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: 25th July 2013 Time: 10:00AM
Details: Tuesday 23 July 2013 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Wednesday 24 July 2013 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Page: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9  
Auction Lots - Page 1

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

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x A Fine Second War '1944' C.S.I., '1940' C.B.E., Great War '1918' 'Salonika' D.S.O., '1916' 'Western Front' M.C. Group of Eleven to Major-General W.C. Holden, Royal Artillery, Deputy Chief of General Staff, General Head Quarters, India, 1943-44
a) The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, Companion's (C.S.I.) neck Badge, gold, silver, and enamel, with a fine quality central onyx cameo of a youthful Queen Victoria, the motto illuminated with diamonds, with neck riband
b) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband
c) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar
d) Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved 'Lieut. William Corson Holden R.G.A. 1917.'
e) 1914 Star, with Bar (2.Lieut. W.C. Holden. R.G.A.)
f) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Major W.C. Holden.)
g) 1939-1945 Star
h) Defence and War Medals
i) Greece, Kingdom, War Cross 1916-17, Second Class, silver, with bronze star emblem on riband, extremely fine (11) £5,000-6,000
C.S.I. London Gazette 8.6.1944 Colonel (Temporary Major-General) William Corson Holden, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., British Service, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, General Headquarters, India.
C.B.E. London Gazette 27.8.1940 Colonel (temporary Brigadier) William Corson Holden, D.S.O., M.C., late Royal Artillery
'For distinguished services in the field.'
D.S.O. London Gazette 1.1.1919 Capt. (A./Maj.) William Corson Holden, M.C., R.G.A.
'For distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in Salonika.'
M.C. London Gazette 1.1.1917 Lt. William Corson Holden, R.G.A.
'For distinguished service in the field.'
M.I.D. London Gazette 30.1.1919 Holden, Capt. (A./Maj.) W.C., M.C., Royal Garrison Artillery
'For gallant conduct and distinguished services rendered with the British Salonika Force during the period from the 1st March to the 1st October, 1918.'
Greek War Cross London Gazette 21.7.1919 Captain William Corson Holden, D.S.O., M.C., Royal Garrison Artillery
'For distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign.'
Major-General William Corson Holden, C.S.I., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., born Nassau, Bahamas, February 1893, the son of Mr. F.W. Holden, Imperial Lighthouse Service, and educated at Nassau Grammar School; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Garrison Artillery, 10.12.1913; served with the Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 26.9.1914; promoted Lieutenant, 9.6.1915; appointed Adjutant, 27th Brigade, R.G.A., 14.3.1916; promoted Captain, 18.7.1917; Acting Major, 7.8.1917; served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force from 23.8.1917, and with the British Salonika Force in Greek Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the islands of the Aegean Sea from 2.1.1918; appointed Staff Captain, Royal Artillery Fourth Garrison, 18.6.1919; Captain Instructor in Gunnery School of Artillery, 25.2.1922; Brigade Major, R.A, 1926; promoted Colonel, 1.1.1937; served during the Second War with the British Expeditionary Force and with the Home Guard, 1940; appointed to the Eastern Supply Group Council, Delhi, 1941-42, in which capacity he visited Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaya, Burma, Rhodesia, Kenya, Uganda, and the Dutch East Indies; appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff, India, 19.4.1943; promoted Major-General, 20.9.1944, and appointed Deputy Master-General of Ordnance, India; retired 31.8.1946. Major-General Holden died at home in Beaulieu, Hampshire, 15.3.1955.
2
A Rare Great War '1917' C.M.G., '1915' D.S.O. Group of Nine to Colonel H.F. Fraser, 21st Lancers, Late 5th Lancers, Wounded During the Aro Expedition, 1901-02; Aide-de-Camp to the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Army Corps, British Expeditionary Force, From 5.8.1914, and Provost Marshal, 3rd Army, B.E.F., 1915
a) The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Companion's (C.M.G.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband, in Garrard, London, case of issue
b) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar
c) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, two clasps, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith (Lieut. H.F. Fraser. 5/Lcrs.)
d) Africa General Service 1902-56, E.VII.R., one clasp, Aro 1901-1902 (Capt. H.F. Fraser, 21/Lcrs:)
e) 1914 Star, with Bar (Major H.F. Fraser. 21/Lrs:)
f) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Lt. Col. H.F. Fraser.)
g) Coronation 1902, silver
h) France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Chevalier's breast Badge, 54mm including wreath suspension x 40mm, silver, gold, and enamel, minor damage to tips of legion of Honour, otherwise good very fine or better, mounted court style as worn, with the recipient's related miniature awards, the C.M.G. and D.S.O. both gold and enamel, and two portrait images of the recipient (9) £2,800-3,200
C.M.G. London Gazette 24.1.1917
'In recognition of valuable services in connection with the War.'
D.S.O. London Gazette 23.6.1915 Major H. F. Fraser, 21st Lancers
'For distinguished service in the Field.'
M.I.D. London Gazette 22.6.1915 Fraser, Major H. F., 21st Lancers, General Headquarters Staff &c.
'For gallant and distinguished service in the field.'
French Legion of Honour, Chevalier London Gazette 24.2.1916 Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Francis Fraser, D.S.O., 21st Lancers
'In recognition of distinguished service during the campaign.'
Colonel Henry Francis Fraser, C.M.G., D.S.O., born Stratherrick, Inverness-shire, November 1872, the younger brother of Alexander Edmund Fraser; educated at Wellington College, Berkshire; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, 5th Lancers, December 1895; served with the Regiment in India and appointed extra Aide-de-Camp to H.E. the Viceroy of India, 1897; promoted Lieutenant, October 1899; served in South Africa and took part in the operations in Natal, 1899, including the action at Elandslaagte, 21.10.1899, when the 5th Lancers 'had the satisfaction of knowing that they took part in the one real cavalry charge of the campaign' (British Regiments in South Africa 1899-1902, by John Stirling refers); the actions at Rietfontein, 24.10.1899, and Lombard's Kop, 30.10.1899; at the Defence of Ladysmith, including the sorties of the 7th and 10th December 1899, and the action of the 6th January 1900; promoted Captain and transferred to the 21st Lancers, 29.5.1901; took part in the Aro Expedition, Southern Nigeria, 30.10.1901 - 27.4.1902 (slightly wounded and Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette 12.9.1902); promoted Major, 27.4.1907; appointed Assistant Military Secretary to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, 4.4.1912; served during the Great War as Aide-de-Camp to the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Army Corps, British Expeditionary Force, from 5.8.1914; Appointed Assistant Provost Marshal, Cavalry Corps, B.E.F., 10.10.1914; Provost Marshal, 3rd Army, B.E.F., 13.7.1915; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, 6.9.1915; appointed Assistant Adjutant-General, Southern Command, 2.7.1916; Assistant Adjutant-General, War Office, 8.3.1917; promoted Colonel, 6.9.1919; served as Assistant Adjutant-General, General Headquarters, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, from 16.4.1920; retired 1924. Colonel Fraser died, 26.4.1949.
For the Order of the Crown of Johore awarded to Alexander Edmund Fraser see Lot 420
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x The C.I.E., O.B.E., Great War '1915' 'Western Front' M.C. Group of Nine to Lieutenant-Colonel G.F.J. Paterson, 34th Sikh Pioneers
a) The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, Companion's (C.I.E.) neck Badge, gold and enamel
b) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1918)
c) Military Cross, G.V.R.
d) 1914 Star, with Bar (Capt. G.F.J. Paterson. T/34/ Sikh Pionrs.)
e) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Capt. G.F. Paterson.)
f) Delhi Durbar 1911, silver
g) Jubilee 1935
h) Coronation 1937, good very fine or better (9) £1,800-2,200
C.I.E. London Gazette 11.5.1937 Lieutenant-Colonel George Frederick Joseph Paterson, O.B.E., M.C., Indian Army (Supernumerary List), Director of Military Lands and Cantonments, Defence Department.
O.B.E. London Gazette 3.7.1926 Major George Frederick Joseph Paterson, M.C., Indian Army.
M.C. London Gazette 14.1.1916 Captain George Frederick Joseph Paterson, 34th Sikh Pioneers, Indian Army
'For distinguished service in the Field.'
Lieutenant-Colonel George Frederick Joseph Paterson, C.I.E., O.B.E., M.C., born March 1885, the son of Colonel H. Paterson, Indian Staff Corps; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, 9.1.1904; posted to the Indian Army, 25.3.1905; promoted Lieutenant, 9.4.1906; Captain, 9.1.1913; served with the 34th Sikh Pioneers during the Great War on the Western Front from 23.9.1914, and in Mesopotamia (twice Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazettes 1.1.1916 and 15.8.1917, and awarded the Military Cross); promoted Major, 9.1.1919; Lieutenant-Colonel, 9.1.1930; appointed Director of Military Lands and Cantonments, Defence Department, India.
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x The Second War 'Persia and Iraq' C.B.E., Great War 'Western Front' M.C. Group of Eleven to Brigadier H.G.L. Prynne, Pioneer Corps, Late London Regiment
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) Military Cross, G.V.R.
c) 1914-15 Star (2.Lieut. H.G.L. Prynne. 13-Lond.R.)
d) British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H.G.L. Prynne.)
e) 1939-1945 Star
f) Africa Star
g) Italy Star
h) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaf
i) Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., silver and silver-gilt, reverse officially dated '1944', with top 'Territorial' riband bar, the Great War awards nearly very fine, the Second War awards nearly extremely fine (11) £1,400-1,800
C.B.E. London Gazette 23.12.1943 Brigadier (temporary) Harold Gordon Lusby Prynne, O.B.E., M.C. (16577), Pioneer Corp
'In recognition of distinguished services in Persia and Iraq.'
O.B.E. London Gazette 9.10.1942 Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Harold Gordon Lusby Prynne, M.C. (16577), Pioneer Corps (London, S.E-3)
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period November, 1941, to April, 1942.'
M.C. London Gazette 1.1.1919 Lt. (T./Capt.) Harold Gordon Lusby Prynne, 1/13th Bn., Lond. R.
'For distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in France and Flanders.'
T.D. London Gazette 20.4.1944 Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.) H.G.L. Prynne, C.B.E., M.C. (16577) (T.A.R.O.), Pioneer Corps
M.I.D. London Gazette 5.8.1943 Col. (temp.) H.G.L. Prynne, O.B.E., M.C. (16577) (Res. of Off.), Pioneer
Corps
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Persia-Iraq.'
Brigadier Harold Gordon Lusby Prynne, C.B.E., M.C., T.D., enlisted as Private, 3rd County of London Yeomanry; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, 13th Princess Louise's Kensington Battalion, London Regiment, 19.2.1915; served with the 13th Battalion London Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 20.9.1915; promoted Lieutenant, 19.9.1916; seconded to Staff HQ, 167 Infantry Brigade, as Staff Captain with the temporary rank of Captain, 3.5.1918; promoted Major, 27.2.1924; transferred to Pioneer Corps, 8.11.1939; served during the Second World in Persia and Iraq (C.B.E., Mentioned in Despatches); retired with the honorary rank of Brigadier, 2.11.1945.
5
A Good Fighting Boer War D.S.O., Great War O.B.E. Group of Seven to Lieutenant-Colonel P.J. Bailey, 12th Lancers
a) Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar
b) 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)
c) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, six clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (Capt. P.J. Bailey. 12/R. Lcrs.), rank officially corrected
d) King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (Capt. P.J. Bailey. D.S.O. 12/Lcrs.)
e) 1914 Star, with copy Bar (Major P.J. Bailey D.S.O. 12/Lrs.)
f) British War and Victory Medals (Major P.J. Bailey.), toned, generally very fine or better, together with a photographic image of the recipient (7) £2,400-2,800
D.S.O. London Gazette 26.6.1902 Captain Percy James Bailey, 12th Lancers
'In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa.'
O.B.E. London Gazette 3.6.1919 Bailey, Maj. Percy James, D.S.O., 12th Lancers
'For valuable services rendered in connection with the War.'
Lieutenant-Colonel Percy James Bailey, D.S.O., O.B.E., born December 1873, the eldest son of Sir James Bailey; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, 12th Lancers, December 1895; promoted Lieutenant, May 1897; served with the Regiment in South Africa and took part in the advance on Kimberley, including the action at Magersfontein, and present at the Relief of Kimberley; operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including the actions at Paardeberg, Poplar Grove (severely wounded 7.3.1900), Driefontein, Houtnek, and Zand River; served during operations in the Transvaal, May to June 1900, including the actions at Johannesburg and Diamond Hill; in the Orange River Colony, May to November 1900, including the actions at Lindley, Bethlehem, and Wittebergen; appointed a Brigade Signalling Officer (graded Staff Captain), 13.10.1900, and afterwards served on the Staff as a Staff Officer to a Column; promoted Captain, April 1901; Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 17.6.1902), and appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. He received his D.S.O. from H.M. the King, 24.10.1902.
Bailey served as Adjutant and Quartermaster, Cavalry School, August 1905 to August 1909; promoted Major, 22.8.1908; served with the Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 17.8.1914; appointed Assistant Commandant, Remount Service, Shirehampton, Southern Command, 3.1.1919; Deputy Director of Remounts, General Headquarters, British Armies of the Rhine, 6.4.1919; retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, 12.12.1919. He died, 1.2.1947.
6
The Great War '1917' Western Front D.S.O., '1919' O.B.E. Group of Six to Colonel J.D. Richmond, Royal Army Medical Corps
a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, obverse central medallion slightly loose, with integral top riband bar
b) 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)
c) 1914-15 Star (Major J.D. Richmond. R.A.M.C.)
d) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Lt. Col. J.D. Richmond.)
e) India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., two clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Waziristan 1919-21, second clasp loose on riband as issued (Maj. T.D. Richmond. R.A.M.C.), good very fine or better, mounted as worn and housed in a damaged fitted leather case, together with a post card photograph of the recipient (6) £1,200-1,600
D.S.O. London Gazette 4.6.1917 Maj. John Duncan Richmond M.B., R.A.M.C.
'For distinguished service in the field.'
O.B.E. London Gazette 3.6.1919 Richmond, Maj. John Duncan, D.S.O., M.D., R.A.M.C.
'For valuable services rendered in connection with military operations in France.'
