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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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An Indian Army Great War campaign medal pair to a Jat Hindu soldier: Sepoy Debi Sahai 1st Battalion 6th Jat Light Infantry

The pair of medals comprise:

- British War Medal. Silver issue (1804 Sepoy. Debi Sahai. 1-6 Jat. L. Inf.)
- Interallied Victory Medal (1804 Sepoy. Debi Sahai. 1-6 Jat. L. Inf.)

The recipient was by class and faith a Jat Hindu, who served as a Sepoy (Private) with the 1st Battalion 6th Jat Light Infantry - a 'Jat Class' regiment of the Indian Army

In respect of the outstanding services performed by the 6th Jat Light Infantry during the Great War, in France & Flanders, Mesopotamia and the Third Afghan War, the regiment the 1st Battalion of the regiment was bestowed the 'Royal' honorific title in 1921, when it became 1st Battalion 6th Royal Jat (Light) Infantry. In 1922 the battalion was amalgamated with other 'Jat' class regiments at which time it was restyled as 1st Royal Battalion (LI) 9th Jat Regiment

Condition: GVF

Code: 20260

70.00 GBP

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A 'North Shields Casualty' & 'Lancashire Special Constabulary' World Wars group of 5: Chief Inspector Isaac William Walton, Lancashire Special Constabulary (Seaforth Group) late 1st/5th Battalion (Territorial Force) Northumberland Fusiliers

The group of 5 x medals comprise:

- British War Medal. Silver issue (66758 Pte. I. W. Walton. North'd Fus.)
- Interallied Victory Medal (66758 Pte. I. W. Walton. North'd Fus.)
- Defence Medal
- Coronation Medal 1953
- Special Constabulary. GVI 'Long Service 1946' (Group Ldr. Isaac W. Walton)

Important: Private Isaac William Walton is confirmed 'Wounded-in-Action' (Gunshot & Shrapnel) 10 April 1918, during the German 'Spring Offensive' while serving with 1/5th Battalion (Territorial Force) Northumberland Fusiliers

Note: The Great War & Coronation Medals all verified as entitled per the respectful medal rolls as under:

- British War & Interallied Victory Medal: Ref WO 329/722, the medal roll showing recipient served with 1/5 Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers

- Coronation Medal 1953 (United Kingdom Issue): Recipient shown as Chief Inspector, Lancashire Special Constabulary and that the medal was allocated under U.K. Section 8

Isaac William Walton, son of Issac Walton (Inspector, Tynemouth Constabulary) and Hannah Walton (nee Jackson) a native of North Shields, Northumberland, England, was born at, Tilery House, Tilery Road, Stockton, Durham, England on 27 July 1899. Isaac was the youngest of four children, comprising elder brothers; Percy Jackson Walton (Killed-in-Action serving as a Second-Lieutenant with the West Yorkshire Regiment, in 1917 & formerly served with 28th Infantry Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force); Frederick Chester Walton, and a sister, Edith Evelyn Walton. Isaac was only 1 year and 5 months of age when his father, Inspector Walton, died at the young age of 37 years. The 1911 National Census for England & Wales records the Walton family (mother and all 4 x children) residing at 57 Norfolk Street, North Shields, Northumberland, England, at which time Isaac's mother, Hannah, is recorded as a 'Widow' and shown as 'Head' of the family

Described as a 'Clerk', Isaac Walton - still a teenager - enlisted in the British Army, at North Shields, Northumberland, on 10 September 1917, under the terms 'Duration of the War'. For basic training, Isaac was initially posted to the 5th Training Reserve Battalion located at Rugeley Camp, Yorkshire, and subsequently completed his basic training after serving in succession with the 53rd (Young Soldiers) Battalion Training Reserve (Northumberland Fusiliers) and lastly with 51st (Graduated) Battalion Training Reserve (Northumberland Fusiliers). After completion of his training, Private Isaac Walton was posted to the 1st/5th Battalion (Territorial Force) Northumberland Fusiliers, with which unit he was serving when he first entered theatre of war 'France' on 4 April 1918. Only 6 days after arriving in France and being sent to the 'Front Line' - during the desperate fighting of the German 'Spring Offensive' - Isaac was 'Wounded-in-Action' with GSW (or Gunshot & Shrapnel Wound) on 10 April 1918 (service papers refer). Private Walton took his final discharge from the British Army on 21 January 1919, at which time he was transferred to the Z Class Army Reserve. At the time of discharge, Isaac had served 1 year 137 days with the British Army

