■ Infantry regiments ■ Bayonets ■ Medal collecting ■ Auction news ■ Book reviews ■ Diary dates

ARMOURER
the

militaria magazine January/February 2015 Price £3.95 www.armourer.co.uk

The Royal visit of 1911

Territorials lining the streets of South London
The Armourer
ISSUE 127 January/February 2015

PLUS Great War Russian Rifles and Bayonets ■ Medals of WWI ■ In my collection

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01 Jan 1
Feb 15 Cover.indd 1 15/12/2014
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Email: sales@sofmilitary.co.uk Tel: 01490 412225

p02_ARMJanFeb15.indd 1 11/12/2014 11:53

 ARMOURER
the

Issue 127 Contents

militaria magazine

H
appy New Year and welcome
to your January/February
issue of the Armourer. I hope you
like our cover image which is from Ray
Westlake's series An Illustrated Look at
the British Army of August 1914. In this issue
Ray covers the Independent Territorial
Force Infantry Regiments and Battalions.
Susan Hibbins makes a welcome return
with the story of the Yorkshire Pud;
nothing to do with Roast Beef ! And we
have a lovely story from RBL Remembrance
Tours, when War veteran Marsali Wood,
7
returned to Calcutta, where she had been
stationed 69 years ago, during World War
II. Plus much, much more. 18 A-Z of the Warsaw Pact
By Richard Hollingdale 54 Allan-Williams Turret
An Unexpected Surprise

22
I hope you enjoy your read. Great War American- By John Norris

56
Jayne Thorpe, Production Editor Explore Belgium's For
made Russian Rifles and
Bayonets. By Graham Pries Freedom Museum

5 A Fair Day’s Work

28 A sea-wolf off Australia By Danny Jones

58
Peter Duckers takes a look at who is
(or A torpedo for Christmas) .303 inch SMLE
selling what at arms and militaria fairs
By Eric Wiseman Luminous Sights
around the country

31 Operation Oman By Kevin Driscoll

7 An Illustrated Look at
the British Army of
By Ashley Carter
63 Medals of The Great War:

32 POW Camp Jersey Part Two – the 1914-15 Star

August 1914 Independent Territorial By Peter Duckers
Force Infantry Regiments and Battalions By John Norris
By Ray Westlake
38 Two WWI VC winners
66 Little David
By Terry Gander

12 In my collection: buried at home

The story of the Yorkshire Pud By Ken Rimell
70 WWI Presentation Sword

42
By Susan Hibbins The Italian German By Richard Fuller

14 The Small World of

Miniature Bayonets:
Campaign in Afrika Medal
By Jamie Cross 82 Medals Galore at the Yate
Militaria Fair

46
A Second Belgian Bakelite Letter-Opener Medal Collecting with By John Norris
and an American Legion Souvenir By Peter Duckers 72 Under the Hammer
R.D.C. Evans The Battle of Ahmed Khel: almost 76 Book Reviews

16 Remembrance another disaster in Afghanistan? 80 Ask the Armourer

85 News & Views
With war veteran Marsali
Wood and her daughter Karen
Tour of India
50 The Aerosani: Russia’s
High-Speed Winter
Military Vehicle
88 Collectors Corner
89 Arms Fair Diary
Nevshehir By Eric Bryan 90 Who to contact

In my collection:
The story of the
42
Yorkshire Pud
By Susan Hibbins
A printer’s shop in the
newspaper became easier.
Staff Reporter’, and he a supply of printing paper
my late Production Manager/ in town was taken over,

W
hen I was looking through the Pud until he was demobbed men with compositing
lia recently, worked on found, and a number of involved in the
father’s war memorabi printing experience became

46
of the July 1946. was a tall order, and the responsibility
I found a number of copies when a daily paper Pud became
he edited To produce on the production. The e, headed by Major
Yorkshire Pud, the newspaper Battalion was constantly the Education Committe
the Duke of since the the Pud appeared of in it,
he was with the 7 Battalionfought its way move, and to begin with who took a keen interest
th

’s Regiment, as it it was stationed in one place for E.V. Fancourt, continued to provide the
Wellington ly, if he and my father
and Belgium in sporadical typed on Gestetner and
through Normandy, Holland The newspaper a few days. Originally it was ated bulk of the material.
run off on a hand-oper national and
the months following D-Day. 1944 near stencils and only The content included of the
published in September . With such limited resources updating details
was first al news,
some 15 miles from duplicator copies could be produced, and internation sporting events,

12
Saint-Gilles-de-la-Neuville, about 70-80 and there were reports on
Le Havre, and was the
only Battalion Daily in about ten each, with war, galas and competitions
with other
companies were allocated Brigade HQ swimming
the British Liberation Army. supplied to Battalion and CO used the Pud if
was roped in others units in nearby areas. The Sometimes
My father, Clifford Smith, officers’ mess. announcements to make.
by one of the and the was stationed he had from the Padre, or from
to help with the new venturewho thought it It was not until the Battalion of 1944- there were messages As men began to think
the Battalion, during the winter
Captains in Elst in Holland produced distinguished
visitors.
provide information at Yorkshire Pud began to be to Civvy Street, there
was
would be a good idea to so the 45 that the about a return
the troops, and basis, and the legend of
‘the Snoop’
n about various training
courses
and entertainment for of the Yorkshire on a daily came to be nicknamed, was born. informatio
– a distant cousin
Pud was born issue; my father as my
father to them.
Section meant that available lighter side a series of articles
Post. It was a simple, two-sided – a piece about His work in the Intelligence looking, On the Time’.
provided the front page
copy daily around the Battalion, could appeared entitled ‘Great Men of our
the new paper and the news, he moved notes which he biographie s of Battalion
the aims of and making purported to be
the radio, while the listeningin the next day’s issue. Merciless teasing They s fictitious
taken down verbatim from and outlined outrageou
the back page with include were not exempt; figures, their past lives. The first
victim
enthusiastic Captain filled ensued and the higher echelons Column’, in details about
could find. As a result everyone took his ‘Caustic was a native of
the most lewd jokes he the Medical Officer, who
was almost the last. almost he employed gentle satire, in good part. was described as spending most
the first issue of the Pud when Glasgow. He was
his historic paper to which learned their lesson though; street as a child, ‘clutching
Proudly the Captain took was soon back His victims from of his time in the but this
ing Officer, and it was noted: ‘Everyone, in his fist’,
the Command he was demobbed, to the a bit of bread
and jam
The Officer had read with the black moustache a miraculously swift career
again looking crestfallen. to the little man
and his door was followed by
and then turned private, closed his mouth surgeon by the age of
the front without comment, rise to become a brain
severely, ‘this is s**t everyday Snoop was about.’ regimental
the back. ‘Captain,’ he said the
Gevelsberg 21. What
was he doing in their
more of it, or there’ll when in for the same
without wit. There’ll be no When the Battalion reached post? The Adjutant came
ed, the Captain production of the aid the war, he was
be no more paper.’ Disillusion in Germany in June 1945, treatment. A solicitor before
my father, as ‘Editor/
left the overall content to

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 3
12 Armourer Issue 125

03 Contents.indd 3 15/12/2014 14:51

 Sunday 8th February 2015

p04_ARMJanFeb15.indd 1 11/12/2014 11:54

 A FAIR DAY’S WORK
Peter Duckers takes a look at who is selling what at arms and militaria fairs around the country

1. A framed Royal Humane Society “reward”
for life saving in an incident in the reservoir
at Prior’s Lee, Shrops., in 1907. From DCM
Medals on 01743-600951
6 French Medaille Militaire to a Warrant
2. The OBE medal group to the 5th Lord
Hampton (Lt. Cdr. H.A. Pickering) - naval
officer in two world wars; famous novelist
and architect. £800 from DCM Medals:
contact info@dcmmedals.com.
3. A selection of Scottish regimental cap
badges at prices from £5 - £10, from
Andy Jukes at the Medal
Centre, Hexham. Contact
him on 01434 609794 or
(mobile) 07950421704
4. A very rare German
paratrooper's helmet,
with decal, found at
Monte Cassino. Priced
5 and available at £375 from Jim Law of
at £2750 and available from Grenadier on
01905-24455.
5. A 1914 medal group with award of the
Officer in the Royal Field Artillery. Priced
at £575 and available from Jim Law lof
Chester Militaria on 077139-40430
6. An outstanding and very rare US Medal
of Honour group for the American Civil
War, with good research documentation.
Available at £8500 from Chris Dixon in
Bridlington; contact him on 01262-
603348.
7. A rare Boer War slouch-hat
badge of the Imperial Yeomanry
Hospital Staff ; available at
£140 from Roy Flood on
01489-782896.
8. A cased example of
the Liverpool Shipwreck and
Humane Society gallantry medal
in bronze : named to Walter Baker
7 Chester Militaria on 077139-40430.

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 5

5 Fair Days work.indd 5 11/12/2014 14:54

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CALL IN OR GIVE US A RING ON

0161 764 5195

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www.platoon.t83.net 07977 638080
New range of Limited Edition cold cast bronzed figures
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Bacolight “Notek” lamp £120

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WE STILL
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from £45 badge is a repro £75

We offer a comprehensive selection of all military accessories – everything from holsters to webbing, waterbottles to
entrenching tools. Generally if we don’t have an item in stock we can obtain it through our trade contacts.
Call us today whether you are buying or selling.

p06_ARMJanFeb15.indd 1 11/12/2014 11:56

 THE BRITISH ARMY OF AUGUST 1914

An Illustrated Look at the

British Army of August 1914
Independent Territorial Force Infantry Regiments and Battalions
By Ray Westlake

I
n addition to the several Territorial Force Monmouthshire Regiment. The three Fig. 4
battalions mentioned in the previous three battalions were located: 1st, Headquarters at
parts of this series—those forming part of Stow Hill, Newport, with companies: ‘A’
a line regiment – there were a number to ‘D’ (Newport), ‘E’ (Chepstow), ‘F’
of independent regiments and (Aberbargoed), ‘G’ (Rhymney)
battalions wholly made up of and ‘H’ (Blackwood). 2nd,
Territorials: the Honourable Headquarters in Osborne
Artillery Company, with its Road, Pontypool, with
two batteries of horse artillery companies: ‘A’ to ‘C’
and four infantry companies; (Pontypool), ‘D’ (Abercarn), ‘E’
the Monmouthshire Regiment, (Blaenavon), ‘F’ Llanhilleth),
which numbered three ‘G’ (Monmouth) and ‘H’
battalions; the Cambridgeshire, (Crumlin). 3rd, Headquarters Fig. 5
Hertfordshire and Herefordshire in Abergavenny with companies:
Regiments, all three of one battalion ‘A’ (Abergavenny), ‘B’ (Ebbw Vale),
each and, with its 26 battalions, the ‘C’ (Cwm), ‘D’ (Sirhowy), ‘E’ and
London Regiment. Also, and again ‘F’ (Abertillery), ‘G’ (Tredegar) and
independent of any line regiment, ‘H’ (Blaina). Cadet Units: 1st Cadet
was the Inns of Court Officer Training Fig. 1 Battalion, Headquarters at Tal-y-Coed
Corps and, each dedicated to a cyclist with companies at Chepstow, Abercarn,
role, the Northern. Highland, Kent and Monmouth Grammar School,
Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalions. Usk, Abergavenny and Ebbw
Honourable Artillery Company. The Vale. Fig.4, Here we see the
senior member of the Territorial Force, 1st Battalion in camp at Bow
the HAC comprised two batteries of horse Street, near Aberystwyth, title T over CAMBRIDGESHIRE.
artillery, each with its own ammunition in 1910. The uniforms Fig.9, The more common, single-
column, and an infantry section of four are green with black scroll pattern, cap badge. The
companies. Headquarters at Armoury facings and the cap device is from the armorial bearings of
House, Finsbury, London. The badge, a dragon in Cambridge – the bridge on the River
batteries were designated as ‘A’ (1st white metal. Cam from which the city takes its
City of London Horse Artillery) Fig.5, 1st name – with, superimposed, a
and ‘B’ (2nd City of London Battalion shield bearing three open crowns,
Horse Artillery). The ammunition recruits outside from the arms of Ely.
columns formed the London ‘H’ Company Fig. 6 Inns of Court Officers
Mounted Brigade Ammunition drill hall at Blackwood shortly after Training Corps. With
Column (with ‘A’ Battery) and South war was declared. The building has headquarters at 10 Stone
Eastern Mounted Brigade Ammunition changed little and today a red Buildings, Lincoln’s Inn,
Column (with ‘B’ Battery). Fig.1, dragon and the battalion this unit comprised one
Infantry section cap badge. Fig.2, name can still be seen squadron of cavalry
The A over HAC metal shoulder above the entrance. and three companies of
title clearly identifies the Fig.6, 2nd Battalion Fig. 7 infantry.
subject’s unit. Cap badge is officers’ cap badge. Other Hertfordshire
the RA gun-pattern, but with ranks had the same dragon Regiment. 1st Battalion:
the letters HAC on the upper device, but without Headquarters in
scroll and the motto Arma Pacis Fig. 2 the title scroll. Fig.7, 3rd Hertford with
Fulcra (Arms The Mainstay of Peace) on Battalion, officers’ cap badge. companies: ‘A’
the lower. Fig.3, Drummers, infantry section. Cambridgeshire Regiment. 1st (Hertford), ‘B’ (St
The uniform is based on that of the Grenadier Battalion: Headquarters at 14 Corn Exchange Albans), ‘C’ (Bishop’s Stortford), ‘D’ (Watford),
Guards, but with white metal (instead of brass) Street, Cambridge, with companies: ‘A’ to ‘D’ ‘E’ (Royston), ‘F’ (Hemel Hempstead), ‘G’
buttons and badges – see Fig.3a. (Cambridge), ‘E’ (Wisbech), (Hitchin) and ‘H’ (Waltham Cross). Cadet
Fig. 3 ‘F’ (Whittlesea), ‘G’ (March) Units: 2nd Hertfordshire (Watford Scouts)
and ‘H’ (Ely). Fig.8, The Cadet Company, 3rd (Bishop’s Stortford School)
cap badge seen worn here Hertfordshire Cadets, 4th Hertfordshire (St
is the pattern that included George’s School) Cadets (Harpenden).
an additional lower scroll Herefordshire Regiment. 1st Battalion:
inscribed with the battle Headquarters in Hereford with companies: ‘A’
honour ‘South Africa (Hereford), ‘B’ (Ross-on-Wye), ‘C’ (Ledbury),
1900-01’. The jacket is ‘D’ (Kington), ‘E’ (Ruardean), ‘G’ (Rhayader)
scarlet with white piping, and ‘H’ (Hereford). Fig.10, The Knighton
blue collar and cuffs, and Detachment of ‘G’ Company. Scarlet tunics
includes the two-piece with grass-green facings and white piping are
white metal shoulder worn with brown belts. Fig.11, Cap badge. A