M.I.D. London Gazette 1.1.1916 Richmond, Major J.D., M.D., R.A.M.C., General Headquarters Staff, Army Medical Service
'For gallant and distinguished service in the field.'
M.I.D. London Gazette 29.5.1917 Richmond, Maj. J.D., M.B., Headquarters Staff, Army Medical Service
'For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to
duty.'
M.I.D. London Gazette 10.7.1919 Richmond, Maj. J.D., D.S.O., M.B., R.A.M.C., Army Medical Service
'For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period 16th September, 1918, to 15th March, 1919.'
Colonel John Duncan Richmond, D.S.O., O.B.E., born Govan, Lanarkshire, October 1877; educated at Glasgow University (M.B. 1900); Commissioned Lieutenant, Royal Army Medical Corps, 31.8.1903; served in India, 1904-07 (invalided) and 1907-09; promoted Captain, 28.2.1907; Major, 28.2.1915; served during the Great War on the Western Front from 29.5.1915 (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel, 1.6-12.8.1916); served with the Medical Corps in Afghanistan and Waziristan, 1919-21; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, 23.2.1926; served in Malaya, 1926-29; promoted Colonel, 23.3.1930; Appointed Deputy Director of Medical Services, 10.11.1931; retired 14.10.1934. Colonel Richmond died 6.5.1962.
7
The Outstanding Second War 'Immediate' 1941 D.S.O., '1940' D.F.M. Group of Six to Hampden and Manchester Pilot, Squadron Leader W.S. "Kip" Herring, Royal Air Force, Who Flew An "Impossibleā€ Return Trip From Berlin, 7.9.1941, When His Aircraft Was Held in a Cone of 50 Searchlights Above The City For Four Minutes, and Peppered With More Than 30 Flak Holes in Wings and Fuselage; He Dragged His Battered Aircraft the 600 Miles To Home, Over The Most Heavily Defended Part of Germany, Unarmed, On One Engine and at a Height of 5,000 Feet; A Very Experienced Pilot, Having Carried Out Over 80 Operational Sorties, He Was Specifically Seconded For the Sikorski V.I.P. Flights in the Summer of 1943; He Was Killed Whilst Serving as Second Pilot in the General Sikorski Air Crash Disaster, 4.7.1943
a) Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse of suspension bar officially dated '1941', with integral top riband bar, in Garrard & Co. Ltd. case of issue
b) Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (564688. Sgt. W.S. Herring. R.A.F.)
c) 1939-1945 Star
d) Air Crew Europe Star
e) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaf, generally good very fine, with the following items and documentation:
- Caterpillar Club gold brooch badge, with 'ruby' eyes, reverse engraved 'Sgt. Herring Pres. By Irving Co.'
- R.A.F. Halton Barrington Kennett Trophy Medal, silver (Hallmarks for London 1931), reverse engraved 'A/A Herring. W.S.', with silver top riband bar, in fitted case
- No. 4 App. Wing Royal Air Force Londonderry Cup Medal, silver, reverse engraved, 'Junior Cross Country W.S. Herring 1930'; Royal Air Force Athletics & Cross Country Association Prize Medal, gilded bronze, reverse engraved, 'Junior Cross Country Championship 1937 Runners-Up'
- Memorial Scroll named to 'Squadron Leader W.S. Herring Royal Air Force'
- Bestowal Document for the Distinguished Service Order, dated 7.10.1941
- M.I.D. Certificate, dated 31.8.1940
- M.I.D. Certificate, dated 2.6.1943
- Investiture Letters for both D.S.O. and D.F.M., dated 19.2.1942 and 14.11.1941 respectively
- Letter to recipient from Ivan Scott, Air Correspondent, The Daily Telegraph, dated 14.11.1941
- Telegraph to recipient's wife from Lincolnshire Constabulary informing her of her husband's death, dated 5.7.1943
- Buckingham Palace Letter of Condolence
- Portrait of recipient entitled "Kipper", by Cuthbert Orde, signed 'Orde 23 April 1942', framed and glazed, typed note attached to reverse states the following, 'This portrait by Orde was commissioned by AVRO following Kip's return from overhead Berlin at night on one engine in an AVRO Manchester L7432 on 7th September - take off 21.35 and crash landed at RAF West Raynham 06.00 8th September 1941.
The slight damage to the surface of this portrait was caused during the evacuation of Limassol, Cyprus during the brief cease-fire following the Turkish invasion in June 1974.
The Greek Cypriots were attacking the Turkish Cypriots in the harbour area of Limassol and the RAF and British Army families living in the town eventually got out during the very brief cease-fire. I was a Flight Commander on IX Vulcan Squadron serving at nearby RAF Akrotiri at the time and I lived in Limassol.' The latter is signed by recipient's son Wing Commander Graham "Kip" Herring
- Letter and card from Edward Prchal's family announcing his death
- Letter from David Irving, author of The Death of General Sikorski Accident, to recipient's widow, dated 1.2.1969
- Letter from Carlos Thompson, author of The Assassination of Winston Churchill, to recipient's widow, dated 17.6.1969
- Copy of proceedings of the R.A.F. Court of Inquiry held into the Sikorski Crash
- Newspaper cuttings and photographic images, with other ephemera
Pair: Gunner H. Hardy, Royal Artillery
British War and Victory Medals (176078 Gnr. H. Hardy. R.A.), good very fine (lot) £6,000-8,000
D.S.O. London Gazette 7.10.1941 Acting Flying Officer Wilfred Stanley Herring, D.F.M. (44709), 207 Squadron
'One night in September, 1941, this officer was the captain of an aircraft which participated in an attack on Berlin. Whilst over the city the aircraft was repeatedly hit by shell-fire from an intense and accurate barrage and, when Flying Officer Herring succeeded in evading the defences, the aircraft had sustained severe damage. The port engine had failed and, owing to lack of hydraulic power to the gun turrets, the aircraft was almost defenceless. Nevertheless, Flying Officer Herring decided to attempt to fly the aircraft back to this country by the shortest route which entailed passing over the enemy's most heavily defended areas. Overcoming many difficulties he succeeded in reaching this country and in landing safely at an aerodrome with practically no fuel left in the tanks. Throughout, this officer displayed outstanding determination. On numerous occasions, Flying Officer Herring has carried out attacks on the most heavily defended targets, involving deep penetration into enemy territory, and has at all times displayed the greatest ability and devotion to duty.'
The Recommendation, dated 17.9.1941, states: 'Flying Officer Herring has now completed over 320 hours operational flying as the captain of Hampden and Manchester aircraft and he has always shown the utmost determination to carry through whatever operation he has been allotted. On numerous occasions this officer has been detailed to attack the most heavily defended targets involving deep penetration into enemy territory, and in every instance he has completed his mission with a cool efficiency that has been a model to other aircrews.
His resolute behaviour was particularly noticeable on the night of September 7th, when he was the captain of a Manchester which took part in a raid on Berlin. Whilst over the City the aeroplane was the target for intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and repeated hits were received. Severe damage was sustained, including the seizure of the port engine owing to a punctured radiator. Flying Officer Herring feathered the port air screw, dived out of the defences, sustaining more damage, and decided to attempt to fly the damaged aircraft to England. This decision was taken with the full knowledge that the flight would necessarily have to be made during a full moon by the shortest route which would entail passing through the thickest part of the enemy searchlight belt and fighter areas. At this time he was also aware that, following the failure of the port engine, there was no hydraulic power to the gun turrets and that the aeroplane was almost defenceless.
The return flight was made successfully at about 5,000 feet. The aircraft encountered cloud at the most critical part of the flight and in consequence of severe icing conditions was forced to fly below cloud across the main enemy searchlight area.
On arrival back in England, a successful landing was made at an aerodrome with practically no fuel left in the tanks.
The decision to make a return flight in the face of all the known and unknown hazards shows that this officer possesses the finest type of courage and determination and the manner in which the flight was executed demonstrates his skill and efficiency as a pilot and captain of a heavy bomber.
The modest demeanour, ability and devotion to duty of this officer has done an immense amount towards raising the confidence of flying crews in the capabilities of Manchester aircraft.'
D.F.M. London Gazette 22.11.1940 564688 Sergeant Wilfred Stanley Herring, 44 Squadron
The Recommendation, dated 27.8.1940, states: 'This Pilot has consistently set a high standard of courage in pressing home his attacks against the enemy. He has completed 217 hours operational flying. Several of the flights were carried out under adverse weather conditions and necessitated sea crossings of over 800 miles.
Covering Remarks by Air Officer Commanding - Air Vice Marshal Arthur ["Bomber"] Harris: This N.C.O. pilot has just been sent back to an O.T.U. for a rest after a long period of excellent work as a captain of aircraft. He has done consistently well on operations - many of a very hazardous nature.'
Also Recommended for the A.F.C. (Periodical Awards 1.8.1942-31.1.1943), Acting Squadron Leader Wilfred Stanley Herring, D.S.O., D.F.M. (44709) 1654 Conversion Unit, 'This officer now commands "A" flight of this unit. He has himself flown on a great many occasions, both by day and night, in order to expedite the training of crews. He is not only a first class instructor but has administered his flight with efficiency and tact showing fine powers of leadership.'
Squadron Leader Wilfred Stanley "Kipper" Herring, D.S.O., D.F.M. (1914-1943), born Edmonton, London; enlisted Royal Air Force, as a Metal Rigger under training, R.A.F. Halton, September 1930; remustered as a Pilot under training, July 1937, and was promoted Sergeant Pilot the following year; posted 7 Squadron, April 1939; posted for operational flying to 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron (Hampdens), Waddington, September 1939; the squadron's early operations consisted mainly of North Sea sweeps and minelaying; Herring's first operational sortie was a Nickel Raid over Bremen, 23/24.2.1940; he also took part in some of the first raids on German industrial centres, such as over the Ruhr and Munchen Gladbach, in May 1940; Max Riddell (Herring's Rear Gunner during his ops with 207 Squadron) gives the following, 'Kipper - I recall a slightly built dark chap with a moustache. Quietly spoken but with an air of confidence, he was very much respected probably because of his efforts when he won his D.F.M. on Hampdens. The story, as I heard it, was that he was second pilot - in the early days in Hampdens operational training consisted of an experienced pilot and W/Op airgunner taking on ops with them a new pilot and W/Op A/G filling positions of navigator and bottom rear gunner...After half a dozen trips or so the 'second' became a crew and took on other 'seconds'... Kipper as second pilot/nav. was in the lower nose of the Hampden which was one of a 'box' of six on a daylight. They were attacked by enemy fighters and as the Hampden had a blind spot on the beam which the guns could not traverse and the enemy fighters soon cottoned on to this, they attacked on the beam.
The formation had to wheel in an attempt to give its gunners a chance to fire at the attackers. You will appreciate that this was a slow and cumbersome manoeuvre. Evidently Kipper removed his single V.G.O. gun from the Navigator's position, took it up to the astro hatch which he opened and sat up in, which meant he was sitting from the waist up in the slipstream. He jammed the butt of the gun against the side of the hatch and holding it steady in his arms, opened fire and got one of them. The others broke off the attack. Sounds all very simple but to sit up in the slipstream and direct fire - shooting from the waist as it were - with a gun firing 500 rounds per minute, unmounted and held only by the strength of his arms, which were quite badly burned through his clothing by the heat from the barrel, was a terrific feat. He was completely unflappable!' (Copy of letter written by Riddell to Robert Kirby, author of Avro Manchester. The Legend Behind The Lancaster, included in lot refers).
"London Pride" - To Berlin and Back
Herring was commissioned Pilot Officer, 8.10.1940; posted to No. 16 O.T.U., October 1940; posted to 207 Squadron (Manchesters), Waddington, February 1941; sorties flown with the Squadron during his 2nd operational tour included: Kiel (3); Brest; Mannheim (2); Hamburg; Berlin (3), including 7.9.1941, 'this is the epic story of an Avro Manchester bomber. "S for Sugar" (since unofficially renamed "London Pride". It was told to me (perhaps I should say I dragged out the story) by the captain of the machine, as we flew in it together, he in the captain's seat, I in that of its second pilot.
But for this man's pluck and determination, "London Pride" would have been abandoned over Berlin during a recent night raid; its crew of seven would either have been killed or in enemy hands for the duration.... The story behind this Flying Officer's D.S.O. opens at 1am on a certain Saturday, 17,000 feet above the heart of Berlin.
It is no longer a secret that the bomb-racks of the twin-engined Manchester accommodate the heaviest bombs yet in service. Nor is it a secret that the R.A.F. is now using a blast bomb that weighs nearly two tons.
"London Pride" had jockeyed for position above its target in Central Berlin - the General Post Office. Before releasing its load it was held for three or four minutes by a cone of about 50 searchlights. In the officer's own words: "We were being peppered with flak and had already been hit four times.
"Then, just as we hit the G.P.O. and were watching the colossal red flame expanding and contracting like a concertina, up it came! It was like the kick of a million mules.
"One shell tore through the radiator of my port engine... and away went the coolant.
"Four other direct hits in quick succession carried away
my rear and dorsal gun turrets, shot away the hydraulic system and put the undercarriage out of action. Although we didn't know it at the time, the rubber dinghy was also blown away.
"My port fuel-tank was holed three times, but sealed up again. We had more than 30 flak-holes in wings and fuselage. One airscrew was completely severed."
The machine was then 600 miles from home. What does an air pilot in this plight think of? I have often wondered. Here is this officer's answer: "As the engine went my first thought was Prisoners of War and many tons of lovely aircraft for the Nazi scrap-heap!"
Miraculously, none of the crew was injured. The captain gave them the choice of abandoning aircraft or trying to limp back to base on one engine and one wheel.
" 'We're staying with you, Skipper!' they chorused. Great lads! I could have hugged them all," said the pilot with a
grin.
All the way home, everything movable was torn from the bomber and thrown overboard. Stationary fittings were broken up with an axe. The strain on the starboard engine had to be reduced to a minimum. Guns, instruments, ammunition tanks, even the crews' rations, were jettisoned.
And the short cut to England lay over vast areas of flak and searchlights.
When hit, the Manchester dropped rapidly from 17,000 to 5,000 feet; at this height the pilot managed to stagger most of the way across the North Sea.
The crossing was made at little more than the plane's normal landing speed. Every gallon of petrol was priceless.
