  |
An Outstanding Second War, Royal Air Force C.B.E., Great War 'Western Front' 1915 D.S.O. and Bar, 1914 M.C. Group of Eleven to Lieutenant-Colonel W.C. Wilson, Leicestershire Regiment, Later Group Captain, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, A pre-Great War England Rugby International
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
b) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, silver-gilt and enamel, obverse centre depressed
c) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
d) 1914 Star, with Bar (Capt: W.C. Wilson. Leic: R.)
e) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Lt. Col. W.C. Wilson.)
f) Defence and War Medals
g) Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, Military Division, Second Class neck Badge, by Eduard, St. Petersburg, 43mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, maker's mark and name on reverse, 1908-17 kokoshnik mark and gold mark on suspension ring, and additional kokoshnik marks on reverse hilts of swords
h) Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Vladimir, Military Division, Third Class neck Badge, 40mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, gold mark and indistinct date marks on suspension ring, reverse centre damaged
i) France, Republic, Medal of Honour, with Swords, silver-gilt, unnamed as issued, minor enamel damage to both Russian awards, traces of adhesive throughout, generally very fine (11)
£5,500-6,500
C.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1944 Acting Group Captain Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
The Recommendation states: 'At the outbreak of War this officer was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army. He gave up a promising army career to become senior training staff officer at No.54 Group. Throughout, Group Captain Wilson's work has been of outstanding merit; his tremendous energy, his devotion to duty, and his general all-round efficiency have been a great example to all ranks. The efficiency of 54 Group is in a very large part due to the ability, hard work, and continuous devotion of this officer.'
O.B.E. London Gazette 22.3.1919 Capt. & Bt. Maj. (T./Lt.-Col.) Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., M.C., Leic. R.
'For valuable services rendered in connection with the War.'
D.S.O. London Gazette 4.11.1915 Captain Walter Carandini Wilson, 2nd Battalion, The Leicestershire Regiment.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack near Pietre Farm on 25th September, 1915. When giving final directions to his men he was severely wounded in the stomach, but he stuck to his work and went forward, encouraging his men till he could see through the smoke that they were over the German parapet. He was then helped back in an exhausted state. Captain Wilson's name has several times been brought forward for gallantry and determination.'
D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 4.6.1917 Capt. and Bt. Maj. Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., M.C., Leic. R.
'For distinguished service in the field.'
M.C. London Gazette 18.2.1915 Captain W.C. Wilson, Leicestershire Regiment
'For services rendered in connection with Operations in the Field.'
French Medal of Honour, with Swords London Gazette 7.12.1920 Brevet Major Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., Leicestershire Regiment
'For distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign.'
Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Carandini Wilson, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., born Brisbane, Queensland, June 1885, the son of Robert Wilson Esq. of Bannockburn House, Stirling, and the grandson of the Marquis of Sarzano; educated at Tonbridge; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 22.4.1905; transferred to the Leicestershire Regiment, 16.1.1907; promoted Lieutenant, 9.11.1908; seconded for service with the West African Regiment, 1911-1914; promoted Captain, 1.11.1913; served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 1st Battalion, and awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during the first few months of the War; transferred to the 2nd Battalion, June 1915, and awarded the first of his Distinguished Service Orders for his conspicuous gallantry during an attack near Pietre Farm, 25.9.1915. Promoted Brevet Major 3.6.1916, he was posted to the Staff of 70 Infantry Brigade, 24.5.1916- 13.2.1917, in which appointment he received a Second Award Bar to his D.S.O.; served as GSO1 British Military Mission to America, April 1918 to March 1919. For his services in the War he was awarded the O.B.E., and Mentioned in Despatches five times (London Gazettes 17.2.1915, 27.1.1916, 15.6.1916, 15.5.1917 and 20.5.1918). After the War employed with the British Military Mission to Finland, May 1919 to February 1920; and the British Military Mission to the Baltic States, February to May 1920 (awarded Russian Orders of St. Anne and St. Vladimir), before serving as General Staff Officer (Intelligence) Dublin District, May 1920 to November 1921, and later as Brigade Major with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, February 1922 to January 1924; appointed Company Commander of Gentlemen Cadets, R.M.C. Sandhurst, January 1924; subsequently employed with the Malay States Volunteer Rifles, March to July 1926; and with the Royal West African Frontier Force, October 1927 to June 1930. Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, 10.3.1928; Wilson retired in 1932.
A New War- A New Challenge
As the Second World War approached Wilson rejoined the Army as a Lieutenant-Colonel, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, and served as General Staff Officer HQ 42nd Division. Known as a staff officer of great ability, he was persuaded to join the RAF and assist in the initial training of cadets in 54 Group. He joined the Royal Air Force with the rank of Pilot Officer, 1.12.1939; promoted Squadron Leader, 1.3.1940; and served as Senior Training Staff Officer, HQ No.54 Group, Flying Training Command R.A.F., for which work he was advanced to C.B.E. He retired with the rank of Group Captain, 31.1.1944, and was subsequently employed by British Overseas Airways Corporation. He died at home in Brighton, 12.4.1968.
A keen rugby player, Wilson was a founder member of the Executive Committee of the Army Rugby Union in 1906. As well as playing for Richmond, he captained the 1st Battalion's Rugby team which won the Army Cup in 1907, and was capped twice by England during the 1907 Five Nations, making his International debut away to Ireland at Lansdowne Road, and then playing in the home fixture against Scotland at Blackheath.
|
|
|
A Great War 'Western Front' M.C. and Bar Group of Four to Captain J.W. Burdett, Leicestershire Regiment
a) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, with Second Award Bar
b) 1914-15 Star (Lieut: J.W. Burdett. Leic: R.)
c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Capt. J.W. Burdett.), generally very fine
with the following related items:
- The recipient's associated miniature awards, mounted for wear
- The recipient's two M.I.D. Certificates, dated 13.11.1916 and 7.4.1918
- Commission appointing John Willden Burdett, Temporary Second Lieutenant, Land Forces, 16.9.1914 (4)
£1,400-1,800
M.C. London Gazette 3.6.1918 T/Capt. John Willden Burdett, Leic. R.
'For distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in France and Flanders.'
M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 3.6.1919 T./Capt. John Wilder [sic] Burdett, M.C., 6th Bn., Leic. Regt.
'For distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in France and Flanders.'
Captain John Willden Burdett, M.C., prior to the Great War played cricket for Leicestershire County Cricket Club; commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant, Leicestershire Regiment, 16.9.1914; served during the Great War with the 6th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, on the Western Front (M.I.D. London Gazette 4.1.1917 and 23.5.1918); advanced Temporary Captain 1.12.1916; his brother Lieutenant Colonel J. C. Burdett, D.S.O., M.C. commanded the 6th Battalion, from 25.8.1918 until it was demobilised the following year.
|
|
|
A Good 1918 'Western Front' Great War M.C. Group of Four to Major G.S. Brown, Royal Army Medical Corps, Attached Leicestershire Regiment
a) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
b) 1914 Star (Lieut. G.S. Brown. R.A.M.C.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (Major G.S. Brown.), very fine (4)
£700-900
M.C. London Gazette 8.3.1919 T./Capt. Gavin Stiell Brown, M.B., R.A.M.C., attd. 1/4th Bn., Leic. R., T.F.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst tending the wounded on the morning of the attack of 29th September, 1918, near Bellenglise, under very heavy shell fire. He showed an absolute disregard for personal danger, both at that time and subsequently during the action.'