Fig. 3a Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 7

7 Ray Westlake.indd 7 15/12/2014 14:59

 THE BRITISH ARMY OF AUGUST 1914

Fig. 8

Fig. 12

lion holding a sword is the crest from the ‘A’ to ‘C’ (Handel Street), ‘D’ and ‘E’ (15
arms of Hereford. Fig. 9 Battersea Square), ‘F’ to ‘H’ (Handel Street).
London Regiment. 2nd (City of London) Battalion (Royal
Recruited from within the Fig. 11 Fusiliers). Headquarters and all companies
City and Greater London at 9 Tufton Street, Westminster. Fig.12,
areas, this TF regiment The Colours outside the battalion’s Tufton
comprised 26 battalions. Street headquarters. The uniforms – scarlet
However, each did constitute tunics, blue collars and cuffs, racoon-skin
an independent regiment. caps with white hackles – and badges are
This fact was recognised Fig. 13 those of the Royal Fusiliers. 3rd (City
in 1922 when ‘Battalion’ ‘County of London’ of London) Battalion (Royal Fusiliers).
was replaced by in brackets after Headquarters and all companies at
‘Regiment’ within each the battalion’s 21 Edward Street, St Pancras. 4th
regimental title. When numerical (City of London) Battalion (Royal
the London Regiment was designation. Sub- Fusiliers). Headquarters and all
created in 1908 it was intended to include titles, if any, were placed at the companies at 112 Shaftesbury Street,
the Honourable Artillery Company and the end. As with other independent TF Shoreditch. 5th (City of London)
then Inns of Court Volunteers as its 26th and regiments and battalions, the London Battalion (London Rifle Brigade).
27th Battalions respectively. But this was not Regiment had no direct affiliation to Headquarters and all companies at
acceptable and these, certainly in the case of any regular formation; although all, 130 Bunhill Row, Finsbury. Cadet
the HAC, ancient regiments remained outside having had prior to 1908 been part Unit: The Coopers’ Company School
(note vacant numbers) of the new formation. of a regimental system as ‘Volunteers’, Cadet Corps (Guildhall). 6th (City of
The first eight battalions were administered retained a strong association – its badges, London) Battalion (Rifles). Headquarters
by the City of London Territorial Force uniforms, traditions etc. – with their former and all companies at 57a Farringdon Road,
Association, and those from the 9th to 28th by parent formation. 1st (City of London) Finsbury. Cadet Unit: 1st Cadet Company.
the County of London TFA. The full title for Battalion (Royal Fusiliers). Headquarters in 7th (City of London) Battalion. Headquarters
each battalion included ‘City of London’ or Handel Street, Bloomsbury, with companies: at 24 Sun Street, Finsbury Square, with

Fig. 10

8 Armourer Issue 127

7 Ray Westlake.indd 8 15/12/2014 14:59

 THE BRITISH ARMY OF AUGUST 1914

companies: ‘A’ to ‘C’ (Sun Street), ‘D’ and Fig. 16

‘E’ (36 Elm Grove, Hammersmith), ‘F’ to ‘H’
(Sun Street). Fig.13, Cap badge. The white-
metal number seven on a brass grenade is the
source of the battalion’s nickname ‘The Shiny
Seventh’. 8th (City of London) Battalion (Post
Office Rifles). Headquarters and all companies
at 130 Bunhill Row, Finsbury. Fig.14, Included
in the cap badge are two battle honours unique
to the Territorial Force. The battalion as the
24th Middlesex Rifle Volunteer Corps had
provided postal workers for the Army Post
Office during the Egyptian Campaign of
1882 and as early as 1899 in South Africa.
9th (County of London) Battalion (Queen
Victoria’s Rifles). Headquarters and all
companies at 56 Davies Street, Westminster.
10th (County of London) Battalion (Hackney).
Headquarters and all companies at 49 The
Grove, Hackney. Cadet Units: Rutland Street
School Cadet Corps (Stepney) and another
unit of three companies at the LCC School,
Homerton Row, Homerton. Fig.15, Cap Fig. 18
badge. The tower seen in the centre of the
badge is that of St Augustine’s Church and the
motto translates as ‘Justice in our tower’. Both
are from the arms of Hackney. 11th (County
of London) Battalion (Finsbury Rifles).
Headquarters and all Companies at 17 Penton
Street, Pentonville. 12th (County of London)
Battalion (The Rangers). Headquarters and
all battalions in Chenies Street, Holborn. 13th
(County of London) Battalion (Kensington).
Headquarters and all companies in Iverna
Gardens, Kensington. Cadet Units: St Peter’s
Cadet Company (69 Ladbroke Grove, Holland
Park) and Kensington and Hammersmith
Navy League Boys’ Brigade (34 Scarsdale
Villas, Kensington). Fig.16, The battalion lines
the road during a royal visit to South London
in 1911. The uniforms are grey with scarlet
facings. Fig.17. Cap badge which featured the
arms of Kensington. 14th (County of London)
Battalion) (London Scottish). Headquarters
and all companies at 59 Buckingham Gate, Street). 17th (County of London) Battalion Cadets (Arch 338, Medlar Street, Camberwell).
Westminster. Fig.18, The uniform is grey (known (Poplar and Stepney Rifles). Headquarters 22nd (County of London) Battalion (The
as Elcho grey) with blue facings – see Fig.20. and all companies at 66 Tredegar Road, Bow. Queen’s). Headquarters and all battalions at
Fig.19, Cap badge. 15th (County of London) 18th (County of London) Battalion (London 2 Jamaica Road, Bermondsey. Fig.22, The
Battalion (Prince of Wales’s Own Civil Service Irish Rifles). Headquarters and all companies battalion arriving at Aldershot in 1913. 23rd
Rifles). Headquarters and all companies at at The Duke of York’s Headquarters, Chelsea. (County of London) Battalion. Headquarters
Somerset House, Westminster. Cadet Unit: 19th (County of London) Battalion (St and all battalions at 27 St John’s Hill,
2nd (Civil Service) Cadet Battalion, London Pancras). Headquarters and all companies Clapham Junction. Cadet Unit: St Thomas’s
Regiment (Somerset House). Fig.21, Uniforms at 76 High Street, Camden Town. 20th Cadet Corps (West Hill, Wandsworth). 24th
are grey with blue facings. 16th (County of (County of London) Battalion (Blackheath and (County of London) Battalion (The Queen’s).
London) Battalion (Queen’s Westminster Woolwich). Headquarters and all companies at Headquarters and all companies at 71 New
Rifles), Headquarters and all companies Holly Hedge House, Blackheath. 21st (County Street, Southwark. Cadet Unit: 1st (The
at Queen’s Hall, 58 Buckingham Gate, of London) Battalion (First Surrey Rifles). Queen’s) Cadet Battalion, London Regiment
Westminster. Cadet Unit: Queen’s Westminster Headquarters and all battalions at 4 Flodden (31 Union Street, Southwark). Fig.23, The
Cadet Corps (Westminster City School, Palace Road, Camberwell. Cadet Unit: South London badges and uniform (scarlet tunic with blue

Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 17 Fig. 19

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 9

7 Ray Westlake.indd 9 11/12/2014 14:59

 Chatham Militaria Fair Chelmsford Militaria Fair
The only
To be held at
INDOOR MILITARIA
THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD,
CHATHAM, FAIR IN ESSEX
To be held at
KENT, ME4 4TZ MARCONI SOCIAL CLUB, BEEHIVE LANE,
CHELMSFORD, ESSEX.
Open 7am- ADMISSION: £4.00.
Open 10am – 2pm. ADMISSION £2.50.
Traders 18ft pitch – £40
Traders 6ft table – £25.

NEXT FAIR: 11th January NEXT FAIR: 4th January

FUTURE DATES: FUTURE DATES 2015:
2015 dates: 8th Feb, 8th Mar, 12th Apr, 10th May, 15th Feb, 17th May, 20th Sep, 18th Oct, 29th Nov
14th Jun, 12th Jul, 9th Aug, 13th Sep, 11th Oct, 8th Nov, 13th Dec

The easiest route to The Historic Dockyard by road is via the A2/M2 junction 1 then From M25 Junction 28 follow A12 Colchester bound. From the A12 take junction 17 which is the
Chelmsford, Basildon and Southend turn off, follow all signs to Chelmsford. Keep going until you reach
follow the brown tourist signs and use the A289 (Wainscott Bypass) and the Medway
roundabout with flyover, this is the Army and Navy. Take first left into Baddow Road, continue until you
Tunnel straight to our front door!Chatham is only an hour’s drive from London, Dover reach a mini roundabout and turn right into Beehive Lane. Continue straight for approximately 1mile
and the Channel Tunnel and a short distance from the M25. The site is sign posted and you will see the Marconi Social Club on the left. Signs will also be in place en route.
from junctions 1, 3 and 4 of the M2. Follow the brown tourist signs.

Contact: James on 07595 511981 or

Contact: James on 07595 511981 or
Email james@chelmsfordmilitaria.com
Email james@chathammilitariafairs.co.uk
Deactivated weapons, magazines, inert ammo and weapon
Check dates and details at www.chathammilitariafairs.co.uk accessories available on line at www.chelmsfordmilitaria.com

Please make sure you visit our “new” Re-vamped Eagle Relics website
We will be attending shows in the UK on a regular basis throughout the year, mainly Leeds and Birmingham.
See us at Stoneleigh on Sunday 25th January and Birmingham on Sunday 22nd February 2015
The website is constantly being updated,
so be sure to check on a regular basis http://www.eaglerelics.com
We will give you the very best prices for your complete collection or single items
If you would like to be notified on future updates to the site. Please drop us a line, and we will add you to our mailing list.
john@eaglerelics.com
With over 35 year’s hands on experience, my aim is to bring you the collector, established or novice, original pre 1945 construction German Militaria.
With a price to suit everyone, you will find a mixture of readily available items, together with the more desirable items from that period. You will find a
good selection of Daggers, Helmets, Headgear, Medals, Combat Awards, Equipment, Badges, Documents, and much much more. Please take the
time to browse through the items in my on-line shop, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Each item is guaranteed original from the 1933 -1945 3rd Reich period, unless otherwise stated.

