fires blazing ashore were being showered on her. A one-hundred-ton floating crane was moored between the quay and the ship and, after dark, cries were heard coming from the crane. To reach it, it was necessary to cross the ship which had a cargo of explosives aboard but, as Capt. George Parker Bevan and Lt. Cdr. Maurice McMahon were doing so they heard moans coming from under the smouldering debris of the forecastle. Helped by the crew of the tug Sunderland Lt. Edward Henry Richardson, Second Engineer Christopher Watson and A.B.s James Dixon Henry and Malcolm Thompson, all of whom had volunteered, they set about extricating the casualty. Ignoring the intermittent explosions from small arms ammunition they cleared away the wreckage and freed the mate of the Earl of Forfar - his arm, leg and collar bone broken - and passed him to the tug. Lt. Cdr. McMahon then crossed to the crane on a single plank and finding the ship's carpenter under the crane together with two Russian members of its crew rescued them all' (Heroic Endeavour, D.V. Henderson, G.M., refers); all six named individuals received Albert Medals, Second Class for their gallantry during this incident; in February 1918 Bevan was recalled to London and appointed Naval Assistant Director of Transports and Shipping; he accompanied the Allied Naval Commission to Germany, December 1918; appointed to the command of H.M.S. Triad, October 1919, for passage to the Persian Gulf to take up duties as Senior Naval Officer, Persian Gulf; arrived in Aden, 14.1.1920; Bevan had been suffering from severe headaches for some time and had been advised by his doctor to take some leave, however, he insisted on putting in the necessary sea time required before his promotion; upon arriving at Aden, family tradition has it that, Bevan went ashore to call upon the Governor and as the two men shook hands he removed his hat, collapsed and died; Bevan had died of a brain tumour, he was buried in Maala Cemetery, Yemen. At the time of the award of Bevan's Russian Order, following the Bolshevik uprising, the production and supply of Russian Orders was severely disrupted, and consequently were often hard to obtain. As a result, Imperial Russian Awards to British servicemen during the latter half of the Great War and Allied Intervention are sometimes numismatically incorrect or incomplete, as insignia was issued with what was available. It seems probable that at the time of the presentation of the Second Class Order of St. Anne to Captain Bevan the only insignia available was a Second Class Badge without swords.
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The Miniature Awards Worn by Captain G.P. Bevan, Royal Navy The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Companion's (C.M.G.) badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; Albert Medal, Second Class, For Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, bronze and enamel; 1914 Star; British War and Victory Medal, M.I.D. Oakleaves; France, Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer's badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with rosette on riband; Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, Second Class badge, with Swords, silver-gilt and enamel, minor enamel damage to first, good very fine, mounted as worn, together with an additional miniature Legion of Honour Chevalier's badge (9) £1,200-1,500
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A Well Documented and Unusual Great War C.B.E., D.S.O. Group of Seven to Captain J.A. Leighton, Royal Naval Reserve, Naval Transport Officer, St. Petersburg, Russia, 1915-19, and Commercial Attaché, British Legation, Stockholm a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband b) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., with integral top riband bar c) British War Medal (Commr. J.A. Leighton. R.N.R.) d) Mercantile Marine War Medal (John A. Leighton) e) Victory Medal (Commr J.A. Leighton. R.N.R.) f) Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, Second Class neck Badge, with Swords, 50mm, bronze-gilt and enamel, with neck riband g) Belgium, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Officer's breast Badge, 63mm including wreath suspension x 44mm, silver-gilt and enamel, with rosette on riband, traces of brooch mounting to the top riband bar of the D.S.O., very fine or better, together with the recipient's miniature awards for the four Orders; and the following related documents &c.: - Bestowal Document for the C.B.E., named to Commander John Albert Leighton, D.S.O., R.N.R., and dated 4.7.1919 - Letter to the recipient from the Minister of Shipping, Sir Joseph Maclay, Bt., congratulating him on the award of the C.B.E., dated 10.7.1919, and signed 'J. Maclay' - War Office enclosure for the D.S.O., dated 16.7.1918 - Ministry of Shipping letter to the recipient congratulating him on the award of the D.S.O., dated 6.5.1918 - Bestowal Document for the Officer of the Order of the Crown, named to Monsieur le Commandant J.A. Leighton, and dated 30.8.1919 - Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs letter regarding the award of the Order of the Crown, dated 31.10.1919 - Letter to the recipient from the Belgian Minister of Shipping congratulating him on the award of the Order of the Crown, dated 3.10.1919 - Permission to wear letter for the Order of the Crown, dated 29.10.1919 - Letter to the recipient from the Imperial Merchant Service Guild congratulating him on the award of the Order of the Crown, dated 12.11.1919 - Authority to wear letter for the British War Medal and Mercantile Marine War Medal, dated 29.9.1919 - Admiralty letter appointing John A. Leighton Temporary Commander, R.N.R., of H.M.S. Vindictive, dated 2.4.1917 - Admiralty letter appointing John A. Leighton, D.S.O., Commander, R.N.R., of H.M.S. President VI, dated 8.4.1919 - Certificate of Demobilisation, named to Temporary Commander John A. Leighton, C.B.E., D.S.O., R.N.R., and dated 21.5.1920 - City of London Copy of Freedom document admitting John Albert Leighton, Citizen and Master Mariner of London, as a Freeman of the City, dated 20.1.1933, together with original envelope - Three of the recipient's Passports, dated 1.2.1915, 24.3.1917, and 12.6.1918, all containing a large number of Foreign visas - Various identity cards and letters - A large file containing a vast quantity of correspondence, both official and personal, including telegrams, Naval Signals &c., covering the period 1914-20 - Portrait photograph of the recipient (lot) £2,400-2,800 Footnote: C.B.E. London Gazette 4.7.1919 Commander John Albert Leighton D.S.O., R.N.R. 'For valuable services as Commercial Attaché at the British Legation, Stockholm, and in connection with Shipping in the Baltic.' D.S.O. London Gazette 7.6.1918 Cdr. John Albert Leighton, R.N.R. 'In recognition of his services in connection with the transfer of British ships from the Baltic. He displayed the greatest tact and determination in carrying out this task in the face of great difficulties and opposition.' Russia, Order of St. Anne, Second Class with Swords, by Order of the Day of the Commander in Chief, North Russian Armies, 15.1.1920 Leighton, J.A., Capt., C.B.E., D.S.O., R.N.R. (Accepted 9.2.1920). Belgium, Order of the Crown, Officer London Gazette 11.11.1919 Cdr. John A. Leighton, C.B.E., D.S.O., R.N.R. 'For distinguished service during the War.' Captain John Albert Leighton, C.B.E., D.S.O., was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in January 1881, and first went to sea aged 14, serving before the mast in small coastal sailing vessels known as collier brigs. In 1897 he joined the Merchant Navy firm J.T. Lunn & Co., serving in the 'Dene' ships, first as an Ordinary Seaman in the Myrtledene, before a number of rapid promotions brought him his first command, that of the Heathdene, in 1907. When War broke out in August 1914 he was in St. Petersburg in command of the Ivydene. Immobilised, first by the outbreak of hostilities, and then by the onset of the arctic winter, he returned to Britain overland via Sweden. His first hand knowledge of Russia was of considerable value to the Royal Navy and the Government, and he was Commissioned Temporary Commander, Royal Naval Reserve, returning to St. Petersburg as Naval Transport Officer in April 1915, charged with the special duty of obtaining the release of the many British merchant ships still held there, an assignment that lasted for the entire War. Appointed also Commercial Attaché, British Legation, Stockholm, following the defeat of Germany he served on the Allied Naval Armistice Commission and the Shipping Liquidation Committee of the Reparation Commission in Hamburg and The Hague. Leighton retired from the Royal Naval Reserve in May 1920, and founded in partnership with Alexander Stelp the shipping and insurance business of Stelp and Leighton Ltd. On the outbreak of War in 1939 he volunteered to work for the United Kingdom Commercial Corporation, and served as a full-time Director without remuneration throughout the War. He died in London in October 1945.
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A 1937 'Military Division' C.B.E., Order of St. John, Group of Eight to Captain J. Mck. Robertson, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Commander's (C.B.E.), neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel b) The Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Officer's breast Badge, silver c) 1914-15 Star (Lieut. J. Mck. Robertson, R.N.V.R.) d) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. Mck. Robertson, R.N.V.R.) e) Jubilee 1935 f) Coronation 1937 g) Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Decoration, G.V.R, silver and silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1922), generally very fine or better, last seven mounted as originally worn (8) £450-500 Footnote: C.B.E. London Gazette 11.5.1937 Captain John McKellar Robertson, O.B.E., V.D., R.N.V.R. O.B.E. London Gazette 3.6.1932 Captain John McKellar Robertson, V.D., A.D.C., R.N.V.R. Captain John McKellar Robertson, C.B.E. (1883-1939), born Glasgow, Scotland, son of Ship-owner William Robertson; educated Glasgow High School and Glasgow University; commissioned Lieutenant, Clyde Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 13.5.1913; appointed Captain, C.O. East Scottish Division, 1928; C.O. Clyde Division, 1930; R.N.V.R., A.D.C. 1930-33; retired 1937; appointed a Justice of the Peace; Honorary President Glasgow and District Naval Association; resided at Noddsdale, Largs, Ayrshire.
