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 the online catalogue, once it is uploaded, and place bids on items in the sale click here. To download a catalogue (without illustrations) click here.

The sales take place at the Lord Leycester Hotel, Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EJ. The hotel has a small car park at the rear and the nearest public car park is in New Street. The nearest railway station is Warwick Town and the nearest major international airport is Birmingham. For directions please visit our How to Find Us page.

Public viewing for all of our auctions is held at our own premises, the sales being too large to transport to the auction venue. Account settlement and lot allocation takes place progressively at our premises whilst the auction continues, so as soon as the section which interests you has been knocked down, you can pay and collect your lots without waiting for the end of the sale.

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

There is no need to attend an auction in person, as commission bids can be placed in advance of the sale via our online facility, or by telephone, mail, fax or e-mail. For further details please visit our Online Catalogue.

If you would like to receive a free sample printed catalogue, or alternatively to apply for a catalogue subscription, please complete our catalogue enquiry form. However please remember that the printed catalogue contains far fewer illustrations of lots than the online catalogue.

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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.

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.