We found 8138 price guide item(s) matching your search

Eight late 80's/early 90's Hip-Hop records by 'Bomb The Bass': Bug Powder Dust, 12" promo single; Clear Cut; The Air You Breathe; Winter in July; Tracks; Beat Dis; Beat Dis white label promo; and others. (8)

Twenty mixed Rock, Metal, Blues, Shoegaze, Psychedelic, Indie, Doom, and Post-Rock records, artists to include: The Byrds; Bill Fay; Bomb; 50 Foot Wave; Ben Copperhead; Stump; Bill Orcutt; White Hills; Bogshed; and others. (20)

Two gem set rings, one a cultured pearl bombé cluster with circular-cut ruby accents; the other a circular-cut synthetic corundum single stone ring (2)

A suite of late 19th/early 20th century Bohemian garnet jewellery, comprising a graduated cluster panel necklace with graduated fringe detail, length, 39.5cm; a tapering star design hinged bangle; a circular cluster brooch; a horseshoe brooch; and a pair of bombé cluster earrings with screw back fittings (5)

19 Boxed plastic model kits to include 10 x Matchbox model kits (1/32 PK-303 Porsche 917, PK-309 Tyrell P34/2, PK-307 Mercedes Benz SSKL, etc, sets part built), IMAI Thunderbirds Secret Base (built), 4 x Italeri kits (6058 British & Scots Infantry, 419 Field Tool, 402 Jerrycans World War II, 406 Sand Bags, appearing complete and unbuilt), 2 x sealed Polar Lights Star Trek (U.S.S Enterprise NCC-1701 & Klingon D7 Battle Cruiser), 1 x Novo Spitfire XIV and Flying Bomb (part built appearing complete) & 1 x Airfix Historic Cars 1/32 MGB (part built and appearing complete) boxes gd overall

A fragment of stone from The Houses of Parliament with cast bronze plaque - from bomb damage in 1941, 18cm tall

Two Second War RAF Bomb Aimers log books formally the property of LAC A.J. Knights RAF and RCAF dating from 30th August 1944 to 9th November 1945 mainly with Ansons together with navigation notebook, RAF records of service, various maps, pamphlets and guides etc

British War Medal 50911 Pte H Cottam N Staff R and a silver prize sporting watch fob shield, Poona Division Bullet, Bomb and Bayonet Competition, named to the same

Navy WW2 Thomas Gould VC signed 50th ann Victory in the Mediterranean official Navy cover RNSC(6)8. Rare only 100 issued. On 16 February 1942 north of Crete, in the Mediterranean, HM Submarine Thrasher, after attacking and sinking a supply ship, was itself attacked. Thrasher was subjected to a three-hour depth charge attack and aerial bombing. When after dark the submarine surfaced, two unexploded bombs were discovered in the gun-casing. Petty Officer Gould and Lieutenant Peter Scawen Watkinson Roberts volunteered to remove the bombs, which were of a type unknown to them. They removed the first one without too much difficulty, but the second bomb had penetrated the side plating of the gun emplacement, and then the deck casing above the pressure hull. Roberts and Gould entered the confined space (which was no more than 2 feet (61 cm) high in places), and lying flat, wormed past deck supports, battery ventilators, and drop bollards. The petty officer then lay on his back with the 150 lb bomb in his arms while the lieutenant dragged him along by the shoulders. "It was then a matter of the two of us, lying horizontally, pushing and pulling the bomb back through the casing. It was pitch black and the bomb was making this horrible ticking noise while the submarine was being buffeted by the waves". They pushed and dragged the bomb for a distance of some 20 feet (6.1 m) until it could be lowered over the side. Every time the bomb was moved there was a loud twanging noise as of a broken spring which added nothing to their peace of mind. Thrasher was surfaced, stationary, and close inshore to enemy waters. If the submarine was forced to crash dive while they were in the casing, they must have been drowned. It was 50 minutes before they got the bomb clear, wrapped it in sacking, and dropped it over the side. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99

WW2 atom bomb pilot Brig Paul Tibbets signed B29 Washington cover. Rare variety also signed by US fighter aces James Rigg. Tex Hill. Blake Morganville. Lots of info inside. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99

JAPAN WW2 ARCHIVE MANUSCRIPT AND TYPESCRIPT. 1942-1943 A historically important extensive archive over 3 volumes. Original green and maroon cloth, with one volume with heading “Notes on the Japanese Artillery.” Folio size. The archive comprises of period typed [typescript], hand drawn illustrations of weapon’s, M.S Maps and hand written manuscript material. By British and American Military. Compiled by the British and American Military, includes reports on Japanese activity on the Guadalcanal campaign, Malayan campaign, Hangchow, and many others including Burma. With multiple pencil drawn maps including one “from a captured Japanese document” of an attack on an allied position in the South West Pacific Area. Most entries dated 1942-1943, “Secret” documents - Japanese Artillery Arakan. Camouflage Methods, Artillery types, pen and ink map of Burma, sketches based on air photos of Mergui [Burma], detailed sketches of Japanese shells, guns, Japanese Bomb discharger, Grenades, Mortars and many others. Printed material includes reports printed at New Delhi, 1943, telegrams with manuscript entries from Arakan, Japanese instructions on the usage of a compass. Typescript reports on Artillery in Chemical Warfare. A rare and extensive contemporary WW2 archive of manuscript and typescript material regarding Japanese weapons, artillery and activity. Comprising approx 300 leafs of bound material

A Small Quantity of Militaria, comprising a Stuka "Jericho Trumpet", a No.36 M II Mills bomb (hand grenade), the steel plug dated (19)43, a flak shell, a British Navy 4" brass shell case dated 1967, two Ark Royal commemorative copper jug, a brass damage control unit stamped H.M.S. ARK ROYAL, a machine gun ammunition belt with empty brass cartridges, a quantity of inert .303 bullets etc. Dear Chris, The extra images you have requested are now available on our website. Just click on the lot and they will appear below or to the side.Kind regardsOonagh DrageMilitaria & Ethnographica SpecialistThe Auction CentreLeyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5SG01969 623780www.tennants.co.uk

Large selection of TV & Film Space related Robots and Spaceships including vintage Star Wars Die-cast Y-Wing Fighter (missing bomb), TIE Fighters (missing back compartments), Star Wars Rebel Blockade Runner, Klingon Bird of Prey, V Mothership, Konami Thunderbirds ships, Robby The Robot, Independance Day Alien Fighter, Cylon Raider, NASA Space Shuttle and many others (see pictures), all generally Good to Near Mint, some within packaging. (qty)

Large quantity of Palitoy & Hasbro vintage Action Force GI Joe 3 3/4" figures, vehicles and Play-sets including Transportable Tactiacl Battle Platform (missing some smaller parts), FANG (missing bomb), Forward Observer Unit (missing radio antenna, includes some extra bits), Space Patroller (complete), Space Engineer (complete), Destro, Kraken, and other characters, generally Good to Excellent, incomplete including various weapons and accessories, see pictures. (qty)

A group of pictures by Brian Chugg (British, 1926-2003) - Bomb Damage: Snow Hill, City of London -Scraperboard drawing -24 x 15cm - 41.5 x 31cm framed -Signed lower right and dated 1950 -Backed with acid free paper -Together with three landscape drawings by the same artist, the largest 27 x 37cm, all signed and dated (4)

Cheshire 999 Models & Similar 1:43 Scale Code 3 Range Rover Police Vehicles, originally AutoArt models, Metropolitan Police Range Rover Bomb Vehicle, West Midlands Police Range Rover, Metropolitan Police Range Rover (Red), Hampshire Constabulary Range Rover, Metropolitan Police Range Rover Traffic Car, Lothian & Borders Range Rover Traffic Vehicle, in original boxes, E, three with certs, boxes F-VG (6)

An original cinema insert poster for 'The Nude Bomb'

POP AND ROCK LP COLLECTION - a collection of approximately 160 Rock and Pop LPs from the 50s to 90s. Collection to include: Kate Bush, Michael Jackson, Queen, Brian May & Friends, Alice Cooper, Fleetwood, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Madonna, George Michael, Wham!, Dusty Springfield, Bruce Springsteen, Duran Duran, Thin Lizzy, Roxy Music, Gerry Rafferty, Billy Ocean, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, Japan, A-Ha, Now That's What I Call Music, Blancmange, Altered Image, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Cliff Richard & The Shadows, ABC, BBC Play School, Phil Collins, Bomb The Mass, Thompson Twins, Lionel Ritchie and more. The collection generally VG to Ex, some below.