10
A Scarce Great War 1917 'Q-Ship Operations' D.S.O., 1915 D.S.C. Group of Four to Lieutenant T.E. Price, Royal Naval Reserve, Decorated for Service in H.M.S. Gunner and for the Command of H.M.S. Merops When She Sank A German U-Boat, 24.5.1917 a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar, in Garrard & Co. Ltd. case of issue b) Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., silver (Hallmarks for London 1914), reverse contemporarily engraved in upright sans-serif capitals 'Lieut. T.E. Price R.N.R.', in Garrard & Co. Ltd. case of issue, the case embossed 'Lieut. T.E. Price R.N.R.' c) 1914-15 Star (Lieut. T.E. Price. D.S.C., R.N.R.) d) France, Republic, Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1914-1917, avec Palmes, generally very fine or better, with Bestowal Document for the Distinguished Service Order, named to 'Thomas Edward Price, Esquire, D.S.C., Lieutenant in Our Royal Navy', dated 22.6.1917 (4) £1,800-2,200 Footnote: D.S.O. London Gazette 22.6.1917 Price, Thomas Edward, D.S.C., Lieut., Royal Naval Reserve D.S.C. London Gazette 13.9.1915 Lieutenant Thomas Edward Price, R.N.R. France, Croix de Guerre London Gazette 17.5.1918 Lieutenant Thomas Edward Price, D.S.O., D.S.C., posted as Sub-Lieutenant for service in H.M.S. Gunner, 14.9.1914, for Special Service in the Firth of Forth Minesweeping Flotilla, the latter was in fact an armed trawler and better known as Q.31; during this time he was 'awarded D.S.C. for services in connection with sinking of German submarine by armed trawlers..... 20.7.1915' (Service papers refer); Lieutenant 22.12.1914; posted to the Command of Q.28, 22.3.1917, renamed H.M.S. Merops, 1.5.1917; and later that month, 'sunk an enemy submarine by gunfire on 24.5.17. awarded D.S.O. Invested with D.S.O. at Buckingham Palace, 15.8.1917' (Service papers refer); served with Q-Ship H.M.S. Alma (renamed Vera Elizabeth), 1.10.1917-9.2.1918; posted to H.M.S. Vivid, 8.9.1918, for Naval Ordnance Duties at Hayle; demobilised 6.8.1919.
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A Great War 1918 'Dover Patrol' D.S.O. Group of Five to Captain W.J.T. Saunders, Royal Navy a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar b) Queen's South Africa 1899-1900, no clasp (Lieut. W.J.T. Saunders. R.N. H.M.S. Sappho.) c) 1914-15 Star (Commr. W.J.T. Saunders. R.N.) d) British War and Victory Medals (Commr. W.J.T. Saunders. R.N.), genenerally very fine, mounted as originally worn (5) £1,600-1,800 Footnote: D.S.O. London Gazette 6.4.1918 Saunders, Walter John Tite, Commander, R.N. 'In recognition of services in vessels of the Auxiliary Patrol between 1st January and 31st December 1917.' Captain Walter John Tite Saunders, D.S.O., born 1862; who 'was the third son of Thomas William Saunders a High Court Judge and started his sea career in 1875 as a sailor in one of the famous China Tea Clippers' (Obituary refers); commissioned Lieutenant, Royal Navy, 1895; served in H.M.S. Sappho, August 1900-18.9.1901; posted for service at H.M.S. Victory, for Portsmouth Dockyard, 6.11.1905; retired to the Reserve the following year taking up employment with the Netherlands Steamship Company; re-engaged for service as a Commander with the outbreak of the Great War, and was employed with the Dover Patrol; he commanded H.M. armed Yacht Rhouma, September 1914-May 1915 and the Lorna May 1915-December 1915, 'February 1915 mentioned in report from C-in-C Home Fleet in connection with the recovery of German mines... and great bravery displayed in recovering and dismantling the mines' (Service papers refer); subsequently in command of an Armed Drifter Flotilla, and was once again mentioned in 'September 1917... for initiative and zeal in recovery an enemy mine' (Ibid); promoted to Captain (Retd) in recognition of services rendered during the war, 11.11.1918; reverted to Retired List, 14.10.1919; in 'the 1939 War he joined the Home Guard and served with it when he was 80. He was a member and post Captain of the Bognor Regis Golf Club' (Obituary refers); Saunders resided at Kingsmead, Felpham, and was 91 years old at the time of his death.
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A Great War 'Patrol Services' D.S.O. Group of Seven to Commander T.W. Bennett, Royal Naval Reserve a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, minor white enamel damage to left arm of cross, with integral top riband bar b) Transport 1899-1902, one clasp, S. Africa 1899-1902 (T.W. Bennett.) c) 1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. T.W. Bennett, R.D., R.N.R.) d) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Commr. J.W. [sic] Bennett. R.N.R.), BWM officially re-impressed e) Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.V.R., silver (Hallmarks for London 1911) and silver-gilt f) Italy, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, Knight's breast Badge, 35mm, gold and enamel, generally very fine or better (7) £1,800-2,200 Footnote: D.S.O. London Gazette 6.4.1918 Bennett, Thomas William, Lieut.-Commander (Acting Commander), R.D., R.N.R. 'For services in vessels of the Royal Navy employed on patrol and escort duty during the period 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 1917' Commander Thomas William Bennett, D.S.O., R.D. (1872-1939), born Beachampton, Buckinghamshire; served as 2nd Mate of S.S. Nubia (P&O Hospital ship), presented with his Transport Medal by the King, 4.11.1903 (published transcription or roll erroneously gives initials as 'S.W.'); recommended for Royal Naval Reserve as a result of his work in the Transport services; commissioned Lieutenant 22.8.1901; retired 1909; re-engaged for service during the Great War, and was appointed Navigating Officer in the armed merchant cruiser Mantua, 8.8.1914; Lieutenant-Commander 26.10.1916; Acting-Commander 3.6.1917; served with the Mantua until 9.2.1918.
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The Second War 1940 'Norwegian Coast' D.S.O. Group of Eight to Captain H.S.M. Harrison-Wallace, Royal Navy, Mentioned in Despatches for the Command of H.M.S. Caledon in Action Off The Latvian Coast During the Allied Intervention in North Russia, 1919 a) Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse of suspension bar officially dated '1940', with integral top riband bar b) 1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. H.S.M. Harrison-Wallace, R.N.) c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Commr. H.S.M. Harrison-Wallace. R.N.) d) 1939-1945 Star e) Atlantic Star, with France and Germany Bar f) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaf, nearly extremely fine, together with the recipient's related miniature awards, the 1914-15 Star a 1914 Star, and additionally including a France and Germany Star, and Great War riband bar, both groups housed in Spink and Son, London fitted cases (8) £2,000-2,500 Footnote: D.S.O. London Gazette 25.6.1940 Captain Henry Stewart Macnaughton Harrison-Wallace, Royal Navy (Retired) 'For courage and resource in operations on the Norwegian Coast.' M.I.D. London Gazette 9.4.1920 Commander Henry S.M. Harrison-Wallace, R.N., "Caledon" Captain Henry Stewart Macnaughton Harrison-Wallace, D.S.O., born Jamaica, July 1883; educated at H.M.S. Britannia, Dartmouth, and Royal Naval College, Greenwich; Appointed Midshipman, July 1899; Commissioned Sub-Lieutenant, 15.7.1902; Lieutenant, 31.12.1904; Lieutenant-Commander, 31.12.1912; served in H.M.S. Emperor of India from 26.3.1914; Commander, 31.12.1916; served in the Light Cruiser H.M.S. Caledon from September 1917; Appointed to the Naval Intelligence Division, 10.7.1919; served as Commander of the Caledon during the Allied Intervention in North Russia, under the command of Rear Admiral Walter Cowan, and engaged the Bolsheviks off the Latvian coast at Windau, shelling them out of the town (Mentioned in Despatches); placed on Retired List, 1.1.1923; Advanced Captain, 1.7.1928; served during the Second World War in H.M.S. Calliope as Extended Defence Officer, Tyne; served with the Norwegian Expeditionary Force, 1940 (D.S.O.); Captain, H.M.S. Quebec, 1941-42; Headquarters Staff Combined Operations and Admiralty Naval Staff, 1942-44; took part in the Invasion of Normandy as a Captain of Landing Barges, June 1944. Captain Harrison-Wallace reverted once more to the retired list, 1945, and died at home in Jamaica, 24.6.1963.
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A 1929 'Civil Division' O.B.E. Group of Five to Captain R. Tharle-Hughes, Indian Army, Late Corporal 4th Dragoon Guards a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Civil Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1928) b) India General Service 1895-1902, V.R., two clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (4117 Corpl. R. Hughes 4th Dragoon Gds.) c) British War Medal (Capt. R. Tharle-Hughes.) d) Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, engraved 'Sub. Condr. R. Tharle-Hughes. India Misc. List' e) Army Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st 'Field Marshal's bust' type (Sub Condr R. Tharle Hughes India Misc List), last officially renamed, generally very fine or better, first four mounted as originally worn (5) £280-320 Footnote: O.B.E. London Gazette 1.3.1929 Reginald Tharle-Hughes, Esq., M.B.E., Establishment Officer, Army Department, Government of India. M.B.E. London Gazette 4.12.1917 Second Lieutenant Reginald Tharle-Hughes, Indian Army Reserve of Officers, Registrar, Army Department, Government of India. Captain Reginald Tharle-Hughes, O.B.E., commissioned Second Lieutenant, Simla Volunteer Rifles, 20.8.1912; appointed Registrar, Army and Marine Department, Government of India, 12.12.1914; Lieutenant 1.10.1915; Temporary Captain 12.9.1918; appointed Establishment Officer, Army and Marine Department, Government of India, 1.4.1921.