The homeward flight, normally a matter of little more than two hours, took five hours. By freak luck there was no interception by enemy night fighters.
Day was breaking as the gallant band crossed the East Coast. They had no radio to help them. A belly-glide was not to be attempted; for the Manchester airscrews are the world's biggest and have a diameter of 16 feet.
Many miles from the home aerodrome the impossible was attempted. Fuel tanks were now dry: there was less than 20 gallons in the pipes - enough for only a few yards.
Using air-bottles to lower the starboard wheel, and holding off the giant plane almost to the last drop of petrol...[Herring] at last brought it to rest on an even keel.
His squadron Engineer Officer, who drove over that morning to inspect the damage summarised the performance for me in one word: "Impossible!"
But to-day "London Pride" is prouder than ever. As good as new, it took an active part in the recent night mass attack on Cologne. And that was her skipper's 62nd operational flight over enemy territory' (Newspaper cutting included with lot refers); Herring also flew on sorties to Dusseldorf; Hanover; Lennion; Essen and Frankfurt; Flying Officer, 8.10.1941; posted to 44 Squadron, November 1941; served with 455 Squadron (R.A.A.F.) and No. 44 Conversion Unit, February-May 1942; advanced Acting Squadron Leader, 8.2.1942; served with No. 1654 Conversion Unit, Swinderby, June 1942-April 1943; initially served at No. 10 O.T.U. from April 1943, before transferring to No. 104 O.T.U., Nutts Corner; attached 511 Squadron (Liberators), Transport Command, June 1943; the Squadron was employed mainly on the Lyneham - Gibraltar - Cairo West run, transporting a mixture of freight and VIP passengers; it would appear that Herring was specifically seconded for the Sikorski flight.
The Sikorski Air Crash
General Wladyslaw Sikorski, Premier of the Polish Government in exile and Commander in Chief of the Free Polish Forces from 1939 was the only Polish leader who had sufficient stature and skill to secure the confidence of his people and to achieve the close relations with Churchill and Stalin necessary to maintain a united and effective Polish government with a substantial influence in Allied planning.
The Polish leader, after a tour of the Middle East which included his review of the Polish troops in that theatre, was advised to relax for a few days, and on 29th June was invited to the excavations at Luxor and Aswan; however the invitation was not taken up as a telegram from Churchill the following day was interpreted as a recall to London.
General Sikorski had previously asked through the Polish Consul that the R.A.F. pilot (Flight Lieutenant E.M. Prchal) that had flown him out from England be allowed to fly him back as he was greatly impressed with his skill and experience. His request was granted - Prchal and his crew (Squadron Leader W.S. Herring, D.S.O., D.F.M., W/O L. Zalsberg, D.F.M.; Sergeant F.S. Kelly and Flight Sergeants
Gerrie, D.F.M., and Hunter) had arrived in Cairo on the 28th June.
Herring was new to the crew, 'he had been with me as second pilot since leaving England on this trip and he had not flown with me before. On the two take-offs on this trip, at Lyneham and Cairo, one carried out at night and one by day in fog, he had carried out the drill quite normally' (Extract from Prchal's questioning during the Court of Inquiry held into the crash, refers).
Herring and crew were in place for the final act of the tragedy as the Squadron Record Book shows:
1.7.1943 'Liberator AL 523: departed from Cairo West to Gibraltar 0406 hrs. - General Sikorski, his staff and daughter on board (12) passengers, -arrived 1437hrs'.
4.7.1943 'Liberator AL 523: Took off from Gibraltar and crashed into the sea, the crew (except F/L. Prchal) and the passengers, including General Sikorski were killed.'
The Liberator had taken off at 2307hrs, and as Prchal had pushed the control forward at 130mph to gather speed to 165mph he tried to pull the column back but it locked. The aircraft hit the sea and sank within minutes, in five fathoms of water. Prchal, who suffered a fractured ankle, lacerations and shock, was the only survivor. He was picked up within six minutes of the crash.The aircraft was later raised and the cause of the accident was found to be jamming of the elevator controls shortly after take off. Herring's was one of three bodies which were never recovered. Tragically he was never to see his second son, who was born 4 days after the crash. Squadron W.S. Leader Herring, D.S.O., D.F.M. is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Gunner H. Hardy was W.S. Herring's father-in-law.
8
x A Fine Great War 1917 'Cavalry' D.S.O. Group of Seven to Lieutenant-Colonel P.D. Stewart, 3rd Dragoon Guards, Late Gordon Highlanders
a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar
b) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, top lugs removed (Lieut. P.D. Stewart. Gordon Highrs.)
c) King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps, top lugs removed (Lieut. P.D. Stewart. Gordon Highrs:)
d) 1914 Star, with Bar (Capt: P.D. Stewart. 3/D. Gds.)
e) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Lt. Col. P.D. Stewart.)
f) Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, minor edge bruise to QSA, toned, good very fine (7) £1,600-2,000
D.S.O. London Gazette 27.10.1917 Capt. (A./Lt.-Col.) Patrick Douglas Stewart, Dgn. Gds.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his battalion with great skill in an attack, capturing all the objectives and holding them against several counter-attacks. By his example and training he inspired all ranks in his battalion with a very fine fighting spirit.'
M.I.D. London Gazette 17.2.1915 Stewart, Captain P.D., 3rd Dragoon Guards
'For gallant and distinguished service in the Field.'
M.I.D. London Gazette 11.12.1917 Stewart, Capt. (actg. Lt.-Col.) P.D., D.S.O., Dragoon Guards
'For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period February 16th to midnight September 20th/21st, 1917.'
Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Douglas Stewart, D.S.O., born September 1876; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, South Lancashire Regiment, May 1899; transferred to the Gordon Highlanders, November 1899; served with the Highlanders in South Africa; took part in the Relief of Ladysmith, including the action at Colenso; operations of 17-24.1.1900, and the action at Spion Kop (severely wounded, 20.1.1900); and operations in Natal, the Transvaal, and Orange River Colony; promoted Lieutenant, 10.10.1900, and Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 8.2.1901); promoted Captain, 1.1.1906; appointed Adjutant, 1908; transferred to the 3rd Dragoon Guards, 2.10.1912; served with the 3rd Dragoon Guards during the Great War on the Western Front from 28.10.1914; retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, 8.6.1920.
9
A 'Military Division' O.B.E. Group of Six to Wing Commander W.L. Milburn, Royal Air Force, A Great War R.E. 8 Pilot with 16 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt
b) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. W.L. Milburn. R.A.F.), BWM with minor official correction, VM erased
c) Defence Medal
d) Coronation 1953
e) Cadet Forces Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (Act. Sqn. Ldr. W.L. Milburn. R.A.F.V.R. (T.)), generally very fine, with several newspaper cuttings picturing recipient in uniform (6) £180-220
O.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1959 Acting Wing Commander Wilton Legender Milburn (65119), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch)
Wing Commander Wilton Legender Milburn, O.B.E., born Sunderland, 1899; studied as a Dental Student at Durham University, 1915-1917, and was a member of the University O.T.C.; enlisted as 3/A.M, Royal Flying Corps, 29.5.1917; became a Cadet, June 1917; after training was posted as a Pilot to 16 Squadron (R.E. 8's), Bruay, France 27.3.1917; the squadron was mainly tasked with reconnaissance and artillery observation; returned to the Home Establishment, 25.1.1919; transferred to the Unemployed List, 27.1.1919; re-engaged as Acting Pilot Officer, Training Branch, R.A.F.V.R., for service with A.T.C., 1.2.1941; advanced Squadron Leader, 26.7.1943; Wing Commander, Durham Wing, A.T.C., 25.11.1947; retired 1965.
10
Family Group:
The M.B.E. Group of Five to Warrant Officer E.H. Robbins, Royal Air Force
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver, in Royal Mint case of issue
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) France and Germany Star
d) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaf, extremely fine, the Second War awards in named card box of issue, addressed to 'Sgt's Mess R.A.F Eastern Ave, Gloucester', with named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the M.B.E.
Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R. (Edward William Robbins), extremely fine, in Royal Mint case of issue (6) £140-180
M.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1946 Warrant Officer Edward Henry Robbins (215630), Royal Air Force.
M.I.D. London Gazette 1.1.1945 Warrant Officer E. H. Robbins (215630).
215360 Warrant Officer Edward Henry Robbins, M.B.E., served during the Second World War with the Royal Air Force; discharged, 31.3.1949.
Mr. Edward William Robbins served as a Telephonist, London Telecommunications Region.
11
A Good 'Mau Mau' M.B.E. Group of Seven to District Military Intelligence Officer, Major W.S. Watson, Royal Armoured Corps, Whose Leadership in the Thomson Falls and South Nyeri Reserve Districts, Resulted in the Death of Over One Hundred Terrorists, and the Capture of Twenty-Four Others, in Addition to the Wounding of Thirty-Nine Terrorists, and Capture of Four Precision Weapons
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Defence and War Medals
d) Africa General Service 1902-56, E.II.R., one clasp, Kenya (Major W.S. Watson. R.A.C.)
e) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Malaya (Major W.S. Watson. M.B.E. R.A.C.)
f) Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., with 'Territorial' scroll suspension (Lt. W.S. Watson. R.A.C.), minor contact marks, very fine and better, mounted as originally worn (7) £1,200-1,600
M.B.E. London Gazette 27.1.1956 Major W.S. Watson, Royal Armoured Corps
"In recognition of distinguished services in Kenya during the period 21 April to 20 October, 1955."
The Recommendation states: "Major Watson has served as a District Military Intelligence Officer for the last two years, first at Thomsons Falls, and then at South Nyeri Reserve. As a result of his leadership and devotion to duty, he built up an efficient intelligence organisation in both Districts, which directly contributed to Security Force successes. In South Nyeri Reserve, his organisation has been responsible for the death of over one hundred terrorists, and the capture of twenty-four others. In addition, thirty-nine terrorists have been wounded, and four precision weapons recovered. He has taken part himself in many intelligence operations, some of a hazardous nature. He has maintained excellent relations with the Police, Administration and Army, and has thereby assisted to build up confidence in the Intelligence organisation."
12
x The Second War M.B.E. Group of Three Attributed to Flight Officer A.B. Davies, Women's Auxiliary Air Force
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Member's Badge, silver, on Lady's bow riband
b) Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine, with the related miniature awards (3) £80-120
M.B.E. London Gazette 14.6.1945 Flight Officer Agnes Emily Davies (2761), Women's Auxiliary Air Force.
Flight Officer Agnes Emily Davies, M.B.E., Commissioned Assistant Section Officer, 25.8.1941; promoted Section Officer, 25.8.1942.
13
The Second War 1944 'Italy' M.C. Group of Nine to Major J.M. Brown, Royal Artillery
a) Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1944' and additionally privately engraved '68888 T/Major John Michael Brown'
b) The Most Venerable Order of St. John, Officer's breast Badge, silver and enamel
c) 1939-1945 Star
d) Africa Star, with 8th Army Bar
e) Italy Star
f) France and Germany Star
g) Defence and War Medals. M.I.D. Oak Leaf, the Second War awards all privately engraved '68888 T/Major John Michael Brown'
h) Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1949' and additionally privately engraved '68888 T/Major John Michael Brown', with Second Award Bar, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1949', and top 'Territorial' riband bar, good very fine, mounted as worn, and housed in a fitted leather case, together with the recipient's riband bars and a photographic image of the recipient (9) £800-1,200
M.C. London Gazette 24.8.1944 Captain (temporary Major) John Michael Brown (68888), Royal Regiment of Artillery (Rugby)
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in
Italy.'
The Recommendation, originally for a D.S.O., dated 30.1.1944, states: 'During the period 26th September 1943 to 31st December 1943, Major Brown's work as a Battery Commander in operations in Italy has been characterised by a complete disregard for danger, and by his forethought and readiness to assume responsibility he has achieved outstanding results. In particular, in the operations about Teano and, again, before Monte Camino, his conduct was an example to all who worked with him. By his resourcefulness and indifference to his personal safety, Major Brown has set a standard which is outstanding and has been an inspiration in times of difficulty and danger to all who know him.'
T.D. London Gazette 30.12.1949 Capt. J. M. Brown, M.C. (68888), Royal Artillery
T.D. Second Award Bar London Gazette 30.12.1949 Capt. J. M. Brown, M.C. (68888), Royal Artillery
M.I.D. London Gazette 4.4.1946 Maj. (temp.) J. M. Brown, M.C. (68888), Royal Regiment of Artillery
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North-West Europe.'
Major John Michael Brown, M.C., T.D., Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, Territorial Army, 26.9.1936; served with 146 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery during the Second World War; promoted Lieutenant, 2.3.1941; Captain, 11.4.1945; Major, 16.5.1951.
14
A Great War M.C. Group of Three Attributed to Lieutenant T. Smith, Army Service Corps
a) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
b) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. T. Smith.), good very fine, with a contemporary newspaper cutting detailing the M.C. citation (3) £500-700
M.C. London Gazette 16.9.1918 T./2nd Lt. Turberville Smith, A..S.C.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in successfully getting away the guns of a siege battery, in spite of the road along which it was necessary for his motor tractors to pass being under permanent shell fire in enfilade for about 5,000 yards. He showed a fine example of courage and resource.'
Three Lieutenants with the name T. Smith were awarded the Military Cross during the Great War, of the Royal Fusiliers, East Lancashire Regiment, and the Army Service Corps.