The 1939 National Register for England & Wales (compiled circa April 1939) records Isaac Walton, described as an Insurance Inspector 'Fire & Accident' (he is reported to have been employed with the Prudential Insurance company, where he was Head of Department with coverage for Liverpool, Hereford & Cardiff) and residing at, 20 Glenby Avenue, Crosby, Lancashire, where he lived with his wife Agnes Walton (nee Riley), whom he had married at Tynemouth, Northumberland, England, in 1926. Isaac Walton was a long serving member (21 years) of the Lancashire Special Constabulary, where he was Chief Inspector at, Seaforth, Lancashire. He retired from his service with the 'Specials' in September 1960. Isaac's first wife, Agnes, died in 1958, and the following year he married for a second time, when he wed Irene Shand, and relocated to Wallasey Cheshire, where the couple lived at, 37 Vyner Road, Wallasey. Isaac William Walton died at Wallasey on 1 March 1964

The recipients service papers are extant and held at The National Archives. In addition, see the genealogical website 'Ancestry' for associated biographical information including portrait photographs of the recipient in military and police uniform - the latter with ribbons up - that have been illustrated in the website listing for illustrative reference purposes only

Sold together with hard copy of the recipients Medal Index Card

The medals mounted for display on card in the court-style

Condition: GVF

Code: 20259

185.00 GBP

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A 'Regimental-Colours Best Shot' medal pair to a veteran of the Waziristan Campaign 1936-1937 & Burma 1941-1945: Company Sergeant Major W. M. Gould, 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment

The pair of medals comprise:

- Northamptonshire Regiment: Best Shot Medal. Gilt with clasps 'Bisley 1937' '1937' '1938' (LVIII Shooting Colours 1937 L/C. W. Gould)

- Northamptonshire Regiment: Best Shot Medal. Bronze with clasp '1952' (C.S.M. W. Gould)

Both medals complete with their original silk ribands in the regimental colours of the Northampton Regiment, each retaining the original brooch fittings with hinged pin and clasp fittings as issued, and sold contained in their respective Phillips of Aldershot blue card boxes of issue

Important: The recipient is verified as being entitled and issued with the India General Service Medal 1936 with clasp 'North West Frontier 1936-37' per the respective campaign medal roll of 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment (ref 100/498 ) that was compiled and signed at, Dinapore, India, on 26 November 1938, at which time the recipient is shown listed as No 5884167 Lance-Corporal W. M. Gould

1st Battalion Northanptonshire Regiment served in British & Burma from 1932-1945. During the Second World War the unit that served in the Burma Campaign and India throughout the war with the 32nd Indian Infantry Brigade, 20th Indian Infantry Division

A fine pair of regimental medals to a long serving senior NCO of 1st Battalion the Northamptonshire Regiment (the 58th)!

Condition: About EF

Code: 20258

90.00 GBP

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A 51st Highland Division France 1940 'Casualty Group' of 4 x campaign and sporting medals: Lance-Corporal Samuel Smurthwaite 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, late 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders

The group of 4 x medals comprise:

- The 1939-1945 Star. No clasp
- War Medal
- Gordon Highlanders Regimental Medal. Silver (Pte. Smurthwaite Light-Weight)
- Gordon Highlanders: Regimental Medal. Bronze issue for Boxing

The Second World War medals fitted with their original issue silk ribands, and both regimental medals contained in their fitted plush hinged leatherette cases of issue. The latter with makers logo 'F. Phillips Medallist Aldershot' on inside lid silk panel

Important: Lance-Corporal Samuel Smurthwaite 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders is confirmed as having 'Died-of-Wounds' on 12 June 1940

Photograph: A captioned photograph , with Samuel Smurthwaite identified, showing the triumphant regimental boxing team of 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, was published in the Aberdeen press and Journal issue of 28 February 1936

Note: The body of No 4266394 Lance-Corporal Samuel Smurthwaite is interred at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Ste. Marie. Le Havre, France.

That Samuel Smurthwaite is buried in Le Havre (which fell to 7 Panzer Division on 13 June) and not at St Valery (where on 12 June the 51st Highland Division surrendered to Irwin Rommel), is curious, and likely indicative that Samuel was either 'Wounded-in-Action' sometime before 12 June (at Abbeville?) and detailed (or attached) to be evacuated with 154th Brigade, or 'Ark Force' from Le Havre - alternatively he could have found himself cut-off from his company sometime in the period 7-11 June, and otherwise made his way to Le Havre on foot. There are only 3 x Gordon Highlander 'June 1940' casualties in the Le Havre CWGC Cemetery, including one from 5/Gordons (2873692 Sergeant William Kerr, who was recorded 'Killed-in Action' on 12 June 1940), and two men from 1/Gordons (4266394 Lance-Corporal Samuel Smurthwaite, and 2875437 Private Malcolm McD. Smith) both of the latter posted as 'Died of Wounds' on the same day, 12 June 1940, and both subsequently interred and buried side -by-side in the same cemetery, comrades to the last! An intriguing 51st Highland Division battle casualty