10

p10_ARMJanFeb15.indd 10 11/12/2014 12:02


Fig. 22
facings) are those of the Queen’s (Royal
West Surrey Regiment). Fig.24, Postcard.
25th (County of London) Cyclist Battalion.
Headquarters and all companies at Fulham
House, Putney Bridge. Fig.25, Returning from
annual camp in 1913. Fig.26, Recruiting poster.
28th (County of London) Battalion (Artists
Rifles). Headquarters and all companies in
Duke’s Road, St Pancras.
Northern Cyclist Battalion. Headquarters
in Hutton Terrace, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
with companies: ‘A’ and ‘B’ (Sunderland), ‘C’
(West Hartlepool), ‘D’ (Chester-le-Street), ‘E’
(Newcastle-upon-Tyne), ‘F’ (Blyth), ‘G’ (Whitley
Bay) and ‘H’ (Newcastle-upon-Tyne).
Highland Cyclist Battalion.
Fig. 23
Fig. 26
7 Ray Westlake.indd 11
THE BRITISH ARMY OF AUGUST 1914
Fig. 20
Headquarters in Kirkcaldy with companies:
‘A’ (Kirkcaldy), ‘B’ (Cowie), ‘C’ (Tayport), ‘D’
(Forfar), ‘E’ (Dunfermline), ‘F’ New Scone), ‘G’
(East Wemyss) and ‘H’ (Bannockburn).
Kent Cyclist Battalion. Headquarters in
Tonbridge with companies: ‘A’ (Bromley), ‘B’
(Tonbridge), ‘C’ (Beckenham), ‘D’ (Maidstone),
‘E’ (Tunbridge Wells), ‘F’ (Canterbury), ‘G’
(Ramsgate) and ‘H’ (Sandgate). Fig.27.
Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion.
Headquarters in St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon.
Note: For additional information and
illustrations see: The British Army of August 1914
(History Press) and The Territorials 1908-1914
(Pen & Sword), both by Ray Westlake.
Fig. 24
Fig. 21
Fig. 25
Fig. 27
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 11
11/12/2014 15:00
 In my collection:
The story of the
Yorkshire Pud
By Susan Hibbins
W
hen I was looking through my late
father’s war memorabilia recently,
I found a number of copies of the
Yorkshire Pud, the newspaper he edited when
he was with the 7th Battalion the Duke of
Wellington’s Regiment, as it fought its way
through Normandy, Holland and Belgium in
the months following D-Day. The newspaper
was first published in September 1944 near
Saint-Gilles-de-la-Neuville, some 15 miles from
Le Havre, and was the only Battalion Daily in
the British Liberation Army.
My father, Clifford Smith, was roped in
to help with the new venture by one of the
Captains in the Battalion, who thought it
would be a good idea to provide information
and entertainment for the troops, and so the
Pud was born – a distant cousin of the Yorkshire
Post. It was a simple, two-sided issue; my father
provided the front page copy – a piece about
the aims of the new paper and the news,
taken down verbatim from the radio, while the
enthusiastic Captain filled the back page with
the most lewd jokes he could find. As a result
the first issue of the Pud was almost the last.
Proudly the Captain took his historic paper to
the Commanding Officer, and was soon back
again looking crestfallen. The Officer had read
the front without comment, and then turned to
the back. ‘Captain,’ he said severely, ‘this is s**t
without wit. There’ll be no more of it, or there’ll
be no more paper.’ Disillusioned, the Captain
left the overall content to my father, as ‘Editor/
12 Armourer Issue 125
12 Susan Yorkshire Pud.indd 12
Production Manager/Staff Reporter’, and he
worked on the Pud until he was demobbed in
July 1946.
To produce a daily paper was a tall order,
since the Battalion was constantly on the
move, and to begin with the Pud appeared
sporadically, if it was stationed in one place for
a few days. Originally it was typed on Gestetner
stencils and run off on a hand-operated
duplicator. With such limited resources only
about 70-80 copies could be produced, and
companies were allocated about ten each, with
others supplied to Battalion and Brigade HQ
and the officers’ mess.
It was not until the Battalion was stationed
at Elst in Holland during the winter of 1944-
45 that the Yorkshire Pud began to be produced
on a daily basis, and the legend of ‘the Snoop’
as my father came to be nicknamed, was born.
His work in the Intelligence Section meant that
he moved daily around the Battalion, looking,
listening and making notes which he could
include in the next day’s issue. Merciless teasing
ensued and the higher echelons were not exempt;
almost everyone took his ‘Caustic Column’, in
which he employed gentle satire, in good part.
His victims learned their lesson though; when
he was demobbed, it was noted: ‘Everyone, from
the little man with the black moustache to the
everyday private, closed his mouth and his door
when the Snoop was about.’
When the Battalion reached Gevelsberg
in Germany in June 1945, production of the
newspaper became easier. A printer’s shop in the
town was taken over, a supply of printing paper
found, and a number of men with compositing
and printing experience became involved in the
production. The Pud became the responsibility
of the Education Committee, headed by Major
E.V. Fancourt, who took a keen interest in it,
and he and my father continued to provide the
bulk of the material.
The content included national and
international news, updating details of the
war, and there were reports on sporting events,
swimming galas and competitions with other
units in nearby areas. The CO used the Pud if
he had announcements to make. Sometimes
there were messages from the Padre, or from
distinguished visitors. As men began to think
about a return to Civvy Street, there was
information about various training courses
available to them.
On the lighter side a series of articles
appeared entitled ‘Great Men of our Time’.
They purported to be biographies of Battalion
figures, and outlined outrageous fictitious
details about their past lives. The first victim
was the Medical Officer, who was a native of
Glasgow. He was described as spending most
of his time in the street as a child, ‘clutching
a bit of bread and jam in his fist’, but this
was followed by a miraculously swift career
rise to become a brain surgeon by the age of
21. What was he doing in their regimental
aid post? The Adjutant came in for the same
treatment. A solicitor before the war, he was
11/12/2014 15:01
 apparently a Lord of Appeal by the time he
was 25, credited with hanging Crippen. They
were followed by lampoons of a host of well-
known figures.
In between the laughter there were more
serious items, including accounts of memorial
services and lists of the fallen. My father too,
though known for his sense of fun, wrote a
revealing poem about his war experience
which was included in the Pud, signed only
with his initials, H.C.S, rather than the
nickname of ‘Snoop’:

Normandy
I left my Youth in Normandy,
In the deep roads,
Dust covered hedges
Beside the torn bodies of mine enemies,
I left my Youth.

The clogging dust,

The heat,
Scorched into my soul,
Can man endure these things
Unchanged?

The full, warm darkness of the night

Hard earth, crumbling in my fingers,
The nameless dread,
The broken trees,
I hated you.

The ruined corn,

Each shattered dwelling,
Burned into my mind
Took part of me away
And left me desolate.

And still you haunt me

Breaking – from the dark pits of memory
To flood my brain,
I hate you yet. When the 7th Battalion moved to Büren,
new premises were found for the Pud, and
production continued, but the printing had to
A second, later poem suggests that he had be done at Lippstadt, almost 21 miles away, and
found ways of coping with the past: daily production became impossible. At first it
was printed bi-weekly and then weekly, though
there was still plenty to do since it was increased
Moonlight to four pages.
The scattered lace My father was proud of the fact that the
Of white clouds Yorkshire Pud travelled overseas; copies went
Breathtakingly beautiful, to Palestine, Greece and the Middle East.
Silvered by the moon.
They also found their way to America, and
from Hollywood was sent a picture of Ginger
Rogers, signed with good wishes to the Yorkshire
Pud. Quite how this came about has never been
satisfactorily explained, but the photo still exists.
With the break-up of the Battalion at the
end of its time in Germany, the final issue of
the Yorkshire Pud was printed on 28 September
1946. It can be found among the Army War
Newspapers in the Imperial War Museum in
London, and is included in Yale University’s
collection of War Literature.

The lonely stars

Suspended in infinity,
Gaze upon the earth,
Calmly inscrutable.

Serene, untroubled,
The brilliant moon
Shines on a troubled world,
And on its people.

The silent sky,

Clean air of night,
There is peace –
Find it in your hearts.

There is peace,
And peace be ever with you,
In the stars, the clouds, the night is good,
Lift up your hearts.

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 13

12 Susan Yorkshire Pud.indd 13 11/12/2014 16:20

 MINIATURE BAYONETS:
The Small World of Miniature Bayonets:
A Second Belgian Bakelite Letter-Opener and
an American Legion Souvenir By R.D.C. Evans
P
late 1 shows an unusually small miniature,
presumably intended for use as a letter-
opener and made entirely of Bakelite. It
is only 113mm in overall length with a 73mm
blade and a 2.0mm muzzle ring. The pommel,
blade tang and blade are formed by the largest
of its component parts, ivory in colour. The
pommel has no mortise but a fixing catch is
represented by a circular-sectioned insert of
dark brown Bakelite which runs through from
the obverse to the reverse side. The two grips
are of similarly dark brown Bakelite, secured by
two almost invisible flush-finished dowels of the
same material. The cross-guard is a separately-
made component, once again of ivory coloured
Bakelite, and features a tiny muzzle ring and a
hooked lower quillon. The flat-backed single-
edged blade has a very narrow fuller on each
face and a spear point.
There are no markings of any kind and there
is no evidence that a scabbard was provided.
Bakelite, an early form of plastic, was
developed by a Belgian-American chemist
in the USA in the early 1900s but became
particularly popular in the 1920s when this
miniature was probably produced. It is based
on the Belgian M.1889 service bayonet for
their Mauser Rifle so is probably Belgian in
origin. One other Bakelite Belgian miniature
bayonet has been encountered during the
course of research and was described and
illustrated in a previous issue of The Armourer
(Issue 107, Sep-Oct 2011, p.67, Plate 5). This
example was much larger, being 253mm
overall with a 165mm blade and an 8.5mm
muzzle ring. The two Bakelite miniatures are
shown together here as Plate 2. Such items
are rarely encountered today, possibly because
WAYNE E. MARCHAND POST 28 OKINAWA 1972
only limited numbers were made, or perhaps
because the brittle nature of Bakelite meant
that they were easily broken.
The souvenir letter-opener bayonet shown
in Plate 3 is one of many similar Japanese-
made American imports, but has a particularly
interesting blade inscription and applied
insignia. Its dimensions are 199mm overall with
14 Armourer Issue 127
14 mini bayonets.indd 14
Plate 1
a 139mm blade and a 7.0mm muzzle ring. The
miniature is a chromium-plated aluminium
casting (non-magnetic). The pommel has a
17mm long rectangular sectioned mortise
along its upper side. On the reverse is a fixing
catch button, spring loaded but otherwise
functionless. The two medium-brown (wood-
grain effect) plastic grips appear to be secured Plate 2
by two rivets, but are actually glued in place.
The rivets are false, 3mm diameter studs cast
on the blade tang which project through holes
in the grips. The straight cross-guard has a
muzzle ring and a spatulate lower quillon. The
single-edged blade is fullered on both faces and
has a spear point.
There are no manufacturer’s marks but
the miniature was made by an unidentified
Japanese firm. It was imported into the USA
by the Military Service Co., a firm founded in
California in 1944 and now at Birmingham,
Alabama, a division of EBSCO Industries
Inc. This company would have added the US
inscription and badge. When the Swiss firm of
Pauroux Frères ceased manufacture of similar
miniatures, the Military Service Co. switched to
a Japanese supplier.
The blade fuller on the reverse is engraved
‘WAYNE E. MARCHAND POST 28
OKINAWA 1972’. On the obverse blade
ricasso is glued the insignia of the American
Legion, a veterans’ organisation founded in
1919. The Legion’s division, known as the
Department of the Philippines, covers Asia
and the Pacific Islands and that department’s
Post No.28 (founded 1946) is located on the
Japanese island of Okinawa. This Post was
subsequently named in honour of Staff
Sergeant Wayne Ellsworth Marchand who
Plate 3
was one of the first US soldiers to be killed in
Vietnam (on 8 April 1962).
This miniature clearly dates from 1972 and
originally had a presentation cardboard box but
no scabbard. It can be regarded as being based
on the US Model 1892 service bayonet for the
Krag Rifle.
11/12/2014 15:03
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11/12/2014 11:15
 Remembrance Tour of India
With war veteran Marsali Wood and
her daughter Karen Nevshehir
W
ar veteran Marsali Wood, aged 88,
and her daughter Karen Nevshehir,
travelled to India together in April
2014 on a Remembrance Tour organised by
the Royal British Legion (RBL), in partnership
with Arena Travel.
It was the first time that Marsali had
returned to Calcutta, where she had been
stationed 69 years ago, during World War II.
During the whole of 1945, Marsali worked
tirelessly with other Morse Code operators in
the Special Operations Force 136, signalling to
people behind enemy lines in Burma.
Commenting on her role in the war, she says:
‘I volunteered to join the First Aid Nursing
Yeomanry (FANY), part of the Women’s
Transport Services at just 17 years of age.
I was eventually called up on 29 May 1944
aged 18 and was very proud to be serving my
country.
‘I was initially stationed at Lord Beatty’s
Estate, Chicheley Hall (Newport Pagnall) when
the DD invasion started and saw thousands of
gliders going over to France.
The journey to India was on a troopship,
in convoy. The sea was infested with U-boats.
We arrived in Bombay a month later, before
going to our Mess at Tollygunge, Calcutta. In
March we hitch-hiked from Howrah station
(Calcutta) with a train full of Padres going to
a Convention in Tung (near Darjeeling) on the
famous, “Tiny Train”. In September five of us
hitched a lift from Dum Dum Airport with the
RAF to Delhi and then up to Rawalpindi and
finally to Srinagar.
16 Armourer Issue 127
16 must Hilary Big Wave.indd 16
‘Sadly, there were many war casualties
and I did lose comrades who were also my
friends. On the Royal British Legion tour, at
Bhowanipore Cemetery in Calcutta, I was
able to lay poppies, supplied by the RBL, on
the grave of a fellow FANY, Elsie Rita Nelson,
who died at 22 years of age. A Standard Bearer
who joined us on the tour also lowered the flag,
which was a fitting and very moving tribute.’
This particular tour took in a Service of
Remembrance at Kohima War Cemetery and a
visit to Garrison Hill, plus trips to memorials to
the Royal Norfolks, The Royal Scots and others,
situated around the old battlefield of Kohima.
Marsali’s daughter, Karen, joined her on
the tour and also found it very emotional:
‘It was more of a pilgrimage than a holiday.
Everything about it was touching – the other
people on the trip each had their own stories to
tell and it was a poignant and wonderful event.
‘One lady, Sylvia, who had never been to
her father’s final resting place at Kohima
Cemetery, was able to lay a posy of poppies on
his grave. Her father was just 26 years old when
he died and she was a child of two years of age.
She never met him.
‘Another lady, Rosemary, was on the tour in
memory of her husband who had served in the
Ghurkhas and had died the previous summer.
A General on the tour was telling a story about
a very brave soldier and, amazingly, it turned
out to be Rosemary’s husband, who had won
the Military Cross twice. ‘My mother was the
only person stationed in India who was on this
trip, so it was lovely that I could be with her. As
her carer for the tour, I received some help with
funding for the holiday from Heroes Return 2,
which is a charity that provides Lottery funding
to help send UK or Republic of Ireland-based
WWII veterans on commemorative visits
within the UK and overseas, to mark the
anniversary of events that led to the end of
WWII. It was actually Heroes Return 2 who
alerted us to the Royal British Legion tours in
the first place.’
Karen continues: ‘The tour really helped me
to see things through my mother’s eyes.’
As well as arranging all flights, accommodation
and internal travel within the countries and
locations visited, as well as the tour itineraries,
the RBL also sends one of its official tour
guides to provide guests with factual and
detailed historic information. Some tours, such
as the tour of India, also include the presence
of a Standard Bearer and a doctor.
The latter was a huge comfort to Karen, as
she explains: ‘During the tour, I collapsed in
the middle of the night with ‘Delhi belly’ and
the doctor tended to me almost immediately,
sorting out my problem with no fuss and
total professionalism. He was a young doctor
who had just returned from a tour of duty in
Afghanistan and as a soldier, the RBL had
arranged for him to lay a wreath at one of
the cemeteries, which was very thoughtful.’
Marsali and Karen are full of praise for the
RBL’s Remembrance Tour: ‘We can’t praise
the RBL enough – it did a superb job and the
guide who accompanied us had such incredible
knowledge and respect for the veterans on the
tour. The local guide employed by RBL also
did a fantastic job – running around ensuring
everything was properly set up for us. At the end
of the trip he gave everyone a present – a small
statue of the Hindu God, Ganesh, who brings
faith to remove obstacles in people’s lives.’
The tours prove to be an emotional
experience for many, as Nichola Rowland
from the RBL explains: ‘We are very aware
that many people on our tours find the whole
experience rather overwhelming, so we ensure
we’re on hand to support our guests at all times.
All our tours are accompanied by a specialist
RBL guide to offer factual historical details
and support – this is what makes our tours so
special. Uniquely, many also include a doctor,
a RBL Trustee, a local guide and a Standard
Bearer.’
Marsali and Karen were also able to
remember the role played in the war by Marsali’s
husband, and Karen’s father, Michael. He was
a Royal Air Force pilot who was honoured with
an MBE Military for escaping from prisoner-
of-war camps three times. He and Marsali did
not meet during the war – they met at a local
tennis club once the war had ended – but they
had many shared memories and experiences.
Marsali will never forget the tour: ‘Both
the Royal British Legion and Arena Travel
were excellent. It was an awe-inspiring and
exhausting trip but memorable and totally
worth it.’
Alongside their scheduled Remembrance
Tours, the RBL also create Bespoke Tours for
clubs and societies and other large groups.
Further information about the RBL
Remembrance Tours, including their new
anniversary tour to Dunkirk, is available at
www.arenatravel.com.
11/12/2014 15:04
 Collectors Fair Ad 2015 93 x 281_Layout 1 19/11/2014 21:14 Page 1