15
The Unique Korea, Suez, Aden and Oman Operations D.F.C. and Bar, A.F.C. and Bar, Air Medal (U.S.A.) Group of Ten to Mustang and Meteor Jet Fighter Pilot, Squadron Leader C.I. 'Joe' Blyth, Royal Air Force, He Served During the Second War with 161 (Special Duties) Squadron, Dropping Agents and Supplies into Occupied Europe, Before Being Shot Down and Evading Capture. Attached to 77 (Australian) Squadron in Korea, He Flew in Over 100 Operational Sorties and Took Part in Successful Air to Air Combats Against MiG Fighters; He Commanded 8 Squadron (Venoms) in Action Against the Egyptian Air Force in the Canal Zone; In the First Two Days of Operations Blyth's Squadron Destroyed At Least 43 MiGs On Their Airfields; He Commanded 8 Squadron Again Leading His Venoms Against Rebel Forces in Oman. These Operations From 1951-1957 Make 'Joe' Blyth Arguably The Most Decorated Post War R.A.F. Officer
a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1952', with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated '1958'
b) Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1950', with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated '1955'
c) 1939-1945 Star
d) Air Crew Europe Star
e) Defence and War Medals
f) Korea 1950-53, 1st 'Britt: Omn:' type (Flt. Lt. C.I. Blyth. R.A.F.)
g) United Nations Medal for Korea
h) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., four clasps, Canal Zone, Cyprus, Near East, Malay Peninsula (Sqn. Ldr. C.I. Blyth. R.A.F.), clasps reconstituted to facilitate the wear of 'Canal Zone'
i) Coronation 1953
j) United States of America, Air Medal, generally very fine or better, mounted as originally worn, with General Service 1918-62, E.II.R. (Flt. Lt. CI Blyth RAF), planchet and suspension carriage only, and the following related items and documents:
- The recipient's related miniature awards, mounted as worn
- D.F.C. Royal Mint case of issue; A.F.C. Royal Mint case of issue; United States of America Air Medal, case of issue
- Riband Bar for first three awards; Air Gunner's badge, brass
- Forged French Identity Card, used by Blyth whilst evading capture in occupied France, complete with stamps and photograph of recipient in civilian clothing
- Caterpillar Club Membership Card, with postal envelope addressed to 'Sgt. C.I. Blyth, 16 E.F.T.S., R.A.F. Burnaston, Derby'; three Letters to recipient from the Caterpillar Club, dated 4.5.1943, 29.11.1967 and 8.12.1967
- Air Ministry Letter regarding Second War Campaign Medal entitlement; Second War Campaign Medal Enclosure Slip
- Two Air Ministry Letters regarding the recipient's service in Korea, and the award of the D.F.C., dated 2.2.1952 and 11.6.1952
- Letter from The Foreign Service of The United States of America inviting recipient to an investiture ceremony for the award of the Air Medal, dated 24.9.1954; Official Carbon Copy of Citation for the award
- Congratulatory Letter from Air Vice Marshal H.L. Patch, C.B., C.B.E. on the occasion of the award of the United States of America Air Medal, dated 28.9.1954
- Congratulatory Letter from Wing Commander K.C.M. Giddings, O.B.E., D.F.C., A.F.C. on the occasion of the award of the Bar to the recipient's A.F.C., dated 23.1.1955
- Official Secrets Acts Declaration, signed by the recipient, and dated 1.3.1963; R.A.F. Instrument Pilot Rating Certificate, dated 20.2.1952, with other ephemera (lot) £35,000-40,000
D.F.C. London Gazette 30.5.1952 Flight Lieutenant Colin Ian Blyth A.F.C (199075) Royal Air Force
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in
Korea'
D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 10.6.1958 Squadron Leader Colin Ian Blyth D.F.C., A.F.C. (199075) Royal Air Force
'In recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in air operations in Aden and Oman'
A.F.C. London Gazette 2.1.1950 Flight Lieutenant Colin Ian Blyth (199075), R.A.F., No. 6 Flying Training School, R.A.F. Tern Hill
The Recommendation states: 'During his two years at No. 6 Flying Training School, Flight Lieutenant Blyth has shown outstanding qualities as a Flying Instructor. Throughout a period of extensive re-organisation and expansion on the unit he has worked extremely hard and well, and has inspired his fellow instructors and the cadets by his example. He is always keen to get into the air, is an excellent pilot, and particularly specialises in bad weather flying, a practise at which he is expert. Owing to the shortage of instructors he has many times, by his own wish, remained on flying duty for periods far in excess of what is normally required. The example Flight Lieutenant Blyth has set by his keeness to fly in the difficult conditions and the quality of his instructional work are outstanding.'
A.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 1.1.1955 Flight Lieutenant Colin Ian Blyth, D.F.C., A.F.C. (199075), Royal Air Force
United States of America Air Medal London Gazette 30.10.1953 Flight Lieutenant Colin Ian Blyth, D.F.C., A.F.C. (199075), Royal Air Force
'In recognition of valuable services rendered during operations in Korea'
The Citation states: 'Flight Lieutenant Colin I. Blyth performed acts of meritorious service while participating in sustained operations in support of United Nations activities in Korea. Flight Lieutenant Blyth participated in thirty operational flights during the period 2 March 1951 to 22 August 1951; in the course of these operations dive bombing, rocketing and strafing runs were made from dangerously low altitudes, destroying and damaging enemy installations and equipment. Through his ability, initiative and courage, Flight Lieutenant Blyth has brought great credit upon himself and the Royal Air Force.'
Squadron Leader Colin Ian Blyth, D.F.C., A.F.C. (1925-2012), known throughout his life as Joe, was born in Maidstone and was educated at the local County School. He volunteered for aircrew duties in the RAF in 1940. He was 15 years old but had 'stolen' his sister's national insurance number allowing him to claim he was 18. He was accepted and started his training as a wireless operator/air gunner in November 1940.
Second War - SOE
In December 1940 Blyth joined No. 161 (Special Duties) Squadron and flew operations to drop agents and supplies into occupied Europe. On the night of 24th September 1942, his Whitley V Z9131 MA-Q piloted by Pilot Officer D.C. Boothby, 'T/O Tempsford. Crashed near Sevigny-Waleppe (Ardennes), 23 km West Northwest of Rethel, France' (Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, refers). Of the crew of seven, one was killed, three were taken POW, and three (including Blyth) evaded capture.
He headed south on foot and was helped by farmers. In Lyon he was picked up by the local escape line and moved to a 'safe house' in Marseille where he came under the control of the Pat O'Leary Line. He assumed the false identity of one Gaston Emile Vanbach, a salesman from Toulouse. On 12th October he was taken by French Resistance couriers with 32 other evaders to Canet Plage near Perpignan. After a nerve-wracking wait on the beach, the party was transferred to the Polish-manned SOE felucca Seawolf, arriving in Gibraltar two days later. Shortly afterwards he returned to England.
More detail is offered by Blyth's Evader Report, jointly given with Pilot Officer Reed, 'We came down together about 0130 hrs on 25th Sep. near Rheims. We were both uninjured. We hid our parachutes in a hedge and began walking S.E. We walked for two days, sleeping by day in the woods and walking at night. During this time we did not get any help from French people.
When we got to the river Aisne we spoke to a farmer. We convinced him we were English and he took us to the Mayor of the village, who gave us food and civilian clothes and put us on a minor road to Rheims, warning us of the position of German A.A. units.
After a time we left the road and went Southwards across country, bearing slightly East. Two days later, after we had crossed a battle field, we reached St. Martin-Le-Hereux where a farmer and his wife, whom we had met in the fields, gave us food and shelter for the night.
Next morning, after supplying us with a Michelin map of the district they put us on a bus for Chalons-Sur-Marne and gave us train times for Dijon. We went to Dijon by train (30 Sep.) and walked through the Cote D'Or for about 24 hours. As Sgt Blyth's feet gave out we went to the largest farm house in a village, where we got a meal and were put on a bus for Beaune. From there we walked towards the West side of Chalon-Sur-Saone. We crossed the Line of Demarcation without a guide, three miles west of the town on 2nd Oct.
We had slept the previous night beside a charcoal-burners' fire and in the morning the charcoal-burners gave us some advice about crossing the Line. Once across the Line we walked to Varenne-Le-Grand where we spent a day at a cafe. On 6th Oct we went by train to Lyons and Marseille. We went to the docks to try to get a boat, but the docks were too well guarded. We then got in touch with the organisation.'
Of the three evaders from the Whitley crew - Boothby and Reed were recommended for the M.C, whilst Blyth was recommended for the M.M. Both Boothby and Reed were awarded with the D.F.C., whilst Blyth was to miss out this time around. After a period of recuperation, he served the following year at 1 Squadron, 2 ITW, Selwyn College, Cambridge and at No. 16 E.F.T.S., Burnastone, Derby. Blyth left for South Africa to train as a pilot. He was assessed as above average and became a flying instructor. After returning to the UK in January 1946, he spent two years instructing pilots on piston-engine aircraft at No. 6 F.T.S. Tern Hill before converting to jets and joining No. 203 Advanced Flying School to train fighter pilots. A dynamic personality and innovative leader and pilot, he was awarded the AFC.
Korea - Fighter Pilot
Blyth was an experienced instructor on the Meteor jet fighter when he left for Korea in March 1951. Four RAF pilots had been selected to assist No.77 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force to convert from the piston-engine Mustang to the Meteor. Although not authorised to fly on operations, Blyth managed to persuade his Australian CO to allow him to participate in a few sorties - in the event he completed over 100.
His enthusiasm to get 'into the mix' is illustrated by a verse from a popular song about fighter pilots in Korea taken from the Fleet Air Arm Songbook:
Now one newcomer's keen to fly,
It's Flight Lieutenant Joey Blyth,
Two hundred hours a month he'd try,
It's foolish but it's fun.'
Mustangs to Meteors, With Three MiGs Along The Way
No. 77 was operating from Pusan in South Korea and Blyth was soon in action. On March 20th, a colleague was forced to crash land during a ground attack mission and Blyth remained overhead as a helicopter attempted a rescue. As he strafed Chinese troops advancing on the scene, his Mustang was hit by small arms fire but he continued to give cover until the rescue was completed.
During 24 days in March, Blyth flew twenty-eight sorties strafing and rocketing trucks and artillery pieces in addition to flying close escort sorties for photographic reconnaissance aircraft. With the arrival of the first Meteors he spent the next few weeks training the Australian pilots. With the task complete in September, he volunteered to remain with No. 77 and embarked on an intensive period of operations in the jet fighter.
In addition to attacking supply dumps, vehicle parks and trains with rockets and cannons, he also escorted USAF heavy bombers when MiG 15 fighters, often flown by Russian pilots, were encountered. On 5th September, Blyth was leading a formation of eight Meteors escorting two USAF photographic reconnaissance aircraft when 24 MiGs attacked and a fierce combat ensued. Some of the Meteors were damaged and Blyth managed to fire on one of the MiGs when he saw smoke coming from one of them. In air-to-air combat, the MiG was superior but Blyth did not allow this to deter him and he engaged them on numerous occasions.
Blyth's skill and aggressive spirit attracted the attention of Air Vice-Marshal Bouchier, the AOC of the Air Component of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, who strongly recommended that Blyth should be allowed to stay longer with 77 Squadron.
On 24th October Blyth was escorting USAF B-29 bombers when MiGs attacked the force. He dived after a lone enemy aircraft that was on the tail of his leader and opened fire damaging the MiG, which broke off the engagement. A week later, he fired on another that was engaging his leader. Smoke poured from the MiG, which dived away.
On 17th November, Blyth led a fighter sweep, his 105th and final operation over Korea. Shortly after returning to the UK he was awarded the D.F.C. The latter had been granted on the recommendation of the Governor General of Australia in conjunction with the AOC, Royal Australian Air Force Overseas. The US Government awarded Blyth the Air Medal, which was presented to him by Brigadier General Sterling, U.S. Air Attache to the United Kingdom.
On his return from Korea he was appointed flight commander of No. 63 Squadron flying Meteors from Waterbeach near Cambridge. His combat experience, press-on attitude and professionalism ensured that the squadron was one of the most efficient in Fighter Command. At the end of his tour in August 1954 he was awarded a Bar to his A.F.C, a congratulatory letter from Wing Commander K.C.M. Giddings gives the following on Blyth's time at Waterbeach, 'My very sincerest congratulations on the bar to your A.F.C. I was fairly confident that you would get one in view of your exceptional record at Waterbeach but one can never be sure so that it was very gratifying to find that it really did come through. I cannot imagine anyone deserving the honour more and I doubt if any other flight commander in Fighter Command has for many years achieved the number of flying hours that you piled in here. Flying hours are only one thing and quite apart from that you would have deserved recognition for the first class press-on spirit that you imbued in "A" Flight, and, indeed, in the whole squadron.'
The Suez Crisis - A Brush With MiGs Again
Blyth joined No. 32 Squadron as a flight commander in the Middle East. The unit had just been equipped with the Venom fighter bomber and moved to Kabrit in the Canal Zone before moving to Shaibah in Iraq. After eighteen months, he left for an appointment in the headquarters in Cyprus. He had been there six months when the Suez Crisis erupted. No. 8 Squadron, also equipped with Venoms, arrived from Habbaniya (Iraq) but without a CO - he had left at short notice. As Blyth entered the operations centre his group captain spotted him and shouted, 'Do you want 8 Joe?' He took command that afternoon.
Operations commenced at dawn on November 1st, 1956 and three Venom squadrons headed for the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) airfields. Blyth took No. 8 to Abu Sueir and Fayid and strafed lines of MiG fighters. Leading the formation, he accounted for five of the eleven destroyed. He led a second strike later in the morning, this time against his old airfield at Kabrit where 'he put a few rounds through his old office'. Late in the afternoon he took off again at the head of another section to re-attack Kabrit.
The following day, Blyth was again leading his squadron against the EAF airfields when more aircraft were destroyed. On a second sortie he attacked a vehicle and tank park and on a third, late in the day, he carried out an armed reconnaissance over Ismailia. In the first two days, No. 8 destroyed at least 43 aircraft on the ground.
Over the next three days, Blyth continued to be in the thick of the action. In preparation for the airborne assault, he led a rocket strike against gun emplacements and flew armed reconnaissance sorties to identify targets. At dawn on November 6th, No. 8 joined the other two Venom squadrons, each aircraft armed with eight rockets, to attack the defence boom at Port Fouad in anticipation of the sea-borne landings. The following day, a ceasefire stopped all further operational flying.
Venoms in Oman
The squadron returned to its base at Khormaksar in Aden and Blyth was soon involved in operations against rebel strongholds. In the aftermath of the Suez episode, the festering troubles in central Oman flared up in July 1957 and the Sultan requested British assistance. Blyth was in command of No.8 Squadron, equipped with the Venom fighter-bomber based in Aden when he was ordered to deploy to Sharjah in the Persian Gulf on the 20th.