Samuel Smurthwaite son of Thomas Smurthwaite (a 'Moulder' who served in the United Kingdom with the Durham Light Infantry in 1915) and Annie Smurthwaite (nee Bailey) was a native of Darlington, Co. Durham, where he was born on 13 January 1910. Samuel was the fourth eldest of five children, his siblings being brothers; Frederick Smurthwaite (born 1901); James Bailey Smurthwaite (born 1902),; Thomas Smurthwaite (born 1908) Walter Smurthwaite (1912) and sister Martha Smurthwaite (born 1904). In 1915, the family resided at 42 Dickenson Street, Darlington, Co Durham. Samuel was residing in, Newcastle, Northumberland, when he first enlisted in the British Army (almost certainly a Territorial Army enlistment) - his unique army number being in the block allocated to the Northumberland Fusiliers. Samuel is recorded as residing with Thomas Smurthwaite at, 72 De Grey Street, Newcastle (Electoral Rolls of Voters for 1931 refers - Samuel doe snot appear in the 1932 roll). On transferring to the Regular Army, he was posted to 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and served with the 2/Gordons in overseas garrisons during the 1930's, his name appearing several times in the regimental journal of the Gordon Highlanders 'The Tiger & Sphinx' from at least 1935. A boxer of distinction, Samuel was a winner of battalion boxing bouts, and in 1936 is recorded as being one of 5 x members of the 2nd Battalion Gordons Highlanders who took part in the British Army Boxing Finals Tournament 1936, for which event he embarked at Gibraltar Colony aboard the S.S. bound for Southampton, England. The Aberdeen Press and Journal contained a report of the Army Boxing Finals in their issue of 5 March 1936, which is quoted below:

Quote,

Gordon Highlanders in Army Championships

Five Gordon Highlanders have travelled from Gibraltar to compete in the Army boxing championships, and already two of them have qualified for the finals at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on Friday.

They are Lance-Sergt. Gibb, middleweight, and Corpl. Gordon, cruiserweight

Of the others Pte. Smurthwaite, was beaten on points in last night's preliminaries in the second series of the welterweight division by the champion, Lance-Corpl. Spears, and Corpl. Masson was outpointed in the featherweights.

Pte. Coyle the fifth man to undertake the 2600 mile round-journey from Gibraltar, remains in the bantamweight division.

Unquote.

Private Samuel Smurthwaite fulfilled his first 7 years service with the colours circa 1939-39, and transferred to the Army Reserve thereafter. After the outbreak of the Second World War, Samuel was mobilized in 1939, and posted to the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders (then on home service) was promoted to Lance-Corporal and embarked for France with the 51st Highland Division in January 1940

Note: The body of No 4266394 Lance-Corporal Samuel Smurthwaite is interred at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Ste. Marie. Le Havre, France

A desirable group of medals to the 51st Highland Division - the last fully operational infantry division of the British Expeditionary Force to remain in the field after the British evacuations from the beaches of Dunkirk in May 1940

Condition: EF

Code: 20257

200.00 GBP

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An 'Extra Long Service' Second World War, Malaya Emergency campaign & long service medal group of 7: Flight Sergeant Percy Alfred Tipping, Royal Air Force

The medal group of 7 x medals comprise:

- The 1939-45 Star. No clasp
- The Africa Star. With original clasp 'North Africa 1942-43'
- The Italy Star
- Defence Medal
- War Medal
- GSM 1918. EIIR 'Malaya' (516221 F Sgt. P. A. Tipping R.A.F.)
- R.A.F. LS&GC. EIIR & 'Bar' (516221 F. Sgt. P. A. Tipping. R.A.F.)