Major Gavin Stiell Brown, M.C. was awarded the Military Cross for tending the wounded during the Battle of Ramicourt, September to October 1918.
|
|
|
A Great War 1917 Mesopotamia 'Battle of Sannaiyat' M.C. Group of Four to Second Lieutenant E.L. Hall, Leicestershire Regiment, Killed in Action, 22.4.1917, During the Battle of Samarra
a) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
b) 1914-15 Star (1530 Pte. E.L. Hall Leic. R.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. E.L. Hall), BWM officially renamed, good very fine (4)
£1,200-1,600
M.C. London Gazette 11.5.1917 2nd Lt. Edwin Lincoln Hall, Leic. R., Spec. Res.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He organised a party under very heavy fire and succeeded in repelling repeated enemy attacks.'
Second Lieutenant Edwin Lincoln Hall, M.C., joined the Army on 1.3.1915, and was posted to B Coy 18th Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers (1st Public Schools Bn) at Epsom; he initially served with 3rd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, before being posted to the 2nd Battalion in Mesopotamia, 3.6.1916; he was invalided to Nasik, India, to recuperate after a blood infection, 5.7.1916; after a further period of recuperation in India he returned for service with the 2nd Battalion, in Mesopotamia, 20.1.1917; he was awarded the M.C. for his actions as a bombing officer in C Coy at Sannaiyat on 22.2.1917; a number of his letters home survived and the complete transcript was lodged with the Record Office for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland at Wigston Magna; it offers the following details for the battle and the aftermath:
"22nd Feb. Slept at about 1 - 6 a.m. Our Company moved to the 2nd line at 8.30. Artillery bombardment started at 10. and the Brigade on our left took the Turkish trenches in front of them after a hard fight. We rushed over at about 3.15 p.m. Our Co were first over and on the way across no-mans-land, I got a bullet through the collar of my tunic. Capt. Hasted got one through his helmet and Vincent (a Norfolk officer attached) was wounded. When I got in their first line I started bombing along to the right with a small party of men and killed about 20 Turks with bombs and got one right through the head with my revolver. I was not at all happy till I got a block made in the trench and a bombing party behind it, as I was on the extreme right flank. Just before I had started to block I must admit I was a bit frightened that they would turn the flank as I saw a line of bayonets coming up towards us on the right, about 50 yds. from where I decided to block. I rushed a party of bombers down towards them, however they cleared off when we started bombing. We had a very busy night then consolidating the first line. Not a wink of sleep that night of course.
23rd Feb. During the day other Companies worked down communicating trenches bombing etc until we had their 3rd & 4th lines. At 7p.m. our Co moved to 3rd line and held it all night. No sleep.
24th. At daybreak Turks had retired and we were moved back to our own trenches. Rations issued and we then followed Turks at 10a.m. Marched 13 miles and rested at 8.30p.m. Then off, - no time to fill water bottles and eventually at 7.30 we did so from a stream running with river. 'I was dead beat'
25th. Off at 6.10 a.m. - 4 miles and encamped at 9.30.
26th Stayed here till 8p.m. and off again till 7.30 next a.m. having covered 10 miles in 11 1/2 hours 'I have never done anything so tiring as that march'.
27th Off again at 6p.m. covering 15 miles. Icy cold but got 1/2 mug of Rum and got into my valise & slept.
28th Another 8 miles encamped at 4p.m. and were then about 60 miles from Baghdad.
2nd March Off at 7a.m. no time for breakfast. Marched 5 miles. Got a bath and shave.
3rd Mar. Are getting as much rest here as possible but it has been a trying time. No tents only two blankets, waterproof sheet, washing and shaving stuff and a spare shirt and socks. Unable to send letters, it is difficult even to feed us but we have done wonderfully well as this is the biggest advance since the beginning of the war. Shall be glad to receive cigs and chocolate also toffee. Will write whenever I have a chance."
Two months later (and before his M.C. was gazetted) Hall was Killed in Action at Samarrah, 22.4.1917; the Leicesters were heavily involved as The Long Road To Baghdad by E. Candler (the official reporter for the Mesopotamian Campaign) gives in his battle report:
"Soon after mid-day our infantry were in touch with the main body of Turks in an entrenched position between the River and the Railway. The position was too extended to be bombarded and assaulted on the whole front with the guns and infantry at our disposal. It was therefore decided to force back the Turkish left from the River while the Cavalry worked round on the right flank preceded by a Battery of light armoured cars.
It was afternoon when the 28th Brigade began the advance. The Leicesters led the attack. They soon came in for enfiladed fire from the left. Here the 51st Sikhs who were in support swung left to cover the flanks. The 51st lost heavily, but their steady advance enabled the Leicesters to proceed, although crossfire was troublesome.
By 1.30 they advanced 1200 yds. and were near a ridge held by the Turks. At 4p.m. our guns opened up a tremendous fire on their trenches. As soon as the guns lifted the Leicesters swept forward up the slope. An Officer on the spot told me it was the most inspiring charge he had ever seen, The leading Coy. got to the top, crossed the Turkish trenches, the enemy surrendered or bolted and Tommy Atkins pressed on in hot pursuit. They soon reached the guns and raced on to a surprised enemy. This was at 5p.m. The Leicesters were now beyond their intended advance and the ground behind them was swept by guns. The Turks counter-attacked in very great force and at the time threatened to roll up the flank of the Brigade. This wave was held by the 56th Rifles and a machine-gun Coy. The 56th advanced against the counter-attack with a steadiness and coolness that was memorable.
Two Coys. of the 53rd Sikhs who had been in reserve with them lost their C.O. (Grattan), Secd. in Command (Adams), Adjutant (Blewitt) and Q.M. (Scarth). The 56th and 53rd lost heavily but they and the machine-gun Coy. saved what might have been a very critical situation. Two V.C.'s were awarded - Lt Graham, Machine-gun Coy., and Lt.Col. Pressick, 56th Rifles.
Samarrah eventually became the Army's H.Q. The heat was 119 degrees in the shade".
The Battle For Sammara gives, 'But with these, and before some of them, came very heavy news. By that fatal wall and on the bullet-swept space before it died many of our bravest. Hall, M.C., aged nineteen, who looked like Kipling's Afridi:
He trod the ling like a buck in spring, and he looked like a lance in rest.
Hall fell, facing the finish of our journey and those bright domes of Samarra, already gilded from the sloping sun. His death was merciful, a bullet through the heart.'
Hall is commemorated on Basra Memorial, Iraq.
|
|
|
A Second War 1940 'Sidi Barrani' M.C. Group of Eight to Major J.W. Bryan, Leicestershire Regiment
a) Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1941'
b) General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp, Palestine (4852967 W.O. Cl. 2. J.W. Bryant [sic]. Leic. R.), partially officially corrected
c) Africa Star
d) 1939-1945 Star
e) Defence and War Medals
f) Coronation 1953
g) Army Long Service & G.C., G.VI.R., with 'Regular Army' suspension (Lieut. J.W. Bryan, M.C. R. Leicester.), 1st and 2nd Stars mounted on wrong ribands in this order, remnants of adhesive throughout, generally nearly very fine or better, mounted as originally worn (8)
£1,200-1,400
M.C. London Gazette 25.4.1941 Lieutenant (temporary Captain) John William Bryan (137792) 2nd Bn, Leicestershire Regiment
The Recommendation states: 'During the attack on Sidi Barrani, on the 10th December, 1940, the battalion came under heavy fire, over open sights, from enemy artillery and from machine guns. Three carriers were knocked out but Lieutenant Bryan got the remaining crews successfully into ground action in spite of heavy fire. Later the carriers were ordered to withdraw and move to the support of a rifle company. This was successfully accomplished.