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A Great War 'Auxiliary Patrol' O.B.E. Group of Nine to Lieutenant-Commander R.H. Palmer, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve; Who Served as Second-in-Command to "The Terror of Tobermory", Vice-Admiral G.O. Stephenson, at H.M.S. Western Isles, 1940-45 a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1919) b) 1914-15 Star, unnamed c) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. R.H. Palmer. R.N.V.R.) d) 1939-1945 Star e) Defence and War Medals f) Jubilee 1935 g) Coronation 1937, generally very fine, mounted court-style as originally worn (9) £200-250 Footnote: O.B.E. London Gazette 16.9.1919 Lieutenant Reginald Howard Palmer, R.N.V.R. 'For valuable services in the Auxiliary Patrol.' Lieutenant-Commander Reginald Howard Palmer, O.B.E., commissioned Temporary Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.V.R., 8.12.1915, and posted to M.B. Resourceful later the same month; served at H.M.S. Wallington (Auxiliary Patrol Base), from 14.1.1916, before service in the Motor Fishing Boat Our Girls Three and M.L. 62 and 198; Temporary Lieutenant 8.12.1916; commanded ML. 198 from 28.5.1918; invested with his O.B.E. at Buckingham Palace, 3.3.1920; re-engaged for service in the Second War as Temporary Lieutenant-Commander, 13.10.1939; served on 'Defence Duties' in Gibraltar, October 1939-April 1940; appointed to H.M.S. Western Isles (Anti-Submarine Training School), under Vice-Admiral G.O. Stephenson, 17.7.1940; he served as Second-in-Command for the remainder of the War, with Stephenson effusive in his praise for him, 'an officer of exceptional organising ability. A very good seaman. A great designer. He made out all the plans for alterations of Western Isles. He has a great flair for persuading business people, especially in dockyard to do all he wants.... He has done wonderful work in helping to develop the base at Tobermory and by his ingenuity, engineering knowledge and the immense circle of business friends he has got work done here which without him would not have been done...... A wonderful second in command who has risen to every request I have made.... I urge as a matter of justice that Palmer, after 11 years war service in a most responsible position where he has worked with marked and outstanding success shall be promoted to the rank of Commander' (Service Papers refer); Palmer did not, however, get his promotion and was discharged in 1946.
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A Great War D.S.C. Group of Seven to Commander R.W. Hore, Royal Navy, For His Services in the Grand Fleet Destroyer H.M.S. Tirade, 1st January-30th June 1918 a) Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., silver (Hallmarks for London 1918) b) 1914-15 Star (S. Lt. R.W. Hore, R.N.) c) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. R.W. Hore. R.N.) d) 1939-1945 Star e) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine or better, mounted as originally worn (7) £1,200-1,400 Footnote: D.S.C. London Gazette 11.12.1918 Lieut. Reginald Warren Hore, R.N. 'For services in Grand Fleet Destroyers between the 1st January and 30th June, 1918.' Commander Reginald Warren Hore, D.S.C., born 1894, son of Engineer Rear-Admiral Fred Hore, C.B.; joined the Royal Navy, May 1907; commissioned Midshipman 15.1.1912; Acting Sub-Lieutenant, 15.5.1914; served during the Great War in H.M.S. Nubian (destroyer), 7.11.1914-29.1.1916, as part of the Dover Patrol; served in H.M.S. Noble, 29.1.1916-15.6.1917 and in H.M.S. Tirade (destroyer), 25.6.1917-9.1.1919, as part of the Grand Fleet; during his service with the latter she was involved with H.M.S. Sylvia in the sinking of the German U-Boat UC-55 (which was credited with the sinking of 9 allied ships), 29.9.1917; Hore was commended 'for going overboard in bowline to rescue survivors' when the Tirade collided with and sank H.M.S. Marmion, 21.11.1917; advanced Lieutenant-Commander 15.9.1924; retired Commander 23.8.1939; re-engaged for the Second War and served at H.M.S. Northney (Landing Craft Training Base), Hayling Island; reverted to retired list, 30.7.1946. For the medals awarded to Rear-Admiral F. Hore, C.B., the father of Commander R.W. Hore, D.S.C., see Lot 5
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A Great War 1918 'Battle of Bapaume' M.C. and 1919 'Allied Intervention' Second Award Bar Group of Four to Captain, Later Lieutenant-Colonel, H.S. Walker, London Regiment, attached 45th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, Late Private Seaforth Highlanders a) Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar b) 1914-15 Star (963 Pte. S.H. Walker. Sea. Highrs.) c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Capt. S.H. Walker.), generally good very fine (4) £1,800-2,200 Footnote: M.C. London Gazette 30.7.1919 Lt. (A./Capt.) Sidney Hamilton Walker, 1/24th Bn. Lond. R. 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night September 1st/2nd, 1918, at St. Pierre Vaast Wood. When ordered to attack at short notice he volunteered to guide the battalion under most difficult conditions to the assembly position. No guides were available and by his skilful leadership the battalion was able to assemble although having to pass through a heavy enemy barrage. His skilfulness and total disregard of danger inspired all ranks.' M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 21.1.1920 Lt. (A./Capt. Sidney Hamilton Walker, M.C., 1/24th Bn., Lond. R., attd. 45th Bn., R. Fus. 'He led his platoon with conspicuous gallantry and skill under severe machine-gun fire, successfully charging two machine guns. Subsequently, after the final objective had been taken, the rear of the column was subjected to severe fire by a strong enemy force. He immediately turned about his platoon and formed a line, thus helping to save a dangerous situation.' Lieutenant-Colonel Sidney Hamilton Walker, M.C., initially served during the Great War as Private Seaforth Highlanders in the French theatre of war, from 1.5.1915; commissioned Temporary Lieutenant 24th Battalion London Regiment, 24.10.1915; Lieutenant 1.7.1917; Acting Captain 19.11.1917 (M.I.D. London Gazette 25.5.1917 and 10.7.1919); served with the battalion as part of the 142nd Brigade on the Somme, August-September 1918, and 'the infantry brigades of the 47th Division were to relieve those of the 12th Division during the night of the 29th-30th August; but owing to the retirement of the enemy this change could not be carried out as planned, and it was arranged that the 142nd Brigade, to which mounted troops, artillery and machine guns had been attached, should, as advanced guard, pass through the line of the 12th Division at 6a.m., the remainder of the division following. Actually, at the named hour the 142nd Brigade, realizing that a deliberate attack was necessary, sent forward two battalions with the third in support, under a barrage. By 9a.m. the 1/24th London on the right, having met only with slight opposition, although the 1/22nd London on the left came under considerable machine-gun fire from the north-east, had captured Hill 150 (2 miles north of Cléry), taken over a hundred prisoners, two field guns and a number of machine guns and had reached a line from the western side of Marrières Wood'; Walker particularly distinguished himself on 1/2nd September 1918, when 'for half an hour before the 142nd Brigade started at 5.30a.m. to pass through the 141st on the western edge of St. Pierre Vaast Wood, the enemy maintained a heavy barrage, and throughout the advance over ground cut up by old trenches and shell-holes offered strong opposition [Private J. Harvey, 1/22nd London Regiment was awarded the V.C. for this action]. Nevertheless, the brigade had a successful day. The 1/22nd London, on the right, reached a trench N.N.E. of Moislains, the northern part of the trench which the 140th had occupied; in the gap between the two brigades were several parties of Germans, those who, as above related, were using bombs against the 140th, and were not mopped up for some time. On the left, the 1/24th London managed to cut off a large party of Germans in dug-outs a little west of the south-west edge of St. Pierre Vaast Wood; two officers and sixty men were captured, most of the rest making good their escape into the wood, where they stampeded some of their own defenders. The battalion was then able to reach the western edge of Vaux Wood, as intended, with its left bent back towards Lonely Copse.' (Official History of the War, Military Operations, France and Belgium 1918, vol. IV, refers); attached Acting Captain 45th Battalion Royal Fusiliers for service during the Allied Intervention; re-engaged for service as Temporary Major, Pioneer Corps 20.10.1940; advanced Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel, 17.11.1942.
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The 'Allied Intervention' Murmansk Command M.C., Great War 1916 M.M. Group of Five to Lieutenant G.E. Fullman, Royal Field Artillery, Later Police Constable, Metropolitan Police a) Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse privately engraved 'Lieut. G.E. Fullman. M.C. M.M. R.F.A.' b) Military Medal, G.V.R. (42010 Sjt: G.E. Fullman. 129/By: R.F.A.) c) 1914 Star and Bar (42010 Cpl. G.E. Fullman. R.F.A.) d) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. G.E. Fullman.), generally good very fine, together with the following related documents and other items &c.: - Belgium, Kingdom, Albert I Veterans' Cross, bronze, with Bestowal Document, named to George E. Fullman, and dated 18.6.1964 - Commission appointing George Edmund Fullman a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery, dated 27.2.1917 - Warrant appointing George Edmund Fullman a Warrant Officer, Class II, dated 22.11.1915 - The recipient's Soldier's Small Book - The recipient's Third Class Certificate of Education, dated 1.2.1907 - The recipient's Second Class Certificate of Education, dated 17.3.1910 - The recipient's Assistant Instructor's Certificate of Signalling, dated 3.12.1912 - Telegram from the recipient to his sweetheart, dated 4.9.1914, and later field postcard - The recipient's diary, for his time in Russia, covering the period, 18.9.1918- 30.4.1919 - The recipient's Metropolitan Police Certificate of Discharge, dated 19.8.1923 - Letter of reference, recommending Mr. G.E. Fullman, M.C., as suitable for working up a farm in Australia, dated 3.5.1923 - The recipient's Royal Artillery Association membership card - Letter to the recipient from Clementine Churchill thanking him for gift he had sent for the Red Cross "Aid to Russia" Fund, dated February 1942 - A selection of photographs of the recipient from his time in Russia, including some of the recipient on skis, as well as various group and portrait photographs - The recipient's miniature awards, the gallantry awards both G.VI.R. issues, mounted as worn - Princess Mary Christmas tin, and stationery folder - The recipient's Balaklava, as worn in Russia - The recipient's shaving brush, together with various badges, buttons, and cloth insignia (lot) £3,000-3,500 Footnote: M.C. London Gazette 3.10.1919 Lt. George Edmund Fullman, M.M., "A" Section, Mobile Column, 6th Bde., R.F.A., Murmansk Command 'He has commanded the 65 m.m. section during the operations from Urosozoro to Medvyeja-Gora, 1st to 21st May, 1919, and has shown great gallantry and initiative in pushing forward his guns in close support of the infantry. On 3rd May, under heavy fire, he forced two armoured trains to withdraw, enabling our infantry to enter Maselga without further opposition. On 21st May he again did good work in dispersing the enemy, who were collected near Medvyeja-Gora station.' M.M. London Gazette 11.10.1916 42010 Sjt. (now By. S./M.) G.E. Fullman, R.F.A. Lieutenant George Edmund Fullman, M.C., M.M., born Snodland, Kent, August 1888; enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery, February 1906; advanced Corporal; served with the Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 19.8.1914; advanced Sergeant, and awarded the Military Medal; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, 27.2.1917; promoted Lieutenant, 27.8.1918; served with the Murmansk Command in North Russia, 1918-19, arriving in Murmansk, 26.9.1918, and award Military Cross; relinquished his Commission with the rank of Lieutenant, receiving a gratuity, 24.12.1919; joined the Metropolitan Police, as a Constable in the Kilburn Division, 10.5.1920; discharged with gratuity on account of ill health, 19.8.1923.
