Three: Flight Sergeant R. Redmond, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action when his Lancaster crashed over Germany during a raid on Zeitz on 16 January 1945 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Air Council enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. I. Redmond, “Woodcroft”, Homstead Way, Hadleigh, Essex’, good very fine (3) £80-£100 --- Robert Redmond joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and served with 12 Squadron during the Second World War. He was killed in action when his Lancaster NN712, piloted by Flying Officer S. P. Whyte, Royal Canadian Air Force, having taken off from R.A.F. Wickenby to bomb the Braunkohle-Benzin synthetic oil plant at Zeitz, crashed between the small town of Büdingen and the village of Dudenrod, some 4km to the north. Of the crew of seven, six, including Redmond, were killed; the sole survivor, Flying Officer A. L. Staley, R.C.A.F., being taken Prisoner of War. Redmond is buried alongside his crew in Dürnbach War Cemetery, Germany. His medals were subsequently sent to his widow Irene.
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Three: Captain E. O. Straker, 7th Light Horse Regiment, who was Mentioned in Despatches for services at Gallipoli 1914-15 Star (2/Lieut. E. O. Straker. 7/L. H. Rgt. A.I.F.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Captian [sic]. E. O. Straker. A.I.F.); Victory Medal 1914-19, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Captain. E. O. Straker. A.I.F.) very fine (3) £300-£400 --- M.I.D. London Gazette 1 December 1916. The original Recommendation states: ‘On the night of 3-4 November 1915, at ANZAC, a forward movement on a prearranged plan was made from Chatham’s Post towards the Bird Trenches. The arrangements involved the reconnaissance by night of the enemy’s front and the construction of a tunnel towards a knoll 100 yards distant. The forward movement, the unopposed occupation of the knoll, and the construction of a fire trench were completed on the night of 3-4 November. On the night of 4-5 November, the enemy made four unsuccessful attempts on the new position, which was improved and consolidated during the day of 5 November under heavy rifle and shell fire. On the night of 7-8 November, a further advance of 30 yards was made under enemy bombing and rifle fire, and the position finally secured. During the operations, Captain Straker carried out his duties in a most satisfactory manner. The work was very heavy, but the provision and foresight of this Officer resulted in the new works being kept fully supplied with stores.’ Straker had previously been recommended for a ‘Mention’ for his services between the end of August and the beginning of September at Lone Pine, the Recommendation stating: ‘For consistently good work whilst in garrison at Lone Pine n repelling hostile bomb attacks.’ Edward Oswald Straker was commissioned in the 7th Light Horse Regiment, Australian Imperial Force, and embarked in H.M.A.T. Hymettus at Sydney on 8 February 1915. Subsequently serving on the Staff, he was Mentioned in Despatches by General A. J. Murray, Commander-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, on 13 October 1916; the delay between the act of gallantry and the Mention being confirmed illustrating the backlog of names requiring recognition for services on the Gallipoli peninsula. Sold with copied research.
Pair: Sapper W. Wilkinson, Royal Engineers British War and Victory Medals (3644 Spr. W. Wilkinson. R.E.) good very fine Pair: Sergeant L. S. Ham, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry British War and Victory Medals (2619 Sjt. L. S. Ham. D. of Corn. L.I.) good very fine Pair: Private P. S. Brooman, Army Service Corps British War and Victory Medals (S4-173547 Pte. P. S. Brooman. A.S.C.) very fine Pair: Private H. G. Lambie, Army Service Corps British War and Victory Medals (M2-081693 Pte. H. G. Lambie. A.S.C.) mounted as worn, polished, nearly very fine (8) £80-£100 --- William Wilkinson was born in 1888 and attested for the Royal Engineers. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front, and was wounded in action by an aerial bomb on 30 September 1917. Percy Sidney Brooman was born in 1896 and served during the Great War with the 22nd Field Bakery, Army Service Corps, Salonica Expeditionary Force. He died in 1969 Hugh Gemmell Lambie was born in 1891 and served with the Army Service Corps during the Great War. Post-War he was employed as a traction linesman on the South African Railways. He died in 1941
Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (14516 W. Sjt. J. H. Keen. R.G.A.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (William Stephens, P.O. 2 Cl., (C.G.) H.M. Coast Guard) suspension bar slightly bent on first and with traces of lacquer, otherwise good very fine Renamed and Copy Medals (2): Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (21073 Cpl. J. Waddleton Re Signals) renamed; Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Bomb & Mine Clearance 1945-53 [sic] (C/SSX 856823 A. H. Lazell L/S (Diver) R.N.) this last a modern copy; test mark to edge of first, this polished and worn, good fine and better (4) £80-£100 --- William Stephens was born in Pembroke on 27 June 1863 and joined the Coast Guard on 27 May 1897. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 3 September 1912, and served during the Great War in H.M.S. Impregnable. Sold with copied service record and other research.
Camera equipment and accessories, to include film reels with packaged labelled "Kings Park Amateur Athletic Club, Helenvale Park" and "Incendiary Bomb Rescue", together with a cased Olympuus XA A11 camera, a small Cabin slide projector, a Johnson Exactum Contact Printer and Darkroom Lamp etc. Condition Report:No condition report available.
Description: An 18th century style Dutch pine bombé bureau The shaped rectangular top above a shaped fall enclosing a central cupboard door, two secret drawers, eight short drawers and a sliding well; above three long graduated drawers on claw and ball feet, with restorations, 110cm wide, 49cm deep, 112cm high. Provenance: Property from an estate, Henley on Thames, formerly at The Dower House, Stonor. Buyers premium: All lots are subject to 25% Buyer's Premium plus VAT
A COLLECTION OF MILITARY THEMED CRESTED WARE, ten pieces in the forms of a cannon (chip and possible restoration to end of barrel, chip on edge of base), two battleships, a Red Cross van, a trench lamp (hairline), an aeroplane, a tank, a searchlight, a Territorials Hat and a model of a German bomb, by manufacturers to include WH Goss, Shelley, Norfolk Crest China, Kingsway Art China, Victoria China, Carlton China, etc (10) (Condition Report: generally ok, specific obvious damage as stated, some pieces have minor firing cracks and other faults, very occasional light crazing, some wear to gilding, some sticky tape/label residue)
A GROUP OF MILITARY THEMED CRESTED WARE comprising a battleship, zeppelin, a tank, a grenade, a cannon, two officer's hats, binoculars, an ambulance, an aerial bomb, and a canister bomb, to include manufacturers Clifton, Arcadian, Shelley, Swan, etc (11) (Condition Report: Sellotape and adhesive visible on most of the items, crack to the ambulance, some loss to the gilt)
A COLLECTION OF MILITARY THEMED CRESTED WARE, thirteen pieces in the forms of cannons, a battleship, a submarine, a zeppelin (scratched through design), shells (one has a hairline) and a canister bomb, a helmet (small chip), a cap (hairline crack), and two cars, by manufacturers to include Shelley, Savoy China, Swan China, Grafton China, Arcadian China, Willow Art China, Wembley China, etc (13) (Condition Report: generally ok, specific obvious damage as stated, some pieces have minor firing cracks, pitting in the glaze and other faults, some wear to gilding, very occasional light crazing, some sticky tape/label residue)
Group of crested china, to include six Great War-related examples: Wiltshaw & Robinson (Carlton China) HMS E9 Submarine with civic crest of Dolgelly, 14.5cm long, and 'Model of Cannon Shell' (New Brighton); W. H. Goss "Model of a German bomb dropped on Bury St. Edmunds from a zeppelin 30 April 1915" (Newton N. Wales); Swan China artillery field gun (Port Talbot); Willow Art China Longton Red Cross Field Ambulance (Warrington); another (a/f), unmarked (Civic Arms of Wales); plus a bathing hut (Lewes), clock (Craigford), 'Model of Tear Bottle' ((Towyn), W. H. Goss "Model of Ancient Water Bottle found during excavations for Bridge at Brockweir Tintern 1907", Rd No. 626750, with Tintern Abbey crest, together with miniature teawares etc
Collection of mostly vintage metal gun and searchlight models to include W. Britain's 155mm gun, Astra searchlights, Dinky 88mm Flak Cannon, a homecast coastal defence style gun with damaged plastic cover, a Unity Toys Trench Bomb Thrower with box and instructions, a plastic kit built 13Lb cannon, POM POM gun (with box) etc.
