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We are one of Britain's foremost public auctioneers of Medals and
Militaria. Our six sales each year contain medal groups and individual
awards from early and Victorian campaigns, the Boer War and the
2 World Wars, as well as foreign medals and orders of merit.
Public auctions of medals and militaria, coins and banknotes are
held six times a year. The dates of our 2012 sales are as follows:
- 15th February 2012
- 18th April 2012
- 20th June 2012
- 15th August 2012
- 17th October 2012
- 12th December 2012
Our next general public auction of Medals will be held at the
Lord Leycester Hotel, Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EJ, on Wednesday
15th February, starting at 12 noon. The online catalogue
will be available approximately 3 weeks before the sale. To view
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Public viewing for this sale is available at our offices on the
following dates:
- Friday 10th February from 09.00 – 17.00
- Monday 13th February from 09.00 – 17.00
- Tuesday 14th February from 09.00 - 17.00
- Wednesday 15th February from 08.00 onwards
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Your Collection page.
WWI DCM & Bar, MM & Bar group to
Pte Highmore A.S.C.
The very rare World War 1 Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar,
Military Medal and Bar group to Pte Alfred Ernest Highmore Army
Service Corps attached to 1st/2nd (Highland) Field Ambulance will
be offered in Warwick & Warwick’s auction on Wednesday
15th February 2012 estimated £7500.
Alfred Ernest Highmore enlisted at Grove Park in the Army Service
Corps on 23rd March 1915. He was aged 35, trade listed as Motor
Driver and he was living in Paddington. His military training was
obviously short as he embarked on the S.S. Viper on 30th April 1915
and disembarked the following day in Rouen. On the 15th May he was
posted to 1st/2nd (Highland) Field Ambulance with whom he was to
display such distinguished service as an ambulance driver.
His first gallantry award was the Military Medal announced in the
London Gazette dated 28th September 1917. This is likely to be an
award for the early battles of Third Ypres.
The Bar to the Military Medal was announced in the London Gazette
dated 23rd February 1918. The Bar to the MM is listed on his service
papers “For gallantry in the Field between Nov 20th and 24th
1917 by IV Corps Commander” this is a Battle of Cambrai award
where 51st Division was heavily involved.
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was in the London Gazette dated
3rd September 1918:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. For 24 hours
he worked the regimental aid-post and the front line, over roads
under heavy fire, evacuating many severely wounded men. Was subsequently
captured with a medical officer, but both escaped.” The DCM
is listed on his papers “For gallantry 9th-15th April 1918”
and is a German Spring Offensive award.
The Bar to the Distinguished Conduct Medal was in the London Gazette
dated 10th January 1920: “During the operations N.E. of Cambrai
he displayed marked gallantry throughout the period extending from
12th to 28th October 1918. On the 12th he took his car into Iwuy,
and although the village was being heavily shelled, brought away
three loads of wounded. Throughout he carried out his duties in
an exemplary manner.”
He was discharged on 5th April 1919 aged 39 or 40. With research
that there is thought to be only 15 other awards of DCM & Bar
and MM & Bar, of these one also received the VC and another
received a second bar to the DCM, therefore thought to be only 14
recipients with this combination, unique to Corps and extremely
rare.
The full medal details are WWI Distinguished Conduct Medal and
Bar, Military Medal and Bar and 1914-15 star trio to M2-053918 Pte
A.E. Highmore A.S.C. (M.M. M.T.A.S.C. on DCM, M.T.A.S.C. on MM).
With 10 copied pages of service record, Copies of MIC, LG etc.
WWI DSO & MC group to Capt W.J. Lloyd
Lancashire Fusiliers
The 1918 Hindenburg Line Distinguished Service Order and Military
Cross group to Captain William Joseph Lloyd Lancashire Fusiliers
attached to 5th Battalion West Riding Regiment will be offered in
Warwick & Warwick’s auction on Wednesday 15th February
2012 estimated £2700.

William Joseph Lloyd enlisted in the Duke of Lancaster’s
Own Yeomanry as a trooper, service number 3433 and arrived in France
on 28th August 1915 with this unit. He was commissioned in the 7th
Lancashire Fusiliers on the 26th March 1918 and subsequently attached
to the 5th Battalion West Riding Regiment.
The DSO and MC were both announced in the London Gazette dated
1st February 1919.
The DSO was awarded “For great personal bravery and gallant
leadership against .... (Havrincourt) and the Hindenburg Line between
September 12th and 15th 1918, particularly on the 13th, when he
was placed in charge of a bombing attack on the Hindenburg Line.
The attack was held up by a close range machine gun fire which enfiladed
a gap in the trench where the latter crosses a sunk road. Six of
his men and another officer were killed in attempting to cross and
there was momentary disorganisation. He at once rallied the attacking
party and continued the advance, himself crossing and re-crossing
the gap, several times and taking the greatest personal risks in
order to encourage his men. He then led the attack up the trench,
overcame the enemy resistance, capturing the objective, over twenty
prisoners and a machine gun. In spite of the fact that a pocket
of the enemy were in the rear and he was heavily counter-attacked,
he held on to his position throughout the day thus enabling other
attacks to succeed and the battalion objective to be gained. The
very fine example of personal bravery exhibited by this officer,
combined with good leadership, was largely responsible for the success
of operations.”
The extended MC citation “For dashing leadership and great
bravery during the operations resulting in the capture of the Crossings
of Canal ...... (D’Escault). He forced the Crossings, and
his great dash and fearless example quickly got his company across,
he personally superintending the Crossing under heavy machine gun
and shell fire. During the evening of the 28th September he led
his Company in an attack on the German trenches, which were held
by greatly superior numbers of the enemy. Here he was surrounded
and cut off, with nine men from his Company. He at once ordered
a charge, drove in thirty of the enemy as prisoners. At the same
time an enemy counter-attack was launched on the left flank of the
battalion, but his promptitude in organizing the available reserves
and the gallant leading of this officer saved a dangerous situation
and beat off the attack.”
He was Mentioned in Field Marshall Haig’s dispatches in the
London Gazette dated 16th March 1919.

He was promoted Acting Captain from commanding a Company on 10th
November 1918. He was later granted temporary Captain for service
with King’s African Rifles on the 4th February 1925.
The full medal details are Distinguished Service Order, Military
Cross and 1914-15 star trio with MID oakleaf to Capt W.J. Lloyd
(3433 Pte D. of Lanc O. Yeo on star, 2nd Lt W.J. Lloyd Hindenburg
Line 13th Sept 1918 on edge of 3 arms of DSO, 2nd Lt W.J. Lloyd
D.S.O. Marcoing 27 Sept 1918 on MC) court mounted as worn with J.R.
Gaunt label to reverse, with matching set of court mounted miniatures.
Also with ribbon bar, cap badges for West Yorks, West Riding and
Tanganyika Territory, original typed extended citations for DSO
and MC. With framed DSO bestowal document, MID certificate, photos
in Yeomanry uniform (marked Maxim Gun Section on reverse), Lanc
Fus uniform as Capt with ribbons, 3 photos in tropical whites with
medals. Also with a typed letter of congratulation from The Cunard
Steam Ship Co, copies of MIC, LG entries.
Superb range of awards, documents and photos
to The Lord George Albert Pargiter
A superb range of awards, documents and photos to The Lord George
Albert Pargiter will be offered in Warwick & Warwick’s
auction on Wednesday 15th February 2012 estimated £1900.

