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: 24th April 2014 Time: 10:00AM
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Wednesday 23 April 10am to 5pm
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Auction Lots - Page 1

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

1
The Great War K.B.E. Pair to Sir Robert Waley Cohen, Petroleum Adviser to the War Office, Later General Technical Director, The Royal Dutch Shell Company
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Civil Division, Knight Commander's (K.B.E.) set of Insignia, neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Star, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with gold retaining pin, with neck riband, in Garrard, London case of issue
b) Serbia, Kingdom, Order of St. Sava, 3rd type, Commander's neck Badge, 86mm including crown suspension x 52mm, silver-gilt and enamel, Bishop with green robes, with neck riband, in Huguenin Frères, Le Locle, case of issue, generally good very fine, with the recipient's related miniature awards, including additionally an Associate Order of St. John, housed in a Spink, London, leather case (3) £800-1,200
Footnote: K.B.E. London Gazette 30.3.1920 Robert Waley Cohen, Esq., Petroleum Adviser to the War Office
'For services in connection with the War.'
Serbian Order of St. Sava, Third Class London Gazette 23.7.1926 Sir Robert Waley Cohen, K.B.E., General Technical Director of the Royal Dutch Shell Company
'In recognition of valuable services rendered by him.'
Sir Robert Waley Cohen, K.B.E., (1877-1952), the son of Nathanial Louis Cohen, and the nephew of Sir Benjamin Louis Cohen, Bt.; educated at Clifton College and Emmanuel College, Cambridge; joined the Shell Transport and Trading Company, 1901; served during the Great War as petroleum adviser to the War Office, and appointed K.B.E. at the end of the War; advanced Managing Director, Shell Transport and Trading Company, and subsequently negotiated its merger with the Royal Dutch Oil Company. Amongst other appointments Cohen served as Vice-Chairman of University College, London; and President of the United Synagogue.
2
Honours and Awards Bestowed Upon Sir Bernard Nathaniel Waley-Cohen, Bt., Sheriff and Lord Mayor of London
a) Knight Bachelor's breast Badge, 63mm x 46mm, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for Birmingham 1958) and enamel, in Garrard, London, case of issue
b) The Most Venerable Order of St. John, Knight of Grace's set of insignia, neck Badge, silver and enamel, lions and unicorns in angles, suspension detached but present; Star, silver and enamel, lions and unicorns in angles, with Associate's neck riband, in case of issue; together with an Officer's breast Badge, 42mm, silver and enamel, lions and unicorns in angles
c) Defence Medal
d) Portugal, Republic, Military Order of Christ, Commander's neck Badge, 57mm x 43mm, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband
e) Iraq, Kingdom, Order of the Two Rivers, Civil Division, Commander's neck Badge, 87mm including wreath suspension x 66mm, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband and lapel rosette, in Arthus Bertrand, Paris, case of issue
f) Senegal, Republic, National Order, Grand Officer's set of Insignia, breast Badge, 55mm including leaves suspension x 41mm, gilt and enamel, with rosette on riband; Star, 80mm, silver, gilt, and enamel, with silver mark on retaining pin, in Arthus Bertrand, Paris, case of issue, generally nearly extremely fine, with the following related items:
- Bestowal Document for the National Order of Senegal, named to 'The Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor Alderman Sir Bernard Waley Cohen', and dated October 1961
- Medal presented to the recipient's wife, the reverse inscribed 'To the Honorable Mrs. B.N. Waley-Cohen from Mrs. Robert F. Wagner May 3, 1956', in embossed case of issue (lot) £600-800
Footnote: Baronet London Gazette 12.12.1961 Sir Bernard Nathaniel Waley-Cohen of Honeymead in the County of Somerset, Knight
Knight Bachelor London Gazette 1.1.1957 Alderman Bernard Nathaniel Waley-Cohen
Order of St. John, Associate Knight London Gazette 6.1.1961 Sir Bernard Nathaniel Waley-Cohen
Order of St. John, Associate Officer London Gazette 6.1.1956 Bernard Nathaniel Waley-Cohen
Sir Bernard Nathaniel Waley-Cohen, Bt., (1914-91), the son of Sir Robert Waley Cohen, K.B.E., and the great-nephew of Sir Benjamin Louis Cohen, Bt.; educated at Clifton College and Magdalene College, Cambridge; employed in the City, ultimately as Director, Lloyds Bank Ltd., and Master of the Clothworkers' Company. Enlisted as a Gunner with the Honourable Artillery Company, 1937; during the War was employed as Principal, Ministry of Fuel and Power; after the War served as an Alderman of the City of London, 1949-84; Sheriff, 1955-56; and Lord Mayor, 1960-61, and created a Baronet at the end of his term of office. Amongst other appointments Waley-Cohen served as Chairman of University College, London; and Vice-President of the United Synagogue.
The Portuguese Military Order of Christ was awarded to Bernard Waley-Cohen, Sheriff of the City of London, during the State Visit to the United Kingdom of His Excellency General Lopes, President of the Portuguese Republic, on the occasion of his visit to the City, 26.10.1955.
The Iraqi Order of the Two Rivers was awarded to Bernard Waley-Cohen, Sheriff of the City of London, during the State Visit to the United Kingdom of His Majesty King Faisal II of Iraq, on the occasion of his visit to the City, 17.7.1956.
The Senegal National Order was awarded to Sir Bernard Waley-Cohen, Lord Mayor of the City of London, during the Visit to London of His Excellency Léopold Sédar Senghor, President of Senegal, October 1961.
Sir Bernard Waley-Cohen was succeeded in the Baronetcy by his son, Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, Bt.
3
A Good Great War 'Mesopotamia' C.B., '1916' C.M.G., Boer War D.S.O. Group of Thirteen to Brigadier-General A.C. Lewin, Connaught Rangers and Liverpool Regiment, Who Commanded the 3rd Battalion Connaught Rangers During the Great War; Was Appointed Aide-de-Camp to H.M. the King, and as the 'Flying General' was Appointed an Honorary Air Commodore, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Serving in the Second War with East African Command
a) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) breast Badge, subsequently converted for neck wear, silver-gilt and enamel
b) The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Companion's (C.M.G.) breast Badge, subsequently converted for neck wear, silver-gilt and enamel
c) Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar
d) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal, Wittebergen (Capt. A.C. Lewin. L'pool R.)
e) King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (Capt. A.C. Lewin. D.S.O. L'pool. Rgt.), minor official correction to name
f) 1914-15 Star (Lt: Col: A.C. Lewin. Conn: Rang:)
g) British War and Victory Medals (Brig. Gen. A.C. Lewin)
h) 1939-1945 Star
i) Africa Star
j) War Medal, the Second War awards all impressed 'Brig. Gen. A.C. Lewin. C.B. C.M.G. D.S.O.'
k) Jubilee 1935
l) Coronation 1937, light contact marks and minor green enamel damage to wreaths, generally good very fine, housed in a named Spink, London leather case (13) £3,500-4,500
Footnote: C.B. London Gazette 22.12.1916 Lt.-Col. (temp. Brig.-Gen.) Arthur Corrie Lewin, C.M.G., D.S.O., Capt., ret. pay, Conn. Rang., Spec. Res.
'For services rendered in connection with Military Operations in the Field in Mesopotamia.'
C.M.G. London Gazette 3.6.1916 Lt.-Col. Arthur Corrie Lewin, D.S.O., Conn. Rang., Spec. Res.
'For services rendered in connection with Military Operations in the Field.'
D.S.O. London Gazette 31.10.1902 Captain Arthur Corrie Lewin, The King's (Liverpool Regiment)
'In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa.'
Brigadier-General Arthur Corrie Lewin, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., born Edinburgh, July 1864, the son of Frederick T. Lewin, D.L., of Cloghans, Co. Mayo and Castlegrove, Co. Galway; educated at Cheltenham College and Trinity Hall, Cambridge; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, The King's (Liverpool Regiment), December 1895; promoted Lieutenant, February 1899; Served with the Liverpool Regiment during the Boer War; employed with the Mounted Infantry at the Relief of Kimberley; present at operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including the operations at Paardeberg, 17-26.2.1900, and the actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Vet River, and Zand River; operations in the Transvaal, June 1900; and operations in the Orange River Colony, June to November 1900, including the actions at Rhenoster River and Wittebergen; promoted Captain, 5.12.1900; present at operations in the Cape Colony, December 1900 to March 1901; and operations in the Orange River Colony, March 1901 to May 1902; Awarded the Distinguished Service Order and twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 10.9.1901 and 29.7.1902); exchanged to the 19th Hussars, with the rank of Captain, 24.5.1905; transferred to the 3rd Battalion, Connaught Rangers, 25.1.1908; promoted Major, 8.10.1910; Lieutenant-Colonel, 6.8.1913; Served during the Great War in the Dardanelles Campaign; appointed Commanding Officer, 5th Wiltshire Regiment, 4.9.1915; Promoted Brigadier-General, 40th Infantry Brigade, October 1915; present at the evacuation of Suvla and the final withdrawal from Helles; served in Mesopotamia, 1916 to 1919, and took part in the actions with the Kut Relieving Force; operations in North Persia; and the advance on Baghdad, including the final overthrow of the Turkish forces on the Tigris at the Battle of Shergat, October 1918, where he commanded the column operating against the Turkish right wing; for his War Services Lewin was promoted Brevet Colonel; created a Companion of the Order of the Bath and the Order of St. Michael and St. George; Six times Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 13.7.1916, 19.10.1916, 15.8.1917, 12.3.1918, 27.8.1918, and 5.6.1919); awarded the Russian Order of St. Anne, Second Class, with Swords (London Gazette 15.5.1917); and appointed Aide-de-Camp to H.M. the King, 3.6.1918.
Returning to Ireland after the War, Lewin was appointed High Sheriff of Co. Mayo in 1919, and defended, along with men from his Regiment, the family seat, Cloghans, when it came under attack during the 'Troubles'; the other family seat, Castlegrove, was burnt down. Relinquishing command of the 3rd Battalion, Connaught Rangers, he was granted the honorary rank of Brigadier-General, 27.6.1919, and appointed Honorary Colonel of the Battalion, 10.8.1920. In 1931, at the age of 57, he learnt to fly, and after only 50 hours' solo experience flew solo from Britain to begin a new life in Kenya, where he became a celebrated aviator, being known as the 'Flying General'- in 1937 he was runner-up in the King's Cup Air Race, and in March 1952, flying a Tiger Moth, won the East African Aerial Derby. He flew between Kenya and Britain on several more occasions; on one such flight, in October 1937, he and his wife were marooned for ten days on a tiny, mosquito-infested island in the Sudan swamp after he had been forced to make an emergency landing- they extricated themselves from the damaged aircraft, to find that they only had a packet of sandwiches and a gallon of water between them, which they managed to make last for three days. Luckily after four days they were spotted by an Empire Flying Boat, which dropped food supplies, and organised a rescue mission by telephone from 150 miles away- "the distance of the nearest white man"- which was successfully carried out by Dinka tribesmen.
Appointed an honorary Air Commodore, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 28.12.1937, he served during the Second World War as Commandant, Officers' Training Unit, and Commander, No.5 Sub-Area, East African Command. He died in Nairobi 16.9.1952.
4
The Remarkable Second War C.B., 'Southern Desert, Iraq' O.B.E., Great War Fighter "Aces" D.F.C. Group of Fifteen to Dolphin Pilot Air Commodore F. Woolley, Royal Air Force, He Was Credited With 4 Victories, With Other Sources Suggesting As Many As 8 During July to November 1918. He Served as a Special Service Officer With Air Staff Intelligence in Iraq, Where He Spent Three Years in the Desert With Bedouin Tribesmen Collating Intelligence. During the Second War He Served as Chief Intelligence Officer, Headquarters Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, 1943-45
a) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband, in Garrard, London, case of issue
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 1930)
c) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
d) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. F. Woolley. R.A.F.)
e) General Service 1918-62, G.V.R., one clasp, Southern Desert, Iraq (F/L. F. Woolley. R.A.F.)
f) 1939-1945 Star
g) Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 Bar
h) Pacific Star
i) Italy Star
j) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaf
k) Coronation 1953
l) United States of America, Legion of Merit, Officer's breast Badge, gilt and enamel, reverse officially named 'F. Woolley', with miniature Star emblem on riband
m) Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, A.I.R., bronze, generally very fine or better, mounted as worn, the Pacific Star loose, with the following related items: - The recipient's Flying Log Book, covering the period 18.11.1932- 7.8.1941
- Commission Appointing Frank Woolley a Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force, dated 1.11.1918
- Commission Appointing Frank Woolley a Flying Officer in the Royal Air Force, dated 10.7.1929
- Bestowal Document for the C.B., named to Acting Air Commodore Frank Woolley, O.B.E., D.F.C., R.A.F., and dated 1.1.1946, together with Central Chancery enclosure
- Bestowal Document for the O.B.E., named to Flight Lieutenant Frank Woolley, D.F.C., R.A.F., and dated 3.6.1931
- Bestowal Document for the American Legion of Merit, named to Air Commodore Frank Woolley, Royal Air Force, together with a copy of the citation, on White House, Washington, headed paper, and signed 'Harry Truman'
- The recipient's riband bars, showing the additional entitlement to the Pacific Star
- Various photographs of the recipient, including one of him being presented with the American Legion of Merit by Major-General B. Giles, U.S. Army Headquarters, Cairo, 24.1.1946
- Box of issue for the American Legion of Merit
- Air Commodore's rank insignia; Group Captain's epaulettes; various cloth insignia, buttons, and other ephemera
- Copy of the recipient's obituary (lot) £7,000-9,000
Footnote: C.B. London Gazette 1.1.1946 Acting Air Commodore Frank Woolley, O.B.E., D.F.C., Royal Air Force.
O.B.E. London Gazette 3.6.1931 Flight Lieutenant Frank Woolley, D.F.C., Royal Air Force.
The Recommendation states: 'This Officer has been a Special Service Officer in Iraq since March 1928. Although occupying the most lonely and isolated post in the whole Command, he has consistently displayed, under extremely trying conditions, a tact, patience, and perseverance which are worthy of the highest praise.'
D.F.C. London Gazette 3.6.1919 Lt. Frank Woolley
'In recognition of distinguished services rendered during the war.'
American Legion of Merit, Officer London Gazette 27.11.1945 Acting Air Commodore Frank Woolley, O.B.E., D.F.C., R.A.F.
'In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war.'
The Recommendation states: 'Air Commodore Frank Woolley, Royal Air Force, as Chief Intelligence Officer, Headquarters Mediterranean Allied Air Forces from February 1943 to May 1945, displayed wise judgment and unqualified devotion to duty in the successful fulfilment of his assignment. Called upon to furnish a synthesis of all intelligence information regarding conduct of operations and to integrate the Anglo-American intelligence structure of the headquarters, he overcame many obstacles to provide source information of high value and veracity and at the same time achieved a smoothly functioning, closely knit intelligence organization. Commodore Woolley's exceptional ability was of great benefit to the conduct of air operations.'
Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 15.7.1919 Lieut. Frank Woolley, D.F.C., 79th Sqn.
M.I.D. London Gazette 2.6.1943 Acting Air Commodore F. Woolley, O.B.E., D.F.C.
Air Commodore Frank Woolley, C.B., O.B.E., D.F.C., (1899-1981), was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and was educated at the County Secondary School. On his 18th birthday he joined the Army straight from his school O.T.C., and was accepted for a Commission in the Territorial Forces Association. Posted to the 7th Training Reserve Battalion at Rugeley, he subsequently applied to join the Royal Flying Corps, and after initial tutoring at Denham was Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the R.F.C. on the 7th November 1917. After spending six months at Upavon, he went to France in July 1918, posted to No.1 Aero Supply Depot, before receiving his first operational posting with No.79 Fighter Squadron (Sopwith Dolphins), based at St. Marie Cappel, east of St. Omer, on the 14th July, with whom he fought and flew for the rest of the War. He was without doubt heavily engaged with the enemy for the next four months, '...and the local papers in his home town of Ilkeston credited him with eight victories, and recorded that he himself had been shot or forced down no fewer than three times, evidence of an exciting four months' flying.' (Winged Warriors, Derbyshire Fighter Pilots in World War I, by Barry Marsden refers).
His first victory was on the 27th September, when, according to an account that appeared in the Ilkeston Advertiser, 'he was on readiness at his home base when word was received that an enemy two seater was busy on a reconnaissance over the British front line. He was ordered to intercept the hostile aircraft, and, piloting a Dolphin, sighted it below him somewhere north-west of Armentieres. The first burst from his twin Vickers killed the enemy observer, and the subsequent running battle took both warplanes over the town, where the observation machine suddenly dived away to smash through the roof of a building. When Frank landed back at his home airfield his delighted CO praised his "splendid effort", and promised that "the facts would be reported to the proper quarter."' (ibid). Woolley's own account of the action confirms this: 'I was at 2,000 feet among the clouds South West of Armentieres when I saw a hostile 2-seater, probably an Albatros, about 1,000 feet below me. On being engaged the enemy aircraft dived towards Armentieres. I dived after him and fired two bursts into him at close range. The enemy aircraft spun and crashed into a house in Armentieres.' (recipient's combat report refers).
The following day Woolley shot down another aircraft: 'I saw 10 Fokker Biplanes attacking a Bristol Fighter. I climbed into a cloud at 6,000 feet whilst Lieutenant McNeaney attacked the enemy machines. A dog fight ensued in which I saw two Fokkers go down after which Lieutenant McNeaney went down, followed by a Fokker. I attacked this enemy aircraft and fired a short burst at point blank range, and saw him go down and crash.' (ibid).
A month later, on the 26th October, Woolley despatched an L.V.G. two-seater at 3,000 feet south-east of Renaix, before recording his final confirmed victory on the 4th November, when 'at 9,000 feet I spotted a Halberstadt two-seater working over Renaix. I flew north and then east and so got east of him and in the sun. I then dived on the enemy aircraft who turned west and then north. I fired a burst at very close range. The enemy aircraft went into a vertical dive and crashed in a gulley between Sulsique and Renaix.' (ibid).
After the Armistice Woolley took up adjutant duties with the Squadron, and became a Flight Commander. In December the Squadron became part of the Allied Occupation Force, and moved to Cologne. Here he accepted the opportunity to fly numerous German aircraft that had been surrendered, including Fokker DVIIs, Rumplers, and Halberstadts. Whilst stationed in Germany he learnt of the award of his D.F.C., and also received the Belgian Croix de Guerre, having the latter pinned on his chest by King Albert himself. He transferred to the unemployed list in October 1919, but was recalled to a short-service Commission the following June, and served at R.A.F. Lee-on-Solent and Calshot. Qualifying as a pilot flying seaplanes and multi-engined flying boats, he fell in love with the Solent area, and wrote to tell his fiancée: 'I am sure that you will love this place too, and if I live long enough to retire this is where we shall live.'
Southern Desert, Iraq- With the Bedouin
In July 1927 Woolley was appointed to a permanent Commission in the General Duties branch of the Royal Air Force, and having been promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1.1.1928, he embarked upon a course in Arabic at the School of Oriental Studies in London. After completing the course in March 1928 he was immediately posted to HQ Iraq as a Special Service Officer with Air Staff Intelligence, and for the next three years was responsible for the collection of intelligence in the vast unmapped desert west of Basra, spending the time living with the Bedouin tribesmen, 'sharing the hardships of their primitive, nomadic lifestyle, enduring searing heat, frequent dust and sandstorms, plagues of flies, and living off revolting food and foul water.' (Winged Warriors, Derbyshire Fighter Pilots in World War I, by Barry Marsden refers). Separated from any form of civilisation by hundreds of miles of desert, with wireless transmitted Morse code his only form of contact, his task was to obtain information on the activities of hostile tribes operating from Saudi Arabia. During his time in Iraq he maintained close contact with Major (later Sir John) Glubb, Glubb Pasha, the founder of the Arab Legion, who had been seconded from the Royal Engineers to the Iraqi Government as Administrative Inspector. In recognition of his sterling service under the most trying conditions, Woolley was awarded a richly-deserved O.B.E. in June 1931. His next job in the Middle East was to visit and provide intelligence on the local Sheikhs through whose territory the pipeline was being built from the Arabian oil fields to the sea ports at Haifa and Tripoli, before returning to flying duties in the United Kingdom, including torpedo bombing in co-operation with the Royal Navy.
A New War- The Same Game
On the outbreak of the Italian- Abyssinian War, Woolley was speedily posted to the Sudan by air to reorganise the rudimentary intelligence facilities in that area, perceived as vital if Britain were to be successfully involved in any hostilities, which at a time seemed likely, and was promoted Squadron Leader, 1.6.1936. When the crisis came to an end he went to Singapore as Senior Air Staff Officer to Air Commodore (later Marshal of the Royal Air Force) Tedder, AOC Far East Command. Promoted Wing Commander, 1.4.1939, he served during the Second World War, first in Singapore; then in Ceylon, with the rank of Group Captain, where he formed and commanded No. 222 Group, a task which involved the construction of airfields and other bases for operating bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance aircraft to combat a Japanese attack on the island; and then, with the rank of acting Air Commodore, in Algiers on the staff of Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder as Chief Intelligence Officer, Mediterranean Air Command HQ, a post he held until in various guises the end of the War. Recommended for a C.B.E. at the end of hostilities, the recommendation stating: 'this Officer has been Chief Intelligence Staff Officer since September 1943, and has not only been responsible for the whole range of intelligence activities in the Mediterranean and North-African theatres, but also the organisation and building up of an integrated Anglo-American intelligence structure.', he was instead created a Companion of the Order of the Bath, and awarded the American Legion of Merit, receiving the latter in Cairo from Major General Benjamin Giles, Commander of United States Forces Middle East.
On his return to the United Kingdom, Woolley was given the command of R.A.F. Lyneham, during which period it became the main base for the British contribution to the Berlin Airlift in 1947, before returning to staff duties as Assistant Director of the Joint Intelligence Bureau at the Ministry of Defence. He retired on the 6th August 1954, with the rank of Air Commodore, after 37 years with the Royal Air Force, during which period he had flown 54 different types of aircraft, from a Dolphin to a Vampire.
Air Commodore Woolley married Gladys Willgoose at Ilkeston in August 1921, and as promised retired to Lee-on-Solent, where in 1971 they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. His son, Frank Geoffrey Woolley, served with the Royal Air Force in the Second World War, and like his father received a D.F.C. before his twentieth birthday.
5
A Scarce and Most Unusual 'Immediate' 1941 Middle East Vincent Vickers Pilot's D.F.C. and 1945 Second Award Bar, 1954 A.F.C. Group of Six to Wing Commander F.G. Woolley, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, For a Daring Air to Land Rescue Carried Out On His First Operational Sortie and in the Face of Rapidly Advancing Enemy Troops. He Was Shot Down and Wounded Over Persia, 26.8.1941; Having Been Rescued By the 17th Lancers, He Returned to the UK to Recuperate and Re-Train On Spitfires. He Went On to Claim At Least 4 Destroyed, 1 Probable and 1 Damaged; He Commanded 350 (Belgian) Squadron, March-May 1945. Wolley Was Killed in a Flying Accident, 28.11.1959
a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1941' and additionally privately engraved 'F.G. Woolley', with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated '1945'
b) Air Force Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated '1956'
c) 1939-1945 Star
d) Air Crew Europe Star
e) Defence and War Medals, light contact marks, good very fine, with the following related items:
- The recipient's four Flying Log Books, covering the period 30.1.1940- 20.11.1959
- The recipient's King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air Certificate, dated 1.1.1949
- Royal Air Force Certificate of Good Service, dated 1.7.1946
- Named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the D.F.C. - The recipient's Empire Central Flying School graduation certificate, dated 22.6.1949
- Various newspaper cuttings
- Various photographs of the recipient (6) £5,000-7,000
Footnote: D.F.C. London Gazette 15.7.1941 Pilot Officer Frank Geoffrey Woolley, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 244 Squadron.