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A Great War 1918 'Western Front' M.C. Group of Four to Lieutenant G.E. Birkett, Royal Army Medical Corps, attached Gloucestershire Regiment, Late Surgeon Probationer, R.N.V.R., Who Was Shot in the Spine By a Sniper Whilst Bringing Wounded in from No-Man's Land; A Renowned Radiologist After the War, He Finally Succumbed to His Wounds in 1931 a) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in Royal Mint case of issue b) 1914-15 Star (Surg. G.E. Birkett. R.N.V.R.) c) British War and Victory Medals (Surg. Prob. G.E. Birkett. R.N.V.R.), nearly extremely fine, last two in original named card box of issue, with the following related items and documents: - Two brass R.N.V.R. buttons - Congratulatory scroll from H.Q. Fourth Army named to recipient on the occasion of the award of his M.C., dated 10.12.1918; Army Orders by General Sir H.S. Rawlinson listing the award to the recipient, both scrolls in original postage tube addressed 'C/O G. Birkett Esq., Thomfield, Marlborough Rd, Morecambe' - Six Telegrams informing Birkett's family of his wounds and recuperation in France - Various newspaper cuttings (lot) £900-1,100 Footnote: M.C. London Gazette 1.2.1919 Lt. George Edmondson Birkett, R.A.M.C. (Spec. Res.), attd. 1st Bn., Gloucester Regt. 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty throughout 15th and 16th September, 1918, during operations south of Maissemy. Working under heavy shell and machine-gun fire he brought in several wounded men. The enemy shot down many stretcher-bearers and stretcher parties on the 16th, but this officer worked indefatigably and continued to search for and bring in wounded until he was wounded in the spine by a sniper on the 16th. By his personal courage and energy he undoubtedly saved many valuable lives.' Lieutenant George Edmondson Birkett, M.C. (1893-1931), 'It is with the deepest regret that we have to record the loss at the early age of thirty-seven of our brilliant colleague, George Edmondson Birkett. It is only a few weeks since we him saw slogging along our corridors bent only on the work in front of him..... Dr. Birkett was born in Morecambe on November 26th, 1893..... After receiving his early education at the Royal Grammar School, Lancaster, he won an open scholarship to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, but his career there, both scholastic and athletic, was interfered with by the war. He was Secretary of football and cricket at his college in 1914, and in the ordinary course of events would have been captain in the following year.... Despite advice to the contrary, he joined the Navy as a surgeon-probationer. After about fifteen months' service with H.M.S. Loyal, he returned to qualify. His amazing activity was shown by the fact that before the end of 1917, he had completed a period of residence as an unqualified house surgeon, had taken his Conjoint Board diploma, and was out in France with the R.A.M.C. (Special Reserve). On September 16th, 1918 - with the end of the war within sight - he received a gun shot wound in the spine. One can see him now near St. Quentin, south of Maissemy, where he won the Military Cross...... A laminectomy was performed in France and later, in October, 1918, he was transferred to St. Thomas' Hospital, where he remained until Christmas, 1920. After months of suffering and further operations, the almost impossible was achieved, and he succeeded in getting about again. In January, 1921, immediately after his discharge from hospital, Birkett went into residence again at the Manchester Royal Infirmary as house-physician to the late Dr. Reynolds. His extra-ordinary determination was shown by the fact that he had to start dressing at six a.m. in order to be on the wards at nine a.m. Later on in the year he was appointed Pathological Registrar to the Manchester Royal Infirmary - a post which he held until 1924....... In 1924, he became attached to the Manchester and District Radium Institute. First as Pathologist, later as assistant and then as radiologist, he served the Institute in that wholehearted manner which was so characteristic of him.... in 1928, a party of surgeons came from London and saw the excellent work that Birkett was doing. Fifty cases of carcinoma of the mouth and tongue, treated by radium, were asked to come to the demonstration. Forty-eight patients came and the other two sent apologies for their unavoidable absence - a glowing tribute to his skill. The surgeons returned to London, and Birkett was established as one of the leading radium workers in Britain. Gordon-Taylor was so struck by the demonstration that he mentions it in his book The Dramatic in Surgery. It was not long before Birkett was writing leading articles, annotations and book reviews.... Success followed success. He became well known in London and on the Continent. At the time of his death, in addition to his various appointments in Manchester, he was consulting radiologist to Chester and Wrexham hospitals. His views were always listened to with the greatest respect, because they showed originality, clarity of thought, honesty and logic. A combination such as this will always command a hearing. In 1929 and 1930, he devoted all his spare time to the preparation of his book Radium Therapy - its Principles and Practice..... The points in Birkett's character which stand out and which gained for him the regard of his fellows, were his courage in the face of a tremendous physical handicap and in his intellectual honesty. Few, even amongst his intimates, had any idea of the severity and constancy of his pain. Scarcely a night passed when his rest was not disturbed by it. Yet he never complained of his ill-luck. He was intolerant of humbug, and his success was due to thoroughness, systematic attention to detail and balanced judgment. We have lost him at a very early age, but not before he had made Manchester one of the principal radium centres in the world, and had left the hall mark of his ability on medical literature.' (Manchester University Medical School Gazette, Obituary, refers)
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A Good Second War '1945' Transport Command' A.F.C. Group of Six to Dakota Pilot, Flight Lieutenant E.K. Buchanan, Royal New Zealand Air Force, A Veteran of D-Day and Arnhem, He Flew in Both Operations Tonga and Market a) Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1945' b) 1939-45 Star c) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar d) Defence and War Medals e) New Zealand War Service 1939-45, generally good very fine, mounted as originally worn with the following documents: - Royal N.Z. Air Force Pilot's Flying Log Book (covering the period 1.12.1941-29.5.1945) - named Investiture Invitation, dated 21.6.1945 - Several photographic images from various stages of recipient's flying career, photocopies of original documents and copied research (lot) £2,000-2,500 Footnote: A.F.C. London Gazette 3.4.1945 Flight Lieutenant Eric Kemp Buchanan, 512 Squadron (NZ 415743). The Recommendation states: 'For outstanding good work and devotion to duty as a transport captain in this squadron during the period August, 1943 to January, 1945. During this period of 17 months he has flown 900 hours on transport duties, 350 hours of which have been during the last 6 months. He is also one of the captains who pioneered the night A.D.L.S. Mail to the Continent, which in some cases was carried out in extremely difficult weather and with poor navigational aids. F/Lt. Buchanan has never spared himself in his untiring efforts to ensure that the task set was carried out. His brilliant record and exceptional flying ability have been an inspiration to the remainder of the squadron.' Flight Lieutenant Eric Kemp Buchanan, A.F.C., born Auckland, New Zealand, 1920; educated at Takapuna Grammar School and studied for two years at Auckland University College prior to employment as a Civil Engineer for the Auckland Harbour Board; served with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Auckland Regiment (T.F.) for three months prior to enlisting with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, as an Airman Pilot under training, 19.10.1941; posted No. 2 E.F.T.S., New Plymouth, 1.12.1941; carried out his first 'solo' flight 8.12.1941; posted to Canada at the start of the New Year to continue with training, and commenced at No. 10 S.F.T.S., Dauphin, Manitoba, 18.2.1942; undertook further training at No. 31 Coastal O.T.U., Nova Scotia before transfer to England for operational flying, March 1943; posted as Pilot, 24 Squadron (Dakotas), Hendon, June 1943; as part of Ferry Command he flew with the squadron to destinations such as Gibraltar and Malta; transferred "S" Detachment 512 Squadron (Dakotas), Transport Command, August 1943; he flew a mixture of V.I.P. and freight flights, including 15.12.1943, 'Cairo - Tripoli, 1 V.I.P. Rus Gen, 1 P.O.W.' and 24.12.1943, 'Portreath - Gibraltar 1 V.I.P., Governor of Gib.' (Log Book refers); began training as a Glider tug and supply dropping, February 1944; flew on two Nickel Raids with the Squadron on Vire, 25th April and 25th May, prior to the invasion of France; Buchanan's training was extended to dropping paratroopers and this was put to the test when he flew his Dakota as part of Operation Tonga, the airborne element of Operation Overlord; on the evening of 5.6.1944, 'Ops. "Tonga" 17 Paratroopers on D.Z. "V" (Caen) (Cabourg) Flak Hits Nose + Port Tyre + Wheel' (Log Book refers); the paratroopers were successfully dropped and as part of 9 Parachute Battalion, 3rd Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division they were to move from Drop Zone "V" at Caen and Cabourg and proceed to destroy the guns of the Merville Battery; he spent the rest of June and July flying supply drops over Normandy to fuel the advancing army, and in August began evacuating casualties from small airstrips on Northern France, 13.8.1944, 'B14 Loaded 18 Stretcher + 6 walking -Base' (Log Book refers); on the 17th September Buchanan's squadron took part in Operation Market, the airborne element of Operation Market Garden; on the first day of the operation Buchanan flew 'Base - Hatfield - Aldburgh - LZ (Arnhem) Glider Tow - (1 Jeep, 2 Trailers, 6 Troops -6500lbs); on the 19th, in the face of considerable flak, he flew a supply mission over Arnhem, where by this stage the 1st Airborne Division were already hard pressed; for the remainder of September and October he mainly flew supplies and casualty evacuation flights; March 1945 was a notable month, in that he transported the New Zealand Rugby Team on the 5th, and a replacement engine for General Montgomery's staff car on the 20th; for the rest of his operational tour he mainly transported V.I.P.s, casualties and P.O.W.s; Buchanan was invested with his A.F.C. at Buckingham Palace, 3.7.1945, and discharged shortly after; he remained in the UK after the War and died in Hemel Hempstead, 1993.