George Albert Pargiter was born on 16th March 1897. He served in
a large number of appointments including Mayor of Southall 1937-40,
Labour MP for Spelthorne 1945-50 and Southall 1950-66, Member of
Middlesex County Council 1934-65.
He was appointed CBE in the London Gazette dated 31st December 1960
as Vice-Chairman, Executive Council of County Councils Association.
Appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Middlesex 23rd June 1953, was made
a Life Peer on 19th May 1966, appointed Baron of Southall 9th June
1966 and died 16th January 1982.
The full details are CBE (Civil) in Garrards case of issue, 1977
Silver Jubilee Medal in box of issue with Buckingham letter of issue,
1966 Queen’s Seal and Scroll in large red box of issue, Southall
9ct gold (tested un-hallmarked) Ex-Major jewel engraved G.A. Pargiter
1937/38 and 1938/39 and 1939/40 weighing 110g in Fattorini case
of issue, Southall silver and enamel presentation key engraved “Opening
of the Branch Library and the Branch Health Centre at Jubilee Gardens
by His Worship the Mayor Mr Alderman G.A. Pargiter J.P. 28th May
1938” in case if issue all excellent to mint.
With outstanding range of supporting documents, letters and photos
including CBE bestowal document, Deputy Lieutenant certificate,
large 1960 Middlesex County Council scroll of appreciation in hard
back folder, further range of letters, booklets, programmes etc.
The outstanding David D Ingle collection
of mainly gallantry medals
The David D. Ingle collection of medals from Waterloo to World
War 2 was offered in Warwick & Warwick’s auction on Wednesday
14th December 2011 with total estimates of nearly £120,000.
This amazing collection was assembled in the 1960s and 1970s and
included a wide range of units and campaigns with some real rarities.
The collection started with an 1815 Waterloo Medal to Thomas Thomas
3rd Bat 1st Foot or R. Scots. The Bn was heavily engaged at Quatre
Bras and Waterloo suffering 15 officers and 128 men killed and wounded.
The medal realised £2,645. Lot 6 was an 1842 China War Medal
to C.P. Blake Asst Surgn H.M.S. Cornwallis. Charles Blake was present
on shore at the capture of the Woosung batteries on 16th June 1842,
where 165 guns were captured for the loss of 2 killed and 25 wounded.
The realisation was £661. Lot 7 was an 1870 Canada GSM Fenian
Raid 1866 clasp to Capt J. Bogue 2nd C.C.M., nearly extremely fine,
scarce officer to Charlotte County Militia. Estimated at £400,
it made £380.
The Zulu victory at the Battle of Isandhlwana on 22nd January 1879
was represented by lots 8 & 9, two 1879 South Africa Medals
with 1877-8-9 clasps to 1750 Pte T. Goss 1/24th Foot and to 1598
Driv T. Clarke N/5 R.A., both were killed in action during the battle.
The realisations were £6,900 and £7,187 respectively.
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The 1881 Afghanistan campaign was well represented by lots 11-14,
including Afghanistan Medal 3 clasps Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar and
Kabul to Kandahar Star to Surgeon John Brodie A.M.D. He was born
in Glasgow 1/4/1849, appointed Surgeon 4/2/77. It was offered together
with a copy of the obituary from 19/3/87 British Medical Journal
– “Surgeon John Brodie died on Tuesday morning, March
15th, The Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, where he was stationed
for duty. He joined the service on February 4th 1877. He distinguished
himself in the Afghan war, and was highly commended, but received
no official recognition. He served on the West Coast of Africa,
where he contracted malarial fever, which he undermined his constitution.”
The medal realised £1,121. There was also an Afghanistan Medal,
without clasp, to 207 Pte J. Corton 59th Foot. 207 Pte James Carten
was killed in action on 16th August 1880 at the storming of the
Deh Khojah Village. A contingent of the 59th Foot were attached
to 2/7th Regt for this action and the 59th only suffered 2 killed
and 2 wounded in this action. This was a major action to clear Afghan
artillery from Deh Khojah that was bombarding Kandahar, the village
screening the enemy from counter battery fire. The action was a
complete success with the 2/7th Foot suffering the heaviest casualties.
The 59th Foot only suffered 8 killed and 13 wounded in the whole
war, making this a very rare casualty medal. Estimated at £300,
it realised £604.
Lot 15 was another rare casualty medal; 1882 Egypt (1882 reverse),
2 clasps Suakin 1884, El-Teb_Tamaai and 1882 Khedive’s star,
to 2155 Pte S.J. Walker 19th Hussars. He was killed in action as
a Cpl at the Battle of Abu Klea on 17th January 1885 and was also
issued this clasp. Only 2 men from the regiment were listed as killed
in this battle. Realisation £1,322.
Lot 17, which realised £1,840, was a Boer War DCM, QSA 5
clasps, KEVII Army LSGC and KGVI IND IMP MSM, to 64376 Whlr Q.M.
Sjt W. Edden R.F.A. The DCM was in the London Gazette dated 27th
September 1901. He was mentioned in Lord Roberts' dispatch dated
2nd April 1901, in London Gazette dated 10th September 1901. Staying
with the Boer war, lot 18, realising £747, was a QSA 2 clasps
Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, to 4471 Pte W. Brown, Devon
Regt. He was killed in action with the 1st Bn at the Battle of Wagon
Hill on 6th January 1900. The fighting on Wagon Hill resulted in
the Devons losing 3 officers and 14 men killed in action and 1 officer
and 34 men wounded. During this battle Lt Masterson earned the Victoria
Cross.
World War I was represented by 143 lots with some real highlights.
Lot 27 was the WWI Albert Medal 2nd Class for Gallantry in Saving
Life on Land engraved “Presented by His Majesty to 2nd Lieutenant
Thomas Johnstone Dickson, Yorkshire Regiment, for gallantry in saving
life at Catterick on the 26th June 1917”. The London Gazette
announcement read “On the 26th June 1917, Lieutenant (then
Second Lieutenant) Dickson was instructing a man in throwing live
bombs. One of the bombs failed to clear the parapet and fell back
into the breastwork. Lieutenant Dickson told the man to run to safety,
and himself did so. On reaching shelter he found that the man had
not followed. He at once ran back into the breastwork, and saw the
man crouching in a corner on the far side of the bomb. He ran past
the bomb, seized the man, and dragged him back past the bomb into
safety just before the bomb exploded. Had not Lieutenant Dickson
deliberately returned into the danger zone, the man would almost
certainly have been killed.” This rare medal, estimated at
£6,000, made £7,762.