'In May, 1941, one of our aircraft crashed during an attack on an armoured train in enemy territory. In spite of difficult ground, Pilot Officer Woolley landed his aircraft beside the wreckage and picked up the injured pilot and airman. Enemy forces, who had detrained, came towards his aircraft but Pilot Officer Woolley took off over the bad ground with the injured crew and flew safely back to his base. By his prompt and gallant action, Pilot Officer Woolley undoubtedly prevented these airmen from falling into the hands of the enemy and enabled the pilot to receive the medical attention he so urgently needed.'
D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 24.7.1945 Squadron Leader Frank Geoffrey Woolley, D.F.C. (105174), R.A.F.V.R., 130 Sqn.
The Recommendation, dated 18.5.1945, states: 'Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, this Officer has completed a large number of operational sorties including dive-bombing operations, fighter sweeps, escorts and armed reconnaissances, and has destroyed four enemy aircraft and damaged a further two in air combat. On ground attack sorties he has destroyed or damaged 77 assorted pieces of enemy transport often in spite of heavy opposition from enemy ground defences. Squadron Leader Woolley's courageous leadership and cheerful devotion to duty have contributed in no small way to the outstanding success of his Squadron.'
Remarks of Commander of Wing: 'Squadron Leader Woolley is a determined and aggressive Leader whose fighting capabilities are reflected in the success achieved by his Squadron. In April alone his Squadron destroyed 38 enemy aircraft with a further 13 either probably destroyed or damaged. Strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.'
Remarks of Air Officer Commanding: 'Squadron Leader Woolley's tour as a fighter Squadron Commander has been outstandingly successful and his personal score of enemy aircraft destroyed alone has well earned the non-immediate award of a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross for which I recommend him.'
A.F.C. London Gazette 31.5.1956 Wing Commander Frank Geoffrey Woolley, D.F.C. (105174), Royal Air Force.
King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air London Gazette 1.1.1949 Flight Lieutenant F.G. Woolley, D.F.C. (105174), R.A.F.
Wing Commander Frank Geoffrey Woolley, D.F.C., A.F.C., was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on the 1st June 1922, the son of the then Flying Officer Frank Woolley and his wife Gladys. Brought up in an Air Force family: 'They live and talk in air force terms in the Woolley household', as one newspaper scribe put it (Derbyshire Fighter Aces of World War Two, by Barry Marsden refers), he was destined for Cranwell, but upon the outbreak of the Second World War the College closed. Desperately keen to learn to fly, he wrote to his father, who by then was on Tedder's staff out in Singapore, asking permission to join him by working his passage to the Far East. Arriving in Singapore in January 1940, he joined the Singapore Flying Club and his father took him for his ab initio training in an Avro Tutor- the name 'W/Cdr: Woolley' featuring prominently as 1st Pilot in the first few pages of the young Frank's Flying Log Book. Born to fly, 'his father thought him competent to solo after just 4 hours and 10 minutes of instruction.' (ibid). Having gained his 'A' Licence, he was posted to No. 4 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit at Kallang in July 1940, and then joined No. 4 Service Flying Training School at Habbaniya, Iraq, in September. Commissioned Pilot Officer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 29.3.1941, his first operational posting was to No. 244 Squadron (Vickers Vincents), at Shaibah, near Basra. He was in action soon after- the Axis powers had established a pro-German government in the country, and to counter this Britain sent a Brigade from India under the command of General Wavell. Arriving on the 18th April, the Iraqis responded by besieging the R.A.F. base at Habbaniya, but without any air support were forced to retreat. Wavell followed up by launching an assault on Baghdad, and on the 2nd May Woolley flew his first operational mission, as part of a two-plane sortie to bomb the railway line 60 miles south-west of Ur. It was to prove quite a baptism of fire.
First Operational Sortie- and First D.F.C.- a 'Shakey Do' Piloting his Vincent, with Leading Aircraftman Howard as his observer, Woolley took off from Habbaniya, carrying four 250-lb bombs, and headed for the target around 100 miles from base. 'As the Vincents sighted the railway, they noticed an armoured train loaded with troops on the line, and manoeuvred to release their bombs on this opportune target. As they pulled out of their runs with bombs gone, Woolley's companion aircraft, another Vincent piloted by Flight Lieutenant G.B. Haywood, suddenly lurched away, damaged by the blasts of its own bombs. It staggered along, with its engine gradually dying, and smashed into the ground not far from the track that they had been attacking. Circling the wreckage, Woolley made the decision to land and try to rescue the injured crew of the downed warplane. The ground, sandy and rock-strewn, looked most unsuitable for the purpose but, helped by the robust and massive undercarriage, he managed to put down his Vincent near the broken remnants of the other machine. He and Howard hastily dragged the two aircrew out of their shattered cockpits, administered emergency first aid, and stowed them in the fuselage.
Suddenly bullets began whistling around the Vincent as Iraqi soldiers appeared in the distance. To his dismay, Woolley found that his aircraft's wheels were stuck in the soft sand. With the enemy only a few hundred yards away, he leapt into his cockpit and revved up the motor, as Howard deterred the advancing soldiery by bursts from his Lewis gun. He taxied the ponderous aircraft out of the soft sand onto a stretch of firmer ground and then, heart in mouth, opened the throttle. The lumbering Vincent slowly came unstuck and climbed away to safety.' (ibid). Through his gallantry and presence of mind Woolley not only saved Haywood and his airman from falling into enemy hands, but by getting them back to base so they could receive urgent medical attention he undoubtedly saved their lives. For this he was awarded an Immediate D.F.C.; the only comment he made in his Log Book on the matter was a pencilled-in 'Shakey Do'.
Baghdad fell to Wavell's forces on the 30th May, but No. 244 Squadron continued to support the British Forces in the Middle East. On the 26th August he was shot down ten miles south of Ahwaz, Persia, before being rescued by the 17th Lancers. After a period recovering from wounds received in the crash, he rejoined No. 244 Squadron a month later, and was promoted Flying Officer, 29.3.1942.
In the autumn of 1942 Woolley returned to England to train as a fighter pilot, joining No. 57 O.T.U. at Hawarden, near Chester- the social life proved 'a hell of a change from Iraq', as he wrote in a letter to his father. Posted to No. 132 Squadron (Spitfires), Martlesham, January 1943, and promoted Flight Lieutenant, 29.3.1943, in August Woolley went on a Fighter Leaders' course at the School of Tactics, Charmey Down, before being posted as a Flight Commander to No. 602 Squadron (Spitfires), Detling, November 1943. On the 2nd May 1944, he took part in with a force of 11 Spitfires from the Squadron in an attack on the great railway viaduct at Mirville, on the mainline between Paris and Le Havre, diving from 10,000 feet to release their bombs at 3,000 feet, scoring several direct hits, and taking out two of the 39 spans; a week later, on the 10th May, for the first time in eighteen months of combat flying, he opened fire on a German aircraft: 'Attacked by 10 long nosed FW190's. Had three squirts at one 190. Range too great. E/A could apparently outrun and outclimb us.' (Log Book refers). On D-Day he flew over the bay of the Seine and Cherbourg Peninsula to provide cover to the American Forces landing on the beaches. On the 15th June the Squadron landed in France for the first time- the overnight stay was not appreciated: 'Bombed and general bloody shambles all night. Airfield worse than Desert! (ibid). Later that month the Squadron moved to France permanently, and embarked on a series of low level sweeps, strafing enemy transport. On the afternoon of the 2nd July, Woolley, leading a formation of six fighters, finally opened his account: 'six of us engaged 30 FW190's and ME109's. Hell of a scrap. Had many squirts. Final count 2 Destroyed and 4 Damaged. No Loss. Claim 1 FW190 Damaged.' (ibid). It was just in time, as two days later he finished his first tour.
After a spell on the staff of the Fighter Leader School at Millfield, Woolley joined No. 41 Squadron (Spitfires), based in Holland, in January 1945. On the morning of St. Valentine's Day, he led two other aircraft in an armed patrol between Lingen and Osnabruck at 3,000 feet. 'At 8:15 a.m., one mile south of Rheinie airfield, an absolute hotbed of German light AA- he saw twelve enemy aircraft wheeling in the circuit. As he closed the range, traced flashed by him from a FW190, some 400 yards astern. He swiftly broke into the treat, causing his pursuer to turn away for the airfield. Intense light flak opened up, speckling the air round the two fighters. Woolley flinched as a shell smacked into his tailplane. He discovered later that it was a 40mm round, which blew off a large part of his rudder and partly jammed his elevators. Despite his unpromising position, he pressed on grittily, aiming three short bursts at his target from 300 yards. Although he saw no hits, the FW190 pulled up sharply in front of him, and two objects fell away, which he thought was the hood and the pilot baling out. The German warplane turned over and went down, possibly hit by its own flak. Diving away at under 300 feet there seemed little chance that the machine could recover, and Woolley was able to claim a Probable.' (Derbyshire Fighter Aces of World War Two, by Barry Marsden refers). He recorded the incident in his Log Book: 'Diced with 12 FW190's round Rheine Aerodrome: Hit by 40mm flak in tail. Claim one FW190 Probable.'
A First Command, and Victories At Last
On the 2nd March Woolley was rewarded with his first Command, when he was posted to No. 350 (Belgian) Squadron (Spitfires), Eindhoven. Leading from the front, he chalked up his first Destroyed on the 13th March, ten miles north-east of Hamm: 'Bounced 20 FW190's. Claim 1 FW190 Destroyed (Flamer)' (Log Book refers). On the 24th April he got another 'Flamer', this time a ME108 south of Wismar at 3,000 feet, and the following day he destroyed a Siebel 204 during an armed recce over Pritzwalk. His fourth confirmed Destroyed came on the 30th April, during a patrol over the Lauenberg-Elbe bridgehead at 2,000 feet: 'One FW190 Destroyed "Flamer"' (ibid). With three victories in 7 days he was closing in on 'Ace' status, but time was running out. He had a final run in with the Luffwaffe on the 2nd May, whilst patrolling Wittenber-Schwerin, and chased 8 FW190's and 1 ME262, but unfortunately the 'Bastards got away in cloud.' (ibid). Five days later the War in Europe ended.
Although not strictly an Ace, with four confirmed Destroyed, one probable, and one damaged, Woolley had come within a fraction of achieving that coveted status, and, for his leadership of No. 350 Squadron, during which period they destroyed at least 38 enemy aircraft, he was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the War, and following in his father's footsteps, he decided to make the Royal Air Force his full-time career. Appointed to the Command of No. 130 Squadron (Spitfires), he received a permanent Commission as a Flight Lieutenant, 1.7.1946, before converting to jet aircraft prior to joining HQ No. 11 Group in December 1946. Appointed a Flight Commander with No. 54 Squadron (Vampires), January 1948, in July of that year he took part in the Squadron's goodwill tour of Canada and the United States of America- the tour involved the first ever crossing of the Atlantic by jet aircraft, a hazardous flight, with strong headwinds and cloudbanks up to 40,000 feet. The tour was a huge success, with the local press describing Woolley and his colleagues as 'the slickest airborne ambassadors of goodwill you'll ever have a look-see at, these personable lads with their charm and rugged good looks are doing a jam up job of cementing international relations.' One performance, at Greenville, South Carolina, was described as 'the most remarkable precision flying in aviation history here.'
Awarded a King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in the New Year's Honours, 1949, Woolley was promoted Squadron Leader, 1.7.1949, before moving to an Air Ministry posting in 1951. Promoted Wing Commander, 1.3.1954, and posted as Wing Commander (Flying) to 123 Wing, R.A.F. Wunsdorf, he was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1956 primarily as a result of his work with the Wing. There followed three years as an instructor at the R.A.F. Staff College before he went on a course to the R.A.F. Flying College at Manby, Lincolnshire.
'At midday on the 28th November, 1959, a Canberra jet bomber took off from Manby for Malta, with Frank Woolley acting as navigator. The pilot climbed to 1,500 feet when he felt himself losing control of the aircraft and ordered the other two crew members to eject. Ejecting aircrew had to clear the aircraft at a safe height to survive the low-level bale-out and then operate their own parachutes. Breaking his arm as he left the doomed bomber, the pain and shock from his injury prevented him from using his arm to pull the ripcord. His body was found in a field, with the unopened parachute still strapped in place. An inquest judged that the severe injury to his arm was the cause of his untimely end, with the immediate trauma paralysing him for the critical period which meant the difference between life and death.
He was undoubtedly marked for high command, and might well, like his father before him, have achieved Air rank but for his tragic end. His body was cremated and his ashes were brought back to Ilkeston to lie with those of his family.' (Portraits of Heroes, by Barry Marsden refers).
6
The Group of Fourteen Miniature Awards worn by Air Commodore F. Woolley, Royal Air Force
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) Badge, silver-gilt; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals; General Service 1918-62, G.V.R., one clasp, Southern Desert, Iraq; 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star, with rosette on riband; Pacific Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals United States of America, Legion of Merit, Officer's breast Badge, gilt and enamel, with miniature Star emblem on riband; Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, A.I.R., bronze, the Coronation Medal not represented, nearly very fine or better, mounted as worn
The Group of Six Miniature Awards worn by Wing Commander F.G. Woolley, Royal Air Force
Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar; Air Force Cross, G.VI.R.; 1939-1945 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar; Defence and War Medals, very fine (20) £300-400
7
A Good 'Crimea' C.B. Group of Six to Colonel H.C.C. Owen, Royal Engineers, Who Was Thanked For His Services in South Africa, 1846-7, And Lost a Leg as a Result of a Wound Received in the Trenches in Front of the Redan, 19.4.1855
a) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) breast Badge, gold (indistinct Hallmarks for London) and enamel, 1st 1815 wide suspension type, with swivel ring, maker's initials 'IN' on suspension loop, with its integral gold riband buckle
b) South Africa 1834-53 (2nd Capt. H.C.C. Owen, Rl. Engrs.), edge bruising
c) Crimea 1854-56, one clasp, Sebastopol, unnamed as issued, foliate suspension ends smoothed, possibly to facilitate mounting
d) France, Second Empire, Legion of Honour, Chevalier's breast Badge, 62mm including crown suspension x 42mm, silver, gold applique, and enamel, enamel damage
e) Turkey, Order of Medjidieh, Fifth Class breast Badge, 73mm including Star and Crescent suspension x 49mm, silver, gold, and enamel, minor enamel damage to altered suspension, with additional contemporary silver riband buckle
f) Turkish Crimea, British die, neatly plugged with ring and ball suspension, light contact marks overall, minor enamel damage to the Medjidieh, nearly very fine or better, with several photographic images of recipient (lot) £3,500-4,500
Footnote: C.B. London Gazette 5.2.1856 Major Henry Charles Cunliffe Owen, Royal Engineers.
Colonel Henry Charles Cunliffe Owen, C.B., was born Lausanne, Switzerland, October 1821, the son of Captain C.C. Owen, R.N., and was educated privately and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, March 1839, he was promoted Lieutenant, September 1841, and served in South Africa during the Kaffir War of 1846-47, where he supervised the construction of the boat bridge over the Fish River. He was thanked for his services in General Orders by Sir P. Maitland and Sir G. Pechels, and promoted Second Captain, October 1847.
In November 1850 Owen was permitted by the Commander-in-Chief to accept an appointment under the Royal Commission for the Great Exhibition of 1851, and was employed firstly as computer of space for the United Kingdom, then as superintendent of the Foreign Departments, and finally, after the Exhibition was opened, as its General Superintendent; after the Exhibition closed he was appointed to another civilian post as Inspector of Art Schools, Department of Practical Art, Board of Trade, and was elected as an Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, February 1852.
With the outbreak of the Crimean War Owen re-joined the British forces before Sebastopol, where he was wounded by a musketball, when engaged in the trenches directing his men to turn some rifle-pits in front of the Redan which had just been captured from the Russians, 19.4.1855 (London Gazette 1.5.1855 refers); he lost his leg and was invalided home; the History of the Corps of Royal Engineers by Whitworth Porter gives the following: 'On the night of April 19th two large rifle-pits which had been constructed by the Russians, well in front of their post at the Quarries, and which, owing to the advance of our trenches on the left of our right attack, had become perilously close, were assaulted. For the purpose of the attack 600 men of the 77th Regiment under Colonel Egerton were brought into the trenches, and Lieutenant Colonel Tylden, R.E., in charge of the right attack, explained the proposed course of proceeding. At 9.30pm the dash was made, the enemy driven out after a sharp resistance, and the working party brought forward to make the necessary lodgement. This consisted of 150 men, who were in the charge of Captain Owen, R.E., and Lieutenant Baynes, R.E., with a brigade of Sappers. The nearest rifle-pit was promptly reversed, so as to give cover from the Quarries, and connected on its left with our advanced boyeau, whilst on the right it was prolonged to form a more extended lodgement. The enemy returned repeatedly to the attack during the night, and a very heavy fire was kept up on the working party. The British were, however, not to be dislodged, and the pit from that moment became part of our advanced attack. Unfortunately, this success was not secured without heavy loss, Colonel Egerton, who led the assault, was killed, and both of the Engineers, Owen and Baynes, wounded, the latter mortally; Captain Owen had his leg shattered by a grape shot, necessitating amputation'.
For his services in the Crimea Owen was promoted Brevet Major; appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath; Mentioned in Lord Raglan's Despatches; awarded the French Legion of Honour and the Turkish Order of the Medjidieh; and awarded a pension of £100 per annum). Upon returning home he was appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Fortifications at the War Office, October 1855; he later served as Deputy Inspector-General of Fortifications under Sir John Fax Burgoyne, 1856-60, before being appointed Commanding Royal Engineer of the Western District; and was advanced Brevet Colonel, November 1861. Colonel Owen died in 1867, and is buried in Plymouth Cemetery. A stained-glass window was erected to his memory in the Chancel of St. James's Church, Plymouth.
provenance: Spink, July 2007
8
A Scarce India 'Quetta Earthquake' C.I.E., Great War O.B.E. Group of Eight to Lieutenant-Colonel J. Cairns, Royal Army Medical Corps, Who Was The Officer Commanding the Medical Response Contingent Sent to Deal With the Aftermath of the Natural Disaster, Which Caused the Loss of Tens of Thousands of Lives
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 1919)
c) The Most Venerable Order of St. John, Commander's neck Badge, silver and enamel
d) British War Medal (Major J. Cairns.)
e) Jubilee 1935
f) Coronation 1937
g) Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., silver and silver-gilt, the reverse engraved 'Major (Hony.Lt.-Col.). J. Cairns, A.F. (Med.Corps)', with integral top 'India' riband bar
h) Service Medal of the Order of St. John (2263. Asst./Commr. J. Cairns. No.1 Dis. India. S.J.A.B.O. 1938.), nearly extremely fine or better, with a photographic image of the recipient (8) £800-1,200
Footnote: C.I.E. London Gazette 1.1.1936 James Cairns, Esq., O.B.E., Chief Medical and Health Officer, North-Western Railway, Punjab.
O.B.E. London Gazette 12.9.1919 Cairns, T./Capt. James, R.A.M.C. (T.F.)
'In recognition of distinguished services rendered in India in connection with the War.'
Commander, Order of St. John London Gazette 3.1.1936 James Cairns, O.B.E., M.B.
Lieutenant-Colonel James Cairns, C.I.E., O.B.E., E.D. (1885-1939), born Glasgow; educated at Allan Glen's School, and the University of Glasgow; prior to the Great War practised as resident House Surgeon and Physician Royal, Victoria Infirmaries, Glasgow, and Resident Assistant Physician, Knightswood and Ruchill Hospitals, Glasgow. Commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps, he served during the Great War with the R.A.M.C. in India (entitled to British War Medal only) and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and Mentioned in Despatches. After the War transferred to the Auxiliary Force Medical Corps, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Appointed Assistant Medical Officer of Health, Bombay, 1919; Principal Medical Officer of Health of the G.I.P. Railway, March 1920; Chief Medical Officer, North Western Railway, 1927. Served with the St. John Ambulance Brigade, No.1 District, India, from 1927, and honorary president, Punjab Branch, British Medical Association. On the occasion of the Quetta Earthquake, 31.5.1935, which claimed the lives of between 30,000 and 60,000 people, Cairns went to Quetta in charge of the medical contingent, which left Lahore fully equipped within a few hours of the disaster (largely thanks to his forethought and preparations for emergencies), and 'for his brilliant work on this occasion he was granted the C.I.E.' (the recipient's Obituary in The British Medical Journal refers)- a rare instance of a C.I.E. being awarded for specific geographic service. Awarded the Efficiency Decoration, 3.6.1939; died Lahore.
9
A 'Burra Sahib's' C.I.E. Group of Five to Captain A.R. Leishman, Assam-Bengal Railway Volunteer Rifles
a) The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, Companion's (C.I.E.) neck Badge, gold and enamel
b) British War Medal (Capt. A.R. Leishman)
c) Delhi Durbar 1911, silver
d) Indian Volunteer Forces Officer's Decoration, G.V.R., silver and silver-gilt, the reverse engraved 'Capt. A.R. Leishman, The A.B. Rly. Bn. (A.F.I.)', with integral top riband bar
e) Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., G.V.R. (Lieutt. A.R. Leishman, Assam Bl. Ry. Vol. Rfls.), good very fine, all mounted court style for display purposes, together with a portrait photograph of the recipient (5) £800-1,200
Footnote: C.I.E. London Gazette 3.6.1931 Alan Ross Leishman, Esq., V.D., Manager, James Finlay and Company, Chittagong, Bengal.
Captain Alan Ross Leishman, C.I.E., born 1878, and educated at Aldenham School; worked in India with James Finlay & Co., Chittagong, and subsequently served as President of the local Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Port Commissioners (1929-34); Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Assam-Bengal Railway Volunteer Rifles, October 1908; promoted Lieutenant, September 1909; awarded the Indian Volunteer L.S. & G.C. Medal, June 1915; promoted Captain, July 1916, and served during the Great War with the Indian Defence Force (entitled to British War Medal only); awarded the Indian Volunteer Forces Officer's Decoration, September 1923. Created a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire for his services as Manager of James Finlay & Co., June 1931, he retired to England, where he died at Bromley, Kent in December 1937, after having been knocked down and fatally injured by a motor-cyclist - the latter being driven by an R.A.F. Sergeant based at R.A.F. Biggin Hill.
