A late Victorian era campaign medal pair: Lance Corporal William Thomas Masterson, 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers

- IGS 1895. 'PF' 'Tir 97-8' 'Samana 97' (4825 Pte. W. Masterson, 1st Bn. Ryl. Sco: Fus:)
- QSA Medal. 'Transvaal' 'South Africa 02' (4825 L. Corpl. W. Masterton. Rl. Scots Fus.)

Important: Both medals and all clasps verified as entitled per the respective campaign medal rolls of 1st & 2nd Battalions Royal Scots Fusiliers as under;

- IGS 1895 Medal and 3 x clasps: Ref WO 100/87
- QSA Medal and 2 clasps: Ref WO 100/180 (shown as Masterton)

William Masterson was a native of the parish of St Peter's, Woolwich, Kent, England, where he was born circa 1876. William enlisted in the British Army, at London, England, on 2 January 1895, at which time he claimed to be 18 years & 1 month of age, and described himself as a 'Barman'. At time of enlistment he expressed a desire to join the Royal Scots Fusiliers, which regiment he was posted to from 2 January 1895. William subsequently serv ed 5 years overseas in India and then South Africa, during which he saw action on the North West Frontier of India, and later in the closing stages of the South African War. During his service with the Royal Scots Fusiliers he served as under;

- Home: 02/01/1895-08/02/1897
- India: 09/02/1897-09/02/1902
- South Africa: 10/02/1902-13/12/1902
- Home: 14/02/1902-01/01/1907

William transferred to the Army Reserve on 20 December 1902, and took his discharge from the British Army on 1 July 1907, by which time he had completed his 12 years service contract, comprising 7 years with 'The Colours' & 5 years with the 'Army Reserve'

The medals mounted for display in the swing-style. The mounting bar retaining the original long hinged pin and clasp fittings on reverse

Condition: About GVF

Code: 18987Price: 460.00 GBP

An 'Old Sweats' Great War & Delhi Durbar medalists campaign & 'Silver War Badge' group of 5: Private Charles William Letts, 9th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, late 4th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps

- 1914-15 Star (4391 Pte. C. W. Letts, K. R. Rif: C.)
- British War Medal (4391 Pte. C. W. Letts. K. R. Rif. C.)
- Interallied Victory Medals (4391 Pte. C. W. Letts. K. R. Rif. C.)
- Delhi Durbar Medal 1911. Silver issue (Rfn Letts K.R.R.C. 4391)
- Silver War Badge. Numbered '200792'. An early issue complete with all fittings

Important: Private Charles William Letts confirmed 'Wounded-in-Action' and discharged as a consequence (ref Silver War Badge roll WO 329/3128)

Note: All medals and Silver War Badge verified as the recipients full medal entitlement per below referenced medal rolls;

- 1914-1915 Star: Ref WO 329/2772 (Disembarked in France 20 December 1914)
- British War & Interallied Victory Medals: Ref WO 329/1520 (last unit served 9/KRRC)
- Delhi Durbar Medal 1911: Ref W0 100/400
- Silver War Badge: Ref WO 329/3128

Movements of 4th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps during the period of the Great War that Private Letts served was;

- 1914: India - August 1914
- 1915: France - December 1915
- 1916: Salonika - November 1915

Charles William Letts, son of Willam Letts & Sarah Letts (nee) was a native of Thornton Heath, Streatham, Surrey, England, where he was born on 6 June 1884. Initially a volunteer in the Militia (he served with the 7th (Militia) Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, from 10 March 1902, prior to transferring to the Regular Army and service with 4th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, from 25 April 1902. During the opening months of the Great War, Charles is recorded as having entered a theatre of war when he embarked for overseas service with the British Expeditionary Force on 20 December 1914. Charles disembarked at Le Havre, France, together with the rest of 4/KRRC, on 21 December 1914. Charles Letts was 'Wounded-in-Action' - possibly while serving in Salonika - and was discharged as a consequence of his wounds on 26 October 1916. The Great War medal roll shows that the last unit he served in was 9th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps (which remained in France & Flanders from 1915). After his discharge from the British Army, and by then employed as an 'Engine Driver', Charles married Louisa Mary Andrews at Kensington on 2 August 1919. The 1939 National Register for England & Wales records Charles working as a Turbine Motor Driver and residing with his wife and son, at London. Charles letts is recorded as having died in 1945 at St. Alfege's Hospital, Greenwich, London, England.

