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Gurkha Bugler & 'Teenager' Far East Prisoner of War medal group of 5: Bugler Parbir Thapa, 2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles

The medal group comprises:

- The 1939-45 Star. No clasp
- The Pacific Star. No clasp
- War Medal (1939-1945)
- GSM 1918. GVI Type II 'Malaya' (21133325 Rfn. Karbir Thapa. G.R.)
- India: Independence Medal 1947 (21133325 Rfn. Parbir Thapa. G.R.)

Note: The post 1945 medals both with officially impressed naming, as issued to the recipient

Important: The recipients extant service papers confirm that Parbir Thapa - a 'Bugler' - was only 18 years of age when he was captured by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Malaya Campaign of 1941-42, and interred as a Far East Prisoner of War in enemy occupied Singapore

All the medals confirmed entitled and issued on below dates:

- Second World War issues: Issued June 1950
- GSM Malaya: Issued 15 April 1954
- India Independence Medal: Issued 30 January 1954

Parbir Thapa, was a native of Gulmi District, Baglung, Western Nepal, where he was born in 1924. Aged only 17 years he enlisted in the British Indian Army on 31 January 1941, and was posted to 2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles

In August 1941, 2/2 GR embarked at Bombay bound for Malaya. At time of embarkation for overseas service, 2/2 GR had a strengh of 16 x British Officers, 22 x Gurkha Officers, 831 x Gurkha Other Ranks & 69 Followers. The battalion served with 28th Indian Infantry Brigade and the brigade disembarked ain Malaya in September 1941.

In recognition of their service during the Malaya Campaign 1941-1942, 2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles was awarded 5 x Battle Honours viz;

- Malaya, 1941-42
- Singapore Island
- Johore
- Slim River
- Jitra

Official records reveal that extremely few Gurkhas of 2/2 GR, ever betrayed their loyalty to the British during the dark months & years of POW internment in Singapore. Although just a teenager, Parbir Thapa, refused all efforts by the Japanese and their fellow travellers, to join the puppet, and ineffective, Indian National Army. That Parbir Thapa and his comrades did not weaken, was in large part due to the continuing influence and sustained efforts of Subadar-Major Hari Singh Bohra O.B.I. - the senior VCO of 2/2 GR - who by leadership and example, refused to succumb to the Japanese inducements to 'Turn' the other ranks of 2/2 GR. Sadly, Subadar-Major Bohra, died because of the brutal torture he was subjected too for resisting his Japanese captors, his uncommon gallantry later recognized by the posthumous award of an Indian Order of Merit

2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles - including Rifleman Parbir Thapa - transferred to the British Army with effect on 1 January 1948, at which time he was allocated his unique British Army number viz 21133325

At time of Parbir's discharge from the British Army on 6 May 1956, the following testimonal was given in his record of service:

Quote,

A Bugler of a high standard. hard working and conscientious, but does not possess sufficient powers of leadership to be a successful NCO. Was a PW in Malaya in the War. Has given good and loyal service. Goes on pension n completion of 15 years service

Unquote

The medals mounted in the swing-style and as-worn by the recipient suspended from silk ribands. The mounting bar retaining the original long hinged pin and clasp fittings

Sold together with a hard copy photostat set of the recipient's service papers

A most desirable and hard earned 'South East Asia' campaign medal group to a loyal Gurkha soldier

Condition: VF

Code: 20284

295.00 GBP

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British Empire Medal (Civil Division): EIIR issue (Sefu Hemedi)

Sold together with original Royal Mint plush hinged case of issue. This latter with the name of the award in gilt tooled letters on the lid of the case

The award of the British Empire Medal (for gallantry) was published in the London Gazette issue of 27 September 1955, with complete citation. The preamble to the published list of gallantry awards (including OBE's, GM's, MBE's & BEM's) states;

Quote,

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to give orders for the undermentioned appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for the following awards of the Bar to the George Medal, of the George Medal, and of the British Empire Medal, and for the publication in the London Gazette of the names of those specially shown below as having ' received an expression of Commendation.......

Unquote.

Specifically, the citation for Sefu Hemedi is quoted below:

Quote,

Sefu Hemedi, Messenger of Native Authority, Handeni, Tanganyika:

?Sefu Hemedi was sent out to arrest a man who had been on the wanted list for some time for housebreaking and escape from lawful custody and who was known to be a dangerous character. He tracked him down to an isolated hut and called upon the man to come out and give himself up. The man came out armed with a long knife and without hesitation Sefu tackled him and during the course of the struggle received four slashes from the knife which severed the muscle tendons of his left wrist. Despite these wounds he continued his efforts until the criminal was overpowered.?

Unquote.

Important: From circa 1940, the BEM was awarded for acts of gallantry that did not reach the standard of the George Medal. Typically, the BEM awards for acts of gallantry were frequently published with citations, some detailed and graphic, as is the case of the medal awarded to Sefu Hemedi. It was only in 1958 that a specific silver 'Oakleaf' emblem was adopted for wear on the riband of the BEM when awarded for gallantry - however, no provision was made to make the 'Oakleaf' emblem retrospective for wear by those who had bene awarded the BEM for acts of gallantry prior to 1958

The medal is fitted with its original hinged-pin and clasp mounting bar and silk riband, as issued

Sold together with original Royal Mint plush hinged case of issue. This latter with the name of the award in gilt tooled letters 'British Empire Medal' on the lid of the case. The inside upper panel with Royal Mint 'Queens Crown' logo

Handeni was a 5000 square mile district located in the Tanga Province of North East Tanganyika (now Tanzania), with the adminstrative headquarters, or 'Boma' , located on the old road from Korogwe to Morogoro. The 'Boma' at Handeni was an old converted German Fort. In 1954, due to fears of spill-over disaffection from neighbouring Kenya Colony (there had been several cross-border incidents) where the Mau Mau Uprising (1952-1960) was in full-swing, the colonial government in Tanganyika, decided to round-up an estimated 200 'Kikuyu' tribal families living in the Handeni District for relocation (& surveillance) to the Tamota Estate - a former German owned plantation of 500 Hectares, which by 1954 was abandoned and had reverted to bush. The Kikuyu families relocated to Tamota Estate, remained in detention there for about 18 months, before they were permitted to return to their homes

A scarce published colonial gallantry award

Condition: Toned about EF

Code: 20270

385.00 GBP

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United Kingdom: Order of the League of Mercy. 1st type (1899-1946). Gentlemen's breast badge in silver gilt and enamel. With 'Further Service' bar

Important: The insignia with English silver hallmark for Birmingham 1913

Per the official British Order of Precedence, the insignia of the prestigious Order of the League of Mercy is worn after the Service Medal of the Order of St John, and before the Voluntary Medical Service Medal

Only an estimated 50 x Orders of the League of Mercy were issued on an annual basis. Every award, including the issue of the rare bar, was published in the London Gazette

The original badge of the order, awarded from 1899-1947, was a red enamelled silver or silver gilt cross surmounted by the plumes of the Prince of Wales and with a central roundel bearing the crest of the League. The reverse is plain, save for the inscription ?League of Mercy 1898? on the central roundel. It was awarded for at least five years distinguished and unpaid personal service to the League in support of charity hospitals, or in the relief of suffering, poverty or distress. A bar for a second award was only introduced in 1917. The first type insignia was not awarded after 1946

Very scarce seen with a further service 'Bar'

Condition: About EF

Code: 20269

Reserved

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A Second World War era Atlantic Convoys and Double Long Service medal group of 7: Constable Clifford George Butland, Police late Petty Officer of the Royal Navy

- The 1939-45 Star. No clasp
- The Atlantic Star. No clasp
- Defence Medal
- War Medal
- Navy LS&GC. GVI Type I (J.98254. C. G. Butland. P.O. H.M.S. Active.)
- Police Long Service Medal. EIIR 2nd type (Const. Clifford G. Butland)

Important: Petty Officer Clifford George Butland is confirmed as having bene awarded his Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal on 15 May 1938, at which time he was serving on H.M.S. Active on the Mediterranean Station, the medal being issued to him from H.M.S. St Angelo the Royal Navy Shore Base at Malta (ref ADM 171/144)

Clifford George Butland, son of Frederick James Butland (in 1911 was employed as a Horseman on a farm) and Adeline Louisa Butland (nee Richards) was a native of Devonport, Denon, England, where he was born on 14 March 1905. Clifford had five other sibling brothers viz, elder brothers Norman James Butland (an R.A.F. serviceman who died Iraq 1922), Godfrey John Butland (died 1906) and younger brothers, Philip Roy Butland and James Frederick Butland & Ernest Bruce Butland. Clifford joined the Royal Navy on 14 March 1923, for an initial engagement of 12 years - that was subsequently extended. Prior to joining the Royal Navy, Clifford was employed as a 'Farm Boy', and had likely joined the Royal Navy to avoid migration to New Zealand, to which country his parents migrated during the inter-war years (his father died in Lower Hutt, Wellington in 1931, and his mother died there in 1963. In 1929 Clifford married Margaret Valentine Kent in Devenport, England.

During the early war years of the Second World War, Petty officer Butland saw diverse active service. He was with H.M.S. Hunter (Destroyer) when the Second World War began on 3 September, ''Hunter was en route to Freetown, Sierra Leone to search for German commerce raiders, before being transferred to the North America and West Indies Station in late October. Hunter remained on that station until she was transferred to the British Isles in February 1940 and began a refit at Falmouth that lasted until 9 March. The ship rejoined the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla of the Home Fleet at Scapa Flow on 17 March. Clifford served on H.M.S. Norfolk (Heavy Cruiser) when it was under refit and repair and installation of 'Radar' in the Period June-August 1940. Petty Officer also took part in Atlantic Convoy escort duty while serving aboard H.M.S. Verbena (Corvette) on which ship he mustered between 6 December 1940 to 10 May 1941. H.M.S. Verbena had the distinction of being the first corvette to be commanded by an officer of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Lieutenant-Commander Denys Rayner, from November 1940 until September 1942. She was also the first Flower-class corvette to be installed with an extended forecastle to improve stability at sea. H.M.S. Verbena joined her first convoy, under the command of Rayner, on 5 January 1941 and duly escorted the merchantmen up to the 20?W, before returning (then the limit for ocean escorts). After escorting two more convoys, she was assigned to the Mid-Ocean Escort Force, Escort Group B12, based out of Londonderry. On 1 February 1941, after landing survivors from a sunken merchantman, she was taken to the Clyde for fitting with minesweeping gear. She then sailed on escort duties to Gibraltar before returning to duties in the Atlantic which included a stint escorting Convoy HX 126 which had come under attack from a total of eleven U-Boats (the convoy losing nine merchantmen in the process)

Petty Officer Butland remained in the Royal Navy through to March 1945 in which month he was 'Pensioned-Off'

Clifford George Butland is recorded as having died at Plymouth, England, sometime during the last quarter of 1991

The medals mounted as-worn by the recipient in the swing-style. The mounting bar 'sans' pin

A scarce double issue Long Service medal group, the recipient almost certainly having qualified for his Police LS&GC medal as a member of the Ministry of Defence Police, Naval Dockyards Police, or the Admiralty Police, which police forces recruited their members form amongst former personnel of the Armed Forces

Condition: GVF

Code: 20268

Reserved

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A late Victoria era campaign medal pair for service in the Indian Empire of the British Raj and during the South African War: Private Thomas Rennie 1st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers

The pair of medals comprise:

- IGS 1854. Silver issue with clasp 'Chin-Lushai 1889-90' (942 Pte. T. Rennie. 1st Bn K.O. Sco. Bord.)

- QSA Medal. Silver & 3 x clasps 'CC' 'Pa' & 'Jo' (942 Pte. T. Renny. K.O. Scot: Bord:)

Important: Private Thomas Rennie (sic) is verified as entitled to both medals and all 4 x clasps per the respective medal rolls of the 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers, as under:

- IGS 1854 Medal (ref WO 100/74). With remarks for service with 'Gangaw Column' in Chin-Lushai operations (Burma) between 15 November 1899 to 30 April 1890

- QSA Medal: (ref WO 100/182)

Note: Private Thomas Rennie (sic Renny on QSA medal roll and medal named exactly as issued form the medal roll) is verified as entitled to all 3 x clasps on the QSA Medal, per the respective medal roll of 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers (ref WO 100/182) that was compiled and signed in-the field, at Rooidraai, Cape Colony, on, 2 February 1902, at which time the roll is annotated opposite the entry for Private Renny with the remark 'Discharged'. A later supplementary page in the same medal roll (that was compiled and signed more than 2 x years later, on 3 May 1904) confirms the recipient's entitlement to a further single dated clasp 'South Africa 1901'. Whether the dated clasp was ever forwarded to the recipient, or received by him is not known

Thomas Rennie, son of Robert Rennie - who as next of kin is recorded as living at Wilsons Court, Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland - was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was born on 28 August 1865. On 24 April 1884, Thomas attested for the Kings Own Borderers at, Edinburgh, Scotland. At enlistment he was described as having been previously employed as a' Labourer', and that he was 18 years and 8 months of age. Thomas was posted to the Kings Own Borderers (later King's Own Scottish Borderers), with which regiment he subsequently completed a total of 17 years and 30 days service by the time that he took his final discharge from the British Army, on 24 June 1901. During his service 'With The Colours' Thomas Rennie fought in 2 x campaigns, for which he earned 2 x campaign medals, vis an India General Service Medal with clasp 'Chin Lushai 1889-90' (ref WO 100/74), for service in the 'Chin-Lushai' hills bordering Burma and India, and a Queens South Africa Medal (ref WO 100/182) for his services in the South African War. Thomas had served overseas as under;

- India: 02/10/1885 - 02/11/1889
- Burma: 03/11/1889 - 06/02/1891
- South Africa: 05/01/1900 - 22/04/1901

The recipients service papers are extant and are held and accessible at The National Archives

Sold together with hard-copy extract pages from the respective campaign medal rolls confirming all medald and clasp

Condition: GVF

Code: 20267

425.00 GBP

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A South African War and Great War military and police service group to a former 'Cheesemonger': Special Constable Frederick Hiscock, Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary late Royal Engineers

The group of 3 x medals comprise:

- QSA Medal. Silver & 4 x clasps 'CC', 'OFS', 'Joh' & 'Belf' (24130 Dr. F. Hiscock. R.E.)

- Kings South Africa. 2 x clasps 'S. A 1901', & 'S. A. 1902' (24130 Dr. F. Hiscock. R.E.)

- Special Constabulary Medal. GV Type I 'The Great War 1914-18' (Frederick Hiscock.)

Important: The recipients campaign medals & clasps all verified as entitled per the respective campaign medal rolls of the 1st Telegraph Division Royal Engineers as under;

- QSA Medal & clasps: Ref WO 100/159 that was compiled and signed 'In-the-Field' at Pretoria, South Africa, on 12 August 1901

- KSA Medal & clasps: Ref WO 100/315 that was compiled and signed at Aldershot, England, on 25 November 1902

Condition: GVF

Code: 20266

285.00 GBP

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A scarce 'West African' theatre Great War campaign medal trio for service in Kamerun (Cameroon): Sergeant Ernest Jones Hirst, attached Headquarters Nigeria Regiment (West African Expeditionary Force)

The group of 3 x medals comprise:

- 1914-15 Star: (T.Sjt E.J. Hirst. Attd. Nigeria R.)

- British War Medal. Silver issue (T.Sjt E.J. Hirst. Attd. Nigeria R.)

- Interallied Victory Medal (T.Sjt E.J. Hirst. Attd. Nigeria R.)

Important: The officially impressed medals with official corrections, and as issued to the recipient

Note: All medals verified as entitled per the respective campaign medal rolls of the Nigeria Regiment as under:

- 1914-15 Star: (ref WO 329/2934) the roll compiled & signed at Kaduna, Nigeria, during ,October 1920, showing service in theatre 4C as attached to Headquarters Nigeria Regiment
- British War & Interallied Victory Medals: (ref WO 329/2335) the roll compiled & signed at Kaduna, Nigeria, 23 January 1922 showing service in theatre 19 September 1914 to 27 June 1915

Note: The recipients extant Medal Index Card accessible at The National Archives, has remarks showing the recipient was latterly a Civilian Armourer with the Ordnance Department of the West African Expeditionary Force. The medals were firstly applied for on, 6 September 1921, but, returned as undelivered on 28 September 1921. The medals were subsequently applied for again on the 24 March 1923. The reverse of the card shows records two forwarding addresses for the recipient as under:

7 Chapel Avenue
Hebden Bridge
York

And latterly,

53 Sandford Grove Road
Nether Edge
Sheffield

Ernest Jones Hirst, son of Thomas Hirst & Sarah Hirst (nee Eastwood) was a native of Halifax, Yorkshire, England, where he was born circa 1875. By the time of the 1891 National Census for England & Wales, Ernest was employed as a 'Stationary Engine Driver' and residing at, Surrey Road, Attercliffe cum Darnall, Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, where he lived with his parents, two younger siblings (his sister Clarissa & brother James) and his maternal grandmother. The 1901 Census for England & Wales, records Ernest living in the same town, but at a different address (44 Frederick Street) and now described as an 'Engine Fitter' married and living with his wife Ellen Hirst and 7 months old son Alfred Hirst. The 1911 Census shows Ernest described as an 'Engine Fitter' employed at an 'Ordnance Factory'. Sometime before the Great War, Ernest Jones is recorded as having been employed and resident in Nigeria Colony, where he worked as an 'Engineer'. A passenger shipping manifest shows that he sailed from Liverpool, England for Lagos, Nigeria on 8 April 1914, when he was a passenger aboard the S.S. Karina, a vessel of the African Steamship Company. Ernest is known to have died at Sheffield, England, during the first quarter of 1929, at which time he was reported to be 54 years of age.

Each medal is fitted with a length of the original silk riband (now worn & soiled), each stitched and as worn by the recipient

A rare seen Great War 'Cameroon' theatre group of medals named to a British Non Commissioned Officer serving with the Nigeria Regiment in the West African Expeditionary Force

Condition: About VF

Code: 20265

245.00 GBP

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A 'Churchill's Own' associated Great War campaign medal trio to a Great War casualty: Sergeant James Stanley, Machine Gun Corps, late 6th (Service) Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers

The group of 3 x medals comprise:

- 1914-15 Star: (11873 Pte.J. Stanley, R. Sc. Fus.)

- British War Medal. Silver issue (11873 Sjt. J. Stanley, R. S. F.)

- Interallied Victory Medal (11873 Sjt. J. Stanley, R. S. F.)

Casualty: The Scotsman Newspaper issue of 25 August 1916, confirms that 18393 Sergeant J. Stanley, Machine Gun Corps (from Glasgow) was 'Wounded-in-Action' under regimental listing of Scottish soldiers of the Machine Gun Corps

Note: All medals verified as entitled per the respective Great War medal rolls as under;

- 1914-15 Star: (ref WO 329/2826)
- British War & Interallied Victory Medals: (ref WO 329/1738)

The recipients Medal Index Card shows that he first entered theatre of war France with 6th (Service) Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers on 11 May 1915

Important: Lieutenant-Colonel Winston Spencer Churchill, late, First Lord of the Admiralty and a future Prime Minister of Great Britain, was officer commanding 6th (Service) Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, circa January to April 1916, during which time he served and led the 'Jocks' of 6/RSF while they were deployed in the trenches on the Western Front

James Rosie Stanley, son of Thomas Stanley (a Commercial Traveller) & Mary Stanley (nee Rosie) was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born circa 1889. James was the youngest of three children, he had an elder sister, Minnie Stanley (born circa 1880) and an elder brother Thomas Stanley (born circa 1886). By the time of the 1901 National Census for Scotland, James was residing with his parents and both siblings at, 30 Garturk Street, Gorbals, Govan, Glasgow.
Shortly after the start of the Great War, James Stanley as a very early volunteer to enlist in the British Army, when he enlisted on 15 August 1915 (SWB Roll refers). He first entered theatre of war 'France' on 11 May 1915, on which date he landed with the rest of his battalion 6/R.S.F. at the French port of Le Havre. On a period of leave form the Western Front, James married Mary Nielson in Glasgow on 1916. In August 1916, James is recorded as holding the rank of Sergeant and was serving with the Machine Gun Corps when he was 'Wounded-in-Action'. Not long after receiving his wounds, James was discharged from the British Army due to 'Sickness' on 13 October 1916

Between the years 1920-1939, James Rosie Stanley is recorded in the Glasgow Electoral Rolls living continuously in the Pollockshields area of the city, at various addresses in order; 73 Bowman Street (1920-1922); 54 Dixon Avenue (1923); Tinto Avenue (1936-)

James Rosie Stanley is recorded as having died in Glasgow, Scotland on 17 November 1963, at the time of his death he was living at his property located at 33 Tinto Road, Glasgow. His widow wife, Mary Stanley, survived him until her death in Glasgow in 1971

Each medal retains the original long length of silk 'moire' riband as issued.

A desirable Great War medal group with close 'Winston Churchill' regimental associatations

Condition: GVF

Code: 20264

125.00 GBP

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A medal group of 4 to an Old Indian Hand, whose son, a British Officer in 7/8th Punjab Regiment was 'Killed-in-Action' fighting at Singapore: Captain Charles Hammond, M.B.E. Indian Army, later Squadron Leader, Royal Air Force & late Royal Sussex Regimen

The group of 4 x medals comprise:

- 1914-15 Star (8092 Sjt. C. Hammond. R. Suss. R.)

- British War Medal (1-8092 C. Sjt. C. Hammond R. Suss. R.)

- Interallied Victory Medal (8092 C. Sjt. C. Hammond R. Suss. R.)

- Delhi Durbar Medal 1911. Silver issue (8092 Cpl C Hammond R S R)

Note: The Delhi Durbar Medal is named in the correct regimental impressed style common for the Royal Sussex Regiment

All medals verified as entitled and issued per the respective medal rolls referenced below:

- 1914-15 Star: (Ref 329/2650). Star issued 10 July 1924
- British War Medal: (Ref 329/871). Medal despatched 6 June 1922
- Interallied Victory Medal: (Ref 329/871). Medal issued 10 July 1924
- Delhi Durbar Medal 1911: (Ref WO 100/400)

M.B.E.: In addition to the above campaign and commemorative medals, Charles Hammond is also confirmed being decorated as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division). Captain (Deputy Commissary) Charles Hammond is confirmed having been awarded an M.B.E (Military Division) published in the London Gazette issue of 9 June 1938 - vide King's Birthday Honours List 1938

Important: Captain Deryck Charles Eckron Hammond 7th Battalion 8th Punjab Regiment - son of Captain Charles Hammond - was 'Killed-in-Action' in Singapore Colony on 11 February 1942 - he was only 22 years of age, and very recently married (in 1941 he had married Phyllis Helen Owen (a 28 years old bride) at, Colaba, Bombay, India). Tragically, 7/8 Punjab were, like all of the other infantry battalions of 44th Indian Infantry Brigade, were woefully ill-prepared when they were rushed to theatre of war 'Malaya', where they disembarked at Singapore Colony on 22 January 1942 (all members of 44 Indian Infantry Brigade qualifying for the award of the 1939-45 Star, The Pacific Star and War Medal only). In the event, 44th Indian Infantry Brigade never did serve on the Malaya peninsula, and remained in Singapore Colony. 7/8 Punjab first experienced combat in the wake of the Japanese landings at Singapore on 8 February 1944 - a week later Singapore Colony surrendered! The body of Captain Deryck Charles Eckron Hammond was never recovered from the battlefield, but his sacrifice is commemorated in perpetuity on Column 201 of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's 'Singapore Memorial' located at Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore

Charles Hammond was a native of the Parish of St. Lukes, Brighton, Sussex, England (ref National Census for England & Wales 1911) where he was born on 1 May 1886 (Indian Army Lists refers). Charles enlisted in the British Army sometime in 1905, and was posted to hi local infantry regiment, the Royal Sussex Regiment. After completion of his basic training Charles was posted to 1st Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, that had been serving in British India since 1902. Charles Hammond was destined to spend almost his entire military career of 33 years, serving in India. 1st Battalion Royal Sussex was one of a handful of 'Regular' British infantry regiments to remain in India during the Great War, where it formed part of the 'Peshawar Brigade' and from where it deployed during the North West Frontier Campaign of 1915 in the operations against the Mohmand, Bunerwal and Swati, Pathan tribes (the three tribes that inhabit the northern half of the Peshawar District) that lasted between 17 August?28 October 1915. Fighting began with the defeat of about 3,500 Bunerwals near Rustam on the 17 August, and ended with the rout of 3,000 Bajauris near the village of Wuch north of Chakdara. Another six small engagements were fought; the most important was on 5 September at Hafiz Kor, when 10,000 tribesmen were defeated. Keen to continue soldiering in British India, Charles transferred to the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment, in which regiment he was serving as Acting Regimental Sergeant Major and in which regiment he was allocated his unique British Army number in 1920, viz 5610534. Charles Hammond served variously in the inter-war years on attachment with the Indian Unattached List - including a posting attached to the North Western Railway Regiment - and subsequent posting to the Indian Army Corps of Clerks. Charles Hammond was married to Mildred Hammond (born circa 1899), with whom he had two children, viz Deryck Charles Eckron Hammond (born 1920) and Heather Joan Eckron Hammond (born Lahore, Punjab Province, 1922). The family made at least voyages from British India to England in the inter-war years. On 26 February 1931 the family disembarked at Plymouth, England, from the Peninsula and Oriental liner the S.S. 'Mantua that had sailed from Bomba, India - on the passenger manifest Charles Hammond is shown as a 'Conductor, Indian Corps of Clerks'. On a later voyage, the family sailed aboard the Ellerman City Line vessel S.S. 'City of Hong Kong' from Bombay bound for Plymouth, England, where they disembarked on 3 June 1937, and showed their proposed address as Preston Cottage, North Road, Brighton, Sussex - on this last voyage Charles Hammond is shown as 'Captain, Army Officer'. Captain Charles Hammond M.B.E. retired from the Army 1 May 1938. Early during the Second World War, Captain Charles Hammond, M.B.E. (Indian Army Retired) was appointed a commission in the Royal Air Force, and appointed to the Accountancy Branch, as Flight Lieutenant Charles Hammond, M.B.E., effective from 1 September 1939. His Royal Air Force officer number was 75978. He was granted temporary rank of Squadron Leader effective 1 June 1940. Charles Hammond resigned his Royal Air Force commission on 26 April 1945, at which time he retained the rank of Squadron Leader. For his service in the Second World War, Squadron Leader Hammond was entitled to a Defence and War Medal - whether the medals were ever subsequently issued, and or claimed is not known

Condition: GVF

Code: 20263

300.00 GBP

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A French Canadian soldier's 'Allied Intervention in Siberia 1919' campaign medal pair: Private Lucien Hetu, 259th Battalion, Canadian Rifles, Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force

The pair of medals comprise:

- British War Medal. Silver issue (3172233 Pte. L. Hetu, C.S.E.F.)

- Interallied Victory Medal (3172233 Pte. L. Hetu, C.S.E.F.)

Lucien Hetu, son of Gilbert & Marie Louise Hetu was a native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he was born on 20 January 1897. The 1911 Canada Census records him - then aged 14 - living at home in Montreal, with his parents, and 2 x brothers (Arthur Hetu & Gilbert Hetu). Prior to being conscripted in 1918, Lucien had been employed as a, 'Shoe Maker'. Lucien Hetu was issued his 'Mobilization (Call-Up) Papers' on, 19 August 1918, and was formally attested into the Canadian Army at, Montreal, Quebec, on 21 August 1918. On enlistment Lucien was posted to the 2nd Depot Battalion, 2nd Quebec Regiment. Lucien was subsequently posted to the 259th Battalion Canadian Rifles for overseas service with the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force, embarking for Siberia on 22 December 1918. Private Hetu remained in Siberia through to 19 May 1919, on which date he embarked for the return voyage to Canada aboard the S.S. 'Empress of Russia'. He was awarded the British War Medal and Interallied Victory Medals - each named to the Candian Siberian Expeditionary Force - for his active service in Siberia, Russia

The 259th Canadian Infantry Battalion had mobilized in Victoria, British Columbia, and drew its troops from London and Kingston, Ontario, as well as Montreal and Quebec City. The battalion was one of only 2 x Canadian infantry battalions sent to Siberia and northern Russia as a component of the 16th Canadian Brigade Group, whose mandate was to protect lines of communication during the Russian Revolution. The unit was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel A.E. Swift, and was comprised of conscripted men

The 259th Battalion was authorized by CEF Routine Order 1087 dated 20 September 1918, as well as by General Order 128 dated 1 November 1918, as the '259th Battalion, Canadian Rifles, CEF (Siberia)' and embarked for Russia on the S.S. Protesilaus and S.S. Teesta on 22 and 26 December 1918.2 The unit disembarked at Vladivostok on 12 and 15 January 1919, where it served with the 16th Infantry Brigade as part of the Allied Forces in eastern Russia before returning to Canada on 19 May 1919. The battalion officially disbanded on 6 November 1920.

Since 25 June 1998, the 259th Battalion, Canadian Rifles, CEF (Siberia), has been perpetuated by the 12e R?giment blind? du Canada

Sold together withhard-copy set of the recipient's service papers

Condition: About EF

Code: 20125

375.00 GBP

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