10
The Outstanding Spitfire Ace's C.B.E., Second War 1943 'Immediate' D.S.O., 1940 'Immediate' Battle of Britain D.F.C. and Bar Group of Eight to Pilot Officer, Later Air Commodore, R. 'Ras' Berry, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Accredited With At Least 14 Destroyed, 10 Shared Destroyed, 9 Probables, 17 Damaged and 7 Destroyed on the Ground. The "Mighty Atom" was Involved in One of the Earliest Interceptions Of the War Over the United Kingdom, Claiming a He.III Damaged, 7.12.1939, Before Going On To Rack Up 30 Claims On Enemy Aircraft with 603 Squadron During 1940. He Commanded 81 Squadron in North Africa, Before Commanding 322 (Spitfire) Wing, North Africa, March-June 1943
a) 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, in Garrard & Co. case of issue
b) Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse of suspension bar officially dated '1943', with integral top-riband bar
c) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1940', with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated '1943'
d) 1939-1945 Star, with Battle of Britain Bar
e) Air Crew Europe Star, with Atlantic Bar
f) Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 Bar
g) Defence and War Medals
h) Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R. (Act. Sqn. Ldr. R. Berry. R.A.F.V.R.), generally very fine or better, mounted as originally worn, with the following related items:
- The recipient's associated miniature awards, mounted for wear; riband bar, buttons and various cloth insignia
- D.F.C. Royal Mint case of issue
- Bestowal document for the C.B.E., named to Group Captain Ronald Berry, D.S.O., O.B.E., D.F.C., dated 1.1.1965
- Three R.A.F. Pilot's Flying Log Books (25.4.1937-23.8.1946; 8.10.1947-30.11.1956 and 7.2.1957-15.7.1959)
- Original Caricature in pastels of the recipient as "The Mighty Atom", as published in Airmail
- Seven R.A.F. War Issue Editions of aviation maps of Great Britain, with annotations by recipient
- A number of photographs from various stages of recipient's career
- A Cassette recording of an interview with recipient for a BBC Radio Scotland programme called 'Scotland's Golden Years In The Air'; a signed print called the 'The Scenic Route', by Alan S. Holt, signed by the artist, a limited edition of 500
- A large R.A.F. 'Themed' Leaving Card, commemorating Berry's years in the service, with 20 signatures
- Newspaper cuttings and other emphera (lot) £80,000-120,000
Footnote: C.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1965 Group Captain Ronald Berry, D.S.O., O.B.E., D.F.C., Royal Air Force
D.S.O. London Gazette 1.6.1943 Acting Wing Commander Ronald Berry, D.F.C. (78538), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The Recommendation states: 'Out of a total of 412 operational sorties this Officer has carried out 45 Sweeps over France and no less than 85 Sweeps since coming to North Africa six months ago. The work carried out by Fighter Squadrons at Bone under his leadership during the first few months of this campaign was largely responsible for the sea supply lines being kept open.
More later as Wing Commander Flying 322 Wing and then as O.C. 322 Wing his organising and directive ability coupled with sound leadership both in the air and on the ground have greatly contributed to the success of the Wing. He personally has been responsible for the destruction of 17E/A, and the probable destruction of 8 others. In addition he has damaged a further 12 E/A.
His gallantry and determination to engage the enemy at all times are outstanding and I strongly recommend him for this Award.'
O.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1946 Acting Wing Commander Ronald Berry, D.S.O., D.F.C. (78538), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
D.F.C. London Gazette 25.10.1940 Pilot Officer Ronald Berry (78538), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The Recommendation states: 'Pilot Officer Berry joined his Squadron as a Sergeant Pilot in the R.A.F.V.R. in October 1939.
Whilst with his Squadron in Scotland, his section was responsible for the destruction of a Ju.88, a Do.17 and a He.111.
His Squadron moved to S.E. England on 27th August, 1940, and Pilot Officer Berry, leading his Section, has displayed great skill and courage in all his engagements with the enemy. In these operations he has, himself, destroyed 6 Me.109's and shared in the destruction of a further 2 Me.109's and a Do.17. He has also probably destroyed at least 4 Me.109's.
This gallant young Officer, throughout innumerable engagements with the enemy, has shown great bravery and determination in pressing home his attacks to close range. His example, coupled with his cheerfulness and hard work in the Squadron, have done much to ensure its success in action.'
Remarks of the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshall K.R. Park: 'This young pilot has shown great bravery and determination in pressing home his attacks to close range. He has also led his section with skill and dash.
He is cheerful and hard working. He has shot down six enemy aircraft and probably several others.
I strongly recommend him for the Immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.'
D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 2.3.1943 Squadron Leader Ronald Berry, D.F.C. (78538), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 81 Squadron
The Recommendation states: 'S/Ldr. Berry has been on operational flying since the beginning of the war, and at all times has shown himself to be a keen, courageous and resourceful pilot. At Hornchurch and again in North Africa he has acted as deputy Wing Commander Flying in an exemplary manner. He has destroyed 15 aircraft, probably destroyed nine, and damaged many others.'
Covering Remarks of Air Officer Commander, No.242 Group: 'Wing Commander Berry took over the Wing leadership of 322 Wing whilst commanding a Squadron and has led Squadrons successfully on numerous sorties. He has shown great determination and courage over a long period both as a Squadron Commander and Wing Leader. Strongly recommended for the award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.'
Air Commodore Ronald "Ras" Berry, C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C. (1917-2000), born Hull; educated at the Hull Technical School and subsequently employed in the City Treasurer's Department; joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as Sergeant Pilot, 24.4.1937; he carried out his weekend flying training in Hawker Harts and Hinds at No. 4 E & R.F.T.S., Brough; after further training at No. 8 A.O.S. he was called up with the outbreak of the Second War, and posted as a Pilot Officer for operational service to 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force (Spitfires), Turnhouse, November 1939; he was one the detachment sent to Montrose to protect the airfield there; Berry was involved in one of the earliest interceptions of the war over the United Kingdom, when he damaged a He.III south east of Montrose, 7.12.1939; during the "phoney" war the squadron flew numerous defensive patrols over Scotland; he was active against convoy raiders off the coast of the Scotland, and on 30.6.1940, 'Engaged Ju.88 80m E. of Peterhead' (Log Book refers); the latter was claimed as Damaged; Richard Hillary (a squadron conteporary of Berry) gives the following incite in his book The Last Enemy, published in 1942, 'Pilot Officer Berry, commonly known as Raspberry, came from Hull. He was short and stocky, with a ruddy complexion and a mouth that was always grinning or coming out with some broad Yorkshire witticism impossible to answer. Above that mouth, surprisingly, sprouted a heavy black moustache, which induced me to call him the organ-grinder. His reply to this was always unprintable but very much to the point. Even on the blackest days he radiated an infectious good-humour. His aggressive spirit chafed at the Squadron's present inactivity and he was always the first to hear any rumour of our moving south.'
Thankfully for Berry the following month was far busier, with the squadron adding 10 enemy aircraft to their score; Berry shared a Ju.88, a Do.17 and a He.III during this month, the first being 3.7.1940, 'Shot Down Ju.88 10 miles N. Montrose. I claim this destroyed myself although 2 others fired it 15 minutes before without result' (Log Book refers); Battle Over Britain by Francis Mason gives further insight into the squadron's activity for the day, 'the most successful pilots on the 3rd July were those of No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron which was at this early stage of the Battle operating Sections and Flights of Spitfires at Dyce, Montrose and Turnhouse. At 13.46 hours Green Section (Fg. Off. B.J.G. Carbury, Plt. Off. R. Berry and Plt. Off. B. Stapleton) was ordered off to investigate an aircraft in the neighbourhood of Montrose and found a Junkers Ju.88A-2 of 8 Staffel, KG 30, which they shot down into the sea. Three of the crew were seen to survive the combat. At 16.15 hours Red Section (Sqdn. Ldr. G.L. Denholm, Plt. Off. D. Stewart-Clark and Sgt. I.K. Arber) intercepted another Ju.88 from the same Staffel, twenty-five miles noth-east of Peterhead; in shooting this aircraft down, all three Spitfires suffered damage from the German gunners. Yet a third Ju.88 of 8./KG 30 was destroyed by 603 Squadron when Plt. Off. I.S. Ritchie, Plt. Off. G.K. Gilroy and Sgt. J.R. Caister came upon a raider off Stonehaven.'
Hornchurch - A Happy Hunting Ground
As a consequence of mounting casualities south of the border, 603 Squadron was posted to Hornchurch; Berry was delighted with this turn of events, as Hillary recorded:
'It had come at last. The whole Squadron was moving down to Turnhouse. That was only Edinburgh, but with the German offensive in full swing in the south, it could mean only one thing. In a very few days we should be further south and in it. Broody Benson was hopping up and down like a madman.
"Now we'll show the bastards! Jesus, will we show 'em!"
Stapme was capering about shaking everyone by the hand, and Raspberry's moustache looked as though it would fall off with excitment. "Eh, now they'll cop it and no mistake," he chortled. "I've had just about enough of bulling about up here!"
Berry arrived at Hornchurch, 27.8.1940, and was immediately into the action the following day, 'Patrol 30,000 Dover Area. 1 Me. 109 Probable. 1 Me. 109 Damaged' (Log Book refers); on the 31st August he accounted for three enemy aircraft in one day, 'Ras remembered that day particularly clearly and drew on it to graphically describe a typical day's readiness for recording in the squadron history. "The batman's knock on the door before dawn signalled the beginning of another day.... and we were required to report almost immediately for dawn-to-breakfast standby; a quick cup of tea in the Mess, a few quips from the chaps, then onto the three ton truck which took the pilots to Squadron dispersal point, a hut on the far side of the airfield. Wearing my Mae West, and after briefing by the C.O., I went to meet my ground crew, two devoted airmen who treated and cared for my Spitfire like the thoroughbred she was. After that, back to dispersal to report aircraft OK. The squadron came to 'readiness'. It was still dark... The first sortie was usually about breakfast time, the last about 2000hrs. We had egg, bacon and beans which was sent over from the Mess. Other times we ate when we could. Some didn't live to enjoy breakfast."' (Ronald Berry Hull's Spitfire 'Ace', D. Chester refers)
During his second scramble of the morning Berry found himself over the Canterbury area 'in the thick of a mass of wheeling, milling Me. 109s, which were protecting their big brothers, the Heinkel and Dornier bombers.
The squadron split up and in seconds I was in a dogfight with a 109. The turn got tighter. The question was which of us would straighten up - would the 109 roll over and disappear or stay long enough for me to get a bead on him? He left it too late. I got in a long burst, then another, and he burst into flames… Another 109 crossed below and in front. I rolled over and followed him. He never saw me.
I gave him a long burst as I closed rapidly on his tail. There was a long trail of smoke and flame and he went straight into the ground.' (Obituary refers)
Scrambled again in the early evening Berry chased a Me. 109 heading east and shot it down over Shoeburyness; as a consequence of this eventful days' flying he acquired for himself the nickname of "The Mighty Atom."
The Mighty Atom
The squadron was hard pressed during September 1940, and often involved in three or four fierce battles against overwhelming odds on a daily basis, "when I saw Heinkel bombers unleashing their load onto the poor populace of London it had an effect of making me hopping mad and I think from that moment on I had the feeling there was something much more serious than just having dofights in the air... I was enraged at that sort of bombing. I acquired what I can only describe as being a 'bloodlust'. I was just getting on with my job at first - I never thought of killing anybody - but then I felt pretty bloody minded about it - and I kept this attitude, this bloodlust, through-out the war, as far as I could" (Ronald Berry Hull's Spitfire 'Ace', D. Chester refers); casualties mounted amongst the original members of the weekend fliers, but Berry's record during this month was both constant and outstanding:
1.9.1940 Me.109 Shared. Canterbury
2.9.1940 Me.109 Damaged. Chatham
9.9.1940 He.III Damaged. North of Ford
11.9.1940 Me.110 Damaged. South London
15.9.1940 Me.109 Probable. Dungeness
15.9.1940 Me.109 Probable. South-east Chatham
15.9.1940 Do.17 Destroyed. South-east of Chatham
17.9.1940 Me.109 Probable. Chatham
27.9.1940 Me.109 Destroyed. Gravesend
27.9.1940 Me.109 Shared. Gravesend
27.9.1940 Me.109 Probable. Gravesend
29.9.1940 Me.109 Probable. Hornchurch
29.9.1940 Me.109 Damaged. Hornchurch
30.9.1940 Two Me.109s Destroyed. Biggin Hill
By the end of September Berry had earned a weekend of leave, and he used this to good effect by popping back up to Hull to get married; he was also recommended for the first of his D.F.C.s; fighting activities began to tail off by the end of October and into November, however, Berry still managed to damage a Me.109, 27.10.1940; in November Berry shared a Me.110, damaged a He.113 and destroyed a Me.109 before encountering the Italian Air Force for the first time; the latter was during only its second raid on England, 23.11.1940; off Dover Berry 'Shot Down CR.42 & 1 Prob. CR.42. First Italian Victim - Dog Fight with Biplane-Fighter' (Log Book refers)
C/O 81 Squadron
Berry returned with the squadron to Scotland in December 1940 - of the 24 pilots that had been originally posted to Hornchurch in August, only 8 were to fly back to Scotland; he was promoted 'A' Flight Commander, January 1941; his operational tour ended in April, and he was posted as Fighter Controller at Turnhouse; promoted Squadron Leader, 1.12.1941; despite his role Berry still managed to fit in several scrambles in Hurricanes; his relative rest over Berry was appointed to the command of 81 Squadron (Spitfires), Ouston, 16.1.1942; the squadron were employed with convoy patrols until May, when Berry took them to Hornchurch; whilst stationed at the latter they carried out offensive sweeps as part of the Hornchurch Wing over Europe, including 14.7.1942, 'Offensive Sweep Ostend. 3 Ships Attacked. P/O Smackleton Picked Up in Sea. Flak!! + Some' and 15.7.1942, 'Offensive Sweep Etaples. Gun Posts Attacked. W/C Finucane Crash Landed & Drowned' (Log Book refers); he carried out 4 offensive patrols as part of the air cover for the Dieppe Raid, 19.8.1942; as summer progressed Berry led the Wing more frequently, often acting as escort for formations of Flying Fortresses; in October the squadron became non-operational to prepare for a posting overseas; moving up to Scotland they embarked on M.V. Leinster at Greenock, 25.10.1942.
North Africa - Operation Torch
The squadron disembarked at Gibraltar, 6.11.1942; they were re-equipped with tropical Spitfire Vc's and took off for Algiers with 90 gallon tanks, 8.11.1942; as the Allied Landings of Operation Torch commenced the squadron touched down at Maison Blanche; Berry's squadron was the first Allied Squadron to land in French North Africa; as Sergeant Alan Peart (81 Squadron) recorded, they did not receive the warmest of welcomes, "The airfield was still in French hands. Ras on landing got into an argument with the local French Commander, each claiming the other as his prisoner, until a British tank appeared which settled the matter"; Berry did not waste any time and had the squadron up on a scramble the same day; success for the squadron, and indeed Berry, was immediate during their first full day of operational flying, 'Patrol Algiers. First Big Air Fights 81's Day Out! (7 Destroyed)' (Log Book refers); Berry's score was boosted by one Ju.88 destroyed, another shared and a He.111 shared; he damaged another Ju.88, 11.11.1942, 'Patrol Bougie. 1 Damaged Ju.88. Convoy In Harbour Attacked By 6 Ju.88s Followed By 4 Savoias Carrying Out Torpedo Attack. Carried Out Dummy Attacks On Wops. No Ammo Left. P/O Rigby. F/O Large Shot Down At Bougie' (Log Book refers); two days later the squadron moved to Bone; on the 14th the squadron was caught on the ground by raiders and suffered heavy casualties, Berry managed to get up in time and damage a Macci; on his return from the sortie Berry was delighted to see that RAF Command had sent forward ten aircraft of 111 Squadron to further reinforce the base, Berry greeted 111 Squadron's C.O., "Thank God you've arrived... we've flown our arses off, most of our aircraft have been bombed or shot up and there is no early warning system. We're sitting ducks" (Ronald Berry Hull's Spitfire 'Ace', D. Chester, refers); Berry records the following for the day, '1 Macci Damaged. Chased A Ju.88 & 2 109's. They Escaped In Cloud. Ju.88's Attacked The Drome All Day. F/Lt. Bedford Badly Burnt. P/O Fenwick Slightly Injured. F/S Friar Killed In Air Combat Over Drome'; the squadron suffered another pilot wounded, and one missing in action from a similar attack two days later; Berry continued to lead from the front claiming 2 Me. 109s damaged, 26.11.1942, and sharing another two days later; on the 28.11.1942, due to Group Captain Appleton, D.S.O., D.F.C. becoming a casualty, "Dutch" Hugo (see Spink 22.4.2010 sale for Hugo's medals) moved up from Wing Leader to C/O of 322 Wing and Berry was appointed Acting Wing Leader; in December he shared a FW 190 over Bone, destroyed another over Terbouba, and destroyed an Italian S.79 over the same area.
322 Wing
On the 5th January 1943 Berry's Log Book gives the following, 'Squadron Moved To Constantine For A Well Earned Rest. Having Destroyed 29 and a third - Probably Destroyed 14 1/2 - And 38 Damaged From 8. Nov. 1942 - 4. Jan. 1943. F/Lt. Waud - D.F.C. P/O Fenwick - D.F.C. Sgt. Moston - D.F.M. F/Lt Walker - D.F.C. & Bar F/Lt Bedford - D.F.C. Self Bar To D.F.C. Squadron Total Ops. Hrs. 2,260'; Berry was promoted Wing Commander, 22.1.1943; he took over the Command of 322 Wing from Hugo in March 1943, handing command of 81 Squadron over to Squadron Leader C. Gray; the Wing comprised of Nos. 81, 152, 154, 232 and 242 Squadrons, all whom were Spitfire squadrons; as the Tunisian campaign progressed the Wing carried out more and more close-support work attacking Army targets and escorting bomber attacks; Berry undaunted by his new role took up where he had left off, 31.1.1943, 'Shot Down 109G2. 20 Miles E of Bone. Pilot Baled Out 20,000 & Captured'; he destroyed another Me.109, 25.2.1943, with the Pilot once again having to bale-out; Hugo also liked to keep his hand in, as Berry records on an Escort and Cover mission for 12 Mitchells, 1.3.1943, just before he handed over command of the Wing, 'G/Capt. Hugo D.S.O., D.FC. x 2 et Croix de Guerre & Bronze Palme!! My No. 2!!'; the following day, on a similar operation, Berry added a Me. 109 as a Probable over Mateur; he claimed another damaged, 8.3.1943, 'Beja - 6 Me.109G's - Had A Head-On Squirt 22,000'; having been awarded a Bar to his D.F.C., his combat record for April re-inforced his obvious desire to engage the enemy head-on:
3.4.1943 FW 190 Damaged.
5.4.1943 Ju.87 Damaged. Pont du Fahs
13.4.1943 Me.109 Probable. Enfidaville - Ponts du Fahs
25.4.1943 Me.109 Damaged. Medjez
26.4.1943 Me.109 Damaged.
May heralded the end of the campaign in Tunisia, however, there was still time for Berry to destroy a Ju.52 on the ground, 6.5.1943, and six Me.109's on the ground the following day; he and Hugo also liberated a 'Captured Hun Recce Plane' flying it back to base together on the 10th; on the 15th May Berry recorded the following in his Log Book, 'Awarded the D.S.O. - Victories 17 1/2 Dest. 9 Prob. Dest. 17 Dam. 1 Ju.52 On Ground. 126 Fighter Sweeps. 560 Ops. Hrs.'
The 'Quiet' Life
On the 20th May Berry led Nos. 154, 232 and 242 Squadrons in the Fly Past for the Victory Parade in Tunis; a few days later he was posted for service in the UK; his journey, as a passenger, was almost as 'hairy' as if he had been flying his Spitfire, 'Algiers- Oran - Oran - Gibraltar - Gibraltar - Tempsford. 3 Hun Officers On Plane - I Guess They'd "Had It". Shot At By Guns Of Spain & Spanish Morroco Over Spain Portugal France. Ceiling 300! At Base'; recognised as one of the leading fighter pilots of the day Berry was posted as Officer Commanding Training Wing to 53 (Spitfire) O.T.U., Kirton-in-Lindsey, June 1943; despite his busy schedule he still managed to fit in the odd social engagement, 13-15.9.1943, 'Visit to Hornchurch - (B. Of B. Luncheon At Simpsons 14th); 20-27.9.1943, 'Battle Of Britain Parade - Rehearsal' and 21.4.1944, 'Dinner At Tangmere For General Eisenhower'; after attending the Army Staff College at Camberley Berry was posted as Wing Commander Training and Plans A.D. G.B. - H.Q.F.C., February 1944; he was posted as Chief Flying Instructor, Flight Leaders' School, Milfield, August 1944; after the war he formed the Central Fighter Establishment at Tangmere, commanded R.A.F. Acklington and served at No.12 Group as Wing Commander Operations; he was posted to command the Air Fighting Development Unit, West Raynham, 1947, before being sent on an exchange to the United States Air Force in the early 1950s; during the latter he flew in many types of aircraft at the air proving ground; upon his return Berry was appointed Wing Commander Plans at Fighter Command; in 1954 he attended the Joint Services Staff College prior to taking a Bomber Course; having completed the course he was appointed Wing Commander Flying at Wittering on Valiant Jet bombers; with the appointment of former fighter leader, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst, to lead Bomber Command, he sent Berry to command 543 Squadron one of the new Valiant nuclear deterrent squadrons; Berry left the squadron in 1959, when he was promoted Group Captain, and appointed Director of Operations, Navigation and Air Traffic Control at the Air Ministry; after two years at the Air Ministry he was posted to command R.A.F. Lindholme; promoted Air Commodore, Berry was one of 13 serving Group Captains and one Air Commodore who had fought in the Battle of Britain chosen to march at the head of Sir Winston Churchill's funeral procession in 1965; briefly employed at the Board of Trade he retired in 1969.
Berry's Spitfire 1X, code EN199, bearing the initials R-B, flown by him from January 1943 to the end of Operation Torch has been restored and is on display at the Malta Aviation Museum at the former RAF base at Ta' Qali.
11
A Second War '1943' C.B.E. Group of Eight to Brigadier and Noted Artillery Historian O.F.G. Hogg, Royal Artillery
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Commander's neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel
b) 1914 Star, with Bar (Lieut: O.F.G. Hogg. R.G.A.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (Capt. O.F.G. Hogg.)
d) Defence and War Medals
e) Coronation 1937
f) Poland, Republic, Order of Poland Restored, 1st type, Commander's neck Badge, 58mm, silver-gilt and enamel, minor blue enamel damage to motto on last, good very fine or better, the medals contained in a Spink, London, fitted case with the recipient's brother's intitals 'C.C.H.H.' embossed on the lid; the Polish award in Spink, London, case of issue (8) £500-600
Footnote: C.B.E. London Gazette 2.6.1943 Colonel (temporary Brigadier) Oliver Frederick Gillilan Hogg (4083), late Royal Artillery
Poland, Order of Poland Restored, Commander London Gazette 7.12.1944 Colonel (Temporary Brigadier) Oliver Frederick Gillian Hogg, C.B.E. (4083), late Royal Artillery
'In recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies.'
Brigadier Oliver Frederick Gillilan Hogg, C.B.E., (1887-1979), born Bedford; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, 23.7.1907; promoted Lieutenant, 23.7.1910; served during the Great War with No 2 Section Anti-Aircraft, Royal Garrison Artillery, on the Western Front from 26.8.1914; promoted Captain, 30.10.1914; Major, 22.5.1926; appointed Assistant Master-General of Ordnances, War Office, with the temporary rank of Brigadier, 1939; Deputy Director of Military Administration, Ministry of Supply, 1939; Director of Military Administration, 1941; retired, 1946.
A distinguished historian and writer, Brigadier Hogg devoted his retirement years to the study and history of Artillery, his greatest works being the monumental two volume history of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. He also wrote Artillery: Its Origin, Heyday and Decline; Clubs to Cannon: Warfare and Weapons Before the Introduction of Gunpowder; and English artillery, 1326-1716: The history of artillery in this country prior to the formation of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
12
A Great War C.B.E. Group of Four to Commander A.E. Acheson, Royal Navy, Late Naval Transport Staff
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel
b) 1914 Star (Commdr A.E. Acheson, R.N., Transport Staff.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (Commr. A.E. Acheson. R.N.), good very fine, the 1914 Star scarce to unit (4) £350-400
Footnote: C.B.E. London Gazette 4.7.1919 Commander Albert Edward Acheson, O.B.E., R.N.