In the subsequent advance the carriers preceded the rifle companies by 500 yards in the face of heavy machine gun fire from front and flank. The capture of the position was largely due to their action. Meanwhile another company had got pinned to the ground 1,000 yards away on the right flank. Although, by now, he had only two guns still firing Lieutenant Bryan succeeded in extricating this company and cleaning up the situation. Bryan's handling of his carriers was worthy of the highest praise. He displayed a complete disregard for his own safety. His calmness under fire was an example and an inspiration to his men.'
Major John William 'Jack' Bryan, M.C., served 26 years with the Leicestershire Regiment, and he 'joined the Regiment at Glen Parva in January, 1924 and, after completing his recruit's training, joined the 1st Battalion, with whom he went to Egypt in January, 1925 and to India in November, 1927. He was promoted to Sergeant in January, 1930 and served on the staff of the Small Arms School, Pachmarhi for nearly two years, after which he again re-joined the 1st Battalion at Multan.... He was posted as a Staff Sergeant Instructor at the R.M.C., Sandhurst in January, 1937.
In April, 1939 he joined the 2nd Battalion in Palestine on promotion to W.O. III (P.S.M.); further promotion to W.O. II and W.O. I (R.S.M. 2nd Bn) quickly followed. It was in Palestine where he was awarded the G.O.C.'s Certificate for outstandingly good work in action against armed bandits.
He was commissioned in June, 1940 and promoted Captain in December, 1940. Jack Bryan had considerable battle experience when he was in action with the 2nd Battalion in the Western Desert, Crete and Syria. He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery at Sidi Barrani when he was in charge of the Carrier Platoon which charged two batteries of 75mm. guns whose gunners were firing over open sights. The carriers charged through them, silenced them and then proceeded to aid the 2nd Battalion in mopping up operations which resulted in 2,000 Italians being taken prisoners.
His next job was a rest cure after being wounded as Camp Commandant, Cyprus. His unique instructional gifts were next utilised at the I.T.C., Warwick, where he commanded a training company for some years until he was posted as a Company Commander with the 5th Manchester Regiment in Malta. In November, 1946 he was posted as a Company Commander to No. 17 P.T.C. at Glen Parva where he remained until his retirement except for one short spell at Midland Brigade T.C.
Jack Bryan represented the Regiment at boxing for many years and is the proud possessor of over twenty cups. He also played as a forward in both 1st and 2nd Battalion rugger teams for several years. He has always been a keen and excellent shot with all infantry weapons, some of his achievements being Individual Rifle Championship, Malta, 1946; member of the winning team in the Inter-Services Match, 1946; Individual L.M.G. Champion Northern Command, 1947; member of the team to win first Army Cup Sten Gun Competition, 1948.'
Bryan left the Army in 1950 and rejoined in 1952, serving for several years at the Depot; he was promoted Major 12.7.1954; the following year he was posted to Training battalion The Nigeria Regiment; he relinquished his commission 7.12.1957.
|
|
|
A Crimean D.C.M. Group of Four to Private T. Code, 17th Foot, For Gallantry at the Great Redan, 18.6.1855, in Bringing in the Body of Captain J.L. Croker
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Thos. Code. 17th Regt.)
b) Crimea 1854-56, one clasp Sebastopol, unnamed as issued
c) Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (2479 Thos. Code 1st. Battn. 17th. Foot)
d) Turkish Crimea, British die, unnamed, pierced as issued with ring suspension, the DCM worn, therefore good fine, the others better, the LS&GC very fine (4)
£1,400-1,800
D.C.M. Recommended 22.6.1855
2479 Private Thomas Code, D.C.M., born Co. Wicklow, Ireland; enlisted in the 17th Foot, May 1847; served with the 17th Foot in the Crimea and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions 'By going out over the parapet after the repulse and bringing in, with others, the body of Captain Croker' at the Great Redan, 18.6.1855; discharged, June 1868, after 21 years and 52 days with the Colours.
Captain John Croker, of the famous Regimental family, was serving with the Grenadier Company of the 17th Foot when he was killed in action during the first attack on the Redan, 18.6.1855. He was the Regiment's only Officer killed during the attack.
In additiona to Code's gallantry, Corporal Philip Smith, 17th Foot, was awarded the Victoria Cross on the same day 'for repeatedly going out in front of the advanced trenches against the Great Redan, on the 18th June 1855, under a very heavy fire, after the column had retired from the assault and bringing in wounded comrades' (London Gazette 24.2.1857). One other man from the Regiment, Private Joseph Bourke, was also awarded a D.C.M. Recommended on the same date as Code's.
|
|
|
A Boer War 'Lombard's Kop' D.C.M. Group of Three to Colour Sergeant C. Smart, Alias C. Harris, Leicestershire Regiment
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (4390 Corpl: C. Smart. Leicester: Regt)
b) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Orange Free State (4390 Corl. C. Smart, 1: Leic: Regt), unofficial rivets between 3rd and 4th clasps
King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (4390 Serjt: C. Smart. Leicester: Regt), surname officially renamed on 1st and 2nd, generally very fine (3)
£700-900
D.C.M. London Gazette 27.9.1901 4390 Corporal C. Harris, 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt.
The 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment's Queen's South Africa Medal Roll annotates 'Alias C. Smart' next to 4390 Sergeant C. Harris medal entitlement. The King's South Africa Medal Roll reverts to '4390 Sgt. C. Smart'. Thus explaining the correction of the naming of the first two medals.
Serving as Harris throughout the Boer War, Charles Albert Smart distinguished himself, 'On the 29th October [1899], the battalion formed part of the 8th Brigade, when it became engaged in the action at Lombard's Kop, on which occasion, the four mules of its Maxim gun having been shot and the native drivers having run away, it became subjected to a very heavy fire from all kinds of projectiles and the gun had to be abandoned. Corporals Gillespie and Harris, for their endeavour to recover it by hand, were later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for service in the field. The casualties were three men killed and 18 wounded.'
Smart died in 1912.
|
|
|
A Great War 1914 'Battle of Armentières' D.C.M. Group of Four to Private E.H. Gratton, Leicestershire Regiment
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R (7430 Pte. E.H. Gratton. 1/Leic: Regt.)
b) 1914 Star, with Bar (7430 Pte. E.H. Gratton. 1/Leic: R.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (7430 Pte. E.H. Gratton. Leic. R.), traces of adhesive to reverses, generally very fine or better (4)
£2,000-2,500
D.C.M. London Gazette 16.1.1915 7430 Pte. E.H. Gratton 1st Bn. Leics. Regt., 'For conspicuous gallantry on 25th October [1914] near Rue du Bois, when he brought up ammunition under heavy fire from the enemy, who were at a distance of only 30 yards. He behaved with much gallantry on another occasion the same day.'