www.saracenexports.com
website updated daily
GHQ FAIRS
Enfield Jungle carbine vgc ................................................................... £675
Sten MK 5 Paratroop issue, moving slide, mags, sling .......................... £460
Sterling MK4 L2A3 smg, with moving slide, folding stock, sling ............ £365
British AFV Smoke discharger dated 1939 ........................................... £525
www.ghq.uk.com
British 2” Mortar .................................................................................. £350
Browning ,50 Cal M3 HMG ................................................................. £1600
Browning .50 cal aircraft wing gun ...................................................... £920
Bren Mk1 Kings Crown dovetail 1940 dated......................................... £750
Bren Mk1 WW2 dated .......................................................................... £495
Bren Mk2 Ingilis 1943 dated ................................................................ £495
Bren Mk1 1940 Enfield mfg with “dovetail”.......................................... £635
Bren MK3 Correct short barrel, stock & adjustable bipod ...................... £430 HELD ON SUNDAYS & INDOORS
Bren MK3 as above 1949 dated ........................................................... £450
German WW1 Signal/Flare pistol .......................................................... £195
WITH FULL FACILITIES
SMLE armourers “cut away” rifle ......................................................... £190
SMLE BSA mfg. 1939 dated B/a rifle .................................................... £385
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SMLE .22 cadet rifle 1916 dated .......................................................... £425
Mg34/42 Ammo can Waffenampt with two ammo belts ....................... £45
Mg42 Dreyfuss Anti Aircraft tripod........................................................ £100
Mg34 Dreyfuss Anti Aircraft tripod........................................................ £200
Mg34/42 P tins l – ex cond marked “Patr Kast 41 f.M.” ......................... £70
SA61 Skorpion c/w holster, tools & spare mags in pouch ..................... £295
Yugo M56 smg c/w sling & mags in pouch ........................................... £200
Russian Mosin Nagant 1891/30 & bayonet WW2 dated ........................ £265
Russian PPSH 41smg WW2, moving slide with drum mag .................... £335 Farnham Fair Dates 2015
Russian PPSH accessory pack, mag in pouch, cleaning kit, sling ............ £35
US M1A1Thompson 30 round magazine (Unissued) x 5.......................... £70 8th Feb, 1st Mar, 24th May, 5th Jul,
US BAR 20 round mags x 6 – Excellent condition ................................... £70
Browning 1919A6 Bipod ........................................................................ £70
13th Sept, 4th Oct, 13th Dec
Browning .30 cal M2 tripod WW2 + pintle and T&e gear ...................... £300
Browning .50 cal carry handle ............................................................... £50
.50 cal inert rounds x 25 in belt ............................................................. £80
.303 Inert x 50 rounds ........................................................................... £50
Bren mags x 5 ....................................................................................... £30
Remington “Rolling Block” bayonet (Sweedish 1899 pattern) ................. £65
Mosin Nagant socket bayonet ................................................................ £35
US Garrand m1942 Type 1 bayonet & scabbard ..................................... £65 OPEN FROM 10.00am to 2.00pm Admission £3.50
SA80 scabbard with sawblade and sharpening stone ............................. £50
SA80 Bayonet (unissued) ....................................................................... £30
SA80 Bayonet & nylon scabbard (unissued) ........................................... £35
For Info & Bookings on Fairs
No4 Pigsticker bayonet with scabbard & frog ......................................... £15 Call -GHQ Fairs
AK47 wirecutter bayonet & scabbard ..................................................... £30
AK47 Type 1 bayonet & scabbard ........................................................... £30 on 07919 455799
AK/AKM Russian bayonet & scabbard (wirecutter) .................................. £30
German WW1 Kugelgranate ................................................................... £60
.30/06 inert rounds x 20 ........................................................................ £25 Directions
9mm inert x 20(Sten, MP40, Luger, P38 etc) .......................................... £20
.45 ACP inert x 20 rounds ...................................................................... £25
The Maltings, off Bridge Square,
37mm Baton Rounds X 3 Inert – case and projectile .............................. £12 Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR
All guns are legally de-activated with proof house certificate.
UK POSTAGE INCLUDED IN ABOVE PRICES
For Map and Traders Booking Forms +
DE – ACTS WANTED - Items purchased for cash. More Information, Visit
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Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 17

p17_ARMJanFeb15.indd 17 11/12/2014 12:13

 A-Z OF THE WARSAW PACT
A-Z of the Warsaw Pact
By Richard Hollingdale
I
n recognition of what would have been the
Warsaw Pact’s 60th anniversary, this article
looks at NATO’s core rival from 1955 to the
end of the Cold War through the 26 letters of
the alphabet.
A – Albania was the eighth and least
enthusiastic member of the Warsaw Pact. It
split from the Pact in 1962, due to a growing
ideological rift between itself and the USSR.
Only Albania could have made such a move
as the borders of neutral Yugoslavia separated
it from other Pact nations and so from the
likelihood of retaliatory action.
B – Bulgaria was the USSR’s most
enthusiastic ally. The previous regime had
sided with Nazi Germany during World War
II, but strong ethnic and cultural links made
Socialist Bulgaria a firm friend, although the
relationship brought the USSR few benefits,
due to the former’s poor economy and minor
strategic position.
C – Conscription was a core feature of all
the Pact nations. Men over the age of 18 were
expected to do two years’ service (three in
the Navy and strategic rocket defences)
with a bi-annual intake in spring and
winter. The outcome was a Pact where
conscripts made up 70% of the overall
manpower. This has often been seen
as a potential weakness, but it has to
be viewed in balance against its most
likely opponent – NATO. Many NATO
countries also used conscription as a
primary source of recruitment (such as
France and West Germany) and those
which did not (such as Great Britain)
often fielded forces vastly smaller than
those of the USSR.
D – Developing Countries received vast
quantities of Warsaw Pact-manufactured
weapons as the USSR tried to influence events
18 Armourer Issue 127
18 A-Z of the Warsaw Pact.indd 18
in post-colonial Africa, Asia and the Middle
East. Assault rifles were the most common
export, usually from the USSR or DDR, and
it was during the Vietnam War that the AK-47
gained its reputation as a world-class weapon.
Conflicts in the Middle East offered observers
insights into what might have happened had
the USA and USSR clashed when US-armed
Israelis battled Soviet-armed Arabs. Overall,
with the exception of a few rare examples,
most of the Soviet-made vehicles and weapons
systems performed less well than their more
technologically sophisticated counterparts. The
main advantage the Soviets would have had in
any conflict with the USA would have been the
size of its forces, relying on weight of numbers
with which to swamp the enemy, exhaust its
reserves of ammunition and willingness to
fight.
E – Eh? The most likely response Pact
nations would have gained from one another.
Western observers identified many potential
weaknesses, language being one of them as each
nation spoke its own language. The CSSR had
added complications in that it had two official
languages: Czech and Slovak. The USSR was
even more disadvantaged. Russian was the
official language of the Soviet Army, but its
peoples spoke over one hundred languages and
dialects. Communication, therefore, was always
a challenge.
F – Friendship was a key word for the
Warsaw Pact, but in reality the situation was
often less than friendly. The organisation was
set up for the mutual defence of the Eastern
Bloc nations, but the only occasions upon
which it was actively mobilised was to punish
member states. Critics have used these events
to suggest that the Pact was more of an internal
police force than a military alliance.
G – Germany’s entry into NATO was the
reason why the Soviets created the Warsaw
Pact. In truth, the Pact was more likely to
have been formed as an excuse to maintain
Soviet troops in Czechoslovakia and
Hungary upon the scheduled departure
of foreign troops from neutral Austria.
H – Hungary tried to make an
active departure from the Warsaw
Pact in 1956. The revolution was
crushed by a combined force of Pact
nations. Hungary was duly brought
into line, but the violence exercised by
the Soviet Army severely damaged the
Pact’s reputation and lost the USSR a
lot of international support.
I – Internal Troops contributed to the
strategic planning of the Warsaw Pact. In
time of war, internal troops were expected
to maintain communications, to secure and
11/12/2014 15:05

guard rear defensive lines, and (in extreme
circumstances) engage in frontline combat.
J – Joseph Stalin Heavy Tank was the basis
for the Warsaw Pact T-10M Heavy Tank.
The chassis was also used to support FROG
Transporter-[Rocket] Launchers. Not as
numerous or famous as the T class medium
tanks, the T-10M was still an important
addition to the armouries of all Pact nations.
K – Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle was
the core weapon of the Warsaw Pact. Either
bought from the USSR or manufactured under
licence in the home industries, the adoption
of this weapon lent the Pact a much greater
uniformity than that achieved by NATO.
L – LM – initials of the Czechoslovak
Worker’s Militia. Even though Workers’ Militias
were not core members of the Warsaw Pact
they were included in their nation’s defensive
capabilities and so subordinate to Pact strategic
planning.
M – MICV (mechanised infantry combat
vehicle) was an innovation developed by the
USSR for the transportation of motorised
infantry regiments into battle. Employed in
18 A-Z of the Warsaw Pact.indd 19
great numbers by the Warsaw Pact nations,
Western observers were sufficiently impressed
to want to develop their own versions.
N – NVA - National People’s Army of the
DDR (East Germany) started as the smallest
and least well equipped member of the Warsaw
Pact. In time, the DDR’s strategic importance
increased as did the size and quality of its army.
In the end, the NVA was the best-equipped and
largest of the non-Soviet Pact nations.
O – October Storm was the name given to
the 1965 joint manoeuvres attended by the
USSR, DDR, CSSR and Poland (referred to as
the Northern Tier).
P – Poland was originally the USSR’s most
significant ally due to its strategic importance.
As such, Poland had the largest and best-
equipped army outside of the USSR. Social
and economic pressures during the 1970s and
1980s reduced Poland’s perceived reliability
and the USSR’s focus shifted towards the
DDR.
Q – Quartet war games took place in 1963
and featured the Northern Tier of forces:
USSR, DDR, CSSR and Poland. Such
operations were a common feature of the
Pact’s calendar as any NATO attack on the
Eastern Bloc was most likely to have engaged
the Northern Tier forces first.
R – Romania partially withdrew from
the Pact in the wake of political differences
between itself and the USSR. It remained
a member (probably because it knew that a
full departure would have been intolerable),
but would not allow Soviet forces within
its borders or transit across its territory.
Participation in joint exercises was reduced
to that of observer.
S – Shield was the name given to
many of the Pact’s all-party manoeuvres.
The title’s purpose was to highlight
the defensive nature of the Pact.
Contemporary Western observers were
not convinced, but no evidence of any
aggressive planning on the part of the
Pact has yet to be uncovered.
T – Taran, 1970, was the first joint
manoeuvres to take place between the
A-Z OF THE WARSAW PACT
USSR and CSSR since the Soviet invasion
of Czechoslovakia in 1968. All member states
took part in joint manoeuvres, hosted by the
CSSR, during Operation Shield in 1972.
U – United Nations peace-keeping forces
could contain both NATO and Warsaw Pact
nations. Poland sent troops to the Middle East,
Hungary military observers to Vietnam.
V – Viktor Suvorov (pseudonym), author
of The Liberators: Inside the Soviet Army (1981).
A former Soviet officer, he slammed the
corruption and incompetence of the Soviet
military machine, detailing the mistreatment of
soldiers and abuses of authority alongside the
1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia. Historians
have since doubted the credibility of his claims
and the truth of his identity.
W – Warsaw, capital of Poland and the
namesake of the Treaty of Friendship, Co-
operation and Mutual Assistance. The location
was chosen due to the city’s comparatively
central position within the Eastern Bloc
(although most of the Pact’s important
conferences took place in the USSR).
X – The Unknown. In spite of all the
analysis and observation conducted by Western
observers, the question as to who would have
won in a confrontation between the Warsaw
Pact and NATO went unanswered.
Y – Yugoslavia was the only Eastern Bloc
state never to have been a member of the
Warsaw Pact. Initial post-war relations between
Yugoslavia and the USSR were strained due to
the former’s refusal to accept Soviet directives.
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev did manage
to heal some of the ill-feeling during the 1950s,
but membership of the Warsaw Pact never took
place.
Z – ZSU anti-aircraft guns were developed
by the USSR and are worthy of mention due
to their successful use during the Yom Kippur
War against low-flying attack aeroplanes. They
were one of the few Soviet developments which
could outclass US weapons systems.
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 19
11/12/2014 15:05
 For a great selection of Original German Third Reich Awards,
Medals, Badges and Decorations, a visit to

www.thirdreichmedals.com
is recommended, where you will find one of the largest selections available on the internet.

