Collecting medals is a popular pastime. We have a wide range of medals available so please send us details of any you are looking for. We have medals from the former collection of Aubrey Bairstow (which is a 30 year collection), medals sold on behalf of families or recipients (for which we charge a 10% commission), as well as medals we have purchased as second hand dealers. All medals we sell will come with provenance and are genuine and as described.  Please note that where an item has sold at auction in the UK at say DNW the hammer price may have been for example 1000 pounds but after 30% buyers premium, 15% GST on import, customs clearance and courier fees the cost can have increased by 50% - and then the seller will normally want a profit on their investment.

We do not always update to the top of the pages so it does pay to scroll through our listings.

British War medal to rare Blitz casualty. 6473481 Fusilier Frederick William Harri, 23rd Batn Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

Died as a result of enemy action during the raid on London on Christmas day/night 1940.

Box addressed to his widow Dorothy May Harris (then Mead -  who had remarried by the time medal was issued). Address on box matches commonwealth war graves details. He is buried at Aldborough Hatch Churchyard and their is a nice image of his grave on the CWGC site. The medal is un-named as issued. Good scope for further detailed research. 

$200

Original group consisting 1939 45 star, Burma star Defence medal and War medal with condolence slip to R C CLUEIT. Robert Cecil Clueit was killed on 29 May 1945 aged 23 whilst serving as 14758333 Private 1st Bn East Yorkshire Regiment and is buried at Rangoon War Cemetery.

Box is addressed to recipients brother who served in the RAF.

The Battle of Rangoon road was a bloody fight that ultimately pushed the Japanese back and ended the siege of Rangoon.

The set comprises his Burma Star set of 4 all un-named as issued in the box of issue and with named condolence slip and poem to which the photo of a girl has been stuck

$435

Attributed to LIEUTENANT LESLIE H S KIAER, Parachute Regiment. Killed in Action 20 SEP 1944

Leslie Herbert Sonne Kiaer was the son of Danish parents Aage and Karen Margrethe Kiaer, of London.

He served in the 1st Battalion The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment prior to volunteering for airborne forces, and joined the 10th Parachute Battalion around the time of its move from Kabrit to Ramat David.

Lt Kiaer was the close friend of Captain Myles Henry (who was killed during the Battle of Arnhem) and was best man at his wedding to Pamela Morris. He was affectionately recalled in her book, I've Had My Dance (1996):

'Of Norwegian [sic] extraction, with blue eyes and ash-blond hair, Leslie shared a unique friendship with Myles. One that is often found between brothers-at-arms who have braved many dangers together. They also shared a similar sense of humour, an avid curiosity about life, and firm opinions.' Pamela Henry-Lamm moved to New Zealand where she lived in Auckland. She passed away in 2021 at over 100 and was one of our more memorable clients. She had a silver box with the engraved signatures of the officers at her wedding - most of whom were killed at Arnhem. 

Lt Kiaer fought in Italy with the battalion and served as the platoon commander of 3 Platoon A Company, during the Battle of Arnhem. He was killed by a tank. Lieutenant Kiaer died on 21 September 1944, aged 25 years old, and was initially given a field burial in the garden at Valkenburg House, Oosterbeek. He is now buried at the Arnhem-Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Netherlands.

His brother, Eric Arnold Kiaer, was a Lt in the Commandos who was killed on D-Day,and his sister Lillan, married a fellow Commando Maxwell Harper Gow.

The medals are un-named as issued and are complete with the box of issue named to his father. Also included are two items of insignia and an Italian WW1 medal - which are included but we do not know anything of their relevance (if any). Sadly no condolence slip is present so attribuition is the box. 

$1450

Egypt medal undated with Suakin 1885 clasp together with Khedive Star 1884-6.

The medal is correctly engraved 2464. PTE J. CARTER, 3RD GRENR GDS

John Carter joined the Grenadier Guards in 1871. This was the only bar in the Egyptian campaign that he was entitled to. By the time the medal was issued in Nov 1885 he was listed on the medal roll as dead. He died in Limassol , Cyprus in August 1885 whilst serving with the guards and is buried at Troodos Military Cemetery. The guards were based there but at this stage is cause of death is unknown by me. Perhaps he succumbed to wounds from Egypt a few months prior or perhaps some other misadventure .

The AWM has a file on the activities of the Grenadiers over that period which will likely reveal all. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C91653

The star has been added by me but came from the same source as the medal, albeit a bit later. Stars were not issued named.

Provenance: Auction 2023

$575

Rare WW2 Burma star medals photos paperwork to Combined operations sailor William James Kerwood.

Very desirable combined operations group of medals and original service sheets detailing his service . Also original photos of him wearing the combined operations sleeve badge and the named medal issue box. Some post war ration books are present.

One of his first postings is HMS Shrapnel, Otherwise known as the South Western hotel in Southampton. It was the combined operations base in the lead up to D day and Neptune. A subsequent posting is HMS copra. This was also a shore based establishment but it was a pay office and postings shown on files and records don’t reflect the physical location of the person in question.