7430 Private Ernest Harry Gratton, D.C.M., served with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, from 1905; he transferred to the 1st Battalion for service during the Great War; the 1st Battalion landed at St. Nazaire, France, 10.9.1914; by the end of September the battalion had taken up positions on the Aisne; on the 19th October the battalion reached Armentières, taking up a defensive position the following day on the Rue du Bois; they were now entrenched to take part in the Battle of Armentières, 22nd October - 2nd November 1914; the Official History Of The War, Military Operations, France And Belgium, Volume I gives the following for the dates that Gratton distinguished himself:
"An attack at dawn on the 23rd was bold in the extreme. In the morning mist - and now every morning in Flanders was misty - German officers and men, though beaten off by the 1/Buffs and 1/Leicestershire, reached the parapet of the 1/Shropshire L.I. and the 2/York and Lancaster; most of them were bayoneted on it, but a few actually jumped into the British trenches, and, after hand-to-hand fighting, were killed.
In view of the attacks on the 6th Division, the 10th Brigade of the 4th Division took over the front of the 12th Brigade, that is as far as Chapelle d'Armentières, as well as its own, and the 12th was assembled in reserve at the junction of the two divisions. On the 24th this brigade relieved the 17th Brigade, taking over the 6th Division trenches as far as Rue du Bois, so that the 4th Division now had a front of over eight miles.
At dawn on the 24th October - the day of the loss and recapture of Polygon Wood further north - the German Sixth Army made another attempt at a general attack on the whole front from the La Bassée Canal to the Lys. Its failure against the II Corps has already been related. It was everywhere repelled in the III Corps, except on the front of the 16th Brigade, which, as it faced south, was specially exposed to enfilade. After a few lucky shots had wiped out some of the trenches, German infantry from the cover of factory buildings penetrated for a time into the line of the 1/Leicestershire, which lost 225 men before the gap was closed. Fighting continued all day and into the night, and at 11pm there was a consultation between Generals Ingouville-Williams and Congreve, commanding the 16th and 18th Brigades. They decided to withdraw the 16th Brigade to the line Touquet - Flamengrie Farm - Rue du Bois, about five hundred yards in rear, which had been prepared, with divisional approval, for occupation should the Germans again attack. Early in the morning of the 25th the enemy did again make desperate efforts to break in, especially against the Leicestershire. The retirement was therefore ordered. Although in close touch with the enemy, the 16th Brigade on the night of the 25th/26th withdrew in heavy rain and pitchy darkness to its new line without interference, and the right of the 18th conformed. The casualties in the 16th Brigade in the four days' fighting... were 28 officers and 557 other ranks.'
|
|
  |
A Fine Great War 1915 'Neuve Chapelle' D.C.M. Group of Four to Second Lieutenant T. Dooley, Leicestershire Regiment, Killed in Action Six Weeks Later, 1.5.1915, Having Been Commissioned in the Field
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7149 C.S. Mjr: T. Dooley, 2/Leic. Regt.)
b) 1914 Star, with Bar (7149 C. Sjt. T. Dooley. 2/Leic: R.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. T. Dooley.), good very fine or better (4)
£2,000-2,500
D.C.M. London Gazette 3.6.1915 7149 Company Sergeant-Major Dooley, T., 2nd Battalion, The Leicestershire Regiment
'For conspicuous gallantry and marked ability near Neuve Chapelle from 10-13 March 1915. He showed great resource in the able handling of his men under fire, and also in strengthening the positions captured from the enemy.'
Second Lieutenant Thomas Dooley, D.C.M., born Rotherham, Yorkshire, 1883; enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment,1903, and proceeded to India with the 2nd Battalion in 1906; on the outbreak of the Great War embarked from India for France as part of the Gharwal Brigade, Meerut Division, landing at Marseilles, 12.10.1914; awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his conspicuous gallantry at Neuve Chappelle, 10-13.3.1915; shortly afterwards Commissioned Second Lieutenant 'for service in the Field', 28.3.1915.
The following article appeared in the Coalville Times, 30.4.1915, under the headline 'Risen From The Ranks - Commission For A Coalville Soldier': 'Many congratulations will be offered by Coalville people to Lieutenant T. Dooley on having been awarded a commission in His Majesty's Army. The gallant soldier is an old Coalville British School boy, and a son of Mr. T. Dooley, of 122 Margaret Street. He joined the army (Leicesters) 12 years ago and has spent nine years in India, being there when the war broke out. He came over with the Indian Expeditionary Force to France and has been taking part in the fighting. He was by the side of Corporal Jack Sheffield, when the latter fell at Neuve Chapelle. Only two months ago he was made a Company Sergeant-Major. The news of his further promotion, announced at a meeting in Marlborough Square, Coalville on Sunday afternoon, was enthusiastically cheered by a crowd of about two thousand people. He was married in March last and his wife is still in India. Lieutenant Dooley is every inch a soldier and has done remarkably well since adopting the army as his profession. For four years he has acted as a gymnasium instructor and he was captain of the regimental football team in India, having played for Coalville Town during the latter years of his civilian life.'
The day after this article appeared, Dooley was killed in action while serving in his new capacity as a commissioned officer in the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, 1.5.1915, when his trench, in the area of Port Athur came under a heavy enemy bombardment, and he is buried in Le Touret Military Cemetery, Belgium.
|
|
 |
A Great War 1917 'Polygon Wood' D.C.M. Group of Four to Private G. Ryan, Leicestershire Regiment
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (12113 Pte. G.W. Ryan. 7/Leic: R.), minor edge bruising
b) 1914-15 Star (12113 Pte. G.W. Ryan, Leic: R.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (12113 Pte. G.W. Ryan. Leic. R.), generally good very fine, with Divisional Commendation and photograph of recipient in uniform (4)
£800-1,000
D.C.M. London Gazette 19.11.1917 12113 Pte. G.W. Ryan, Leic. R.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a heavy hostile counter-attack he carried messages from the front line eight times through a heavy hostile barrage. He showed great courage and determination.'
12113 Private George Ryan, D.C.M. served during the Great War with the 7th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, on the Western Front. He distinguished himself 1.10.1917, when the Regiment came under a heavy German counter-attack at Polygon Wood, Ypres; discharged 2.5.1919; he died in 1978.
|
|
|
A Good 1918 'Western Front' D.C.M. and Second Award Bar, Belgian Military Decoration Pair to Sergeant A. Wilbur, Leicestershire Regiment
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (240032 Sjt. A. Wilbur. 1/5 Leic: R.), with Second Award Bar
b) Belgium, Kingdom, Military Decoration, A.I.R., gilt, with Long Service riband, edge bruise and light pitting to first, therefore nearly very fine, together with a portrait photograph of the recipient (2)
£1,000-1,400
D.C.M. London Gazette 12.3.1919 240032 Sjt. A. Wilbur, 1/5th Bn., Leic. R., T.F. (Hinckley)
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the whole of the offensive near Magny la Fosse from 29th September to 4th October, 1918. He was in charge of battalion signals. Throughout this period the battalion area was shelled more or less continuously, and it was mainly due to the perseverance and courage of this non-commissioned officer that communication was maintained between headquarters and companies. On three occasions he went alone to repair broken lines through very heavy enemy shelling.'