Elizabeth A Lampson - a group of three framed oil paintings comprising 'The Innocents (The Bomb)' - oil on canvas interior scene of three seated men with blood on their shoes, a landscape to the outside signed with Loose Visual Arts Exhibition label 76cm x 101cm; 'Anchored in a Field of Celestial Corn' oil on canvas of a fence pole wrapped in barbed wire signed, Royal Society of British Artists Exhibition label circa 1975 verso 76cm x 50cm; and 'Rubber Ball' oil on canvas street scene of a man with a ball, signed, titled verso 76cm x 50cm Location:If there is no condition report shown, please request
Sir Barnes Neville Wallis CBE FRS RDI FRAeS signed Historic Aviators cover. Invented the 617 sqn Dambusters Bouncing bomb. 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. The raid was the subject of the 1955 film The Dam Busters, in which Wallis was played by Michael Redgrave. Among his other inventions were his version of the geodetic airframe and the earthquake bomb. 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
Little Island Brewing Co. - a full colour art promotional advertising point of sale poster. The poster showcases the Stars & Bars beer featuring a lady in uniform seated upon a bomb. Framed.Little Island Brewing Co. (LIBC) is a microbrewery and smokehouse with multiple locations in Singapore, including South Beach, Changi Village, and Gillman Barracks. Measures approx. 95cm x 64cm.
Dambusters Interest - an original relic section of aircraft from Lancaster Bomber AJ-Z, piloted by Squadron Leader Henry Eric Maudslay. AJ-Z took part in Operation Chastise and successfully released it's Upkeep 'bouncing bomb' on the Eder Dam which struck the Dam's parapet. This was thought to have damaged the aircraft, and shortly afterwards AJ-Z was further struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed near Klein-Netterden, with the loss of the entire crew. This relic was recovered from the crash site on 7th April 2018 and is accompanied by a certificate 'Deed Of Dambuster Relics' by Marcel Hahn, detailing the piece and it's history. Relic measures approx: 38cm long. Further accompanied by some small fragments of perspex, also from the crash site and a further handwritten note from Hahn.
British 1821 Pattern Artillery / Honourable Artillery Company Officers Sword, regulation pattern with steel guard, shagreen covered grip with wire binding. Polished slightly curved blade with etched decoration. Obverse of the blade with initials ‘R D’, reverse with HAC and fused bomb above artillery cannon, possibly for Honourable Artillery Company. Blade 84 ½ cms. No scabbard.
Peake (Mervyn). Shapes and Sounds, 1st edition, London: Chatto & Windus, 1941, original cloth-backed boards, dust jacket, spine lightly toned, 8vo, together with Captain Slaughterboard Drops Anchor, 2nd edition, London: Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1945, illustrations on multi-coloured leaves, original cloth, dust jacket, extremities of rear panel a little toned, 4to, plus A Reveries of Bone and other poems, London: Bertram Rota, 1967, illustrations, partly unopened, original boards, dust jacket, edges slightly rubbed, tall 8vo, limited edition 202/320, with four other 1st editions: Grimm's Household Tales, 1946, Figures of Speech, 1954, Sometime, Never, 1956, and The Rhyme of the Flying Bomb, 1962QTY: (7)
MONOGRAM 1.24 scale D.Starbird/T.Daniel Show Rods, 2796 ‘Predicta’ ‘60’s Chrysler Thunderbird Show Rod by D.Starbird, 2931 ‘Orange Hauler’ 1962 Chevy Pickup Show Rod by D.Starbird & 6761 ‘Cherry Bomb’ Turbine Show Rod, Chopper & Trailer by Tom Daniels. All Mint factory sealed kits @1990 to 1995 issue - 3 kits.
WWII Bomber Command Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) Group on Bar Brooch, comprising DFM (1066928 Sgt C.E Boswell RAF) 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star (copy), Defence Medal and British War Medal with mention in despatch oak leaf emblem, mention in despatch certificate log book, photographs, tankards, baby brownie camera and ephemera. Air Gunner/Bomb Aimer 1066928 Sergent Charles Eric Boswell was born in Sheffield in 1922, he enjoyed a happy family life and worked as a clerk before the start of WWII, he had a strong sense of duty to his country and he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) on 24 October 1940 and commenced training. His first flight was from RAF Cranwell on 17 April 1941, he trained in various crew stations on a variety of different aircraft before specializing as Air Gunner/Bomb Aimer. He was then attached to 49 Squadron (Fiskerton), 5 Group Bomber Command who were operating Avro Lancaster heavy bombers. His active service began with a leaflet drop on Vichy on 11 August 1942. Thereafter he endured numerous hazardous sorties into enemy territory. On 18 May 1943 he was notified of his DFM award and on 16 November 1943 he attended the investiture at Buckingham Palace. The official citation read 'A map reader of great skill and experience and a most determined air bomber, Sgt Boswell has completed a large number of operational sorties, including attacks on targets in Ruhr, Essen, Berlin and Hamburg. He also took part in the daylight attack on Le Creusot and Milan - Sgt Boswell's tour of operational duty has been marked by the care and precision he invariably takes before releasing his bombs. He has set a splendid example of courage and devotion to duty. A further honour was conferred with him being mentioned in a despatch for distinguished service on 14 January 1944. His last operational sortie against Tonsberg, Norway was completed on 15 April 1945. Following the end of the War he left the RAFVR on 2 April 1946 and married his sweetheart Doris Oldham on 12 October 1944. The couple had two children and went on to live long lives together.