On 21 April 1944 he was posted to 901 Flotilla HMS copra. 901 Flotilla was landing craft used during d day. They landed mainly Royal Marine commandos in the early waves and before the actual invasion. The service wouldn’t necessarily entitled him to the France and Germany star particularly if it was a day prior to the actual invasion and if he didn’t actually land ashore. He has subsequently served in what appears to be 904 Flotilla, I presume in Burma. His final rank appears to be Shipwright.

This is a very good research project if you want a rare set to a Combined Operations man. I suggest the following website as a good starting point.

https://www.combinedops.com/index.htm

https://www.royalmarineshistory.com/post/royal-marines-wwii-landing-craft-crews

Combined ops were commando type special forces who trained to conduct covert special operations. Much to be researched here as all the info you need is on his service sheets.

$525

A very interesting group to Warrant Officer David O’Neill. He was a prewar territorial with the kings own Scottish borderers. He subsequently enlisted in the Royal engineers and served with them in western Europe. He remained in Germany after the war as part of the British army of occupation.

In 1960 he was on a military train in Holland with other soldiers and civilians when the train derailed. A number of people were killed. He assumed control of the situation and was responsible for the removal of meaning of the injured. Included is his 4 page written report of his actions. He received the commander in chief commendation for this. 

There are numerous letters and documents including his warrant for his final rank as warrant officer.

Also included are a large number of his service documents as service book passport , Royal engineers Association documentation. Even an original newspaper relating to the train incident is included and a couple of nice photographs of him on the occasion of the presentation of his army long service medal. This is the only named medal, being 3189179 Sgt D O’Neill RE.

There is a particularly interesting pass for his service in Germany which is also in Russian. This is one of the more complete lots I’ve had in recent years

$475

Group of Seven: Pakistan Independence Medal 1947; Republic Medal 1956; Great Britain, 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal 1939-45. PJO - 256 Jem Taj Mohd P.A.C. on first medal, other medals unnamed. The named medal impressed. Swing mounted.

The rank of Jemadar is a junior officer . I presume as PAC is Pakistan Armoured Corps that he had WW2 armoured service . I expect the prefix to his number will assist.

Add up the value of the WW2 medals to see what a good buy this is.

ex Dr John Bennett AM, Australian legal academic

$200

This is correctly engraved 841630 Pvt A Cook

Albert Cook was born in Kent in 1897. He enlisted in the Canadian Infantry and served in 24 bn and 148 bn between 1916-1918 when he was eventually sent home as no longer medically fit due to trench fever. He subsequently died in Canada as a result . His memorial cross and medals were sent to his mother.

No ribbon or ring but a nice item and I have obtained his file which will be emailed

Ex the collection of the late Dr John Bennett AM , Australian legal academic

$200

Cpl Edwin Wheelhouse 6th Royal Tank Regt. Killed 22 November 1941. 

Medal box named to his father.

Nice early box and condolence slip

$275

A MM GVR issue correctly named 6724 PTE H L PHILIPSON 10/ NTH'D FUS. 

The medal with some wear to obverse. Henry Livingstone was born in 1886. His family were coal miners. He enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers at Chester le Street and embarked for France on 25 August 1915. He was wounded in action and was awarded the MM (M.M. Supplement to the L/G 9/12/1916).

He died of his wounds at the 4th Scottish Field Hospital in Glasgow on 14 February 1917 aged 32. 

$650

Trooper Jackson, 5th Inniskilling Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps, killed in action at Dunkirk 22 May 1940 aged 27 

Medal box correctly addressed

Nice early box and named condolence slip

A WW2 British fatal casualty had no official recognition other than their service medals, which were un-named. The medals were sent to next of kin in the standard card box with a medal issue slip similar to those sent to those who were still alive, although these stated that the recipient was deceased and significantly their name was typed on the form. 

There were several variations of the form as medals were issued over time, from various locations and services.

$275

A really interesting pair of medals which will be either father and son or grandfather and grandson.

The GSM 1918-62 is named as a Private in the Arab Legion. Jundi means Private. There is a knock on the rim obscuring the word ARAB. The last sale to this unit of this medal I found was 200 pounds at Baldwins.

The second medal is the UK Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan. It is named as a Corporal then with Abu (father of) but no unit. I am informed that the recipient would be Jordanian military serving alongside British Forces in the same manner as the Tongan forces - as Arabic speakers many were attached to British units as interpreters. Tongans also get this medal but they are named to RTM or TDS. I have found a Facebook photo which may be the recipient. Medals to non British forces command a premium over the standard 250-300 pounds these normally sell for. He will also be entitled to a NATO ISAF medal.

These were purchased at an Auckland estate auction and are new to the market.

$650

Lieut Ernest Roebuck. Airborne casualty.

Attributed to Lieutenant Roebuck South Staffordshire Regt (Airborne) who was killed in action during operation Market Garden, Arnhem 19 Sept 1944 aged 24

https://www.paradata.org.uk/people/ernest-roebuck

Medal box named to his father.

Issue box and condolence slip as well as palace condolence . In my view the style of the condolence slip and issue box suggest a slightly later issue - perhaps 50's. The vendor seemed unaware of the issue slip as this wasn’t mentioned when I purchased it and I found it folded up inside the box.