Not only do we buy/trade

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We have a selection of books and a good reference section

on the hobby of collecting these awards too.

Our friendly staff are happy to advise.

For more information, please email jamiecross@aol.com
or write to: Jamie Cross, PO Box 73, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 1RY. UK
Please enclose an S.S.A.E for a reply.

est. 1995
For the finest in antique arms and armour, naval & aviation items,
scientific instruments & militaria

The only military antiques, collectables & medal specialist in London's Mayfair W1 area
Tel: +44 (0) 207 491 2221, Mobile: +44 (0) 798 964 9972, Email: leon@leonsmilitaria.com, Web: www.leonsmilitaria.com
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Store Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 10:30-17:00, Saturdays by prior appointment, All major debit/credit cards accepted items now
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 Bromsgrove Militaria,

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Collectors’ Fair
Buy, sell and swap A huge selection of

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MILITARY AUCTION
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Location: The Spa Hotel (York Suite) Mount Ephriam, Royal Tunbridge
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Rochester, Kent,
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enquiries@candtauctions.co.uk
01634 292042

www.candtauctions.co.uk
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 21

p21_ARMJanFeb15.indd 21 15/12/2014 11:59

 AMERICAN-MADE RUSSIAN RIFLES
AND BAYONETS

Great War American-made

Russian Rifles and Bayonets
By Graham Priest
Fig.1. Entrenched Russian soldiers with
three-line rifles on the Sarikamish front in
December 1914. (Eugene Hinterhoff)

A
s I wrote this (2014) rivalries between the Mosin but with the magazine follower and
Russia and the Western coalition of shape, charger clip and some aspects of the
countries appeared to be about to repeat bolt from the Belgian contender. Accepted in
the troubles of the Cold War (c.1945-1991). April 1891, the GAU intended that the firearm
This was not always the situation, particularly be constructed in Imperial factories at Ishevsk, Fig.4. A typical Russian infantryman from a French
during World War I (1914-18). Tsarist Russia, Tula and Sestrojevsk. Before production could advertisement card. (Biscuits Pernot)
despite impending collapse, provided the be implemented a lack of domestic machine
Eastern Front dimension to global resistance tool capacity required supplementary supplies opening of the fully mechanised plant at Ishevsk
against German/Austro-Hungarian aggression. to be imported from England (Greenwood in the Ural Mountains (Ezell:1986:50). An
From 1 August 1914 onwards Russian troops & Batley, Leeds), France and Switzerland anticipated start in 1891 was not fulfilled so Tula
fought hard to divert German forces from their (Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft- was the first to deliver 1,439 rifles in late 1892.
attack on Belgium and France (Fig.1). Disasters Neuhausen-am-Rheinfalls) (Mercaldo:2011:19). As an interim measure the Manufacture
at the Battle of Tannenberg (26-30 August) and Delivery problems particularly delayed the National d’Armes de Châtelleraut in France
Masurian Lakes (7-14 September) destroyed
most of two Russian armies. Huge quantities
of matériel were lost and pre-war calculations
about resupply were soon in disarray.
The primary longarm of the Russian forces
was the trehlinejnaja vintovka obrasca 1891 goda
(three-line rifle model of the year 1891) devised Fig.2. Two trehlinejnaja vintovka obrasca 1891 goda
by Sergei Ivanovich Mosin and Léon Nagant made in America. The top by Remington and bottom
(Guns Review:12/1993:939) (Fig.2). The by Westinghouse. (Priest and Liberty Tree Collectors)
Russian description referred to the calibre of
the barrel with a ‘line’ equivalent to 0.1 inch
or 2.54mm. The bore was therefore 0.3 inch
or 7.62mm. This weapon was developed by
a Small Arms Commission supervised by the
Glavnoe Artilleristkoye Upravlene (GAU – Main
Artillery Directorate) from 1883 onwards.
Captain Mosin completed his entry for
evaluation by 1890 but the Nagant brothers
also provided a 3.5 line (0.35 inch or 8mm)
rival. The Liège based armaments firm had
strong links with Russia as they had previously
worked on an upgrade of the vintovka Berdana Fig.3. Receiver markings on four three-line rifles. Left to right: Tula, Châtelleraut, Westinghouse and
(Berdan rifle). The final issue version was largely Remington. (various sources)

22 Armourer Issue 127

22 Graham Preist.indd 22 11/12/2014 15:06

 AMERICAN-MADE RUSSIAN RIFLES
AND BAYONETS
for the immediate future. Therefore it was not
Fig.5. The ‘shtyk’ provided with the three-line rifle. until 1910 that the Russian High Command
This example was made at Ishevsk and has a 90° slot felt the need to investigate how any potential
rotation. (Priest) military mobilisation and the related provision of
matériel would operate (Fig.4). General Aleksei
Fig.6. A ‘shtyk’ with 30° rotation Andreevich Polivanov’s committee assumed
fitted to the muzzle of a Remington- that any conflict was likely to last less than one
made rifle. (Priest) year, that Russo-Japanese War systems would be
sufficient and that arms and ammunition could
be issued from a strategic reserve until repairs and
replacements could be obtained from the plants
that already existed. It was decided to stockpile
3,924,323 three-line and 348,421 Berdan II
Fig.9. Two Châtelleraut-made rifles (Mercaldo:2011:21 and Ezell:1986:57)
Fig.7. Three Russian-made bayonets with (left to Fig.8. Two Tula-made bayonets. The slot was changed together with large reserves of suitable cartridges.
right) 30°, 60° and 90° slot rotations. Notice the bayonets with 30° and 60° from 90° (left) to 30° (right) With a standing army of 1,232,738 troops,
lack of bridges. (Priest) rotations. (Priest) after 18 January 1894. (Priest) intended to expand by 2,533,847 on demand,
only 157,738 rifles would then have remained in
stock. No allowance was made for unexpected
erosion through combat and training usage. At
least the three Imperial factories were kept open
(unlike the situation in many other countries) but
production rates of 7%, 9% and 12% in the years
1911-13 were derisory. Together with inadequate
funding (5 million roubles from a request for
28 million) the Russian war machine only had
Fig.10. The ‘(P)’ (PK) symbol on a bayonet made was given an order for 503,000 three-line rifles flexibility for one year of operation, not two. A
by the provnaja kommissija (proof committee). in late 1892 (Fig.3). Priced at 59 francs per stand disaster was waiting to happen.
(Priest) the contract was to be finished by 1895. A total The steel-mounted, wooden stocked infantry
of 503,539 was eventually received. Russian rifle was 51.25ins (1.3m) overall and had a
production completed 1,470,470 weapons by complex double-lugged bolt action. The 31.5ins
1896 together with 32,443 training versions. (804mm) barrel was rifled with four grooves and
A second phase of manufacture, without the sighted out to 2,700 arshins (2,004m). A captive
committee, after 1 January 1897, made 1,869,305 magazine, connected to the trigger guard, housed
more by 1905. The Principality of Montenegro five rimmed cartridges loaded from a disposable
was donated 40,000 rifles in 1898. Some charger. Initial use of sling swivels was soon
3,843,314 modern bolt-action infantry arms discarded in favour of a slotted stock.
were therefore on the books when the Russo- The ‘shtyk’ provided with the firearm was of
Japanese War (1904-5) took place. This disastrous a traditional socket design slotted to pass over the
conflict lost Russia well over 100,000 of the items front sight of the barrel. It was 19.75ins. (502mm)
to the Japanese victors. The rifle performed well overall, with a 17ins. (430mm) blade, and security
in the battle environment, although there were was provided by a median locking ring (Figs.5 and
some issues about the sights being calibrated with 6). The cylindrical spike was fullered on four faces
the bayonet fixed and the rapid expenditure of and sprouted directly from the tube. It doubled
ammunition without rapid resupply. as a screwdriver due to its pointed shape. The
Factories continued to manufacture new and form of the ‘shank’ boss varied from elliptical to
replacement arms but a period of political and circular dependent on the place of manufacture.
social unrest swept the nation after December Unusually the socket had no bridge over the
Fig.11. Tiny French ‘marques de contrôle’ on the 1904. Apart from agrarian and labour discontent, mortise opening. Early examples from Ishevsk,
rim of a Châtelleraut- ethnic and class divides created a volatile period. Tula and Châtelleraut conformed to normal
made bayonet. General strikes hampered industrial activities and military conventions in that the three-step slot
(Priest) any serious production improvements were lost. required a rotation of 90° to locate the blade on
When Tsar Nicholas II was forced to accept an the right of the barrel muzzle. At some stage in
October 1905 manifesto, and eventually a new 1893 the percentage of metal removed for the
constitution in 1906, parliamentary precedence middle slot was reduced to a 60° movement
and civil liberties legislation placated the populace (Figs.7-9). Sestrojevsk began production with

Fig.12. The arsenal markings (left to right) of

Ishevsk, Tula and
Sestrojevsk. (Priest)

Fig.13. The Remington Arms Union Metallic Cartridge Company factory at Bridgeport, Connecticut.
(Luke Mercaldo)

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 AMERICAN-MADE RUSSIAN RIFLES
AND BAYONETS
Fig.14. Stevens-Duryea Automobile Company’s ‘River Plant’ at Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. (Russ Jardine)
this design but the other two Russian plants
soon followed. By 18 January 1894 rotation
was changed once more to 30°. The Directeur
at Châtelleraut received instructions from the
‘chef de la Mission Russe à Châtellerault’ to alter
machinery directly from 90° to 30° on that date
(Mission Russe:1894:3). Without a full collar it
was probable that the early sockets were too weak
to resist violent exertions and by trial and error
a minimal turn around the sight was found to
combine adequate attachment with enhanced
strength. The situation may have been aggravated
by the Russian tradition that infantry rifles had
bayonets fixed at all times. Only dragoons and
specialist troops had attachments to their sword
sheaths or scabbards provided.
The Russian and French rifles and bayonets all
received rigorous inspection. A series of identity
markings on breech and shank proclaimed
origins. Cyrillic characters or small ‘marques
de contrôle’ mapped the various production
stages (Figs.10 and 11). Metal components and
bayonets received a ‘(P)’ (PK) symbol to show
that the provnaja kommissija (proof committee) was
satisfied (Fig.12).
The Polivanov committee’s deliberations
were found wanting by the autumn of 1914.
Loss of longarms was about 200,000 per month
(Mercaldo:2011:22). One hundred and twenty
thousand rifles were sent to Serbia in an attempt to
Fig.15. The ‘Hill Plant’ at Chicopee Falls as used by J. Stevens Tool and Arms Co. (advert)
24 Armourer Issue 127
22 Graham Preist.indd 24
stem Austrian pressure there. The Russian forces
had needed 5.5 million arms when mobilised; a
further 5 million were required for new conscripts
and at that rate of attrition some 7.2 million more
would be expected over a two-year period. The
underestimate of 11.1 million rifles was never
made up despite enhanced production and use
of captured examples. Factories manufactured
278,000 in late 1914, and 860,000; 1,321,000
and 1,120,000 respectively during the next three
years. Foreign imports or manufacture was the
only solution.
Links that existed with neutral USA
companies were exploited. First, in November
1914, Baldwin Locomotive Works, Eddystone,
Pennsylvania was engaged to provide 100,000
Model 1895 Winchester rifles. The company
had supplied Russia with numerous items for
its expansive railway network in the early 20th
century. It had strong ties to Westinghouse Air
Brake Company (founded 1869) and other
Westinghouse subsidiaries, but also a connection
with Remington through a shared site at
Eddystone. Winchester fulfilled the contract.
On 26 January 1915 the first of three orders for
complete three-line rifle ‘stands’ was established
with Remington. Eventually this contract was
for 1,000,000, the next of 16 July for 200,000
and the last for 300,000 on 15 September
(Mercaldo:2011:29). Simultaneously the New
Fig.16. The action of a Remington-made three-line
rifle (serial no. 4623) made in 1917. (Priest)
Fig.17. Three American-made bayonets. (top to
bottom) Remington, Westinghouse and Plumb. (Priest)
Fig.18. The sockets of the previous bayonets. Notice
the faceted shoulders of the Plumb bayonet on the
left. (Priest)
England Westinghouse Company accepted more
requests for 1,000,000 rifles on 21 May and
another for 800,000 on 17 August 1915. The
Remington Arms Company had merged with the
Union Metallic Cartridge Company in March
1911 but the factories that existed at Bridgeport,
Connecticut were insufficient for the work
required. An enormous thirteen double-winged
brick factory was built from 19 December 1914
onwards (Fig.13). Production started in the partly
completed plant before it was finished. Operating
floors of 1,104,200 square feet were designed to
hold up to 20,000 employees. Eventually some
5,000 firearms and bayonets were produced
each day (Kirkland:1988:44). Numerous Russian
inspectors were present on the site, one of whom
gained a formidable reputation when he dropped
the butts of loaded and cocked rifles onto a
concrete floor to test the trigger mechanism.
After numerous wooden stocks were lost a ‘hair
trigger’ was created by workmen so that the
subsequent discharge doused the Captain from
a ruptured overhead water pipe! Less damage
was done after that date! Russian viewers still
antagonised the workforce in most locations and
would not allow components to be interchanged
between contractors.
The New England Westinghouse Company
took a different route to expand capacity. They
bought the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company
at Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts by 13 May
1915. This already included the old Stevens-
Duryea Automobile site at the ‘River Plant’ and
another at East Springfield (Fig.14). Slightly later
another Stevens ‘Hill Plant’ was also obtained
(Priest:2003:66) (Fig.15). This contained the Page
Storms Drop Forge Company. Westinghouse
introduced the ‘J. Stevens Arms Company’ title
during 1916. The ‘River Plant’ was on an island
created by the canalised Chicopee River. The
‘Hill Plant’ was in central Chicopee Falls. The
asymmetrical site was bisected by Broadway
11/12/2014 15:06
 AMERICAN-MADE RUSSIAN RIFLES
AND BAYONETS