1990 Gallantry FDC Signed by 4 Victoria Cross Holders, 6 GC, Plus 5. 11 9 90 London George Cross Special Postmark on Full Set of 5 Gallantry Stamps. Personally Signed by Victoria Cross Holders. Captain Harold Marcus Ervine - Andrews VC 1st Battalion France Dunkirk. Won his Victoria Cross at Dunkirk evacuation. Flt Lt Learoyd VC 49 Squadron HP Hampden pilot bombing an aqueduct of the Dortmund - Ems Canal on 12 August 1940. Flt. Lt. W. Reid VC Victoria Cross holder. 61 Squadron RAFVR. Awarded the VC for gallantry during a raid on Dusseldorf Germany on 3rd November 1943. Despite being severely wounded, continued to fly his damaged Lancaster bomber to bomb Dusseldorf. Managed to land his aircraft safely upon return. Lieutenant Colonel E. C. T. Wilson VC Holder. The East Surry regiment ( attached Somaliland Camel Corps)Awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous gallantry on active service in defence of the Tug Argan Gap in British Somaliland. Charles Walker GC, awarded the George Cross in 1942 for his bravery in saving the life of a seaman while serving with the Royal Navy. Detective Sergeant Frederick William Fairfax GC (17 June 1917, Westminster, London-February 1998, Yeovil), won the George Cross for his heroism in chasing the armed robbers Derek Bentley and Christopher Craig, The pair had broken into a warehouse in Croydon and were pursued by Fairfax onto the roof of the building. The police officer grabbed Bentley, when Craig shot him, grazing his shoulder. Despite his injury, the unarmed Fairfax chased Bentley and managed to arrest and subdue him. More officers arrived at the scene and Constable Sidney Miles scaled the roof, only to be shot dead by Craig, who then jumped from the roof after expending his ammunition, injured himself upon landing and was arrested. Air Vice Marshal Sir Laurence Frank Sinclair GC, KCB, CBE, DSO and Bar (13 June 1908 - 14 May 2001) was awarded the George Cross for rescuing a severely injured airman from a crashed and burning plane. Wg. Cdr. G. L. Sinclair Battle of Britain fighter pilot with 19 Sqn and 310 ( Czech ) WW11 Ace 9. Lt Gen Sir Napier Crookenden DSO OBE However he volunteered for Airborne forces and became a parachutist. As a brigade major in 6th Airborne Division he took part in the D Day Assault and then commanded the 9th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment from July 1944 until 1947, including the Rhine Crossing in March 1945. R A C Awcock MM Corps of Royal Engineers. Awarded the Military Medal at Anzio. In the Anzio Beach head during the advance to the Campoleone feature, a detachment of No 2 platoon of a field Company, R E was in support of a troop of a Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment. A minefield was reported and the tanks were completely held up. The RE Detachment went forward and commenced to detect and clear the mines under enemy small arms and shell fire, five of the sappers being wounded. In spite of this heavy opposition Sapper Awcock, with complete disregard for his own personal safety while being sniped and shelled assisted in the clearing of a gap in the minefield. During the whole time he was at work he was in full view of the enemy and it was by his devotion to duty courage and cool example that the work was completed and the tanks able to advance. H W Stevens GC Stevens was awarded the George Cross for the Gallantry he showed while serving as a Constable in the Metropolitan Police Force on the 29th of March, 1958. Prior to joining the Metropolitan Police Force, Stevens served 3 years in the Royal Navy. Kenneth Farrow GC, won George Cross 21 Jun 48 (Cardiff City Police Force). Ken Farrow GC ( Police Constable ) rescued a child who had fallen into the feeder, an aqueduct which supplies water from the river Taff to Cardiff, running under concrete slabs. Air Marshal Sir John Rowlands GC KBE was a Welsh Royal Air Force officer who was awarded the George Cross for his work in bomb disposal and later worked in the development of Britain's nuclear weapons programme. Detective Sergeant Frederick William Fairfax GC (17 June 1917, Westminster, London-February 1998, Yeovil), won the George Cross for his heroism in chasing the armed robbers Derek Bentley and Christopher Craig, The pair had broken into a warehouse in Croydon and were pursued by Fairfax onto the roof of the building. The police officer grabbed Bentley, when Craig shot him, grazing his shoulder. Despite his injury, the unarmed Fairfax chased Bentley and managed to arrest and subdue him. More officers arrived at the scene and Constable Sidney Miles scaled the roof, only to be shot dead by Craig, who then jumped from the roof after expending his ammunition, injured himself upon landing and was arrested. Mr. M. G. Comeau MM, 33 Sqn airmen awarded MM for gallant conduct at Maleme Crete. Field Marshal The Lord Carver GCB CBE DSO MC. Of the Royal Tank Regiment, who served with the 7th Armoured Division throughout Operation Compass. With Military Cross MM. Details enclosed. 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
Attack on V1 Flying Bomb Sites Pas De Calis Signed by L Rooke, C Cole 617 Sqn WW11. 4 Jan 08 The Cenotaph Attack on V1 Flying Bomb Sites Pas De Calis Personally Signed by P L Rooke Flight Engineer with 619 and 617 Sqn's. and on Tirpitz raid 29th October 1944 also Signed by Warrant Officer C Cole Wireless Operator on Leavitt's Crew on Tirpitz raid, 12 Nov 44. His Wartime operations were carried out in Norway and Western Europe. He was on Operation Exodus, VE Day 8th May 1945, to Airlift Prisoner of War to their Homeland. He was on The Deployment to Digri with 'Tiger Force'. Certified Copy no 1 of 1. 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
Rare Signed F Ashworth Weaponeer On board B29 Bockscar Dropped Atomic Bomb Nagasaki. 18 09 97 Grosvenor Square London Special Postmark. 50th Anniversary United States Air Force. Flown in Boeing B -17 Flying. Personally Signed by Frederick Ashworth Commander US Navy Officer served as the Weaponeer on board the B -29 Bockscar that dropped atomic bomb on Nagasaki Japan on 9th Aug 1945 during World War 11. Photo Copy of Letter from Frederick Ashworth. RAF reference No JS(CC)33. 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
ES24cC Escape from Yugoslavia Signed 1 Resistance General Nadi and 3 Escapers. 10 11 78 Belgrad Escape from Yugoslavia Red Flown cachet. 150 copies of this special version of the cover have been Personally signed by General Kosta Nadj, President of the Federal Committee of the SUNBOR of Yugosiavia, General of the Army, National Hero, Legendary War Commander and bearer of the Highest Yugoslav and Peace time decorations further signed by members of the Escaping Society who successfully evaded capture only with the help of the Partisans. Lawrence Taylor member of 37 Sqn RAF at Foggia in Italy. On 23 November 1944 he was briefed to bomb German troops and transport on the road south of Belgrade, a mission which had been successfully completed on several occasions in daylight early that month. This time his Wellington was hit by light flak over the targe. There was just enough time to head the damaged aircraft into a valley which was known to be controlled by the Partisans before all the crew baled out to safely. William Goodbrand navigator in a Wellington of No 40 Sqn shot down a few miles south of Belgrade escaped to Italy. Alan Day flying Spitfires Mk 9 of No 253 ( Hyderabad) Squadron 26th Feb 1945 in the Bos Novi area when he was hit by small - arms fire whilst attacking a German transport column. He had time to pull out of a mountain gorge and gain sufficient height before his engine stopped and he bales out. For 4 days he moved during the dark and on the fifth day was awaken to find a tommy gun pointed at him by a partisan. After 4 further days on the march including some time on horseback he arrived at the No 37 Military Mission south of the River Sana. His unit was informed by radio of his safety, He waited keeping under cover by day until a Dakota flew in to the minute airstrip and took him back to Bari Italy, escorted by pilots from his squadron. Pilot Officer Day was back on operations on 20th March. Full details enclosed. Certified Copy of 999 Only 150 Special Signed by General Nadj. see insert card. 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