The medals mounted in the swing-style from long silk 'moire' Great War ribands. The mounting bar retaining the long hinged pin and clasp fittings

The Silver War Badge retaining the original silver chain, together with hinged pin and clasp fittings

The Delhi Durbar medal with small contemporary repair to swivel suspension (nox fixed), otherwise a very good grouping to an 'Old Indian Hand' & later Great War casualty

Condition: VF & better

Code: 19533Price:

A confirmed Great War Gallipoli 'First Day Lander' casualty & later 'Prisoner of War' campaign & 'Silver War Badge' group of 4: Sergeant Thomas Kane, 6th Battalion & late 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers

- 1914-15 Star (10741 Pte. T. Kane. K.O.Sco: Bord:)
- British War Medal (10741 A.Sjt. T. Kane. K.O.Sco. Bord.)
- Interallied Victory Medals (10741 A.Sjt. T. Kane. K.O.Sco. Bord.)
- Silver War Badge. Officially numbered (B276405)

Note: The 1914-15 Star with officially corrected single forename initial - the correction confirmed on the respective 1914-15 Star Medal Roll & recipients Medal index Card, and exactly as issued

Important: Thomas Kane - a 'First Day Lander' at Gallipoli, was a multiple Great War casualty as under;

- Wounded-in-Action, Gallipoli, Private, 1/KOSB (Ref Press & Journal 19 June 1915)
- Wounded-in-Action, France, L/Cpl (Edinburgh) KOSB (Ref Scotsman 19 June 1916)
- POW Sgt 'D Coy' 6/KOSB, Kemmel, 25/04/18 (Ref Int'l Committee of the Red Cross)

All medals and Silver War badge verified as entitled per the respective medal rolls as under;

- 1914-1915 Star: WO 329/2697 ('First Day Lander' at Gallipoli 25 April 1915)
- British War & Interallied Victory Medals: Ref WO 329/1113 (1, 6 & 7th Battalions KOSB)
- Silver War Badge: Ref WO 329/3035 (Cause of discharge shown as 'Sickness')

Movements of 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers during the period of the Great War;

- 1914 (Aug): In India
- 1915 (Apr): Landed at Gallipoli
- 1916 (Mar): Landed in France

Thomas Kane, son of Maxwell Kane & Mary Kane (nee Collins), was a native of Dundee, Scotland, where he was born on 22 May 1888. By 1891, Thomas is recorded living in Edinburgh, Scotland, with his mother. The 1901 National Census for Scotland records Thomas residing at 96 Leith Street, Edinburgh. Thomas - who appears to have been a Policeman prior to 1910, enlisted in the British Army on 1910 (Silver War badge roll refers) at which time he was posted to the 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers - the regiment he was to remain with throughout his subsequent service during the Great War. The 'Overseas' Military returns for the 1911 National Census for England & Wales, includes the 1t Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers stationed at Lucknow, India, where the only 'Kane' therein is recorded as Private 'John' (sic) Kane, born Dundee, Forfar, Scotland, in 1888, and described as a former Policeman, 23 years of age. 1/KOSB was in India at the outbreak of the Great War, it first entered theatre of war 'Gallipoli' on 25 May 1915, when the battalion, together with Private Thomas Kane, landed on the first day of operations. Fortunate to recover from his wounds received at Gallipoli, next entered theatre of war 'France' in 1916. While serving as a Lance Corporal in France, Thomas was 'Wounded-in-Action' for a second time. By 1918, and now an Acting Sergeant, Thomas was serving with 'D Coy' 6th Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers when he was captured during the German 'Spring Offensive' at 'Kemmel' on 25 April 1918, and subsequently transported and interred in a Prisoner of War camp located in Germany. After his liberation and repatriation back to the United Kingdom, Thomas Kane is recorded as having taken his final discharge from the British Army on 17 March 1919, and just eleven days later on, 28 March 1919, married May Louise Starmore at St Giles Church, Edinburgh. At the time of his marriage Thomas was recorded as being employed as a 'Gas Work Labourer'. Thomas Kane died at Edinburgh, Scotland, on 24 May 1942