There were 4 MC groups in the Ingle collection, one to 1/8th Worcesters,
two to R.F.A. and R.G.A. There were 20 DCMs, 3 also with MMs, including
lot 32, the outstanding triple gallantry WWI DCM, MM, Russian Medal
of St George 2nd Class, 1914 star trio and 1909 IGSM Afghanistan
N.W.F. 1919 clasp, to Lt H.H. Pearson 44 Sig Coy. The DCM was “For
conspicuous gallantry and ability. When the telephone wires had
been cut, Corporal Pearson volunteered to lay a wire from the Brigade
Headquarters, and successfully did so across a heavily shelled area,
on his return journey laying a second wire, on his own initiative.
It was owing to his bravery and ability that telephonic communications
was re-established.” He was commissioned for service in the
field and seconded for duty with Indian Signal Service on 6th February
1917. This group realised £3,680.

Lot 33 was a rare North Russia DCM, WWI MM and 1914-15 star trio,
to 1647 Sjt J.J. Cannon K.R.R.C & MGC. The DCM was while serving
with 19th Bn MGC. “At Ussuna, on the night of the 9th September
1919, an enemy patrol was reported to be in our rear position. He
organised a party of British and Russian troops, and went out to
verify the report. He encountered a party of the enemy, about 40
strong, and engaged them at 20 yards range. He then withdrew and
reported to his officer, with the result that the enemy attack was
beaten off with heavy loss. Next day, he again rendered gallant
service.” Realisation £3,220".

Lot 38, which made £2,012, was a rare First Day of the Somme
DCM to 20-17387 Pte F. Ingle 20/Manch R. “For conspicuous
gallantry. He attacked single-handed an enemy machine gunner, killed
him and captured the gun which was causing many casualties.”
On the 1st July, the 20th Manchesters attacked in the vicinity of
Mametz Valley and Fricourt Wood.

The other DCMs included 7th Bn East Kent Regt, No 1 T.F. Coy 5/Tank
Bde, 1st Bn Grenadier Guards, 43rd and 78th Bns Canadian Infantry,
7th Bn South Staffs, 15th Bn Royal Warwicks, 8th Bn Gordon Highlanders
etc.
Lots 52-55 were MM & Bars including a rare Royal Naval Division
award to WZ-1809 A.S. W.H. Davies Howe Bn R.N.V.R., which made £2,530.
Lots 56-141 were MMs, many in groups, with some rare units represented,
including Sjt J.W. Webster 42/Aust Inf, Pte E. Standley 2/Worc R.
who was killed in action on 16th May 1915 during the Battle of Festubert,
North Russia award to Pte H. Maycock 13/York R, Sjt P. Bridge 18/Aux
Bus Coy A.S.C., A.Sjt D.F. Richardson Postal Sect R.E., Pte-L.Cpl
W. Lawton 15/Tank C, Tpr H. Porter Household Bn who died of wounds
on 7th December 1917, Pte R. Bishop 7/8 R. Ir Fus, Pte E.J. Rough
M.M.P., First day of the Somme award to 1514 Pte W.J. Lowdell 1/Rif
Bde, A.Sjt E.E. Jackson Car Pgn Serv R.E., Pte B.C. Habgood 1/D.
Gds, Pte W.A. Siddorn 3/L.N.Lanc R., Pte A. Ditchburn R.M. Med Unit,
American winner C.S.Mjr G.O. Day 31/Can Inf Bn, etc.
Lot 142 was an extremely rare YMCA WWI MBE (Britannia)(Civil),
BWM and Medal of the Order of the British Empire (Civil) to J.W.
Swithenbank “For conspicuous courage and devotion in carrying
out his work at great personal risk,” as a Y.M.C.A. Worker.
£1.035 was the final result.
Lots 144-164 were MSMs, many in groups, with 2 to the RAF, 1 to
RM and 1 to RN.
Lot 170, which was estimated at£7,000, was a rare 1921 Constabulary
Medal for Ireland to Constable John H. Martin 71735. It failed to
meet its reserve.

Lot 171 was an extremely rare 1909 IGSM Burma 1930-32 clasp to
363975 Sgt J. Hart R.A.F., 1 of only 14 issued to the RAF, it was
estimated at £1,000 and surprised everyone by realising £10,062.

Lot 172-175 formed the WWII section which included a rare Italian
campaign MM group to 323676 Sjt G.H. Proffit, Warwick Yeo, which
made £2,300.
An Italian Front MM group to 6982472 A.Sjt C. Parke R. Ir Fus for
“On the night 16/17th June 1944, A Company 1st BN THE ROYAL
IRISH FUSILIERS was given the task of capturing MONTEGROVE –
a castle on a feature which dominated the whole advance of the 56th
RECCE REGT. After a long approach march, the leading platoon which
was commanded by this NCO, came under heavy MG fire on reaching
the outskirts of the castle grounds. Sgt Parke’s platoon,
which had been lifted in carriers, immediately engaged the enemy
and neutralized his fire while the remainder of the Company arrived
and concentrated: but for his immediate action the Company would
have received heavy casualties, and the impetus of the attack would
have been lost. In the ensuing attack, Sgt Parke led his platoon
with great dash and courage and, despite the darkness, maintained
excellent control of his sections and kept the Company Commander
very well informed. It was this control which undoubtedly influenced
the success of the plan. The total of prisoners taken, mainly by
Sgt Parke’s platoon was twenty-five and several enemy were
killed. The Company also took seven M.G.34s and two 75mm A/Tk guns.
Throughout the action, Sgt Parke showed great courage and initiative,
and the speed and success of the attack was in no small way attributable
to this NCO." This group, estimated at £2,000, made £2,127.
1884 Moplah Riots DCM group to Sgt Barratt
1st Bn Oxford L.I.
The 1884 Moplah Riots Distinguished Conduct Medal group to Sergeant
Lewis Barratt, 1st Battalion Oxford Light Infantry, was offered
in the auction on Wednesday 14th December 2011, estimated £7000.
It realised £6,900.

Lewis Barratt originally joined the Leicestershire Regiment on
29th November 1881 with former service in the Leicester Militia.
He quickly transferred to the Oxfordshire Light Infantry in February
1882 and moved with the battalion to India in September 1883.
A newspaper cutting records his actions during the 1884 Moplah
Riots: Mr Barratt was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his
action at Mullipuran during the storming of the Rock Temple in which
the rioters took refuge. Volunteers were asked for to lay charges
of dynamite at the base of the Temple. Mr Barratt who was then 19
years of age, was one. His action was particularly brave because
he laid his charge under a galling fire, and had to return to light
it three times. Twice the fuse went out, and the third time while
he was exposed to a raking fire, he blew on the fuse, and waited
until it was going well. The official report on his action states,
“Had he been unable to get away in time, poor Barratt would
have been considerably scattered.” Private Barratt was awarded
the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions on the 29th December
1884. There was only one other DCM awarded for the riots, and this
to a Pte Rolph, 2nd Royal Fusiliers.
He was promoted Corporal on 7th February 1885 and Sergeant on 8th
December 1885. He returned to England on 11th February 1887 and
was discharged for the first time on 27th November 1893 with the
DCM his sole entitlement.
He re-enlisted on 3rd October 1901 in the Royal Garrison Artillery
and went straight out to Malta. He was reduced to Private by Court
Martial on 25th November 1902 for “Failing to appear on parade.”
He was discharged for the second time on 8th August 1905 with no
further medal entitlement. He was not entitled to the Queen’s
Mediterranean Medal as this was only awarded to the infantry battalions
sent to Gibraltar and Malta to relieve the regular battalions for
service in the Boer War. He re-enlisted for the third time just
15 days before his 52nd birthday on 30th September 1914 as a Sergeant
in the Ox & Bucks LI. He went to France on 21st August 1916
and was discharged for the third and final time on 5th December
1918 as no longer physically fit for war service aged 56, his MIC
also notes the award of a Silver War Badge No B60470.