A WW2 British fatal casualty had no official recognition other than their service medals, which were un-named. The medals were sent to next of kin in the standard card box with a medal issue slip similar to those sent to those who were still alive, although these stated that the recipient was deceased and significantly their name was typed on the form. There were several variations of the form as medals were issued over time, from various locations and services.

ON HOLD

The recipient was on HMNZS Hickleton when they encountered some Indonesian hostile boats returning from an operation. The crews were camouflaged and suspected to be special forces or Marines. As they drew towards Hickleton they opened fire with Bren guns. The NZers were in the process of painting the ship in preparation for a visit by the Governor General.  The recipient had observed what was happening and had made his gun ready in the event that the Indonesians were hostile. 

He manned an old Bofors 40/60 gun and his deadly aim in the face of a hail of incoming fire and tracers stopped and destroyed the boat. All but 2 crew were killed and they later died on Hickleton.

Published accounts differ somewhat as to the nature of the engagement. The recipient has written his own account of the incident and has also made comments on the official account and the aspects which are incorrect. This makes very interesting reading. The recipient was a very brave and alert 19 year old whose prompt actions potentially saved his ship.  Despite several searches there is no trace of an official citation.

In later years he moved to USA and became a citizen. In 1999 he saved the life of a 10 year old boy in Maryland who was struck by lightening. He was recommended for awards and given a medal by the boys father - a US navy special warfare member.

He had earlier service in Antarctica and would be entitled to the US Antarctic Medal - which cannot be worn in uniform. 

These medals are being sold with an archive of documents, letters, telegrams etc. This is a once in a lifetime museum quality opportunity. The DSM is no longer awarded so this will remain the unique award . The medals have been poorly mounted and can be professionally remounted at no charge if desired. These have never been on the market before and are offered on behalf of the recipient, whom we suggest is a fascinating resource whose story warrants telling.

SOLD

​

The recipient standing guard over 2 Indonesian prisoners during an earlier engagement. Note the Sten gun the crew carried - not the Lanchester official accounts say they had. The recipient says he was in the same attire painting the ship during the DSM action.

THE HISTORIC FAMILY GROUPING TO THE CAMERON AND UPHAM FAMILIES WHICH INCLUDES THE PERHAPS UNIQUE WW1 PAIR NAMED TO AOTEA HOME TOGETHER WITH HER HUSBANDS SET AS A DECORATED WW1 AND AFGHANISTAN AVIATOR.

Victor James Cameron was born in May 1895 and grew in in Wanganui and Inglewood. He enlisted in August 1915 and stated his trade was Farmer. Victor was posted to the 1st Battalion Otago Infantry and embarked in November 1915. He served with them in France, where he was killed in action on 7 October 1916 aged just 19, during the battle at Morval on the Somme. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Trio, sent to his father in Inglewood.

His elder sister Ruth Catherine Cameron, born 1892, was one of a group of 8 Wanganui women who decided to establish a convalescent home in Heliopolis, Egypt. Ruth was not a registered nurse, only 3 of the women were. They made their own way to Egypt in September 1915, six months into the Gallipoli campaign and established what was known as the Aotea Home – using a building supplied by the Sultan of Egypt. Ruth had embarked overseas at about the same time her young brother Victor did. She was one of 5 NZ civilians / VAD at the Aotea Home, which they opened in November 1915.

When the Gallipoli campaign ended and the NZ Forces moved to Western Europe it remained the only NZ medical facility in Egypt for the NZ Mounted Rifles in the Sinai and Palestine campaign. It was funded by civilians in Wanganui and whilst the three registered nurses were paid by the NZ Government Ruth and the other women were volunteers. The home was known for its library, meals and facilities, all supplied by donations from the people of Wanganui.

During the course of the war various other commonwealth forces visited the Aotea Home. Some men even went out with the female staff. One such man to take the eye of Ruth Cameron was a dashing aviator Lieutenant Arthur Colwell Upham.

Upham was born in 1887 and had served in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry before being commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps in 1916. He served with the RAF in the Middle East, flying with 113 Squadron. He was versed with a wide range of planes and was serving as an instructor with the RFC training school at Heliopolis, Egypt. He and his colleague Wesley Spragg had attended the New Years Eve concert at the Aotea Home but according to the matron had left early as they had flying to do the next day but would be flying past the home.

On New Years Day 1918 as they flew they Maurice Farman MF11 Shorthorn past the home a wing gave way and the plane crashed. Spragg fell from the plane and died shortly after. Upham was pinned under the plane and it took 12 men to lift it off him. He had a broken nose, shoulder and a concussion and his files show he was severely injured and unfit to fly for at least 10 weeks. Perhaps the men were showing off, we may never know.

No doubt he visited the Aotea Home many more times during his recovery as Arthur married Ruth in Cairo in December 1918 and his file shows his new intended address was to be Aroha, New Zealand.

After WW1 Arthur was posted to Afghanistan where he won the Distinguished Flying Cross for services in 114 Squadron RAF, flying the BE2 out of Quetta.