D.C.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 1.1.1919 240032 Sjt. A. Wilbur, D.C.M., 1/5th Bn., Leic. R., T.F. (Hinckley)
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Since March, 1918, he has been in charge of the signal section while there has been no signal officer. Throughout this time communications have been maintained between company and battalion headquarters without a hitch, in spite of heavy bombardments and very difficult conditions. Regardless of personal safety he is always undeterred by enemy shelling, and if communications break down he is the first to lead his men to re-establish them.'
Belgian Decoration Militaire London Gazette 5.4.1919 240032 Serjeant Albert Wilbur, 1/5th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment (Hinckley, Leicester)
'For distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign.'
240032 Sergeant Albert Wilbur, D.C.M., born Hinckley, Leicestershire; enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment and served with the 1/5th Battalion during the Great War; awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry during the offensive near Magny la Fosse, September to October 1918; Lieutenant John Barrett, of his Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the action five days previously.
1 of only 5 D.C.M. and Bars awarded to the Leicestershire Regiment during the Great War.
|
|
|
A Great War 1916 M.M. Group of Four to Private W. Hammond, Leicestershire Regiment, Killed in Action on the Somme, 14.7.1916
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (18312 Pte. W. Hammond. 7/Leic: R.)
b) 1914-15 Star (18312 Pte. W. Hammond. Leic. R.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (18312 Pte. W. Hammond Leic. R.), good very fine (4)
£400-500
M.M. London Gazette 21.9.1916 18312 Pte. W. Hammond Leic. R.
18312 Private Walter Hammond, M.M., born Loughborough; served during the Great War with the 7th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, on the Western Front; he was killed in action, 14.7.1916; at the start of July the 7th Battalion, as part of the 110th Brigade, 21st Division, moved on to the Somme, 'To Fricourt (13/7). Mametz Wood (14/7). Attack on Bazentin-le-Petit - advanced at 3.25am with 6th Leicestershire - 'D' Company on left and 'B' and 'C' in centre held up by machine gun fire. Enemy's front and second lines taken by 4am. War Diary notes by this time only two officers left in action. Village later cleared and line established in Bazentin-le-Petit Wood. Relieved and to Fricourt Wood (16/7). Casualties 553' (British Battalions on the Somme, R. Westlake refers); Hammond is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.
|
|
|
A Great War 1917 'French Theatre' M.M. Group of Four to Sergeant J. Meakin, Leicestershire Regiment
a) Military Medal, G.V.R. (240356 L.Sjt: J. Meakin. 1/5 Leic: R.-T.F.)
b) 1914-15 Star (2008 Pte. J. Meakin. Leic: R.)
c) British War and Victory Medals (2008 Sjt. J. Meakin. Leic. R.), nearly very fine or better (4)
£300-400
M.M. London Gazette 24.6.1917 2403561 (2008) L.Sjt. J. Meakin, Leic. R.
|
|
|
A Second War '1941' M.M. Group of Six to Sergeant J.T. Howes, Leicestershire Regiment, For Continued Gallantry at Sidi Barrani, on Crete and in Syria
a) Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4799251 Sjt. J.T. Howes. Leic. R.), number partially officially corrected
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Africa Star
d) Italy Star
e) Defence and War Medals, remnants of adhesive overall, edge bruising, generally nearly very fine or better (6)
£800-1,200
M.M. London Gazette 30.12.1941 4799251 Sjt. J.T. Howes, Leicester Regiment
The Recommendation states: 'In operations in Libya, Crete and Syria, Sgt. Howes has been either in command of a platoon or ptn Sgt. In all these operations he has shown courage and leadership of a high order. His impurtability under fire and disregard for his own personal safety at all times have been outstanding examples to the men under his command.
At Sidi Barrani when his platoon commander was wounded earlier in the day Sgt. Howes led the platoon with marked distinction. In Crete when his company were dealing with enemy parachutists Sgt. Howes again inspired his men by his energy and dash. In recent operations in Syria during a night attack and subsequent counter attacks during the day, Sgt. Howes was invariably in the fore front encouraging his men. He received a blow from a stone which temporarily blinded an eye but declined to be evacuated, carrying on his good work. He has been throughout a leader of outstanding qualities.'
4799251 Sergeant John Thomas Howes, M.M., enlisted 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, 3.2.1930; Lance Corporal 5.7.1931, and Corporal 15.10.1933; served with the 2nd Battalion during the Second War in the Middle East, Egypt, East Africa, the Western Desert, Sudan, Greece, Crete, Syria and Tobruk; discharged 31.10.1945.
|
|
| |
Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily engraved in sans-serif capitals 'Lieut T.R. Flynn 4th Leicestershire Regt. "Bellenglise" 29th. Sept. 1918. "Ramiecourt" 3rd. Octr. 1918.', nearly extremely fine, in case of issue
£450-550
M.C. London Gazette 8.3.1919 Lt. (A./Capt.) Thomas Reginald Flynn, 1/4th Bn., Leic. R., T.F.
'For marked gallantry and initiative. On 29th September, 1918, during the storming of the Hindenburg Line, near Bellenglise, he came across a trench with seven machine guns and a garrison of 130 of the enemy. He immediately rushed in, and by his quick presence of mind made them all prisoners. On the 2nd October he led his men forward under heavy fire, and filled a gap in the line, pushing further and holding the enemy up, whereby the flank was made good and the enemy driven back.'
Lieutenant Thomas Reginald Flynn, M.C., Commissioned Lieutenant, Leicestershire Regiment, 12.5.1918; appointed Acting Captain, 15.11.1918; retired with the rank of Lieutenant, 15.12.1919
|
|
  |
A Good Great War 1914 'Neuve Chapelle' D.C.M. and 1916 'Mesopotamia' Second Award Bar to Sergeant F.E. Garton, Leicestershire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9139 L.Cpl. F.E. Garton. 2/Leic: Regt.), with Second Award Bar, minor edge bruise and light pitting, therefore very fine, together with a photographic image of the recipient
£1,400-1,800
D.C.M. London Gazette 18.2.1915 9139 Lance-Corporal F.E. Garton, 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment
'For conspicuous gallantry on 20th November, 1914, near Neuve Chapelle, in Leaving his trench at great risk and rescuing an Indian soldier of the 107th Pioneers, who had been blown out of his trench by a bomb from the enemy, who were only 70 yards distant.'
D.C.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 20.10.1916 9139 Sjt. F.E. Garton, Leic. R.
'For conspicuous gallantry on many occasions during prolonged operations. Sergeant Garton repeatedly volunteered for any dangerous work, and has not only exhibited great bravery, but has proved himself a most capable platoon commander on several occasions, when his officers have become casualties.'
9139 Sergeant Frederick Edward Garton, D.C.M., enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment, 1912, and served with the Second Battalion in India; on the outbreak of the Great War went to France as the British Battalion of the Garhwal Brigade, 7th Indian Division, and present at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, 20.11.1914; Awarded the D.C.M. and the Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, Third Class (London Gazette 25.8.1915); promoted Lance Corporal, 2.7.1915; in late 1915 went with the Battalion, as part of the 7th Indian Division, to Mesopotamia; promoted Sergeant 15.1.1916; one of 16 members of the 2nd Battalion Mentioned in Despatches by Lieutenant-General P. Lake, commanding Indian Expeditionary Force 'D', Basrah, for Operations in Mesopotamia, January to April 1916 (London Gazette 19.10.1916), and awarded a Second Bar to his D.C.M., for gallantry during the period in which the Battalion were involved in the battles of Shaikh Saad, Kut-al-Amara, and Sannaiyat, and in the capture of Baghdad.