The 1939 Leicester Mercury newspaper cutting records “The
death has occurred at the age of 74 of Mr Lewes Barratt of 16, Dane
Street Avenue, Braunstone-gate, Leicester, who won the D.C.M. in
India in 1884 during the Moplah disturbances and who served in the
Boer War and the Great War. Mr Barratt was demobilised after the
war, and was employed in the boot and shoe industry. For many years
the Barratts’ lived in Chester Street. He leaves a wife, five
sons and two daughters.”
The full medal details were: 1884 Moplah Fanatics Riots Distinguished
Conduct Medal and WWI BWM and Victory Medal to 9586 Sjt L. Barratt
Oxf & Bucks L.I. (Pte L. Barratt 1/Oxford L.I. 29th Decr 1884
on DCM), with 31 copied pages of 3 sets of service records. This
is the complete entitlement (less SWB) to a VC recommended soldier
covering 37 years of on and off service.
WWI CMG group to Lt Col Brough, the Commander
of the First Tankies
The WWI CMG, 1911 MVO group to Lieutenant Colonel John Brough,
Royal Marine Artillery and Tank Corps, offered in the December 2011
auction, estimated £2500, realised £6,210.

John Brough was commissioned in the Royal Marine Artillery on 1st
September 1891. He was promoted Lieutenant 1st July 1892 and Captain
24th March 1898.

He was seconded as Assistant to the Professor of Fortification
Royal Naval College 1st January 1902, and subsequently seconded
as Officer of a Company of Gentlemen Cadets at the Royal Military
College, Sandhurst from 26th October 1903 to 31st December 1907
and later as Staff Captain at the War Office on 9th October 1910.

He was appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) Fourth
Class on the 24th July 1911, promoted Major 10th June 1913, temporary
Lieutenant Colonel while Staff Officer West African Frontier Force
(WAFF) 28th November 1915.
He was awarded the CMG on 14th January 1916 and promoted Brevet
Lieutenant Colonel for distinguished service in the field on 3rd
June 1916, both for service in the Cameroon campaign. He was mentioned
in Major General Dobell’s dispatches dated 1st March 1916
for service in the Cameroons – “As regards my Staff,
I am desirous of brining to special notice the names of Major (temp
Lt Col) J. Brough C.M.G., M.V.O., R.M.A. and Capt R.H. Rowe. Lt
Col Brough has rendered valuable service as a General Staff Officer
during the whole of the operations, more especially so since November
last, when he assumed duty, as Senior Staff Officer of the expedition
from Lt Col Turner who was obliged to return to England on account
of ill health. During these latter months the duties connected with
this appointment have been of a more responsible nature than previously,
but they have invariably been performed by Lt Col Brough with the
greatest credit to himself and to my entire satisfaction.

He transferred from R.M.A. to Motor Machine Gun Service (M.M.G.S.)
to command a Battalion on 26th May 1916, and then within two months
to the Royal Artillery. He was mentioned again in dispatches in
the London Gazette dated 25th January 1917.
John Brough fills an important place in history as he helped to
organise and train the fledgling Heavy Section MGC up to the day
before it was due to go into action for the first time when he was
dismissed after disagreements with GHQ. He is mentioned in great
detail in Christy Campbell’s book “The Band of Brigands
– The First Men in Tanks.” Brough was recruited by Lt
Col Ernest Swinton as his 2IC in June 1916 in the secret Heavy Section
MMGC, and was tasked with moving the tanks to France and preparing
then for operations. Swinton and Brough argued with the High Command
that the tanks and their crews were not ready to be committed to
the Somme attacks of 1916. Brough was successful in getting all
his troops and equipment moved in secret and established near Abbeville.
He was continually frustrated by demands for tank demonstrations
to senior commanders, arguing the time would be better used in training
the crews. It was Brough in command in France, who had the most
face to face confrontations with GHQ, who wanted to use this still
secret weapon as soon as possible, rather than wait for it to be
fully prepared. It is thought that this opposition from a lowly
Lt Col is what led to Brough being dismissed and to be replaced
by a more can do commander. Brough disappeared back to England and
did not return to France until the summer of 1917 with 61st Division
staff. On the 30th July 1917 Brough walked out along a quiet road
and shot himself in the head. His body was not found until the following
day and a board of enquiry was ordered to look into his suicide.

The full medal details were: WWI CMG, 1911 MVO Fourth Class (No
860), 1914-15 star trio with 2 MID oakleaves and Memorial Scroll
to Lt Col J. Brough (Major J. Brough M.V.O. R.M.A. on star). The
medals were mounted in a frame with miniature MVO and 1911 Coronation
mounted as worn, rank pips, RMA and RA buttons, silver ID bracelet,
staff officer red collar tabs and hat band, RMA cap badge and MMGC
collar dogs, ribbon bar and unit flashes.

It was sold with 4 large volumes of personal papers, photos, letters,
documents, invitations etc. Vol 1 1904-07 covered his time at Sandhurst
and included photos of cadets in training, staff, unit photos, dinner
menus, cuttings etc. Vol 2 1908-16 included Sandhurst staff photos,
sports photos, menus, postcards, invitation, sketches, horse meetings,
HMS Dominion, holidays etc. Vol 3 1915-17included the Cameroon operation
with photos of railways and blown bridges, operational photos, unit
photos, hand-drawn Xmas cards, letters telegrams, routine orders,
newspaper articles, War Office letter dated 26/5/16 appointing him
to command a Bn of MGC Heavy section, letters of condolence to his
sister, photos of his original grave, both original MID certificates,
London Gazette entries etc. Vol 4 is entitled TANKS Sept 16 - May
17 and inscribed “Compiled for Lt Col J. Brough by Lieut J.G.
Scott.” It was mainly newspaper and magazine articles and
photos, but included an excellent colour hand-drawn cartoon. The
lot also included the officer’s sword, with RMA etchings on
both sides, wire and fishskin handle grip, by Rob Mole & Sons,
Birmingham, makers to the War & India Offices, with steel dress
scabbard and leather outer carrier, hand-made leather dress carrier
with his details on it.
A Test Pilot’s WWII DFC group to
Sqn Ldr J.B. Wales RAF
The WWII DFC, post war OBE group to Squadron Leader Jack Bertram
Wales was offered in our December 2011 sale but failed to meet its
reserve.