He settled in New Zealand and soon became a very active early aviator, working with the Walsh Brothers Flying School at Kohimarama in Auckland from January 1921. The Waikato Independent of 1 March 1921 reported the first arrival of an aeroplane into Cambridge, an Avro 504 piloted by Captain Upham DFC.

He later made the first flight down the middle of the North Island from Auckland to Marton.

In 1926 he was flying for the Canadian Government however commanded an air training school in New Plymouth during WW2, holding the rank of Wing Commander. He also commanded RNZAF Levin (Wereroa) during the war. He died at Hastings in 1954.

Ruth Upham died in June 1975.

Ruth’s medals are very rare. In theory NZ civilians weren’t entitled to WW1 medals. 33 NZ members of the YMCA received the single British War Medal but they were there officially. Ruth had made her own way so in theory probably should not have got any medals although in 1917 the NZ Minister of Defence expressed his gratitude towards the women, especially the civilians and it is seemingly on this basis that the pair was awarded. It has been confirmed that she was entitled to a Star. Sadly this is missing. The medal pair are named MISS R CAMERON AOTEA HOME NZEF. NZ WW1 medals did not note the regiment or unit of the recipient other than a / in pre 1916 numbers. Ruth was also presented with a 9ct gold fob medal for 3 years service from the Aotea Convalescence Home Executive Committee. This was made by Mayer and Keane in Wellington. 

Arthurs medals are variously named LIEUT D OF CORN LI and CAPT RAF. Sadly his DFC (undated and one of just 130 between the wars awards) is absent however we have included a solid silver hallmarked replica for display. His un-named WW2 NZ pair have been added for completeness.

Victors trio are named 8/3202 PTE NZEF.

Provenance:

Private NZ Collection 1989

Private Australian Collection 2022

$10,000

An interesting WW2 and post war set to Chief Technician V Brown of the Royal Air Force. The Defence and War Medals are un-named as issued and suggest UK service in WW2. Post War he has served in the Arabian Peninsula and the Malay Peninsula. The last 3 medals named 713590 Ch Tech V Brown RAF (the GSM 62 having XO prior to the number).

$535

Provenance: Auction Australia 2022

1939-1945 Star; France and Germany Star; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp; War Medal 1939-1945 (silver); and Canadian Forces' Decoration with Ten Years Additional Service Clasp, QEII (CPL G.R. THOMSON).

Glen Ross Thompson was a resident of Silver Park, Saskatchewan, when he enlisted as a Private (L-10798) with the Canadian Active Service Force, signing his Attestation Paper on December 3, 1941 claiming to be age 18 (he was 17) Now a listed as a Gunner, he was posted to A-18 Advanced (Machine Gun) Training Centre at Dundurn, Saskatchewan on December 16, 1941.

Having finished his training in Canada, Gunner Thompson was taken on strength of the Canadian Army Overseas for service in the Second World War, disembarking Canada on November 21, 1944. After one month in the United Kingdom, he embarked for North West Europe. Once in Europe, he became a Rifleman with the Royal Regina Rifles on January 5, 1945. Rifleman Thompson received a gunshot wound to his forehead from a machine gun, on April 5, 1945. He spent a month in hospital. By May 7, 1945, the Royal Regina Rifles had suffered 356 fatal casualties, with Rifleman Thompson returning to duty with the Royal Regina Rifles on May 18th. 

Rifleman Thompson embarked North West Europe on June 16, 1945, arriving in the United Kingdom the same day, where he was posted to No. 5 Canadian Repatriation Depot on the 17th. He volunteered his services for the for the Pacific Force and returned to Canada on July 7, 1945, arriving home on July 14th. Upon the ceasing of hostilities in the Pacific region and his service no longer required there, he was posted to A-35 Canadian Parachute Training Centre (CPTC) at Brandon, Manitoba on September 11, 1945. After almost four weeks at Brandon, he was transferred to No. 8 Infantry Training Centre (ITC) at Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on October 17th. Rifleman/Gunner Glen Ross Thompson, Royal Regina Rifles/Royal Canadian Artillery was discharged upon demobilization at No. 12 District Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan on November 5, 1945, credited with having served in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Holland (Netherlands) and Germany..

He re-enlisted 2 years after demob and continued in the service of the Canadian Military and in 1959 whilst with the Canadian ASC was appointed Driver for the Royal Visit. The same year he won the National Truck Rodeo, driving for the Armed Services Division. He remained serving until 1971, being awarded the CD and bar. He died in 1984.

$625

Provenance:

Emedals, Canada

Private Collector, Australia

Private Collector, Australia

Auction, Sydney

A cased OBE Military with its card. Possibly re-ribboned at some stage although the ribbon is old silk. The OBE has been additionally privately engraved to Major L E S Stokes RFA.