Percy Alfred Tipping was a native of Exeter, Devon, Berkshire, where he was born circa 1914. Percy is known to have enlisted in the Royal Air Force in the 1930's his unique Royal Air Force number being in the block 505001- 549999 that was first allocated for civilian enlistees in 1925, and continued in use sequentially for this category of recruit until sometime in March 1938 at which time a new block was issued for civilian enlistees. Percy married Barbara Patsy Wheadon (born 06/11/1922) at Eton, Berkshire, England, during the first quarter 1947. The couple were subsequently blessed with at least three children during Percy's remaining service career in the Royal Air Force viz daughters Susan Angela Tipping (born 02/11/1949) and a son Mark Anthony Tipping (born 15/02/1957). Extant United Kingdom shipping passenger manifests held at the The National Archives, record Barbara and daughter voyaging to destination Port Said, Sudan in 1950 and later the family journeyed to destination Singapore Colony in 1957 (prior to their embarkation at Southampton on 26 August 1958, the family were residing at 151 Exxeter Road, Exmouth, England) to join Flight Sergeant Tipping, who was already serving in Malaya / Singapore Colony. Percy Alfred Tipping is recorded as having died in Exeter, Devon, England on 21 June 1991. At the time of his death Percy had been residing at, 26 St. Andrews Road, Exmouth, Devon, England

A fine long service medal group to a professional airman whose medals and records show diverse postings in North Africa and the Mediterranean including Italy, during the Second World War and in Egypt and in Singapore Colony post 1945

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

Condition: GVF

Code: 20256

295.00 GBP

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A Second World War & 'Double Long Service' medal group of 7 to a 'Middlesex Gunner': Staff Sergeant Charles E. Campbell, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, late Royal Artillery & Middlesex Regiment

The group of 7 x medals comprise:

- The 1939-45 Star. No clasp
- The France and Germany Star. No clasp
- Defence Medal
- War Medal
- GSM 1918. EIIR 'Malaya' (6203659 S/Sgt. C. E. Campbell. R.E.M.E.)
- Military LS&GC. EIIR 'Regular Army' (6203659 S. Sgt. C. E. Campbell. REME.)
- Efficiency Medal. GVI first issue 'Territorial' (6203659 Bmbr. C. Campbell. R.A.)

Important: The recipient's unique Army number 6203659 is from the block allocated to the Middlesex Regiment (The Diehards) in 1920, and in use sequentially through to circa 1941

A search of the National Register for England & Wales (April, 1939) records only one C. E. Campbell of 'fighting age' who is described as having any Territorial Army affiliations, viz Charles E. Campbell, who is shown recorded as a 'Military Reservist'. Charles E. Campbell, son of Percival Thomas Couch Campbell (a Master Mariner) and Ann Elizabeth Campbell (nee) was born in Wandsworth, London on 1919. In 1939, Charles was residing at home with his parents and siblings, and employed as a 'Flooring Specialist' and described as a 'Military Reservist'

Note: The recipient's initial progression from service with the Middlesex Regiment to the Royal Artillery is consistent with the history of the 9th (Territorial Army) Battalion Middlesex Regiment. During the inter-war years the Middlesex Regiment had 3 x Territorial Army battalions viz, 7th, 8th & 9th. In 1938 the 9th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) was one of several Territorial Army battalions to be converted for an Anti-Aircraft role, and was restyled 9th Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment (DCO) (60th Search Light Regiment), with Headquarters located at Willesden Green, London. In 1940 the battalion was formally transferred to the Royal Regiment of Artillery when it became 60th Search Light Regiment, RA (9th Bn, The Middlesex Regiment) - the unit being permitted to retain it's Middlesex Regiment cap badge insignia, flashes and regimental buttons. In 1942 the unit was again restyled becoming 126th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA (9th Bn, The Middlesex Regiment). Under this latter designation the unit served in Normandy, Belgium and Netherlands during the campaign in North West Europe 1944-1945

North West Europe Campaign: 126th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA (9th Bn, The Middlesex Regiment) landed in Normandy on 11?12 October 1944 and served thereafter throughout the victorious campaign in North West Europe as part of 74 AA Bde providing AA cover to 21st Army Group. Initially, it was deployed to Gheel, where it covered the artillery of I Corps (49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, 4th Army Group Royal Artillery (AGRA) and 59th AGRA) in Operation Rebound. Later, it formed part of 'Bob-Force', holding the line of the Turnhout Canal alongside 104th US Infantry Division (the 'Timberwolves'). During this period, it was frequently used to engage enemy sniper and mortar positions with ground fire, as well as firing at V-1s heading for Antwerp. When the south bank of the Scheldt at Antwerp was cleared, 74 AA Bde, with 126 LAA as its LAA component, was switched round the city to support the advance of II Canadian and I British Corps towards 's-Hertogenbosch. It then took over protection of bridges along the road from the Maas to the Waal captured during Operation Market Garden. From 15 November 1944, the regiment defended the Nijmegen bridges against air and waterborne attack under command of 74 AA Bde and then of 1st Canadian Infantry Division. On 17 December, after weeks of quiescence, the Luftwaffe made a major effort to support its surprise attack in the Ardennes (the Battle of the Bulge). In 21st Army Group's sector, the Maas and Waal bridges were attacked by waves of Bf 109 and Fw 190 fighter-bombers operating at low level (below radar and HAA), which had to be engaged by LAA guns. Further low-level sweeps followed on 24 December. The regiment's positions were frequently shelled during the winter. Until the end of March 1945 there were almost daily engagements of single enemy aircraft in the area. During the operations in the Klever Reichswald (Operation Veritable), 126 LAA continued to defend the critical Waal and Maas crossings in support of II Canadian Corps. Improved radar techniques were allowing effective LAA barrages to be fired, driving the attackers back to higher levels into the range of HAA guns.64 In April, the regiment formed the basis of 'Kenforce' under its CO, Lt-Col W.D. Kenyon, which included a troop of 2 S/L Rgt, a troop of 93 LAA, two companies of Belgian Fusiliers and Royal Navy detachments operating ASDIC to detect underwater attacks on the bridges. The regiment remained in these positions until the cease fire on 3 May 1945.