'For valuable services as Divisional Naval Transport Officer, Manchester.
O.B.E. London Gazette 7.6.1918 Commander Albert Edward Acheson, R.N., Divisional Naval Transport Officer, Manchester
'For services in connection with the War.'
Commander Albert Edward Acheson, C.B.E., (1863-1945), born Dublin; Commissioned Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Navy, 22.8.1891; promoted Liuetenant, 31.10.1895; Commander, 2.5.1907; served during the Great War initially with the Naval Transport Staff at Marseilles, France, the gateway port for the disembarkation of Indian divisions, and subsequent reinforcements for the Indian Corps sent to France from India in 1914; subsequently as Divisional Naval Transport Officer at Manchester; died Brooklands, Cheshire.
13
A Rare 'Uganda 1899' D.S.O., and Superb Campaign Combination Group of Nine to Brigadier-General J.T. Evatt, 39th Garhwal Rifles and Uganda Rifles, Who Successfully Defeated and Captured Kabarega and Mwanga, The Kings of Unyoro and Uganda; Before Leading the Military Operations Against the Nandi, July-October 1900. With a 'Face Like An Old Walrus, Running Them All With An Iron Hand - He Was Almost a Prototype Of An Indomitable 'C.O.' He Went On To Raise the 2nd Battalion of the 39th Garhwal Rifles, He Was Also The First Colonel of The Regiment
a) Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar, obverse centre slightly depressed, minor enamel damage
b) India General Service 1854-95, two clasps, Burma 1889-92, Chin Hills 1892-93 (Lieut. J.T. Evatt 39th Bl. Infy.)
c) India General Service 1895-1902, V.R., two clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (Capt. J.T. Evatt 39th Bl. Infy.)
d) East and Central Africa 1897-99, two clasps, 1898, Uganda 1899 (Maj: J.T. Evatt, 1/Uganda Rif:)
e) Africa General Service 1902-56, E.VII.R., one clasp, Uganda 1900 (Lt: Col: J.T. Evatt. D.S.O. Uganda Rif:)
f) British War and Victory Medals (Brig. Gen. J.T. Evatt.)
g) Jubilee 1935
h) Coronation 1937, generally very fine or better, mounted as originally worn (9) £7,000-9,000
Footnote: D.S.O. London Gazette 9.1.1900 Capt. John Thorold Evatt, Indian Staff Corps, 'In recognition of services in Uganda.'
Brigadier-General John Thorold Evatt, D.S.O., born 1861, son Henry Ashmore, late 90th Light Infantry and Public Works Department, Ceylon; educated at Whitgift School, Croydon; served in the Royal South Middlesex Militia prior to being commissioned Second Lieutenant, 54th Foot, 1881; transferred as Lieutenant to the Indian Staff Corps, 1883; served with the 39th Bengal Infantry as part of the Tlang-Tlang and Tashon Columns in Burma 1891-92; Captain 1892; served with the regiment during the operations on the North West Frontier, 1897-98, including in the Mohmand and Malakand operations in Bajaur; he also served with the Tirah Expeditionary Force prior to service in Africa; advanced Major and served with the 1st Battalion Uganda Rifles in British East Africa; took part in the expedition against the Ogaden Somalis, 1898; serving in Uganda, 1898-99, Evatt commanded the forces which advanced down the Nile defeating and capturing Kabarega and Mwanga, Kings of Unyoro and Uganda (D.S.O.; Mentioned in Despatches London Gazette 2.1.1900); Acting Commissioner Ternan's despatch to the Marquis of Salisbury, dated 31.5.1899, Kampala, gives the following:
'I have the honour to forward herewith Lieutenant-Colonel Evatt's Report upon the recent operations so successfully carried out by him agains Kabarega, late King of Unyoro.
As your Lordship is aware, Kabarega, after carrying on hostilities against this Administration for some years, was defeated in 1896, and finally driven out of Unyoro into the Wakedi country, where he settled down with a large number of his following.
Since that time, however, he has never ceased to carry on by every means in his power a desultory war against the Government, and, by a series of raids, directed against the Wanyoro living on the west bank of the Nile, has caused the greatest suffering to his former subjects, and kept Unyoro itself in a state of excitement which prevented it from quietly settling down, and much interfered with its satisfactory administration.
In February last I decided that the time had come when a decisive blow might be struck which would finally put a stop to this state of things, and arrangements were accordingly made to collect a force at Mruli, with a view to acting against Kabarega in the Wakedi country, and either capturing him or breaking his power.
In forwarding Lieutenant-Colonel Evatt's Report on the subsequent operations, I would point out to your Lordship that the nature of the country, the hositility of its inhabitants, and the want of reliable maps and information, made the task assigned to Lieutenant-Colonel Evatt one of peculiar difficulty, and the extremely able and thorough manner in which he accomplished his object is, therefore, all the more striking.
I venture to submit Lieutenant-Colonel Evatt's name for your Lordship's favourable consideration.'
Magor adds the following in African General Service Medals, 'They crossed Lake Kwania by canoe and captured Mwanga and Kaberega. This action was described as 'an unexpected and unspectacular conclusion to two long and troublesome careers.'
In one account it is stated that Kaberega was wounded in his last fight and taken to a military hospital, but as some other African was treated before him, he became incensed, jumped off his stretcher and kicked the European doctor in the bottom. The doctor however took the assault philosophically, 'After all, it's not every day that one is kicked by a king.'
Evatt was presented with his D.S.O. by the Commissioner and Consul-General in Uganda. He stayed in Uganda, and led the military operations against the Nandi between July-October 1900. Magor gives the following, 'the Nandi had remained hostile and the situation was aggravated by the approach of the Uganda Railway. Persistent looting and attacks necessitated another expedition. This was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J.T. Evatt, D.S.O., who was described as 'brawny, thick and glaring, a bit gray and a face like an old walrus, running them all with an iron hand...' - he was almost a prototype of an indomitable 'C.O.'
In June, Captain Parkin (Northants Regt.) and a small expedition of 25 rifles and some Masai spearmen killed 25 Nandi and captured 229 cattle and 1,800 sheep and goats. However they were followed up by the Nandi and lost 2 killed and 1 wounded.
The action precipitated Evatt's expedition which absorbed virtually all the resources of the Uganda Rifles.
The Nandi dispersed and refused to fight, but cut up a number of small parties, even annihilating 20 Sudanese in one skirmish.
Evatt was reinforced by Masai irregulars, who were adept at finding the cattle which the Nandi had hidden in the caves of the Escarpment. Thus quite severe pecuniary losses were inflicted on the Nandi as large numbers of cattle and goats were captured.
Evatt's camp was attacked and might well have been overwhelmed if the Nandi, who fought with great courage, had not been driven off by fire from the maxim gun.'
Evatt's report of the expedition given to Colonel A.H. Coles, Officer Commanding Uganda Rifles, dated December 1900, gives more detail:
It was not until the advent of some 300 Masai and Kamasia spearmen that really effective results were obtained. After the arrival of these auxiliaries the operations assumed the nature of a series of raids of two or three days' duration, when columns consisting of about 40 rifles and 100 Masai (generally under a British officer) moved from a central camp on the lightest possible scale of baggage. It was on these occasions that the heaviest casualties were inflicted on the Nandi. These operations involved some independent fighting, mostly borne by the auxiliaries, who, from their superior mobility, were generally in advance of the troops, who thus acted as a support. In spite of their alertness by day, the Nandi were on several occasions taken completely by surprise at night, and heavy damage inflicted upon them.
In this manner the Nandi country was a second time traversed, i.e. from east to west, columns being sent in all directions as the main body of the force moved forward.
In the vicinity of the western extremity of the escarpment operations were undertaken against the cave strongholds of the Nandi, which they regarded as impregnable.... Situated amongst the rocks and boulders it is almost impossible without a guide to locate their entrances. Of these there are generally several, barricaded with rocks and stones, and loopholed in such a manner that to take them with troops armed with rifles and with no protective arrangement against arrows would result in disproportionate loss of life. The caves were, however, taken with comparatively inconsiderable casualties by employing bodies of auxiliaries, who advanced against the entrances under cover of their shields and were supported by rifles. The barricades were then pulled away and an entrance forced. After the reduction of the second cave the enemy evacuated the remainder, in some of which considerable quantities of grain were found.....
Acting on information which consistently pointed to the majority of the Nandi live stock (and therefore fighting men) being in the low-lying hills between the Lumbwa Escarpment and the Nyando River, I proceeded with the remainder of the force, consisting of 145 rifles (local troops) and 300 Masai, in a southerly direction from Nandi Station... I had on the previous day received authentic information as to the whereabouts of the most troublesome leaders of the rebellion, the two Laibons, or medicine men, Kibiles and Goitalel, and of the intention of the enemy to break back to the Nandi Escarpment as soon as the troops should arrive in the vicinity of Fort Ternan. I therefore decided to attack at once. Leaving a sufficient guard in camp I divided the remainder of the force into two columns, which left camp at 11pm on the 12th October. One column under Colour-Sergeant J. Ellison, was to proceed to the east, cross the Nyando River, and attacking the Bomas or zaribas... to drive the enemy west, returning to camp, if possible, before nightfall.... Colour-Sergeant Ellison... inflicted severe loss on the enemy.
With the other column I proceeded with the intention of surprising the Boma of the Laibons, and of subsequently acting as circumstances might demand. After marching continuously until about 4am on the 13th the zariba was surrounded and taken after considerable opposition. The column then continued its advance, and after making large captures of livestock, and inflicting severe losses on the enemy, a suitable site was selected (at about 1pm on the 13th) for a bivouac, as it was impossible to reach camp before nightfall. Owing to various circumstances it was found impracticable to complete more than a zariba for the captured livestock. The troops and the auxiliaries were placed in the most favourable positions for protecting the captures and resisting an attack, and were warned of the extreme probability of this being made. The attack in fact, took place at about 11pm, when it appears that the enemy assaulted in three bodies, one of which, breaking through the Masai spearmen, entered the cattle zariba, and thence inflicted most of the losses which occurred. The night was pitch dark, and nothing could be seen at more than a few yards distance. Fire was opened at once, and no entrance was affected through the troops, who generally behaved with commendable steadiness. Some confusion was occasioned by the Masai spearmen crowding round the Maxim gun and preventing it from coming into action. This was, however, soon rectified, and after the gun commenced fire the enemy made no further attacks... I regret that in this engagement Dr. J.L. Sherlock, Uganda Medical Service, and 10 native ranks were killed, and Lieutenant K. Henderson, Indian Staff Corps, and 18 native ranks were wounded. The enemy left 21 dead in close proximity to the Boma; their total losses during the operations of the 12th and 13th October being 74 authenticated killed, including the Laibon Goitalel, 1,039 cattle, and 3,100 sheep and goats.
This was the last event of the expedition, the Lumbwa and Nandi tribes having since submitted and peace having been concluded.... In adopting the tactics dictated by those of the enemy, I have been guided by the ordinary military principle of making the destruction or deprivation of what they prize most as my first object. This undoubtedly their livestock, the capture of which has, I firmly believe, been the only means through which it was possible to kill an exemplary number of an extremely mobile enemy, who (from a record of hostility, treachery, and murder probably unexampled in the history of the Protectorate) have called on themselves such punishment as has been meted to them.'
Evatt was Mentioned in Despatches and given Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel in recognition of his services in Uganda. He raised and commanded the first Indian Contingent for Uganda, and commanded the Uganda Military Force. In March 1901 Evatt raised and commanded the 49th (The Garhwal Rifle) Regiment of Bengal Infantry. The nucleus was provided by the 39th Royal Garhwal Rifles and in November of the same year the two battalions were redesignated as the 1st and 2nd Battalions 39th Garhwal Rifles. Evatt advanced to Colonel, 23.11.1907. He served as Temporary Brigadier-General, Commanding the Madras Brigade, 1907-1910. Retiring with the rank of Brigadier-General, 1913, Evatt was appointed as the first Colonel of the Regiment (39th Garhwal Rifles) the following year. He re-engaged for service as a Brigade Commander during the Great War (Mentioned in the Secretary of State's Despatch London Gazette 25.1.1917). He served as Deputy Assistant Censor, 1916-17, and as Area Commandant in France in 1917.
14
A Scarce Second War O.B.E., Great War '1916' M.C. Group of Seven to Lieutenant-Colonel E.M. Sinauer, Royal Engineers
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt
b) Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse privately engraved in sans-serif capitals 'Capt. E.M. Sinauer. R.E. 1916'
c) 1914 Star, with Bar (Lieut. E.M. Sinauer. R.E.)
d) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Major E.M. Sinauer)
e) Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Order of Medjidieh, Fourth Class breast Badge, 70mm including Star and Crescent suspension x 53mm, silver, gold applique, and enamel, with rosette on riband
f) Khedive's Sudan 1910-22, one clasp, S. Kordofan 1910 (Lieut. E.M. Sinauer. R.E.), officially engraved, generally very fine or better, mounted court style for display purposes (7) £3,000-4,000
Footnote: O.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1941 Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Esmond Moreton Sinauer, M.C., retired pay, late Royal Engineers.
M.C. London Gazette 3.6.1916 Capt. Esmond Moreton Sinauer, R.E.
'For Distinguished Service in the Field.'
Turkish Order of the Medjidieh, Fourth Class London Gazette 6.5.1913 Lieutenant Esmond Moreton Sinauer, Royal Engineers
'In recognition of valuable services rendered by him.'
Lieutenant-Colonel Esmond Moreton Sinauer, O.B.E., M.C., born Brisbane, Queensland, August 1885, moved to England in 1894 and educated at St. Paul's School, London, and the Royal Military College, Woolwich, where he passed out at the head of his class, taking the King's Gold Medal for proficiency in Military Subjects, The Pollock Gold Medal for Distinguished Proficiency, and prizes for chemistry, tactics, military engineering, artillery, military topography, geometrical drawing, infantry drill, and free hand drawing; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, 27.7.1905; promoted Lieutenant, 11.1.1908; employed with the Egyptian Army, 24.1.1908- 14.12.1912, present during the operations in Southern Kordofan, November to December 1910, and awarded the Turkish Order of the Medjidieh; after returning to England he was one of six officers from the Royal Engineers to be personally presented to H.M. the King; served with the Royal Engineers during the Great War on the Western Front; promoted Captain, 30.10.1914, acting Major, 9.5.1917, awarded the Military Cross and twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 22.6.1915 and 7.7.1919); after the Great War appointed Deputy Assistant Director of Railways and Roads at the War Office, with the temporary rank of Major, 1.6.1919; appointed Deputy Assistant Director of Fortifications and Works, 25.5.1922; retired with the rank of Major, 15.7.1925; re-employed at the start of the Second World War as an Assistant Director of Fortifications and Works, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, 1.9.1939; died at Aldershot, Hampshire, 10.7.1946, and his ashes are buried in Golders Green Crematorium, London. A personal tribute to him that appeared in The Times, 3.8.1946, recalled: 'In my opinion no other Sapper contributed more than Sinauer to the Army's success in the Air Defence of Great Britain. When he eventually left the War Office to join the Headquarters of Anti-Aircraft Command, we missed his wise council, his great knowledge and his never failing good humour.'
provenance: Spink, November 2000.
15
A Second War M.B.E. Group of Nine to Squadron Leader J. Holt, Royal Air Force, Who Served With the Lancashire Fusiliers During The Great War, and Landed With Them At Gallipoli, 25.4.1915, When the Regiment Won 'Six V.C.s Before Breakfast'
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver
b) The Most Venerable Order of St. John, Officer's breast Badge, silver and enamel
c) 1914-15 Star (1222 Cpl. J. Holt. Lan. Fus.)
d) British War and Victory Medals (1222 Cpl. J. Holt. Lan. Fus.)
e) Defence and War Medals
f) Delhi Durbar 1911, silver
g) Royal Air Force Long Service & G.C., G.V.R. (104814 S.M.1. J. Holt. R.A.F.), the M.B.E. mounted with Civil Division riband, good very fine, mounted court style as worn (9) £350-450
Footnote: M.B.E. London Gazette 14.6.1945 Squadron Leader John Holt (23106), Royal Air Force.
Order of St. John, Officer London Gazette 8.7.1947 Squadron Leader John Holt, M.B.E., R.A.F.
Squadron Leader John Holt, M.B.E., served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers in the Gallipoli theatre of War from 25.4.1915 (Lancashire Landings day); transferred to the Royal Air Force, and awarded L.S. & G.C., 2.6.1925, whilst holding the rank of Sergeant Major 1st Class; Commissioned Medical Quartermaster and Flying Officer, 8.9.1930; promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1.8.1938; Squadron Leader, 1.7.1943; retired, 26.12.1946.
16
An M.B.E. Group of Six to Assistant Chief Constable W.E. Glover, Liverpool City Police Force
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Civil Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver (Hallmarks for London 1919)
b) The Most Venerable Order of St. John, Serving Brother's breast Badge, circular type, silver and enamel
c) Defence Medal
d) Jubilee 1935
e) Coronation 1937
f) Liverpool City Police Good Service Medal, silver, with 'Service Over 30 Years', 'Service Over 35 Years', and 'Service Over 40 Years' clasps, final clasp hand-engraved, reverse engraved 'Presented by The Watch Committee 24th July 1930', edge engraved 'Asst Chief Constable William Egerton Glover M.B.E.', generally good very fine or better, final clasp rare, the last lacking its integral top riband bar, mounted as worn and housed in a Kenning, London, leather case, together with a photographic image of the recipient (6) £400-500
Footnote: M.B.E. London Gazette 3.6.1925 William Egerton Glover, Esq., Chief Superintendent, Liverpool Police
Order of St. John, Serving Brother London Gazette 26.6.1934 William Egerton Glover, M.B.E.
Assistant Chief Constable William Egerton Glover, M.B.E. (1884-1967), born Elsack, Yorkshire; appointment a Clerk at Liverpool City Police Headquarters, 1900; joined the Liverpool City Police as a Police Constable, 1905; advanced Assistant Chief Constable; retired 1946. At the time of his retirement he was the longest serving member of the Liverpool City Police Force.
17
A Post-War M.B.E., Group of Seven to Lieutenant-Colonel J. Fox, Simla Volunteer Rifles, Late Cheshire Regiment
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver, (Hallmarks for London 1919)
b) British War Medal (Lieut. J. Fox)
c) Victory Medal (Lieut. James Fox)
d) Delhi Durbar 1911, silver
e) Army Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st 'Field Marshal's bust' type (Sub-Condtr. James Fox. India Misc List)
f) Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., G.V.R. (Serjt. J. Fox. Simla Vol. Rfls.)
g) Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st 'Field Marshal's bust' type (Condr. J. Fox. I.M.L.), generally good very fine, mounted court style for wear, together with a photographic image of the recipient (7) £600-800
Footnote: M.B.E. London Gazette 2.6.1923 Deputy Commissary and Captain James Fox, Indian Miscellaneous List
M.S.M. London Gazette 3.6.1919 Condr., Fox, J., Misc. List 'In recognition of valuable service rendered in connection with the War.'
Lieutenant-Colonel James Fox, M.B.E., (1878-1949), born Chester; enlisted in the 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, as a Band Boy, August 1893; transferred to the 2nd Battalion, February 1894, and served with the Battalion in India as a Bandsman; advanced Sergeant, June 1901; Sub-Conductor, August 1905; awarded L.S. & G.C., March 1912; promoted Conductor, April 1913; served during the Great War with the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force; awarded Volunteer Force L.S. & G.C. as a Sergeant in the Simla Volunteer Rifles, January 1917; promoted Assistant Commissary with the rank of Lieutenant, June 1918; served as Personal Assistant to the Quartermaster General, August 1921 to March 1924; promoted Deputy Commissary and Captain, March 1923; appointed Officer Supervisor to the Quarter Master General, March 1924; promoted Commissary and Major, June 1924; Commissary and Lieutenant-Colonel, November 1927; retired 1931; and subsequently served as President of the India Army Headquarters Association.
provenance: J.M.A. Tamplin Collection, May 2011.
18
A Scarce 'Malaya' M.B.E. Group of Four to Lieutenant-Colonel J.C. Flitch, Royal Army Dental Corps
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver
b) Defence and War Medals
c) General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp, Malaya (Major J.C. Flitch, R.A.D.C.), good very fine or better, mounted court style for wear (4) £300-350
Footnote: M.B.E. London Gazette 30.10.1953 Major John Crawford Flitch (263425), Royal Army Dental Corps
'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1953.'
The Recommendation, dated 16.6.1953, states: 'Throughout the period covered by this citation [January 1952 - June 1953] Major Flitch has had the dental care of all ranks of GHQ, FARELF, among other units. His professional work has constantly been of the very highest quality and has earned the unstinted praise not only of patients but also of inspecting Dental Officers. Major Flitch has shown a zeal, steadfastness and devotion to duty which have been a great inspiration to all those with whom he has come in contact.'
Lieutenant-Colonel John Crawford Flitch, M.B.E., born November 1919; Commissioned Lieutenant, Army Dental Corps, 15.3.1943; promoted Captain, Royal Army Dental Corps, 15.3.1944; Major, 15.3.1951; Lieutenant-Colonel, 15.3.1958; retired, 25.11.1963.
19
The Second War 1942 'Dieppe Raid' D.S.C. Group of Nine to Lieutenant-Commander (E.) A.J. Lee, Royal Navy, For His Gallantry When the Destroyer H.M.S. Brocklesby Grounded on 'White Beach' During the Evacuation Operations, Where Under Point Blank Fire From German Shore Batteries, he Effected Repairs Enabling the Ship to Get Under Way, Thus Saving Her From Certain Loss. A Great War Veteran, Lee Served at Dunkirk, St. Nazaire- For Which He Was Recommended For a D.S.C.- and Dieppe; When He Participated in the Last Two Raids He Was Nearly 50 Years of Age
a) Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1942' (Hallmarks for London 1942)
b) 1914-15 Star (M.1138, A.J. Lee, E.R.A. 4., R.N.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (M.1138 A.J. Lee. E.R.A. 3 R.N.)
d) 1939-1945 Star
e) Atlantic Star
f) Africa Star
g) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine or better, mounted court-style for display (9) £6,000-8,000
Footnote: D.S.C. London Gazette 2.10.1942 Lt (E) Albert James Lee, R.N. (Dieppe), H.M.S. Brocklesby
The Recommendation, dated 22.8.1942, states: 'Whilst under heavy fire, showed coolness and skill in effecting repairs to forced lubrication system, thus enabling the ship to get under way again. As the ship was under fire at point blank range from shore batteries, his promptness saved the ship from becoming a total loss.'
Lieutenant-Commander (E.) Albert James Lee, D.S.C. (1893-1970); served with the Royal Navy during the Great War as an Engine Room Artificer, and progressed through the rates being made Warrant Engineer, 1.4.1925; service between the Wars included in the destroyer H.M.S. Tyrant, of which his then commanding officer wrote: 'In every way that I am competent to judge, he is a model engineer officer of a destroyer. I cannot imagine a better one... his opinions are shrewd and well expressed.' (Service Papers refer); commissioned Lieutenant (Engineer), 1.7.1939; served in the destroyer H.M.S. Saladin, July 1938 to June 1940, during which period she took part in the evacuation of allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, May 1940, sustaining severe damage from enemy air attacks; later that year Lee transferred to H.M.S. Brocklesby, a 'Hunt' Class Destroyer launched 30.9.1940 and completed 1.4.1941; on completion she joined the 15th Destroyer Flotilla, Plymouth Command.