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A Fine Order of St. John Group of Three to Major J.H. Rivers, Royal Army Medical Corps a) The Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Serving Brother's breast Badge, silver and enamel, reverse engraved "Captain John Herbert Rivers, R.A.M.C., 1901" b) Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Order of Osmania, Fourth Class breast Badge, 80mm including Star and Crescent suspension x 65mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with rosette on ribbon c) Khedive's Sudan 1896-1908, one clasp, Nyam-Nyam (Major J.H. Rivers. R.A.M.C.), nearly extremely fine, mounted as worn (3) £1,200-1,500 Footnote: Turkey, Order of Osmania, Fourth Class London Gazette 3.4.1906 Major John Herbert Rivers, Royal Army Medical Corps 'In recognition of valuable services rendered to His Highness the Khedive of Egypt.' Major John Herbert Rivers, (1869-1913), born Harlow, Essex; Appointed Surgeon-Lieutenant, January 1893; Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps, January 1896; Major, July 1904; seconded for service with the Egyptian Army, January 1899-January 1906, and served in the Sudan during 1905, taking part in the operations against the Nyam-Nyam tribes in the Bahr-el-Ghazai province on the Belgian Congo border, as part of a force comprising 18 British and 30 native officers, and 700 men (awarded Order of Osmania); retired, February 1911.
22
A Great War 1918 'French Theatre' D.C.M. Group of Four to Battery Sergeant Major W.T. Baudains, Royal Field Artillery a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (686818 B.S.Mjr: W.T. Baudains. A.156/Bde: R.F.A.) b) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (13889 A-W.O. Cl.1. W.T. Baudains. R.A.) c) Army Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st 'Field Marshal's bust' type (13889 B.S.Mjr: W.T. Baudains. R.F.A.), contact marks, therefore nearly very fine, mounted as originally worn (4) £600-800 Footnote: D.C.M. London Gazette 3.9.1918 686818 B.S.M. W. T. Baudains, R.F.A. (Athlone) 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the two forward guns of his battery had been surrounded by the enemy, he pushed forward alone, and on his own initiative, from our front line to reconnoitre the position and ascertain if it were possible to get the guns back. Finding this to be hopeless, he returned under very heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and was largely instrumental in saving the other four guns from falling into the hands of the enemy. The fine example of gallantry set by this warrant officer throughout the operations had a most inspiriting effect on the men.' 13889 William T. Baudains, D.C.M. served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 156th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. M.I.D. Unconfirmed.
23
A Great War 'Gallipoli' C.G.M. Group of Four to Leading Seaman J. Dewar, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, attached Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Division a) Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.V.R. (Cl.Z.232. J. Dewar, Lg. Sea. R.N.V.R. R.N.D. Gallipoli. 20 Nov. 1915.), minor edge bruise b) 1914-15 Star (C.Z. - 232, J. Dewar, C.G.M., L.S., R.N.V.R.) c) British War and Victory Medals (C.Z. 232 J. Dewar. Act. L.S. R.N.V.R.), generally good very fine (4) £5,000-7,000 Footnote: C.G.M. London Gazette 31.5.1916 Acting Leading Seaman John Dewar, R.N.V.R., Clyde Z/232. 'On the 20th November, 1915, in the Gallipoli Peninsula he threw away a live grenade, which had fallen in the trench, just in time to save a serious accident.' Leading Seaman James Dewar, C.G.M., born 1886; prior to service in the Great War he was employed as a Railway Porter; enlisted Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 21.9.1914; served with Drake Battalion in the Gallipoli theatre of War; demobilised 25.2.1919 Approximately 13 C.G.M.s awarded to the R.N.V.R. for the Great War.
24
A Fine Great War 'Jutland' D.S.M. Group of Six to Chief Stoker F.A. Truscott, Royal Navy, A Veteran of the Battle of the Falklands, 8.12.1914, He Served the Entire War With the Battle Cruiser H.M.S. Inflexible a) Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (284217. F.A. Truscott, Ch. Sto. H.M.S. Flexible. 31. May-1 June 1916) b) Africa General Service 1902-56, E.VII.R., one clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (F.A. Truscott, Lg. Sto. 2 Cl., H.M.S. Mohawk.) c) 1914-15 Star (284217, F.A. Truscott, L. Sto., R.N.) d) British War and Victory Medals (284217 F.A. Truscott. Ch. Sto. R.N.) e) Naval Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st 'Admiral's bust' type (284217 F.A. Truscott, Sto. P.O., H.M.S. Falmouth.), generally good very fine, mounted for display purposes (6) £1,200-1,500 Footnote: D.S.M. London Gazette 15.9.1916 Chief Stoker Frederick Arthur Truscott, ON 284217 'For services rendered by Petty Officers and Men of the Grand Fleet in action in the North Sea on the 31st May-1st June, 1916.' 284217 Chief Stoker Frederick Arthur Truscott, D.S.M., born Ongar, Essex, 1876; joined the Royal Navy as Stoker 2nd Class, 1896; served in H.M.S. Mohawk, 8.1.1903-13.7.1904; served as Chief Stoker in H.M.S. Inflexible, 11.5.1912-9.4.1919; with the outbreak of the Great War Inflexible was the flagship of the Mediterranean fleet and as such was involved in the pursuit of the German battle cruiser Goeben and the light cruiser Breslau, August 1914; she was next in action as part of the squadron under the command of Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee at the Battle of the Falklands, 8.12.1914; during the latter she worked in tandem with her sister ship H.M.S. Invincible, and successfully accounted for the Scharnhorst and the Gneisenau; after repairs and a refit the Inflexible returned to the Mediterranean, where once again she was to act as flagship of the fleet; she arrived in the Dardanelles, 24.1.1915, and was engaged in the Gallipoli campaign; whilst serving here she was nearly sunk by a 100kg mine, leading to her having to be escorted to Malta for repair, 6.4.1915; on the 19th June she returned to the UK and joined the 3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron of the Grand Fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Hood; she was present during the Battle of Jutland, and scored hits on the Pillau, the Lutzow and the Seydlitz, whilst experiencing a torpedo passing underneath her without detonating; the Inflexible was also present at Scapa Flow to witness the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet; Truscott was discharged November 1919.
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A Great War 1916 'Jutland' D.S.M. Group of Five to Petty Officer P.F. Knapman, H.M.S. Castor, Royal Navy a) Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st 'Admiral's bust' type (J.17156. P.F. Knapman, A.B. H.M.S. Castor. 31. May-1. June 1916.) b) 1914-15 Star (J.17156. P.F. Knapman, A.B., R.N.) c) British War and Victory Medals (J.17156 P.F. Knapman, L.S. R.N.) d) Naval Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st 'Admiral's bust' type, non-swivel suspension (J.17156 P.F. Knapman. P.O. H.M.S. Emperor of India), worn, therefore good fine or better, with a copy of H.M.S. Castor, Grand Fleet Destroyer Flotillas, 1915-1918, Souvenir of a War Commission, in which the recipient's award is listed (lot) £1,000-1,200 Footnote: D.S.M. London Gazette 15.9.1916 Able Seaman Percy Frederick Knapman, ON J.17156 'For services rendered by Petty Officers and Men of the Grand Fleet in action in the North Sea on the 31st May-1st June, 1916.' J.17156 Petty Officer Percy Frederick Knapman, D.S.M., born Bow, London, 1896; joined Royal Navy as Boy 2nd Class, June 1914; served as Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. King George V, May-June 1914; at the outbreak of the Great War Knapman was serving in H.M.S. Audacious (Battleship) as part of the 2nd Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet; she was sunk by a German mine off the coast of Donegal, 27.10.1914; his next posting was to H.M.S. Excellent (Shore Establishment), prior to his next operational posting in H.M.S. Castor (light cruiser), 12.11.1915; he served the remainder of the war with the latter, including at the Battle of Jutland where she was the flagship of the 11th Destroyer Squadron, 'at about 10pm three dark shapes suddenly came into view on our starboard side, steering a course converging at two points on our own. For a few moments we seemed mutually uncertain of each other. We challenged, they replied, but not to our entire satisfaction, so for the reasons before stated the challenge was repeated. Their reply was to switch on their searchlights, and after sweeping for a moment, turn them full on the Castor. Then Hell broke loose. We opened fire simultaneously on each other with all guns at a range of about 2000 yards. Castor was hit almost at once, and the wireless aerials put out of action; moreover, blinded as we were by the rays of the searchlights, the flashes of our own guns, and the bursting shells of the enemy, it was a matter of impossibility to make any signals to destroyers. A heavy shell striking the starboard side forward burst inside the ship, killing or wounding nearly everyone in the vicinity. A six-inch shell hit the Commodore's barge, blowing it to flinders and starting a fire on the booms; another burst on the port side of the fore bridge, converting it into a shambles, and blowing a great hole in the deck through which living and dead fell on to the deck below. A salvo burst on the water short of the ship, laying out most of a four-inch guns' crew, and deluging the ship in flying splinters. Boats falls were shot away, funnels and boats riddled, and much minor damage done. The cries of the wounded and dying, the crash of riven stell, the smell of burning wood and worse, and dominating all the roar of the guns, made a tout ensemble which none who experienced those few minutes will ever forget. Officers and men stood their ground with admirable pluck and coolness. Meanwhile we had not been idle, and were blazing away with every gun that would bear at the leading Hun, firing a torpedo at the second ship..... Three to one at 2000 yards under modern gunnery conditions is not a pleasant business, but there is every reason to believe that we gave more than we got, and indirectly accounted for the German light cruiser Elbing' (Publication included with lot refers); the Castor also accounted for a German torpedo boat destroyer during the battle; Knapman was awarded 1 of 2 D.S.M.s given to Castor for Jutland. For the medals awarded to Chief Engineer Officer D.P. Knapman, the son of Petty Officer P.F. Knapman, D.S.M., see Lot 241.