CLASSIC PUNK/ WAVE - 7"/ LP COLLECTION. An extensive collection of around 125 punk & wave 7", including some LPs. Artists/ titles include The Fall inc Slates, Cruisers Creek, Oh Brother, Live 1996. Warsaw - S/T (private release), Blitz - Timb Bomb: Early Singles And Demos Collection, Jughead's Revenge - Image Is Everything, Elvis Costello - Almost Blue (x2), The Bollock Brothers, Motels, Joan Jett (picture disc). Sex Pistols (x7), The Clash (x5), Crass (x5), The Exploited, The Stranglers, Cure, The Mission, Pulp, Gang Of Four, Blind Mice, UK Decay, UK Subs. Condition is generally VG to Ex.

PSYCH/ GARAGE - MODERN/ REVIVAL LP COLLECTION. Another super collection of around 57 psych/ garage LPs. Artists/ titles include Yard Trauma - Retro-Spex, The Chesterfield Kings - Let's Go Get Stoned, The Steppers inc Enquire Within, Drop Of The Creature, The Stems - The Great Rosebid Hoax. Stone Garden, Acid Jam, Dr Frond, Big Dipper, The Fred Bison Five - Beatroots, Shoes - Shoes On Ice (promo), Lime Spiders - Beethovens Fist, Biff Bang Pow - Oblivion, The Bhagavan Guitars - Foreverglades. The Revolving Paint Dream, Nick Riff, Mushroom, Roger Magilo, New Math, Nick And Nick, Nicodemus, The 99th Floor, The Not Quite, Not Moving, Bomb, The Bongos. Condition is generally Ex to Ex+.

THE POLICE - EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE/EVERY BOMB YOU MAKE - 2022 DOUBLE 7" TEST PRESSING (A&M - 487 142-2). Fantastic contemporary Police rarity with this double 7" test pressing release of Every Breath You Take c/w Murder By Numbers (record 1) and Every Bomb You Make c/w Every Breath You Take (Instrumental). Produced by UMG in November 2022 for the EU RSD 2023 release. The records appear in unplayed condition. Only 5 copies of this test pressing were produced.

Dambusters - After Nic Brown  - 'Bomb Gone' - signed print of Avro Lancaster AJ-T dropping the Upkeep bomb on Sorpe Dam. Signed in black ink by AJ-T Bomb Aimer George Johnny Johnson (1921-2022). Signed in black ink and adding 'My Bomb' to the print. Measures 30cm x 46cm Provenance: originally purchased c2019 at an fundraising event in Bath, which Johnson attended.

Dambusters / 617 Squadron Interest - After Piotr Forkasiewicz - 'Lest We Forget' - signed print of a squadron of Lancaster Bombers. Autographed to the margin by 101 Squadron Pilot Rusty Waughman (1923-2023), 617 Squadron Bomb Aimer John Bell (d.2024), 617 Squadron Bomb Aimer and Dambuster George 'Johnny' Johnson (1921-2022) and 617 Sqdn Pilot Benny Goodman (1920-2021). Each signed in black ink to the margin. Total size 30cm x 45cm. Provenance: previously sold by us in 2018 as part of the 'Attack On Sorpe Dam' fundraising auctions. 

Dambusters - a Special Edition ' Dambusters 50th Anniversary ' WWII Second World War ' commemorative presentation diecast model set by Lledo. Featuring 3x WWII vehicles, released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Dambusters raid. Signed by AJ-T Bomb Aimer George Johnny Johnson (1921-2022). Johnson has signed both the box and two of the vehicles inside. Provenance: originally purchased by the current vendor during our fundraising auction evening of 27th October 2018. 

The Dam Busters (1955 British Epic War Film) - a pair of original WWII Second World War 1940s period binoculars and case, with an engraved brass plaque reading 'Michael Redgrave CBE - From Barnes Wallis CBE - I Used These At Reculver In 1943.' Redgrave portrayed Wallis in the classic 1955 movie, and it is presumed that these binoculars were a gift to Redgrave either during production, or just after filming ended. The binoculars exist in used but working order, with some paint loss and wear from use. The case survives in similar condition, the plaque being screwed to the top, with signs of re-seating with glue evident, likely a later repair. Provenance: previously sold by Lockdales Auctioneers 24.09.21. No further provenance known.  Sir Barnes Neville Wallis CBE (1887 – 1979) was an English engineer and inventor. He is best known for inventing the bouncing bomb used by the Royal Air Force in Operation Chastise (the "Dambusters" raid) to attack the dams of the Ruhr Valley during World War II.

Dambusters Interest - two antique marbles reputedly used by bouncing-bomb designer Sir Barnes Wallis during early tests, undertaken in a bathtub in his back garden. The first larger marble is of control bubble form, measuring approximately one inch in diameter. The second smaller marble of frosted form and measuring half an inch in diameter. Accompanied by vintage engraved brass plaque 'Operation Highball' and mounted in a later frame for display. Total frame size: 17cm x 22cm.  Provenance: These marbles, and others previously sold by different salerooms in 2015 and 2017, were originally purported to have been on display Hydneye House School (the Dambusters connection being 617 Squadron Pilot and Dambuster David Maltby's father, Etterick Maltby was the headmaster there, and a small 'museum' was situated on-site). The original owner, an ex-pupil of Hydneye School was given these marbles by the then-headmaster Gerald Brodribb shortly before demolition work on the school started some years ago. Purchased c2020 by their current owner, they are now offered for auction. These are thought to be the final two Barnes Wallis marbles from the Hydneye House School collection. In a 1951 speech, Sir Barnes Wallis discussed the use of marbles in early tests: 'A small but powerful catapult was arranged to fire marbles at the surface of the water in a tub, and by a series of such experiments I was able to determine the coefficient of restitution, and the angle at which a travelling sphere would leave the surface of the water after impact. This enabled me to draw a series of curves and to forecast the range which would be obtained were the sphere to be dropped from an aircraft travelling at a given speed.' (taken from: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12088443/How-Barnes-Wallis-used-marbles-bathtub-develop-Dambusters-bouncing-bomb.html)

A collection of assorted WWI First and WWII Second World War militaria comprising a WWI For King and Empire Services Rendered badge with paperwork, Mills Bomb relic and a leather Sam Browne belt.

Dambusters / 617 Squadron - After Piotr Forkasiewicz - 'Incoming Threat II' - signed print of a WWII Avro Lancaster in cloud. Signed to the margin by 617 Squadron Pilot Benny Goodman (1920-2021) and 617 Squadron Bomb Aimer and Dambuster George 'Johnny' Johnson (1921-2022). Signed by both in black ink. Total size: 30cm x 45cm. Provenance: originally purchased c2018 at a fundraising event. 

Lancaster Bomber Interest - an original WWII Second World War RAF Royal Air Force Air Ministry bomb aimer's Bomb Release switch from a Lancaster Bomber. The Bakelite switch with Air Ministry markings and part number 5D/596. Appears unused / ex Stores

Local Interest - a rare locally made ARP Air Raid Precautions / Home Guard 'Bomb Gripper' device. Long tubular steel construction, with a sprung 'dead man's handle.' When squeezed the device opens in order to pick up an incendiary bomb or similar device, releasing the handle grips the bomb. Painted in red and white and in working order. Retains the original label 'Bomb Gripper (with partial patent number visible) - 63 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol. Overall length: 189cm.  Provenance: discovered in a back garden Anderson shelter near Downend early last year. It is believed that none have ever been offered for sale before, and very little is known about the creation of this device. 