1 of only 5 D.C.M. and Bars awarded to the Leicestershire Regiment during the Great War.
For the group of three to Private E. Garton, Leicestershire Regiment, see Lot 93.
|
|
|
A Great War 1917 'Western Front' D.C.M. to Corporal J.W. Whitehead, Leicestershire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8239 Cpl. J.W. Whitehead. 2/Leic: R.), good very fine
£450-550
D.C.M. London Gazette 28.8.1917 8239 Cpl. (A./L./Sjt.) J.W. Whitehead, Leic. R.
'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He organised stretcher-bearer parties and brought in wounded under heavy fire. Although wounded in the arm, he continued to perform his fine work all day, showing great pluck and devotion to duty. The following day he again went out under heavy fire to make sure that all wounded were broughtin. He has in many previous actions done most excellent work.'
8239 Sergeant John Walter Whitehead, D.C.M. served with the Leicestershire Regiment during the Great War, and was additionally awarded the Italian Bronze Medal of Military Valour (London Gazette 31.8.1917)
|
|
|
A Good Great War 1917 'Western Front' M.M. and 1918 Bar to Sergeant H. Allway, Leicestershire Regiment, Killed in Action on the First Day of the Great German Spring Offensive, 21.3.1918
Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (16352 Sjt: H. Allway. 1/Leic: R.), toned, good very fine
£600-800
M.M. London Gazette 18.6.1917 16352 Sjt. H. Allway, Leic. R.
M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 23.2.1918 16352 Sjt. H. Allway, M.M., Leic. R. (Boro', S.E.).
16352 Sergeant Henry Allway, M.M., born Greenwich, London; enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War; killed in action on the Western Front on the first day of the Great German Spring Offensive, 21.3.1918, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.
|
|
|
Military Medal, G.V.R. (16931 Pte. J.H. Jones. 7/Leic: R.), nearly extremely fine
£180-220
M.M. London Gazette 19.2.1917 16931 Pte. J.H. Jones, Leic. R.
16931 Private John Herbert Jones, M.M., born Linton Heath, Derbyshire; enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment and served with the 7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front; killed in action, 14.7.1916, on which date the Battalion were involved in the attack on Bazentin-le-Petit: the advance was made at 3:25am, and the enemy's front and second lines were taken at 4:00am; casualties were high and only two Officers were left in action. Jones is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
|
|
|
Three: Major-General W.A. Armstrong, Leicestershire Regiment
Crimea 1854-56, one clasp, Sebastopol (Captn. W.A. Armstrong 17th Regt), contemporarily engraved in upright serif capitals; Turkey Ottoman Empire, Order of the Medjidieh, Fifth Class breast badge, silver, gold applique and enamel; Turkish Crimea, Sardinian die, unnamed as issued, pierced for ring suspension, with contemporary ring and straight bar suspension, light pitting throughout, therefore nearly very fine (3)
£600-800
Major-General William A. Armstrong, born 1824; commissioned Ensign, 17th Regiment, 1840; advanced Major 1855; served with the Regiment in the Crimea, including the siege and fall of Sebastopol, the attacks on the Redan (18th June and 8th September), and also the bombardment and surrender of Kimbourn; appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, 22nd Regiment, 1872; Colonel 1876; retired Major-General, 1883.
|
|
|
Three: Private S. Smith, 17th Foot, Later 22nd Foot
Crimea 1854-56, one clasp, Sebastopol (Pte. Stepn. Smith. 17th. Regt.), contemporarily engraved in large serif capitals; Army Long Service & G.C., V.R. (232 Pte. Stephen-Smith 2nd. Bn. 22nd. Foot.); Turkish Crimea, British die, unnamed, pierced as issued, edge bruising and contact marks to first, nearly very fine and better (3)
£250-300
|
|
|
Pair: Captain H.H. Smart, 17th Foot
Crimea 1854-56, one clasp, Sebastopol (Capt Henry H. Smart 17th. Regt.), contemporarily engraved in sloping serif capitals; Turkish Crimea, Sardinian die, pierced as issued with ring suspension, pawn-broker's marks to first, nearly very fine (2)
£160-200
Captain Henry Hawley Smart, Commissioned Ensign, 17th Foot, October 1849; promoted Lieutenant, July 1852; Captain, May 1855; served with the 1st Royal Scots at the siege and fall of Sebastopol from 27.1.1855.
|
|
|
Three: Sergeant G. Parkes, Leicestershire Regiment
Afghanistan 1878-80, one clasp, Ali Musjid (22B/389, Corpl. G. Parkes, 1/17th. Regt.); Egypt 1882-89, undated, one clasp, Suakin 1885 (389. Sergt. G. Parkes, 1/Leic: R:); Khedive's Star 1884-6, unnamed as issued, heavy pitting and contact marks, good fine (3)
£280-320
|
|
|
Pair: Private G. Glover, Leicestershire Regiment
India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Burma 1887-89 (843 Pte. J. [sic] Glover 2d. Bn. Leic. R.); Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, three clasps, Cape Colony, Laing's Nek, Belfast (843 Pte. G. Glover. Leicester Regt.), edge bruise to first, good very fine or better (2)
£200-240
843 Private G. Glover, served with the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment in South Africa 1899-1901; returned to England, 30.5.1901.
|
|
|
The Regimentally Unique 'Mashonaland 1897' Campaign Group of Four to Major G.I. Walsh, Leicestershire Regiment
Coronation Medal 1902, silver, reverse additionally engraved 'Capt. G..J. Walsh Leicester Regt.'; Coronation 1911, 'Major G.J. Walsh'; British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, for Mashonaland 1897, no clasp (Capt. G.J. Walsh. 1/Leic. Regt.); Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Cape Colony, Transvaal, Wittebergen, South Africa 1901 (Capt. G.J. Walsh. Leicester. Rgt.), top lugs neatly removed from last, and partially officially renamed, otherwise generally very fine or better (4)
£800-1,200
Major George Inverarity Walsh (1866-1913); initially served in the Honourable Artillery Company, prior to being commissioned into the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, 1888; Lieutenant 1892; served in the operations in Mashonaland under Sir Richard Martin in 1897; where he was employed as a Special Service Officer (M.I.D. London Gazette 18.2.1898); Captain 1898; served under Lieutenant General Sir Leslie Rundle as Deputy-Assistant Adjutant General, 8th Division, South Africa 1900-1901 (M.I.D. London Gazette 16.4.1901); served as Adjutant, 1st V.B. Royal Fusiliers, 1901-1906; Major 4.7.1906; retired 1908; served as Staff Officer for the Overseas Troops at the 1911 Coronation; he was a keen follower of the South Oxfordshire and South Berks packs, and resided at Newnham Manor, Oxford.