Leslie Eric Sheldon Stokes served in WW1 with the RFA in France and later as part of the Salonika Field Force.  Post war he was an intelligence officer with the Secret Service in Ireland against the IRA and Collins. He is mentioned in numerous reports of the time and his 1922 OBE was probably for this service. He is identified as one of 71 British Secret Service agents in Ireland- perhaps MI6.

http://www.bloodysunday.co.uk/castle-intelligence/stokes/stokes.html

In 1941, whilst serving as a Major in 53 Heavy Regiment he died from a single gunshot wounded to the head at his home. He was seen to exit his vehicle and was then found dead, having been shot. His death was ruled a suicide at the time apparently due to financial pressures, although there was no suicide note. In hindsight he could well have been executed by IRA.

Huge scope for research. 

$600

Un-named as issued and in issue case as well as titled outer box. Sadly un-attributed. The RVM is a personal gift of the sovereign so very likely to a long serving member of the Royal Household

$650

A Second War 1945 Lancaster Pilot’s D.F.C. group of four awarded to Flying Officer J. ‘Butch’ Harris, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 40 operational sorties with 550 Squadron before being killed in a flying action whilst stationed with No. 1687 B.D.T. Flight, 11 January 1946

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named enclosure and in campaign card box of issue addressed to ‘Mr & Mrs Harris, 35 Guthrie St, Liverpool 6’, nearly extremely fine or better 

D.F.C. London Gazette 22 May 1945:

‘This Officer has completed his first operational tour consisting of 31 sorties involving 176.44 hours flying against the enemy as pilot and captain of a Lancaster bomber.

He has taken part in attacks against a wide variety of targets in Germany, France and the Low Countries. These targets have consisted of vital and heavily defended industrial areas such as Munich, Merseburg, Stuttgart, Hanover and the Ruhr besides targets in support of our armies of liberation in the Continent such as Duren, Freiburg and Emmerich.

His cheerful disposition, determination and confidence have at all times inspired his crew, and by his skill as a pilot and excellent leadership he has moulded them into a most successful team.

Undeterred by all hazards in the form of enemy opposition or bad weather he has at all times pressed home his attack in a manner well in keeping with the highest ideals of the service.

His example has gone far to raise the morale of the Squadron to a very high standard. Such devotion to duty, courage and determination well merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Remarks by Station Commander:

‘Flying Officer Harris has participated in many attacks as a Captain of a heavy Bomber and his gallantry and devotion to duty has been most commendable throughout his tour. He has taken part in attacks which involved deep penetrations into Central and Eastern Germany where strain on human endurance and tenacity of purpose were necessary in order to accomplish his task. His fine record has shown that he has the persistency and devotion to duty to let nothing deter him from his objective.

I strongly recommend that such qualities combined with his fine record of achievement be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

John Harris was ‘the only son of Mr. and Mrs Harris, Guthrie Street, West Derby, Liverpool. He was educated at Butler Street School, Liverpool and Skerry’s College, and prior to enlistment he was on the office staff at Armour’s, Liverpool. He received his early training in Canada, where he qualified as a pilot, and was commissioned in 1944. He had done over 40 operational flights, and had the distinction of making 30 flights without one of his crew being injured. He was a most popular and capable officer, and was last year awarded the D.F.C.’ (Obituary included in the lots refers)

Harris (coincidentally one of two John Harris’s to fly with 550 Squadron and be awarded the D.F.C. in the same Gazette!) flew in at least 40 operational sorties with 550 Squadron (Lancasters) from September 1944, including: Le Havre; Frankfurt; Steenwijk;Sangatte; Neuss; Calais (2); Saarbrucken; Emmerich; Fort Frederick Hendrick (2); Duisburg (2); Stuttgart; Essen; Cologne (2); Dusseldorf; Bochum; Wanne Eickel (2); Duren; Aschaffenburg; Freiburg; Dortmund; Urft Dam; Merseburg (2); Scholven-Buer; Hanover and Munich.

Having completed his tour, Harris was subsequently posted to No. 1687 B.D.T. Flight, R.A.F. Hemswell. It was whilst serving at the latter that Harris was killed in a flying accident:

‘The accident took place near Howden in Yorkshire just after 10am on Friday 11th January 1946, when attempting a forced landing your son crashed and was killed instantaneously....

Your son had been working with us for almost a year, and his enthusiasm and keenness made him a valuable member of this Unit, and we have lost a good pilot and a grand friend.’ (Letter included with lot refers)

Flying Officer Harris is buried in Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool.

Sold with the following original documentation: Telegram of congratulation from Base Commander on the occasion of the award of the recipient’s D.F.C., dated 27 May 1945; letter to recipient’s mother from Officer Commanding No. 1687 B.D.T. Flight, with regard to the circumstance of her son’s death, dated 28 January 1946; correspondence regarding the recipient’s Memorial Stone; with a number of photographs of recipient in uniform, a large number of family photographs, and an obituary from the Garston & Woolton Weekly News, dated 18 January 1946

$4400

Provenance

DNW , London 2020

Private Collection NZ

Dealer NZ

Auction NZ 2022

Dealer NZ

A Second War D.S.M. group of six awarded to Able Seaman C. S. Roberts, Royal Navy, for service with the cruiser H.M.S. Kenya during 1942

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (S SX.16082 C. S. Roberts. A.B. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally very fine 

D.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1943:

‘For gallantry or outstanding service in the face of the enemy, or for zeal, patience and cheerfulness in dangerous waters, and for setting an example of whole-hearted devotion to duty, without which the high tradition of the Royal Navy could not have been upheld.’