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A Second War '1944' D.S.M. Group of Eight to Leading Seaman E.H.J. Steer, Royal Navy, Who Served in the Destroyer H.M.S. Paladin, As Part of the Eastern Fleet a) Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (SSX.29454 E.H.J. Steer. T/L.Smn.) b) 1939-1945 Star c) Atlantic Star d) Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 bar e) Italy Star f) Burma Star g) War Medal h) Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service & G.C., E.II.R. (SSX.29454 E.H.J. Steer. D.S.M. POB.23705 L.S. R.F.R.), generally good very fine, mounted as originally worn (8) £800-1,000 Footnote: D.S.M. London Gazette 1.1.1944 Temporary Leading Seaman Ernest Henry James Steer, P/SSX.29454 (Horsham) Leading Seaman Ernest Henry James Steer, D.S.M., served with H.M.S. Paladin (destroyer) during the Second World War; as part of the Eastern Fleet she took part in the operations following the sinking of the heavy cruisers Cornwall and Dorsetshire, 5.4.1942, and assisted in the recovery of approximately 1,120 men, many of whom were in the shark-infested water for 30 hours; in June 1942 she was loaned to the Mediterranean fleet and took part in Operations Vigorous and Harpoon; in 1943 she also took part in Operations Husky and Avalanche and in January 1944 she returned to the Eastern Fleet; Steer's Investiture took place 31.10.1944. provenance: J.B. Hayward
27
Family Group: A Great War Western Front M.M. Group of Four to Private F.G. Miller, Royal Army Service Corps a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (M2-051993 Pte. F.G. Miller. R.A.S.C.) b) 1914-15 Star (M2-051993 Pte. F.G. Miller. A.S.C.) c) British War and Victory Medals (M2-051993 Pte. F.G. Miller. A.S.C.), good very fine, with two Fourth Army scrolls regarding the award of the Military Medal, in scroll holder Pair: Quarter Master Sergeant B. Miller, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 1914-15 Star (3857 Q.M.Sjt. B. Miller. L.N.Lan: R.); Victory Medal (3857 W.O. Cl.2. B. Miller. L.N.Lan. R.), nearly very fine (6) £150-180 Footnote: M.M. London Gazette 17.6.1919 M2/051993 Pte. Miller, F. G., Royal Army Service Corps (Bournemouth). M2-051993 Private F.G. Miller, M.M. served with the Royal Army Service Corps as part of General Sir H.S. Rawlinson's Fourth Army on the Western Front.
28
A Second War 1942 'Middle East Command' D.F.M. Group of Six to Sunderland Engineer/Air Gunner, Flight Sergeant K.J. Cole, Royal Air Force, A Member of the Crew Who Evacuated the King of the Hellenes to Crete, During the German Invasion of Greece, April 1941; His Aircrew Were Also Credited with the Destruction of 3 Enemy Fighters and 2 Submarines a) Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (569476. Sgt. K.J. Cole. R.A.F.) b) 1939-1945 Star c) Africa Star d) Defence and War Medals e) Greece, Kingdom, Air Force Cross, bronze, generally good very fine or better, together with the following related documentation &c.: - Bestowal Document for the Greek Air Force Cross, named to K.J. Cole, and dated 29.3.1955, in card scroll holder - The Recipient's Royal Air Force Certificate of Service - The Recipient's Royal Air Force Service Book - Letter to the recipient from the Central Chancery regarding the investiture for the D.F.M., dated 3.5.1945 - Two letters to the recipient regarding the award of the Greek Air Force Cross - Letter and Telegram of congratulations to the recipient on the award of his D.F.M. - Photograph of the recipient (6) £2,400-2,800 Footnote: D.F.M. London Gazette 18.9.1942 569476 Sergeant Kenneth John Cole, 230 Squadron. The Recommendation, dated 3.8.1942, states: 'This airman has completed over 1,000 hours operational flying involving 168 sorties as Fitter and Engineer/Air Gunner on Sunderlands. In the course of these operations, the aircraft in which he served has performed valuable reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrols, the successful completion of which was due in no small measure to the outstanding qualities of coolness and resource shown by him. He contributed extremely valuable work whilst the aircraft was engaged on the evacuation of British forces from Crete and Greece, the unfailing serviceability of his aircraft under difficult conditions being largely the result of his untiring efforts. The aircrew of which he was a member have been responsible for the destruction of three enemy fighters in aerial combat and carried out 12 attacks on hostile submarines, two of which were definitely sunk and at least three severely damaged.' 569476 Flight Sergeant Kenneth John Cole, D.F.M., born Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, 1919; enlisted Royal Air Force as Aircraft Apprentice, R.A.F. Halton, 26.6.1936; posted 29 Squadron, Debden, 5.1.1939 and from there to Singapore, 25.8.1939; posted for operational flying with Far East Command to 230 Squadron (Sunderlands), Singapore, 24.9.1939; with the latter he flew in patrols over the Indian Ocean and the approaches to Malaya and Singapore; moved with the squadron to Ceylon, February 1940, before the squadron was transferred to Middle East Command, May 1940; initially flying out of Egypt the squadron flew reconnaissance sorties for the Mediterranean Fleet and anti-submarine patrols; Sergeant 1.3.1941; with the German invasion of Greece in April 1941, 228 and 230 Squadrons were tasked with the evacuation of 900 refugees from the Greek coast; these included senior Allied Commanders and the King of Greece; Cole's Sunderland, piloted by Wing-Commander P.R. Woodward, evacuated the King of the Hellenes from Greece to Crete; the crew of seven all received Greek awards in recognition of this service with Cole awarded the Greek Air Force Medal, 26.3.1945 - he did not receive the award until 1962, at which time he was sent the Greek Air Force Cross and relevant bestowal document; Cole continued to serve with the squadron until 31.5.1943, when he was posted for service in an instructional capacity; discharged 2.3.1949.
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An R.V.M. Group of Eleven to Mr. George Woods, Stores Clerk, Master of the Household's Department a) Royal Victorian Medal, G.V.R., silver, unnamed as issued b) Jubilee 1887, bronze, with 1897 Bar (George Woods) c) Coronation 1902, bronze d) Coronation 1911 e) Norway, Kingdom, King's Commemorative Medal for Court Servants, H.VII.R., silver, with crown f) Denmark, Kingdom, Royal Medal of Recompense, C.X.R., silver, without crown g) Belgium, Kingdom, Royal Household Medal for Servants of Foreign Courts, A.I.R., silver, with crown h) France, Republic, Medal of Honour, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Division, silver i) Italy, Kingdom, Royal Service Medal, V.E.III.R., silver j) Sweden, Kingdom, Medal of the Order of Vasa, silver, with crown k) Portugal, Kingdom, Carlos I Coronation Medal 1889, bronze, toned, nearly extremely fine, mounted court style as originally worn (11) £400-500 Footnote: Mr. George Woods, R.V.M., was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal, 3.6.1922, whilst employed as 2nd Stores Clerk in the Master of the Household's Department. HONOURS AND AWARDS TO THE RYVES AND CORBETT FAMILIES
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The Important 'Malayan Emergency' C.B.E., Q.P.M. Group of Ten to Deputy Commissioner of Police H.T.B. Ryves, Taken P.O.W. By the Japanese at the Fall of Singapore, February 1942, and Interned at the Infamous Changi Prison; Served as Director of Special Branch, Federated Malay States Police, 1954-60 a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Civil Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, in damaged Garrard case of issue b) Queen's Police Medal, for Distinguished Service (Harvey T.B. Ryves, Sen. Asst. Commr. Fed. Malaya Police) c) 1939-1945 Star d) Pacific Star e) Defence and War Medals f) General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp, Malaya (Asst. Supt. H.T.B. Ryves. Malaya Police) g) Colonial Police Medal, for Meritorious Service, E.II.R. (Supt. Harvey T.B. Ryves, Fed. Malaya Police) h) Malaya, Federation, Order of the Defender of the Realm, Companion's neck Badge, silver and enamel, white enamel damage, in Garrard case of issue i) Malaya, Perak, Meritorious Service Medal, reverse engraved 'Harvey Theodore Blackburne Ryves 1950', generally very fine, breast awards mounted for wear as originally worn, with the following related contemporary items and documents: - Associated miniature awards and Riband Bar - Various items of cloth insignia; four Federated Malay States Police Cap Badges, one reduced in size in 14ct. gold; 14 silver buttons and two tie-pins - The recipient's F.M.S.P. Whistle - C.B.E. Sweetheart's brooch, silver-gilt and enamel - Bestowal Document for the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E., dated 11.6.1960, framed and glazed - Two photographs, one of recipient being awarded his C.P.M., the other being bestowed with the Order of the Defender of the Realm, by the Sultan of Selangor - Congratulatory letter on the occasion of the award of Ryves' C.B.E. from Lieutenant General Sir Rodney Moore, K.C.V.O., C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., Chief of Staff, Armed Forces, Kuala Lumpur, dated 8.6.1960 - Congratulatory telegram from the High Commissioner on the occasion of the award of Ryves' Q.P.M.; letter to the same effect from Lieutenant General Sir Roger Bower, K.B.E., C.B., General Officer Commanding and Director of Operations for Malayan Command, dated 14.6.1957 - Letter from the same correspondent at the end of his appointment expressing thanks to Ryves for his assistance during his tenure, dated 18.9.1957; similar letter from Commissioner C.H. Fenner, dated 23.3.1960 - Copy of a "White Paper", co-authored by Ryves and Desmond Palmer for the Federal Legislative Council, called The Communist Threat to the Federation of Malaya- Statement of Service, together with a typed 'C.V.' written by Ryves - Typed Secret Report 'Meeting of S.E.A.C.D.T. Committee to Counter Subversion at Bangkok', in which Ryves is praised, dated 14.5.1955 - Typed transcript of Farewell letter from Ryves on the occasion of his retirement, dated 15.4.1960, and later printed in the Police Magazine - Letter from Harvey Miller, author of Menace in Malaya and Jungle War in Malaya, consulting with Ryves for details for his