The medals all fitted with long lengths of original silk watered weave 'moire' ribands, as issued;

A very hard earned medal group to a pre-1914 'Jock', who in spite of multiple wounds received a Gallipoli and France, and later internment as a Prisoner of War, was fortunate to survive the Great War and return to his native homeland of Scotland

The Silver War badge with long pin & sans clasp

Condition: About GVF

Code: 19532Price:

A Great War & post-war North West Frontier of India campaign medal group of 4: Rifleman Alam Sher 5th Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles, late 1st Battalion 125th 'Napiers' Rifles', Indian Army

- 1914-15 Star (No. 3028 Rfmn. Alam Sher, 1/125 Rfls.)
- British War Medal (3028 Rfmn. Alam Sher, 1-125 N. Rfls.)
- Interallied Victory Medals (3028 Rfmn. Alam Sher, 1-125 N. Rfls.)
- IGS 1908. GV Type I.'Waziristan 1921-1924' (3796 R-M. Alam Sher, 5-6 Raj.Rif.)

The recipient was an Indian soldier holding the rank of 'Rifleman' while serving with the 5th 'Napiers' Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles (late 125th 'Napiers' Rifles)

A famous Indian 'Rifles Regiment', 125th Napier's Rifles, was restyled 5th 'Napiers' Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles in 1922. On the formation of multi-battalion Rajputana Rifles, all 'Other Ranks' who had served prior to the establishment of the regiment in 1922, were allocated new service numbers

125th Napier's Rifles Great War service: At the outbreak of the Great War, the regiment was an unbrigaded unit of the 5th (Mhow) Division of the Indian Army. Napier's subsequently joined the Army's 3rd (Lahore) Division as part of its 9th (Sirhind) Brigade, landing at Marseilles on 26 September 1914 and taking part in Winter Operations (1914–1915), the Battle of Neuve Chapelle (10–13 March 1915), the Battle of Aubers, the Battle of Festubert (15–25 May 1915), and the Battle of Loos subsidiary attack at the Moulin-du-Piètre on 25 September 1915. Later in 1915, 'Napier's Rifles'' left the 3rd Division in 1915 to join the 7th (Meerut) Division. As part of the 7th Division's 21st (Bareilly) Brigade, the regiment sailed from Marseilles to go to Mesopotamia. Napier's landed at Basra, Iraq, on 31 December 1915 and took part in the failed attempt to relieve the besieged garrison of Kut al Amara. Palestine was the last theatre of war where 'Napier's Rifles' served during the Great War, having disembarked at Suez on 13 January 1918, and thereafter serving in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, under the able command of General Allenby

A good regimental combination to 5th 'Napiers' Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles, including a scarce seen Great War 'Trio' to a famous Indian Army regiment

Condition: About VF

Code: 19531Price:

An Arabian Gulf 'Political Agent's' Great War era campaign medal group of 6: Captain Daniel Vincent McCollum, Political Agent Kuwait, late 43rd Erinpura Infantry & Indian Army Reserve of Officers

- 1914-15 Star (2-Lieut. D. V. McCollum. I.A.R.O.)
- British War Medal (Capt. D. V. McCollum.)
- Interallied Victory Medals (Capt. D. V. McCollum.)
- General Service Medal 1918. GV & clasp 'Iraq' (Capt. D. V. Mc Collum. I.A.R.O.)

Important: Captain McCollum - an Irishman from Cork - is confirmed as being the British 'Political Agent' in Kuwait 1918-1920

Note: The 1914-15 Star medal rolls for officers of the Indian Army are not currently available for download. The Great War pair and General Service Medals verified per the respective medal rolls as under;

- British War & Interallied Victory Medals: Ref WO 329/2348
- GSM 1918 & clasp 'Iraq': Ref WO 100/G53/463 (dated India Office 30 December 1925)

Reference 'Creating the Arabian Gulf: The British Raj and the Invasions of the Gulf' (Paul J. Rich, 2009) for very detailed biography with service details confirming Captain McCollum's services in Mesopotamia in 1915, and more significantly his appointments as British Political Agent in Kuwait and Muscat. The biography can be accessed / seen on-line at;

- www.books.google.com

Sold together with a copied Index Card that includes the Great War pair and GSM 'Iraq'