|
|
  |
A Fine and Scarce Campaign Group of Seven to Company Sergeant Major S.H. Gilbert, Leicestershire Regiment and Labour Corps, Taken POW During the Boer War, 6.3.1901, He Over-Powered His Guard and Escaped
Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Cape Colony, Rhodesia, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901 (11991 Tpr: S.H. Gilbert, 65th Coy. 17th Impl: Yeo:); British War and Victory Medals (240682 C.Sjt. S.H. Gilbert. Leic. R.); Territorial Force War Medal (240682 C. Sjt. S.H. Gilbert. Leic. R.); Coronation 1902, bronze; Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (615194 R.Q.M. Sgt - A.C.S. Mjr. - S.H. Gilbert. Lab: C.); Volunteer Force Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (7715 Serjt: S.H. Gilbert. 1/V.B. Leicester Regt.), generally good very fine, mounted for display, with two photographic images of recipient in uniform (7)
£700-900
240682 Company Sergeant Major Sharrad Holland Gilbert, 'was born 10th November 1868 in a small room over his Father's Chemist shop in East Shilton. At the age of 13 he left school and joined the firm Crows Trinhlor for a seven year apprenticeship as a Hosier. During 1886 he joined the First Volunteer Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. At the outbreak of the Boer War in 1898 Sharrad applied to serve with his service company, the Leicestershire Regiment. Despite his 15 years' service with the local Volunteers his application was rejected. Being a very determined man he approached and was accepted in an unknown branch of the service and enrolled in the ranks of the Imperial Yeomanry 65th Squadron, 17th Battalion Leicestershire, and served in South Africa for a period of fifteen months during which time he saw much action and was in fact captured by the Boers at Aberdeen in Rhodesia. However, he and several other prisoners over-powered their Guard and made a daring escape. In 1901 the Imperial Yeomanry were recalled to England and Sharrad H. Gilbert's service was terminated. Immediately on his return to Hinckley he rejoined the Volunteer Battalion and remained in the 1st Battalion Volunteers until 1908 when the Volunteers were disabled and the new Territorial Army was formed. His service continued with the Territorial Army right up until the 1914/18 European War where again he saw action in France. He finally left the Army in 1921 after serving a total of 35 years.... The remainder of his civilian life was spent in and around Burbage. He lived for many years in Britannia Road and in later years almost became a recluse. Unfortunately during the latter part of his life he went deaf and blind and eventually passed away on 11th March 1961 at the Manor Hospital, Nuneaton, aged 93. He is buried in the St. Catherine's Churchyard, Burbage, in an, as yet unmarked grave.
Apart from his military service Sharrad H. Gilbert on his return from the South African War wrote an interesting account of his services in the Imperial Yeomanry. The book was published by Simpson Marshall entitled Rhodesia and After.' (Hinckley Times refers).
|
|
| |
Pair: Private E.T. Coley, Leicestershire Regiment
Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, one clasp, Natal (3291 Pte. E. Coley, 1: Leic: Regt.); King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (3291 Pte. T. [sic] Coley. Leicester: Regt.), number officially corrected on KSA, nearly extremely fine (2)
£120-160
3291 Private Ernest Thompson Coley, born Leicester; enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment, 1891.
|
|
|
Pair: Private W. Wiles, Leicestershire Regiment
Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, three clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal (3822 Pte. W. Wiles, 1: Leic: Regt.); King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (3822 Pte. W. Wiles. Leicester: Regt.), surname partially officially renamed on KSA, good very fine (2)
£160-200
|
|
|
Six: Corporal F.W.W. Porter, Leicestershire Regiment
Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek, Belfast (3313 Bndsmn: W.W. Porter, 1: Leic: Regt.); King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (3313 Pte. F.W.W. Porter. Leicester: Regt.); 1914 Star, with Bar (3313 L.Cpl. F.W. Porter. 1/Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals (3313 Cpl. F.W.W. Porter. Leic. R.); Army Long Service & G.C., E.VII.R. (3313 Pte. F.W.W. Porter. Leic: Regt.), heavy contact marks to three pre-Great War medals, these good fine, the Great War awards very fine (6)
£300-350
|
|
|
Pair: Private J.H. Knight, Leicestershire Regiment
Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek, Belfast (3898 Pte. J.H. Knight, 1: Leic: Regt.); King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (3898 Pte. J.H. Knight. Leicester: Regt.), very fine (2)
£160-200
|
|
|
Four: Private B. Cooper, Leicestershire Regiment
Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, three clasps, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek, Belfast (5136 Pte. B. Cooper, 1: Leic: Regt); King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (5136 Pte. B. Cooper, Leicester: Regt.); 1914-15 Star (9-15261 Pte. B. Cooper, Leic. R.); British War and Victory Medals (15261 Pte. B. Cooper. Leic. R.), minor edge bruising, otherwise good very fine (4)
£160-200
|
|
| |
Pair: Sergeant W. Smith, Leicestershire Regiment
Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek, Belfast (3464 Sejt. W. Smith.1: Leic: Regt.); King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (3464 Serjt: W. Smith. Leicestershire Regt.), edge bruising, toned, nearly very fine (2)
£120-160
|
|
| |
Pair: Private W. Winterbottom, Leicestershire Regiment
Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek, Belfast (3493 Pte. W. Winterbottom, 1: Leic: Regt.); King's South Africa 1901-02, two clasps (3493 Pte. W. Winterbottom. Leicester: Regt.), edge bruising, nearly very fine (2)
£120-160
|
|
| |
Four: Company Sergeant Major W.C. Warren, Leicestershire Regiment
1914 Star and Bar (8155 L. Cpl. W.C. Warren. 1/Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals (8155 Sjt. W.C. Warren. Leic. R.); Army Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., 1st 'Field Marshal's bust' type (4848325 C. Sjt. W.C. Warren. Leic. R.), traces of adhesive, contact marks throughout, nearly very fine (4)
£100-140
8155 Company Sergeant Major Walter Clifton Warren, born 1892; enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment, 1907; served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front; promoted Sergeant, 1916; Colour Sergeant, 1924; and Company Sergeant Major on discharged, 1932.
|
|
|
Four: Sergeant J. Baggott, Leicestershire Yeomanry
1914 Star (1709 L. Cpl. J. Baggott. Leic: Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (1709 Sjt. J. Baggott. Leic. Yeo.); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (255063 Sjt. J. Baggott. Leic. Yeo.), contact marks, nearly very fine (4)
£180-220
|
|
| |
Three: Sergeant D.A. Gray, Leicestershire Regiment
1914 Star (8510 Sjt. D.A. Gray. 1/Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals (8510 Sjt. D.A. Gray. Leic. R.), very fine (3)
£60-80
|
|
| |
Pair: Private A.W. Bromley, South Staffordshire Regiment
1914 Star (9753 Pte. A.W. Bromley. 1/S. Staff: R.); British War Medal (9753 Pte. A.W. Bromley. S. Staff. R.), extremely fine, together with the recipient's Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Arthur William Bromley) (3)
£80-100
9753 Private Arthur William Bromley, born Leicester; enlisted in the South Staffordshire Regiment and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War; transferred to the 2nd Battalion and died of wounds on the Western Front, 29.7.1916, and is buried in La Neuville British Cemetery, France.