400th Anniv of the Armada Full set of Armada Stamps Signed by 8, 2 x VC holders ( Poor scan no black marks to the right of the Cover. 19 July 88 BFPS2179 19 July 88 400th Anniversary of the Armada Full set of 5 Armada Stamps flown and Personally Signed Lt Cdr HMS Amazon and also Signed by Captain C J S Craig DSC Captain HMS Osprey present occupant Portland Castle. Also Signed by Lt Cdr Ian E Fraser VC DSC RD* Served on the Submarines H43, H44 and Sahib ( DSC) Commanded midget Submarine XE 3 from its launch. Operation Struggle the Attack on Japanese shipping at Singapore successfully damaging the Japanese cruiser, Mr T Gould VC Victoria Cross Holder was petty officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. 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 Later, after surfacing, two unexploded bombs were discovered in the gun-casing. Petty officer Gould and Lieutenant Roberts 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. Captain M G Haworth CBE DSC. Was an observer of an Albacore aircraft of No 826 Naval Air Squadron aboard HMS Formidable. Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for torpedo attack on the Italian Warship in the Battle of Cape Matapan George Dormand Observer 826 Sqn FAA on loan to 16 Group RAF from 29 May 1940 until 7 October 1940. During one attack his Albacore aircraft was attacked by a Me 109 and the petrol tank of his aircraft was holed and he held his hand over the puncture until sufficient petrol had been used during the flight home to base and on an Albacore aircraft of No 826 Naval Air Sqn 826 Sqn FAA on loan to 16 Group RAF from 29 May 1940 until 7 October 1940 also Signed Tony Theobald Cover Artist. Lt John Bridge GC GM* RNVR, HMS Elissa (Messina, Sicily), Bomb and Mine Disposal Section, also Port Clearance. After the death or wounding of an entire bomb disposal party on 23 August 1943 by six depth charges, Lt Bridge and his party, in 28 dives cleared Messina harbour of the remaining 207, including two with unknown firing mechanisms by the 2 September. This was only one day before the assault on Italy, and thus vital to Allied operations. Lt Bridge had already received the GM and Bar. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 20 June 1944. 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
JOHN PIPER (BRITISH 1903-1992) ⊕ BRITTANY BEACHsigned John Piper lower rightwatercolour and gouache on paper38 x 55cm; 15 x 21 3/4in54.5 x 72cm; 21 1/2 x 28 1/2in (framed)Property of a Lady, BelgraviaBorn in Epsom, Surrey Piper first worked in his father’s solicitors firm until 1926. Meeting Georges Braque in Paris inspired him to make abstract art and to exhibit with the Seven and Five Society (1934–35). In 1935, Piper collaborated with Myfanwy Evans, his wife to be, on the pioneering review Axis. He later abandoned abstract art for Neo-Romanticism and during the Second World War as an Official War Artist, recorded bomb-devastated buildings of England’s disappearing architectural heritage. Piper travelled through France regularly in the 1950s and stayed in Brittany during the summer of 1960, drawn especially to the region's architecture, medieval stained glass and wild shoreline. A versatile artist, Piper made book illustrations, theatre designs, ceramics, textiles, and collaborated on stained-glass projects which included the baptistry window for what was then the new Coventry Cathedral, and the stained glass lantern for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. Retrospective exhibitions of Piper's work have been held at the Museum of Modern Art, Oxford (1973) and the Tate Gallery (1983–84).
Postcards, Foreign, a collection of approx. 180 German military related cards in 2 vintage albums, specifically flags, soldiers, patriotic, artistic, battles, camps, bomb damage, Iron Cross embossed, comic, cemetery, back home (sentimental), red cross, refugee (RP) etc. Nice mix (mainly gd)
![A World War Two incendiary bomb and a tin of 9mm blanks. [W]
NOTE: BUYER MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD, COLLECTION IN PERSON OR AMMUN](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/410144cd-1f0c-436b-99d3-b20400beac5a/d220ff8f-c475-462f-940c-b23400eebd12/468x382.jpg)
![Deep Sea and Bomb Disposal Diver [Jim Sinclair's as per opening statement lot 0] Knife, Leather strap and weight belt. Knife](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e072ad85-7667-46c4-b109-b23700aba1dd/759158aa-2a62-4227-b143-b23a00ac118d/468x382.jpg)
1407514 Flight Lieutenant D.S. Crispin 90 Sqdn RAF Honnington, a collection of miscellaneous effects relating to Crispin who was resposible for releasing a Dummy nuclear prototype bomb off Jurby to include to brown leather flying helmets, named kit bag containing fleece lined flying boots, presentation plaques, silver plated presentation tray and notebooks etc.
WW2 617 sqn Dambuster raid bomb aimers G L Johnny Johnson signed superb Lancaster 12 x 8 inch colour photo. Inscribed Bomber Aimer 97 and 617 sqn. Good condition. 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
* DAVID BOMBERG (BRITISH 1890 - 1957), PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN oil on canvas, signed and dated '42framedimage size 60cm x 49cm, overall size 80cm x 69cm Provenance: Arthur A. Stambois, Private Collection Stanley Mann, Private Collection (purchased from the above in 1961) By descent to his wife, Eithne Maureen Mann (nee Milne), Private Scottish Collection.Note 1: One of the most important and influential British artists at work in the twentieth century, David Bomberg was born in Birmingham in 1890. Initially studying art in London at the City and Guilds, David Bomberg was to study under the highly respected Walter Sickert at the Westminster School of Art, subsequently gaining a place at the Slade School of Art. It was here that David studied under the famous Henry Tonks, alongside such soon-to-be-famous names as Stanley Spencer, Ben Nicholson and Paul Nash. The Slade was hugely important in the development of David’s work, but that didn’t prevent him from expulsion in the summer of 1913. Flirting, rather acrimoniously, with the Bloomsbury Group, David was to eventually form ties with the Camden Town Group, subsequently becoming a founding contributor to the London Group in 1914. After returning from active service in the First World War, David Bomberg took on a number of teaching positions, no less notable than his leading role in the Borough Group, where he was to teach and become a driving influence of a young Frank Auerbach. What followed was to become recognised as David’s “golden era” of work. Spells living abroad in Spain were to inspire some of his most well regarded works. David died in Spain in 1957, leaving a body of work and influence that is as relevant today as it was then. Following his death, David’s reputation continued to grow, with many retrospective exhibitions held, including at the Tate in 1988. David Bomberg is rightfully regarded as one of the leading lights of the twentieth century Modern British art world, and arguably one with the greatest influence on generations of artists to follow.Note 2: The face in the “Portrait of a Gentleman”, is unknown but shows a warmer in colour and sense of energy. The handkerchief thrusts out of his pocket with a sense of purpose or perhaps importance. The pale pigment applied so freely around his head adds to this feeling, and there may even be a hint of a smile in the curve of his lips. Perhaps he is sharing a joke with Bomberg, but the light heartedness ultimately seems fleeting. Bomberg was appointed Official war artist during the second world war and only completed one commission “”Underground Bomb Store 1942”, given that this portrait was completed in the same year there could be a connection to the artist in this role.