book, dated 28.3.1971, with other ephemera (lot) £3,000-4,000 Footnote: C.B.E. London Gazette 11.6.1960 Harvey Theodore Blackburne Ryves, Esq., formerly Deputy Commissioner of Police, Federation of Malaya Q.P.M. London Gazette 13.6.1957 Harvey Theodore Blackburne Ryves, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Federation of Malaya C.P.M. London Gazette 1.1.1953 Harvey Theodore Blackburne Ryves, Superintendent, Special Branch, Johore, Federation of Malaya Police Force The recommendation states: 'Mr. Ryves is an officer with a wide range of experience in police work and since 1946 has been identified with Special Branch duties. From 1946 to 1950 he worked in the Special Branch, Perak, and through his efforts and organising ability the Perak State Registry was built up ahead of any state in the Federation. The smooth and efficient running of the Perak Special Branch in the early days of the Emergency was responsible for many telling blows against the bandit organisation, and Mr. Ryves' valuable work was recognised by the State award for meritorious service. On his return from leave at the end of 1951, Mr. Ryves was transferred to Johore as Superintendent, Special Branch, where he has faced a bigger task with the same energy as he displayed in Perak. It is clear that his initial efforts in the past 6 months are being successful and the efficient functioning of the Branch is largely due to Mr. Ryves' hard work.' Perak M.S.M. London Gazette 12.12.1950 Harvey Theodore Blackburne Ryves, Esq., Assistant Superintendent, Colonial Police Service Deputy Commissioner of Police Harvey Theodore Blackburne Ryves, C.B.E., Q.P.M., born Bungsar, Kuala Lumpur, 1916; educated King's College School, Wimbledon, where he was Captain of Cricket; briefly employed with the Mercantile Bank of India before being employed as a Junior Master at the South Kensington Preparatory School, 1937; was one of four Cadets out of 350 applicants to be appointed to the Federated Malay States Police Force; attended an intensive Malay language course at the School of Oriental Languages, August-December 1937, from which he passed out first in the final examination; posted to Malaya the following month and undertook training at the Police Depot, Kuala Lumpur; promoted Passed Cadet, December 1938, and served as Personal Assistant to the Chief of Police of the State of Selangor, November 1938-September 1939; served as Officer-in-Charge of Police District in several different parts of the country and was responsible for the maintenance of law and order, crime investigation, court work and internal security, September 1939-January 1942; during this period Ryves was seconded to the Immigration Department for 9 months, for specialist duties including security intelligence work on the Malayan/Thai frontier; advanced Assistant Superintendent of Police, January 1941, and was one of the two most senior policemen left behind in Singapore when it was captured by the Japanese, February 1942, 'the Japanese authorities arrested and detained him with his friends in Changi Prison. But his wife, who was also born here, managed to escape to England. Ryves still remembers the incidents when he was detained in Changi and then at the detention camp in Sime Road. As it was known at that time, cigarettes were not obtainable and people made their own cigarettes with local tobacco leaves. In Changi, Ryves found several boxes of 'Jeys' paper. Although he used it secretly, the Japanese officer who was in charge there, however, came to know about it. The Japanese officer was suspicious, and took the paper.... He suspected there was some secret document there. Eventually he found several lines of writing' (personal tribute to Ryves by Bala Chandran refers); the writing was eventually translated to show nothing suspicious other than instruction to the smoker that the paper was nearly finished and not to replace it with a new one; Ryves was interned until September 1945, after which he was reunited with his wife in the UK; he returned to Malaya in April 1946, and was appointed Assistant Officer-in-Charge of the C.I.D. for the State of Perak; promoted Officer Commanding Special Branch, State of Perak, August 1946; held the latter post for the next four and a half years (awarded Perak M.S.M. 1950); promoted Superintendent, March 1951, and posted as Officer Commanding Special Branch, State of Johore in December of the same year; in this capacity Ryves was responsible for the internal security of the States concerned and for the creation and running of an efficient intelligence gathering organisation to counter the outbreak of Communist armed rebellion in Malaya; Assistant Commissioner of Police, January 1953; appointed Senior Assistant Commissioner in Charge of the Federation Special Branch, November 1954; the title changing to Director Special Branch, Federation of Malaya Police, September 1957; his duties from 1954-1960 encompassed responsibility for all security matters affecting the internal security of the country; the Federation Special Branch was the sole security intelligence organisation for the Federation of Malaya and Ryves had a staff of approximately 1,500 under him including a Senior Assistant Commissioner and seven Assistant Commissioners of Police; during this period he 'pulled the strings' of his organisation eliciting the following praise from Lieutenant General Sir Roger Bower, K.B.E., C.B., General Officer Commanding and Director of Operations for Malayan Command, 'Although I sent an official farewell signal to the Police as a whole, I thought I would like to add to you personally my grateful thanks for your help and advice in Special Branch matters. As you know, I regard this war as largely a Special Branch war and I often wonder if the Special Branch gets due credit for the efforts they make, and the risks they run. I would not like to leave this country without making quite certain that you realise how much I appreciate all this and I would like to add my grateful thanks to you personally for the help and support you have given me whilst I have been here.' In April 1960 Ryves, having been at the forefront of promoting 'Malayanisation' of the force, retired after 22 years service and Commissioner C.H. Fenner wrote the following: 'By the time you read this I shall have said goodbye to you in person, but I would like to write and thank you for all the excellent support and help you have always given me since I have been Commissioner of Police. I would also like to place on record the very great debt that this country and this Force owes to you. Special Branch's contribution to the successful prosecution of the Emergency needs no elaboration from me. You have headed it for some five momentous years, during which period you have guided it successfully through a most difficult and delicate period caused by changing Communist tactics and fresh political activities, brought about by constitutional developments. I have no doubt that you will have very mixed feelings when you come to leave Malaya, but you can console yourself with the thought that you are leaving behind for your successor a well conceived organisation, based on sound principles -and, what is more, it works.' During the Emergency Ryves was a wanted man by Chin Peng, as was revealed whilst examining some captured Communist documents which gave personal details of him including his car number plate.
31
A Group of Six to Lieutenant G.H. Corbett, Royal Field Artillery, Later Government Entomologist, Federated Malay States; Taken P.O.W. by the Japanese at the Fall of Singapore, February 1942, and Interned at Changi British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. G.H. Corbett.); 1939-1945 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals, generally very fine, mounted as originally worn, with the following related contemporary documents: - Commission appointing George Hamblin Corbett, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery, dated 7.11.1916 - Two P.O.W. Postcards, addressed to 'Mrs. G.H. Corbett, Broomwood, Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey' - Three photographs of recipient in uniform - Officers Training Corps Certificate, dated 1.10.1914 - Service Report for period spent on attachment to the Agriculture Department, Sudan Government, dated 6.7.1919 - Letter of Reference from the Acting Governor of Berber Province, dated 19.8.1919 - Letter of appointment as Government Entomologist, Federated Malay States, dated 4.2.1920 - Degree Certificate, B.Sc. in Agriculture from Edinburgh University; 12 Honours Certificates from the same university; and two Edinburgh & East of Scotland College of Agriculture Certificates (lot) £150-200 Footnote: Lieutenant George Hamblin Corbett, educated at Edinburgh University where he specialised in Entomology; served Royal Agricultural College O.T.C., 1914; commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery, 7.11.1916; between 1914-16 much correspondence was passed between the Imperial Bureau of Entomology and the Colonial Office to find a posting for Corbett as an Entomologist rather than a serving officer in the Army, with Ceylon appearing to be his likely destination; however in October 1916, due to a shortage of Artillery Officers, the Army Council refused permission to release him from military service; Corbett was however attached to the Agriculture Department, Sudan, 1918-19, 'I have much pleasure in recording the fact that you were working under me all last year when I was in special charge of the Government Pumping Schemes in this province, your own particular charge being the Timerab and Zeidab Schemes. I found your quickness in grasping conditions that were quite new to you most valuable and the results you produced were most satisfactory, the wheat crops grown at Timerab being the biggest grown anywhere in the Sudan' (letter from Acting Governor, Berber Province included in lot refers); he continued to be employed by the Colonial Office after the Great War and was appointed Government Entomologist, Federated Malay States, 4.2.1920; Corbett was still serving in that part of the world when he was taken P.O.W. by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore, February 1942; he was interned at Changi, coincidentally with his son-in-law H.T.B. Ryves as confirmed in his postcards sent from Changi to his wife.