Dambusters - After Piotr Forkasiewicz - 'Operation Chastise 16th / 17th May 1943' - signed print of Avro Lancaster AJ-T attacking the Sorpe Dam. Signed in black ink by AJ-T Bomb Aimer George Johnny Johnson (1921-2022). Signed in black ink, with MBE and DFM added to his signature. Measures 30cm x 45cm. Provenance: originally purchased c2018 at a fundraising event attended by Johnson

Hot Wheels - 15 loose vintage Hot Wheels vehicles to include Splittin' Image, Custom Eldorado, Volkswagen Beach Bomb and others. Items appear to be in over all good condition but show some signs of play. Items not checked for completeness. (This does not constitute a guarantee) RG

Wg Cdr Roland Beamont DSO DFC 87 sqn signed V1 Flying Bomb attack cover JS50/44/5 WW2 RAF Battle of Britain pilot. He personally destroyed 32 V1s. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99

A collection of assorted 12" vinyl, mainly LPs, various dates and genres to include Barbara Dickson - The Right Moment; Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA; The Boomtown Rats - The Fine Art of Surfacing; Boston - Boston; Bread - The Best of; Blondie - Parallel Lines; The B52s - The B52s; The Cure - Shake it up; Chris Rea - Wired to the Moon; China - Sign in the Sky; Cuba Dares - One Nine Eight Six; Carpenters - A Kind of Hush; Diana Ross - Swept Away; Chris de Burgh - Into the Light; Christopher Ward - Time stands still; The Bomb Party - Drugs; Dire Straits - Communique; David Bowie - Lodger; Def Leppard - Hysteria; Debbie Gibson - Out of the Blue; Dam - Inside Out; Dead or Alive - Sophisticated Boom Boom; Destruction - Release from Agony; Depeche Mode - The Singles 1981-85; Dokken - Back for the Attack; Dr Hook - Sometimes You Win; Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno; and Deicide - Legion etc (75 with some duplicates)

A original Archibald Knox for Liberty of London Arts & Crafts pewter bomb vase h19cm. With registration marks to base 0226.

IPCRESS FILEOne Sheet (27" x 41"); Ray-Ban StyleVery Fine- Folded Universal, 1965This poster is folded as issued and exhibits pinholes, light corner creases and general fold wear. This example features bright, vivid colors and is in excellent unrestored condition."The IPCRESS File" is Len Deighton's debut spy novel, released in 1962. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the narrative features brainwashing, scenes set in Lebanon, a U.S. atomic weapon test on an atoll, and details about Joe One, the Soviet Union's inaugural atomic bomb. Charged with solving the abductions and subsequent brainwashed returns of leading scientists, including Dr. Radcliffe (portrayed by Aubrey Richards), the rebellious British intelligence officer Harry Palmer (played by Michael Caine) maneuvers through a labyrinth of criminals, spies, and commanding officers (Nigel Green, Guy Doleman). This lot will be auctioned on Friday, September 13th. The auction will begin at 9:30am PST and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on September 12th.

DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMBOne Sheet (27" x 41"); Day-Glo StyleVery Fine+ Folded; Artwork by Tomi Ungerer Columbia, 1964From a Private Collector.This rare folded poster variant, illustrated by artist Tomi Ungerer (1931-2019) in vibrant "Day Glo" ink, measures 27" x 41" and is in outstanding condition, showing minimal handling wear. There is slight edge wear and small tears at the bottom border. This poster is notable for its use of "Day Glo" ink, a vibrant choice popular during the 1960s.A satirical political war black comedy by Stanley Kubrick, Dr. Strangelove is widely considered to be one of the best comedies ever made. From memorable imagery of Slim Pickens riding the H-bomb to lead man Peter Sellers playing three very different roles, the film remains a historic and hilarious piece of cinema.This lot will be auctioned on Friday, September 13th. The auction will begin at 9:30am PST and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on September 12th.

Trinitite specimen, formed from the heat of the first atomic bomb exploded at the Trinity Site near Alamogordo, Texas. Specimen suspended in clear resin block. Black block beneath reads, Scientific, Laboratory, Trinitite. Description of specimen printed on bottom. Dimensions: 2"L x 2"W x 2"HCondition: Age related wear.

Silver & Plate - a silver topped bomb shaped glass scent bottle, others; Art & Crafts epns three piece tea set etc

AUCHENTOSHAN 2009 INAUGURAL FESTIVAL RELEASE LOWLAND SINGLE MALT Bottled: 200956.5% ABV / 70cl Auchentoshan is part of a small minority of Scottish distilleries, in that every drop of whisky it produces is sold as a single malt. Similarly unusual is its use of triple distillation to produce a purer spirit that’s light and mildly fruity. Situated just outside Clydebank, the distillery was lucky to survive the 1941 blitz relatively unscathed. Only one of its warehouses was damaged by a bomb blast, and another near miss provided a blast crater that later became the distillery’s picturesque pond.

AUCHENTOSHAN 21 YEAR OLD LOWLAND SINGLE MALT 43% ABV / 70cl Auchentoshan is part of a small minority of Scottish distilleries, in that every drop of whisky it produces is sold as a single malt. Similarly unusual is its use of triple distillation to produce a purer spirit that’s light and mildly fruity.Situated just outside Clydebank, the distillery was lucky to survive the 1941 blitz relatively unscathed. Only one of its warehouses was damaged by a bomb blast, and another near miss provided a blast crater that later became the distillery’s picturesque pond.

AUCHENTOSHAN (MORRISON BOWMORE) "LANARK 850" 10 YEAR OLD CERAMIC DECANTER 75CL LOWLAND SINGLE MALT 40% ABV / 75cl Auchentoshan is part of a small minority of Scottish distilleries, in that every drop of whisky it produces is sold as a single malt. Similarly unusual is its use of triple distillation to produce a purer spirit that’s light and mildly fruity.Situated just outside Clydebank, the distillery was lucky to survive the 1941 blitz relatively unscathed. Only one of its warehouses was damaged by a bomb blast, and another near miss provided a blast crater that later became the distillery’s picturesque pond. Weight of the decanter is 1.57kgs Please see additional images of the seal

AUCHENTOSHAN 2010 FESTIVAL RELEASE LOWLAND SINGLE MALT Distilled: 1998Bottled: 2010Matured in European Oak Fino Sherry casksBottle Number: 12 / 20054.6% ABV / 70cl Auchentoshan is part of a small minority of Scottish distilleries, in that every drop of whisky it produces is sold as a single malt. Similarly unusual is its use of triple distillation to produce a purer spirit that’s light and mildly fruity. Situated just outside Clydebank, the distillery was lucky to survive the 1941 blitz relatively unscathed. Only one of its warehouses was damaged by a bomb blast, and another near miss provided a blast crater that later became the distillery’s picturesque pond.

AUCHENTOSHAN VALINCH 2012 FESTIVAL RELEASE LOWLAND SINGLE MALT Bottled: 16/06/2012Bottle Number: 61 / 200Matured in North American Bourbon Oak57.2% ABV / 70cl Auchentoshan is part of a small minority of Scottish distilleries, in that every drop of whisky it produces is sold as a single malt. Similarly unusual is its use of triple distillation to produce a purer spirit that’s light and mildly fruity. Situated just outside Clydebank, the distillery was lucky to survive the 1941 blitz relatively unscathed. Only one of its warehouses was damaged by a bomb blast, and another near miss provided a blast crater that later became the distillery’s picturesque pond.