Within days, he was leading strikes against rebel positions in the Jebel Akhdar region. The Venoms were armed with four 20mm cannons and could fire eight rockets each with a 60lb warhead. On the 24th he led his squadron on rocket-firing sorties against the forts at Izki, Nizwa and Tanuf and the operations were repeated the following day.
No. 8 continued to attack fortifications with rockets and to support an advance on the rebel area when Air Contact Teams accompanying the troops directed the Venom pilots. On 6th August snipers lodged in a large fortified building held up the advance - Blyth and his pilots destroyed it with rockets. As a final act in this phase of operations, the two forts at Sait and Ghum were destroyed by rocket fire.
After a lull in operations, Blyth was back in action in November attacking rebel posts. He led his squadron with great dash and efficiency.
In December 1957 it was time for Blyth to return to the UK. One of his junior pilots described his as a 'brilliant CO.' Another, who would later become an air chief marshal, has commented, 'He was an amazing CO. If I learnt anything about leadership, it came from Joe Blyth'.
For his services in Aden and Oman, and undoubtedly Suez, Blyth was awarded a Bar to his D.F.C making him one of the most decorated post-war RAF officers. He spent four years as a staff officer before retiring from the RAF on his 38th birthday.
For twenty-one years he was the personal pilot of the banker Loel Guinness and he kept his flying licence until late in his life. He prided himself in never wearing spectacles, something he attributed to daily eye exercises. In later life he lived in Acapulco, Mexico.
16
x A Second War '1945' Bomber Command D.F.C. Group of Seven to Warrant Officer I C.H. Jack, 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1945'
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar
d) Defence Medal
e) Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with Overseas clasp
f) War Medal
g) Canadian Forces Decoration, E.II.R. (Sgt. C.H. Jack), generally very fine or better, mounted for display, with similarly mounted miniature awards (lot) £1,000-1,200
D.F.C. London Gazette 17.4.1945 Warrant Officer Clayton Hugh Jack (Can/R.75219), 35 Sqn., Royal Canadian Air Force.
The Recommendation (jointly with several other Commonwealth Servicemen) states: 'W.O. Clayton Hugh Jack (C/R75219), R.C.A.F., 35 Squadron (Air Bomber, Sorties 41, Flying Hours 164). The officers and airmen marked have completed, in various capacities, numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which they have invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.'
35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron flew Lancasters for the latter stages of the War, and played 'a major part in historic Bomber Command raids - Le Creusot (19/20th June, 1943), Peenemunde (17/18th August 1943)... and in the early hours of D-Day, 6th June, attacked two German coastal batteries - one at Maisy and the other at Longues. Later in the year the gun batteries on Walcheren Island, key to the vital port of Antwerp, and communications centres supporting Von Runstedt's Ardenne offensive, felt the weight of the squadron's bombing. The closing months of the war saw a series of successful raids on industrial targets, hastening the enemy's final collapse.' (Bomber Squadrons of the R.A.F. and Their Aircraft, P.J.R. Moyes, refers)
17
x An O.B.I. Group of Six to Subadar Dalel Khan, 1st Punjab Regiment, Late 56th Rifles
a) Order of British India, First Class neck Badge, gold and enamel, with neck riband
b) India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., four clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Waziristan 1919-21, Waziristan 1921-24, North West Frontier 1935 (1530 Sepoy Dalel Khan, 2-56 Rfls.)
c) India General Service 1936-39, one clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (Subdr. Dalel Khan, 5-1 Punjab R.), unit partially officially corrected
d) 1939-1945 Star
e) War Medal
f) India Service Medal, nearly very fine or better, the OBI good very fine (6) £800-1,000
M.I.D. London Gazette 8.5.1936 Dalel Khan, Jemadar, 5th Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment
'For distinguished services rendered in connection with the Mohmand operations, North West Frontier of India, 15th/16th August to 15th/16th October, 1935.'
18
The Great War 1918 'Hindenburg Position' D.C.M., 'Western Front' M.M. Group of Five to Company Sergeant Major A.R. Sykes, Scottish Rifles
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9986 Sjt: A.R. Sykes. M.M. 1/Sco: Rif:)
b) Military Medal, G.V.R. (9986 L.Sjt: A.R. Sykes. 1/Sco: Rif:)
c) 1914 Star, with later slide Bar (9986 Pte. A. Sykes. 1/Sco: Rif.)
d) British War and Victory Medals (9986 Sjt. A.R. Sykes. Sco. Rif.), edge bruise to last, generally nearly very fine or better, with the recipient's Soldier's Pay Book, and two post card photographs of the recipient (5) £1,200-1,600
D.C.M. London Gazette 16.1.1919 9986 Sjt. A. R. Sykes, M.M., 1st Bn., Sco. Rif. (London, E.)
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Villers-Guislain on 21st September, 1918. Acting as C.S.M., he was of great assistance to his Company Commander when all other officers were casualties. He made repeated and determined attempts against uncut wire, silenced a machine gun, and dispersed a bombing post. He also brought in several wounded, and his fine example kept the men steady under heavy fire.'
M.M. London Gazette 9.7.1917 9986 L./Sjt. A.R. Sykes, Sco. Rif.
Company Sergeant Major Albert R. Sykes, D.C.M., M.M., born 1894; enlisted as a Musician in the 1st Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), 28.4.1908; served with the Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 15.8.1914; awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry during an attack before the main Hindenburg Position, 21.9.1918; promoted Company Sergeant Major, 17.2.1919.
19
A Great War 'French Theatre' 1918 D.C.M., 1916 M.M. Pair to Bombardier T. Evans, Royal Artillery
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (22828 Gnr: T. Evans. 401/By: 14/A. Bde: R.H.A.)
b) Military Medal, G.V.R. (22828 A. Bmbr: T. Evans. 35/By: R.F.A.), nearly very fine (2) £600-800
D.C.M. London Gazette 1.1.1918 22828 Gnr. T. Evans, R.H.A. (Barnfurlong, nr. Wigan)
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed great coolness and resource in the performance of his duties, often under difficult and trying conditions.'
M.M. London Gazette 11.11.1916 22828 Actg. Bombr. T. Evans, R.F.A.
Bombardier Thomas Evans, D.C.M., M.M., served with the 37th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 23.8.1914.
20
Family Group:
The Great War 1915 'Ypres' D.C.M., 'Tower of London' R.V.M. Group of Eight to Battery Sergeant Major G. Trott, Royal Artillery, Later Curator of the Jewel House, Tower of London
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (19497 Sjt: G. Trott. 108/Hvy: Bty: R.G.A.)
b) 1914 Star, with later slide Bar (19497 Sjt. G. Trott. R.G.A.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (19497 W.O. Cl.2. G. Trott. R.A.)
d) Jubilee 1935
e) Coronation 1937
f) Army Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st 'Field Marshal's bust' type (19497 By: S.Mjr: G. Trott. R.G.A.)
g) Royal Victorian Medal, G.VI.R., silver, unnamed as issued, the mounted group polished and worn, therefore nearly fine, the RVM extremely fine, the first seven awards mounted as worn, with the following related documents &c.:
- Bestowal Document for the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver), named to Battery Sergeant Major George Trott, D.C.M., Royal Artillery (retired), and dated 7.6.1951
- Named Buckingham Palace enclosure document for the Silver Jubilee Medal 1935
- Named Buckingham Palace enclosure document for the Coronation Medal 1937
- Royal Mint case of issue for the R.V.M.
- Warrant Appointing Mr. George Trott, D.C.M., Curator of the Jewel House, Tower of London, for the Reign of King Edward VIII, dated 21.7.1936
- Warrant Appointing Mr. George Trott, D.C.M., Curator of the Jewel House, Tower of London, for the Reign of King George VI, dated 1.3.1937
- The recipient's Army Discharge Certificate
- The recipient's vellum Battery Rough Rider Certificate, dated Rawalpindi, 15.5.1907
- Various individual and group photographs of the recipient from his time at the Tower of London
- Souvenir Album of the Tower of London
Four: Warrant Officer G.D. Trott, Royal Air Force
1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals, extremely fine, in named card box of issue, addressed to 'G.D. Trott, Esq., 131A Purewell, Christchurch, Hants', with Air Council enclosure and award entitlement slip, together with a Loyal Service Badge
Pair: Mrs. A.E. Trott
Defence and War Medals, extremely fine, in named card box of issue, addressed to 'Mrs. A.E. Trott, 131A Purewell, Christchurch, Hants', with Air Council enclosure (lot) £1,200-1,600
D.C.M. London Gazette 5.8.1915 19497 Serjeant G. Trott, 108th Hy. By., R.G.A.
'For gallant conduct at Regensburg Camp, Ypres, on 11th May, 1915, when he assisted in the rescue of a mortally wounded Officer under heavy shell fire. He has rendered excellent service throughout the Campaign.'
19497 Battery Sergeant Major George Trott, D.C.M., R.V.M., born 1879; enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery, April 1897; served with the Regiment in India and during the Great War on the Western Front; awarded L.S.&G.C., 1917 (Army Order 125); discharged, 27.12.1919; after the War served as Curator of the Jewel House, Tower of London, and awarded the Royal Victorian Medal on retirement in 1951.
21
The Crimea 'Heavy Brigade' D.C.M. Group of Three to Private J. Thomas, 1st Dragoons
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (John Thomas. 1st. Rl. Drags.)
b) Crimea 1854-56, three clasps, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol, lugs broken in places with clasps loose on riband (Pte. J. Thomas 1st. Rl. Drags.), contemporarily engraved in large serif capitals
c) Turkish Crimea, Sardinian die, with contemporary silver ring suspension, light contact marks, otherwise very fine (3) £3,000-3,500
D.C.M. Recommended 9.1.1855.
626 Private John Thomas, D.C.M., born Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire; enlisted in the 10th Hussars, March 1838; transferred to the 1st Royal Dragoons, June 1839; served with the Regiment in the Crimea as part of the Heavy Brigade; discharged, January 1863, after 24 years and 50 days with the Colours.
Eight D.C.M.s were awarded to men of the 1st Dragoons, and they were all Recommended on the same date, save for one to the Troop Sergeant Major (Recommended 7.2.1855). Interestingly, the Distinguished Conduct Medals awarded to men from the other Regiments of the Heavy Brigade for the Battle of Balaklava were Recommended over the period 3-21.1.1855; and those to men of the Light Brigade for the Battle of Balaklava were Recommended over the period 10.1-13.2.1855.
22
A Good Afghanistan 'Peiwar Kotal' D.C.M. Group of Five to Private D. Bonar, Seaforth Highlanders
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (1489 Pte. D. Bonar 72nd. Regt.)
b) Afghanistan 1878-80, four clasps, Peiwar Kotal, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (1489 Pte. D. Bonner [sic]. 72nd. Highrs.)
c) Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1489 Private Danl. Bonnar [sic] 72nd. Highlanders)
d) Egypt 1882-89, dated, one clasp, Tel-el-Kebir (1489 Pte. D. Bonar. 1/Sea: Highrs.)
e) Khedive's Star 1882, unnamed as issued, heavy contact marks throughout, therefore good fine (5) £3,000-4,000
D.C.M. Recommendation submitted to the Queen, 7.6.1879.
1489 Private Daniel Bonar, D.C.M., served with the 72nd (Duke of Albany's Own) Highlanders in Afghanistan and wounded by a bullet to the left arm at Charasia, 6.10.1879.
One of six D.C.M.s for Peiwar Kotal, 2.12.1878.
23
The Boer War D.C.M. Group of Three to Private J. Hamilton, Seaforth Highlanders
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (6272 Pte. J. Hamilton. 2/Seaforth Hdrs.)
b) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal, Wittebergen (6272 Pte. J. Hamilton. 2: Sea: Highrs:)
c) King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (6272 Pte. J. Hamilton. Seaforth Highrs:), contact, marks, nearly very fine, the DCM better (3) £1,400-1,600
D.C.M. London Gazette 27.9.1901 Private J. Hamilton, Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany's)
'In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa.'
24
A Good '1918' Great War D.C.M. Group of Four to Sergeant T. Williamson, King's Own Scottish Borderers
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13007 Cpl. T. Williamson. 7/8 K.O. Sc: Bord:)
b) 1914-15 Star (13007 Pte. T. Williamson. K.O. Sco: Bord:)
c) British War and Victory Medals (13007 Cpl. T. Williamson. D.C.M. K.O.S.B.), VM officially renamed, good very fine or better (4) £600-800
D.C.M. London Gazette 21.10.1918 13007 Cpl. T. Williamson, K.O.S.B. (Glasgow)
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During several raids he worked his Stokes mortars with excellent effect, and during an attempted enemy raid, when no officer was present in the sector, he controlled his guns with great skill during a heavy bombardment. Immediately the attempt was over, he got up more ammunition, and got his guns in working order again on his own initiative.'
13007 Sergeant Thomas Williamson, D.C.M., served with the 6th Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers during the Great War on the Western Front from 12.5.1915; discharged, 20.2.1919.
25
The Unique 1946 'Anti-Terrorist' King David Hotel Bomb Attack G.M. Group of Four to Sergeant E.A. Smith, Palestine Police; Who Rushed to the Scene of the Attack Immediately After the 770lb Bomb Had Exploded; He Initiated Rescue Operations and After 6 Hours Solid of Tunnelling Through Tonnes of Rubble and Debris He Secured the Rescue of 3 Seriously Injured Soldiers. 91 People Were Killed in the Attack, With 46 Injured. After 3 Days of Continuous Work Only 6 Survivors Were Pulled From the Rubble
a) George Medal, G.VI.R. (Sgt. Edward S.[sic] Smith, Palestine Police)
b) General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., two clasps, Palestine, Palestine 1945-48 (1316 Const. E.A. Smith. Pal. Police), minor edge nicks
c) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine or better, mounted as originally worn, with a photographic image of recipient, several newspaper cuttings and an original copy of The West London Press (Chelsea, Westminster and Pimlico News), dated 24.1.1947 (4) £5,000-7,000
G.M. London Gazette 21.1.1947 Edward Alfred Smith, Sergeant, Palestine Police Force
'On July 22nd, 1946, Jewish terrorists attacked the Secretariat and Force Headquarters situated at the King David Hotel, Jerusalem and by means of high explosives completely destroyed part of the building. At the time of the explosion Sergeant Smith was off duty but he immediately turned out all the available personnel and at once initiated rescue work. With assistance he made a hole in the debris large enough to insert himself in a prone position and in this manner tunnelled his way into the wreckage until he reached three soldiers who were seriously injured. Smith spent 6 hours under the debris in an atmosphere choked with dust and explosive fumes before he succeeded in extricating the three men. There was a real and constant danger of further explosions, of fire and of the collapse of the tunnel. Throughout his ordeal Smith displayed courage of the highest order with complete disregard of his own safety.'
