Sold

The Welsh Regiment 1^st Volunteer Battalions Other Ranks Victorian Period Helmet Plate, good quality die stamped white metal example of standard pattern crowned star and laurel, back plate with circular centre Prince of Wales’s crest and regimental motto plus unit title, with original lug fasteners, with reaffixed crown (clean repair) otherwise good condition

SOLD

84^th York & Lancaster Regiment

Victorian officers shako plate. 1869-1881

Faultless condition

SOLD

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 6581 MT-DVR P. SPENCE 7 F. AMB. A.I.F.

Previous Service: 4^th Volunteer Black Watch

EMB: 7^th December 1915

WIA: 6^th August 1916 “S. Wd. Upper Arm Right”

Transferred to 2^nd Motor Transport Coy 1918

RTA: 9^th August 1919

VF SOLD

Group of six, with Death plaque : QSA  four clasps " CC, Rhodesia, OFS,T" KSA two clasps "SA01, SA02" correct running script Lieut. F. St. J. Barton 2/Hampshire RGT. with duplicate issue correctly impressed 123 CORP. F. ST. BARTON. VICTORIAN. M. R.,1914 -15 STAR, BRITISH WAR MEDAL (MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES) & VICTORY MEDAL impressed to CAPT. F. ST. J. BARTON HAMPS. R.

Death Plaque correctly named "Frederick ST. John Barton.

M.I.D. London Gazette 6 April 1916, for services in the Euphrates operations, 24 June to 26 July 1915.

Frederick St John Barton was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on 6 May 1876, 4th son of Robert Barton, Malvern, Victoria, formerly Deputy Master of Melbourne Branch, Royal Mint. He was educated at Toorak College, near Melbourne, and volunteered and enlisted in the 5th Victoria Contingent during the South African War. He was then transferred as Sergeant to the Rhodesian Artillery, and afterwards gazetted 2nd Lieutenant into the 2nd Hampshire Regiment on 19 May 1900, at the recommendation of the Governor of Victoria. He was promoted to Lieutenant in March 1902 and to Captain in January 1907. He took part in the operations in Rhodesia, May 1900, and in the Transvaal and west of Pretoria in May to June 1901; and in the Orange River Colony, July to October 1901 (Queen’s Medal with 4 clasps; King’s Medal with two clasps). He served as Adjutant to the 1st Battalion from March 1909 to March 1912, and to the 4th Territorial Battalion from November 1912. He went to India with his battalion in October 1914, after the outbreak of the European War, and from there to Mesopotamia in March 1915, and was killed in action at the battle of Nasiriya, 24 July 1915.

Sold with an Army Post Card home to his wife ‘I am quite well’, signed ‘Fred 4/5/15’, two news cuttings and a copied portrait photograph, together with other research.

VF SOLD

Trio: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.1914/15 Star and Victory Medal impressed to 846 PTE D. Campbell 12 L. H. RGT AIF

Emb. 25 June 1915

Transferred to the 7th Light Horse 2 October 1915 (Gallipoli)

On the 21st of October 1915 Trooper Campbell was evacuated off the peninsula to the "Somali" hospital ship with enteric fever which eventually led to his discharge on the 28th of November 1916

VF SOLD

Photo of Private Whyms courtesy of Ancestry.com

Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal impressed to 31851 GNR. E. J. V. WHYMS 4 D. A. C. AIF

Emb. 2nd December 1916

To Field Ambulance 21st November 1917

Transferred to A. A. M. C. 1st November 1918 (1st A. War Hospital)

RTA 18th July 1919

 Near EF SOLD

MAJOR LEWIS ONE OF THREE 2/6^TH TO SURVIVE BORNEO & SANDAKAN

Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to WX3338 T. T. Lewis

Major Travers Thorold (Peter) Lewis, an architect from Cottesloe, WA, enlisted on 1 May 1940 having previously served in the Militia in the RAE from 1935.

On the outbreak of war he was appointed as a Captain in the 2/2nd Field Company, then on the 14^th November he was given command of the 2/6th Field Park Coy,

He embarked on to Malaya in Jun 1941, and the unit was based in Malacca in support of the two Field Engineer Company’s 8th Division located with the 27th Bde, Segamat sector.

He was promoted to Major on 24^th December and after the 2/30th Battalion ambush at Gemas on 14^th January 1942, 27th Bde conducted a fighting withdrawal to Singapore. The 2/6th Fd Park Coy suffered casualties from Japanese artillery and air attacks, before withdrawing to Singapore on the 9^th February. A further six men of the 2/6th were killed prior to the 8th Division surrendering to the Japanese and the survivors imprisoned in Changi.

Whilst in the Changi camp he played a role in designing the Chapel before being shipped to Borneo on the Ume Maru with ‘B’ Force in July, arriving in Sandakan.

Major Lewis was tasked with building an airfield at Sandakan. The design and construction of the runway was sabotaged and deliberately delayed by the prisoners. The Kempeitai suspected him of being involved in intelligence activities and he was sent to Kuching and jailed for the remainder of the war.

When finally recovered he was suffering malnutrition and temporary blindness and was hospitalized before returning to Australia via Morotai. He was discharged in January 1946, one of 145 WA POW transported to Borneo, and one of seven to have survived. He was one of only three of the 2/6th Fd Park Coy to survive Borneo, with the remainder dying at Sandakan 1 and 2 camps, or on death marches. He returned to architecture post war, and died in Cottesloe, WA on 6 Apr 1955

EF SOLD

Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. All medals correctly named to VX147459 G. W. JACOBS

Sapper Glen William Jacob signed up on the 15^th of October 1943 with the WW2 nominal roll interestingly shows the following as his location on enlistment

The roll shows that he discharged as part of the 4^th Aust Dock’s Opp Coy on the 30^th of October 1945.  At the time of listing these medals, Glen William Jacob’s service records were still sealed and as a result no further information is available about his Pacific service until his file is opened.

Note: With the curious comment stating enlistment in New Guinea, this group has great potential for a fascinating story with further research.

Near EF SOLD

Six: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to NX16377 R. G. FLANNERY

Richard Gerard Flannery enlisted 22^ND May 1940 into the Australian Army at Paddington, residing at Woollahra, NSW

Injury prior to embarkation in Bathurst whilst on leave described as “wantonly attacked by an unknown civilian, frac nose”

Embarked 14^th November 1940 for the Middle East with the 2/6^th Field Regiment

15^th November 1941 records show promotion to A/Sgt with a clear line marked through

RTA on the 23^rd March 1942

13^th June 1942 Gnr Flannery was charged with negligently drove an army vehicle. This charge was over turned by his commanding officer.

Embarked for the Pacific 6^th September 1942

“At approx. 0930 on 28.2.43 at the position of C Tp, 12^th Fd Bty, 2/6 Fd Regt, south of Gona. The pistol was a regulation U.S. Army pattern and was in the possession of NX65742 Gnr Pinnington D. M. at the time of the accident. Two shots were fired from the pistol.” Resulting in Gun Shot Wounds to Gnr Flannery’s right flank and liver.

Returned to Australia and subsequently discharged on the 12^TH January 1944 as Medically unfit

VF SOLD

Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to WX29300 A. SIGLIN

At the time of listing these Major Siglin’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 2^ND August 1942 into the Australian Army at Claremont, WA

Discharged 24^th May 1946

Unit on discharge listed as “17 Australian Field Ambulance”

Note: Doctor Alec Siglin was an ex Perth Modern student prior to going into Medicine. Nice grouping to a local Doctor with plenty of research potential.

Near EF SOLD

Four; 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal correctly impressed to VX65474 K. A. Sherry

Lance-Sergeant Sherry a native from Ballarat, Victoria enlisted in 1941.

He joined the 2/5th Independent Company and sailed for Port Moresby, joining Kanga Force in 1942. Tasked to reconnoitre Japanese positions at Lae and Salamaua and to conduct raids against the Japanese.

On 30 Jun, the 2/5th raided Salamaua, killing over 120 Japanese for three Australian wounded.

In the following months, the 2/5th patrolled the Huon Gulf area. When the Japanese started to concentrate around Mubo in preparation for an attack on Wau, the 2/5th raided Mubo and ambushed Japanese troops moving inland. After the battle, the 2/5th carried out more long range patrols in the Markham Valley, before returning to Australia in May.

In July 1945 the 2/5th also took part in the landing at Balikpapan, Borneo.

A very desirable Commando grouping to a Sergeant.

 VF SOLD

Group of Five : 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Defence Medal, War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to W. 3060 S. L. SCORGIE with the stars being unnamed as often found.

Stoker Scorgie served on the HMAS Swan whilst in January 1942 it was lucky to escape when attacked by Japanese bombers. The HMAS Swan was then tasked to reinforce (Sparrow Force) in Timor where it was attacked by a force of 45 Japanese aircraft and again narrowly escaped. Whilst taking shelter in Darwin, Australia had its first attack on Australian soil and the HMAS Swan took indirect hits trying to escape the harbour. The HMAS Swan had 3 killed in action and 19 wounded. 

VF SOLD

BOUGAINVILLE. 1945-04-26. STRETCHER BEARERS CARRYING TPR C. PARKER, 2/4 ARMOURED REGIMENT (1), SHOT THROUGH THE LEG DURING 24 INFANTRY BATTALION'S ADVANCE ALONG BUIN ROAD SOUTH OF SINDOU RIVER. (AWM)

Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. All medals correctly named to NX104229 C. PARKER

At the time of listing these medals Claude Parker’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from TANK TRACKS The history of the 2/4^th Australian Armoured (unit history);

 Chapter: South Bougainville

“Two days later a jeep moving up to a forward company was ambushed, the crews went to ground and Tprs “Happy” Cole and Claude Parker moved forward with an infanteer to clear the ambush. Claude Parker was badley wounded in the right thigh”

Comes in box of issue and photocopy of above passage but further research is required

EF SOLD

Three: War Medal, Australian Service Medal and Police Long Service Good Conduct Medal (QE11). All medals correctly named to 36801 C. A. F. GIBBS (“CHARLES ARTHUR FENNING GIBBS” on police LSGC)

At the time of listing these medals Flying Officer Gibb’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 19^th May 1941 into the Royal Australian Air Force in NSW

Northern Star (Lismore, NSW) dated Tuesday 16^th September 1941 reported the following “Injured in Aircraft Accident: Sgt C. A. F. Gibbs (Sydney).

Discharged 29^th January 1946 as Flying Officer

Unit on discharge listed as “5 COMMUNICATIONS UNIT”

Note: Comes with Police LSGC medal box. Further research required.

VF SOLD

Husband and Wife Grouping

Group 1; Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to V280669 F W PYGALL

At the time of listing these medals Frank Pygall’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 24^h September 1941 Armidale Victoria

Discharged 28^th January 1947

Unit on discharge listed as “115 HEIDELBERG MILITARY HOSPITAL”

Note: A quick trove search shows that on the 24^th December 1943 Pte Pygall and a Pte Malvern were removed from being dangerously and seriously ill in the Infantry section of the casualty list. It appears he is still kept in hospital until being discharged in 1947, further research required

Group 2; Pair: War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Both medals correctly impressed to VFX128550 B. M. PYGALL

Note: Betty Pygall enlisted in the Australian Army Medical Women’s service, Heidelberg, Victoria which appears to be a classical romance story from taking care of a soldier in hospital.

Near EF SOLD

Five: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. All correctly impressed to VX23142 C. W. S. BEVERLEY

Enlisted 24^th May 1940 and then taken on strength 2/2^nd Pioneer Battalion

Embarked Sydney for the Middle East 7^th April 1941

Embarked from the Middle East and arriving at Batavia 17^th March 1942

Reported Missing in Action 30^th April 1942 Java

Classed as a Prisoner of War 1^st October 1942

Transported as Java Party 5A on the Singapore Maru to Singapore arriving 19^th October 1942 (part of a body of 1500 men)

Taken overland on train 32 to Thailand with 783 POW’s on the 7^th January 1943

RTA: 16^th November 1945

Note: Comes with a copy of Cyril Beverley’s service record

Near EF SOLD

Pair: Korea 1950-53, U.N. Korea 1950-54 impressed to “37374 E. F. P. GIBB.”

Note: Stoker Eric Francis served in the RAN on the HMAS Warramunga (14^th Aug 1950-17^th May 1951) and HMAS Bataan (18^th May 1951-6^th June 1951). 

The Warramunga was an extremely active ship in Korea, the following extract shows an insight in to her operations;

“Late on 5 February Warramunga and USS Lind detached and proceeded north to 38° 05' on the coast where LIND had previously landed an intelligence party. This party had been captured by the North Koreans who, using the team’s equipment, arranged a rendezvous with LIND. Unbeknown to the enemy, their deception was discovered and the two destroyers planned an unpleasant surprise. Right on time the enemy showed the prearranged signal.

Warramunga’s commander commented ‘USS Lind asked me if light was bright enough for an aiming mark and I replied it could be brighter. The enemy obliged by turning up to full brilliancy. We then opened up as fast as we could fire. I expended 59 rounds 4.7 inch and LIND about the same amount. The light went out. Subsequent intelligence confirmed that one North Korean company, some North Korean police and a large Intelligence team who were assembled as a reception committee were mostly killed or wounded. As the range was less than 3,000 yards and the fire was extremely rapid the result was not surprising.”

Comes with original box of issue.

Near EF SOLD

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 2838 PTE W. B. PEBEROY 34/BN.

Previous service (no star) ENL. 4^th Nov 1915

Discharged 14^th Dec 1915 (varicose veins)

EMB: 25^th Nov 1916 4^thBN

Transferred 34^thBN 10^th Aug 1917

RTA: 11^th Jan 1919

 GOOD VF SOLD

LT Gubbins Victorian Mounted Rifles is standing top left in group photo

Group of six; Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamels; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; Queen’s South Africa five clasps “Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902” (2/Lieut. S. Gubbins, Rl. Fus.); 1914-15 Star (Major S. Gubbins, R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Lt. Col. S. Gubbins),

It appears Stamer Gubbins was born in New Zealand on passage to Australia in 1882. Gubbins family settled in Melbourne where he was educated at Melbourne Grammar School. Joining the 5th Contingent, Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1900 as a lieutenant at the age of 18, he served in South Africa during the Boer War. After serving his full tour with the 5^th VMR he went on to serve in the Royal Fusiliers in 1902.

Having then been seconded to the West African Frontier Force in Nigeria 1904-09, and been advanced to Major, Gubbins was embarked for France in June 1915, where he commanded the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers from August of that year until May 1916.It was during this period that he won his D.S.O. for the Battalion’s attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt (a.k.a. The Chord) on 2 March. On that occasion, the attack was launched at 5.45 p.m. with the detonation of seven mines, the largest of which was intended to wreck the bulk of The Chord. Certainly the earth thrown up by the mines partly covered the enemy’s wire, thereby allowing Gubbins’s men - and the neighbouring 8th Battalion - to gain access to the enemy’s defences, but not without significant loss. As stated in The Royal Fusiliers in the Great War, the 9th Battalion ‘found many Germans in their sector of The Chord who, though dazed, did not surrender and had to be killed. There followed a number of fierce grenade fights, the Germans rushing down from the north end of The Chord and along the trenches leading from the east into it ... but the craters were held against enemy bombing attacks during the night.’

D.S.O. London Gazette 15 April 1916:

‘This officer commanded his Battalion in an attack, the success of which was due to the excellent organisation he had established in his Battalion, and to the fighting spirit he had fostered in it.’ 

O.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919.

“For valuable service rendered in connection with Military Operations in Egypt”

Gubbins, who was also mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 15 June 1916, refers), later served in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force as Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, services that resulted in his award of the O.B.E. After a long adventure away from Australia, Gubbins finally returned in 1938 with his wife. He died in 1940.

Mounted as worn, minor enamel damage to wreaths on the first, otherwise good very fine SOLD

Single; Crimea medal one clasp "Alma". Officially Impressed to J. YOUNG 55th REGT. On the roll as wounded in Alma and subsequently died at Scutari in 1854.

Comes with a letter home of 4 pages of stop start writing, almost like a diary where he describes the arrival of the wounded from the Charge of the Light Brigade to Scutari. Also included is an official disbursement of his assets, An official letter regarding the medal plus an Official envelope addressed to his Sister in Easey Street Collingwood Melbourne Australia.

A choice Crimea to a casualty with extremely rare Ephemera and a bonus Australian connection.

Small EK at 6 o'clock otherwise EF SOLD

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 50947 PTE H. C. STEWART 35/BN AIF.

Previous service, 4 years & 5 months SNR. Cadets Holsworthy

EMB: 8^th May 1918 19^thBN

To join 35^thBN 17^th Oct 1918

RTA: 26^th Aug 1919

 GOOD VF SOLD

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 2723 PTE H. R. MARKS 46/BN AIF.

EMB: 20^th Oct 1916

W.I.A: 11^th Apr 1917 (shell shock)

RTA: 26^th Sep 1917

EF SOLD

Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal impressed to 3972 PTE G. V. R. WILLIAMS. 22 BN AIF

Emb. 8th February 1916

Accidently injured. 28th March 1917.  "scalded left leg"

WIA 4th October 1917 G. S. W. Left shoulder

2nd WIA 19th May 1918 G. S. W. Face

3rd WIA 23rd July 1918 Gassed

4th WIA 12th October 1918 G. S. W Abdomen

RTA 1st July 1919 due to termination of period of enlistment (not medically unfit!)

Not surprisingly with being wounded in action FOUR times Private Williams record states "Died after discharge".

Very impressive service to say the least.

 BWM suspender repaired with wire. VF SOLD