Three: Sergeant F. R. Stearn, Royal Air Force, a Wireless Operator with 50 Squadron, Bomber Command, who was shot down and taken Prisoner of War on his first operational daylight sortie to bomb the submarine oil pens at Bordeaux on 13 August 1944, joining the Caterpillar Club in the process 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45; together with the recipient’s Caterpillar Club Badge, gold with painted red ‘ruby’ eyes, the reverse engraved ‘Sgt. F. Stearn.’, the medals later issues with Defence Council enclosure in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr F R Stearn, 14 Elmwood Way, Basingstoke, Hants, RG23 8LG’, with ticker tape slips, good very fine (3) £400-£500 --- Frederick Richard Stearn was born on 20 February 1924 and spent his childhood living at 98 Suez Road, Cambridge, before working as a retail assistant in the local shoe shop. He volunteered for the Royal Air Force in February 1942, describing himself as ‘an enthusiastic 17 year old who had a passion for planes’, and was soon sent for training as a Wireless Operator and Air Gunner in Bomber Command. An affectionate letter home to his mother notes: ‘I have been pretty busy this last three days having moved to a different camp and also flying the pants off us... Yes, we certainly get some flying hours in here!’ Posted on 7 August 1944 to 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Stearn enjoyed just two practice flights from R.A.F. Skellingthorpe as Wireless Operator aboard a Lancaster captained by Flight Sergeant P. Lorimer before this new crew was assigned their first operational mission just six days later. The recipient’s memories of his first bombing run to Bordeaux in Nazi-occupied France were later detailed in the Basingstoke press and mentioned in Bomber Crew by James Taylor and Martin Davidson: ‘It was a beautiful sunny day, and it felt like a training exercise. We didn’t see any fighters but there was quite a bit of flak in the air. Before we could release our bombs, all the flak gunners aimed at our plane and we got shot up pretty badly. Two of our engines were on fire and the controls were shot away...’ What happened next was somewhat of a blur for Stearn, but somehow he, along with the rest of the crew, parachuted out of the burning plane relatively unscathed: ‘All I remember is flying down and German soldiers firing on us. I don’t remember hitting the ground, but I was sitting under a tree thinking “wow, four hours ago I was in England!”’ Having landed on the north bank of the River Gironde, Stearn and his 6 crew soon found attempts at evasion to be a fruitless task; landing amidst an enemy battery, the attention of machine guns and a large number of enraged Germans soon resulted in a frisking at the local Luftwaffe command post and a trip to the Municipal prison at Cognac. Transferred to the military prison at Bordeaux and thence to Merignac, Stearn and 21 comrades were driven to Chateauneuf early on the morning of 22 August as part of a large convoy detailed to return to Germany. A contemporary account given to M.I.9. by a fellow crewman, Sergeant Grey, describes this period: ‘We spent two days and nights in a lorry sitting on boxes of hand grenades and sticks of T.N.T. It was raining most of the time and we had no means of shelter. We made several attempts to escape, but unsuccessfully as the convoy was heavily guarded. The following morning we were told we would remain here (Chateauneuf) for some time, as the Allied troops were on the move. We were put into a filthy barn and were given some straw to lie on. By this time most of the men were ill from the lack of proper nourishment, several of them suffered badly from dysentery. About 1800 hrs the farm was attacked by the Maquis, the attack lasted about 20 minutes. On the morning of 28 August we were told to prepare to go to hospital in Angouleme. We arrived at the hospital at 1100 hrs and were put on a ward with several Allied prisoners. On 1 September at 1330 hrs the Maquis liberated the town. From this point our journey was arranged for us.’ Liberated by American forces, Stearn was able to make his way back to England where he later took employment as Assistant Manager in the Co-Op’s footwear department in Cambridge. Relocating to Basingstoke in 1960, he later looked back on the events of 13 August 1944: ‘I’m not particularly proud of what happened... We got shot down on our first operation and I have never lived that down. It made men of us - we had never had responsibility before. I wouldn’t have missed the comradeship for the world and I’m proud of what we achieved!’ Sold with the recipient’s original R.A.F. Navigator’s, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Books (2), detailing the recipient’s full service; original named Caterpillar Club Certificate of Membership card and two letters from Leslie L. Irvin welcoming Stearn and enclosing the gold Caterpillar, the latter dated 12 February 1945; three original telegrams to the recipient’s father informing him that his son is missing in action and later confirming safe arrival back in England; a letter from Wing Commander Frogley of 50 Squadron informing the recipient’s father that he has been shot down over enemy territory, and another from the Station Chaplain and Air Ministry; two card dog tags named to the recipient; together with a large and comprehensive file of research compiled by the current vendor, including a photograph of the recipient in later life proudly holding up his medals.

Three: Second Lieutenant J. R. Speeding, Royal West Surrey Regiment, late 14th (County of London) Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment, who fought in the gallant 'Halloween' charge at Messines on 31 October 1914, and survived the First Day of the Battle of the Somme when the London Scottish suffered nearly 600 casualties 1914 Star (1623 Pte. J. R. Speeding. 14/Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. J. R. Speeding) mounted court-style for display, good very fine and better (3) £300-£400 --- Jack Rowland Speeding was born in Leytonstone on 24 February 1893, the son of Lagos (West Africa) Harbour Master William Clementenville Speeding. Educated at The High School for Boys, Croydon, Speeding took pre-War employment as a bank clerk for the County of Westminster Bank and lived in an apartment on The Prince of Wales Road, Battersea Park. He subsequently attested for the 14th Battalion, London Regiment, at Buckingham Gate on 4 March 1912 and embarked for France with the 1/14th per S.S. Winnifredia on 15 September 1914 as part of a fairly exclusive club; his compatriots were entirely composed of white-collar London professionals headed by private school boys and university-educated men, who had paid a subscription to join and had proven themselves Scottish by birth or parentage.  Initially sent to St. Omer, the men spent their first few weeks overseas employed as labour and prisoner escorts. Transferred to lines of communication duties, their role soon changed in October 1914 as the British line began to fragment along a ridge of high ground running south from Ypres known as the Wytschaete-Messines Ridge. Considered strategically vital, if the Germans managed to occupy and hold this position then they could dominate the ground to the west and endanger the British force holding Ypres. The Stand of the London Scottish at Messines Described as a 'baptism of fire' on 31 October 1914, the repulsion of four separate German bayonet attacks by men of the 14th London Regiment is perhaps the most significant action in the storied history of the Regiment, later immortalised in a famous artwork by Richard Caton-Woodville. Commencing around 9pm, waves of enemy charged at the British lines and were driven back by rifle fire and a series of counter-attacks. Forced to 'single feed' rounds one at a time into the newly-issued Mark 1 rifles, the London Scottish immediately compensated for weak springs and incorrect front stop clips through steady shooting and the experience of training; proud of their marksmanship at Bisley, they proved highly efficient in administering the 'mad minute' of 15 aimed shots in 60 seconds.  Despite desperate resistance, enemy forces of the 6th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Division attempted to make their way around the Battalion flank; with isolated pockets of wounded and exhausted men forced to surrender, Speeding succeeded in withdrawing to the west, one of 416 men who successfully made their way to Wulveringhem to regroup and take stock. Praise for the London Scottish, the first Territorial Force troops to see action, was as fulsome as it was generous; within hours of the engagement, Field Marshal Sir John French, Commander-in-Chief of British Forces, sent a telegram to Colonel Malcolm: 'I wish you and your splendid regiment to accept my warmest congratulations and thanks for the fine work you did yesterday at Messines. You have given glorious lead and example to all Territorial troops who are fighting in France.'  The London Scottish were destined to spend the next month undertaking primitive trench duties in and around Hazebrouck, the casualties from sniping being unrelenting. Posted to Neuve Chapelle and Loos, Speeding and his comrades returned to the line on 25 July 1915, and on 5 August became the subject of a German barrage when their pipers played 'God Save the King' to mark the commencement of the second year of the War. Serving as part of 'Green's Force', the London Scottish faced bitter fighting around the Loos Chalk Pit before making their way to the Fosse Way trench system near Le Rutoire. A contemporary account notes: 'We were shelled and gassed out of these trenches several times that day... and in the evening it was raining so hard that we got out of the trench to save ourselves from swimming... everyone looked wrecked. Muddy and covered with dirt, many had lost their bonnets and no shave since the 21st. We were wrecks.'  Returned to England on 6 January 1916 - likely exhausted - Speeding was attached for duty at the Administrative Centre at Buckingham Gate on 22 January 1916. He returned to France four months later, and was marked Category 'A' by a medical board assessment held at Rouen on 22 April 1916. He rejoined the 1/14th Battalion on 14 May 1916 and was soon back in the front line in front of Hebuterne on 1 June 1916 in the build up to the Battle of the Somme. Located on the line of the Hubuterne-Puisieux Road, the London Scottish emerged from their front line trenches and pushed forward into a smoke cloud on 1 July 1916; amidst hand-to-hand fighting and a scramble for the ground around the mine crater at La Boiselle, the men advanced with bomb and bayonet into a landscape which had been so decimated by the Allied artillery bombardment that it was practically impossible to distinguish the German trenches. Despite early success, the scene deteriorated in the afternoon - made worse by the enemy retaining the higher ground and the London Scottish suffering from a lack of ammunition. Facing a retaliation of gas shells, Speeding and his comrades were forced to retreat back to the British lines; of the 856 all ranks who had gone into action that morning, just 9 officers and 257 other ranks stood ready to fight the following day. According to The London Scottish in the Great War: 'No one could have done more that day than the London Scottish, a fact recognised by the General Officer Commanding in his Divisional Order published the next morning: 'I want to express to all ranks of the London Scottish my sincere thanks for the glorious example of dash and heroism which they set to all arms of the service who were in action with you yesterday.'  Remaining on the Somme Battlefield, the London Scottish relieved the 2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment at Leuze Wood on 5 September 1916 and carried out a bombing fight with the Germans around the Quadrilateral. Admitted to No. 14 General Hospital at Wimereux on 28 October 1916 suffering from trench fever, Speeding was evacuated to England per H.S. St. David; he transferred under medical category 'A3' to the Reserve of the 14th London Regiment at Seaford on 10 July 1917 for further recuperation.  Sent to No. 6 Officer Cadet Battalion at Oxford on 29 October 1917, Speeding was discharged from the 14th London Regiment on appointment to a commission in the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, on 26 March 1918. His Officer Cadet Confidential Report was positive: 'A very nice, steady cadet. Has worked hard and done well. He will make a thoroughly trustworthy officer and one who will command respect from all'. Arriving at Battalion Depot at Étaples on 18 June 1918, Speeding's Officer Service Record notes that he was admitted to hospital at Camiers on 26 June 1918. Transferred to the 6th Battalion, he was wounded on 23 August 1918. Speeding survived the Great War - one of a small band of 'originals' who fought at Messines - and relinquished his commission on 4 December 1920.  Sold with copied research, including a group shot of the ‘Croydon High School “Old Boy” Territorials’, the recipient identified below.