Jack Bertram Wales was born on 8th January 1917 in Ashton-under-Lyne.
He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School and was a member of the School
O.T.U. After school he trained as an engineer, but also joined the
TA serving with the 9th Bn Manchester Regiment. In 1938 he joined
the aircraft company A.V. Roe at Chadderton. He was commissioned
Pilot Officer in the RAF from Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment
on 7th September 1940 and qualified for his pilot’s wings
on 8th January 1941. He spent most of 1941 flying Lysanders with
No 1 School of Army Co-operation and then No 4 Squadron. On 14th
August 1941 while flying his Lysander on routine night flying, he
was attacked and hit by a German JU88 night fighter near Clifton
while on final approach to land. The aircraft suffered enough damage
to put it out of action for a month, but Wales and his observer
were thankfully unhurt. He was promoted Flight Lieutenant on 7th
September 1941.

In March 1942 he joined 273 Squadron at RAF China Bay in Ceylon
flying Fulmars. The majority of missions were sea recces in search
of Japanese war ships. From 30th July to 4th August he was on board
the carrier HMS Illustrious on operations in the Bay of Bengal.
In August 1942 they converted to Hurricanes, and he was promoted
Squadron Leader on 7th September 1942.
In May 1943 he joined 28 Squadron flying Hurricanes, mostly in
the Imphal area. With a newspaper article detailing: “A British
Army intelligence officer and an RAF fighter pilot recently guided
three squadrons of B-25 medium bombers of the 10th USAAF to a civil
target in N Burma. The target, a large concentration of Jap troops,
guns and animal transport, was located in a skillfully hidden camp
in the thick jungle of the Nankamu reserved forest to the E of the
upper Chindwin. The US bomb-aimers relied upon their British guides,
who were lying in the noses of two of the bombers to tell them when
they were over the hidden target. We knew the exact location of
the camp, the British IO told an observer. When we about 10 miles
from the target, we saw smoke which must have been coming from the
camp cookhouses. We dropped everything we had right in the area.
It was one of the pleasantest sensations I’ve had for a long
time to see tons of high explosive falling upon those Japs.”
This raid was on 4th December 1943 and his logbook is completed
with details and marked “Self in lead aircraft of 490th Bomber
(M).

The award of the DFC was announced in the London Gazette dated
15th September 1944 for operations in Burma from 21st June to 15th
November 1943 with 28 Sqn.
In February 1944 he moved to HQ 223 Group at Peshawar and then
to 151 OTU in July. In May 1945 he joined 60 Squadron as CO flying
Hurricanes and then Thunderbolts. He remained in the Far East until
February 1946 flying operations against the rebel army in Surabaya
and elsewhere in the Dutch East Indies. The logbook has photos of
planes and pilots stuck in relevant places.
He returned to England and civilian life in April 1946. In 1947
he joined 613 Squadron AAF at Ringway flying mainly Spitfires and
then Vampires and later became OC remaining with 613 until his death.
In April 1949 he started flying as a test pilot for A,V. Roe and
Co flying a wide range of AVRO aircraft including Lancasters, Shackletons,
Vulcans, Meteors, Canberras etc. His 2 AVRO log books record over
1300 hours as a test pilot.
He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration and clasp in the London
gazette dated 3rd October 1950. The award of the OBE was in the
London Gazette dated 1st January 1952.
He died with 3 crew members when the Shackleton he was flying crashed
near Foolow in Derbyshire on 7th December 1956. With printed eye
witness statements regarding the crash which bear testimony to his
effort to steer the plane away from the village before it crashed.
A newspaper printed tribute from the managing director of A.V. Roe
said “It is my good fortune to have known Jack Wales for many
years not only as a pilot, but as a personal friend. He was a man
who lived for flying and who was known and respected throughout
the aircraft industry and the Service. In his ten years as test
pilot with my company he had proved his outstanding abilities both
as a pilot and leader of men, By his manner and modesty he had won
the affection of all. When the war was ended, flying was in his
blood, and in 1945 he joined 613 Aux Fighter Sqn at Ringway. By
1949 he had become Commanding Officer and at the same time became
one of the few A.A.F. officers to receive the Territorial Decoration.
He was an upright, forthright man with a keen sense of humour. He
had a zest for life, and his presence was a tonic. His tragic loss
at the early age of 39 has been a real blow to me, and to the company
and his figure will be greatly missed by all who knew him in the
world of aviation.”

The full medal details were OBE (Military), WWII Distinguished
Flying Cross (1944), 1939-1945, Burma stars, BWM, 1923 GSM S.E.Asia
1945-46 clasp, 1953 Coronation Medal and KGVI (GVIR) Efficiency
Decoration with Territorial top clasp and KGVI bar to Sqn Ldr J.B.
Wales swing mounted as worn, with matching miniature medals swing
mounted as worn. It was offered together with an amazing array of
supporting documents, 5 log books, photos, OBE bestowal document,
Aero Club Aviator’s Certificate, DFC & OBE boxes of issue,
2 folders full of photos both military and family including the
crashed Shackleton, invitations, letters, OBE investiture invitation,
cartoons, newspaper cuttings, school reports, pilot’s wings,
ribbon bars, also an amazing 49 page hand-written biography of his
life, 25 cm EPNS tray engraved "Presented by the Members of
no 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron Royal Auf Air Force. In appreciation
and respect of Sqdn Ldr J,B. Wales O.B.E., D.F.C.,T.D.” etc.
WWI Pair to Captain B.P.G. Hunt R.F.C.,
the Red Baron’s 12th Victim
WWI pair to Capt B.P.G. Hunt, shot down by The Red Baron and taken
prisoner, was offered on 19th October 2011. Estimated at £300,
fierce competition in the room resulted in a realisation of £2,530.

Benedict Philip Gerald Hunt was born on the 6th December 1894,
the son of Rowland and Georgiana Hunt of Boreatton Hall, Baschurch
where the family had lived for a number of generations. He was commissioned
as a Second Lieutenant in the Shropshire Yeomanry on 22nd October
1914 just after the outbreak of war. He remained in the UK undergoing
pilot training which he past successfully being awarded his Royal
Aero Club Aviators Certificate on the 14th December 1915. He was
seconded to the Royal Flying Corps and appointed Flying Officer
on 21st March 1916.