The group with traces of lacquer & mounted in the swing-style for display suspended from a medal mounting bar that retains its long hinged pin and clasp fittings

Condition: Mostly VF & better

Code: 19530Price:

A Pipe-Majors group of 7: Pipe-Major D. 'Swank' McLeod, 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders

- British War Medal. Silver issue (3-7366 Pte. D. Macleod. Seaforth)
- Interallied Victory Medal (3-7366 Pte. D. Macleod. Seaforth)
- IGS Medal 1908. GV 'North West Frontier 1930-31' (2810142 Sjt. D. Mac Leod.Seaforth)
- Defence Medal
- War Medal
- Military LSGC. GVI 'Regular Army' (2810142. W.O.Cl.2. D. Macleod. Seaforth)
- Efficiency Medal, GVI first 'Territorial' (2810142 W.O.Cl.2. D. McLeod, Seaforth)

The group court mounted for display.

Pipe-Major Donald 'Swank' Macleod served during the Great War with the 2nd and 7th Battalions Seaforth Highlanders, the former''s Pipers (of which Macleod is listed in the Regimental records) were, ''largely employed as runners, orderlies, etc., and suffered very heavy casualties. On several occasions during the open fighting they were employed in the attack as pipers. Of 23 pipers who went to France with the battalion 6 were killed and 10 wounded in the first year of the war. The opinion of the officers is that only the difficulty of reinforcements limits the employment of pipers in action.''

Provenance: Matt Taylor Collection, Christies (London) 1983

Research: The medals accompanied with some copied research including photograph of recipient in uniform, as part of the 'Highland Brigade Gathering Cawnpore, 1931 - Pipe Majors'

Condition: Great Wars medal polished GF, others GVF

Code: 10967Price: 1975.00 GBP

A regimentally unique full entitlement campaign medal pair combination for Iraq and India service: Private A. G. Walker, 1st Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)

- GSM 1918. GV first type with clasp 'Iraq' (30406 Pte. A. Walker. R. Highrs.)
- IGS Medal 1908. GV 'Waziristan 1921-24' (2745852 Pte. A. G. Walker. Black Watch)

The IGS medal is a 'Royal Mint' issue

Important: The recipient did not serve overseas during the Great War. The respective campaign medal rolls confirm the two medals listed above, and here offered, as the recipients full and only medal entitlment. The GSM 1918 and clasp per medal roll (ref WO 100/G5/415) signed at Dera Ismail Khan, North West Frontier Province, India, and the IGS 1908 and clasp per medal roll (ref WO 100/I25/491) signed at Quetta, India, on 20 December 1925. The medal rolls show that Private Walker had been attached to 32nd Divisional Signal Company (which became "B" Divisional Signals), and was returned to his unit, 1/Black Watch on 1 May 1922. Private Walker took his discharge on 28 January 1923

Note: A study of both the GSM and IGS medal rolls confirm that a total of only 3 x 'Other Ranks' of the regiment qualified for both of the above medals and clasps while serving on attachment. However only Private Walker has the distinction of having earned the 'pair only' as a full medal entitlement - the other 2 x recipients each additionally earned Great War British War & Interallied Victory Medals, and one of those recipients - Private Cunningham - is recorded as having been issued 'Replacement' GSM & IGS medals

A unique full medal entitlement campaign medal pair to the Black Watch

Sold together with some copied medal roll entries and medal index cards

Condition: GVF

Code: 15484Price: 1110.00 GBP

A North West Frontier of India, campaign medal pair to a 'Mountain Gunner': Driver Adalat Khan, 4th Mountain Battery, Indian Army

- IGS 1908. GV issue 'North West Frontier 30-31' (39732 Driver Adalat Khan, 4 Mtn. Bty.)
- IGS 1936 Medal. 'North West Frontier 1936-37' (39732 Driver Adalat Khan, 4 Mtn. Bty.)