A D.C.M. group of eight miniature dress medals attributed to Sergeant A. N. Redfern, North Staffordshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919; Jubilee 1935; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue; Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 3rd issue, mounted for display, good very fine (8) £80-£100 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 15 January 1920: ‘For marked courage and initiative at Bagh, India, on 11 May 1919. He crept up and threw a bomb into the enemy trench and killed all the occupants. He then moved to the other flank, and threw four bombs. He then charged with his men, captured the trench, and killed all the occupants.’ Sold with some original letters named to the recipient; and copied research.

An outstanding Second War glider-towing operations D.F.C., 1940 operations D.F.M. group of seven awarded to Squadron Leader R. E. Charlton, Royal Air Force, a three tour Navigator whose operational record included many sorties with No. 138 (S.O.E.) Squadron, in addition to transporting troops and supplies on D-Day, at Arnhem, and during the Rhine Crossing - among the latter an S.A.S. team as part of Operation Wallace Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1945’; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (580858 Sgt. R. E. Charlton, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; War Medal 1939-45; France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre 1939, bronze, with gilt star on riband, mounted as worn, good very fine or better (7) £5,000-£7,000 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2003 and July 2010. D.F.C. London Gazette 8 June 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘Since being awarded the D.F.M. in November 1940, Flight Lieutenant Charlton has had an almost continuous record of operational and transport flying. He completed a full tour of operations with No. 3 Group on S.O.E. duties, 12 months with No. 24 and No. 512 Squadrons and over 12 months with this Squadron [No. 575] during which time as the Squadron Commander’s Navigator he has led flights on D-Day, Arnhem and the Rhine Crossing, in all completing 6 Airborne operational sorties apart from numerous sub-operational flights to the Continent. Since September 1939 he has completed over 1600 hours flying as Navigator. His work has been consistently conscientious and he is an outstanding Navigator. On the recent Rhine crossing operation his accurate and detailed commentary was invaluable and resulted in the Glider Captain being brought in sight of the Landing Zone under conditions of extreme low visibility during considerable harassing flak.’ D.F.M. London Gazette 17 January 1941. The original recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. Air Observer has now completed 27 operational sorties and has been to an O.T.U. as an instructor and to rest. He has had a number of very trying experiences which included returning from Bremen on one engine, being severely shot up and the petrol tanks holed. Throughout all his trips he has shown unfailing cheerfulness and his happy smile has given encouragement and confidence to others in the crew when things were not going well. His work as a Navigator and Bomb Aimer has been consistent and good, and an example to his brother Observers in the Squadron [No. 77].’ French Croix de Guerre Order General No. 65, Paris 5 June 1946. The original recommendation states: ‘Prior to D-Day Flight Lieutenant Charlton had flown on 54 sorties as a Bomber Navigator, involving about 400 hours of operational flying. The exceptional skill and experience possessed by this Officer enabled him to guide his pilot, by night, to the exact position occupied by some of the first paratroops to be dropped in the invasion operation. Later in the day of the invasion, he was Navigator of an aircraft detailed, with a glider load, on a similar mission. Flight Lieutenant Charlton has also made a number of flights by night for the purpose of dropping leaflets and delivering urgent stores. In addition, he has been engaged in the transport of casualties of the Allied forces. He is a brave Officer and has set a fine example.’ Ronald Edmund Charlton, who was born in September 1915, enlisted in the Royal Air Force as an Aircraftman 2nd Class on the outbreak of hostilities, and commenced his operational career as a Navigator and Bomb Aimer with No. 77 Squadron, a Whitley unit operating out of Driffield, at the end of 1939. Going on to complete a tour of 27 sorties, Charlton undoubtedly experienced some hair-raising moments, not least during the raid on Bremen referred to in his D.F.M. recommendation. Not specifically mentioned, but undoubtedly of a similar nature, was the sortie flown by him to Poland in mid-March 1940, in Whitley “L-Love”, captained by Flight Lieutenant Tomlin. Bomber Command Squadrons takes up the story: ‘It was during the operation to Warsaw - Bomber Command’s second visit to Poland but No. 77’s first - on the night of 15-16 March 1940, that one of the Squadron’s crews performed a feat which probably remained unparalleled for the rest of the War. Having dropped their Nickels on Warsaw they returned safely across Germany and then, because the weather was bad, put down as soon as possible after the crossing - as they thought - the Franco-German frontier. A few words with the local peasantry quickly disillusioned them, but by that time German troops were approaching on cycles. The quick-witted crew promptly dashed back into the aircraft, took off under rifle fire, and landed safely, but rather shaken, at a French airfield.’ Charlton ended his tour with No. 77 in September 1940 and was gazetted for the D.F.M. in January 1941. Then, following service as an Instructor at No. 13 O.T.U., he commenced a second tour of operations with No. 138 Squadron, the S.O.E. support unit based at Newmarket /Tempsford, in late January 1942. The reasons behind Charlton’s transferral to No. 138’s clandestine world is part and parcel of the “Bunny” Rymills story. Both men had apparently upset the C.O. of No. 13 O.T.U., Group Captain Jarman, a formidable New Zealander, Rymills by smashing his aircraft into another on the ground, and Charlton, somewhat unfairly, for his much earlier navigational error on the Warsaw sortie outlined above. In company with another “undesirable”, Sergeant Stokes, they were threatened with a posting to Singapore, on the eve of Percival’s surrender to the Japanese, but in the event this transpired to be a cover for their actual transferral to No. 138. Rymill’s later commented of his new partners in crime, “They were superb operational types: cool, calm, and efficient under fire and masters of their respective trades. I could not have had better men to fly with.” The bland nature of the information contained in No. 138’s records makes it difficult to ascertain the exact content of Charlton’s operational sorties, but in addition to flying in Rymills’ crew it seems likely that he teamed up with Pilot Officer T. R. Russell in November 1942, when the Rymills transferred to the Lysander Flight. Russell, who had also joined No. 138 in January 1942, was posted with Charlton to No. 24 Squadron, Transport Command in early 1943, the pair of them flying together in the latter unit until the end of that year. By means of using Rymills and Russell as pilot guidelines, it is clear that Charlton participated in some classic S.O.E. operations, probable among them Operation Eel on the night of 29-30 May 1942, when assorted “passengers” parachuted out of a Halifax piloted by Rymills at 600 feet, somewhere in the vicinity of the Saone Valley. Norway, too, was part of the squadron’s brief, and another successful trip, part of Operation Castor/Coronna, was carried out there by Rymills on the night of 18-19 October 1942. Two nights later, similar success was achieved in Operation Plane II to France. Full details from 138’s records are included with the Lot, including numerous entries for Rymills and Russell, added to which frequent mention of both pilots maybe found in K. A. Merrick’s definitive history Flights of the Forgotten. Commissioned as a Pilot Officer in January 1943, at the end of his tour with No. 138, Charlton was next posted to Transport Command, joining No. 24 Squadron, a Dakota unit, that March. Thus ensued a series of return flights to Gibraltar with assorted pa...