He was subsequently promoted Lieutenant on 1st July 1916, and granted
temporary Captain as a Flight Commander on the 5th December 1916.
Just 6 days later he was flying a DH2 fighter with 32 Sqn RFC over
Mercatel near Arras on 11th December 1916, when he had the unfortunate
experience of running under the guns of Baron Manfred Von Richthofen
“The Red Baron” flying an Albatross DII and his comrades
of Jatsa 2. He became the 12th plane to be shot down by “The
Red Baron”, but was able to crash land behind the German lines
and while being wounded and taken Prisoner of War, he was fortunate
to survive the encounter. Only 18 crews/pilots of his 80 kills survived
to tell the tale.
Hunt had been with 32 Sqn since July 1916 and seen combat on a
number of occasions. He claimed an enemy aircraft shot down on 15th
October, a share of another on 16th November, and another scout
on 23rd November, so claimed two and half enemy planes.
On 11th December 1916 his Sqn were escorting 6 FE2b aircraft of
26 Sqn whose mission was to bomb supply dumps and railway sidings
near Morchies. Richtofen’s combat report states “About
1145 I attacked with Lt Wortmann, at 2,800 metres altitude, and
south of Arras, enemy one-seater Vickers squadron of 8 machines.
I singled out one machine and after a short curve fight I ruined
the adversary’s motor and forced him to land behind our lines
near Mercatel. Occupant not seriously wounded.”


He was held in a German POW camp until the 9th April 1918 when
because of illness he was exchanged to Holland where he was interned
for the rest of the war and repatriated on 18th November 1918. He
relinquished his commission on the 30th September 1921. He lived
until the age of 64 and died on the 7th October 1958.
The full medal details are WWI BWM and Victory Medal to Capt B.P.G.
Hunt R.A.F. with copies of MIC, London Gazettes and copied research
including extract from “Under the Guns of the Red Baron”
which includes a photo of the recipient by Franks, Giblin and McCrery.
WWI DCM group to Captain F. Harper 8th Royal
Lancs

Fred Harper enlisted in the Royal Lancaster Regiment on 7th November
1914, aged 28, 5 feet 4 inches tall. He appears to have been posted
to the 8th Battalion on completion of training where he excelled.
The photo below, while undated is likely to be before the battalion
proceeded overseas, and he is already a corporal in the Stretcher
Bearer Section.

The battalion went to France in September 1915 with the 76th Infantry
Brigade, which quickly moved from the 25th Division to join the
3rd Division on 15th October. The brigade was heavily involved in
the early stages of the Somme offensive taking part in the Battle
of the Bazentin Ridge 14th-17th July 1916 and then in the following
Battle of Deville Wood. It was during this battle that Sergeant
Harper distinguished himself receiving the Third Division commendation
card copied below for actions in the field on the 18th-24th July
1916 signed by Major General Deverell.

The award of the DCM was published in the London Gazette dated
20th October 1916:
“For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He showed an
utter disregard of danger when going out to attend the wounded under
heavy shell-fire. Finally, when wounded himself in two places, he
came back from the aid post to assist in dressing the wounded, and
stayed there till there was no further need of his services.”
His wounds were quite severe and he was immediately hospitalised
and in a letter from a regimental officer dated 17th April 1917
it read:
I am very grieved to hear that your wound has left your right leg
shorter than the left, but after all it might have been very much
worse.

The battalion Regimental Medical Officer wrote a testimonial for
him dated 13th January 1917:
It gives me great pleasure to testify to the capabilities of Sgt
Harper. I was fortunate enough to have him for several months in
France as my Sergeant in charge of the Stretcher Bearers when I
was M.O. to the 8th K.O.R. Lancs and found him most capable and
willing. He has a thorough knowledge of First Aid, stretcher work
& medical orderly work. I can thoroughly recommend him for any
post requiring these qualifications
After recovering from his wounds and returning to active service,
he was awarded the Military Medal. Unable to confirm the date of
the London Gazette entry for this award, but from papers, it must
have been between May 1917 and July 1918.
A copy of 3rd Battalion Royal Lancs Part One Orders dated 26th
July 1918 lists 4 SNCO’s including 15206 Sgt F. Harper DCM.
MM, “have been accepted for admission to a Officer Cadet Bn.
They will be attached to the East Anglian Brigade, Crowborough,
Sussex pending posting to an Infantry Officer Cadet Bn. They should
be in possession of a complete kit in good condition as laid down
in para 6(c) of ACI 785/15.”
His commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment was
confirmed on the 17th March 1919.

This important group was offered in our October 19th auction, where
it realised £2,645. The lot description was as follows: WWI
Distinguished Conduct Medal and 1914-15 star trio to Capt F. Harper
(15206 Sjt 8/R. Lanc R on DCM, 15206 L.Sjt R. Lanc R. on star, 15206
Sjt R. Lanc R. on BWM and 15206 Pte R. Lanc R. on Victory), with
swing mounted set of miniatures as worn, with WWI DCM, MM, 1915
star trio, WWII 1939-1945 star, Defence Medal, BWM and KGVI Regular
Army bar LSGC. The medals are being sold on behalf of the family
and the location of the missing full size medals is unknown. Offered
with an outstanding range of supporting documents and photos including
9ct gold Masonic medallion engraved to “Bro F. Harper C.P.
for services rendered Aug 7th 1923, raised to Primo Aug 2 1921”,
postcard of 8th Bn Stretcher Bearer Section with Harper sat in the
centre as Cpl, postcard of him being presented either MM or DCM
as Sgt with 4 wound stripes, 2 framed photos in officer’s
uniform, 2 photos in later life, letter dated 22/8/16 from CO to
his wife stating “He has been recommended by me for Gallant
Conduct in the field on the 18th to 24th July 1916” etc, Third
Div distinguished conduct card signed by General Deverell, LNWR
Crewe 1916 letter of congratulation, various letters from 8th Bn
officers, testimonial written by RMO in 1917 stating he was in charge
of the stretcher bearer section, 2 letters from the RMO, 26/7/18
Part One Orders stating he had been accepted for admission to an
Officer Cadet Bn, Commission Warrant appointing him 2 Lieut in Manchester
Regt dated 17/3/19 in damaged envelope of transmission, 1946 East
Lancs TA letter confirming claim for award of Defence Medal was
approved etc.
NGSM 2 clasps to Lieutenant R.W. Innes R.N.
The 1847 Naval General Service Medal with Java and Algiers clasps,
to Lieutenant Robert Wintle Innes, Royal Navy, was offered in our
auction on Wednesday 19th October 2011 estimated £3000. The
realisation was £4,140.

Robert Wintle Innes entered the Royal Navy on 21st April 1807 as
a 1st Class Volunteer on the sloop HMS Favorite. He first served
off the coast of Africa and the West Indies where he moved to HMS
Goelan. In 1808 he joined the 32 gun fifth rate frigate HMS Cornelia
and moved to the East Indies.
While with HMS Cornelia he served on shore as a Midshipman at the
taking of the Isle of France in the Indian Ocean in August 1810.
The fleet moved on to the Dutch held island of Java and Innes served
ashore again at the storming of Fort Cornelis during the operations
connected with the reduction of Java. Fort Cornelis was a large
fort over a mile in length in mounting nearly 300 cannons along
it walls. The British captured the station of Weltevreeden in August
1811, which provided a base from which to clear trails through the
surrounding forests to bring up their siege guns. There was heavy
fighting over a few weeks before the fort finally sucumbbed with
the siege costing the British 630 casualties.
He returned home in 1812 on HMS Piedmontaise, then served on HMSs
Thisbe, San Josef, Queen Charlotte where he was promoted to Lieutenant.
In 1814 he joined HMS Harrier serving off the Canary Islands, then
in 1815 he joined HMS Rifleman and Pique, 1816 HMS Glasgow in which
he fought at Algiers with the ship seeing a lot of action. He commanded
HMS Ionia in 1821 followed by a number of other ships, finally in
command of HMS Pandora in 1836 and retiring on half pay in 1842.
He subsequently died in 1850.
It was offered together with large qty of research and copied service
records, also copies of wills, census and other records. A rare
medal to an officer of the Naval Brigade landed at Java.
WWII MC Group to Captain W.A. Heath R.E.
a POW Camp Escape Map Printer
The WWII Military Cross group to Captain Wallis Arnot Heath, 51st
Highland Division, Royal Engineers was auctioned by us on Wednesday
19th October 2011. Estimated £2000, it made £2,300.