The St. Nazaire Raid
Brocklesby was employed with convoy escort duties until 1942, when she was tasked to participate in 'The Greatest Raid of All', the St. Nazaire Raid, 27.3.1942: 'The naval forces comprised one motor gunboat as headquarters ship, in which were embarked the Senior naval officer (Commander R.E.D. Ryder) and the military commander (Lieutenant-Colonel A.C. Newman), 16 motor launches (M.L.s), some carrying troops and some armed with torpedoes, and one motor torpedo boat (M.T.B.). The Campbeltown (Lieutenant Commander S.H. Beattie) also carried troops. For the outward passage all the headquarters staff embarked in the destroyer Atherstone. She and her sister ship the Tynedale formed the escort force, while two more 'Hunt' Class destroyers (the Cleveland and the Brocklesby) were to reinforce the expedition for the homeward passage' (The War at Sea, Vol. II, Captain S.W. Roskill, D.S.C., R.N., refers). H.M.S.'s Brockelsby and Cleveland came under heavy and constant air attack whilst assisting in the return of H.M. Motor Torpedo Boat 314, and H.M. Motor Launches 270 and 446 from St. Nazaire. For his gallant conduct during the St. Nazaire raid operations Lee was recommended for the award of an Immediate D.S.C., 9.4.1942.
The Dieppe Raid
Five months later Lee and the Brocklesby were involved in another daring Commando raid, this time on Dieppe, 19.8.1942; as one of eight small destroyers (H.M.S.s Albrighton, Berkeley, Bleasdale, Brocklesby, Calpe, Fernie, Garth and the Polish Destroyer Slazak) she travelled out from Newhaven the night before the raid, taking up a sentinel position on the eastern side of the Jubilee assault fleet. In the early hours of the 19th the raid's supporting destroyers bombarded Dieppe seafront and the two headland positions prior to the first waves on of troops landing at 05.23hrs. As the raid progressed the destroyers continued to engage the larger German gun emplacements and provide what covering fire they could with their 4 inch guns for both the landing craft and the assaulting British Commandos and Canadian troops.
As the raid started to stall, and eventually go from worse to worse with grievous losses being suffered by both the land and sea forces, the withdrawal was ordered, 'The signal to withdraw, the codeword 'Vanquish', went out at 0950hrs when the withdrawal was set for forty minutes later at 1030hrs. This was swiftly amended to 1100hrs... Hughes-Hallett then had to send word to Commander H.V. McClintock, the officer in charge of the boat pool, ordering the landing craft into the beaches for evacuation. Orders also went out to the bombardment destroyers, urging them to shell the German positions on the headlands and reduce their ability to hamper the evacuation. H.M.S. Brocklesby duly shelled the slopes around Pourville, and H.M.S. Garth, though low on 4 inch ammunition, engaged the guns on the eastern headland.' (The Dieppe Raid, R. Neillands refers).
The communication of Hughes-Hallett's order was mis-interpreted by several of his officers and in consequence, 'a considerable number of LCP (L)s.... duly crossed the Channel and were back in Newhaven that evening, without a single soldier on board.' (ibid). This was to prove catastrophic as these small craft were vital for enabling the evacuation of the retreating troops directly from the beaches, 'The premature departure of those landing craft to the UK was now taking effect. There were no more boats to send in and those reaching the beach were in trouble... The scenes on Red and White Beaches during this time were quite terrible, each a larger replica of those taking place at Pourville. Of the four LCAs that made up the first wave into White Beach, all were immediately rushed by troops, one was promptly overturned and then hit by artillery fire, all on board being killed. The other three craft managed to limp out to the destroyers, each carrying some seventy men, about twice the safe number. Another eight LCAs, supposed to land on White Beach, actually arrived on Red, where six were quickly hit by shellfire and destroyed. These were the last craft even to attempt a landing on Red Beach. The two surviving craft got away - one carrying no fewer than eighty men - but were so badly damaged that they sank shortly after delivering their passengers to the destroyers.' (ibid)
Due to the distinct lack of small craft, 'the Royal Navy were doing all they could to support the troops ashore while under air attack from dive-bombers and being shelled from the cliffs. H.M.S. Brocklesby went within 500 yards of the shore off the main Dieppe beach to bombard the headlands and ran briefly aground. H.M.S. Berkeley, also sailing close to the beach, was hit amidships by a bomb which killed a number of the crew and broke the ship's back.' The situation was desperate, and given Brocklesby's proximity to the beach a lot of the troops decided to swim for it. The latter included Royal Marine Richard McConkey of 'A' Commando, 'I swam... we were picked up by H.M.S. Brocklesby, and they gave us dry gear and put us below, but then their Skipper came down and said, 'Can any of you Marines use an Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun?' So my mate Knocker White went up and soon had it blazing away. We got hit six times on the Brocklesby and went aground once, but they stayed to pick up survivors - what guts that Skipper had! We came back to Pompey doing four knots under air attack most of the way!'
The incident when the Brocklesby ran aground to which McConkey refers, was the moment in which Lee saved the destroyer and the lives of all those aboard. His Skipper gives more incite, 'The smoke almost brought disaster to Brocklesby when the destroyer moved into White Beach during the evacuation. "I approached as close as I considered navigationally safe in thick smoke and then turned parallel to the beach', said her Captain, Lieutenant-Commander [Edward] Nigel Pumphrey. "Since I could give no assistance commensurate with the risk to my ship from staying so close inshore I altered to port to open from the shore but as the ship turned her stern grounded. I continued to go ahead and she came off but hits from shells emptied the lubricating oil reserve tank and shot away the lubricating pipes, putting both engines out of action.' As Brocklesby drifted helplessly Lt. Albert Lee saved the ship by repairing the system while under fire, and within three minutes the destroyer was under way again.' (Dieppe 1942 - The Jubilee Disaster, R. Atkin refers).
For this act, carried out under heavy shell and small arms fire, Lee was this time awarded the D.S.C. - the only one given to H.M.S. Brocklesby for the Dieppe Raid. His Skipper received a Bar to his D.S.O. When Brocklesby and her complement finally managed to limp home, it took six weeks to repair the damage done to her during the course of the raid. Lee remained with the Brocklesby until May 1943, when he was placed on the retirement list, being appointed Lieutenant Commander (E) Retd, 1.7.1947. A veteran in all senses of the word, Lee was nearly 50 years of age when he took part in both the St. Nazaire and Dieppe Raids.
20
The Unique and Historically Important 1982 'Defence of South Georgia' D.S.C. Group of Six to Lieutenant, Later Captain, K.P. Mills, Royal Marines, Who Aged Just 22 and Having Never Been in Battle Before Led His Detachment of 21 Men in a Valiant Defence of the Island Against a Major Argentine Assault By Land, Sea and Air. "In Spite of the Fact that His Unit Was Impossibly Outnumbered, Extensive Damage Was Inflicted on the Argentine Corvette Guerrico, One Helicopter Was Shot Down and Another Damaged."
a) Distinguished Service Cross, E.II.R., silver (Hallmarks for London 1980), reverse officially dated '1982'
b) General Service 19162-2007, one clasp, Northern Ireland (2Lt K P Mills RM), partially officially corrected
c) South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (A/Lt K P Mills RM)
d) United Nations Medal for Cyprus
e) United Nations Medal for the Protection Force in Former Yugoslavia
f) NATO Medal for Former Yugoslavia, with Bar, generally good very fine or better, mounted court style as worn, with the following related items and documents:
- D.S.C. Royal Mint case of issue
- Daily Star Gold Award '81 Medal, gilt metal, reverse engraved 'Lt. Keith Mills and the 100 Marines who defended the Falkland Islands'; with Menu from awards ceremony signed by other recipients including Sir Ian Botham, dated 6.4.1982
- Recipient's Naval Pay and Identity Book; Kit Record Book for RM and RN Personnel
- The Negative of the historic photograph of the Royal Marines force which defended King Edward Point, 3.4.1982 - this was attempted to be removed, without success, from the camera by an Argentine upon Mills' surrender
- Wall Calendar from Mills' cabin in H.M.S. Endurance, which was continued to be filled in by the ship's complement during his absence on South Georgia - he was re-united with it for Operation Keyhole
- Postcard sent by recipient to his girlfriend, from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, dated February 1982
- "Familygram" sent by Mills to his girlfriend, via C-in-C Fleet, 'Hi Liz. Everything seems to have gone to pot down here. Can't say what I am doing but if you read the newspapers they will give you a fair idea. I won't be able to write or phone for a while so don't be surprised if you don't hear from me. Looking forward to seeing you sometime. All my love Keith', envelope dated 2.4.1982
- Letter sent from recipient to his father, stamped 'H.M.S. Endurance, Antarctica, 12.6.1982'
- Letter of congratulation to recipient from Admiral Sir Desmond Cassidi, K.C.B., Chief of Naval Personnel and Second Sea Lord, on the occasion of the award of his D.S.C., dated 7.6.1982
- Letter to the same effect from Rear-Admiral G.M.K. Brewer, Flag Officer Medway, dated 7.6.1982
- Letter to the same effect from Lieutenant General Sir Steuart Pringle, Commandant General Royal Marines, dated 4.6.1982
- Letter to the same effect from Major General J.C. Hardy, M.V.O., Chief of Staff, Department of The Commandant General Royal Marines, dated 22.6.1982
- Letter of congratulation to recipient's father from Captain N. Barker, R.N., dated 1.8.1982
- Copy of recipient's Official Record of Proceedings for the action at Grytviken to his C/O, original dated 7.5.1982
- Copy of Mills' recommendations for Operational Awards for his men as a consequence of the engagement with Argentine forces at Grytviken, 3.4.1982, originally dated 7.5.1982
- Carbon Service Certificate for the period 30.6.1982-16.9.1982, signed by Captain N. Barker, H.M.S. Endurance
- A number of photographs from various stages of recipient's career, and a quantity of original newspaper cuttings
- Correspondence relating to Mills joining the Royal Marines, and copies of Officers' Confidential Report
- a quantity of Airmail Envelopes for ships' complements use, stamped 'H.M.S. Endurance, Antarctica, 9.6.1982'
- H.M.S. Endurance Christmas Card; Return of H.M.S. Endurance cover, with British Forces Postal Service Centenary cancellation; two South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Official First Day Covers, each featuring 25p, 50p, 60p, and £1.05 stamps, the latter showing Mills Peak, with cancellations, both signed 'Guy Sheridan' and 'Keith Mills'; and postcard of Grytviken Church, in envelope addressed to the recipient, with South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands cancellation
- Admiralty Chart of South Georgia, showing the location of Mills Peak
- Limited edition Print "Action at Grytviken - 3rd April 1982" by Bert Felstead, number 100 of 100, signed by Mills
- Order of Service for the Rededication of H.M.S. Endurance, dated 8.10.1981; Order of Service to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Liberation of South Georgia, 25.4.1982 (lot) £140,000-180,000
Footnote: D.S.C. London Gazette 4.6.1982 Acting Lieutenant Keith Paul Mills, Royal Marines.
'Lieutenant Mills was the Commanding Officer of a 22-man Royal Marines contingent despatched to South Georgia on 31st March 1982 to monitor the activities of a group of Argentines illegally landed on the island and to protect a British Antarctic Survey Team based there. On 3rd April 1982 a major Argentine assault began on the island and, following his unsuccessful attempts to forestall the attack by negotiation, Lieutenant Mills conducted a valiant defence in the face of overwhelming odds. In spite of the fact that his unit was impossibly outnumbered, extensive damage was inflicted on the Argentine corvette Guerrico, one helicopter was shot down and another damaged. Only when the detachment was completely surrounded, and it was obvious that further resistance would serve no purpose, did he order a ceasefire, placing himself at great personal risk to convey this fact to the invading forces. Lieutenant Mills' resolute leadership during this action reflected the finest traditions of the Corps.'
Captain Keith Paul Mills, D.S.C., R.M., was born in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, and grew up in Amlwch on Anglesey. The son 'of a nuclear engineer, he attended Sir Thomas Jones' School before entering the Royal Marines, in September 1978, as a Probationary Second Lieutenant. After training in England and Brunei, and a tour of duty with 41 Commando RM in Northern Ireland, he attended a Professional Studies Course at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. At the suggestion of one of his troop sergeants, Barry Nelms, he applied for the appointment of Officer Commanding Royal Marines Detachment, H.M.S. Endurance, and was mildly surprised when his application was approved in the spring of 1981.
Of medium height, lightly framed, he was physically well adapted for the various sports which interested him. A sub-aqua diver, skier and mountaineer, he was also a light middleweight boxer and judo black belt. The angular face and deep-set brilliant eyes reflected great vitality and a driving ambition to live life to the full... Perhaps the ultimate tribute to Keith Mills was the comment - made after the war of 1982 - by one of his contemporaries: 'We were bloody lucky in the character of the bloke who happened to be in command down there.' (Operation Paraquat, The Battle for South Georgia, R. Perkins refers)
Argentina - A Brief Stop-Over
Having been appointed Officer Commanding Royal Marines Detachment, H.M.S. Endurance (Antarctic Ice Patrol Ship) Mills set sail with her and his 13 men, from Southsea in October 1981. After 'calling at Gibraltar, Funchal, Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo, the Endurance reached Bahia Blanca, an Argentine naval base, on 26th November. The principal Argentine naval unit currently in port was the cruiser General Belgrano. The visit lasted only six days but, during that time, the British established a particularly happy relationship with the ship's company of the big warship. (Ibid)
With no inkling of future hostilities the Endurance left Bahia Blanca on the 1st December and dropped anchor in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, four days later. From here the Endurance and her complement embarked upon her survey work and visited many of the research stations in the Antarctic region, also visiting ports in Argentina and Chile. Included in these visits soon to be 'enemy waters' was a trip to Mar del Plata, February 1982, where Mills' Marine Detachment were able to meet and watch Argentine Marines carry out training including practicing Section Attacks; at ground level there was little to suggest that armed conflict was imminent, despite the increasing level of negative statements being made by the Galtieri regime in relation to the 'Islas Malvinas'. The Endurance left Mar del Plata on the 22nd of February, arriving at Port Stanley 3 days later; she set sail again, almost immediately, to commence her third and final work period in the Antarctic, 'on 1st March, in foul weather, she reached the BAS base at Rothera, four months earlier a violent storm had wrecked the two Twin Otter aircraft normally operated by the BAS at this station, so the Endurance's Wasp flight was particularly welcome. Other bases around the Antarctic Peninsula were visited and serviced, and various evolutions carried out to satisfy the needs of a Royal Naval camera crew filming sequences for a projected public relations feature entitled 'Endurance'. An important hydrographic survey was completed before she headed back to South Georgia to collect a Joint Services Expedition from Molke Harbour. On 16th March she anchored off King Edward Point' (Ibid). With almost all her duties complete for the summer season the Endurance's crew were scheduled to be back in the United Kingdom by the 20th May; however as things turned out, their much awaited arrival was not to occur until the 20th August.
"Any Old Iron"
On the 11th March an Argentine scrap-metal merchant named Constantino Davidoff applied to the British embassy for permission to take up a contract negotiated with a Scottish-based shipping firm called Salvesen. The contract was to clear the abandoned whaling station at Leith in South Georgia. Davidoff's vessel was the Argentine navy transport Bahia Buen Suceso. The British embassy agreed to Davidoff's request on the proviso that he would need formal authorisation from the British Antarctic Survey base at Grytviken once he had arrived on the island. Davidoff's ship arrived unannounced at Leith on the 19th March, the same day that the Endurance returned to Port Stanley. A four man BAS team were carrying out routine transport of stores when they stumbled upon Davidoff's men in Leith Harbour with the Argentine flag raised. The BAS team reported by radio to the Governor in Port Stanley (Rex Hunt) that the Argentines appeared to be a mixture of genuine contractors with a number of other men dressed in military style uniforms. The scientists were told to order the Argentine Captain to lower the flag and seek proper authorisation. The flag was lowered but no further action was taken - all of this information was relayed to H.M.S. Endurance on the night of the 19th and Hunt and Captain Barker came to the conclusion that Davidoff's landing was 'nothing more than a cover for the establishment of an Argentine navy base on South Georgia, leading later to assertions of sovereignty over the whole island.' (Ibid) On the same night the Governor recommended in his report to London that the entire Argentine group should be ordered immediately off the island. Hunt proposed that 'H.M.S. Endurance should return to South Georgia as heavyweight bailiff.'
H.M.S. Endurance - The Heavyweight Bailiff
The following day, a few hours after sending his report, Rex Hunt was presenting the Stanley Shield to Peter Leach (senior Non-Com of the R.M. Detachment - see Lot 445 Spink April 2012), as the Endurance's football team triumphed against the Stanley Football Club 6 goals to 3 in the final. After the celebrations 'At 0615 on Sunday morning, however, they were awakened by an urgent radio message from the ship, telling them to re-embark immediately. They were sailing in three hours' (Ibid). Mrs Thatcher with 'remarkable promptness agreed with Lord Carrington to send Endurance from Port Stanley, taking with her two dozen marines from the Port Stanley garrison under the command of a 22 year old Lieutenant named Keith Mills. They arrived off the BAS station at Grytviken four days later and were told to await orders.' (The Battle for the Falklands, M. Hastings and S. Jenkins, refers). With Mills' command now up to platoon strength, 'Lt. Mills and Sergeant Leach set about the task of planning the seizure of Leith Harbour. It was assumed that the Royal Marines landing party might encounter armed resistance. Mills prepared his men accordingly. They would go ashore fully equipped, with a generous scale of ammunition and, if it was forced upon them, ready to fight. The prospect of imminent action sent morale soaring' (Operation Paraquat, The Battle for South Georgia, R. Perkins, refers).
It would take three days for the Endurance and her Marine Detachment to reach South Georgia. In the interim period the BAS team was requested to keep a covert watch on Leith Harbour pending the return of the British ship. They established themselves on Jason Peak, the main feature of the Busen Peninsula. On the 23rd March they reported the departure of the Bahia Buen Suceso from Leith. She had unloaded a large number of fuel drums and had left a number of workmen ashore. The next day, however, the Argentine naval survey ship Bahia Paraiso (Captain Trombetta) took her place, putting ashore a full marine detachment with orders to 'protect' the remaining Leith workmen.
On the 24th March Nick Barker anchored the Endurance off Grytviken, awaiting further orders from London. The Royal Marines took over from the BAS team for the observation of the Argentines at Jason Peak. Having noted the arrival of the Bahia Paraiso, it was decided to establish a second observation post much closer to the Argentine position. The new post was set up on Grass Island, 3 miles south of Leith. Using the Wasp helicopters from H.M.S. Endurance the marines were covertly flown in at very low altitude each day for three days. The observers were withdrawn to the British ship each night, 'the Grass Island observation post was able to report activity in general terms, but it did not have a direct line of sight into the area of the buildings. On 27th March, therefore, it was decided that Keith Mills and Peter Leach would make a secret close-range reconnaissance. They were taken by launch to Carlita Bay and put ashore, at first light, at the foot of the Olsen Valley. Carrying their side arms, but with minimal equipment and no radio, the two men trekked through squalls of rain and sleet around the shore of Stromness Bay. They passed through the old abandoned whaling stations of Husvik and Stromness - where there was no sign of Argentine activity - until they came to the high ground south of Leith Harbour. Carefully ascending the 500 foot slopes of Harbour Point, they hid themselves in a rocky outcrop only 600 yards from the settlement. They watched the busy scene on the jetty and counted the oil drums, crates and containers. The Argentines evidently intended to stay on the island for a long time and in strength… After 45 minutes, satisfied that they had noticed everything of importance, Mills and Leach withdrew from Harbour Point… They covered 14 miles… over exposed terrain, without apparently being detected. Shortly after leaving Harbour Point, however, they were forced to take cover in a patch of tussock grass. An Alouette helicopter had taken off from the Bahia Paraiso and it started to patrol the coastline. The two marines lay hidden for a long time as the aircraft cruised back and forth and, for a short while, dipped low over the track which they intended to follow.' (Ibid)
Mills and Leach returned safely, and over the next few days the two naval forces shadowed each other, with Barker keeping his two Wasps busy with constant reconnaissance. On the afternoon of the 31st March the Endurance received orders to return to Port Stanley with all haste, 'the mounting volume of evidence arriving in London was indicating that invasion of the Falkland Islands was now a very strong possibility. Barker was told to put ashore his ship's detachment of Royal Marines at King Edward Point before sailing. In the same way that the Royal Marines on East Falkland gave some credibility to Great Britain's stance on the question of sovereignty there, a military presence was required on South Georgia for the same purpose. The military personnel could also provide protection - if required - for the unarmed BAS civilians. One platoon defending an island a hundred miles in length could be nothing more than a token force, but there was no alternative' (Ibid).
That evening the marines and their ammunition were brought ashore, and they entrenched themselves at the BAS station. They were alone, as the Endurance made her way back to the Falklands, 'the Argentine fleet was at sea and within striking distance of the Falklands and South Georgia. Reports spoke of major units to the north of the islands, with a second force approaching from the south, possibly two frigates, armed with Exocet missiles, were deployed somewhere between the Falklands and South Georgia… and a submarine was rumoured to be en-route… To counter this display of power, Rex Hunt and Nick Barker had 73 marines on East Falkland, 22 marines on South Georgia, and the dear old 'plum' wallowing along halfway between the two. The nearest support was at Gibraltar, 5,500 miles and two weeks' steaming away.' (Ibid)
It was decided that both the marines and the scientists would live together in the large building called Shackleton House. Mills took over Quigley's House to act as his store and armoury. The platoon was dependent on the BAS for food and drink so Mills set up a strict rationing system.
The Argentine landings on East Falkland occurred on the 1st to 2nd April 1982, and despite brave resistance, against overwhelming odds, the Marines were forced to surrender Port Stanley. Whilst this was occurring Mills and his marines were preparing as best as they could with the following orders, 'Firstly, it was his duty to maintain a British military presence on the island. Secondly, he was to protect the BAS personnel at King Edward Point in the event of an "emergency". Thirdly, he must maintain a continuing surveillance of Leith Harbour' (Ibid). One positive of the situation was that Mills had obtained the detachment's full war allowance of arms and ammunition before leaving Port Stanley, 'a quantity of anti-tank missiles; twenty 66mm rockets and a Carl Gustav launcher with twelve rounds. In addition, he had two general purpose machine guns (GPMG) and two Bren guns (LMG). Each marine was armed with the self-loading rifle (SLR), the standard individual infantry weapon. He himself carried a Sterling sub machine gun (SMG) and Sergeant Leach, a qualified sniper marksman, was armed with the L42 sniper's rifle.' (Ibid)
The marines and the BAS personnel on South Georgia had gathered around the radio and listened in shock as the invasion of the Falklands had taken place, 'Like any other young officer ever given the chance to show his mettle, Mills was fully aware of the opportunity which suddenly had presented itself. Apart from any fresh instructions which might come to him by radio, he was free of any constraining influence by officers of higher rank. It did not require a vivid imagination to understand that his reputation in the Corps might be made or marred by his personal decisions in the coming hours and days. His situation was in every respect unique. It is not possible to recall any other episode in British military history when such a small force has been placed in such an isolated position and with so much hanging on its conduct.' (Ibid)
Down to Business
Mills prepared for the worst, it was agreed that the BAS personnel should be removed from the vicinity of the Marines' main defensive position. Steve Martin, as BAS Base Commander, stayed with the marines whilst the remainder mainly withdrew to the old whaler's church behind Grytviken, 'Mills knew that he could not remain for long on King Edward Point if faced with a superior force, but his men were all trained in Arctic warfare techniques and were extremely fit… Each man had his full issue of Arctic warfare clothing and other equipment. With a little luck, they could sustain themselves for weeks in the empty wastes of the hinterland' (Ibid).