A post-War ‘Civil Division’ B.E.M. awarded to Mr. J. Loenhardt, an Electrician with the War Office’s Bomb Disposal Unit British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Julius Loenhardt.) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £120-£160 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 8 June 1963: ‘Julius Loenhardt, Electrician, Bomb Disposal Unit, War Office. (Horsham, Sussex.)’ Sold with the original Buckingham Palace letter of award, this sometime trimmed for mounting.

‘Throughout the Falklands campaign, the members of the Fleet Clearance Diving Teams lived and worked in atrocious conditions. Performing most of their bomb disposal and repair work at night during lulls in the air raids, they slept in cramped spaces in odd nooks of ships or ashore in damp, makeshift shelters. Much of their diving was conducted in dark fetid compartments surrounded by jagged steel edges, explosive debris and freezing water contaminated by oil, battery acid and raw sewage … ’ The Naval Review, November 2007 (Vol. 95, No. 4), refers. An outstanding Gulf of Suez mine disposal M.B.E., Falklands War bomb disposal D.S.C. group of ten awarded to Commander N. A. ‘Bernie’ Bruen, Royal Navy, who commanded a Fleet Clearance Diving Team in Operation ‘Corporate’ In the immediate wake of the death of a fellow bomb disposal specialist in H.M.S. Antelope, he successfully disposed of a 1,000 lb. UXB which had crashed through R.F.A. Sir Galahad’s port side and ended up in the battery room, wrapped in torn steel and surrounded by smashed carboys of acid: the device was carefully lowered on to a Gemini inflatable which was cushioned with boxes of cornflakes before being ditched at sea He also assisted with another 1,000 lb. UXB in the R.F.A. Sir Lancelot, a nerve wracking 22-hour-long operation in which he cleared away asbestos from inside the bomb’s fuse with a toothpick purloined from the ship’s dental surgery Nonetheless, as recounted in the pages of his autobiography, ‘Keep Your Head Down’, Bruen still found time to play his beloved violin and was nicknamed the ‘Falklands Fiddle’ for his performances during ‘raids, funerals and parties.’ He was, in fact, according to one of his old ratings, ‘mad as a box of frogs but a good bloke’ The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military), Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Distinguished Service Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated ‘1982’ and additionally engraved ‘Lt N. A. Bruen’; General Service 1962-2007, 2 clasps, Northern Ireland, Mine-Clearance-Gulf of Suez (Lt. N.A. Bruen, R.N.); South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (Lt. N.A. Bruen NP 1890); Oman, Sultanate, Distinguished Service Medal; Dhofar Peace Medal, with Action Crown, engraved ‘Ra'ees N. A. Bruen RN - CO SNV l Mujahid 1980-82’; 10th Anniversary Medal, engraved ‘Ra'ees N. A. Bruen RN - CO SNV Al Mujahid’; 20th Anniversary Medal; 25th Anniversary Medal; United States of America, Expeditionary Medal, for services rendered to U.S. Forces at Diego Garcia during the Iranian Hostage Crisis 1979-80, mounted court-style, nearly extremely fine (10) £70,000-£90,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- M.B.E. London Gazette 15 June 1985: An award for mine clearance operations in the Gulf of Suez in 1984. D.S.C. London Gazette 8 October 1982: ‘During the evening of 25 May 1982, R.F.A. Sir Galahad was struck by a 1,000lb. bomb which failed to explode. Lieutenant Bruen, Officer in Charge Fleet Clearance Diving Team 3, was tasked to effect its removal. The bomb was lodged in a difficult position, surrounded by broken batteries which had splashed acid around the compartment. The decision was taken to raise the bomb to the vehicle deck and dispose of it overboard. This difficult and dangerous task was successfully completed by the team in the early hours of the following day. During the operation, Lieutenant Bruen showed great personal courage and impeccable leadership.’ Nigel Arthur ‘Bernie’ Bruen was born in Haverfordwest, Dyfed, on 20 November 1946, the son of Commander John Martin Bruen, D.S.O., D.S.C., R.N. Educated at Wellington College and the Birmingham School of Dramatic Art, ‘Bernie’ worked as a stage manager and lighting engineer, ‘a splendid period of my life that I still look upon with fondness and pride.’ At length, however, and perhaps motivated by his father’s achievements in the Fleet Air Arm, he next applied to the Royal Navy for a short service commission as a helicopter pilot, passed his Admiratly Interview Board, and entered the R.N.C. Dartmouth in 1968. Flying, as it transpired, was not for him, but he did qualify as a naval diver. Having then enjoyed several seagoing appointments in the interim, some of them as gunnery officer, Bruen finally won a place on the Long Clearance Diving Course at H.M.S. Vernon. As recounted in Keep Your Head Down, he was ‘put through the mill in what is perhaps the most complete diving and mine warfare course in the world.’ Duly qualified, he joined the mine clearance ship Gavinton. He was also accepted as a member of the Royal Navy’s boxing squad: ‘My finest hour came when I drove from Rosyth to Portsmouth in seven hours and twenty-three minutes, through freezing fog, to contest the Royal Navy Open Championship with Nickie Croombes, the then European and Commonwealth silver medallist and considered to be the most dangerous man on the circuit. He beat me, of course, but we had the crowd on its feet and cheering us all the way to the dressing-room. It was the finest night of my life and a cracking fight … ’ Bruen was next posted to Diego Garcia as First Lieutenant of the Naval Party and fought his last boxing bout against ‘an American construction battalion steelworker who was eleven inches shorter, eleven pounds heavier and eleven years younger than I, and very handy.’ Bruen won, ‘but it was a very hard fight.’ Then, shortly before the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq war in 1980, he was attached to the Sultan of Oman’s Navy and given command of the patrol boat Al Mujahid, in which ‘we patrolled endlessly the entrance to the Gulf and kept safe passage for all.’ His return to the U.K. in 1982 was short-lived, however, on account of Argentina’s invasion of the Falklands. He was summoned to the Admiralty and ordered to hastily assemble a special group of divers and, as recounted in his autobiography, ‘before long we found ourselves en route for Ascension Island in the noisy cold belly of an R.A.F. Hercules transport, with the minimum of gear and a great feeling of adventure.’ Falklands – UXB D.S.C. Transferring to the R.F.A. Sir Bedivere at Ascension, Bruen and his diving team arrived in darkness in San Carlos Water on the night of the 23-24 May 1982, ‘the only light being the burning H.M.S. Antelope.’ The cause of Antelope’s death throes must have been of huge concern to the likes of Bruen: the detonation of a 1,000 lb. bomb which was being attended to by Warrant Officer John Phillips, R.E. and Staff Sergeant James Prescott, R.E., the latter being killed instantly. That concern was no doubt heightened when the Sir Galahad and Sir Lancelot were likewise hit in another Argentinian raid on 25 May: two enemy 1,000 lb. bombs - one aboard the Sir Galahad and the other aboard the Sir Lancelot, had failed to explode. As commanding officer of Fleet Clearance Diving Team 3, he was ordered by his Senior Controller to deal with them. The truly heroic feats that followed lasted for eight and a half hours and 22 hours, and resulted in the award of his D.S.C., not least for dealing with the Sir Galahad UXB which lay in an acid-strewn compartment. Bruen has since written at length about both incidents but by way of summary, the following extract has been taken from a special feature that appeared in the Western Morning News on 14 February 2004: &lsqu...