Wallis Arnot Heath was born in Dundee at educated at Dundee High
School. Before the war he worked at the card and postcard printers,
Valentine & Sons. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 51st
Highland Divisional Engineers, Territorial Army on 28th May 1938.
The 51st Division embarked in Southampton and landed in Le Havre
in mid-January 1940 as part of the B.E.F. (British Expeditionary
Force). During “The Phoney War” it was stationed near
the Maginot Line and thereby avoided the encirclement of the main
part of the BEF around Dunkirk.
The 51st Division were attached to the French 10th Army and were
heavily attacked on the 5th and 6th June in the Somme region. The
award of the Military Cross was announced in the London Gazette
dated 18th October 1940 for:
“On the River Bresle on the 8th June, 1940 Second Lieutenant
Heath and four other ranks remained under enemy fire until the last
of the allied troops had passed the barricades. In spite of heavy
enemy fire they then went forward and blew up several road junctions,
thereby holding up the enemy advance. Second Lieutenant Heath carried
out his duties under extreme difficulties with great confidence
and determination, at grave personal risk.”
He escaped from France via Le Havre when the bulk of the Division
was captured at St Valery on 12th June.
He was 2IC of the RE Coy which built the first Bailey Bridge to
be used in combat at Medjez el Bab in Tunisia. He was captured in
an ambush and taken POW on 29th November 1942 in Tunisia. He was
first sent to Oflag 8F POW camp and later moved to Oflag 79 near
Brunswick.

While at Oflag 79 he was heavily involved in the successful production
of escape maps. He was a printer in civilian life and put his former
skills to good use with two other POWs, Pip Evans and Ken Whitworth.
They set up a secret press that produced 3000 colour silk escape
maps. The press was made from a book binding machine, ground-down
lavatory tiles and boiled margarine. The maps were ingeniously produced
using a combination of items including Red Cross jelly, oak floorboards,
pitch from between flagstones, margarine etc.
After the war he returned to Valentine & Sons and became the
Dundee Works Manager. In 1961 he became general manager of ICIs
Kynoch Press in Birmingham, where he remained until his retirement
in 1975. He died aged 86 in April 2003.
The lot description was as follows: WWII Military Cross (1940),
1939-1945, Africa (1st Army clasp) stars and BWM. The medals are
sold with a 1942 typed War Office letter to 237th Fd Coy RE with
typed MC citation, Oflag 8F POW card with photo, 1946 typed letter
thanking him for his service and granting rank of Hon Capt, commission
scroll dated 20th May 1938, 152 Inf Bde Int summary dated 10 May
1940, MC box of issue, damaged transmission slip for campaign medals,
News Scotsman obituary, internet article on escape maps, etc.
Vimy Ridge WWI DSO and Bar group to Lt Col
L.P.O. Tudor 5th Canadian Infantry.
The Vimy Ridge Distinguished Service Order and bar and 1915 star
trio to Lieutenant Colonel Lorn Paulet Owen Tudor, 5th Battalion
Canadian Infantry, was offered in Warwick & Warwick’s
auction on Wednesday 17th August 2011. Estimated at £8000,
it achieved £10,350.

He was born on 3rd July 1876 in Binfield in Berkshire. He served
for 3 years in the Bucks Yeomanry and was serving in the British
Columbia Horse when he attested on 24th September 1914 and served
with the 5th Bn Canadian Infantry through war. He was promoted Captain
on 24th May 1915, appointed Adjutant on 16th October 1915 and later
promoted Lieutenant Colonel on 10th June 1917 on commanding the
Battalion.
The DSO was awarded as a Major for Vimy Ridge in the London Gazette
dated 18th July 1917:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The magnificent
success with which his battalion carried out its objective and consolidated
the captured position was mainly due to his personal example of
coolness and disregard of safety, and to the thoroughness with which
all details had been prepared by him.”

At Vimy Ridge the 5th Bn took part in the attack on “The
Pimple” the highest point at the northern end of the ridge
and the last part to be captured.
The Bar to the DSO as CO 5th Bn was announced in the London Gazette
dated 1st February 1919:
“On 1st September 1918, for conspicuous gallantry and ability
to command. When the enemy had penetrated several hundred yards
of the newly won positions east of the Hendecourt-Dury Road, this
officer launched his battalion in a successful counter-attack, regaining
previous positions, killing numbers of the enemy and capturing 200
prisoners. He then maintained his position under heavy fire and
against repeated enemy attacks until zero hour. His personal example
of fearlessness did much to hearten his battalion in the fine work
they accomplished.”

After the war, he donated the Red Ensign Canadian flag with the
coat of arms of the 4 founding provinces, which had been carried
by the Bn during the attack at Vimy and elsewhere to the Imperial
war Museum. This is thought to be one of only two surviving flags
carried and flown at Vimy. This flag has a strong patriotic significance
and has now been lent to the Canadian War Museum.
The full medal details on offer were Distinguished Service Order
and bar and 1915 star trio with MID oakleaf to Lt Col L.P.O. Tudor
(Lieut 5/Can Inf on star), swing mounted as worn, together with
research notes concerning Mention in Dispatches published on 28/12/17
and 8/7/19 (unconfirmed), with copies of war diaries for 9/4/17
and 1/9/18.
Anzio MM group to Lieutenant E.W. Slade