The basic plan was to resist the initial landing, make a fighting withdrawal under the cover of darkness and then fight a guerrilla campaign from the higher ground. Mills 'ordered his men to pack their Bergen rucksacks with spare clothing, food and ammunition. The packs were loaded onto the BAS tractor and trailer and hauled around the edge of the Cove to Grytviken where they were dumped at the church. Having resisted the initial landing, the marines would make a fighting withdrawal, under cover of darkness, recover their packs, and then move inland. The intended route would take them up the steep 2,000-foot slopes of Mount Hodges and northward to Maiviken. Mills hoped to hide his small force among the rock caves and snow pinnacles and conduct a guerrilla campaign until such time as a relief force might appear. He also counted upon being able to make use of the BAS hut and emergency food dump at Maiviken.' (Ibid)
Roll Out the Red Carpet
Mills undertook preparatory defensive measures including rigging the landing jetty at King Edward Point with explosives. A seaborne assault was expected and this was problematic considering there were two beaches and Mills lacked the firepower to cover both. Mills employed his explosives expert Marine Les Daniels to build 'home-made' mines and bury them along the east beach. These were to be detonated if necessary by electrical impulse from the central control post. Slit trenches were also to be dug in front of Shackleton House and continued for approximately 150 yards. The weather was atrocious, with up to Force 10 gales, severely hampering the Marines, 'by 0930 on that Friday [2nd April]… visibility was very limited. The marines were struggling to dig their trenches and Daniels had great difficulty in fixing the petrol drum under the jetty. He had not yet even started to lay his beach mines. In tactical terms, the detachment was extremely vulnerable. It was at this point that a large ship was seen to emerge from the curtain of driving rain at the entrance to Cumberland East Bay. It was the Bahia Paraiso. "Stand to, stand to!" Everyone threw themselves flat or tried to crouch in the half-dug water-filled trenches. Mills left Peter Leach in charge and hurried down to the jetty to receive possible visitors'. (Ibid)
Captain Trombetta spoke via the radio to Steve Martin informing him that he would receive an important message the following morning; having imparted his message the ship turned and left, 'with hindsight, it is evident that the Argentines intended originally that their seizure of South Georgia should coincide with their invasion of the Falkland Islands. Only the foul weather prevented them... The wind was much too strong for the launching of helicopters and the seas too violent for the operation of landing craft. Thanks to the storm, Keith Mills was granted twenty-four hours of additional breathing space in which to complete his preparations. As Peter Leach commented later: 'If it hadn't been for the lousy weather we would have been caught with our pants at half-mast' (Ibid).
Before the marines disembarked from the Endurance an ad hoc transmitting device had been manufactured for them. This meant that the troops on shore could communicate simple messages in code with H.M.S. Endurance. At 10.30 'on 2 April, Mills used this... to signal the Endurance. He reported the visit to Cumberland East Bay of the Bahai Paraiso and asked for instructions. Forty-five minutes later the reply came through: 'When the Argentines again make contact you are not to co-operate.' It required fifteen minutes for Mills to encode his second signal: 'Your last message ambiguous. Please clarify.' There was now a long pause before the Endurance again responded.
At approximately 1300, Mills was told: 'When asked to do so you are not to surrender.' Mills and Martin studied the words and looked at each other. 'Christ! What does that mean?' They debated the matter for a few minutes and Keith Mills then decided that - allowing for the limitations of the home-made code - this signal more or less permitted him to use his own on-the-spot judgement. The question of surrender had not previously surfaced in the orders given to him.
Reasonably happy with this interpretation, he left Steve Martin alone in the radio shack and went up to Shackleton House to talk to Peter Leach. A short time later, at 1320, Martin received another message from the Endurance: 'The Officer Commanding Royal Marines is not repeat not to take any action which may endanger life.'
Martin called Mills back to the shack and they stared in amazement at the slit of paper. This was something entirely new. If followed, this instruction did not allow Keith Mills even the modest latitude of the Yellow Card rules. Literally it denied him the right to open fire under any circumstances. He concluded that 'nobody wanted to take the rap for dead men' and tried to dismiss the message from his mind. It seemed that he had been 'dumped in at the deep end' and could expect little official support if things went wrong.' (Ibid)
Time To Dig In
Faced with limited resources and man-power Mills set about creating his defence works, 'the left flank trenches had a good view of the beach and their arcs of fire covered the area where Marine Daniels intended to plant his home-made minefield. The field of vision for the centre and right flank trenches was restricted because it was partly blocked by the roofs of the buildings in the area of the jetty. However, the weapons in these trenches could be brought to bear upon the track leading up from the jetty, upon anyone attempting to occupy the buildings, and upon anyone advancing across the open ground, near the radio shack, normally used as the helicopter landing area.
Concealment of the trenches was aided by the fact that they were set back from the edge of the Shackleton House plateau. This ground is approximately thirty feet higher than that on which stand the other buildings of King Edward Point. Furthermore, the thick tussock grass still had its summer foliage and this helped to camouflage the marines' positions. The only isolated trench was one of the Bren gun positions. It was sited on higher ground, two hundred yards away, on Hope Point (where Ernest Shackleton's memorial cross forms a prominent landmark). The Bren's accuracy over long ranges made it ideal for this dominant feature. It covered the sea approaches to Hope Point, could fire down onto King Edward Point, or could rake the beach in front of Shackleton House.
The home-made mines were buried in the sand and pebbles of the beach and the final connections made. Daniels still had some explosives in hand, so he proceeded to booby-trap Quigley's House and several other buildings. These were clearly unconventional measures, but Mills believed that it was his prime duty to protect the lives of his men and to sustain their fighting capability. To achieve this aim he used whatever materials were available.
Mills inspected Daniels' handiwork and felt satisfied that he had created an effective killing ground. If necessary, any hostile force coming ashore on the beach could be shredded with scrap metal. Alternatively, any craft coming alongside the jetty could be engulfed in a fireball. He had done everything possible to protect the BAS personnel and their property. His methods clearly breached the spirit of the instructions received that morning via H.M.S. Endurance, but he was determined to ensure a hot reception for any Argentines who might insist upon making an armed landing.' (Ibid)
On the 3rd April it was decided to bring the four man surveillance team back from Jason Peak. Leach went to collect them and with his return brought back well timed intelligence. Three hours earlier they had radioed in with the news of the arrival of an Argentine frigate in Stromness Bay, 'in the words of Keith Mills, 'this threw a whole new light on the situation.'
Leach and his party were 'quickly debriefed by Keith Mills. He wanted full details of the warship entering Stromness Bay... He knew that his detachment would be helpless if subjected to sustained gunfire from a ship standing off beyond the limited range of his own weaponry.' (Ibid)
The warship was the frigate Guerrico. Her formidable armament included twin MM38 Exocet rocket launchers, a 100mm semi-automatic gun on her forecastle and a 40mm gun on her stern. The two guns were immediate cause for concern; however, like many modern warships her superstructure was mainly composed of aluminium and as such if she were to come close to the shore she could be penetrated by small-arms fire. This vital information had been on the whole provided by Marine Paddy McCallion who had worked in shipyards prior to joining the Marines, and had always been fascinated by all things naval.
Within half an hour of the observation party's return, 'the morning stillness was broken by the sound of a distant engine. Several voices shouted together: "Chopper!", "Freeze!", "Take cover!", "Don't move!" In the event everyone leapt into his trench except Sergeant Leach. He had been too busy to dig one for himself, so he lay down in a fold in the ground just in front of Shackleton House "Watch your front and report. Don't shoot. Don't point your weapons. Pass the word." Leach shouted his orders to the nearest marines and they shouted to the others on the flanks. Everyone watched as a helicopter circled over Cumberland East Bay and then came lower to make several fast passes over King Edward cove.' (Ibid)
The helicopter was one of the Alouettes assigned to the Bahia Paraiso. It carried out a reconnaissance of the area and then flew away after ten minutes. Within moments of its departure the Bahia Paraiso came into sight and Captain Trombetta delivered the following message:
'Following our successful operation in the Malvinas Islands the ex-Governor has surrendered the islands and dependencies to Argentina. We suggest you adopt a similar course of action to prevent any further loss of life. A ceasefire is now in force.'
Martin acknowledged the Argentine's message and asked for five minutes to consider, 'Trombetta's ultimatum contained two blatant lies. Governor Hunt had not surrendered the dependencies, only the Falkland Islands. Martin and Mills quickly agreed that they were not being told the truth on this point. The use of 'ceasefire' was, however, a different matter. They now knew that the United Nations Security Council had been in emergency session since Thursday night. All manner of peace initiatives were in the air. The BBC World Service was broadcasting regular reports on the diplomatic developments. Was it possible, wondered Mills, that the British Government had agreed to a formal ceasefire in the past few hours? If so, what would be the consequences, for himself and for his country, if he opened fire? Of all the pressures placed upon him, this was the one which caused him the greatest anxiety.' (Ibid)
Captain Trombetta also asked that Martin bring all of his BAS personnel out into the open so that they could be counted. Martin, after consultation with Mills, replied that there was a British military presence on the island and that it would be defended if the Argentines tried to land. Mills 'realised that the Endurance might not be able to monitor these exchanges. He suggested to Martin that he should switch to a high frequency channel. On the pretext that the VHF reception was not good, Steve Martin changed to a different channel and slowly read back Trombetta's ultimatum 'to be certain that he had understood it correctly.' The Endurance's operators did indeed pick up this transmission. They also heard, shortly afterwards, an announcement by Trombetta that he intended to send troops ashore by helicopter, and Steve Martin's repeated warning that any such illegal landing would be resisted by force.' (Ibid)
To add to the tension of the situation the Guerrico appeared with her two guns trained on the shore, 'as they stood in the radio shack, debating what should be done next, Mills and Martin glanced out of the window. There, on the far side of Cumberland East Bay, was the Bahia Paraiso. Around her, circling low over the water, was her Alouette helicopter. It was tracking backwards and forwards at a range of about 5,000 yards from the British position. Suddenly, moving slowly, and very much closer, appeared the grey bows of the Guerrico... Keith Mills had the distinct impression that their point of aim was him, personally... with hindsight, it is evident that the Guerrico was trailing her coat-tails to see if she could provoke a response from King Edward Point. Mills' belief at the time, however, was that she had come close inshore to launch a small boat and send ashore an envoy to discuss surrender terms.
The likeliest landing point would be the jetty. Leaving Steve Martin to stand by the radio, Mills left the shack and walked down to the jetty, two hundred yards away. With him he took the explosives party - Daniels, Church and Porter - as his personal escort. While he stood waiting on the jetty, the Guerrico entered the Cove, turned, and started to make her way out again. Puzzled, Keith Mills gazed at the ship, looking for a sign of any signs of a boat being lowered overside. There was no such activity, but the ship's guns had been relaid and were again pointing at the King Edward Point buildings.
At this point he heard the clatter of helicopter blades to his left. There, only fifty yards away, was the Alouette, already on the rough ground of the Point, with armed men jumping out and running for cover... Mills turned and faced the new arrivals, his SMG slung across his shoulder. With the idea of letting them know that he was a soldier, to confirm that there were British troops on the island, he waived to the Argentines and pointed to his combat jacket. The fifth man - just leaving the Alouette - saw Mills and his face registered total surprise. After a moment's hesitation he reached forward and tapped his nearest companion on the shoulder, shouting and pointing at Mills. The second soldier swung around, spotted the British officer and started to swing his rifle up to his shoulder. His stance was clearly that of a man about to fire.
Keith Mills took to his heels and ran. Ducking and weaving, making use of dead ground, he covered the three hundred yards up to Shackleton House in record time. At any moment he expected a bullet through his back, but in fact no shots were fired at him. As he ran, he took Les Daniels and the two other marines with him. 'Come on, get back.' There was no point in leaving the engineer at the mines control post. The Argentines were not landing by boat, as expected, so that part of the original defence plan was now useless.' (Ibid)
Contact! By Land, Sea and Air
With the Guerrico cruising into the cove and the Bahia Paraiso on the other side of the bay, the stricken marines watched as armed troops landed from the helicopter advanced towards them, 'then Keith Mills came running over the crest and dropped, panting, into the trench occupied by Marine Knocker White. 'What's the score, Sir? What's happening?'
Mills had no time to reply or explain. As he turned and looked back to the shore, he saw a Puma troop-carrying helicopter closing fast. White and several other marines shouted a warning. They had all spent much time, during their service careers, in and around helicopters. It was obvious to them that this one was preparing to land. Hovering thirty feet above the flat ground of the shoreline, the pilot started the usual pre-landing manoeuvres... the side doors were open. Two machine guns were pointing out of the door and a number of men could be seen inside, holding rifles at the ready.
Corporal Al Larkin, one of the steadiest men in the detachment, shouted anxiously: 'Sir, what are we going to do?' It was a good question. The thought flashed through Keith Mills' mind: 'If this thing lands, we're in the shit.' He hesitated only a few seconds before bellowing the order: 'Hit it!' Instantly, every weapon opened up and raked the helicopter at a range of between fifty and one hundred yards... Mills himself opened fire, loosing off half a magazine (fifteen rounds)... Hundreds of rounds were pumped into it, killing or wounding nearly all of the passengers... the machine wobbled around in the sky, emitting thick clouds of black smoke... and staggered across King Edward Cove... The marines saw the machine drop suddenly into semi-hidden ground its blades flailing vertically and clearly having rolled over.' (Ibid)
The excitement created by the helicopter had temporarily distracted the marines from the Argentines landed by the Alouette. They advanced towards Lance-Corporal Thomsen's position, 'Thomsen's men had not lost sight of the beach, their area of responsibility. They now saw seven Argentine soldiers from the Alouette advancing along the shoreline. Holding shouted up to Sergeant Leach who was some yards to his rear, "Pete, look at those daft buggers in the open down there" Leach bellowed back: "Well, don't just look at them - shoot the bastards." (Ibid)
Three of the Argentine men were accounted for with the rest sent scattering, 'Keith Mills looked around and assessed the situation. So far, so good. The big Puma had been driven off. The landing party had been forced into cover and made to keep their heads down. The Alouette had taken off and presumably returned to the Bahia Paraiso... the situation was basically encouraging.
The Guerrico - A Floating Wreck
At this moment he was startled to see the Guerrico coming back toward the shore. At no more than three knots… This time… her guns were not simply trained on the British position, they were firing. The marines ducked down in their trenches as 100mm high explosive shells screamed over their heads… The 40mm quick-firer at the frigate's stern came into action, also firing slightly too high, but tearing holes in the ground all around the area. The salvation of the marines was the fact that the Guerrico was so close to her target that the 100mm guns… could not "lob" her shells.... Overcoming a natural inclination to remain at the bottom of his own trench, Keith Mills stood up and watched the advancing ship. Her menacing grey shape and low speed seemed almost to say. 'We are the Argentine navy, we are too powerful for you.' Mills felt irritated. He also realised that the Guerrico's captain was placing his head in a noose. The dangerous Hobart Rocks, at the mouth of the Cove, were obliging him to sail closer to the Point than he might have wished.
Mills shouted the order 'Stop firing, pass the word,' and waited to see what might happen next. To his delight, the frigate came straight on. It was a golden opportunity. 'Nobody fire 'til I give the word. We'll wait 'til he's committed himself.' Obligingly, the Argentine cruised gently into everyone's gunsights.
'Fire! Mills screamed the command and every weapon on the Point burst into action.' (Ibid)
The marines hit her with the Carl Gustav rocket launcher and a hail of rifle and machine gun fire, a lot of which penetrated her hull and thin superstructure. They damaged equipment and silenced the 100mm gun. Her 40mm gun continued its fire on the marines position, 'as the ship progressed deeper into King Edward Cove, however, they became exposed to Marines Steve Parsons and Steve Chubb… Parsons squinted down the barrel of the Bren… Squeezing the trigger, he sent a series of tightly grouped bursts…Two Argentines fell to the deck and the survivors ran forward to shelter behind the ship's superstructure. The gun remained silent throughout the remainder of the battle... As Keith Mills later commented: 'One minute she was a complete fighting ship - the next she was just about dead in the water. Just us alone, we wrecked that ship.' (Ibid)
In an effort to extricate herself the Guerrico tried to turn in the narrow waters. Sensing the opportunity to inflict more suffering on the vessel Peter Leach grabbed his sniper rifle and ran into Shackleton House for a better vantage point. Moving from window to window he emptied round after round into the ships' bridge with devastating effect. Having 'finally turned, the frigate belched a stream of black smoke from her funnel and rapidly gained speed... Once again she was obliged to run the Royal Marines' gauntlet and again she was subjected to a barrage of small arms fire. The sound of the bullets punching through her hull made the noise of a dozen riveting machines... Keith Mills and Knocker White had a narrow escape. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder in their trench, they were shaken by a bullet which cracked past between them, plucking at their sleeves. Startled, they fell to the floor. 'Shit, that was close!' The two young men burst into loud relieved laughter.
Corporal Peters now had another 66mm launcher on his shoulder, ready to fire, but he was denied any further chance of scoring a hit. Standing head and shoulders out of his trench, he was suddenly knocked off his feet and flung to the bottom of the trench. Two sub machine gun bullets had struck his upper left arm, breaking the bone and throwing the arm behind his back at an unnatural angle. He lay there, shocked and stunned, while Marines McCallion and Poole crouched anxiously over him. 'Sir! Corporal Peters has been hit.' Mills barely heard the shout, he was too absorbed in controlling his battle. 'Sir, Corporal Peters has been shot in the arm.' The response was brusque: 'Yes, alright, stick a field dressing on it then.' It was a surprisingly mature response from a young officer who had just received his first battle casualty.' (Ibid)
As the action raged around King Edward Point, 'Keith Mills did not lose sight of the activity on the far side of the Cove. The Bahia Paraiso's Alouette was maintaining a constant shuttle between ship and shore, evacuating the wounded from the crashed Puma and ferrying fresh troops to the strip of hidden ground near the old radio station. At least one machine gun position had been established by the Argentines in that area and it was bringing harassing fire to bear on the Royal Marines' position.... A greater worry was the number of riflemen who could be seen moving around the shoreline toward the whaler's cemetery, the football pitch, and Grytviken settlement itself. They were advancing steadily, making skilful use of cover. These troops would eventually reach the church, capture the BAS people, and cut off the marines' only possible escape route. To counter this threat, Mills passed the order along the line of trenches that fire should be brought down on the fleeting figures... With so few solid targets now available, Keith Mills gave the order for fire to be directed at the Alouette as it flitted to and from the far shore.... The helicopter's emergency flotation gear was punctured and numerous holes were made in the fuselage.
The battered Guerrico now made her presence felt once again. Having moved two miles out toward the open sea, she turned around and, almost stationary, again started to fire her 100mm gun.... The Guerrico was the threat and, rather depressingly, there was nothing Mills could do about it. With practice, the Argentine was steadily improving his fall of shot. The shellbursts crept ever closer to the trenches and to Shackleton House. Shells arriving in series of four or five - at twenty-second intervals.... Mills now had a chance to review his situation and decide upon the next move.
The battle had started sometime after 1030, two and a half hours earlier. On the positive side, his command was still intact and holding its ground. He had suffered only one casualty. He still had plenty of ammunition and his men were in excellent spirits. Fire discipline had been exemplary. He had given his enemy a very sharp blow and, in theory, he could fight on. The Guerrico's shellfire was becoming increasingly effective, however, and it could only be a matter of only ten or fifteen minutes before the Argentine mastered the knack of pointing his ship in the right direction. A few rounds of high explosive impacting on this small plateau might kill half of the defending force. Furthermore, Mills realised that the Argentine troops in the Grytviken area would eventually approach his right flank and he would be unable to fire at them. His 'overs' would imperil the civilians in Grytviken church.
With his escape route already cut, he decided that the sands of time had run out. He had done his best to protect the people and property on the island. His men had done everything, and more, that he had asked of them. If his superiors were to decide later that he had acted improperly, that would be just bad luck. His own conscience was clear.
He waited for the next lull in firing and poked his head cautiously over the parapet: 'Well, guys, that's it. We've made our point, that's enough. I've decided to surrender. Does anyone have any violent objection?' (Ibid)
A Step In To The Unknown
After a frank discussion with Peter Leach, Mills confirmed his intentions, 'and wondered how best to communicate his intentions to the Argentines... Taking off his Arctic waterproof, he turned it inside out to expose the white facings. Using Knocker White's SLR, he poked the jacket high in the air. Its appearance was met by a burst of fire from the King Edward Point buildings. Thoughtfully he took it down and waited a few moments before repeating the process. This time there were no shots.
After a short debate with himself, Mills decided that the moment had come to take the initiative. Drawing in a deep breath, and hoping that his sphincters would continue to function normally, he climbed out of the trench and stood in the open. Nothing happened. The only sound was the whirr of the distant Alouette. After a brief pause he started to walk down the track toward the jetty, his SMG slung across his back. It was a long and lonely journey. Then, passing through the buildings, he saw a strange uniform. It was an Argentine officer.
Placing his weapon on the ground, Mills approached the man: 'Hello, do you speak English?' 'Yes, I do.' Much relieved, Mills launched into a speech which he had rehearsed on the way down from Shackleton House: 'Look, you are in a difficult position. We are well dug in and can go on fighting for a long time. We shall all get killed, but we don't care. You will lose more and more of your own men. To avoid needless casualties on both sides, I am prepared to surrender now if you will guarantee good treatment for my men.'
The Argentine officer reached out, seized Mills' hand, and shook it fervently. A smile of delight on his face, he promised that there would be no reprisals. Later in the day, he admitted that he and his fellow officers had fully expected the defenders to fight on to the death.
Mills was now feeling the reaction of battle and did not fully comprehend the speed with which the Argentine troops seemed to appear from every direction. He was told to call his men forward. Gradually they advanced, unarmed, and walked down to the beach. As they arrived, they lined up and were counted. Suddenly there was tension in the air. The Argentines could account for only twenty-two prisoners. Uneasily they fingered their triggers, looking up at the cliffs, searching for the bulk of the British force. They suspected that Mills had tricked them into an ambush. Surely this tiny force of less than two dozen men could not have held off - for more than two hours - two naval vessels, two helicopters and eighty special assault troops?
Only with difficulty did Mills convince his captors that the muddy little group was indeed his complete force. Thereafter the Argentines seemed almost respectful in their treatment of the marines.' (Ibid)
The marines were searched before Mills met with Teniente de Navio Alfredo Astiz (officer commanding the military element of the invasion). Mills informed him of the booby-traps and mines laid. The wounded Corporal Peters was brought down to the beach and 'Peter Leach injected morphine into the back of his thigh and covered him with the spare clothing... Mills and Leach were told that they could return to Shackleton House, under escort, to collect the small valuable possessions of their men. They did so, selecting everything of obvious financial or sentimental value. Several cameras went into the kitbag. These were first opened by the guards, and the film ripped out and destroyed. When they reached Keith Mills' own camera - an Olympus OMIO- the inexpert Argentine failed to discover the knack of opening it. He gave up the struggle and threw the camera into the bag.' (Ibid) By sheer luck the historic photograph taken of the Royal Marines force which defended King Edward Point on the morning of 3.4.1982 survived, the negative for which is included in the lot.