1316 Sergeant Edward Alfred Smith, G.M., 'born 44 years ago [1903] at Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His father was Irish, his mother Australian. For 12 years he served in the Regular Army. On the Rhine he met his Dutch-born wife, and married in 1933. In 1937 he left the Army and went into coal mining. But a coal slump was on, so he turned to the Palestine Police... he was turned down. Too short; chest not big enough, they said... Sergeant Smith appealed to Sir Charles Augustus Tegart, then advisor to the Government on Police Organisation in Palestine [of Tegart Fort fame - many of these Police Fortresses, although built in 1938, are still in service use in Palestine today]. For Mrs. Smith was Sir Charles's housekeeper.
"I promise to do well, sir, if I am accepted," said Sergeant Smith.
In 1938 he went to Palestine, a member of the force. Early last year [1946] Sergeant Smith wrote to his wife:
"Tell Sir Charles I was promoted Sergeant today... still trying." (Newspaper cutting included with the lot refers)
The King David Hotel
During the afternoon of the 22nd July 1946 an attack was carried out on the King David Hotel, Jerusalem. The attack was perpetrated by the Zionist underground movement the Irgun. The southern wing of the hotel was principally occupied by the central offices of the Secretariat of the Government of Palestine and the Headquarters of the British Forces in Palestine. A 770lb bomb was placed by the terrorists in the basement underneath the southern wing of the hotel. The explosion occurred shortly after half past twelve that afternoon, and caused half of the southern wing to collapse. Smith, who was off duty but in the vicinity, rushed to initiate rescue work, "I just started digging, and kept on digging until I got them out" (Newspaper cutting refers). After 6 hours solid of tunnelling he managed to extricate 3 seriously injured soldiers.
Only 6 survivors in total were rescued from the rubble. The Royal Engineers, using heavy equipment, removed 2,000 lorry loads of rubble over the course of three days. As a result of the terrorist attack 91 people were killed, and 46 injured.
Smith was presented with his George Medal by Nicol Gray, the Inspector General of Palestine Police, at a ceremony in Jerusalem, January 1947, 'everyone knew "Ted" Smith in the Stanley Arms, World's End, just before the War. When he left to join the Palestine Police they lost one of their best darts men. But "Ted" meant to make good at other things... And this week it was announced he had been awarded the George Medal' (Newspaper cutting refers).
26
x A Great War 'Mesopotamia' I.D.S.M. Group of Four to Kot Daffadar Daud Khan, 23rd Cavalry
a) Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (1357 Kot Dfdr. Daud Khan 23rd, Cavly F.F.)
b) British War Medal (1357 S.D.M. Daud Khan, 23 Cavy. F.F.)
c) Victory Medal, erased
d) India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., one clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (1357 K.D. Daud Khan. 23/Cavy.), light contact marks, scratch to obverse field of IDSM, nearly very fine (4) £350-450
I.D.S.M. Indian Government General Order 879 1919 Daud Khan, 1357 Kot-Dafadar, 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) (Mesopotamia).
27
x A Second War 'Panthal, Burma' I.D.S.M. Group of Seven to Sepoy Mohammed Said, 7th Rajputs
a) Pakistan, General Service Medal, one clasp, Kashmir 1948
b) Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (19542 Sep. Muhammad Said, 4-7 Rajput R.)
c) 1939-1945 Star
d) Africa Star
e) Burma Star
f) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine or better, mounted for display purposes in this order (7) £600-800
I.D.S.M. London Gazette 20.4.1944 No. 19542 Sepoy Mohd Said, 7th Rajput Regiment
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.'
The Recommendation, dated 5.2.1944, states: 'In the Arakan on the 15th January 1944 Sepoy Mohammed Said was detailed to accompany a line party under Naik Mulaim Singh. The party was ordered to lay a line from Razabil North to a forward isolated Company established by night in Razabil South, whose original line had been badly destroyed by enemy action.
The party left at about 11:30 hours and whilst crossing the flat open cut paddy separating the two villages was fired on from the dominating heights of the Tortoise and Boomerang features. The party was pinned down and the Commander Naik Mulaim Singh was wounded. Naik Mulaim Singh then attached his telephone and reported to the Signal Officer, who ordered him to return and the rest of the party to find such cover as they could behind low paddybunds and wait for dark.
Sepoy Mohammed Singh however after the departure of the N.C.O. personally took charge of the line party and insisted on carrying on which he did in spite of repeated bursts of light Machine Gun fire on his party every time they moved. However, by crawling most of the way a distance of about 800 yards, with little or no cover he at last succeeded in reaching the Company at about 15:00 hours, thereby enabling L/T communication to be established and orders for that night regarding D.F. tasks and patrolling to be got to that Company with reasonable security before dark.
This Sepoy's courage, tenacity of purpose, and complete disregard of his own personal safety was of the very highest order and was a splendid example to all his comrades of extreme devotion to duty.'
28
A Scarce Great War 1917 D.H.4 Observer and Aerial Gunlayer's D.S.M. Group of Three to Air Mechanic 1st Class G. Smith, 5 (Naval) Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service, Who Claimed At Least 2 Victories with Captain C.R. 'Luppy' Lupton D.S.C., and Completed 101 Bombing Raids Before His Luck Ran Out. Smith Was Killed in Action, 18.3.1918, Taking Part in One of The Biggest Aerial Battles of the War - With Nearly 100 Aircraft Engaged. 30 of the German Aircraft Belonged to 'Richthofen's Circus' and Were Personally Led By Manfred Von Richthofen Himself. 15 Of The 'Flying Circus' Engaged Smith's Formation Resulting in His Aircraft Being Sent Down in Flames
a) Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (F.4430 G. Smith, Act. A.M. 1 GR. R.N.A.S. Dunkerque. 26.Oct.1917.)
b) British War and Victory Medals (F 4430 G. Smith. Act. A.M.1. R.N.A.S.), extremely fine, with the recipient's Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque, 'George Smith', in card holder (3) £3,000-4,000
D.S.M. London Gazette 19.12.1917 Act. Air Mech, 1st Gr, George Smith, ON F.4430
F.4430 Air Mechanic 1st Class George Smith, D.S.M., born Maidstone, Kent, 1891; enlisted Royal Naval Air Service, A.M. II, May 1915; posted for service with No 3 Wing, France, August 1916-April 1917; served at R.N.A.S. Crystal Palace, April 1917-June 1917; posted as Observer to 5 (Naval) Squadron (DH4s), Dunkirk, 1.7.1917; flew in mostly bombing raids throughout July and August, including on Varssenaere, Snelleghm and Houttave Aerodromes; he formed an early partnership with Flight Sub Lieutenant C.R. 'Luppy' Lupton; on 4.9.1917 they successfully bombed Bruges Docks, dropping their bombs on ammunition stores; on the 20th and the 25th they attacked Sparappelhock Aerodrome, before recording their first victory together on 28.9.1917, 'on leaving the coast over Blakenburghe, an Albatross D.III attacked from behind. Two pans were fired at him when he turned and spun down...the tracers from the back gun were seen to go into his engine and left plane' (R.N.A.S. Bomb Raid Report refers); in October raids carried out included on Engel and Houttave Aerodrome and the Zeebrugge Mole; Lupton was awarded the D.S.C. and Smith the D.S.M. for a raid on Thorout Rail Station and Varssenaere Aerdrome, 26.10.1917; on 4.11.1917 whilst on a bombing raid to Engel Aerodrome, 'Bombs were dropped over the line of sheds on the West side of the aerodrome... Ten E.A. were seen under the formation just after crossing the lines. One attacked N. 6009 [Lupton and Smith's D.H.4] and got right under the tail. After two pans had been fired at him he went down and landed at Engel Aerodrome' (R.N.A.S. Bomb Raid Report refers); on 8.12.1917 Lupton and Smith shared an Albatross forced down out of control over Aertrycke Aerodrome with Flight Sub Lieutenant Gamon and Aerial Gunlayer Winter; whilst trying to carry out a raid on Varssenaere Aerodrome, 10.12.1917, 'when at 1500 feet the radiator appeared to burst and we were covered in steam and water. I [Lupton] turned and tried to find the aerodrome which was difficult to do owing to the steam and water coming back from the engine. I was obliged to land with all bombs on and hit a triplane when on the point of landing and crashed' (R.N.A.S. Bomb Raid Report refers); having survived one hair-raising experience, they then suffered another when they were set upon by 5 enemy aircraft on the way back from a raid on Engel Aerodrome, 18.12.1917, 'Several double pans were fired into an attacking E.A. Tracers were seen to go into the machine from the back guns. After a minute or two he broke off the engagement and turned away' (Combat Report refers); throughout the early part of 1918 they were regularly engaged by enemy aircraft whilst enroute, and returning from, bombing raids; on 7.3.1918 2 miles east of St. Quentin, a 'machine flew across the front of the formation and two double trays were fired at him from the back guns with apparently no result, although tracers were seen to enter into his fuselage. Another hostile machine tried to come under the tail of our machine but after a few shots from our own back guns and from those of the machine in front, he dived steeply and went away' (Combat Report refers); on 18.3.1918, having completed 101 bombing raids, Smith's luck finally ran out; most of these raids had been flown with Lupton, but on this date his pilot was the 18 year old Flight Sub Lieutenant Ransford; on the latter date they took off for a raid on Busigny Aerodrome, led by Flight Commander Bartlett - in his book Bomber Pilot 1916-1918 he gives the following account:
'March 18th. A perfect morning. I led off seven bombers and two fighters at 9.45am and we all crossed the Lines in good formation over Bellicourt at 15,500 at 10.50am. Above Beaurevoir, Wodehouse, who was flying high, left the formation and turned back. Approaching Bohain the sky ahead seemed literally full of aircraft, three large formations of some twenty each to our north, and many smaller formations all about our height - but then too far to distinguish as friend or foe. Immediately after dropping our bombs and turning for home, every aircraft in the sky seemed to come together and there was a colossal mix-up. Everyone computed the enemy strength at between 50 and 60, and we ourselves numbered 38. All engaged in furious melee and immediately there were some fifteen or more Albatross and Fokker Triplanes on to our formation, very well handled, being part of the 'Richthofen Circus' [footnote gives - At least 30 of the enemy aircraft were indeed from Jagdstaffeln 6, 10 and 11 of Jagdeschwader Nr 1, led in person by Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen. Between them these EA claimed 9 victories for no losses to JG1]. I kept our formation together as far as possible and together we accounted for three - two certainties and one probable.
Things happened so quickly and the fight was on such a big scale that it was impossible to follow all that was happening, but we saw numbers of EA spinning down on fire, our Camels following them right down; also a few of our own out of control. I had my front guns on to an Albatross at about 30 yards range for a few seconds as he cut across our bows, and got some 20-30 rounds into him, but he dived, coming up again under our tail. I slowed enough for Naylor to get a long burst into him and he went down pouring black smoke from his tail. Meanwhile I was trying to keep count of our formation and saw what appeared to be one of our DHs at the rear gliding down trailing a column of black smoke. McBain's gunlayer, Jones, shot the tail of an Albatross and Dickson's got another down out of control. We left the SEs and Camels still scrapping furiously, our intructions being to return immediately after dropping. Apart from accurate AA near the lines, our troubles were over.
This must have been the greatest aerial battle of the war so far, a total of nearly 100 aircraft engaged. On landing found Wodehouse had been shot to blazes, being hit three times in the ankle and another in his left shoulder after penetrating his tank, none of them serious however and he pulled off a good landing with a seized engine in a field near the aerodrome. His machine was riddled but his gunlayer, James, escaped with nothing worse than ripped clothing. Ransford failed to return and it must have been him we saw gliding down smoking badly. A sad loss and an excellent gunlayer in Smith. That makes our ninth casualty in nine consecutive days. The SEs accounted for eight E.A. for the loss of two of their own, and the Camels for two certainties; but as five Camels who followed their quarry right down failed to return, they probably got several more. I was talking over the 'phone to Captain Kitto, their leader, after we got back, and he said it was by far the biggest scrap he had ever beenin. He seemed quite unnerved and kept repeating, "frightful affair, frightful affair..."
Undoubtedly the Germans accepted yesterday's challenge and concentrated their forces, including Richthofen's startingly-coloured 'Circus', with the idea of annihilating us, but they suffered more than we did despite the enormous tactical advantage.'
Both Smith and Ransford were buried in the St. Souplet British Cemetery, France. Lupton did not outlast his old partner by long, having been awarded the Bar to his D.S.C. for actions a few days after Smith's death, he was killed in May of the same year.
29
x A Good Second War 1941 Submariner's D.S.M. Group of Six to Chief Engine Room Artificer C.H. Toms, H.M.S. Urge, Royal Navy, Killed in Action When the Urge was Sunk By An Italian Aircraft, With the Loss of All Hands, Off Ras Hilal, 29.4.1942
a) Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (D/M. 35358. C.H. Toms. C.E.R.A. H.M.S. Urge.)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Atlantic Star
d) Africa Star
e) War Medal
f) Naval Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd 'coinage head' type (M.35358. C.H. Toms. A/C.E.R.A.2. H.M.S. Severn.), light contact marks, very fine (6) £1,800-2,200
D.S.M. London Gazette 16.12.1941 Chief Engine Room Artificer Charles Herbert Toms, D/M.35358, H.M.S. Urge
'For courage, skill and resolution in successful Submarine patrols.'
D/M.35358 Chief Engine Room Artificer Charles Herbert Toms, D.S.M., of Gosport, Hampshire; served during the Second World War in H.M. Submarine Urge, 1st Submarine Flotilla (based in Malta) in the Mediterranean, during which time she torpedoed and damaged the Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto, 13.12.1941, during the operations around the First Battle of Sirte, and sank the Italian light cruiser Giovanni delle Bande Nere, on 1.4.1942; Toms was killed in action when the Urge, whilst engaging the Italian sailing vessel San Giusto in the Mediterranean off Ras Hilal, was attacked by an escorting Italian bi-plane and was sunk with the loss of all hands, 29.4.1942.