The inter-war years 'Enlistment Books' of the Middlesex Regiment are held in the archives of the National Army Museum in London, and will record specific details of the recipient

The medals professionally court-mounted by Spink & Son Ltd and are as-worn by the recipient. The ribands and medals stitched down by cotton thread and the mounting pad retaining the orrginal ong stout hinged pin and clasp fittings

An attractive 'Double Long Service' grouping to a former 'Diehard Gunner'

Condition: GVF

Code: 20255

295.00 GBP

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Afghanistan Medal 1878-1880: No clasp (Duffr. Shew Lall 17th Bengal Cavy.)

Important: The 17th Bengal Cavalry had the unique distinction of being the 'only' Cavalry Regiment of the Bengal Army to be comprised exclusively of soldiers of the Muslim faith (its insignia was a 'Star over a Crescent')

Note: The recipient was a Non-Commissioned-Officer (N.C.O.) holding the rank of Daffadar (Sergeant) in the 17th Bengal Cavalry

The 17th Bengal Cavalry had its origins in 1857 when it was raised from the Mathura Horse & Rohilkand Police. In 1858 the regiment was renamed 'Robart's Horse' - and was commanded by Colonel Robarts an extremely wealthy and eccentric character who had adopted an Afghan family and lived in the style of an Indian Nawab. His influence on the regiment was such that it only recruited Muslims - originally either Afghans or tribal Pathans

During the Second Afghan War the regiment was deployed on Line-of-Communication duties guarding the routes between Jamrud and Dakka, and later transferred to Kabul. For their services in the Second Afghan War the regiment was awarded the theatre battle honour 'Afghanistan 1878-80'

A very hard regiment to find medals to - and without doubt, one of the most fascinating of the Indian Cavalry regiments

Scarce

Condition: GF

Code: 20254

195.00 GBP

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India General Service Medal 1854-95: Silver issue with clasp 'Chin-Lushai 1889-90' (2135 Pte. J. Douglas 1st Bn. K.O. Sco. Bord.)

Important: Medal and clasp verified as entitled and issued per the respective campaign medal roll of 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers (ref WO 100/74) that was compiled and signed at Devonport, England, on 16 March 1891. The medal roll shows that the medal and clasp were awarded for services with the 'Gangaw Column' in the field between 15 November 1889 to 30 April 1890 . This was the soldier's only medal entitlement

John Knox Douglas, was a native of, Haddington, Haddingtonshire, Scotland, where he was born circa 1865. On 17 November 1886, Thomas attested for the Kings Own Borderers at, Edinburgh, Scotland. At enlistment he was described as having been previously employed as a 'Groom', and that he was 20 years and 10 months of age. The day following his enlistment in the British Army, John was posted to the regimental depot of was posted to the Regimental Depot of the Kings Own Borderers (later King's Own Scottish Borderers) located at Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland, with which regiment he subsequently completed a total of 6 years and 35 days service by the time that he took his final discharge from the British Army, on 21 December 1892, at which time he was described as being 'Medically Unfit for Military Service'. During his service 'With The Colours' John Douglas fought in 1 x campaign, for which he earned one campaign medal & clasp, viz 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. John had served overseas as under;

- India: 07/02/1889 - 02/11/1889 (269 x days)
- Burma: 03/11/1889 - 06/02/1891 (1 year & 96 days)

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

Sold together with hard-copy extract page from the respective medal roll

Condition: EF

Code: 20253

285.00 GBP

Shortlist item