All of the marines, with the exception of Mills, were transported to the Bahia Paraiso by landing craft. Mills went with Astiz to round up the BAS civilians. By 1800 hours the Bahia Paraiso was ready to sail, with Mills and the thirteen BAS personnel having also embarked. Captain Trombetta had a large number of wounded troops aboard who needed proper medical attention and as a consequence the ship sailed at full speed for the next three days heading directly for Argentine waters. By a quirk of fate several of the guards were Argentine Marines who the men of H.M.S. Endurance had socialised with during their visit to Mar de Plata in February.
The British were placed in cabins located under the Bahia Paraiso's helicopter deck and immediately above the engine room, 'time passed slowly in the crowded cabins. Conversation centred upon two main topics: the prospect for returning to the United Kingdom, and reminiscences of the recent battle. Peter Leach admitted to Keith Mills that he had been wrong in wanting to fight on when the decision to surrender was made. Steve Martin cleared the air by telling Peter Leach that he now accepted the wisdom of having risked the Albatross on his journey to retrieve the observation party from Jason Harbour.' (Ibid)
On the 7th April the Bahia Paraiso arrived off the port of Rio Grande. The wounded, including Peters, were evacuated by several helicopter flights. Three days later, after a week of incarceration, the prisoners were allowed on deck for the first time. On the 14th April they landed at Bahia Blanca and were transported to the naval base. Here they were kept for four days, with Corporal Peters returning to the party on the second day. Peters brought with him the news that he had heard a BBC World Service report announcing the sailing of a British task force. Whilst excited by the news they were unsure as to what direct effect this would have on their guards and them as a consequence.
Mills 'was invited to go for a stroll with a suave Argentine army major who spoke polished English and who was clearly an intelligence expert. He asked a few questions regarding the battle - which Mills declined to answer - but the main drift of his subtle questioning was aimed at the sailing of the Task Force. 'Do you think Mrs Thatcher is bluffing? Do you believe that your navy be prepared to fight? Will your army try to reoccupy the islands? How would the British public react to battle casualties?' Mills himself had no means of replying accurately to these questions even if he had wished to do so, and he privately did not yet believe that the British government would commit itself to full-scale war over the issue; but he firmly assured the major that the Argentine navy would be blown out of the water in the very near future.' (Ibid)
Later Mills appeared in front of a tribunal of three senior naval officers. He was questioned for two hours before release. On the afternoon of the 16th April, whilst playing a game of football the marines were informed of their impending return to England. They were taken to a nearby airfield, and by the early hours of the following morning they had landed at Montevideo International Airport, Uruguay. After 15 days of captivity they had been freed, 'the former captives were stunned by their reception... Apart from dozens of journalists and cameramen, representing the world's media services, there was a crowd of cheering British ex-patriots who had fled to Uruguay from Argentina... The British Ambassador was there to welcome them... Blinded by the television lights and trying to fend off the swarm of pressmen, the marines and BAS personnel suddenly realised that their release was world news. Instead of returning as an embarrassment to their government - having been defeated and flung off a British island - they were being hailed as popular heroes... For Keith Mills, the style and scale of the reception confirmed his personal conviction that he had indeed done what was required of him on 3 April at King Edward Point. He had deliberately rejected the constraints of the order not to endanger life when he gave the order to open fire on the Puma, but common sense told him at the time that it was the only acceptable course. This unreserved welcome seemed to make it clear that his superiors shared the same view.' (Ibid).
Mills carried out a debrief at the British Embassy, before he and his men were returned to the airport in the early hours of the 19th April. At 4.30am the following day they touched down at RAF Brize Norton, where once again, they were met with a rapturous reception from 'dignitaries, senior officers, pressmen and relatives, all headed by Governor Rex Hunt... The Corps of Royal Marines had taken to heart the lessons learned when the men captured at Port Stanley had returned to England some days earlier. That group had been filmed and photographed in the same dirty uniforms which they had worn throughout their battle and brief captivity. Mills' group was ushered into a room where each man was able to change into a completely new outfit. Their personal records had been checked to ensure a correct fit, and their entitlements to medal ribbons and insignia of rank. Outside waited a fleet of staff cars, ready to take each of them directly to their homes. It was, by any standard, a superbly well organised affair and the images appearing later that day on television screens around the world gave a very positive impression of British resolve and military competence.' (Ibid)
Into The Limelight
Whilst most of the marines were released for leave, Mills was flown to Northwood for a further debrief with Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse, C-in-C Fleet. The latter 'wanted to hear every detail of the battle... He talked privately with Mills and stated bluntly that he had 'written off' the detachment when, on the morning of 3 April, he had heard of the ultimatum then being delivered by Captain Trombetta, 'I could have tried to save you by letting Captain Barker have a go with his Wasps - attacking the Argentines with the AS12s - but the risks would have been enormous and I couldn't afford to lose the Endurance.' Fieldhouse was plainly delighted that Mills and his men should not only have survived, but had also given the aggressor nation a very bloody nose.
Leaving Fieldhouse's office, Mills found himself being rushed in a staff car into central London. By midday he was sitting in a BBC news studio, being interviewed on live television. Then there was another dash, this time to the ITN studios to be interviewed on the one o'clock news. He had not slept properly for four nights and, although he was still feeling euphoric, the viewers saw a young man who appeared drawn and ill, his speech slurring and indistinct. Somehow he got through the ordeal and was then taken to Whitehall where he gave a half-hour lecture to a gathering of senior Royal Marines officers. 'I was shattered by now, but I wanted to go on telling the story for as long as anyone wanted to listen. And everyone seemed to want to listen.' (Ibid)
Mills was finally allowed a short period of leave, however, very shortly he was to be asked whether he wanted to return to the fray, 'Mills and his men were equally anxious to get back to their shipmates [H.M.S. Endurance]. Specifically, they wanted to avenge their enforced surrender. South Georgia had been re-occupied by British forces, on 26th April, but the Argentines still held the Falklands... The detachment departed Poole for the long haul back down to the edge of Antarctica. The convalescent Corporal Peters stayed in England, his place being taken by Corporal Steve Gogerty. After a brief stop at Ascension Island - where they had the quiet satisfaction of guarding Alfredo Astiz for two days - they boarded the Cable ship Iris which delivered them, on 25th May, to their own ship off Grytviken. For Mills and his men, the wheel had turned full circle.' (ibid).
Operation Keyhole - Role Reversal
With the surrender of all Argentine forces on the Falkland Islands, 14.6.1982, the only British territory still in Argentine hands was Thule Island. An Argentine naval base called Corbetta Uruguay had been established on the tiny island six years prior to the start of the conflict. On the 15th June a task group, of four ships and a force of Marines, under the command of Captain Barker (H.M.S. Endurance) was given orders to clear the island of the Argentine presence. The sailing of the task group was announced on an international distress frequency in an effort to give the Argentine commander the opportunity to surrender prior to any further military action. The message, however, remained unanswered.
The Endurance and H.M.S. Salvageman arrived off Thule in the early hours of the 19th June. At first light a reconnaissance patrol led by Sergeant John Napier was inserted on to the island by helicopter. The conditions were horrendous - the air temperature was minus twenty degrees Celsius, with the wind gusting at 60mph causing a chill factor of minus 52 degrees Celsius. Further appeals to the Argentine base were broadcast by the Endurance throughout the night, but they remained unanswered. By 0400 on the 20th June all four ships of the task group were present. The wind eased slightly and at 1140 Captain Barker launched the operation. The Endurance cruised to within a few hundred yards of the naval base but was not met with an armed response. The helicopters landed with the assault force, only to be informed that a flag of surrender had been raised. The Argentines had spent the previous night destroying equipment and paperwork.
The Marines, including the detachment from the Endurance, carefully searched and cleared all the buildings. The prisoners - one civilian and nine military personnel (believed before the attack to number as many as eighty) were flown to the Olmeda. The Captains of the British ships gathered in the Endurance for the surrender document ceremony. Once the Argentine base commander Corbeta Enrique Martinez had completed the ceremony the prisoners left almost immediately with the Olmeda and H.M.S. Yarmouth as escort, 'the Endurance and the Salvageman remained in the vicinity of Hewison Point overnight and, on the morning of 21st June, Lieutenant Keith Mills returned with 'the plum's' detachment to complete the search of the bright orange base buildings, ensuring that no explosives were concealed in the area. Mills and his men were disappointed that the affair had ended so tamely, but they had the satisfaction on this operation of being captors instead of prisoners. According to Lieutenant Mills: "I wasn't happy when Captain Barker took us so close inshore - I knew the effect of infantry weapons at close range - but the white flag went up as soon as the people ashore saw the ship. The Wessex 5 was ready to go, so I quickly obtained permission to take the detachment ashore. Lieutenant-Commander Blight put us down by the Argentine base more or less simultaneously with the arrival of the Sea King. It was a great moment. After that it was a race between us and 'M' Company to see who could raise the Union Jack first.' (ibid)
H.M.S. Endurance finally departed South Georgia on 16th July. She arrived in the UK, via a stop at Port Stanley and the Ascension Islands, on the 20th August, 'national coverage of her triumphant return began when the Endurance appeared in the Medway at 1400. More than eighty journalists were on hand to record the event. A crowd of fifteen thousand waved from the Strand at Gillingham and thousands more cheered as she passed Grain and the river at Hoo. Hundreds of yachts and pleasure boats trailed in her wake... overhead circled helicopters and light aircraft chartered by television companies. It was all in great contrast to the Endurance's mundane departure from Portsmouth in October of the previous year.' (ibid)
After the Falklands Mills was employed on a UN tour with 40 Commando in Cyprus. He carried out another tour of Northern Ireland as OCRM for Operation Interknit, before carrying out training duties at Lympstone and RMR Merseyside. Mills was promoted Captain and appointed Adjutant at the Royal Marine Barracks at Deal, 1989. He was serving in this capacity when the IRA bombed the barracks killing 11 marines and wounding another 21, 22.9.1989. Mills served as the Exchange Officer with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps for three years. He was appointed as a liaison officer for service in Bosnia and Croatia at the height of the Balkan War. Mills retired in 1996.
In 1989 both Mills and Guy Sheridan had peaks named after them on South Georgia. He returned to South Georgia with Guy Sheridan for the official commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the liberation of the island from Argentine forces. Both Mills and Sheridan were flown to their respective "peaks" during the visit.
21
An Outstanding Great War 1917 'Shumran Crossing' Victoria Cross Action M.C. and 1917 Second Award Bar Group of Five to Lieutenant-Colonel R. Blandy, 9th Gurkha Rifles, Late Royal Munster Fusiliers
a) Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse contemporarily engraved 'Captain R. Blandy 2-9th Gurkha Rifles 23-2-17 3-12-17'
b) India General Service 1908-35, E.VII.R., two clasps, North West Frontier 1908, Waziristan 1919-1921, second clasp a tailor's copy (2nd. Lt. R Blandy 1st. Rl. M. Fus:)
c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Capt. R. Blandy.)
d) Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, toned, good very fine, mounted court style as originally worn, together with the recipient's riband bar; two portrait photographs of the recipient; and a full-length coloured caricature of the recipient, dated 1913, this slightly water damaged (5) £2,800-3,000
Footnote: M.C. London Gazette 25.8.1917 Capt. Raleigh Blandy, Ind. A.
'For Distinguished Service in the Field in Mesopotamia.'
M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 11.1.1919 Capt. Raleigh Blandy, M.C., 2/9th Gurkha Rifs. (Mesopotamia)
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded with great-ability a patrol which, under the fire of the enemy, discovered after dark a ford over the river by which the troops crossed on the following night. But for his intrepid action the troops would not have been able to cross.'
Lieutenant-Colonel Raleigh Blandy, M.C., (1884-1967), born Funchal, Maderia, into the famous Blandy family that controlled- then as now- the Maderia Wine and Shipping trades; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Indian Army, 29.8.1906, and served during the Mohmand Campaign of 1908 with the 1st Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers; posted to 2nd Battalion 9th Gurkha Rifles, 1909; assigned to join the official Survey of India 'Pamir Triangulation Survey Party 1913' in command of a group of 11 Gurkhas from 2/9 Gurkha Rifles who were to act mostly as signallers to the expedition, and served in the Pamirs between April and October 1913; promoted Captain, 29.8.1915; served during the Great War in Mesopotamia from 1916, and awarded the Military Cross for gallantry during the crossing of the Tigris River at 'Shumran Crossing', 23.2.1917- an epic action for 2nd Battalion 9th Gurkha Rifles, and their seminal battle honour for the Great War: Major Wheeler, leading the first 'assault tow' was awarded the Victoria Cross, and Lieutenant Russell an immediate D.S.O. Blandy himself was in command of the 'Second Tow', and the regimental history of 9 Gurkha Rifles describes his part in the forced landings at Shumran, as follows: 'Immediately after landing the first tow, the ten boats started on their return journey. But shelling and small arms fire permitted only six to reach. These were loaded with 'C' Company under Captain R. Blandy and Lieutenant S.D. Gladstone, but gain came under heavy small arms fire, wounding or killing the rowers. Captain Blandy seized the oar and guided the boat in, collecting two bullets through his left sleeve and whilst disembarking, was wounded in the abdomen by a bullet which providentially deflected off his belf buckle, thus not proving fatal.' During the crossing of the 'Shumran Bend', 2/9 Gurkha Rifles suffered a total of 107 casualties, including 7 British Officers, of whom 2 were killed and another 5 (including Blandy) were wounded.
Awarded a Bar to the M.C. for reconnaisance work in advance of another river crossing later in 1917; and twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 15.8.1917 and 12.3.1918); appointed Second in Command of the Battalion, with the rank of Major, 3.9.1917; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, and appointed Commandant of the 2/9 Gurkha Rifles, 3.6.1932; retired, 1.1.1935.
22
The Great War 1918 M.C. Group of Three to Lieutenant W.S. Reed, Royal Artillery
a) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
b) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. W.S. Reed.), good very fine (3) £700-900
Footnote: M.C. London Gazette 16.9.1918 2nd Lt. William Stephen Reed, R.F.A., Spec. Res.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the battery had to withdraw this officer supervised the man-handling of the three forward guns and their stores back 500 yards, being slightly wounded, but completing the work. On the following days he did excellent work as forward observation officer, transmitting information at great risk until he was severely wounded.'
Lieutenant William Stephen Reed, M.C., Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery, 30.7.1917; promoted Lieutenant, 30.1.1919.
23
A Fine Second War '1944' Lancaster Pilot's D.F.C. Group of Four to Flight Lieutenant T.W. Rowland, 101 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Who Flew in 29 Operational Sorties, Including the Epic Peenemunde Raid, 17.8.1943, and To Berlin and Back 7 Times. He Was Killed in Action, 14.1.1944, On An 'A.B.C.' Mission to Braunschweig
a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1944' and additionally engraved in upright sans-serif capitals 'F/Lieut. T.W. Rowland.', in Royal Mint case of issue
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Atlantic Star
d) War Medal, very fine, with the following related items:
- Royal Air Force Pilot's Flying Log Book (24.2.1943-14.1.1944), stamped 'Death Presumed. Central Depository Aug 1946 Royal Air Force'
- 101 Squadron Wall Plaque
- Named Enclosure slip for campaign awards
- Holy Bible, Active Service Edition, inside cover inscribed 'Thomas Wilson Rowland For Xmas 1941. From Mother.'
A comprehensive Scrap Book compiled by the family including:
- Telegram to Rowland's wife, informing her that he is 'Missing in Action'; letter to same effect from Air Ministry Casualty Branch, dated 23.1.1944
- Letter to recipient's wife from Commanding Officer, 101 Squadron, dated 16.1.1944
- A number of Air Ministry letters referring to effects and pay; newspaper cuttings and photographs from various stages of his family life and career
- Another Scrap Book compiled by the wife of Rowland's Navigator (D. Higgs) for the raid on which they were both killed, chronicling her visit in 1986 to the aircraft crash site just outside the village of Lautenthal, Germany
- Three signed and dedicated copies of Special Operations No. 101 Squadron, by Raymond Alexander, in which there is a chapter dedicated to the recipient's wife, called 'The Widow of Ludford Magna' (lot) £2,400-2,800
Footnote: D.F.C. London Gazette 11.2.1944 A/FL. Thomas Rowland (127942), R.A.F.V.R., 101 Squadron
The Recommendation states: 'Flight Lieutenant Rowland has completed 24 very successful sorties with this Squadron on Lancaster aircraft. They have covered a wide variety of targets including 4 attacks on Berlin.
This officer possesses coolness and always displays exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger, while his complete confidence in his aircraft and crew are an inspiration to all concerned.
At all times cheerful and disdainful of all forms of enemy opposition he carried out his attacks with a tenacity of purpose worthy of high praise.
It is recommended that this officer's fine record be recognised by an award of the D.F.C.'
Remarks By Station Commander: 'Flight Lieutenant Rowland, throughout his first operational tour has displayed a keeness and determination to complete his allotted tasks which are worthy of high praise. His consistency and reliability has been equalled only by his skilful airmanship and have set a magnificent example not only to his crew who hold him in high esteem but indeed to the whole Squadron.
I regard the fine record achieved by Flight Lieutenant Rowland which has included sorties to many heavily defended targets in Germany is deserving of recognition by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.'
Flight Lieutenant Thomas Wilson Rowland, D.F.C., served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second War; the early stages of which are related by his wife in Raymond Alexander's book Special Operations No. 101 Squadron, 'My husband and I were married on 1st June 1938. He was the Village Postman [Cuddington]... We had our first child in September 1939, and as things turned out, he was my only son. My husband volunteered for service in 1940 and did his initial training at Blackpool. We used to watch him drilling on the Front at Blackpool, then after his training he went to Grantham... After various postings, however, he was sent to America to gain his wings and I remember his letters telling me of how well they were treated [included in lot], and invited to all the houses in Florida.... Eventually my husband was on his way home from America... He was a proud man with his wings in place, and so were we. He looked smart in his uniform as an officer, and all thought how well he had done even though he had acquired just an ordinary village school education, no scholarship to help him along; he had got by on his own merits. Whilst completing his further training he flew over our little village in a Wellington Bomber finding his way from Lincoln to Cuddington. He came right low over the bungalow where we lived causing all the neighbours to come out waving their tea towels. They knew it was Tom Rowland by the way he was flying up and down the road to his mother's place which was about a mile away from us, then he would turn and come back over us before soaring away to base.'
Rowland carried out Pilot training at No.5 F.T.S. Clewiston, Florida, at the end of 1942. He returned to the UK and was posted for additional training at No.30 O.T.U., Hixon. After time spent at No.27 O.T.U. and 1656 Conversion Unit he was posted for operational flying as a Pilot to 101 Squadron (Lancasters), Ludford Magna, June 1943. He flew on 29 operational sorties with the squadron, including: La Rochelle; Cologne; Gelsenkirchen; Turin; Essen, 25.7.1943, 'Caught By Two Cones of Searchlights Over Duisberg. Held 4 Mins.' (Log Book refers); Mannheim (3); Milan (2); Peenemunde, 17.8.1943, he flew one of 20 of the squadron's Lancasters that took part in the epic raid, and despite heavy night-fighter defence all the aircraft got back; Nurburg; Berlin (7); Munich; Hanover (2); Bochum, 29.9.1943, 'Returned On Three Engines. Diverted To Lindholme' (Ibid); Kassel; Stuttgart; Modane; and Leipzig. In October 1943 the squadron's aircraft had been fitted with A.B.C. jamming equipment, 'this apparatus, which searched out and then jammed enemy R/T frequencies, was vital to the "Battle of the Ether", and a specially-trained German speaking operator accompanied the crew. The special Lancasters - they were readily distinguishable from normal aircraft by their two large dorsal masts - carried a normal bomb load less the weight of the operator and the A.B.C. apparatus.... like many other highly ingenious radio counter-measures devices, it was, of course, top secret.' (Bomber Squadrons of the R.A.F. and Their Aircraft, P.J.R. Moyes, refers)
At the start of December 1943 Rowland had been recommended for the D.F.C., something that his family was not to find out until much later, and he did not live to receive, 'In December 1943, he came on what was to be his last leave. Because he had to go back to base for Christmas, we made our Christmas then with him. We had as happy time as we could, never dreaming of that fateful day of 15th January 1944. The first thing to arrive was the dreaded telegram. His relatives and I were beside ourselves with shock and grief but we kept on hoping. The waiting continued, on and on it went interrupted by official letters saying that as soon as they heard something they would let us know. I received many letters of sympathy; one in particular, from his former Head Post Master [included with the lot] said he hoped the dark clouds would soon pass and bring my brave smiling husband back to me, but it was not to be. However, we kept on hoping and waiting until we received notification that he had been awarded the DFC - more tears and heart-break. My husband's mother and I went to Buckingham Palace to receive the decoration from the late King George. It was a very moving and proud moment. Back home the waiting and hoping recommenced and continued day after day, week after week.' (Special Operations No. 101 Squadron, R. Alexander refers)
On the 14/15.1.1944 Rowland piloted Lancaster III LM367 SR-C for a sortie to Braunschweig, 'T/O Ludford Magna on A.B.C. duties. Outbound shot down by a night-fighter, crashing into (or near) a slate quarry at Lautenthal, 10km SW of Goslar.' (Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, W.R. Chorley refers) The crew of eight (including the specialist operator) were all killed. Rowland is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
24
A Fine Kaisar-i-Hind Group of Three to Lieutenant-Colonel F.J. Dewes, Indian Medical Service
a) Kaisar-i-Hind, E.VII.R., Second Class, silver, with integral top riband bar
b) India General Service 1854-95, two clasps, Burma 1887-89, Chin-Lushai 1889-90, top lugs removed from first clasp as issue, second clasp neatly soldered above (Surgeon F.J. Dewes, I.M.S.)
c) India General Service 1895-1902, two clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 97-98 (Surgn. Captn. E.J. [sic] Dewes, I.M.S.), good very fine or better, mounted court style for display purposes (3) £800-1,200
Footnote: Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Joseph Dewes, born India, January 1861; educated at St. Thomas's Hospital, London; appointed Surgeon, Indian Medical Services, October 1887; served in Burma 1888-89; on the North East Frontier, 1889-90; and on the North West Frontier, 1897-98; promoted Major, October 1899; Lieutenant-Colonel, October 1907; awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind Second Class, 1.1.1909; retired, 12.9.1921.
25
An Order of St. John Group of Six to Lieutenant-Colonel F.W. Gibbon, Royal Army Medical Corps
a) The Most Venerable Order of St. John, Knight of Grace's set of Insignia, neck Badge, silver and enamel; Star, silver and enamel, with gold retaining pin
b) Coronation 1902, silver
c) Coronation 1911
d) Volunteer Officers' Decoration, V.R., silver (Hallmarks for London 1892) and silver-gilt, reverse engrved 'Surg.-Major F. W. Gibbon, 1st Durham R.E.', with integral top riband bar
e) Volunteer Force Long Service Medal, V.R. (Surgeon Captain F. W. Gibbon, 1st. D.V.R.E. May 1896 Army Med. Res.)
f) Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., silver (Hallmarks for London 1919) and silver-gilt, unnamed, with integral top riband bar, generally very fine or better, mounted court style for wear, together with a portrait photograph of the recipient (7) £700-900
Footnote: Knight of Grace, Order of St. John London Gazette 20.4.1906 Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick William Gibbon, V.D., L.R.C.P.
V.D. London Gazette 4.12.1900 Surgeon-Major Frederick William Gibbon, 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers)
T.D. London Gazette 14.1.1920 Lt.-Col. Frederick W. Gibbon, V.D., Royal Army Medical Corps, attd. Tyne Electrical Engrs.
Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick William Gibbon (1862-1938), born Seaham Harbour, Co. Durham; educated at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and at Durham University; College of Medicine; elected a Fellow of the Obstetricians Society of London, he served as a Medical Examiner of Army and Militia Recruits, Surgeon to the Juvenile Oddfellows, and Medical Referee to a number of Assurance Companies. He later became a Member of the British Medical Association, a Fellow of the British Institute of Public Health, Medical Officer of the Tyne Dock and West Harton District, Public Vaccinator to the West Harton District, and Consulting Physician to the Victoria Home for Diseases of Women in Newcastle. Within the Order of St. John, appointed an Examiner of the St. John Ambulance Association, 1899; Assistant Commissioner in Charge of the 6th District of the S.J.A.B., 1904; Deputy Commissioner, 1908.
After joining the ranks of the Volunteers in 1875, Commissioned Second Lieutenant, 2nd Northumberland Rifle Corps, May 1881; promoted Lieutenant, July 1881; Captain, February 1882; appointed Acting Surgeon, 5th Volunteer Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, May 1884; Acting Surgeon, 1st Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Durham Royal Engineer Volunteers, May 1887; promoted Surgeon, February 1889; awarded the Volunteer Force Long Service Medal, April 1896 (Army Order 77); promoted Surgeon-Major, September 1900; awarded Volunteer Officers' Decoration, this published in London Gazette 4 December 1900; appointed Medical Officer, Tyne Division, Royal Engineer Volunteers, May 1903; promoted Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel, March 1906. During the Great War served as Officer Commanding the Military Hospital at Gosport, at Ripon, and at Grimsby, 1914-16, and subsequently President of No.1 Travelling Medical Board, Northern Command; retired, November 1921. Lieutenant-Colonel Gibbon, V.D., was awarded the T.D. on 14 January 1920. He retired on 10 November 1921.
provenance: J.M.A. Tamplin Collection, March 2009.
26
A Great War 1916 'Western Front' D.C.M. Pair to Private J. Cairns, Highland Light Infantry
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (16366 Pte. J. Cairns. 1/High: L.I.)
b) British War Medal (16366 Pte. J. Cairns. High. L.I.), minor edge knocks to first, nearly extremely fine (2) £500-600
Footnote: D.C.M. London Gazette 14.11.1916 16366 Pte. J. Cairns, High. L.I.
'For conspicuous gallantry in action. Although wounded he continued to carry out his duty with great courage and determination. He was again wounded while bandaging a wounded man.'
16366 Private Joseph Cairns, D.C.M., served with the Highland Light Infantry during the Great War on the Western Front from 24.3.1915.
27
A Fine Second World War 'Persistent Escaper's' D.C.M. Group of Three to Private R. Dunbar, Gordon Highlanders, Taken POW, 12.6.1940, After the Fall of Dunkirk; He Escaped, Evaded and Was Recaptured a Number of Times, Including Being Shot in the Hip During One of His Escapes Attempts
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (2879107 Pte. R. Dunbar, Gordons)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) War Medal, minor edge bruise, good very fine or better, mounted court style as originally worn (3) £3,500-4,500
Footnote: D.C.M. London Gazette 12.2.1942 No. 2879107 Private Robert Dunbar, The Gordon Highlanders
'In recognition of distinguished services in the field.'
2879107 Private Robert Dunbar, D.C.M., born Scotland, 1919; served with the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders during the Second World War; captured at St. Valery-en-Caux, 12.6.1940, as part of the 51st Highland Division- the last British Division to fight on in France after Dunkirk. The official M.I.9 report, which became the recommendation for his award, states: 'I was captured at St. Valery on 12 June 1940 and was marched via St. Pol to Bethune. We reached Bethune on 20 June and I escaped in company with Privates A. Harper and S. Westland. We fell out on the road and hid behind some houses until the column was past. The inhabitants then gave us civilian clothes, and we walked back eight miles to Auchel. We all separated in Auchel but I used often to see Harper and Westland until I was recaptured.
I spent three months at Auchel as the guest of a cafe proprietor, but a Polish girl, whose name I do not know, told a German Officer that I was English. I was arrested about 20 September and taken to Lille where I was tried for attempted sabotage. I was acquitted on this charge, but was sentenced to undergo four months solitary confinement for having escaped. I was taken to Stuttgart in a cattle-truck and driven to a camp a few miles outside the city. I never knew its name. I was in solitary confinement until the end of January 1941 and had no chance to escape. When my sentence expired, I found that the camp was full of French prisoners and that the only other Englishman was a Private R. Herring, Royal Signals (escape recorded from Stalag 190; date unknown). He had a French wife, a school teacher, living near Lille and she had been arrested by the Germans.
The camp was so well guarded by wire and M.G. posts that we planned to escape while we were working outside it. We made a dash for it on 14 February, during the afternoon, while we were shovelling coal in a railway siding and ran along a short curving tunnel to avoid the fire of our guards. We were fired at, but, at the far end of the tunnel we hid in an air-raid shelter until dark. We boarded a goods train, having no idea where it was going, and hid in a truck. In the morning we slipped off and found ourselves in Holland. I cannot remember where we left the train, but we spent some three weeks wandering around Holland and Belgium. We reached Lille on 12 April and Herring left me to look for his wife.
I went on alone to Auchel where I found my host and hostess of the previous year had been sentenced to seven years imprisonment each for harbouring me. I returned to Bethune, where another cafe proprietress, who knew about this, nevertheless gave me shelter and clothes and procured false identity papers for me. I stayed with her for some days. On 20 April I left by train for Paris assisted by a French guide. I do not know his name. I stayed 12 days in Paris and then went down to Dompiere, where I crossed the demarcation line on 2 May with the aid of a butcher's assistant. After crossing the line I was directed to Montlucon, where I was arrested and sent to St. Hippolyte.
I escaped from St. Hippolyte on 7 May but was recaptured three days later and given 14 days imprisonment. Early in June I escaped again and got as far as Narbonne, where I was recaptured at the beginning of July. This time I was given 30 days imprisonment.
On 17 August I escaped with Gunner A. V. Badman by sawing through the bars of a room near the dining-hall. We were directed to Nines, Perpignan and Banyuls. From Banyuls we crossed the Pyrenees in a party of seven, not including a Spanish guide. It took three days and two nights to cross because the guide missed the way twice. The others who were guided across were: Lance-Corporal H. J. Warnett; Driver J. Dulan; Corporal H. Monaghan; Driver D. Ower; Private W. Winslade and Gunner A. V. Badman.
On 27 August we were arrested at Figueras and sent to a concentration camp at Miranda. I was released on 14 October and taken to Gibraltar.'
According to the recipient's diary, subsequently published in Press and Journal, Dunbar was 'shot in the hip' during one of his escapes.
provenance: J.A. Henderson Collection, April 2003.
28
A 'Baluchistan 1920' I.D.S.M. Group of Four to Subadar-Major and Honorary Captain Ali Beg, Sardar Bahadur, [O.B.I.], 15th Punjab Regiment, Late 22nd Punjabis, Indian Army
a) Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (Subdr. Ali Beg, 1/22/Pjbs)
b) India General Service 1895-1902, V.R., three clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Malakand 1897, Tirah 1897-98 (4316 Sepoy Alibaz, 22d Pjb. Infy.)
c) India General Service 1908-35, E.VII.R., two clasps, North West Frontier 1908, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (4316 Naick Ali Beg, 22d Pjbis.)
d) British War Medal (Subdr. Ali Beg, 1-22 Pjbis.), nearly very fine, a scarce combination of clasps (4) £650-750
Footnote: I.D.S.M. Indian Government General Order 23 1920 Ali Beg, Subadar, 22nd Punjabis (Baluchistan)
M.I.D. Indian Government General Order 1846 1920 Ali Beg, Subadar, 22nd Punjabis (Baluchistan)
Subadar-Major and Honorary Captain Ali Beg, O.B.I., I.D.S.M., enlisted in the Indian Army, September 1895; served with the 22nd Punjabis on the North West Frontier of India, 1897-98, at the relief of Malakand and operations in Bajour and Mohmand; in Tirah 1897-98; on the North West Frontier of India, 1902, in the operations against the Darwesh Khel Waziris; and on the North West Frontier of India, 1908; advanced Jemadar, April 1911; served during the Great War in Mesopotamia from 1914; promoted Subadar, April 1916; served in Afghanistan and on the North West Frontier, 1919; awarded the Order of British India (1st Class) and title 'Sardar Bahadur', 1926.
29
The Great War M.M. Group of Five to Corporal W. Griffiths, Northumberland Fusiliers
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (6838 Cpl. W. Griffiths. 3/North'd Fus:)
b) 1914-15 Star (6838 Pte. W.Griffiths, North'd Fus.) c) British War and Victory Medals (6838 Cpl. W. Griffiths. North'd Fus.)
d) General Service 1918-62, G.V.R., one clasp, Iraq (6838 Cpl. W. Griffiths. North'd Fus.), traces of lacquer throughout, minor edge bruising, nearly very fine (5) £400-600
Footnote: M.M. London Gazette 17.6.1919 6838 Cpl. Griffiths, W., 3rd Bn., Northumberland Fusiliers (West Hampton)
6838 Corporal William Griffiths, M.M., a native of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire; served with the Northumberland Fusiliers during the Great War on the Western Front from 6.3.1915.
30
A Great War 1916 'French Theatre' M.M. Group of Four to Sergeant F.W.G. Lyne, Middlesex Regiment, Killed in Action on the First Day of the Battle of Arras, 9.4.1917
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (2368 Sjt: F.W. Lyne. 1/8 Middx: R.- T.F.)
b) 1914-15 Star (8-2368. Pte. F.W. Lyne. Middx. R.) c) British War and Victory Medals (2368 Sjt. F. Lyne. Midd'x R.), traces of lacquer, nearly extremely fine (4) £350-450
Footnote: M.M. London Gazette 27.10.1916 2368 Sjt. F.W. Lyne, Midd'x R.
2309 Sergeant Francis William George Lyne, M.M., born Walworth, London; served with the 1st/8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 18.4.1915; killed in action on the First Day of the Battle of Arras, 9.4.1917, on which date the Battalion, as part of the 167th Brigade, 'had the task of capturing the southern half of Neuville-Vitasse. Two platoons of the 3rd London Regiment with a half section of the 167th Light Trench-Mortar Battery and supported by a tank attacked Neuville Mill as a separate operation, and took it without difficulty. The 1st/8th Middlesex had harder work. It was held up in front of the second of its four objectives, the church and the parallelogram of trenches around it, by a "pocket" of the enemy protected by wire which had been hidden by the houses and had not been cut. After a sharp fight it took the place with 68 prisoners and four machine guns. Having lost the barrage, it was only with difficulty that the battalion struggled up to the Blue Line, which it did not reach till 4:00pm.' (Official History of the Great War refers). Lyne is commemorated on the Neuville-Vitasse Mill Cemetery Memorial, France.
31
A Great War M.M. Group of Three to Private W. Jack, Seaforth Highlanders
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (265437 Pte. W. Jack. 1/5 Sea: Highrs:)
b) British War and Victory Medals (1746 Pte. W. Jack. Seaforth.), toned, extremely fine, with the recipient's Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (William Jack) (4) £300-400
Footnote: M.M. London Gazette 2.8.1918 265437 Pte. W. Jack, Sea. Highrs. (Aberdeen)
1746 Private William Jack, M.M., born Elgin, Morayshire, 1898; served during the Great War with the 5th (Caithness) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders; died at home, 28.10.1918, and is buried in Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen.
32
Family Group:
A Good Great War 1917 'Western Front' M.M. Group of Three to Private W. Ebbs, Post Office Rifles, London Regiment, Who Distinguished Himself at the Battle of Menin Road Ridge, Ypres, 20.9.1917; Sergeant A.J. Knight, of Ebbs' Battalion, was Awarded the Victoria Cross For This Action
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (373116 Pte. W. Ebbs. 2/8 Lond: R.), unit partially officially corrected
b) British War and Victory Medals (6113 Pte. W. Ebbs. 8-Lond. R.), nearly extremely fine, with the following documents &c.:
- 58th (London) Division Certificate of Gallant Conduct, named to No. 373116 Rfn. W. Ebbs, London Regiment, and dated '20th Sept. 1917 near St. Julien'
- The recipient's travel Pass for Recruits
- The recipient's Certificate of Transfer to the Reserve
- The recipient's Certificate of Employment during the War
- Two of the recipient's 1918 Christmas Greetings Cards, signed 'Rfn. W. Ebbs M.M., 8th London Regiment (Post Office Rifles), B.E.F.'; and a quantity of other Post Office Rifles 1918 Christmas Greetings Cards
Victory Medal (2) (45553 Pte. W. Ebbs. The Queen's R.; G-31456. Pte. P.C. Ebbs. R.W. Kent R.), very fine, with the latter recipient's Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Percy Charles Ebbs) (5) £250-300
Footnote: M.M. London Gazette 12.12.1917 373116 Pte. W. Ebbs, Lond. R. (Wood Green).
373116 Private William Ebbs, born Wood Green, London, January 1898, the son of Private William Ebbs, Royal West Surrey Regiment; enlisted in the 8th Battalion (Post Office Rifles), London Regiment, 18.2.1916; served during the Great War on the Western Front as part of the 58th (London) Division; noted for his gallant conduct, 20.9.1917, on which date the Battalion, as part of 174th Brigade, was involved in the Battle of Menin Road Ridge, Ypres: 'The 174th Brigade delivered the main thrust between St. Julien and Langemarke with three London Battalions following one another on a battalion frontage. The strong points immediately ahead, in front of Vancouver Farm and Keerselaere, were overrun, the only resistance coming from Hubner Farm at the edge of the spur where the garrison, including over seventy fit men, surrendered to an enveloping attack. The two rear battalions then passed through, swinging half right up the rise of the spur. Keeping to the high ground, they took in reverse the several strong points along the spur and reached the dominating area about Wurst Farm, their objective, close behind the barrage. A definite objective, pillbox, or emplacement, had been allotted to each platoon or section to clear and occupy; and once outflanked a strongpoint was as good as captured. Six Officers and 285 men were taken prisoner, as well as 50 machine guns. The success of this difficult operation, carried out by the 2/8th (Post Office Rifles), 2/5th (London Rifle Brigade), and 2/6th (Rifles), London Regiment, in that order, was mainly due to the thoroughness of the preliminary training.' (Official History of the Great War refers).
For his gallantry that day Sergeant Alfred Knight, 2/8th (Post Office Rifles), was awarded the Victoria Cross for single-handedly rushing and capturing an enemy machine gun post when his platoon had come under heavy fire; it is probable that Ebbs' Military Medal was awarded for the same action. Transferred to the reserve, 25.9.1919, Ebbs took up civilian employment as a Postman; he died at home in Wood Green, London, 3.1.1981.
45553 Private William Ebbs, born 1877; married Elizabeth Maude Mary Dowler, August 1897; served during the Great War in the Royal West Surrey Regiment; died, 28.12.1930
G-31456 Private Percy Charles Ebbs, born Notting Hill, London, 1900, the son of Private William Ebbs, Royal West Surrey Regiment, and the brother of Private William Ebbs, M.M., London Regiment; enlisted in the Royal West Kent Regiment and served with the 7th Battalion during the Great War; killed in action on the Western Front, 27.8.1918, and is buried in Bernafay Wood British Cemetery, France.
33
A Scarce Second War B.E.M. Pair to Staff Sergeant G.G. Lashmar, Army Dental Corps
a) British Empire Medal, Military Division, G.VI.R. (7536216 S/Sgt. Guiness G. Lashmar)
b) General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp, Palestine (7536213 Cpl. G.G. Lashmar. A.D.C., nearly extremely fine, scarce to unit, the GSM with enclosure in named card box of issue (2) £250-300
Footnote: B.E.M. London Gazette 1.1.1945 7536216 S/Sgt. Guiness George Lashmar, Army Dental Corps
The Recommendation, dated 18.8.1944, states: 'This N.C.O. has been employed as chief clerk to ADDS at Headquarters of a District since 9 August 1940. For the last two years of this period he has been serving as chief clerk to the officer making this recommendation. During the whole period he has shown great devotion to duty, often under very difficult circumstances, particularly during the period when great pressure of work devolved on this department owing to large commitments for priority dental work for the Second Army. It is felt that his services have been of outstanding merit, and that he has willingly and cheerfully carried through a very desirious task in a manner that is worthy of the highest commendation.'
7536216 Staff Sergeant Guiness George Lashmar, B.E.M. (1905-1945), born Lower Holloway, London; served with the Army Dental Corps in Palestine, and during the Second World War with the A.D.C., Norfolk and Cambridge District.
34
A Post-War 'Military Division' B.E.M. Group of Five to Warrant Officer Class II D. Comrie, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
a) British Empire Medal, Military Division, E.II.R. (2979203 W./O. Cl.2. D. Comrie. A. & S.H.)
b) Defence and War Medals
c) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Malaya (2979203 Sgt. D. Comrie. B.E.M. A. & S.H.)
d) Army Long Service & G.C., G.VI.R., with 'Regular Army' bar suspension (2979203 Sjt. D. Comrie. A. & S.H.) minor contact marks, very fine or better, the GSM scarce to unit, mounted court style for display purposes, together with a photographic image of the recipient (5) £300-350
Footnote: B.E.M. London Gazette 1.6.1953 No. 2979203 Warrant Officer Class II (acting) Daniel Comrie, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's)
The Recommendation, dated 23.1.1953, states: 'In February 1951 as a result of non-availability of a relief for an officer S.S.M. Comrie took over command of Division I of this Office (Records Office, Nigeria District, Lagos, Nigeria), a post which is regarded in all Record Offices as requiring a very high degree of initiative and administrative ability. The work for which he is responsible includes the detailed control of postings and promotions in the 60 units in the District, the ministering and distribution of tradesmen in 94 trades, the control of potential tradesmen and filling trade course vacancies, and the maintenance and production of all African statistical information and related returns. He has been untiring in his efforts to improve the efficiency of his Division, and as a result of extremely hard work and the exercise of initiative far beyond that to be expected of his rank, he has organised his command to an extent where it is vastly more efficient than when it was commanded by an Officer, and has himself acquired a knowledge of procedures which is a great asset to the District. Whilst carrying out these clerical duties he has always maintained a correct and soldierly bearing, and although he has suffered misfortunes in his private life, he has never let the slightest reflection of these troubles appear in his work. His wholehearted absorption in his work and the ability and high sense of responsibility which he has displayed have been far beyond the call of duty, and his service and example are worthy of recognition.'

BRITISH ORDERS AND SINGLE AWARDS

35
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Companion's (K.G.) bullion and cloth Star, 117mm, silver bullion, the rays of the star, covered with overlapping silver scales, eyelets for sewing at each point, the reverse paper backing inscribed 'The Star worn by Queen Anne', adhesive applied to four reverse points, about very fine, rare £1,000-1,400
36
Baronet's Badge, United Kingdom, 46mm x 37mm, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1929) and enamel, reverse engraved 'Cohen of Highfield 1905', good very fine, with miniature width neck riband £500-700
Footnote: Baronet London Gazette 26.12.1905 Benjamin Louis Cohen of Highfield in the parish of Shoreham and county of Kent, Esquire
Sir Benjamin Louis Cohen, Bt., (1877-1909), was born in London, the son of Louis Cohen, and educated privately. Aside from his business interests working for the family firm of stockbrokers, he held a number of public and charitable appointments, serving as President of the Board of Guardians for the Relief of the Jewish Poor; President of the London Orphan Asylum; and Governor of St. Bartholomew's, Bridewell, and Bethlem Hospitals. In 1889 he was elected as one of the first members of the newly-instituted London County Council, representing the City of London, a seat he held until 1904; and in 1892 was elected Conservative Member of Parliament for Islington East. Created a Baronet in recognition of his public and political services in 1905, he died at home in London four years later.
Sir Benjamin Cohen was succeeded in the Baronetcy by his son, Sir Herbert Benjamin Cohen, Bt., O.B.E., T.D.; upon his death in 1968 the title became extinct.
@SubHead:Honours and Awards bestowed upon Sir Henry Barker
37
The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Knight Commander's (K.C.M.G.) set of Insignia, neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Star, silver, gold, and enamel, with gold retaining pin, extremely fine (2) £1,400-1,800
Footnote: K.C.M.G. London Gazette 11.6.1942 Sir Henry Edward Barker, lately Ministry of War Transport representative, Middle East.
Sir Henry Edward Barker, K.C.M.G., born Alexandria, Egypt, March 1872; educated at Fettes College, Edinburgh; served as President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Egypt and of the British Community in Alexandria; during the Second World War served as the Ministry of War Transport Representative, Middle East; died 20.7.1942
38
Knight Bachelor's Badge, 1st type, 77mm x 56mm, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1926) and enamel, the reverse contemporarily engraved 'Sir Henry Edward Barker, Created, Buckingham Palace 7th July 1927.', extremely fine £200-240
Footnote: Knight Bachelor London Gazette 3.6.1927 Henry Edward Barker, Esq.
'For public services in Alexandria.'

39
Egypt, Kingdom, Order of the Nile, First Class set of Insignia, by J. Lattes, Cairo, sash Badge, 92mm including crown suspension x 63mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, maker's name on reverse, suspension loop missing; Star, 94mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, maker's name on reverse, good very fine, with short section of sash riband for display purposes (2) £500-700
40
The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Knight Commander's (K.C.M.G.) set of Insignia, neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Star, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with gold retaining pin, extremely fine, with full and miniature width neck ribands, in Spink, London, case of issue (2) £1,400-1,800
41
The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michel and St. George, Knight Commander's (K.C.M.G.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, minor enamel damage to reverse central medallion and motto, otherwise good very fine £600-800
42
Knight Bachelor's breast Badge, 62mm x 46mm, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1936) and enamel, the reverse engraved in large serif capitals 'R. McDougall. Cheadle Hulme', nearly extremely fine, in Royal Mint case of issue £250-300
Footnote: Knight Bachelor London Gazette 11.5.1937 Robert McDougall, Esq., J.P.
'For public and philanthropic services, especially to the National Trust.'
Sir Robert McDougall, of Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire; born Chadderton, Lancashire, November 1871; educated at Manchester University; subsequently had a business career in the milling industry, and served as a Director of the New Peterborough Brick Company; served as a J.P. for Cheshire, and was a Member of the Dovedale Management Committee of the National Trust; Knighted for his public and philanthropic services in the Coronation Honours, May 1937; died, December 1938.
43
The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Companion's (C.M.G.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, minor enamel damage to reverse central medallion and motto, the reverse medallion slightly depressed, otherwise good very fine, with neck riband £300-350
44
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Civil Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, extremely fine, with neck riband, in David Sutton & Sons, London, case of issue £200-240
45
The Royal Victorian Order, Lieutenant's (L.V.O.) breast Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially numbered '96', good very fine £180-220
46
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Civil Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) Badge, silver-gilt, nearly extremely fine, on lady's bow riband £80-100
47
Imperial Service Order, E.VII.R., Companion's (I.S.O.) breast Badge, silver, gold applique, and enamel, nearly extremely fine £140-180
48
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1st type, Civil Division, Member's (M.B.E.) Badge, silver (Hallmarks for London 1917), nearly extremely fine, on lady's bow riband £70-90
49
Royal Red Cross, G.V.R., First Class (R.R.C.) Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, extremely fine, with bow riband, in Garrard, London, case of issue £180-220
50
Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, light scratch marks to reverse, good very fine £450-500
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: 24th April 2014 Time: 10:00AM
Details: Viewing:
Wednesday 23 April 10am to 5pm
Private viewing by appointment only
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