32
A Well Documented Second War Casualty Group of Three to Signalman K.G. Corbett, Royal Navy, Killed in Action Whilst Serving in 'Q' Ship H.M.S. Fidelity, 1.1.1943 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal, nearly extremely fine, with named enclosure slip and card box of issue addressed to 'Mr. G.H. Corbett, Downings, 42 Kingstone Avenue, Steyning, Sussex', and the following related contemporary documents: - Parchment Certificate of Service - 24 letters from Corbett mainly addressed to his mother, covering the period 3.7.1941-13.12.1942, a large proportion written from H.M.S. Fidelity - Several photographs of recipient in uniform - Telegram informing Mrs. Corbett that her son is missing in action, dated 23.1.1943, and two letters to the same effect - Several letters of condolence including from the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth; The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and Roysse's School - Certificate of The Inspector of Seamen's Wills - named Lloyds Bank Commemoration Scroll, with letter of enclosure from the Chairman of Lloyds Bank Ltd. (lot) £200-300 Footnote: JX212306 Signalman Kenneth George Corbett, born Reigate, 1917, son of George Hamblin Corbett; educated at Roysse's School and was employed as Bank Clerk prior to enlisting in the Royal Navy, 12.8.1940; undertook Signals Training at H.M.S. Mercury prior to being posted to H.M.S. Fidelity, 22.7.1942, 'Am afraid that I will not be up this weekend as my long awaited draft has come. In future please address all letters to H.M.S. Fidelity, c/o G.P.O. London' (Letter included in lot refers); the latter was a French Merchant vessel called Le Rhin, which had escaped to Britain after the fall of France, 1940, and volunteered its' services to the Royal Navy; it was commissioned as a Special Service Vessel, 24.9.1940, and armed with four 4inch guns, four torpedo tubes and equipped with two seaplanes and a Motor Torpedo Boat and torpedo nets; her role as a 'Q' Ship was to transport S.O.E. agents to and from the French coast whilst on covert operations; by June 1942 she had also been equipped with a company of Marines; in November 1942 it was decided that Fidelity would embark for the Far East where she was to act as an offshore base from which to mount Commando operations on the Japanese held coasts of South East Asia; for the initial part of her journey she joined a convoy; whilst acting as rescue ship she became detached from the convoy and was damaged by an attack from U-615, then sunk by the torpedoes of U-435, 1.1.1943; of the 326 on board ship only 10 survived; Corbett is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. BRITISH ORDERS AND SINGLE AWARDS
33
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, A Mid 19th Century Knight Companion's (K.G.) 'Great George' Collar Badge, by Garrard, London, 42mm x 43mm, 83.7g, gold (22 carat) and enamel, Hallmarks on base and on horse's tail, St. George with a blue cap and green enamel sword attacking the Dragon with a gold lance, his horse white with black hooves and a red saddle cloth, the Dragon green with red spots and red wings, all resting on an oval green enamel base with rose, thistle, and shamrock on ground, and a salamander in the grass, with a border of red and white ribbons, minor damage in parts, St. George lacking cape, base slightly loose, otherwise good very fine, rare, with additional top gold loop suspension £30,000-40,000
34
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Companion's (K.G.) sash Badge, 76mm x 46mm, gilt, a good quality privately made badge possibly manufactured for display purposes, very fine, with short section of sash riband £400-600 provenance: Spink, 16.6.1987
35
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Knight's (K.T.) sash Badge, 55mm x 48mm, copper-gilt, an attractive privately made early badge possibly manufactured for display purposes, very fine, with full sash riband £400-600 provenance: Spink, 20.5.1991
36
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) breast Badge, gold (Hallmarks for London 1868) and enamel, minor enamel damage to one arm of cross on reverse, and to wreath, therefore good very fine, converted for neck wear £700-900
37
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, extremely fine, with neck riband, in Garrard, London, case of issue £600-800
38
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, extremely fine, in Collingwood, London, case of issue £500-600
39
The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Companion's (C.M.G.) breast Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with integral silver-gilt riband buckle, nearly extremely fine £400-450
40
The C.I.E. Attributed to Sir G.W. Forrest, Director of Records, Government of India The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, Companion's (C.I.E.) breast Badge, by Garrard, London, gold and enamel, with top gold riband bar, extremely fine, in case of issue, with the related miniature award £450-500 Footnote: C.I.E. London Gazette 3.6.1899 George William Forrest, Esq. Sir George William Forrest, C.I.E. (1846-1926), born Nusseerabad, India, the second son of Captain George Forrest, V.C., and educated at St. John's College, Cambridge; Fellow of Bombay University; appointed to the Bombay Education Department, 1872; acted as Census Commissioner, Bombay, 1882; Professor of English History, Elphinstone College, 1887; Director of Records, Bombay, 1888; Director of Records, Government of India, 1891-1900; Appointed Assistant Secretary to the Government of India, 1898; retired 1900; Knighted by H.M. The King at Buckingham Palace, 12.2.1913 (London Gazette 14.2.1913). For the miniature V.C. to Captain George Forrest, see Lot 289
41
The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, Companion's (C.I.E.) neck Badge, gold and enamel, extremely fine £450-500
42
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Civil Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, extremely fine £160-200
43
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, extremely fine, with neck riband, in Garrard, London, case of issue £180-220
44
A Good Great War 1917 'Salonika' D.S.O. Attributed to Captain A.R. Cooper, Worcestershire Regiment Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar, extremely fine, in Garrard, London, case of issue, together with a portrait photograph of the recipient, mounted in a glazed frame with a piece of D.S.O. riband; and a commemorative booklet concerning the award of the D.S.O. to Captain A.R. Cooper £800-1,000 Footnote: D.S.O. London Gazette 26.7.1917 Temp. Capt. Arkwright Richard Cooper, Worc. R. 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. [During an attack on the 24th-25th April, 1917, Captain Cooper commanded one of the assaulting companies. The company came under a very heavy barrage during the advance, and was temporarily checked]. He passed through the barrage several times when reorganising his company and was severely wounded in doing so. He remained in command and personally led the assault and did not leave his men until the objective was gained.' Captain Arkwright Richard Cooper, D.S.O., served with the 11th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, during the Great War, and was awarded the D.S.O. for his gallantry during an attack on the Salonika Front. 'The advance began at 9:00pm, when Captain Cooper led his first platoon through heavy barrage to the bottom of Fumeaux Ravine. Being wounded in the face, left shoulder and arm, and ribs, and having many casualties, he rested and reorganized his men under cover until 9:45. Then he went back through the barrage for his second platoon, and brought it down the ravine through a still fiercer barrage. At the head of the men left of the two platoons he reached the Bulgar trench and took it. On mounting the parados on the far side a trench mortar bomb burst at his feet and severely wounded his left leg inside from the knee upwards. He continued to lead his men for further action on the right, then advanced alone to reconnoitre. Whilst using his revolver a 5.9 high explosive shell burst near him. This shattered his right arm, lifted him off the parados, and hurled him right back over the trench (six feet wide) down into the Bulgar wires fifteen yards below. One recovering consciousness he managed with his left hand, which he badly lacerated, to extricate himself, and his right arm which was caught by the wire up behind his back with the hand against the left shoulder. Owing to the darkness he then fell to the bottom of the slope, fifty yards down, among men of the Berkshire Regiment. A tourniquet was applied to his arm, which was put into a sling. Captain Cooper then, at midnight, started off alone to get back to his own trench, and deliver his report for headquarters. Though it was but five hundred yards up the ravine, it was not till 5:00am that he succeeded in struggling to the top, his leg-wounds and exhaustion from other wounds making it so difficult to get up after falling or resting. The barrage was still on, and he was wounded twice more- in the left knee, and then in the right. After attention by a medical officer he was carried to the Casualty Clearing Station, and thence to the 4th Canadian General Hospital at Salonika, which was not reached till 29th April. During this action he passed through the barrage no fewer than six times, and had one hundred and thirty casualties among the one hundred and forty-six men of his company.' (Account in commemorative booklet refers). Captain Cooper was for eleven weeks in the Salonika Hospital on a supporting bed, unable to lie down or turn on his side, and underwent three serious operations. While in bed General Milne, C.B., Commander-in-Chief, British Salonika Force, personally pinned the D.S.O. riband on to his bed-jacket.
45
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1919), good very fine, in Garrard, London, case of issue, together with the related miniature award £40-50
46
The Royal Victorian Order, Member's (M.V.O.) breast Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially numbered '886', white enamel damage to right arm of cross, otherwise good very fine £120-160
47
The M.B.E. Attributed to Mr. H.B. Spencer, Ministry of Munitions The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Civil Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver (Hallmarks for London 1917), extremely fine, in Garrard, London, case of issue, together with the related miniature award, also in Garrard, London, case of issue, and the following document: - Bestowal Document for the M.B.E., named to Henry Bath Spencer, Esq., and dated 3.6.1918 £50-70 Footnote: M.B.E. London Gazette 7.6.1918 Henry Bath Spencer, Esq. Assistant Inspector of Cartridges, Ministry of Munitions.
48
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver (Hallmarks for London 1919), extremely fine, in Garrard, London, case of issue £40-60
49
Indian Order of Merit, 2nd type, Military Division, Second Class, silver and enamel, minor enamel damage, good very fine, lacking integral riband buckle £280-320
50
Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., silver (Hallmarks for London 1945), reverse officially dated '1946', very fine £600-700

Auction Details - AUCTION ALREADY HELD
Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria

Auctioneer:	Spink	Location:	69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 4ET
Contact:	Tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4000 Fax: +44 (0)20 7563 4066
Date:	21st April 2011	Time:	10:00AM
Details:	Viewing: Tuesday 19th April 10am to 5pm Wednesday 20th April 10am to 5pm
Page:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

GROUPS AND PAIRS WITH ORDERS AND DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY OR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

HONOURS AND AWARDS TO THE RYVES AND CORBETT FAMILIES

BRITISH ORDERS AND SINGLE AWARDS