A Great War ‘Bullecourt’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain J. A. Fergusson, 9th and 2nd Battalions, Devonshire Regiment, who was wounded, captured, and taken Prisoner of War during the Battalion’s epic rear-guard action at Bois de Buttes on 27 May 1918 Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. J. A. Fergusson.) mounted for wear, very fine (3) £600-£800 --- M.C. London Gazette 16 August 1917 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion. He led his company, under heavy shelling, to the objective, being left without any officers, but by coolness and courageous example he kept the men well in hand, and greatly assisted in the consolidation of the position’. Annotated Gazette states: ‘Bullecourt: 7 May 1917’. John Andrew Fergusson was born in Tranmere, Birkenhead in 1889. A Bank Clerk by occupation he attested at Liverpool as a Private in the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment for the duration of the War on 2 September 1914 and joined the 17th Battalion at Grantham. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Devonshire Regiment on 8 September 1915 he joined the 9th Battalion at Rouen on 23 September 1916. Appointed Acting Captain whilst commanding a Company on 5 October 1916 he was wounded (Bomb Blast) in action at Le Touquet Trenches, east of Etaples, on 26 October 1916, and was awarded the Military Cross whilst leading No. 4 Company in attack on Bullecourt 7 May 1917. Posted to the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment at Romain on 10 May 191, he served in command of ‘B’ Company in action at Bois de Buttes near Pontavert on 27 May 1918, with orders to hold the line to the last. 23 officers and 528 men reported as killed or missing; the 2nd Battalion was cited in the French Orders of the Day and was collectively awarded the Croix de Guerre, honours which the battalion was the first British unit to receive. Fergusson’s statement on release reads ‘Whilst in command B Coy 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment having been wounded in head and shoulder by machine gun bullets. Held on for about 3 hours against enemy attack in large numbers, despite heavy casualties, when ordered to move to a new position near the river Aisne. Picked up by a German mopping-up party’. Fergusson was subsequently held in Alten-Grabow, Saxony P.O.W. Camp before being repatriated as wounded on 15 December 1918. He relinquished his commission on 17 April 1919 and returned to his banking career with Westminster Bank Ltd. Appointed Chief Clerk, Hull Branch, he was promoted to Manager, Darlington Branch in 1927. Unfortunately, his Great War experiences remained with him and he shot himself with his service revolver whilst at his office desk on 1 October 1930, aged 41, during a temporary loss of reason. Sold with extensive copied research.
A Second War ‘Bomber Command’ D.F.M. group of four awarded to Flying Officer W. H. Widger, Royal Air Force, who flew 28 operational sorties as Navigator Bomber with 103 Squadron and at least a further 3 operational sorties as Bomb Aimer with No 1 Group Special Duties Flight, before being killed during the raid on Mailly-le-Camp on 4 May 1944 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1339439 Sgt W. H. Widger. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for wear, nearly extremely fine (4) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 13 July 1943. The original Recommendation, dated 21 May 1943, states: ‘Sergeant Widger was posted to No. 103 Squadron on 7 February 1943, and since that date has completed 25 operational sorties, most of which have been against the more heavily defended German targets. His fearless determination to press home each attack with accuracy and vigour in spite of the heaviest defences has been largely responsible for the many successes he and his crew have achieved. His cheerfulness and excellent offensive spirit, together with his fine record of service, deserve high praise, and I recommend him for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’ William Henry Widger was born in Dawlish, Devon in 1922. A Boiler-Maker’s Apprentice by occupation he enlisted in the Royal Air Force 21 July 1941. Having completed his training and promoted to Sergeant he was posted to 103 Squadron R.A.F. Elsham Woods. Flying Lancasters, his first operational sortie with this unit was a raid on Lorient on 16 February 1943; further operational sorties over the next three and a half months included Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, Nuremberg, Cologne, St. Nazaire (twice), Berlin (three times), Hamburg, Stuttgart, Essen (four times), Duisburg (five times), Keil, Spezia, Stettin, Dortmund, Bochum, Dusseldorf, and Wuppertal. For his services as Navigator Bomber on these 28 operational sorties he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Granted an Emergency Commission as a Pilot Officer in the General Duties Branch, R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve on 26 September 1943, Widger was posted to 101 Squadron on 23 March 1944. Promoted to Flying Officer he was posted to No 12 Base 18 April 1944 and formed No 1 Group Special Duties Flight, R.A.F. Binbrook, acting as No 1 Group target marking force. As Bomb Aimer he successfully completed sorties on Maintenon and Lyons before taking part in the fateful raid on Mailly-le-Camp on 4 May 1944, during which his aircraft crashed near the village of St Remy-Sous-Barbuise, with the loss of the entire crew. He is buried alongside his crew in the collective grave No 2-4 of St Remy-Sous-Barbuise Churchyard, Aube, France. Sold with copied Operational Records giving details of the recipient’s operational sorties, photographic images of the recipient and of his grave, together with considerable other research and a copy of the book ‘Battle Under the Moon – The Documented Account of Mailly-le-Camp 1944’ by Jack Currie.
Six: Petty Officer R. E. Fleming, Royal Navy 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Bomb & Mine Clearance 1945-53 (JX154738 R E Fleming PO RN) the NGS a laser-engraved later issue, extremely fine (6) £300-£400 --- Approximately 145 medals or clasps issued for six months consecutive work in the disposal of bombs and mines in different parts of the world. The medal was issued with three obverse types, viz. G.VI.R., 2nd issue, and E.II.R., 1st and 2nd issues.