Cecil Stuart Roberts served as an Able Seaman with H.M.S. Kenya during the Second War. The latter was a cruiser which won battle honours for Atlantic 1941, Bismarck Action 1941, Malta Convoys 1941-42, Arctic 1941-42, and Norway 1941. The investiture for Roberts’ D.S.M. was held at Buckingham Palace, 14 April 1943.

$1950

Provenance:

DNW 2000

DNW 2020

Private Collection NZ

Dealer

Auction 2022

Dealer

Group of 4, NZ Operational Service Medal; NZ General Service Medal (nion warlike 1992 - 1st Royal Australian Mint variant) with clasp Sinai, named to U55855 Dvr K F Blackett RNZCT; Multinational Force & Observers Medal; & NZ General Chief of Staff Commendation (with box of issue), mounted presumably as worn. Although unclaimed the recipient would now be entitled to the NZ Defence Service Medal.

The CGS Commendation of 2/2/1989 describes that on 28 September 1988, Blackett rescued a mentally disturbed sixteen year old female who was discovered distressed & naked in Wellington Harbour in serious danger of drowning. Blackett, with disregard for his own safety, descended an eight foot wall, walked along the breakwater, removed her from the water & provided her with part of his uniform for both warmth & decency. He displayed courage as the weather & unpredictable nature of the female could have endangered him. It concludes "Undoubtedly, his quick action saved a life". 

The lot includes the original framed Commendation by the Chief of General Staff; two MFO bronze prize medals presented for Force Skills Competitions in June 1993; & two wall plaques from 2 Composite Squadron RNZCT engraved "Presented to Dvr. Blackett From D.S. T.P. 1988-1990" & "To U55885 Dvr. K.F.Blackett, Nov 91 June 94" and his NZDF name badge.

Karl Frederick Blackett would likely now have been awarded the NZ Bravery Medal under the present honours NZ has available however at the time the only suitable medals would have been a George Medal or a Queens Gallantry Medal and the act of bravery probably didn't warrant that.

Sadly Karl Blackett died in a house fire in Christchurch in 2020 https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/118804031/christchurch-man-killed-in-intense-fatal-house-fire-named

$950

Provenance:

Sold by the recipient to NZ Collector Services Christchurch

Private Collection

Dealer

Auction 2022

This framed set comprises a MM and WW1 pair all correctly named to 93761 CPL A FINDLAY RE (Spr A L/Cpl 41 Sig Coy RE on MM) 

Together with a newspaper clipping announcing the MM and a congratulatory commendation from the Major General (Sydney Lawford) of the 41st Division referring to his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty displayed... from the 22nd to the 24th March 1918. Whilst in charge of brigade linesmen you were untiring in your efforts, and by your fine example telegraph communication was kept up during many critical periods, and under most trying conditions." The commendation with envelope and extremely rare.

A good WW1 gallantry set with documentation and service file. Huge potential for further research and ready to display.

Provenance

purchased by us from a private collector on trade me around 15 years ago

sold by us to a private Auckland collector

purchased back around 4 years later

sold to another NZ collector around 6 years ago

purchased back by us 2022

$1600

A Second War ‘Dunkirk Evacuation’ D.S.M. group of five awarded to Seaman W. Bond, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.167146 W. Bond. Smn. R.N.) officially re-impressed naming and on original presentation pin; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (5) 

Footnote

D.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1941.

William Bond was awarded his Distinguished Service Medal whilst serving in the 530-ton Corvette H.M.S. Sheldrake, and was invested with his medal on 13 March 1941. A contemporary newspaper cutting from the Fleetwood Chronicle states: ‘Seaman William Bond was at Dunkirk, and it is understood that the award is for outstanding bravery during the evacuation. ‘

Sold with original newspaper cutting, which contains a photograph of the recipient. The clipping refers to the bravery of Seaman Bond at Dunkirk.

Family advised the collector to whom they sold the medals that the recipient rescued a number of French soldiers from drowning during the evacuation. Scope for a lot more research.

DSM is officially re-impressed. The naming is entirely correct yet the edge had some rounding indication a complete or partial naming correction. The DSM itself is mounted on the pin as presented. Early war awards such as this are on a swiveling suspender. Later war awards have a fixed non swiveling suspender. The fact that this medal swivels indicates it is correct.

Provenance

Family in UK sold to private collector

DNW London

Private collector NZ

$3500

A Second War ‘Submariners’ D.S.M. group of six awarded to Chief Stoker Petty Officer R. G. Shorrocks, Royal Navy, later Royal Fleet Reserve, for his service aboard H.M.S. Taku in the Mediterranean and off Norway 1941-44, during which this submarine sunk numerous enemy ships

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Sto. P.O. R. G. Shorrocks, D/KX.82482) engraved naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (KX.82482 R. G. Shorrocks. D.S.M. PO. B.26162. C.P.O.S.M. R.F.R.) mounted as worn, very fine (6)  with bullion Submariners Association badge and Submariners cap tally band.