Toms is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
30
x The Great War 'Western Front' M.M., Italian War Cross Group of Five to Driver J. Billington, Royal Field Artillery
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (700075 Dvr: J. Billington. R.F.A.)
b) 1914-15 Star (618. Dvr. J. Billington. R.F.A.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (618. Dvr. J. Billington. R.A.)
d) Italy, Kingdom, War Merit Cross, bronze, generally good very fine (5) £300-400
M.M. London Gazette 13.3.1919 700075 Dvr. Billington, J., 80th By., 15th Bde., Royal Field Artillery (Blackburn).
31
x A Great War 'Western Front' M.M. Group of Four to Lance Corporal H.J. Eaborn, Coldstream Guards
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (19208 Pte. L.Cpl. H.J. Eaborn. 1/C. Gds.)
b) British War and Victory Medals (19208. Pte. H.J. Eaborn. C. Gds.)
c) Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R. (Harold J. Eaborn.), good very fine £500-600
M.M. London Gazette 23.7.1919 19208 Pte. (L./C.) Eaborn, H. J., 1st Bn., Coldstream Guards (Portsmouth).
32
The Second War 1943 'Sidi Brahim' M.M. Group of Four to Lance Corporal E.G. Hughes, Coldstream Guards
a) Military Medal, G.VI.R. (882306 L.Cpl. E.G. Hughes. C. Gds.)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Africa Star
d) War Medal, edge bruise to first, otherwise very fine (4) £800-1,200
M.M. London Gazette 23.9.1943 No. 882306 Lance-Corporal Edward Gordon Hughes, Coldstream Guards (Sheffield)
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.'
The Recommendation, dated 30.4.1943, states: 'At Sidi Brahim, on the 26th April 1943, this Lance Corporal, on of the Company signallers, showed the greatest coolness and fearlessness in helping to evacuate wounded under heavy Machine Gun and shell fire. After carrying one many away he returned to Company Headquarters to collect a Bren Gun although most of the Company had withdrawn. He remained there, still under heavy fire, until ordered to withdraw by an officer. His courage and efforts were the greatest inspiration to all those around him. Throughout the campaign the conduct of this Lance Corporal in every action has been of the very highest order.'
33
x A Second War M.M. Group of Eight to Driver Mehtab Khan, Royal Indian Army Service Corps
a) Military Medal, G.VI.R. (Mtn 898783 Dr. Mehtab Khan.)
b) Pakistan Independence Medal 1947, unnamed as issued
c) Pakistan, General Service Medal, one clasp, Kashmir 1948
d) Pakistan, Republic Medal 1956
e) 1939-1945 Star
f) Italy Star
g) Defence and War Medals, generally good very fine, mounted for display purposes in this order (8) £500-600
M.M. London Gazette 14.9.1944 No. 898783 Driver Mehtab Khan, Royal Indian Army Service Corps
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.'
34
A Good Second War 1944 'Immediate' Evader's D.F.M. Group of Five to Stirling and Lancaster Wireless Operator, Flight Sergeant, Later Signaller 2, P. Jezzard, 622 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Who Was Killed in a Flying Accident Over the North Sea, 5.4.1948
a) Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1501713 F/Sgt. P. Jezzard R.A.F.)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Air Crew Europe Star
d) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine, with the following related items and documents:
- Caterpillar Club gold brooch badge, with 'ruby' eyes, reverse engraved, 'Sgt. P. Jezzard', in Irving box, with named Membership Card, and enclosure letter, dated 21.7.1944
- 'Escapers' Compass; two Silk Maps of France; Royal Air Force Escaping Society badge, gilt and two Pea-Nut Club badges
- Cloth insignia including WAG Brevet
- R.A.F. Navigator's, Air Bomber's and Air Gunner's Flying Log Book (15.4.1943-5.4.1948), stamped 'Death Presumed, Central Depository, Royal Air Force'
- Letter from recipient to his family, written after he had escaped to Spain from Occupied France, dated 12.5.1944
- Congratulatory Telegram from Air Chief Marshal A.T. "Bomber" Harris, on the occasion of the award of Jezzard's D.F.M., dated 23.11.1944
- Telegram to the same effect from the Officer Commanding 622 Squadron, dated 24.11.1944
- Telegram to recipient's father informing him that his son is 'missing' whilst on a training excercise, dated 6.4.1948
- Air Ministry letter to recipient's father stating that Death is Presumed, dated 17.6.1948
- Letter of Condolence to recipient's mother from Air Vice-Marshal Sir Basil Embry, dated 12.5.1948
- Several photographs of recipient, including a portrait photograph in uniform; newspaper cuttings and other ephemera (lot) £2,800-3,200
D.F.M. 2.1.1945 1501713 Flight Sergeant Peter Jezzard, R.A.F.V.R., 622 Sqn
The Recommendation, dated 12.11.1944, states: 'This N.C.O. is now nearing completion of his first tour of operations throughout which his skill, courage and devotion to duty have been outstanding. On the night of 15th/16th March, 1944, the aircraft in which he was despatched on an operational mission to Stuttgart was so severely damaged by enemy action that the crew was ordered to bail out. Before abandoning the aircraft, however, he successfully transmitted a distress message to Base. From this ordeal, Flight Sergeant Jezzard made a successful escape from enemy occupied territory and on return to this country he immediately applied to be returned to his squadron for operational duty. Since his return in August, 1944, he has operated against many heavily defended German targets and has successfully completed several important mining missions. His resourcefulness in emergency and his determination and disregard of personal safety in face of danger is an inspiration to all and is worthy of recognition I strongly recommend an award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.'
1501713 Signaller 2 Peter Jezzard, D.F.M., a native of Prestwich, Manchester; served as a Cadet, No. 183 (1st Prestwich) Squadron A.T.C., prior to Second War service with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; posted for training to No. 2 Radio School, Yatesbury, April 1943; after additional training at 26 O.T.U. and undertaking a conversion course on Stirlings at 1665 Conversion Unit, posted for operational flying as Wirless Operator to 622 Squadron (Stirlings and Lancasters), Mildenhall, November 1943; intially carried out 8 operational sorties with the squadron including: the Frisian Isles; Bayonne; Berlin; Schweinfurt; Augsburg, 29.2.1944, 'Combat with Ju 88. Searchlights and Flak' (Log Book refers); Stuttgart (2), including 15.3.1944, when in Lancaster I LL828 JI-J piloted by Flight Sergeant P.A. Thompson, 'T/o 1720 Mildenhall. Last heard on W/T at 0141 transmitting "Baling Out". Reports from the crew tell of attacks from night-fighters and from a fix taken of the wireless message it is likely the engagement took place SE of Rouen in France' (Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War refers); of the crew of seven, four (including Jezzard) managed to evade capture, whilst the remaining members were taken POW; Sergeant T.J. Maxwell, one of those to evade capture, gives the following account:
'The thing about bailing out, in total darkness at night, from a crippled aircraft or splashing your 25 ton Lancaster into a raging sea swell was that you didn't get any practice lessons beforehand, so it was a bit of a new thing. The nearest one got was about a year before was jumping off the top diving board in the warm water and brightly lit baths in Brighton in a flying suit and Mae West.
Then the water had loads of noisy laughter and PT life-saving instructors to help if one got into difficulty.
It was 1.30 in the morning and pitch black, the top board was about 8,000 feet vibrating and descending rapidly, and spewing fuel and oil from ruptured tanks. No friendly life-savers etc, but the reality that our fuel was being exhausted even faster than calculated had now replaced the 'ditching' idea and bailing-out (and pretty soon at that) was the only option left. We, or certainly I was already well into a personal life saving preservation situation.
I was personally totally disenchanted when the channel rowing excercise in total darkness was muted as a possibility.
I never found the idea of hitting the English Channel at 100mph in total darkness, with sea and swell conditions unknown, and with an indeterminate amount of fuel, to be in the least appealing... Six of the crew all landed in an area 40 miles North East of Rouen and all reasonably close, within a kilometre or so of each other, but when they left the aircraft I was already on the way down some 20 kilometres further back, representing several minutes. The reason for their delay will never be known, but after 57 years almost to the day it has been established that the aeroplane crashed within a couple of miles from where some of the crew were taken POW.
Of the four who returned to England on May 22nd on a DC3 from Gibraltar to Bristol (Whitchurch) I only met up later with Peter Jezzard. Both of us returned to operational flying with our original Squadron 622, Peter finishing his 'tour' in November 1944 on 35 'trips' and myself on 32, finishing on New Year's Day 1945' (Interview carried out in 2002 refers).
Another member of the crew, Sergeant F. Harmsworth, gives the following account from the time after the crew had landed:
'Later I met a schoolteacher who got me a change of clothes and temporary, false ID papers. He took me to a small rail station and there I bumped into my Wireless Operator Peter Jezzard. With barely a wink of recognition, we were on the train; the Frenchman [Maquis] up front, Pete in the middle, and me at the back of the coach. The train was straffed enroute by the R.A.F. guns so we hopped off the train and headed for a ditch. Later, we hopped back on the train and carried on to Paris. We got to the train station and it was very crowded with local Parisians, plus hundreds of German troops. We left the station and kept the same order of 20 ft. apart. After an hour we arrived at an apartment block and met the teacher's cousin, a vivacious, 20 year old girl, Madeline Vuillemont, who lived with her parents... I was moved across Paris on the metro to the East End... A couple of days after I arrived, trusty John took me to a large store in town, where I stood in line with locals and stood next to German soldiers to get my picture taken in a booth... After 2 days, with good police connections, I received back my French I.D. card with other documents all duly signed and rubber-stamped... They found out it was my 20th birthday, so one night, a sign was put on the door that said, "closed for a family party." I got lots of little presents like toothbrushes, a box of Belgian tobacco and some Galoise cigarettes. Then Peter, the Wireless Operator, was brought in so we got a bit boozed up. Lots of the Cafe patrons were "in the know" - no names were used except nicknames. It was one hell of a night!
Soon I had to say goodbye to these wonderful people. Helen, the Red Cross nurse took me to the main train station and put me on a train heading south. I pretended to be a wounded deaf/dumb ex French P.O.W. On the train, I met Peter again. We met a couple of young Frenchmen who worked at the Post Office... They had a backpack full of stamps that they had stolen from the Post Office to trade for money - so they were most helpful on our journey through France. Our I.D. cards passed muster several times on the way with Gestapo inspectors. We left the main line trains and road in a succession of goods and ammo trains jumping on and off while going uphill! Knees were scarred somewhat!
We came to the Bayonne area and walked through the outskirts. There was a curfew of 10pm so we got a second story room in a flea bag hotel. The Gestapo checked the registers every night, so a special knock was agreed upon for the friendlies - otherwise get out quick.
Early one morning, it was still dark, when we got the wrong knock. We leaped out of the upstairs window in a flash and went running and scrambling through fences, backyards, and garden allotments. Dogs were barking and people were shouting. It was utter pandemonium. I was scared. We ended up in the Railway Yards... After hiding quietly for a couple of hours, we saw a train getting steam up, so the young Frenchmen spoke to the Engineer, who took us to a box car, then moved the train off quickly. During the night we were wakened by the slamming of doors - lots of shouting and "Achtung" and loud guttural German troops. It was an ammunition train being loaded! We fortunately did not get discovered and were very glad to leave.
Next day, we jumped off the train onto a gravel shoulder as it slowed for a hill in the Pyrenees Foothills - scarring our hands, knees and shins in the process. Walking through a village, we entered a forest and stayed in the bush for a couple of days. We were cold and in the open... One of the Frenchmen negotiated with a local Gasogena Taxi to take us to the edge of the Pyrenees Mountains. The taxi had a large wood boiler on the back which burned wood to make it go. We were approaching a checkpoint with a swing down wooden barricade right on top of a steep hill. The taxi started balking. As we stuffed wood in to stoke the fire, we were pushed up the hill. Fortunately, the taxi picked up speed, where it levelled off. Crashing through the barrier, we were chased by cavalry guards on horses - just like a Yankee movie. We descended quickly down hill for about 10 miles, so left them behind. Several more villages beyond, we switched to bicycles and walking on the steep, mountain roads - 5 people on 2 bikes.
A couple of days later, we arranged with a Basque guide to take us above the Snow Line up through the high Pyrenees (away from the roads and the Germans). We slept in shepherd caves by day, and walked by night and managed to avoid German Patrols... We were tracked by dogs and shot at in a long ravine. Eventually we hit the Spanish border.'
Once in Spain Jezzard and Harmsworth were arrested by the Police, questioned and then transferred to the British Embassy in Madrid. Jezzard travelled to Gibraltar returning to the UK, 22.5.1944; he asked to be returned to his old squadron for operational flying; he arrived at Mildenhall, 1.8.1944, and was on an operational sortie to Bordeaux just four days later; flying with "B" Flight he undertook a further 29 operational sorties with 622 Squadron, including: Foret de Lucheux; Fort D'Englos; Lens; Brunswick; Hamel; Stettin (2); Eindhoven; Le Havre (2); Rostock Bay; Kiel; Calais (2); Rhur; Cap Gris Nez; Saarbrucken; Dortmund; Kleve; Bonn; Essen (3); Cologne (2); Solingen (2); Koblenz and Oslo Fjord; having completed his second tour Jezzard was posted as an Instructor to R.A.F. Jurby, Isle of Man, January 1945; posted to 1 A.N.S. R.A.F. Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, March 1947; Jezzard was killed when his Wellington crashed into the North Sea whilst on a Navigation Excercise, 5.4.1948; he is commemorated on the Armed Forces Memorial, Staffordshire.