A fine Second War 1943 ‘Middle East’ Flying C.G.M. awarded to Wellington navigator, Sergeant J. P. McGarry, 70 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who crewed with Sergeant T. P. Petrie as his pilot, had already survived an engine failure on take off, and crash landing at 70 mph, a week before the pair’s heroics on the raid to Menzel Temime, 12/13 April 1943. During the latter, not only was their aircraft hit multiple times, but both McGarry and Petrie suffered shrapnel wounds to their legs - in the case of Petrie leading to the amputation of his leg. Despite the state of the aircraft, and indeed both pilot and navigator, the aircraft was nursed home - running out of petrol at the point of the landing some 300 feet above the airstrip. Petrie’s uninjured leg had been strapped to the controls in order for him to continue to fly, whilst McGarry had ignored his own wounds in order to administer to his pilot’s wounds, whilst navigating a course for home. Both McGarry and Petrie were awarded the C.G.M., but Petrie’s wounds were to save his life. McGarry, having recuperated from his leg wound, returned to flying with his crew - only to be killed in action on a raid to Olbia Marshalling Yards, Tunisia, 2 July 1943 Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying), G.VI.R. (1344057. Sgt. J. P. McGarry. R.A.F.) minor edge bruising; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, generally very fine (4) £6,000-£8,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- Provenance: Christie’s, March 1986 C.G.M. (Flying) London Gazette 4 June 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. was Navigator of a Wellington detailed to attack an enemy landing ground on the night of 12/13 April 1943. The aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire approaching the target and again after the target had been bombed. The captain [Sergeant T. P. Petrie] was seriously wounded and Sergeant McGarry was wounded in the right leg by shrapnel. Despite personal injuries and with the aid of the Bomb Aimer and Air Gunner, he managed to get the captain from the cockpit and attended to his wounds. The Air Bomber took over the controls and McGarry, with great coolness, successfully rendered necessary first aid and administered morphine to the captain. Despite being fully employed tending his wounded pilot, he continued his Navigator’s duties and gave the Air Bomber the correct course to steer to avoid flying over the Tripoli defence zone. He successfully navigated the aircraft to base landing ground and, although given the option by the captain who returned to the cockpit, to bale out, decided to remain and take his chance with the captain. A successful crash-landing was made in the vicinity of the landing ground. McGarry, suffering from exhaustion, loss of blood and shock, realised the possibility of the aircraft caching fire and, with no thought for his personal safety, took his time to assist his seriously wounded captain from the wreckage. Sergeant McGarry displayed courage, coolness and fortitude of the highest order and his is strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.’ Both McGarry and Petrie were awarded the C.G.M. for the above raid, and the following additional detail is provided in Bravery Awards For Aerial Combat, Stories Behind The Award of the CGM (Flying), by A. W. Cooper: ‘A number of men received Conspicuous Gallantry Medals for bravery during operations in the Middle East and in Italy during the period 1943-45. The first two such awards went to members of the same crew flying bomber ops in North Africa. John Patrick McGarry was born in Romsey, Hampshire, in 1921. Prior to his R.A.F. service he had been a window dresser, a rather remote occupation from that of a navigator on 70 Squadron, flying Wellington bombers in the desert. Before his C.G.M. operation he had quite a scare after taking off from Gardabia West, in Libyia, en route for Mahares. They had to return when their port engine cut just after take-off, always the worst possible time for this to happen. The bombs were jettisoned within two minutes of becoming airborne and they crashed at a speed of 70 mph. The aircraft was completely burnt out but the crew had only slight injuries, which shows the skill of their pilot, Sergeant Petrie. Thomas Parker Petrie, aged twenty-nine, was from Dundee, Scotland. Just one week after this hair-raising experience, Petrie, with the same crew, took off in Wellington HF753 DU-O, for Menzel Temime, an enemy landing ground. The date was the night, 12/13 April 1943. On the run-up to the target they were hit by A.A. fire. Despite this, Petrie kept on course and released a stick of bombs across the target. Immediately they were hit again and the Wellington went into a steep dive. Petrie had been badly wounded and his left foot had been almost severed, while Sergeant McGarry, too, had been wounded in the right leg by shrapnel. Petrie got the aircraft back under control, but then the bomb aimer, Sergeant [G. H.] Bennett, helped by Sergeant [G. A.] Smith, the rear gunner, and McGarry, got Petrie out of his seat and gave him first aid. Bennett took over controls while McGarry, still trying to make Petrie as comfortable as possible, continued to navigate, giving the bomb aimer the correct course to steer in order to avoid flying over enemy-held Tripoli. When they got near their own base, Petrie gave the crew the chance to bale out but they decided to carry on and attempt a forced landing. Sergeant Petrie was helped back into his seat. To do this, part of the cabin was cut away and once in position, his right, un-injured leg, was strapped to the rudder bar. As he came into land at a height of 300 feet, their petrol ran out, yet he made a successful crash landing. By this time McGarry was suffering from exhaustion and loss of blood plus shock which set in quickly once the immediate danger was over. All escaped further injury, but the next day the gallant Petrie had his left leg amputated. Both men were recommended for the C.G.M. on 19th April. Sergeant McGarry went on to fly again but on 2nd July, his aircraft was reported missing after an operation to Kairouan Temmari in Tunisia. A Wellington was seen shot down 3 and half miles south of Olbia, which would have been near the target area of the Olbia marshalling yards. He has no known grave, but his name is remembered on the Malta Memorial, Panel 9, Column.’ McGarry was educated at Taunton College, and is also commemorated on their war memorial. Both Bennett and Smith were also killed during this operation. Sold with photographic image of the recipient. Sold together with the following family medals Three: Sergeant F. McGarry, Hampshire Regiment 1914-15 Star (10957 Cpl F. McGarry. Hamps: R.) second digit officially corrected; British War and Victory Medals (10957 Sjt. F. McGarry. Hamps. R.) generally very fine Francis James McGarry was the father of the above, and the husband of Lily McGarry. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment in the Egyptian theatre of war from 12 December 1915. McGarry was discharged, 16 June 1919 (entitled to Silver War Badge).
Three: Private W. Helfrich, 1st Regiment, South African Infantry 1914-15 Star (Pte. W. Helfrich 7th. Infantry.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals, with small M.I.D. oak leaves (Pte. W. Helfrich. 1st. S.A.I.); together with the recipient’s Silver War Badge ‘S.A. 4491’, this additionally engraved to reverse ‘W. Helfrich’, minor patches of staining to obverse of VM, nearly extremely fine (4) £80-£100 --- William Helfrich was born in King William’s Town in 1882, and attested at Potchefstroom for the 1st Regiment, South African Infantry on 2 September 1915, his papers noting 10 months prior service with the 2nd Kimberley Regiment. Posted to Egypt on 29 December 1915 and France from 15 April 1916, he was wounded in action during the Battle of the Somme. His medical notes add: ‘Wounded July 17th by bomb explosion, small wound on left temple, small perforating wounds left forearm. Wound underside left knee... small fragment removed from face wound.’ Admitted to hospital in Tooting, Helfrich spent the autumn of 1916 and winter of 1916-17 in convalescence at Eastbourne and Richmond. It was during this period that he would have learned of the award of his Mention in Despatches in the London Gazette of 4 January 1917. Discharged from hospital 6 March 1917, Helfrich returned home to South Africa and was released from further military service at Wynberg on 17 January 1918. Sold with copied service record.