D.S.M. London Gazette 2 May 1944:

‘For outstanding courage, skill and devotion to duty in successful patrols in H.M. Submarines.’

The original recommendation states: ‘He has displayed good qualities of leadership and efficiency. He is unsparing to himself and has ability and knowledge superior to his position, as Chief Stoker in H.M.S. Taku, which he is always ready to use for the good of the ship and the Navy. He has carried out patrols in Taku both in the Mediterranean and Norwegian waters during which period five merchant vessels were sunk, one possibly sunk and several large caiques sunk or damaged by gunfire. During these actions, Stoker Petty Officer Shorrocks always displayed courage and devotion to duty of the highest order.’

Ronald Goulden Shorrocks was born on 24 February 1913 and entered the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 29 November 1932. Promoted Stoker First Class on 29 October 1933, on 7 September 1935 he was posted to H.M.S. Dolphin; the Submarine training base. On 14 December 1938, he was posted to Submarine H.M.S. H43, as Leading Stoker. Back at H.M.S. Dolphin on 8 May 1939, his next service afloat was with H.M.S. Umpire, from March 1941. By now a Stoker Petty Officer, on 19 July 1941 H.M.S. Umpire was sunk when it collided with an armed escort trawler. Of a crew of 31, 22 were killed and since Shorrocks’ service record shows his next posting as 20 July 1941, there is no reason to believe he was not one of the 9 survivors. Between 22 October 1941 and 7 May 1944, Shorrocks served aboard H.M.S. Taku (N38), a T-Class submarine with a complement of 59.

Arriving in Gibraltar in March 1942, H.M.S Taku commenced her 14th War patrol (Shorrocks’ first with this submarine) on 2 April. During the next two years, in both the Mediterranean and off the coast of Norway, H.M.S Taku would have a fair amount of success in sinking enemy shipping. This would include the Italian tanker Delfin, the Greek sailing vessels Niki, Lora and a small vessel which was unidentified. She also attacked, but failed to hit the German merchant ship Menes and the Italian tanker Cerere. Reassigned to operate off the Scandinavian coast in 1944, H.M.S. Taku sank the German merchantmen Rheinhausen and Hans Bornhofen, and badly damaged the German freighter Harm Fritzen. In March 1944, she attacked a convoy, but missed her target, the ex-Norwegian Kriegsmarine transport Moshill. On 13 April 1944, during her 25 War patrol, a mine exploded close to H.M.S. Taku, resulting in her to abort her patrol and return to base. This would be the last patrol Shorrocks took part with in this submarine. However for his service aboard her, he would be awarded the D.S.M.

On 8 May 1944, Shorrocks joined H.M.S. Trident, serving with this submarine for four months. He served aboard H.M.S. Aurochs from 4 April 1945 and was appointed Chief Stoker Petty Officer two weeks later. Shorrocks was discharged to the reserve on 17 May 1945.

Sold with copy service records and other research. Submariners gallantry medal groups are exceedingly rare. HMS Taku is perhaps the most well known of all WW2 submarines and its patrols were of considerable length.

Provenance: 

Private Collection UK

DNW, London 2019

Private Collection NZ 2019-2022

$6250

MM and bar with 1914-18 War Medal. 42788 SJT J R CLARKE 15/SIG CO RE . (War medal as SJT RE) together with RE cap badge. John R "Jack" Clarke was born in 1893 and won the MM twice in a 2 month period. His MM was announced 25 March 1916 and his awards were published in the London Gazette 14 September and 16 November 1916.

After the war he settled in Sydenham, Kent and was working at George Coen and Sons when admitted to Brompton Sanitorium in 1932 with tuberculosis. He died there on 15 April 1932 aged just 38/9. All of his effects were left to Eileen Mary Milner-Browne. He was also entitled to the 1914-15 Star and the Victory Medal.

$2750

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9280 B.S. Mjr. H. R. Fautley. M.M. 17/By: 41/Bde: R.F.A.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (9280 B.Q.M. Sjt: H. R. Fautley. D.189/Bde: R.F.A.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (9280 Gnr: H. R. Fautley, 69:B, R.F.A.) rank officially corrected; King’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (9280 Gnr: H. Fautley. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (9280 W.O. Cl.2. H. R. Fautley. R.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (9280 Bmbr: H. R. Fautley. R.H.A.) light contact marks to the Boer War pair, otherwise good very fine or better (7) 

D.C.M. London Gazette 15 November 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his Battery coming into action was heavily shelled he showed great resource in getting the detachment to a flank. Later when the S.O.S. message was received, he brought the men back to the guns and set a magnificent example of coolness and complete disregard for his own safety.’

M.M. London Gazette 6 June 1917.