35
A Scarce Second War 1944 'Parachute Jump Instructor's' A.F.M. Group of Six to 'Ringway Character', Warrant Officer W.T. Aldridge, Royal Air Force, Who With Over 150 Descents and 300 Flying Hours Was Prominent in The Training of The 6th Airborne Division for D-Day; He Flew With The 6th Airborne as a Despatcher For the Invasion of Normandy
a) Air Force Medal, G.VI.R. (524775 F/Sgt. W.T. Aldridge. R.A.F.)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) France and Germany Star
d) Defence and War Medals
e) Royal Air Force Long Service & G.C., E.II.R. (W./O. W.T. Aldridge. (524776) R.A.F.), generally good very fine, mounted as originally worn, with the following related documentation:
- Congratulatory Letter to the recipient from Air Marshal Sir Roderic Hill, K.C.B., M.C., A.F.C., on the occasion of the award of the A.F.M., dated 27.9.1944
- Letter to the same effect from Major W.H. Smith, 'D' Company 34th (Bilston) Battalion, South Staffordshire Home Guard
- With a photocopy of recipient's R.A.F. Observer's and Air Gunner's Flying Log Book (5.7.1942-10.10.1949) (lot) £3,500-4,500
A.F.M. London Gazette 1.9.1944 524776 Flight Sergeant William Thomas Aldridge, Royal Air Force, Parachute Training School, Royal Air Station, Ringway (No. of descents 70)
The Recommendation states: 'Flight Sergeant Aldridge has served as an instructor with the Parachute Training School for two years and proved himself to be a first class teacher who instils great confidence into his pupils. Prior to the invasion of Normandy, this airman was attached to the 6th Airborne Division to assist in the final training of the airborne troops. He frequently accompanied them on their exercises and, during the invasion, flew as a despatcher with the airborne troops. His courage and efficiency have contributed much to the building up of confidence and morale among airborne troops.'
524776 Warrant Officer William Thomas Aldridge, A.F.M., a native of Wolverhampton; joined the Royal Air Force for service during the Second War, and commenced training as a Parachute Jump Instructor in 'B' Squadron, Parachute Training Squadron, Ringway, Manchester; he made his first parachute descent, 5.7.1942; qualified as Flight Sergeant, Parachute Jump Instructor, 27.7.1942; appointed to the P.J.I. Staff at Ringway, 29.7.1942, and over the coming months made demonstration, training, container and night descents, air experience flights and despatched trainee parachutists from balloons, Whitley and Harrow aircraft at 500-800 feet; he jumped with both 'old' and 'new' parachute packs from Whitley floor and rear-gunner exits; in late 1942 he trained Belgian, Czech and Polish paratroopers at Ringway; by the end of that year he had completed 21 descents and over 36 flying hours; throughout 1943 he continued instructing troops, including No. 12 Commando, Combined Ops, Canadians, Norwegians and Free French soldiers; on 10.2.1943 he made an experimental jump in a 20 man stick from a US Army Air Force Douglas Dakota, and on 3.12.1943 he jumped as 6th man in the first experimental jump with kit-bags; by the end of the year he had completed 62 descents and over 100 flying hours; posted to Bulford in the first week of January 1944 to train parachutists of 6th Airborne Division in preparation for the D-Day Operations; on the 8th-14th January he ran a balloon programme, when the following occurred, 'the powerful influence of an experienced and determined instructor is illustrated by a report which I received concerning Flight Sergeant Aldridge. If a man refused to jump or asked to be taken off parachuting during his basic training at Ringway no stigma was attached to him and he was merely sent back to his unit..... Once he had completed his training and accepted the badge and pay of a qualified paratroop it was a different matter and refusal to jump - unless there was a genuine and acceptable excuse - meant a court martial..... I had been asked to send two or three experienced instructors to Bulford to see what they could do with a number of men who had let it be known that they didn't intend to do any more parachuting. Such gossip did not of itself constitute a refusal to jump, but it was bad for morale and had to be stopped one way or the other. Bulford was the camp occupied by the Airborne Division and a balloon similar to those in use at Ringway had been installed there.
Flight Sergeant Aldridge was one of the instructors selected for the duty. He was a sturdy man experienced in obeying orders and equally competent at seeing that orders he gave were acted upon. In due course he was shown a small group of men and told that they were being "difficult" about parachuting. They were already fitted with parachutes, jumping overalls and rubber crash hats, so he wasted no time in getting them into the balloon car, hooking them up and giving the word to the winch operator - "Up 700 - 4 down", which, being interpreted, meant that the balloon was to go up to 700 ft. and that four men would be jumping. Flight Sergeant Aldridge was on his mettle!
There was a certain amount of muttering among the men when the balloon started to rise, but as the ground receded and the feeling of security decreased they huddled in the corners of the car and relapsed into silence. At last the winch stopped and, having satisfied himself that everything was in order, Aldridge said in a quiet but very firm voice "Now look here, you fellows, you've all been to Ringway and you all know how to jump - so don't let's have any damned nonsense. When I say go - I mean Go."
A small balloon car, the floor of which is mostly hole, swaying uneasily 700 ft. above the earth, is not a good place to start an argument and numbers one, two and three went out like "good-uns" on the crisp words of command. Number four, however, showed no inclination to take up position and strongly protested that he wasn't going to jump. Aldridge thought otherwise and as he moved across the car he muttered viciously: "Now then, you blighter, one last chance - are you to jump or aren't you? Action stations - Go!" and go the man did. Looking over the side at the scrabbling mass of arms and legs, Aldridge fired his parting shot: "That was a ruddy awful exit - you'd better do better next time."
A few hours later Flight Sergeant Aldridge was surprised to receive instructions that he was to report to General Gale, the Divisional Commander. After some preliminary talk about parachuting and the good work down by the P.T.S. the General said: "By the way, didn't you take up some men this morning who were expecting to refuse?" "Yes, sir," answered Aldridge proudly, "but they all jumped - it just depends on how you treat them." "How very true," observed the General with a twinkle in his eye. "It may interest you to know that one of your pupils was an officer of the Provost Marshal's department who had never previously made a parachute descent and who went up as a witness in case any of the men refused to jump. I gather that he didn't altogether appreciate the experience."
Aldridge's normal ruddy complexion flushed a few shades darker as he answered: "Well, sir, nobody told me who he was and he looked like a paratroop." "And so he ought to be," said the General greatly amused, "and even if he didn't like it the men did. The story is all over the camp and doing any amount of good."
The period training the 6th Airborne Division was hectic, and drops included ballooons, single up to 250 aircraft drops, using Albemarle, Stirling, Halifax and Dakota aircraft; Aldridge trained and despatched troops from a mulititude of units including from 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th Battalions Parachute Regiment, 1st Canadian Para Battalion, Independent Para Company, and 224 Para Squadron; on 18.6.1944 he took off from Tarrant Rushton in a Halifax of 644 Squadron, from which he despatched an operational stick of troops in action over France; after the D-Day ops Aldridge was awarded the A.F.M. and promoted Acting Warrant Officer; on his 77th descent he was dropped very low and landed in twists, injuring both knees and arms; having recovered he continued to train on water and land descents, and spent November 1944 training the 2nd SAS Regiment and the Free French to jump from Stirlings; by the end of 1944 he had completed 83 descents and over 188 flying hours; during 1945, Aldridge continued normal training duties but also instructed aircrew, observed gun and jeep dropping trials, experimented on low level container drops into water, took part in glider-borne exercises and even despatched a stick of 10 SAS troopers with their dog; he completed 100 descents by VE Day, 8.5.1945; he despatched and jumped from a balloon during the 1945 Battle of Britain Day Parade; by the end of December 1945 he had completed 114 descents and over 245 flying hours; post war he moved with No. 1 PTS to Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire; normal instructing duties were punctuated by demonstrations for the Chinese Military Mission, GOC Indian Para Division and a Pathe film crew; Aldridge's workload increased with the establishment of Territorial Army Para units in 1948; he was also involved with demonstrations for the Swedish Army, and despatched for Operation Mephisto which involved dropping a Jeep, 25 pounder gun, 4 canisters and 6 Paras from each Halifax; by the end of the year Aldridge's total was 135 descents and 302 flying hours; he was involved in an accident, 10.10.1949, when he parachuted (his 151st descent) from a Dakota; he got two thrown lines and a badly torn canopy which resulted in a very fast descent from which he was lucky to emerge without serious injury - even more so since at this time there were no reserve parachutes; awarded with his L.S. & G.C. 1953, he retired Warrant Officer, 1958; he resided in later life at '305 Penn Road, Wolverhampton.'
Approximately 259 A.F.M.s were gazetted between 1940-45, with very few being awarded to Parachute Jump Instructors.
36
A Second War Indian Police Medal Group of Six to Second Officer W. Fraser, Calcutta Fire Brigade, Late Mechanical Transport Unit, Indian Army Service Corps
a) Indian Police Medal, G.VI.R., 1st 'Distinguished Conduct' type (W. Fraser, 2nd Officer, Calcutta Fire Brigade,)
b) 1914-15 Star (No.14 Cpl. W. Fraser, Mechl. Transpt.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (14 Cpl. W. Fraser, Mech. Transport.), BWM officially renamed
d) Association of Professional Fire Brigade Officers Long Service Medal, silver (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1928) (Station Officer W. Fraser. 1929)
e) National Fire Brigades' Association Long Service Medal, silver (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1932), with 'Twenty Years' clasp, edge engraved '4646 Station Officer W. Fraser', reverse engraved 'Calcutta Fire Brigade', generally very fine or better (6) £350-450
Second Officer William Fraser, served with the Mechanical Transport Unit, Indian Army Service Corps, during the Great War; awarded Indian Police Medal, Calcutta Gazette 14.1.1943.
37
A Good 1967 'Aden' B.E.M. Group of Nine to Warrant Officer G.O. White, Royal Air Force
a) British Empire Medal, Military Division, E.II.R. (Y1036822 Sgt. George O.White, R.A.F.)
b)1939-1945 Star
c) Burma Star
d) Defence and War Medals
e) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Malaya (1036822 Sgt. G.O. White. R.A.F.)
f) General Service 1962-2007, one clasp, South Arabia (Y1036822 Sgt. G.O. White R.A.F.)
g) Coronation 1953
h) Royal Air Force Long Service & G.C., E.II.R. (1036822 Sgt. G.O.White. R.A.F.), minor contact marks throughout, generally good very fine, with the following related items:
- The recipient's related miniature awards
- Silver-plated presentation rose bowl, inscribed 'Presented to W.O. G. White B.E.M. from Fellow Members of the Sergeants Mess R.A.F. Biggin Hill on his Retirement 11th Sept. 1975'
- Silver-plated presentation Salver, 205mm diameter, inscribed, 'W.O. G.O. White B.E.M.' R.A.F. Biggin Hill 1974-75'
- R.A.F. Station Abingdon Presentation Plaque, inscribed 'Presented to W.O. G. White from R.A.F. Abingdon 1972-1974'
- Parachute Regiment Presentation Plaque, inscribed 'Presented to W.O. G. White from P.C.A.U.'
- Buckingham Palace enclosure for the B.E.M., framed and glazed
- Warrant appointing George Oliver White, B.E.M., a Warrant Officer in the Royal Air Force, dated 1.1.1974, framed and glazed
- Royal Air Force Strike Command Commendation by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Certificate, named to Flight Sergeant G.O. White, and dated 3.6.1972, framed and glazed
- Royal Air Force No. 46 Group Commendation by the Air Officer Commanding Certificate, named to Warrant Officer George Oliver White BEM, and dated 20.1.1974, framed and glazed
- The recipient's Certificate of Qualification and Certificate of Discharge
- The recipient's photograph album, containing photographs from his time at Marham, Abingdon, and Biggin Hill, together with various other photographs
- Various newspaper cuttings, including one of the recipient's obituary
- Two Royal Air Force Warrant Officer's wooden canes (lot) £400-500
B.E.M. London Gazette 10.6.1967 Y1036822 Sergeant George Oliver White, Royal Air Force.
Y1036822 Warrant Officer George Oliver White, B.E.M., born 5.11.1920; enlisted in the Royal Air Force, 10.2.1941, and served during the Second World War in Burma during the Japanese occupation; on the island of Ghan in the Indian Ocean, where he helped construct the island's runway; and in Malaya; Awarded L.S.&G.C., 19.10.1959; served in Aden from June 1966 at the height of hostilities, and awarded the B.E.M. 'for sterling qualities under duress' (newspaper cutting refers); posted to RAF Marham, 1968; awarded an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Strike Command, Commendation 'for outstanding devotion to duty and setting the highest example whilst working in the Engineering and Manning Control at RAF Marham since 1968', 3.6.1972; posted to RAF Abingdon, 1972; RAF Biggin Hill, 1974, where he was involved with organising two of the Biggin Hill air displays; retired, 5.11.1975. In retirement Warrant Officer White served as a member of the Wisbech branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, and helped organise events to raise money to provide special Christmas dinners for veterans of the Great War. He died at home in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, 4.11.1982.

BRITISH ORDERS AND SINGLE AWARDS

38
x The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Civil Division, Knight Commander's (K.C.B.) set of Insignia, by Garrard, London, neck Badge, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1920); Star, silver, gold, and enamel, with gold retaining pin, about extremely fine, with neck riband (2) £800-1,200
39
x The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Knight Commander's (K.C.M.G.) Star, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with gold retaining pin, blue enamel damage to motto, therefore very fine £400-600
40
The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, Companion's (C.S.I.) neck Badge, gold, silver, and enamel, with a fine quality central onyx cameo of a youthful Queen Victoria, the motto illuminated with diamonds, nearly extremely fine £2,500-3,000
41
x The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Companion's (C.M.G.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband, extremely fine £300-350
42
The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, Companion's (C.I.E.) neck Badge, gold and enamel, extremely fine, with full neck riband £550-750
43
The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, Companion's (C.I.E.) neck Badge, gold and enamel, extremely fine £550-750
44
x The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, nearly extremely fine, in Garrard, London, case of issue £200-240
45
x Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar, extremely fine £700-900
46
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Civil Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt, nearly extremely fine, in Royal Mint case of issue £80-120
47
Indian Order of Merit, 2nd type, Military Division, Second Class (I.O.M.) breast Badge, silver and enamel, Reward of Valour, impressed reverse, good very fine, lacking integral riband buckle £350-400
48
x Indian Order of Merit, 2nd type, Military Division, Second Class (I.O.M.) breast Badge, silver and enamel, Reward of Valour, impressed reverse, good very fine, lacking integral riband buckle £350-400
49
Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, extremely fine, in case of issue £450-550
50
x Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, extremely fine £400-500
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: 25th July 2013 Time: 10:00AM
Details: Tuesday 23 July 2013 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Wednesday 24 July 2013 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
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