An outstanding Second War Coastal Command Immediate D.F.M. group of four awarded to Flight Sergeant J. S. ‘Jack’ Garnett, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve As Second Pilot to Flying Officer J. A. Cruickshank in a Catalina of 210 Squadron on 17 July 1944, Garnett’s name is indelibly linked to one of the finest Victoria Cross actions of the war: but for his own stoicism in facing off his wounds and taking over the controls, none of his crew would have reached safety Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1390283 F/Sgt. J. S. Garnett. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for wearing, nearly extremely fine (4) £14,000-£18,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- D.F.M. London Gazette 29 September 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. was the Second Pilot of a Catalina aircraft which sighted and attacked a fully surfaced U-boat on the 19 July 1944. The attack was pressed home at a very low altitude by the Captain in the face of heavy and intense flak which killed the navigator/bomb aimer outright, severely wounded the Captain and front gunner as well as slightly wounding Flight Sergeant Garnett. Immediately after the attack the Captain collapsed in his seat. Flight Sergeant Garnett, promptly took over the controls, righted the aircraft and climbed into a fog patch ahead of him. From then on Flight Sergeant Garnett assumed the captaincy of the damaged aircraft and organised the crew for the homeward journey of five hours. Although not qualified as a First Pilot on Catalinas he brought the damaged aircraft safely back to base and successfully landed it in difficult water conditions (glassy calm) in the half light of early morning. Owing to the damage sustained to the hull, it was necessary to effect an immediate beaching, which operation he conducted with conspicuous success and beach it finally in an extremely well chosen spot. From the moment he took charge he handled the situation in the manner of an experienced First Pilot. By his prompt action immediately after the attack, his skill in flying the aircraft back to base without a navigator, his successful landing and well-judged beaching he undoubtedly saved the lives of his crew and was responsible for the safe return of his aircraft.’ John Stanley Garnett was born in Barnet, Hertfordshire on 4 November 1911. Joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, he was selected for pilot training and qualified for his ‘Wings’ in Canada, in addition to attending a navigation course at Pensacola, Florida. He subsequently joined the strength of Coastal Command’s 210 Squadron in early 1944 and, by the time of the above related action, had completed about 100 hours of operational flying. And that action is best summarised in Chaz Bowyer’s For Valour – The Air VCs: ‘ … At 1.45 p.m. Cruickshank got airborne from the Sollom Voe base to start a patrol calculated to last at least 14 hours. For the next eight hours the Catalina swept its patrol area, seeing little of importance, and its crew were reaching the point of thinking ahead to the return to base at the end of yet another monotonous sortie. Then, at 9.45 p.m. the radar showed a contact at 6821N, 0556E, - a surface vessel some 43 miles ahead. The flying boat at that moment was flying at 2000 feet above the ocean and Cruickshank’s immediate reaction to the sighting report was to approach the unidentified ‘contact’. Further on he suddenly saw the vessel - a submarine, doing approximately 14 knots on the surface. At first the crew thought it must be a ‘friendly’ sub, but Cruickshank ordered a recognition cartridge to be fired and the code letter of the day to be flashed to the submarine to ensure identification. His answer was an immediate heavy box barrage of flak - it was a German U-boat. Cruickshank’s response was to pull the Catalina into a complete circuit around the U-boat and begin his first run-in, descending from 1,000 feet to 50 feet as he nosed towards his target. At 1,000 yards’ range the Catalina’s front gunner commenced firing to make the German gunners take cover, and his tracers splashed around the submarine’s conning tower and ricocheted away in crazy parabolas; then the waist blister guns joined in the attack. Roaring over the U-boat the Catalina’s depth charges failed to release, so Cruickshank turned to port, climbing to 800 feet and continuing his turn to begin a second attack. Shouting to his crew “Everybody ready?” Cruickshank paused to hear the responses and then yelled, “In we go again.” The U-boat was now nearly stationary, giving its gunners a more stable platform as they prepared for the Catalina’s second attack. Flak shells began to slash along the flanks of the flying boat as it bore in; then as the U-boat came directly under Cruickshank’s vision, one shell exploded inside the Catalina, creating havoc. The navigator, Dickson, was killed instantly, Appleton [an Air Guner] was hit in the head by shrapnel, and Harbison [the Flight Engineer] wounded in both legs. In front of Garnett’s second pilot seat the windscreen shattered, and further inside a fire broke out. Cruickshank received wounds in both legs and his chest, but gave no indication of his injuries, intent as he was on completing his attack. From 50 feet above the U-boat Cruickshank personally released a stick of six depth charges in a perfect straddle of the submarine, then pulled up into the clouds of sea fog ahead of him. The aircraft crew saw no more of their target, but behind them the U-347, commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Johnann de Bugr, was rapidly sinking - Cruickshank’s aim had been true. U-347 had been one of an Arctic flotilla, and this was only her second patrol. In the Catalina, the crew took stock of the damage and crew injuries. The hull was riddled with flak damage, with a foot-long gash along the waterline. The aircraft radar set was out of commission, and one of the main petrol lines was leaking fuel steadily. The latter was particularly worrying; in their immediate location, 190-degrees west of the Lofoten Isles, north-west of Norway, the crew realised that it was at least five hours’ flying back to base at Sullum Voe. The various holes in the main hull were stuffed with various canvas engine covers and ‘Mae West’ preserver life jackets by various crew members; while up front Garnett took over the controls from Cruickshank and told Appleton to come and tend to the skipper’s wounds. Appleton began to cut away the legs of Cruickshank’s uniform trousers to staunch the obvious flow of blood, and then Cruickshank’s face went white and he fainted. Garnett and Appleton managed to lower the unconscious pilot from his seat and carried him aft to the only remaining unburned rest bunk; then Garnett returned to his forward seat. Appleton began to dress Cruickshank’s leg wounds and only then discovered the several chest wounds suffered by his captain - Cruickshank had not said anything about these. As the pilot regained consciousness soon after, he immediately made a move to go forward to his seat at the controls, being anxious about the fuel state, but Appleton restrained him gently, explaining that Garnett had everything under control there. Cruickshank’s next thought was for his navigator, but from the look on Appleton’s face, realised that Dickson must be dead already; indeed, he must have unconsciously known this after the explosion in the aircraft during the second ...
A Second War ‘North Russia convoy operations’ O.B.E., Soviet Order of the Red Star group of six awarded to Chief Engineer Officer J. Mummery, Mercantile Marine, who displayed great courage when his ship was bombed and set on fire by enemy aircraft off the Kola Inlet in July 1943 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Order of the Red Star, silver and enamel, the reverse officially numbered ‘364373’, complete with screw-back fitting, all mounted court-style for wear, extremely fine (6) £1,200-£1,600 --- Provenance: Ron Penhall Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2006. O.B.E. London Gazette 29 August 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘The ship has now returned from North Russia after a lengthy stay. She was attacked and heavily bombed by enemy aircraft which resulted in serious damage, and she subsequently caught fire. The ship was laden with timber at the time, and the fire reached such proportions that she had to be beached and flooded. Chief Engineer Officer Mummery ably assisted the Master in fire-fighting operations, the fire was subdued, the vessel refloated and temporarily repaired, thus enabling her return home. Throughout, Chief Engineer Officer Mummery displayed high qualities of courage, resource and seamanship.’ Soviet Order of the Red Star London Gazette 11 April 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘Mr. Mummery served as Chief Engineer Officer in the Llandaff in North Russian waters for a considerable period. He was outstanding when the vessel was set on fire by enemy aircraft. Fire-fighting was continued for three days, but the vessel had to be beached and flooded.’ One of just over 21 such awards to British personnel for the 1939-45 War, six of them to members of the Merchant Navy. James Mummery was born at Goole, Yorkshire in March 1891 and qualified for his Mercantile Marine 2nd class certificate in April 1917, his 1st class certificate in June 1921, and was appointed an Engineer in May 1922. He does not, however, appear to have qualified for any Great War campaign awards. In the 1939-45 War, Mummery was among many Merchant seamen to find themselves “stranded” in the ports of North Russia following the suspension of further convoys in the summer of 1943, in his case aboard the Llandaff. It was a frustrating period that prompted the men to refer to themselves as the “The Forgotten Convoy”, and, more seriously, a period of great danger - for enemy aircraft were constantly on the prowl. So it was on 24 July 1943, when the Llanadaff was bombed 20 miles north-east of Kildin Island off the entrance to the Kola Inlet: ‘Bomb entered after main hatch through top sheer, port side. Vessel’s side blown out, deck set up, mast buckled and apparently extensive damage between decks and possibly No. 4-5 bulkhead. Cargo set on fire. Pipes in engine room and tunnel fractured. Derrick blown overside and cargo winch destroyed. Further report will be furnished when full extent of damage is known’ (Captain’s report refers). Notwithstanding this serious damage, the Llandaff safely reached Loch Ewe in convoy RA. 54B in December 1943. Mummery, whose Soviet Red Star was supplied to the British authorities on 21 March 1944, remained in the Merchant Navy until 1960. Sold with original letters from the Director-General, Ministry of War Transport, notifying the recipient of his award of the O.B.E., dated 28 August 1944; the Foreign Office notifying him that he had been granted permission to wear the Soviet Order of the Red Star, dated 17 April 1944; General Register and Record Office of Shipping and Seaman, Cardiff, communication, dated 19 May 1947, confirming the recipient’s entitlement to the above described campaign awards; and two Russian banknotes; together with a quantity of copied official papers, gazette extracts and other research, including a photographic image of the recipient.