Fig.19. The Remington trademark on a rifle and

bayonet. (Priest)

Fig.21. Fayette R. Plumb Inc. at Frankford, Philadelphia. ‘Largest American manufacturers of hammers,
sledge, edge tools, picks, railroad, miners’ and blacksmiths’ tools, etc. Goods of highest grade, and sent to all
parts of the world’. (Moses King, New York 1900)

Fig.20. The Page Storms Drop Forge Company ‘P’

mark on a Westinghouse bayonet. (Priest)

Fig.22. The ‘Plumb’ logo and 1915 date on the Fig.25. Soldiers of the US 339th Infantry Regiment landing as part of the ‘North Russian Expeditionary
shoulder of a bayonet. (Priest) Force’ probably at Arkhangelsk in 1918. Notice the soldier on the right has a scabbard for his bayonet.
(almc.army)

Fig.24. The US Ordnance ‘flaming bomb’ symbol
on a Westinghouse made bayonet. (Priest)
Street but had a bridge to connect the two
facilities. The Stevens buildings were typical
multi-floor brick structures with numerous large
windows to give light and tall chimneys to remove
fumes from the coal-fired boilers. The town site,
together with East Springfield, set up complete
stands of arms and the island plant provided
components. Subcontracting also took place
with other smaller concerns, the A.H. Fox Gun
Company in Philadelphia was actually bought to
produce barrels and magazines but the Crucible
Steel Company of Pittsburgh failed to complete
a further supply of barrels. At its height of
production in January 1917 Westinghouse was
completing 3,500 stands a day.
On 4 August 1915 Westinghouse obtained the
Meriden Firearms Company (508 North Colony
Street, Meriden) from Sears & Roebuck. At first
used to make machine-tools this expanded into
new buildings with woodworking and timber
treatment abilities. After proofing ranges were
also set up full production of the three-line rifle
began in May 1916. Output rose from a daily
rate of 100 to 1,000 in the next twelve months.
Remington and Westinghouse rifles were
broadly interchangeable with the Russian
versions but machined to a much higher standard
(Fig.16). The walnut stocks were also of a closer
grain due to the use of North American black
walnut. During 1915-1917 the first produced
840,310 examples, with 131,400 present in
Russia by January 1917. In the same period
the second made 770,000 rifles with 225,260
delivered. Only the bayonet with 30° mortise
rotation was made. The drop forging created a
smooth curve at the junction of the blade base
with the mouth of the socket, unlike the more
angular detail of the Russian and French versions
(Figs.17 and 18). The heavily blued finish was
also smoother. The rifle breech was marked with
the Imperial Russian crest, ‘Remington Armory’
or ‘New England Westinghouse Company’, a
date (1915-17) and a serial number. The butt
was stamped with the Cyrillic for ‘English Order’
(Hill and East Springfield factories) or a dated
Russian eagle, both within roundels. Metal
components and the bayonets had a circled ‘R’
as the Remington factory code or various letters
with arrow extensions to the left that identified
the Westinghouse plants (Figs.19 and 20). Thus
‘A/F’ was A.H. Fox, ‘E’ East Springfield, ‘H’
Hill Plant, ‘M/W’ Meriden, ‘R’ River Plant,
and ‘P’ Page-Storm. Subcontractors with ‘B’,
‘G’, ‘N’, ‘O’, ‘S’, ‘V’ and ‘X’ were not identified
(Mercaldo:2011:59).
Although most of the US bayonets were
made on the manufacturing sites some combat
replacements were ordered from Fayette R. Plumb
Inc. (1893-1971) of Frankford, Philadelphia and
St Louis, Missouri, prior to the rifle deliveries
in 1915 (Figs.21 and 22). The tool works at
Frankford completed 450,000 bayonets for Russia
and another 160,000 for Serbia; most of the latter
were of a knife design (Williams:1922:444).

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 25

22 Graham Preist.indd 25 11/12/2014 15:06

 AMERICAN-MADE RUSSIAN RIFLES
AND BAYONETS
A gradual deterioration in the relationship
with Russia from February 1917 onwards came
to a head with the October Revolution the same
year (Fig.23). The Bolshevik Party under Vladimir
Lenin ousted the Russian government, arrested
the Tsar and eventually signed the Treaty of
Brest-Litovsk with Germany on 9 February 1918.
The new regime declined to pay for more rifles so
Remington had 78,950 in store and Westinghouse
the output of several weeks when their contract
was cancelled on 10 December 1917. The
United States War Department accepted the
Remington arms, after inspection on 7 January
1918, and asked Westinghouse to complete their
outstanding 200,000 amount which they then
purchased too. An additional 1,099
were intercepted prior to delivery.
As the legal government of Russia
still had access to large dollar
funds to buy war supplies they
made additional arrangements
to combat Bolshevik forces
during the subsequent civil
war. Remington made 260,000
rifles by June 1918 through the
exiled Russian Embassy’s orders.
Soviet Russia was not recognised
by the USA diplomatically until
16 November 1933.
The American relationship
to the nations allied against
Germany and Austro-Hungary
changed on 6/7 April 1917.
Once the USA had declared
war the battle-weary European
and British Empire forces were
Thursday 12 February 2015
12 noon
SPECIALIST
MILITARIA
AUCTION
to be held at -
The Stone House Hotel,
Stone, Staffs
For further details, contact Kevin King
07789 628030 or
info@marlowsauctions.co.uk
www.marlowsauctions.co.uk
26 Armourer Issue 127
22 Graham Preist.indd 26
only too pleased to have fresh troops to combat
the newly released Austro-Germanic Eastern
Front regiments that were able to push more
strongly into France and attack Finland. The
instability of Soviet Russia was also of concern so
reinforcement of the White Russian contingents
in Northern Russia was also an imperative. Some
of the American three-line rifles were retained ‘in
house’ to rectify a shortage of training weapons.
These were stamped with the US Ordnance’s
flaming-bomb logo on stock, receiver and
bayonet (Fig.24). Some 150,000 were shipped to
England to arm the North Russian Expeditionary
Force (Fig.25). The US 339th Infantry and
1st Batt. 310th Engineer Regiments (plus
hospital and ambulance companies)
received them after British training
(Mercaldo:2011:47). Officered
by the latter the force arrived in
Arkhangelsk on 2 August 1918.
Their activities are outside
the remit of this article as
World War I ended on 11
November 1918. However,
150 Australian, 40,000 British,
2,000 Canadian, 12,000
French, 4,000 Romanian and
4,000 Serbian soldiers on the
expedition also had the rifles.
The unsuccessful operation
ended on 5 August 1919.
Many American rifles were
captured by Finnish, Japanese,
Fig.23. A Russian soldier with three-line rifle
and bayonet. (B.F.Paris)
Large selection of bayonets and knives in this auction.
Chinese and Soviet Russian forces, not to
mention those taken on the Eastern Front before
the war ended. The latter were confiscated by
the victorious Allies as reparations after conflict
had ceased. During the next three decades the
weapons spread all over the world. Some were
used again in both the Spanish Civil War (1936-
39) and the Second World War (1939-45). The
doughty workers of Connecticut, Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania and elsewhere, who had strived to
arm the defenders of their way of life, would have
been amazed.
FURTHER READING
Ezell, E.C., The AK47 Story, Stackpole Books,
USA, 1986.
Guns Review, Priest, G., ‘Trehlinejnaja vintovka
obrasca 1891 goda. Bayonets’, Vol.33 No.12,
Dec. 1993, pp.938-43.
Kirkland, K.D., America’s Premier Gunmakers
Remington, Bison Books Ltd., London, 1988.
Mercaldo, L., Allied Rifle Contracts in America, Wet
Dog Publications, USA, 2011.
Mission Russe, Colonel Sokérine –
correspondence, 18 January 1894.
Priest, G., The Spirit of the Pike. British Socket
Bayonets of the Twentieth Century, Uppem
Pub., England, 2003.
Williams, W.B., Philadelphia in the World War,
1914-1919, Philadelphia War History
Committee, USA, 1922.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to Luke Mercaldo for enlightening
me on this subject. Appreciation also to those
mentioned in the captions.
11/12/2014 15:06
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p27_ARMJanFeb15.indd 1 11/12/2014 12:27

 A SEA-WOLF OFF AUSTRALIA
A sea-wolf off Australia
(or A torpedo for Christmas) By Eric Wiseman
In mid-2006 divers made a definite
identification of a wreck in deep waters
off Bermagui on the far south coast of
New South Wales. It was the SS Iron Knight,
which was sunk in a torpedo attack by a
Japanese submarine on 8 February 1943. It
was loaded with iron ore and sank quickly,
taking with it 36 of its 50 crew. The diving
team, having completed that project, started
on the trail of the wreckage of the Robert
J Walker which suffered a similar fate a
little further north, having been sunk by a
German submarine, a fact which was kept
from the public at the time.
A
t two o’clock on the morning of 25
December 1944, two vessels that had
been built on opposite sides of the
Atlantic only the previous year met in the
Tasman Sea off New South Wales, and only one
survived.
Hitler’s Navy was delivering a Christmas
message of a very special kind, carried by the
submarine U-862. The Type-IX-D boat was of
a class larger than the more common U-boat
workhorse, Type Seven. The larger boats were
also faster, better armed and with greater range.
They were ideal for operations far from home,
such as the Far East. U-862 was in the third
wave of U-boats sent south by Berlin towards
the end of the war in a display of solidarity with
Germany’s Japanese allies.
Her captain, too, seemed an ideal choice.
Korvettenkapitan Heinrich Timm had served
in the German merchant service before the
war and knew the waters around Australia. He
knew other waters, too, having been in the West
Siberian Sea before receiving his orders to head
south (it’s said he was the most widely travelled
U-boat captain in the war).
On his way south Timm sank four ships (a total
of 21,000-tonnes) in six days, off Madagascar.
He is also credited with shooting down an
attacking Catalina off the Comoro Islands
before reaching safety in one of the U-boat bases
which had been established by the Japanese in
the occupied territories.
He first made his presence felt off Australia
on 9 December when he attacked a Greek
tanker south-east of Adelaide. Apparently the
4700-tonne SS Illios was considered too small for
a torpedo so Timm decided to surface and attack
it by shellfire; however, when the tanker put up
a spirited defence with its four-inch gun U862
submerged and left. The incident stirred up a
hornet’s nest: Beauforts based at East Sale in
Victoria were sent to hunt down the submarine.
Three corvettes, HMAS Lismore, Burnie and
Maryborough were only about 130 miles away,
heading for Melbourne and were ordered to
search for the attacker. They failed to find any
trace of it. In order to escape the searching ships
and aircraft Timm set off eastwards, across the
Great Australian Bight, and under Tasmania
before heading for the east coast of Australia.
28 Armourer Issue 127
28 Eric.indd 28
As Timm conned the U-boat north along the
south coast of New South Wales, somewhere
ahead of him the 7000 tonne Liberty ship SS
Robert J Walker was steaming towards Sydney
on a voyage from Calcutta via Fremantle. She
was in water ballast. Captain M.D. McRae was
in command of the vessel which had a crew
of 42 merchant seamen and 26 Naval Armed
Guardsmen, with one passenger.
The ship was zig-zagging at nearly its top
speed of 11 knots, blacked out, radio silent and
with seven look-outs. The weather was very hazy
and the sea rough. There was no moon.
There was no warning before a torpedo struck
on the starboard side, near the rudder, not long
after midnight on Christmas Day. There was a
dull explosion and the ship vibrated. About ten
seconds later there was a second explosion. The
rudder was blown off and a hole about one by
two metres appeared in the steering engine room
just above the water line. The engines had to
be eased off as the shaft was bent. Despite that
the shaft bearings began to smoke and had to
be slackened off. That didn’t help much, so the
engines were stopped and the ship began to drift
with the wind and tide. Captain McRae said later
that he had believed that stopping the engines
could result in the submarine losing contact with
his ship, the crew being unable to hear propeller
noises. A distress signal was sent out asking for air
coverage. Moruya Aerodrome was about half an
hour’s flight away to the north.
Then, an hour or so later, another torpedo
was sighted heading for the starboard side. An
Armed Guard opened fire on it with a 20mm
quick-firing gun and after ten shots it exploded
about 100-metres away. Then smoke floats were
thrown into the sea and made a fairly good cover
for three-quarters of an hour. But when they
ceased smoking another torpedo was spotted
streaking towards the drifting ship. Every gun
that could be brought to bear opened up, but
the torpedo, which seemed to have been set
to run a little deeper, hit Number Four hold,
blowing out both sides of the ship. The deck was
buckled, smoke was coming out of the hold, an
oil tank was gushing its contents into the engine
room and there was other massive damage.
Confidential files were weighted and thrown
overboard and the ship abandoned.
U-boat captain’s distinguished career
KORVETTENKAPITAN Heinrich
Timm, Commander of the U-862, had a
distinguished career at sea, before, during
and after World War II.
Born in Bremen in 1910, he served
in minesweepers before the war. The
war was only a few weeks old when he
forced a British submarine to the surface
off Heligoland. The British scuttled the
HMS Starfish, but Timm rescued all the
crew.
Not long after that he went into the
U-boat arm and was Commander of a
submarine that sank the 6000 tonne SS
Jutland in the Arctic.
Timm went on to sink a total of nine
ships, including the Liberty ships Robert
J. Walker and Peter Sylvester, being awarded
the Knight’s Cross in September 1944 (by
which time he already had the Iron Cross,
Second and First Class, and the German
Cross).
After Germany’s surrender Timm was
held as a prisoner-of-war by the Japanese
and then the British in Singapore and
then England. After the war Timm served
in the Bundesmarine, retiring in 1966. He
died near Bremen in 1974.
Coincidentally, the U-862 was built in
Bremen. It was launched in June 1943
(some accounts say October).
It was a type-IX-D, built by AG Weser.
The Mark Nine boats typically displaced
around 1800 tonnes submerged, against
the approximately 800 tonnes of the more
common, ‘workhorse’, Mark Seven's. Its
radius of operation was about 23,000
miles on the surface at 12 knots (seven
knots below top speed). It would travel
about 80 miles submerged at four knots.
The Mark Seven had a surface range of
6500 miles at 12 knots, and about the
same as the Nine under water. The Nine
had about ten more crew, at 57 men,
had heavier armament and carried 24
torpedoes or 32 miles, against the Sevens
12 or 14.
11/12/2014 15:08