|
|
| |
Five: Corporal R.V. Steele, Leicestershire Regiment, Late Liverpool Regiment
1914-15 Star (11959 Pte. R.V. Steele. L'pool. R.); British War and Victory Medals (11959 Pte. R.V. Steele. L'pool. R.); Jubilee 1935 (4851802 Cpl. R.V. Steele. Leic. R.), engraved in sans-serif capitals; Army Long Service & G.C., G.V.R., with 'Regular Army' bar suspension (4851802 Cpl. R.V. Steele, Leic. R.), light contact marks, nearly very fine, the Great War Medals fine (5)
£60-80
4851802 Corporal R.V. Steele, promoted Corporal, 26.11.1930.
|
|
| |
Five: Private A. Neal, Leicestershire Regiment
1914-15 Star (3107 Pte. A. Neal. Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals (3107 Pte. A. Neal. Leic. R.); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (4848076 Pte. A. Neal. 5-Leic. R.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., with 'Territorial' scroll suspension (4848076 Pte. A. Neal. 5-Leic. R.), light pitting from star, very fine or better (5)
£90-110
3107 Private Albert Neal, served with the Leicestershire Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 30.6.1915.
|
|
| |
Four: Private H. Broadbent, Leicestershire Regiment
1914-15 Star (1259 Pte. H. Broadbent. Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals (1259 Pte. H. Broadbent. Leic. R.); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (4848059 Pte. H. Broadbent. 5-Leic: R.), traces of adhesive to reverse, very fine or better (4)
£100-140
|
|
|
A Great War 'Battle of Loos' Casualty Group of Three to Private H.J. Toon, Leicestershire Regiment, Killed in Action, 13.10.1915
1914-15 Star (3586 Pte. H.J. Toon. Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals (3586 Pte. H.J. Toon. Leic. R.), nearly extremely fine, with Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque, 'Herbert John Toon' (4)
£140-180
3586 Private Herbert John Toon, son of Mr and Mrs John Toon, of 79 Frederick Road, Leicester; served during the Great War with the 1/4th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, on the Western Front; he was killed in action, 13.10.1915; on the latter date the 1/4th Battalion were engaged in the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt as part of the Battle of Loos, 'the attack of the 138th Brigade was made with the 1/4th Leicestershire (Lieut.-Colonel R.E. Martin) and 1/5th Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel T.E. Sandall) leading, followed by the 1/4th Lincolnshire and 1/1st Monmouthshire, the divisional Pioneer battalion, and the 1/1st North Midland Field Company R.E.... Having a shorter distance to go than the 137th Brigade, sheltered by the Hohenzollern from machine guns, and starting five minutes later, at 2.5pm, by divisional order so that its flank should be covered, it reached the Hohenzollern with less loss. But in passing towards Fosse Trench, heavy toll was taken of it by the machine guns in the Corons and Mad Point; nevertheless, Fosse Trench was reached and small detachments are reported to have gone beyond it and entered the buildings of the Corons. This success, however, could not be maintained, owing to the fact that the whole length of Fosse Trench was enfiladed from the Dump to Mad point, and on account of the very heavy losses that had been incurred, especially in officers, among the wounded being the Lieutenant-Colonels of the 1/4th Leicestershire, 1/4th Lincolnshire and 1/5th Lincolnshire. Any position beyond Hohenzollern was clearly untenable, as both flanks were exposed, and the attack, although reinforced by two companies of the 1/5th Leicestershire, came to a stop.' (Official History of the War, France and Belgium 1915, Volume 2, refers)
On the latter date the 1/4th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment suffered 20 officers and 453 other ranks as casualties; Toon is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
|
|
| |
Three: Second Lieutenant T. Pollard, Leicestershire Regiment
1914-15 Star (2713 Pte. T. Pollard. Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. T. Pollard.), good very fine (3)
£80-120
Second Lieutenant Thomas Pollard, enlisted as 2713 Private, Leicestershire Regiment and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Leicestershire Regiment, 31.10.1917, and twice wounded, at Ypres, April 1918, and at the Sambre Canal, October 1918.
|
|
| |
Three: Private E. Garton, Leicestershire Regiment, Killed in Action at Neuve Chapelle, 13.3.1915
1914-15 Star (9939 Pte. E. Garton. Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals (9939 Pte. E. Garton. Leic. R.), nearly extremely fine (3)
£80-120
9939 Private Edgar Garton, born Leicester; enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment and served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion; killed in action on the Western Front at Neuve Chapelle, 13.3.1915, and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France.
For the D.C.M. and Bar to Sergeant F.E. Garton, Leicestershire Regiment, see Lot 66.
|
|
| |
Three: Private L. Hill, Leicestershire Yeomanry
1914-15 Star (2498 Pte. L. Hill, Leic. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (2498 Pte. L. Hill. Leic. Yeo.), good very fine (3)
£100-140
|
|
|
Three: Private F.W. Blackwell, Leicestershire Regiment
British War and Victory Medals (41865 Pte. F.W. Blackwell. Leic. R.); Territorial Force War Medal (41865 Pte. F.W. Blackwell. Leic. R.), extremely fine (3)
£200-240
|
|
|
Three: Company Quarter Master Sergeant W.E. Green, Leicestershire Regiment
British War and Victory Medals (21416 C. Sjt. W.E. Green. Leic. R.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st 'Field Marshal's bust' type (21416 C.Q.M. Sjt. W.E. Green. Leic: R.), nearly extremely fine, mounted court style for display purposes (3)
£140-180
M.S.M. London Gazette 3.6.1919 21416 Coy./Q.M. Sjt. Green, W.E., Leicestershire Regiment (Whitestone)
'In recognition of valuable service rendered with the Armies in France and Flanders.'
|
|
|
Three: Private D. Pegg, Leicestershire Regiment
British War and Victory Medals (432 Pte. D. Pegg. Leic. R.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (432. Pte. D. Pegg. 5/Leic: Regt.), edge bruise to last, otherwise nearly extremely fine (3)
£100-140
|
|
|
Seven: Sergeant G.H.W. Gothard, Leicestershire Regiment
General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp, Palestine (4855944 Cpl. G.H. Gothard. Leic. R.); India General Service 1936-39, one clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (4855944 Sjt. G. Gothard. Leic. R.); 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine, mounted court-style as worn (7)
£140-180
4855944 Sergeant George Henry Wallis Gothard, born 6.4.1909; enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment, 25.8.1930; promoted Corporal, 17.5.1938; transferred to the Suffolk Regiment, 14.3.1944.
|
|
|
Six: Private E. Warner, Leicestershire Regiment, Died As A Prisoner of War, 16.5.1943, Whilst Constructing the Burma-Siam Railway
General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., one clasp, Palestine (4858284 Pte. E. Warner. Leic. R.); India General Service 1936-39, one clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (4858284. Pte. E. Warner. Leic. R.); 1939-1945 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine, with named card boxes of issue for 1st and 2nd campaign awards (6)
£200-250
4858284 Private Edward Warner, a native of Leicester; joined the Leicestershire Regiment, 20.2.1937; served in Palestine with the 2nd Battalion; served with the 1st Battalion during the Second War, and was captured at Singapore; he died as a prisoner of war whilst constructing the Burma- Siam Railway, 16.5.1943; Warner is buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand.
|
|
| |
Six: Lance-Corporal D. Allen, Leicestershire Regiment
India General Service 1936-39, one clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (4857598. L/Cpl. D. Allen. Leic. R.); 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star, with France and Germany Bar; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, very fine (6)
£120-160
|
|