The particularly fine Second War immediate ‘Augsburg Raid’ D.F.C., D.F.M. group of seven awarded to Hampden and Lancaster navigator, Warrant Officer F. S. Kirke, Royal New Zealand Air Force, a veteran of at least 41 operational sorties prior to taking part in the Augsburg Raid, including on one, 5 November 1941, when he suffered a fractured skull and severe burns. Kirke distinguished himself during the famous low-level unescorted daylight raid on the M.A.N. diesel factory at Augsburg, 17 April 1942, when in a Lancaster piloted by ‘Ginger’ Garwell. Their Lancaster was the only one of 44 Squadron to reach the target - other than the one flown by Squadron Leader J. D. Nettleton, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for the raid. Garwell’s ‘aircraft was hit badly in the fuselage as it ran in towards the target, but Kirke, lying face down over the bomb sight in the nose, cooly directed his pilot. The aircraft lifted as its bombs went but it was streaming fire and doomed. A couple of miles out of the city Garwell found an open field and accomplished a masterly crash-landing. Four of the stunned and shaken crew, Kirke among them, stumbled from the blazing wreck. The other three died. The survivors were captured.’ Kirke was taken prisoner of war, and interned at the infamous Stalag Luft III, Sagan. He became, ‘the first member of the RNZAF to wear the dual ribbons of the D.F.C. and D.F.M...’ Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1942’, and reverse additionally engraved ‘N.Z.39864 Sgt. F. S. Kirke RNZAF’; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (N.Z.39864. Sgt. F. S. Kirke. R.N.Z.A.F.) suspension claw re-pinned, and loose; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; New Zealand War Service Medal, mounted as worn - the DFM in reverse, cleaned, generally nearly very fine or better (lot) £4,000-£6,000 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 5 June 1942. Jointly listed with Flying Officer 65503 A. J. Garwell, D.F.M. (for the award of the DFC), and Sergeants 778173 L. L. Dando and 999625 J. Watson (both for the award of the D.F..M.): ‘On 17th April, 1942, Flying Officer Garwell, Warrant Officer Kirke and Sergeants Dando and Watson were members of the crew of a Lancaster aircraft which took part in the daring daylight attack on Augsburg, involving a flight of some 1,000 miles across enemy territory. Soon after crossing the enemy's coast their aircraft was damaged in a running fight with 25 to 30 enemy fighters. Despite this they pressed on until the target area was reached. In the face off fierce and accurate anti-aircraft fire which further damaged the bomber and set it on fire the bombs were released on the objective. The task accomplished, it was necessary to make a forced landing in a field some 2 miles from the target. In the most harassing circumstances this very gallant crew displayed great fortitude and skill which has set a magnificent example.’ D.F.M. London Gazette 6 June 1941. The original recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. has carried out a total of 24 operations against the enemy during the course of which he has completed 172 hours flying as Navigator. He has always shown the greatest keenness at his work. His navigation in all kinds of weather has been of the very highest order. Throughout all these operations, he has shown outstanding ability, determination and devotion to duty.’ Frank Skipworth Kirke was born in Wellington, New Zealand in March 1917, and was educated at Marlborough College, Blenheim. He enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force at Ohakea as a Leading Aircraftman in October 1939, advanced to Temporary Sergeant, and embarked for the UK in April 1940. Kirke was posted for training as a Navigator to No. 12 O.T.U. in June 1940, before briefly being posted to 106 Squadron in September 1940. He was posted for operational flying to 83 Squadron, 6 October 1940, and then on to 61 Squadron, 17 March 1941. Kirke was awarded the D.F.M. for his service with 83 Squadron, and the following is given in Night After Night: New Zealanders in Bomber Command by M. Lambert: ‘On the otherhand, Kirke, 25, was vastly experienced [by the time he joined 44 Squadron - February 1942] and held the D.F.M. He’d enlisted in the RNZAF in October 1939, and by May 1941 had flown 34 ops on Hampdens, 25 with 83 Squadron, the rest with 61 Squadron. He’d been decorated after all that, the citation saying his navigation ‘has been of the very highest order’. After five months instructing he was posted to 455 Squadron, RAAF, also on Hampdens. He did four trips with 455 before surviving a nasty crash on Guy Fawkes Day 1941, which left him with a fractured skull and burns. Recovered after four months, he joined 44, completing three ops on Lancasters before the Augsburg raid.’ Kirke wrote to his sister about his investiture at Buckingham Palace, 5 October 1941: ‘There was nothing in it really. I just staggered up to the King, he stuck the medal on my chest and away I went... There was the usual crowd of sightseers floating around outside the main gates so I sailed passed in lordly disdain inside the taxi... Naturally all the women were staring at the heroes and all the fellows were wish it was over so they could go and have a beer.... All the crowd cheered and created hell so I sneaked smartly into the nearest pub and did a spot of steady drinking....’ Kirke had advanced to Flight Sergeant in September 1941, and to Warrant Officer in April 1942. He served as an instructor at No. 25 O.T.U., Finningley, at the same time as A. J. Garwell [whose D.F.C., D.F.M. group was sold as part of the Ron Penhall Collection, in these rooms in September 2006]- whom he was to be later crewed up with at 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron for the Augsburg Raid. In November 1941, Garwell joined the ‘Intensive Flying (Lancaster) Flight’ at Boscombe Down, at which establishment he flew on occasion as 2nd Pilot to Squadron Leader J. D. Nettleton, a timely encounter for before too long they would be flying alongside each other in the Lancasters of 44 Squadron and, more significantly, in the famous daylight raid on Augsburg. By that stage - April 1942 - the recently commissioned Garwell had flown two further sorties to Germany with his new unit and had very much become Nettleton’s right-hand man. On the way out to dispersal in a squadron truck for the Augsburg raid, the pair of them agreed that they would not take evasive action if attacked by fighters, but rather hold their course. As Garwell put it, “The only thing to do is press straight on and keep flat on the ground. If anyone gets crippled I suggest he throttles back and belly-lands straight ahead.” Kirke was one of two Kiwis to fly on the Augsburg Raid. The Augsburg Daylight Raid, 17 April 1942 No better account of this extremely gallant enterprise may be quoted than that written by Chaz Bowyer in For Valour, The Air VCs: ‘At 3.12 p.m. John Nettleton lifted Lancaster R5508 ‘B’ off the Waddington runway, followed by six other Lancasters from 44 Squadron. Once all were airborne and beginning to close up in tight formation, the last Lancaster to leave circled and returned to base, being simply a reserve machine to slot into any gap at the start of the sortie. The remaining six aircraft settled into two Vics of three as they drummed low across Lincolnshire heading southwards. In front Nettleton had Warrant Officer G. T. Rhodes in Lancaster L7536 ‘H’ to his left, and Flying Officer J. Garwell, D.F.M. in R5510 ‘A’ to starboard. The second Vic close behind was led by Flight Lieutenant N. Sandford in R5506 ‘P’...
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