The Robert J. Walker
The Robert J. Walker was the 629th of
nearly 3,000 Liberty ships built during
World War II.
They were far from things of beauty, but
the Liberty ships plugged a big gap in Allied
merchant fleets, particularly with their
severe losses to U-boat wolf packs.
The first, the SS Patrick Henry, was
launched in September 1941, before
America entered the war.
The ships were designed for mass
production, parts being prefabricated
in many parts of the USA and welded
together. One was built in a little less than
five days.
They were about 100 metres long, with a
beam of around ten metres and could carry
over 9000 tonnes of cargo in five holds,
with more, such as aircraft and tanks, lashed
on deck.
With three-cylinder steam engines, fired
by oil, producing 2500BHP, Liberty ships
could touch around 11 knots on a good day.
They were named after prominent
deceased Americans, though it turned out
one was named after a mariner who was
thought to be dead but who turned up as a
prisoner-of-war.
About 200 were sunk, and two survive.
Almost until the last minute before the crew
went over the side fire was maintained by all
guns that could bear on the general direction
from which the final torpedo had appeared.
According to the US Navy Department’s
report of the incident, 58 rounds of three-inch
ammunition were fired, 25 of five-inch and
2500 of 20mm. Who counted them isn’t stated;
perhaps the passenger was an accountant.
The ship drifted away out of sight of the
survivors in three lifeboats and four rafts.
Two seamen had been killed, Messman
Ernest Ballard and Utility Chew Toon. Planes
eventually sighted the boats and rafts and
dropped medical kits and rations. It was well
into 25 December when HMAS Quickmatch
appeared and picked up survivors, landing
them in Sydney on 27 December.
It’s not known if Timm sighted Quickmatch as
she dashed south in answer to the SOS calls from
the Robert J. Walker. If the Germans had, it seems
hardly likely Timm would have realised what
easy meat for him the destroyer would be. She
had been in Sydney for extensive work and all her
munitions had been put ashore. Most of the crew
were on leave, and though recall messages had
28 Eric.indd 29
been flashed onto cinema screens in Sydney and
broadcast on radio, the ship had far from a full
crew as she headed for the stricken Liberty ship.
It is an ill wind that blows no good, and
Monsoon, as the Germans coded their submarine
foray in this area, was no exception. For some
time afterwards south coast locals found many
useful items washed up from the Robert J. Walker.
It seems that Timm then went all the way to
New Zealand! A story in the Canberra Times of
16 January 1994, reports New Zealander Air
Marshal Sir Rochford Hughes as stating he
had met Timm after the war. Timm had told
him that U-862 lurked in for a while in Hawkes
Bay, eastern New Zealand, waiting in vain for a
freighter to finish loading so that he could sink it
when it left port. Timm also said that one night
several former farm-boy members of the U-boat
crew went ashore and milked some cows.
Apparently the U-boat then went south of
New Zealand and set course for Jakarta. On the
way Timm added another ship to his tally. On
6 February1945, U-862 fired six torpedoes into
another Liberty ship, the SS Peter Sylvester, off the
western Australia coast. The vessel had been
travelling alone from Melbourne to Colombo
with a cargo of US Army supplies including 137
mules. The ship was abandoned about 700 miles
south west of Fremantle. Survivors were being
picked up in batches for 38 days. One survivor
who was on a raft for that long with 14 others,
Armed Guard Cyril Conway, said later that a
Memorial for Liberty ship William Dawes sunk by
a Japanese submarine of Tathra, about 30 miles
further south, on July 22, 1942.
A SEA-WOLF OFF AUSTRALIA
pod of dolphins had driven away circling sharks.
The Peter Sylvester didn’t sink straight away and
had to be sunk by shellfire some days later.
The U-boat arrived at Jakarta on 15 February
and then headed for Singapore. It was there
when Germany surrendered and the crew
became prisoners-of-war of the Japanese.
U-862 was taken over by the former allies and
renumbered I-502. It was scuttled by the British
in the Malacca Strait in February the following
year. After some time in Changi prison the
U-862’s crew was taken to England and finally
repatriated in 1947.
A Moruya area man, the late Warren
Hutchings, who said he was woken by the
explosion of one of the torpedoes on Christmas
Day, sparked my interest in the incident. He
was one of those who profited by items washed
ashore, including, he said, a very nice little boat.
He told me that years later he met a German
working on the Snowy Mountain hydroelectric
scheme who said he had been a mechanic on
U-862. The German said Timm had landed a
boat on the coast to pick up fresh water. Warren
thought the NSW south coast was referred to,
as it could well have been. But there has been
a suggestion that the Germans actually went
ashore in the middle of the night onto the South
Australia shore.
Other residents of the Moruya area have told
me they believed Japanese submariners had
landed on the coast. Empty Japanese cigarette
packets had been found on local beaches … dry.
Another local, a long-time resident of
Narooma, said that at about the time of the
attack on Robert J. Walker Secret Service men
arrived from Sydney and arrested a couple who
had been staying in a Narooma hotel. It seems
they had been watching coastal shipping and
radioing information on it to the Axis.
(Much of the information in this account
comes from US Navy Department files that were
declassified for the author.)
News was late,misleading
Perhaps because of Government, and
American, censorship, the news of the
sinking of an America Liberty ship, the
Robert J. Walker, of the NSW south coast in
December 1944, was released not only late
but also inaccurately.
A small story on page three of the Sydney
Morning Herald of 14 March 1945, read:
‘U.S. SHIP SUNK OFF AUSTRALIA
Submarine Attack on Christmas Day
The American Liberty ship Robert J. Walker
was torpedoed and sunk off the coast of
Australia on Christmas Day.
The United States War Shipping
Administration announced in Washington
yesterday that the ship was attacked by
Japanese submarines and received two
torpedo hits.
One member of the crew was killed and
another is missing.
The survivors were picked up by the
Australian destroyer Quickmatch after they
had been 24 hours in the water.’
As a result, subsequent books and
accounts of wartime shipping losses on the
NSW coast put the Robert J. Walker down
as a victim of the Japanese.
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 29
11/12/2014 15:08
 BOSLEYS
Military Auctioneers and Valuers

MILITARY BADGE POSTAL AUCTION

Next Auction: 28th January 2015
Catalogue £15.00. An indispensable reference and price guide
for collectors, dealers, museums and researchers.
The Old Royal Military College, Remnantz, Marlow, Bucks SL7 2BS • Tel: 01628 488188 • www.bosleys.co.uk

30

p30_ARMJanFeb15.indd 30 11/12/2014 12:29


Operation Oman
By Ashley Carter
D
irector Tristan Ofield has offered
the chance to see his latest and most
personal film to date: Operation Oman.
The documentary follows his father, Major Nick
Ofield, as he returns to Oman for the first time
since fighting for the Sultan of Oman’s Armed
Forces during The Dhofar Rebellion between
1969 and 1975.
The conflict, which is considered one of
‘Britain’s Secret Wars’, remains largely unknown
by the majority of the British public due to,
amongst other things, being overshadowed by
the Vietnam War. Over 500 British soldiers
fought in the conflict, of whom 24 died and a
further 55 were seriously injured.
The father-son team’s journey back to Oman
is joined with archive footage from the conflict
itself and interviews with other veterans,
including Major Mike Austin and Colonel Mike
Ball. Together they put the conflict into a social
and political context, whilst examining the cost
of the human sacrifice that went in to what is
considered one of the most successful counter
insurgency campaigns ever fought.
The campaign was hard, savage and bloody.
Major Mike Austin, a veteran of the campaign
and contributor to the film, describes the nature
of the enemy they faced: ‘If you were captured
you didn’t expect to survive’ he said, recounting
an occasion when a comrade was taken by the
enemy. ‘As our side tried to rescue him, they cut
his throat.’
As well as an examination of the conflict
itself, Operation Oman explores the bond that
exists between all soldiers in combat situations.
Major Nick Ofield explains of his fellow soldiers,
‘ Their life was in your hands. Your life was in
their hands. You trusted them implicitly.’
Over 40 years after the conflict ended, now
seemed like the perfect time for both father and
son to revisit the region. Nick explains, ‘A part of
me has always wanted to come back. It’s a time
of my life that I look back when I felt really alive.
It’s difficult to describe,’ adding, ‘Coming back is
a method of paying my respects.’
The film has received the backing of renowned
explorer, author and Dhofar-veteran Sir
Ranulph Fiennes, who both fought in and wrote
extensively about the conflict. He said, ‘There
31 Operation Oman.indd 31
were only around 140 of us in the Sultan’s
Army at the beginning, compared to 3,000
extremely well-armed and well-trained
enemy fighters. We were heavily outnumbered.
If somebody got wounded, you might as well
have shot them because it was impossible to get
them out of there ok. People forget about the
Marxist aggression of the time. We who were
there were all happy to die for the Sultan of
Oman, because the people were under serious
threat from Marxism. I’m really supportive of
Operation Oman; it is an incredibly important film
that I hope reaches a wide public. The fact that
so many people died for a just cause is worthy
of remembrance, and this film can help make
that happen.’
Dr J.E. Peterson, the historian and political
analyst who has also written and lectured about
both the conflict and the region, has also lent
his support to the project, saying, ‘The war in
Dhufar was obviously a traumatic experience
for Oman but it also had considerable impact
on Britain. Having met and talked to many of
the British officers, both seconded and contract,
who fought in Dhufar, I have developed a
greater appreciation of the struggles and
dedication with which they carried out their
tasks at great personal risk. This film not only
touches upon some of the key events in that
long war but provides an essential perspective
OPERATION OMAN
of one of the participants who has returned to
the scene of the war and his service to reflect
upon the events and repercussions of decades
ago. It may be only one part of the story but it
is a valuable one.’
Director Tristan Ofield saw the journey as an
opportunity for adventure, as well as a chance to
find some common ground with his father, ‘My
Father was a soldier, I decided to be a filmmaker;
they are two wildly different career paths, and
it was great to find some common ground.
I think it helped him see me in a context he’d
previously not seen, and it certainly helped put
the anecdotes, stories and experiences I’d grown
up listening about into a very realistic context
for me too. I think both of us had a big change
of perspective on the other. I originally set off
thinking this was my adventure as a filmmaker,
but now I definitely think that it is far more
about my Father’s journey as a veteran.’
The film is being shown in several charity
screenings around the country, with proceeds
from ticket sales going to the Royal British
Legion.
Find out more at: www.operationoman.com
https://www.facebook.com/OperationOman
@OperationOman
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 31
11/12/2014 15:09
 POW CAMP JERSEY
POW CAMP JERSEY
By John Norris
T
he problem of what to do with those
enemy troops captured during battle
has long been a contentious issue with
military commanders. In Classical times of the
Greek, Egyptian and Roman Empires those
captured in battle were made slaves. Some 2,000
years later at the Battle of Agincourt the English
King Henry V was confronted with the dilemma
of what to do with so many French prisoners.
When he believed that a counter-attack would
threaten his position he ordered the killing of
the prisoners to prevent them from joining in the
attack. The act of surrender did not necessarily
guarantee safe treatment and many incidents of
prisoners being killed have been recorded across
the centuries. In the Japanese military code
surrender is seen as dishonourable and suicide
was considered the only choice.
During the 17th and 18th centuries the
prospects for prisoners did improve but the
burden of guarding them in secure locations to
prevent escape and the feeding of them remained
the age-old problem it always had been. Some
camps where prisoners of war, POWs, were
incarcerated have become the byword for human
suffering. During the American Civil War the
Confederate States kept prisoners in a number of
camps, the most infamous being Andersonville
in Georgia. Designed to accommodate 10,000
POWs, at one point it had more than three times
that number held there. In the North the most
notorious camp was Elmina in New York, where
around 3,000 POWs died in terrible conditions
mainly due to hunger.
The Red Cross was established in 1863
by Jean-Henri Dunant who had witnessed
firsthand the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino
and whilst this established treatment of the
wounded on the battlefield it still did nothing
for POWs. Not until the Geneva and Hague
Conventions of 1864, 1899 and 1907 was the
32 Armourer Issue 127
32 John Norris Jersey.indd 32
treatment of POWs laid down in the conduct
of war. In 1914 these new regulations were
put to the test for the first time when Europe
took up arms in the Great War. International
agreement between the belligerent states
guaranteed decent treatment of POWs and
their removal from the field of battle to be held
away from the fighting areas. The Red Cross
became involved in the regulation of these
Conventions as captured troops from all armies
were taken into captivity.
The Western Front extended from the
borders of Switzerland northwards to the
Channel coast with regions of France and most
of Belgium under German Occupation, leaving
the Netherlands as a neutral observer. German
troops captured by the Allies were either taken
to camps further west, deeper into France away
from the fighting or removed to mainland
Britain. For a few Germans their prospects were
entirely different as they were taken to a POW
camp on the island of Jersey which, along with
the other Channel Islands of Guernsey and
Alderney, including several smaller islands,
forms part of the British Isles but not part of
the United Kingdom. The Channel Islands
had sent troops to fight and merchant seamen
crewed ships on the convoys and when German
troops were captured it was decided that some
would be sent to a camp on Jersey.
Much of the evidence pointing to the
existence of WWI POW camps has long since
disappeared but the names and locations are
well documented, allowing historians to walk
the ground and to build up a picture of the
prisoners’ lives. For example, Donington Hall
in Derbyshire, covering 11,000 acres and dating
back to the 17th century, was requisitioned
by the British Government as a POW camp.
Many other camps were established, such as
Harperley near Crook in County Durham.
General view of the area of Blanches
Banques looking eastwards
The POW camp established on Jersey was
unique, being built on orders from the British
War Department to house German POWs
captured in France. This is not because they
were considered for preferential treatment,
but simply becauseit was decided by ‘the
powers that be’. The site chosen for the camp
was located at Les Blanches Banques at the
southern end of St Ouen’s Bay on the western
side of the island within the parish boundary
of St Brelade. The island of Jersey measures
only 45 square miles but by placing it in the
south-west corner of the island the camp could
not have been sited further from built-up areas
on such a small island. Today the site is very
sparse, lying among the sand dunes and there is
no habitation in the vicinity. Almost 100 years
ago the area would have appeared virtually
deserted and, indeed, photographs from the
period show it denuded of housing.
In August 1914, almost as soon as Britain
declared war on Germany, the British War
Office in London sent notice to Jersey instructing
that a temporary POW camp be established in
anticipation of receiving German prisoners.
It was decided to convert the buildings and
grounds of the Royal Jersey Horticultural and
Agricultural Grounds at Springfield in St Helier
for the purpose. Preparations were hastily
completed including the erection of a wire
fence ten feet in height around the perimeter of
the site. In the event the location was never used
as a POW camp and instead the Army Service
Corps used it as a depot and troops from the
4th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment
were billeted there. Four months later, in
December 1914, the War Office requested that
a proper, purpose-built POW camp be built
on the island. After considering a number of
potential locations it was decided to site the
camp at Blanche Banques in St Ouen’s Bay.
11/12/2014 15:10