An outstanding Second War ‘1942’ Wellington and Lancaster navigator’s D.F.M. awarded to Flying Officer J. W. Oldham, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 43 operational sorties, with 142 and 97 (Strait Settlements) Squadrons, including the first Thousand Bomber Raids to Cologne and Essen. Oldham was involved in a remarkable act of valour, whilst on a raid to Bizerta, Tunisia, when his Wellington was forced to cruise over the target for 20 minutes whilst he and two others used an axe to release a 4,000lb. bomb which had become fixed by icing - ‘Oldham then got an axe and made a hole in the bottom of the fuselage, big enough for him to put his head and shoulders through. With Johnson holding his legs, Oldham then hung through the fuselage and chipped away at the ice until he was tired, when Johnson took his place. Flight Sergt C. E. Dlaney, of Quebec City, the rear gunner, also had a turn, and eventually the ice was cleared. Fairly heavy flak was coming up all the time the airmen were chipping away. Once the bomb was free of the ice, Johnson went back to his bomb sight and, at the right moment, shouted to the other two to let it go. Both airmen then gave a lusty push with their feet, and another 4,000 pounder crashed into an Axis target.’ Oldham was killed in action whilst on a raid on targets in the Normandy Battle Zone on 30 July 1944 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1053632. F/Sgt. J. W. Oldham. R.A.F.) mounted on investiture pin, in Royal Mint case of issue, toned, extremely fine £2,000-£2,400 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 12 January 1943. The original Recommendation states: ‘F/Sgt. Oldham has successfully completed twenty operational sorties over enemy territory. By his keenness, courage and determination this N.C.O. has set a fine example to the rest of the crew and is largely responsible for the high number of successful trips they have completed in the face of the heaviest enemy defences. On the ground his keenness and devotion to his job have been a splendid example to the other Navigators in the Squadron and has done much to raise the standard throughout the Squadron. One night near the end of August the machine of which he was Navigator was very roughly handled by the enemy defences over the Ruhr and was forced well to the south of the intended track. By his high degree of skill this Observer was successful in navigating his damaged machine safely back to an aerodrome in this country. His coolness and cheerful confidence on this occasion were a fine example to the rest of his crew. Remarks by Station Commander: F/Sgt. Oldham is an extremely steady and competent observer who can always be relied upon to produce the best results. Under his quiet manner he possesses great courage and determination. He is a great asset to a very good squadron.’ James Wolstenholme Oldham was born in December 1921, and was a native of Bebington, Cheshire. He served operationally as a navigator with 142 Squadron (Wellingtons), Grimsby, from May 1942, and flew a tour with them including: St. Nazaire; the Thousand Bomber Raid to Cologne, 30-31 May 1942; Essen (4), including The Thousand Bomber Raid, 1-2 June 1942; Duisberg (2); Hamburg; Dusseldorf; Flensburg; Frankfurt; Kassel; Saarbrucken; and Krefeld. Oldham moved with a detachment of the Squadron to North Africa in December 1942, and operated with them from Blida in Algeria. He flew a number of sorties, including an extraordinary attack on Bizerta: ‘This is the story of the crew of a Wellington bomber which used an axe to release a 4,000lb. bomb which became fixed by icing when the bomber was raiding Bizerta, and the machine, flying at 11,000ft, met with severe icing conditions, causing the release mechanism to fail. The Wellington cruised over the target for about 20 minutes whilst the front and rear gunners hacked away the ice which had formed on the couplings. All three members had to lean perilously while they hacked away, and when finally they succeeded in getting most of the ice away they pushed it into space with their feet and watched it burst with a terrific flash smack in the target area. “I had just got the target beautifully into my bomb sight,” said Sergt. A. S. Johnson, of Seaham, Durham, the front gunner and bomb aimer, “when I found the release gear had packed up. I tried three times to get the bomb away, but it wouldn’t drop. When I went to the bomb bay I found that the couplings underneath the bomb had iced up.” Johnson and the Navigator Flight Sergt. J. W. Oldham, of Bebington, Cheshire, tried to unscrew the couplings, but the ice was too thick. Oldham then got an axe and made a hole in the bottom of the fuselage, big enough for him to put his head and shoulders through. With Johnson holding his legs, Oldham then hung through the fuselage and chipped away at the ice until he was tired, when Johnson took his place. Flight Sergeant C. E. Dlaney, of Quebec City, the rear gunner, also had a turn, and eventually the ice was cleared. Fairly heavy flak was coming up all the time the airmen were chipping away. Once the bomb was free of the ice, Johnson went back to his bomb sight and, at the right moment, shouted to the other two to let it go. Both airmen then gave a lusty push with their feet, and another 4,000 pounder crashed into an Axis target.’ (Newspaper cutting included with the lot refers) Remarkably Oldham’s gallantry was not recognised in this instance, and he subsequently transferred to 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron (Lancasters) at Coningsby in June 1944. His commanding officer, Wing Commander A. W. Heward, wrote the following to Oldham’s widow, 30 July 1944: ‘I deeply regret to confirm that your husband, Flying Officer J. W. Oldham, failed to return from operations this morning, 30th July, 1944, and I wish to express the sympathy of the whole Squadron with you in your anxiety. Flying Officer Oldham was taking part in an attack on a target near Cahagnes, France, as navigator in the aircraft, of which no news has since been received... Your husband came to this Squadron early in June with a record of thirty-five operational sorties to his credit, and was completing his eighth with us, the majority of the latter being against objectives on the Normandy front. He was most enthusiastic in his duties and proved himself to a be most efficient and reliable navigator whose loss will be deeply felt by us all...’ Oldham was later confirmed as killed in action on 30 July 1944, after his Lancaster piloted by Flight Lieutenant H. A. B. Baker ‘T/O 054 [from] Coningsby to attack enemy strong points in the Normandy battle zone. Set on fire in the port inner engine, the blaze soon spreading to engulf the entire wing. The order to bale out was given and at around 0800 the Lancaster crashed SE of St-Lô in the Department of Manche.’ (Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War by W. R. Chorely refers) Three members of the crew survived, and were taken Prisoner of War. Flying Officer Oldham is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Sold with the following related items and documents: Observer’s Brevet; recipient’s Briarwood Pipe; riband bar for first two awards; R.A.F. Identity Card; R.A.F. Navigator’s Certificate Second Class, dated 17 September 1942; Air Ministry correspondence with recipient’s widow with regard to his death, and a letter to her from his commanding officer Wing Commander A. W. Heward, dated 30 July 1944; a number of photographs of recipient in uniform - including one smoking his pipe; and a number of newspaper cuttings.