Herbert Richard Fautley was born in Bermondsey, London, in 1877 and attested for the Royal Artillery at London on 19 April 1895, having previously served in the 4th (Militia) Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. He served in South Africa from 15 May 1897 to 3 April 1903, and, after a spell with the Royal Horse Artillery, with whom he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, reverted back to the Royal Field Artillery, serving with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 3 May 1916 to 16 January 1919. Wounded in action on 16 October 1916, he was advanced Battery Sergeant Major on 12 September 1917, and for his services during the Great War was awarded both the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was discharged on 14 February 1919, after 23 years and 302 days’ service.

Sold with copied record of service and other research.

$5750

Footnote

Provenance: Buckland Dix & Wood, May 1992.

David Lloyd Collection

DNW, London 2021

Private Collection NZ.

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (305759. G. E. Austin. Sto. P.O. H.M.S. Achates. 1917.); 1914-15 Star (305759, G. E. Austin, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (305759 G. E. Austin. S.P.O. R.N.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (305759. G. E. Austin. S.P.O. H.M.S. Colombo.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (George Austin), edge bruise to LS&GC, contact marks, polished, nearly very fine (7)

Footnote

D.S.M. London Gazette 5 March 1918:

‘For services in Destroyer and Torpedo Boat Flotillas during the period ending 31 December 1917’

The original Recommendation states: ‘ For exceptional gallantry under most dangerous circumstances on the occasion when H.M.S. Achates was rammed by H.M.S. Cornwall on 17 February 1917, the ram actually entering the foremost boiler and causing the stokehold to be flooded with water and oil fuel. He first shut off the boiler, saw the other men out and gallantly remained at his post until the water was up to his waist.' (ADM 116/1561/MS21 refers).

George Edward Austin was born on 20 September 1885 in Southampton, entering naval service on 25 January 1902 as a Stoker 2nd Class. On the outbreak of the Great War, he was serving as a Stoker Petty Officer, having been rated as such since October 1913, in H.M.S. Achates, in which ship he remained until 31 December 1918.

Achates served throughout the Great War, serving with the Grand Fleet in the early years of the war, and taking part in the Battle of Jutland in 1916. Later in the war she served as a convoy escort.

Austin’s service record carries the notation that he was ‘commended for services rendered on the occasion of [the] collision between Cornwall and Achates on 16/17 February 1917’. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 27 November 1919, and was shore pensioned on 24 January 1926.

Provenance:

DNW London

Private Collection, New Zealand

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (345386. L. G. Penny [sic], Shipwt. 1st Cl. Mediterranean Station. 1917.) 1914-15 Star (345386, L. G. Penney, Shpt. 1. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (345386 L. G. Penney. Shpt. 1. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (335386 L. G. Penney. Ch. Shpt. 1. Cl. H.M.S. Wildfire.) the medals all abrasively acid cleaned, leading to heavy corrosion to the Star, the Star and VM gilded, and the silver medals lacquered, edge bruise to last, contact marks, therefore good fine

D.S.M. London Gazette 17 May 1918:

‘Services on the Mediterranean Station’

Leonard George Penney was born in Sheerness, Kent, on 23 August 1882 and was a dockyard apprentice before he entered naval service as a Shipwright on 29 July 1902. On the outbreak of the Great War, he was serving as a Shipwright 1st Class in H.M.S. Agamemnon, in which he remained until November 1917, and then, from February 1918, served in H.M.S. Wildfire. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 12 January 1920, and was shore pensioned on 28 July 1924.

Agamemnon was assigned to the Channel Fleet when the First World War began in 1914. The ship was transferred to the Mediterranean Sea with Lord Nelson in early 1915 to participate in the Dardanelles Campaign. She made a number of bombardments against Turkish fortifications and in support of British troops. Remaining in the Mediterranean after the conclusion of that campaign to prevent the German battlecruiser S.M.S. Goeben and light cruiser Breslau from breaking out into the Mediterranean. Agamemnon shot down the German Zeppelin LZ-55 (LZ-85) during a bombing mission over Salonica in 1916.

Note: The medal repeats the spelling (’Penny’ rather than ‘Penney’) as the entry appears in the London Gazette.

$2100.00

Provenance: Private NZ Collection via trade me 2021

                     Dix Noonan Webb , London 2020

Sutlej Medal 1845-46, for Sobraon 1846, no clasp and correctly impressed (John Scott 9th Lancers) edge nicks, scratches to both obverse and reverse fields, nearly very fine

The medal is sold with a rare original letter from the War Office, dated 6 October 1852, addressed to Mrs Scott, 72 George Street, Paisley:

‘...I am directed to transmit to you herewith a Medal which has been granted for your son John Scott’s services as a soldier of the 9th Regiment of Dragoons, to be kept in commemoration of his gallant conduct at the battles on the Sutlej...’

The Sutlej medal was originally issued in 1846 the same year as the Battle of the Sobraon. Although Scott is not on the published casualty roll, the letter would seem to imply that the recipient had died before he was able to claim his medal, Conditions were such that the voyage home from India and even conditions in India meant that many men died on service or on the journey but who may not be considered a battle casualty. This fine medal warrants more detailed research.

Provenance:

Warwick Cary Collection, Australia

Dix Noonan Webb, London

Private Collection NZ

A G Bairstow Collection, NZ

ON HOLD