Important: Reference 'The History of the Indian Mountain Artillery' (Graham, 1957), it is confirmed that4th Mountain Battery served in both of the campaigns commemorated on the respective medal clasps

The recipient was an Indian soldier holding the rank of Driver while serving with the 4th Mountain Battery of the British Indian Army - a 'Mountain Gunner'

Condition: VF

Code: 18978Price: 185.00 GBP

A 'Wokingham Mayor's' Second World War campaign medal group of 4: Corporal Robert Benjamin Naish, Royal Corps of Signals, later Mayor of Wokingham, Berkshire, England

- The 1939-1945 Star (2383835 Cpl Naish R.B.)
- The Burma Star (2383835 Cpl Naish R.B.)
- Defence Medal
- War Medal

Note: The 2 x campaign stars are named in a distinctive contemporary style of engraving, and as worn by the veteran

Imp: Robert 'Bob' Benjamin Naish is confirmed as having been a long serving Councillor in his community, and ultimately was Mayor, of Wokingham, Berkshire, in 1977

The source "Wokingham men who returned from the Second World War" includes the details of Corporal Robert B. Naish (2383835) Royal Signals, of 70 Evendons Lane. He returned on January 29th 1946.

Reference 'Wokingham, Former Mayors of 1947-1979' (Jim Bell, 2009), there is a detailed biography of Mayor Naish, together with a copy of the portrait here attached courtesy of Gemma Cummings of Wokingham Town Council, showing Major Naish in his Mayoral Robes and wearing his impressive 'Chain of Office'

An interesting item of local Wokingham / Berkshire history interest

Condition: GVF

Code: 18066Price: 75.00 GBP

A South African Air Force 'Pilot's' Second World War campaign medal group of 4: Lieutenant Kenneth Edward Topp, 12th Squadron South African Air Force

- 1939-45 Star (207150 K. E. Topp.)
- Italy Star (207150 K. E. Topp.)
- War Medal (207150 K. E. Topp.)
- Africa Service Medal (207150 K. E. Topp.)

Sold together with below ephemera;

- Union Defence Force medal transmittal letter

- Addressed envelope to ‘Mr. K. E. Topp, 9 Harlestone, 173 Riley Road, Durban, Natal’

- Photocopied service record

Kenneth Edward Topp, son of, Major Percy Topp, was a native of, Durban, Natal, where he was born on ,16 January 1923. At the age of 18 years, and described as a 'Student Draughtsman', Kenneth attested for full-time service with the Union Defence Force at Durban, Natal, South Africa, on 15 September 1941. Posted to the South African Air Force, Kenneth undertook officer training as a 'Pupil Pilot' and completed his 'Pupil Pilots' course on 2 September 1942, and the following day, 3 September 1942, is recorded as the 'Date qualified for Wings'. Kenneth was commissioned '2nd Lieutenant, on 5 September 1942, and Lieutenant on 5 March 1943. Like many enthusiastic young flyers, Kenneth was not afraid to disregard authority and to 'Showboat' his perceived flying skills, not least when his recklessness cost him a 'Severe Reprimand' and stoppages of GBP 25 from his pay, for below incident that occurred n 20 March 1944;

Quote,

Contra Sec.40 MD.C An Act to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he at or about 0915 hrs on 20 March, '44 as Captain and Pilot of Anson Aircraft No. 4384 having been briefed briefed by No. 73330 F/O Paterson the Briefing Officer to carry out an exercise at a minimum height of 500 feet above ground level wilfully and negligently flew the said aircraft at a height below 500 ft in the vicinity of Fraserburg Road with the result that the said aircraft struck the telephone wires at a point 32.38'S and 21.52'E near Fraserburg Road with consequential damage to the said aircraft property of the U.K. Government amounting to £20.5.5d (Twenty Pounds Five Shillings and Fivepence) and damage to the said Telephone wires and supporting poles the property of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs of the Government of the Union of S.A. amounting to £13.9.4. (Thirteen pounds Nine Shillings and Fourpence)

Unquote.

Lieutenant Topp subsequently served overseas in Egypt (1944) and in Italy (1945). In Italy, Lieutenant Topp was posted to 12th Squadron South African Air Force.

Kenneth Topp married Anne Barbara Barker (born in Quetta, Baluchistan Province, British India on 23 July 1924, daughter of Percy Edgar Barker). Kenneth was left a widower, when he was predeceased by the death of his wife, Mrs Anne Topp, who is recorded as having died in, Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, on 26 February 1994.

Sold with some copied service records

The medals all loosely mounted for display on a dark flock board

Condition: GVF

Code: 19529Price: