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An important British India Journalist's Great War & Inter-War years medal group of 4: Sir Francis Low, Editor 'Times of India' late Captain Gordon Highlanders attached Hampshire Regiment

- British War Medal. Silver issue (Lieut. F. Low.)
- Interallied Victory Medal: (Lieut. F. Low.)
- Jubilee Medal 1935
- Coronation Medal 1937

Important: Francis Low, Editor 'Times of India' was created a Knight Bachelor (knighted) per the London Gazette issue of 1 January 1943 (New Year Honours List) and was 'Dubbed' at Viceroy's House, New Delhi, India, on 23rd February 1943

Note: The campaign and commemorative medals all verified on the recipients respective Medal Index Card & respective Great War, Jubilee & Coronation medals rolls as his full and only medal entitlement:

- British War & Interallied Victory Medals: Medal Roll (Ref WO 329/2251)
- Jubilee Medal 1935: Jubilee Medal Roll 1935 India Allocation
- Coronation Medal 1937: Coronation Medal Roll 1937 India Allocation

Francis Low (Journalist) son of Francis Low was a native of, Finzean, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he was born on 19 November 1893. Educated at Robert Gordon's College, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Francis entered the world of journalism when he joined the Aberdeen Free Press in 191., becoming the Chief Reporter for same in 1920.

During the Great War, Francis, enlisted in the 1st Highland Brigade R.F.A. (Territorial Force) and was commissioned into his local regiment the Gordon Highlanders, in which regiment he served with 4th (The City of Aberdeen) Battalion The Gordon Highlanders. In 1916 he embarked overseas when he was in command of a draft of troops bound for India. From India he was subsequently attached to 6th Battalion Hampshire Regiment with whom he served on active service in Mesopotamia 1917-1918, later being on the Staff of I Corps, and posted as a Special Service Officer working in Intelligence for General Headquarters in Baghdad in 1919. He left the British Army in 1919, and in 1922 took up an appointment with the 'Times of India' which newspaper he joined in Bombay, India, in 1922. On 20 November 1926, Francis married Margaret Helen Adams (who was also a native of Finzean, Aberdeenshire) at the St Andrews 'Kirk' Bombay, India. Francis was to remain in employment with the 'Times of India' in India for 26 years, during which time he became the 'Editor' - and the de-facto 'Head Totem' or 'Burra Sahib' between 1932-1948. Francis Low covered the entire Indian independence movement and struggle in the inter-war years, through to 'Freedom at Midnight' on 14/15 August 1947

Francis led the Indian delegation to the Sixth Imperial Press Conference in London 1946, He was Honorary Secretary for the Society for India, Pakistan and Ceylon; President of the London District, Boys’ Brigade; President of the Woking Division Conservative Association; Knighted 'Knights Bachelor' in 1943: His club memberships included 'Bombay Royal Yacht' & 'Willingdon Sports (Bombay) Clubs; He held offices at 3 Temple Chambers, Temple Avenvue EC4 (Fleet Street 8515); and his residence was High Gardens, Hook Heath, Woking, Surrey (Woking 211)

Apart from the many hundreds - or more - of 'Editorials' and newspaper articles that Sir Francis published in his long career as a Journalist, he also wrote a book 'Struggle for Asia' (Publisher Frederick Muller, London 1955).

Sir Francis Low is recorded as having died at Camberley, Surrey, England, on 18 September 1972

In keeping with the general characteristics of being a senior 'Newspaperman', Francis Low has left a legacy for posterity of not only his prolific record of printed articles and editorials but also in his personal archives that he had maintained of his military service. The National Army Museum hold at least 5 x different accessions in their collections including:

1). Papers of Lt Francis Low, 4th Bn Gordon Highlanders attached 1/16th Bn Hampshire Regiment, World War One, Mesopotamia, 1916-1921. Archives. Accession number 1996-06-158

2). Papers of Lt Francis Low, 4th Bn Gordon Highlanders attached 1/16th Bn Hampshire Regiment, World War One, Mesopotamia, 1916-1921.Archives. Accession number 1996-06-158

3). Album of 48 photographs relating to 4th Bn Gordon Highlanders when attached to 1/6th Bn Hampshire Regiment, Mesopotamia, 1917-1918; photographs compiled by Lieutenant Francis Low 4th Bn Gordon Highlanders attached 1/6th Bn Hampshire Regiment; themes include portraits, groups, local views and types, troops on a train, an observation balloon and Turkish prisoners of war.
Photographs. Accession number 1996-06-159

4). Album of 75 photographs relating to 4th Bn Gordon Highlanders when attached to 1/6th Bn Hampshire Regiment, Persia, 1919; photographs compiled by Lieutenant Francis Low 4th Bn Gordon Highlanders attached 1/6th Bn Hampshire Regiment; themes include local views and types, archaeological sites and the entry of Allenby into Baghdad. Photographs. Accession number 1996-06-160

5).Papers of Lt Francis Low, 4th Bn Gordon Highlanders 1916-1917, and 1/6th Bn Hampshire Regiment, Mesopotamia 1916-1919. Archives. Accession number 1991-02-324

There is a fine portrait of Sir Francis Low held at The National Portrait Gallery

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

An important & desirable group of medals to the pre-eminent Journalist and 'Newspaperman', who was at the helm of British Inda's largest circulating English language newspaper during the entire period of Indian Political History that culminated in the Independence of India and the creation of the Pakistan in August 1947

A superb group of considerable historical interest

Condition: EF

Code: 20287

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A British Infantry Officer Great War 'Casualty' medal pair: Captain John Eugene De Mohun Dunster late 6th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry & Devonshire Regiment

The medal comprise:

- British War Medal. Silver issue (Lieut. J. E. De M. Dunster.)
- Interallied Victory Medal (Lieut. J. E. De M. Dunster.)

Important: Lieutenant J.E. de M. Dunster, 6th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, is confirmed having been 'Wounded-in-Action' in France, circa May 1916, reference 'Western Times' issue of 4 May 1918

Note: Medals verified on the recipients respective Medal Index Card & respective Great War medals rolls as the recipients only medal entitlement:

- British War & Interallied Victory Medals: Per Medal Roll (Ref WO 329/2267)

The Imperial War Museum Collections contain a large archive of ephemera pertaining to Lieutenant Dunster including:

The Imperial War Museum holds the following Album & ephemera belonging to John Eugene de Mohun Dunster:

‘Album containing well-captioned photographs recording his training with the Public Schools Special Corps at Epsom in September 1914 and with the Inns of Court OTC at Berkhamsted, October - December 1914; commission into the 10th Battalion Devonshire Regiment (100th Brigade, 33rd Division) at Bath in February 1915; service with the 11th (Reserve) Battalion Devonshire Regiment (44th Training Reserve Battalion from September 1916, 10th Reserve Brigade) at Wareham, August 1915 - September 1917; service with the 6th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry (14th Division) in France, September 1917 - July 1918; and with 735th and 51st Labour Companies in France, July 1918 - October 1919. Also, a notebook detailing his movements 1914 - 1919, and official documents including his Officer's Record of Service, commission and a certificate of membership of the Ypres League of Officers.’

John Eugene de Mohun Dunster, son of John Dunster (London Divisional Traffic Superintendent of the Great Western Railway) & Mary Frances Dunster (nee Allday) was a native of, Notting Hill, London, England, where he was born on 16 May 1882. The 1911 National Census for England and Wales records John employed as a Railway Clerk, and living with his family, comprising parents and two younger sisters, Marjorie Dunster (aged 23) & Kathleen Dunster (aged 20) at the family residence located at 'The Laurels' 16 Golden Manor, Hanwell, Middlesex, England.

John Dunster was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the 10th Battalion Devonshire Regiment and is recorded as having first entered theatre of war 'France' on 10 September 1917 (Medal Index Card refers) where he served on the Western Front with 6th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry between September 1917 to July 1918, during which time he was promoted Lieutenant and with which unit he was reported 'Wounded in Action, circa May 1918. The highest rank that John attained during his military service was Captain and the last unit he served with before taking his discharge was 51st Company Labour Corps. John applied for his Great War medals on 24 November 1921

John Dunster is recorded as having died on 22 July 1965, at Reading, Berkshire, England

The medals are each 'sans' riband

A choice pair of Great War medals

Condition: EF

Code: 20286

125.00 GBP

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A rare to ship Second World War and Long Service medal group of 5: Petty Officer Stoker Mechanician, Clifton Bingham, H.M.S. Fetlar

The medal group comprises:

- The 1939-45 Star. No clasp
- The Atlantic Star. With clasp 'France and Germany'
- The Africa Star
- War Medal
- Naval LSGC. GVI (KX.83117 C. Bingham. P.O. Sto. Mech. H.M.S. Fetlar)

Important: Medal confirmed issued to recipient at H.M.S. Pembroke II on 22 October 1948 (ref ADM 171/153 & ADM 171/158)

An excessively rare medal named to H.M.S. Fetlar, and quite possibly a unique GVI issue. A digital search of the respective Royal Navy Long Service Medal Rolls & Application Books for 'Fetlar' gives only 2 x positive returns, both EIIR issue medals issued respectively 'Off' H.M.S. Osprey to 'Fetlar' in 1955 & 1957 respectively!

Clifton Bingham, was a native of South Shields, Co. Durham, England, where he was born sometime during the third quarter of 1913. Clifton is recorded as marrying twice. Firstly he wed Doris R. Brown at, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, sometime in the last quarter of 1934. He secondly married Gladys Beatrice Fellows, at, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England sometime during the third quarter of 1950. Clifton Bingham is recorded as having died at the Hotel Paris Liccione, Italy, on 26 September February 1963. At the time of his death his United Kingdom residence was, 153 Stubbington Avenue, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. Clifton was succeeded by his widow Gladys Beatrice Bingham, who inherited Clifton's estate

H.M.S. Fetlar was an Isles Class 'Mine Sweeper Trawler' built at Cochrane & Sons Shipbuilders Ltd, Selby, United Kingdom. The vessel was ordered on 16 November 1940; Laid down 1 April 1941; Launched 10 July 1941; Commissioned 9 January 1942. Her 'Pennant' was T 202. Fetlar was scrapped in Belgium on 2 June 1960

The Isles-class trawlers were a class of naval trawler used by the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy during World War II

During the Second World War, H.M.S. Fetlar had a complement of 4 x Officers and 36 x Men and was mainly used on minesweeping and harbour defence duties. Most of the Isles Class 'MS Trawlers' were armed with one 12-pounder gun (76mm) and three or four 20 mm Oerlikon AA guns with 30 depth charges.

Postwar, H.M.S Fetlar was disarmed and kept in service as a Wreck Dispersal Vessel and general duties work as a Royal Navy Trawler with the Royal Navy Home Command

Medals all mounted as-worn in the Navy 'Swing-style'. The mounting bar retaining the original long hinged pina and clasp fittings

Condition: Mostly GVF

Code: 20285

190.00 GBP

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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

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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

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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

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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 all 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

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Medal group of 4 to an Old Indian Hand, whose son, a British Officer 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, 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 1942 - 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 his 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 two 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

Reserved

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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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