Commemorative Zeppelin Badge. A commemorative pin badge for the round the world flight of the German airship D-LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin from 8 to 29 August 1929; large white metal example bearing black title circlet ‘Friedrichshafen. Tokio. Los Angeles. Lakehurst.’ with an applied lightly domed centre displaying a map North and South America with the letters 'L-A' for (Los Angeles) and 'L' for (Lakehurst NJ); the reverse impressed with German maker's details ‘F’ ‘L’ ‘L’ each letter in a circle 'Friedrich Linden Ludenscheid'., with original pin fitting; together with a French Bombardier Brevet badge with two lugs, white metal laurel wreath and gilded wing, star and bomb, with maker’s mark for Drago, Paris; and a white metal Monarch Steamship Co. Ltd., ‘White Star Line’, cap badge, good condition (3) £90-£120

Pair: Bombardier A. S. Swaine, Royal Horse Artillery Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (89682 Bomb: A. S. Swaine, R.H.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (89682 Bomb: A. S. Swaine. R.H.A.) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £140-£180

A fine Second War ‘Battle of Kohima’ M.M. awarded to Private K. G. Williams, Royal Army Medical Corps Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7517259 Pte. K. G. Williams, R.A.M.C.), in its named card box of issue and forwarding box, and named Buckingham Palace forwarding letter, extremely fine £1,800-£2,200 --- M.M. London Gazette 22 March 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states: ‘Whilst at Kohima on 5 May 1944, Private Williams went forward with Staff Sergeant Davies on F.S.D. [Field Supply Depot] Ridge under heavy automatic weapon and mortar fire and succeeded in getting back a wounded N.C.O., Lance-Corporal Harris of the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. On the same day, when it was impossible to evacuate casualties from the Advanced Dressing Station (A.D.S.), owing to small arms fire, on his own initiative he went alone down Hospital Hill and contacted a tank, which he brought back to the A.D.S. to give cover to the stretcher bearers while carrying down the hill. Note: Private Williams was recommended for a Mention in Despatches for services in the Arakan Campaign on 20 May 1943; this recommendation, however, was not approved by higher authority.’ Kenneth George Williams, who was born in December 1917, enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Nursing Orderly in September 1939. By the time of the above cited deeds at Kohima in May 1944, he was serving in 6 (British) Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., a component of 6th Brigade, 2nd Division, 33 (Indian) Corps. The Second Battle of Kohima, May-June 1944 With the lifting of the siege of Kohima in mid-April 1944, another major battle for that famous ridge commenced, only on this occasion the British and Indian forces found themselves on the offensive against an enemy who excelled in defensive warfare. Defending every bunker with extraordinary determination, the surviving elements of Sato's 31st Division reaped heavy casualties on the men of 4th, 5th and 6th Brigades who had been allotted the unenvious task of taking the Allied advance forward. In scenes reminiscent of the famous siege, fierce hand-to-hand fighting, sniping, grenade/phosphorous bomb attacks and bayonet charges were all part of everyday life, with Williams’ 6th Brigade being given the task of clearing the area of the District Commissioner's bungalow, the scene of so much bloody fighting in the original siege. Unsurprisingly, the men of the R.A.M.C. found themselves working round the clock, often in great danger and always in atrocious conditions. Of earlier exploits by the Medics on this very ridge, one historian described such courageous deeds being carried out amidst ‘horrible scenes of carnage ... in a welter of severed limbs, blood, excrement and scattered entrails’, facts no doubt well known to Private Williams. The 5th May found 6th Brigade embroiled in fierce fighting on the Field Supply Depot ridge, its component Infantry in the form of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Royal Berkshires and Durham Light Infantry taking terrible casualties - it was on this day that Williams rescued a Lance-Corporal of the former Regiment, in addition to laying on protection for the gradual evacuation of the Advanced Dressing Station. But, as summed up in Kohima, by A. Swinson, worse was to come: '7 May and the three days that followed were probably the bitterest time in the whole battle of Kohima. After thirty-four days and nights of close and bloody fighting, after hunger, thirst, discomfort, after appalling casualties, the enemy still held the main bastions of their position. No bombs, shells, mortars, flame-throwers, or grenades could seem to shift them. The 3.7 howitzers which could have reached many of their positions were silent through lack of ammunition; no amount of railing, correspondence, argument or anything else, could produce any. The Japs had lost thousands upon thousands of men, and reports kept saying they were weak and diseased and running short of ammunition. But all the British, Gurkhas and Indians knew was that as soon as they got near a bunker, the fire poured out of it as mercilessly as ever. The British Battalions were now reduced to three or four hundred men; some had less ... It would be untrue to say that the Division had faltered; but in these days, Officers and men would sometimes look at the great ring of mountains encircling them, and wonder how on earth it could be taken, how flesh and blood could possibly stand much more'. It would not be until early June that General Sato and his 31st Division were finally put to flight. Williams was discharged at Hereford in February 1946. Sold with the recipient’s original Soldier’s Release Book, Class ‘A’, together with a letter of reference from Major R. E. Johnson, R.A.M.C., dated 1 September 1944, in which he refers to Williams’ gallantry in the Imphal and Kohima actions.

Second World War. A pair of sandstone bookends, salvaged from bomb damage to The Houses of Parliament, carved in 1941, 15cm h Good condition, some wear.

WW1 British Trench Art made from a Turkish New Pattern Bomb found at Gallipoli. Brass plaque affixed which reads "Turkish Bomb New Pattern Found On Gallipoli in the Evacuation from Gordon to Mother". Wooden body with metal plate to underside. 125mm in height, 85mm in diameter. INERT & FFE.

George VI medal group, comprising GSM with Bomb & Mine Clearance 1945-49 bar, named to 2158108 Sergeant J E Wood, Royal Engineers, with WWII BWM and defence medal. UK P&P Group 1 (£16+VAT for the first lot and £2+VAT for subsequent lots)

Fw 190 Sturmbocke VS B-17 Flying Fortress Europe 1944-45 Softback Book by Robert Price with 80 pages, Plus Sam and The 100th Bomb Group Softback Book by Sam Hurry & Malcolm Finnis with 96 pages. We combine shipping on all lots. Single book £5.99 UK, £7.99 Europe, £9.99 ROW. We can ship a parcel up to 20kg which will take approx. 40 books in UK £12, EUROPE £39.99, ROW, £59.99

Book collection My Combat Diary with Eighth Air Force B-17s 390th Bomb Group, Stories of a B-17 Bomber Pilot, Plus 3 Air Fete Calendars 1982. 1983, 1985. We combine shipping on all lots. Single book £5.99 UK, £7.99 Europe, £9.99 ROW. We can ship a parcel up to 20kg which will take approx. 40 books in UK £12, EUROPE £39.99, ROW, £59.99

SEVEN BOXED ROBERT HARROP DESIGNS WALLACE AND GROMIT FIGURES, from A Matter of Loaf & Death, comprising 'Gromit & the Bomb' WGYP01 limited edition no 459/1000, 'Gromit Leaving Home' WG20 no 95/500, 'Gromit' WG07 no 828/1000, 'Wallace' WG06 no 959/1000, 'Piella Bakewell' WG08 no 703/1000, 'Fluffles' WG09 no 865/1000 and 'A Baker's Dozen' WGFG01 (7 + 7 boxes) (Condition Report: figures appear in good condition with no obvious damage, some wear to boxes)