Edgar William Slade was born in Holsworthy, North Devon on 12th
February 1919. He lied about his age and enlisted underage in the
Devon Regt on 14th February 1936, He transferred to the Royal Engineers
on 14th February 1938 and was known throughout his military career
as “Busty”.
The award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette
dated 15th June 1944.
With newspaper cutting, “For gallantry in action and continued
devotion to duty in the Italian Campaign Company Sgt Major Edgar
Slade, of the square Holsworthy was awarded the Military Medal.
C.S.M. Slade is at a camp of the Royal Engineers, and he and his
commanding officer spoke of the incidents that won him the award.
“One of the outstanding occurrences that had earned him official
recognition” said his commanding officer, “was the burning
of an ammunition truck in C.S.M. Slade’s charge. Enemy action
set the vehicle on fire, and in spite of the great danger from exploding
ammunition, C.S.M. Slade managed to extinguish the blaze, saving
truck and ammunition.” On another occasion, C.S.M. Slade went
forward with a small party of picked men to mark out lanes through
the minefields in preparation for the advance. Their job complete
they returned to their own lines after a brisk skirmish with an
enemy patrol they met in No-Mans land. At Anzio, where C.S.M. Slade
was ashore soon after the assault troops, he was concerned in the
digging of tunnels to forward observation posts, which were largely
instrumental, later, in paving the way for the assault on Rome and
breakout from Anzio. Enlisting in early 1938, Sjt Maj Slade is a
regular soldier. He was unable to go to France with the B.E.F. –
“Too young in those days” he explained – but came
to North Africa in February 1943. Later he served in the assault
on Pantellaria, and at Taranto, Cerignole, Anzio, Rome, Florence
and in the Gothic Line.
Another newspaper article of the time records:
"Somewhere on the Anzio Beachhead there is a road sign post
which always makes Devonshire lads out there think of home. It Reads:
“Slade’s Stretch.” It is one of several sign posts
of its kind. Not far away is “Parson’s Drain”
and further on “Daniel’s Ditch.” They all pin-point
the names of NCOs who helped to build the road. In the early days
of the fighting in the beachhead, the only main route north apart
from the Main Coast Road was the road to Albano. A Field Company
R.E., were therefore ordered to build one capable of taking tanks
over a ride through some woods. It was no easy task, for parts of
the track were under water, and the area was under spasmodic shell
and mortar fire. In the course of construction it became necessary
to identify various sections of the route. Somebody suggested the
names of some of the NCOs working on the road for this purpose.
The bright idea caught on and the names are still there."

His military career continued after WWII and he was twice recommend
for meritorious service. A letter from the OC 57 Fd Sqn RE dated
21st July 1954 states:
"I have the honour to bring to your notice the outstanding
services rendered by the above named Warrant Officer during the
period that the Regiment was engaged on Northern Command duties.
His initiative, zeal and efficiency were an inspiration to the
troops under my command and I am convinced that his influence and
exemplary conduct did much to make the camp the success it was.
I consider him to be worthy of meritorious recognition.”
A second letter dated 4th January 1955 states:
"Again I wish to bring to notice the outstanding capabilities
of the a/n Warrant Officer. During the Whitby Bridging operation
in Nationally known appalling weather, his initiative, zeal, and
leadership were an inspiration to all and the success of the entire
operation being completed in time can be attributed to his efforts.
I recommend again that he be again considered for meritorious recognition.”
He was commissioned Lieutenant on 16th March 1959, and relinquished
his commission on completion of service on 16th March 1963.
The medal group was offered in our August 17th 2011 auction, with
an estimate of £1,200. It realised £1,390.The full medal
details are WWII Military Medal, 1939-1945, Africa (1st Army bar),
Italy stars, Defence Medal, BWM, 1923 GSM Palestine 1945-48 clasp,
1953 Coronation Medal and QEII Regular Army bar LSGC to Lt E.W.
Slade R.E. (5618798 Sjt on MM, 5618798 W.O. Cl 1 on GSM, 5618798
W.O. Cl 2 M.M. R.E. on LSGC), very fine to extremely fine, swing
mounted as worn, with matching ribbon bar and set of swing mounted
miniatures. The group was offered together with a superb range of
supporting documents and photos including Wilkinson Sword officer’s
etched sword, Buckingham Palace letters of transmission for MM and
1953 Coronation Medal, red service book, hand written testimonial
from OC 248 Fd Sqn RE, letter of congratulations on MM award, 1954
letter from OC 57 Fd Sqn RE requesting recognition of meritorious
service in respect of his work on the Northern Command Tattoo, 1955
letter from OC 57 Fd Sqn RE requesting recognition of meritorious
service in respect of his work on the Whitby Bailey Bridge operations
during the severe winter of 1954/55, numerous photos in uniform,
newspaper cuttings, large presentation set of cutlery from 66 Indep
Fd Sqn RE, silver plated presentation tray engraved “Presented
by the Officers 101(London) Field Engineer regiment (TA) to W.O.1
E.W. Slade M.M., R.E. in appreciation of his outstanding service
as Regimental Sergeant Major 1955-58” etc.
1914 DCM to Captain F.E. Roe 1 Rifle Brigade
The 1914 Distinguished Conduct Medal to Corporal (later Captain)
Frank Edward Mervyn Roe realised £1092 in Warwick and Warwick’s
auction on Wednesday 17th August 2011.

Frank Edward Mervyn Roe was born in Salisbury on 21st January 1876
and was educated at Portsmouth Grammar School. He joined HMS Britannia
as a Naval Cadet on 24th January 1890; served as a Midshipman on
the North American Station; promoted sub-Lieut on 10th November
1896, Lieutenant on 31st December 1897 and Lieut-Commander on 31st
December 1906. He served for ten years as the Navigating Officer
on the Mediterranean, Cape, Channel and East India Stations. He
retired from the Royal Navy in 1907. For his services during the
South African War 1900-2 he was awarded the Queen’s South
Africa Medal while serving on H.M.S. Sybille.
It seems strange that with the nation at war, a retired naval officer
elected to enlist in the army as a Private soldier shortly after
the outbreak of war. He enlisted as a Rifleman in the Rifle Brigade
and was promoted Corporal on 13th October 1914. He landed in France
on the 23rd November 1914 and therefore missed out on the award
of the 1914 star by a single day.
The award of the DCM was announced in the London Gazette dated
1st April 1915:
“For gallant conduct on 18th December 1914, in voluntarily
going to reconnoitre the enemy’s trenches and remaining out
for a period of three hours in a position of danger.”
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade
on 7th February 1915. De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour records
that he was severely wounded just 3 days before being commissioned
by a shell on the 4th February near Ploegsteert Wood. He was sent
home to recover and returned to France on 14th May 1915 and joined
the 12th Battalion Rifle Brigade. He was severely wounded a second
time by a bullet in the thigh on 9th July 1915 and sent home again.
He was mentioned in F.M. French’s Despatches published in
the London Gazette dated 1st January 1916.
On the 9th March 1916, he again returned to France and rejoined
his battalion. His luck finally ran out when was mortally wounded
by a shell whilst in command of his company in the trenches in Belgium
on the 6th June 1916 and died the following morning in No 10 Casualty
Clearing Station and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.
His CO, on behalf of the battalion wrote: “Personally he
is the very greatest loss to me, and he was my best officer and
will be impossible to replace. He was always absolutely cool in
any emergency, and absolutely disregarded danger. He was in my company
in the 2nd Battn Rifle Brigade, and I was delighted when he came
to this battalion after I had got command of it. He is the greatest
loss that could have happened to us, both from professional and
personal reasons. He was extremely popular with everyone, officers
and men. He had certainly done far more than his share in the work
of winning the war,”
The full medal details are 1914 Distinguished Conduct Medal to
S.4954 Cpl F.E. Roe Att 1/Rif Bde nearly extremely fine. With a
copy of entry and photo in De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour.
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