Above: Blanches Banques.
Below: The huts housing POWs would have been aligned inside the compound at this location 100 years ago
Work to prepare the site for the buildings was
undertaken by local labour and the foundations
for the ablution blocks were made from
concrete. The foundations for the prisoners’
sleeping quarters were to be built on a series of
39 short pillars measuring nine inches square
and were made of concrete and brick. Each
hut measured 60 feet by 15 feet to give a living
space of 900 square feet. The buildings were
prefabricated using three-ply wood supplied by
a company in Norwich, Norfolk and shipped
to the island. The type of material chosen
meant that it was cheap to produce and easy to
repair and maintain. The roofs of the huts were
originally of tarred felt, but the material did not
stand up well to the fierce weather which blew
in from the Atlantic side of the island. Extra
weather-proofing was added in the form of
corrugated iron sheets fitted over the original
roofing. Each hut was equipped with beds for
30 men and heating was provided by cast-iron
coal-burning stoves.
There were no plans or blueprints to draw
from for advice on how to construct the camp
and so it was laid out along the lines of barracks
to accommodate a battalion of infantry in the
British Army. Despite this restriction what was
produced was a self-reliant camp, complete with
cook house, medical facilities, administration
buildings, guard room and huts for an initial
intake of up to 1,200 prisoners. Electricity was
supplied by means of a generator and water
for drinking and ablutions was brought on site
by means of a three-inch cast-iron water pipe.
Sewerage was taken away from the camp by
a series of pipes emptying into a septic tank
system located near the La Braye slip some 200
yards to the west of the camp and almost on
the beach. The pipework was laid on concrete
which indicated that the site was intended for
long-term use and would be permanent.
32 John Norris Jersey.indd 33
The sparse area of the site at Blanches
Banques how it looks today
The camp was completed and ready to
receive its first batch of prisoners by 20 March
1915. It was not large and covered a ground
area measuring some 300 square yards. The
compound was surrounded by a ten feet-high
wire fence suspended from wooden posts
measuring nine inches by four inches and
topped with barbed wire. There were eight
sentry platforms from where guards could
observe the entire compound. All amenities
were located within this area, including a
hospital with 40 beds and mess halls for eating.
A report compiled by the American Embassy in
1916 commented favourably on the conditions
of the camp stating it was: ‘…almost to be a
model of its kind’. Indeed, when the inmates
settled down to their incarceration a series of
leisure pursuits was established including a
YMCA hall where music concerts and plays
were held by the prisoners.
The first batch of prisoners, some 1,000 in
all, arrived at the camp on 22 March 1915
accompanied by 100 guards. By July a further
500 prisoners were sent to the camp and the
strength of the guards was increased by another
30 troops. Over the time that the camp was
open a total of six officers would serve as Camp
Commandant. Major T.E. Naish served as the
Commanding Officer of the Royal Engineers’
contingent on the island for the entire duration
of war from 13 September 1914 until 20
December 1919. He oversaw the construction
of the camp and knew its complete history; he
left a very good description. By all accounts the
prisoners were well behaved and engaged in
work to develop and further improve conditions
in the camp as more prisoners arrived. Working
parties were dispatched across the island to help
on the farms. The prisoners were soldiers and
sailors and held the rank of enlisted men, NCOs
or junior officers. Some showed a talent for art
POW CAMP JERSEY
Part of the former ablution
block at Blanches Banques
One of the concrete foundation
supports for a POW hut at Blanches
Banques
and one officer by the name of Lugden, who
may have been either a Captain or Major and
may have been the senior officer at the camp at
one time, painted subjects for at least one local
family. Another inmate, called Landenburger,
who signed himself ‘Kriegsgefangewer’
(literally Prisoner of War) painted scenes of the
camp and other inmates painted similar scenes
on enamel plates, some of which are held by the
Jersey museum or Sociètè Jersiaise.
Life in the camp was routine with ablutions
and meals at set times. Work detachments were
sent out with an armed escort and those not
assigned to a work detail would have passed
the time in sports activities, hobbies or study,
such as one inmate called Dr Gerhard Gunzel,
about whom quite a good picture has been
built up. He was born in 1887 in the town of
Striegau (modern-day Strzegom in Poland) and
was wounded in the fighting around Ypres in
Belgium in 1914 where he was taken prisoner.
He is known to have returned to Germany in
September 1919.
Gunzel was taken to Jersey in 1915 and
would have been among the first contingent to
occupy the newly-opened camp. He was able
to correspond with relatives in Germany and
although he sent a number of postcards he does
not appear to have written any message on the
back of them. The postcards were photographs
which show him in good health and quite
relaxed which would have been a great comfort
to his family in Germany. He may have
written separate letters which would account
for the reason he did not write any additional
messages. Three such postcards sent by Gunzel
survive; two were sent from Jersey and one,
dated May 1918 was sent from Brocton POW
Camp somewhere near Stafford. This indicates
that Dr Gunzel had been transferred from the
island when the camp was closed in February
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 33
11/12/2014 15:11
 POW CAMP JERSEY
The view looking westwards towards La
Braye slipway showing how desolate the
place still remains after 100 years
the previous year. From the images we can
see that, although his conditions appear to be
somewhat Spartan, he has plenty of books to
read and materials for painting.
All three of his postcards were addressed
to Fraulein F. Ehraht in Wurttemberg, who
may have been his fiancée. In each case he
addresses himself as Dr Gunzel, avoiding
military rank, and on one postcard his prisoner
details are given as ‘2858 in Camp Isle Jersey,
B11, England’. On this particular card he is
shown relaxing with two fellow prisoners sitting
in deckchairs. The image was taken by Albert
Smith, a leading photographer on the island
who like many others, turned his images into
postcards for mailing. Albert Smith’s work was
well known, and a collection of his material is
held on the island today by the Sociètè Jersiaise,
a fascinating visual history of the island during
the early 20th century. Albert Smith worked
out of at least four premises and at the time
of photographing Dr Gunzel he was operating
from 3 Broad Street in St Helier. Records show
he that worked there between 1913 and 1931
and may have been a familiar visitor to the
camp at Blanche Banques.
The second surviving postcard sent by Dr
Gunzel is dated April 1916 and, whilst most
details remain the same, he is now recorded as
being in ‘AII’ which could indicate he had been
transferred to another hut. Again, he is shown
surrounded by books, sitting at a desk, and seems
intent on his studies. The final postcard comes
from Brocton Camp in England and shows him
in a well-appointed room which could be the
camp library judging by the numbers of books
lining the shelves. This image completes his
known time as a POW and it was from here that
he almost certainly was sent back to Germany.
A close examination of the epaulettes on Dr
Gunzel’s uniform shows the numbers ‘242’ which
strongly indicates he was serving with the 242nd
Reserve Infantry Regiment which was part of
the 54th (Wurttemberger) Reserve Division.
On 11 November 1914, during the Battle of
Nonne Boschen (Nun’s Wood), Crown Prince
Rupprecht ordered the 54th to act in support of
the Prussian Guard as it attacked Polygon Wood.
The regiment was fiercely engaged and the
attack halted, but it was not here that Dr Gunzel
was wounded. He was almost certainly wounded
34 Armourer Issue 127
32 John Norris Jersey.indd 34
in an earlier attack closer to the town of Ypres
where on 24 October 1914 his regiment was
engaged by the British 7th Division. The
fighting was so intense and the Germans lost so
many troops that they referred to the action as
‘Kindemond bei Ypern’: ‘The Massacre of the
Innocents at Ypres’. The British took hundreds
of prisoners and it is possible that Gunzel was
gathered up and taken to hospital for treatment
before being sent to a POW camp.
Despite the good conditions and fairly
relaxed atmosphere there were several known
escape attempts from the camp. One escape
was discovered when the wire was found cut
and the guards raised the alarm. Being on an
island there was no chance of escape except
by boat and the camp was located well away
from the nearest fishing harbour. Even if an
escaped prisoner managed to steal a boat and
sail to France he would have found himself far
behind Allied lines. Tunnels were dug despite
the soil being sandy, very loose and prone to
collapse. The Germans apparently discovered
the optimum depth to dig through the sand
where it remained moist enough to support
itself and did not require additional bracing
with wood. The entrance was in one of the
huts in the ‘A’ line which would place it closest
to the road running adjacent to the camp.
The sand was dug out using tin cans and the
excavated spoil was pulled from the tunnel
using flat trays attached to string. The prisoners
posted lookouts to report on the approach of
sentries and work would be suspended. It was a
relatively simple task to dispose of the sand dug
out. The prisoners tipped it outside the huts
and the wind, which can very strong at that end
of the island, blew it around the compound.
There are sand dunes surrounding the site and
no-one would have noticed anything out of the
ordinary. The tunnel was large enough for a
man to crawl through on his hands and knees
and it even had ventilation holes leading to the
surface. Its existence was only discovered by
accident when an NCO lost his walking stick
down one of the ventilation holes.
Another enterprising tunnel also started in ‘A’
lines went undetected and at least six prisoners
were able to make good their escape. They
were soon rounded up and returned to the
camp. These episodes and other incidents kept
the guards alert and the escapes were more of
a nuisance factor. Escapees hid on farms and
the civilians, used to seeing the POWs, took
no notice, unlike escaped prisoners 30 years
later. If the inmates had known anything of the
conditions being faced on the Western Front
with gas attacks, tanks and flamethrower, they
would have been content to remain where they
were for the duration.
In February 1917 all but 300 prisoners from
Blanche Banques were transferred to camps
in England and those left behind helped with
the potato harvest. By August they too were
sent to camps in England and the site was
closed. However, in April 1918 it was reopened
to receive 1,000 new POWs from England.
These would have been those captured during
the German spring offensive which eventually
lost impetus and ground to a halt. The camp
finally closed in October 1919 and all prisoners
were repatriated. Conditions in the camp had
been very good as reported by an American
inspection which recorded that: ‘The men
appeared to be in extraordinarily good physical
condition.’ Despite this there were deaths in the
camp through natural causes or illnesses. On
12 May 1916 Konrad Flechsig of the 243rd
Infantry Regiment died at the camp and his
funeral was arranged for the following day.
A series of unique photographs exists showing
the funeral procession making its way from the
camp at Blanches Banques to the cemetery at
St Brelade’s Church. The most obvious route
for the procession to take would have been up
the steep road of La Mont de la Pulente where
it would have turned right and then continued
along La Route des Champs, a quiet route
leading directly to the church from the west.
The coffin was borne in a horse-drawn hearse
with men from Flechsig’s regiment walking in
front with floral tributes and a band made up
from the prisoners. Men of the Hampshire
Regiment formed an armed escort but even so
the images show the whole occasion to be very
relaxed. As the cortège approached the church
the Hampshire Regiment formed a guard of
honour to line the route and reversed their
rifles as a mark of respect. Flechsig’s coffin was
draped in the German national flag and the
whole service was conducted as though it were
a normal funeral; his coffin was carried into the
Anther of the foundation supports for a
POW hut poking through the sand
11/12/2014 15:11
 POW CAMP JERSEY

Concrete foundation for one of the buildibgs on the site Ablution block on the site of the former
of the POW camp at Blanches Banques Blanches Banques POW camp

church by men from his regiment. The service
was attended by local dignitaries and watched
by curious civilians. Whether or not Dr Gunzel
was among the group is not known, but he
would certainly have been aware of the service.
The remains of the camp are almost entirely
covered by the wind-blown sand but here and
there traces can still be discovered among the
scrub approximately 250 yards east of the
La Braye slip across the road and next to a
car park. One has to walk around the site but
dotted around it concrete stubs poke out of the
sand. It is hard to imagine that a POW camp
surrounded by a barbed wire fence with guard
posts, and with 1500 inmates from the German
Army and Navy, was ever here. Nevertheless,
the remains give an indication of the size, and
from the descriptions we can build up a picture
of an almost-forgotten and unique part of the
history of World War I.

WALLIS & WALLIS EST. 1928

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11:56
 TWO WW1 VC WINNERS
Two WWI VC winners
buried at home
B
y the spring of 1915, faced with the
very high casualties suffered by the
Allied forces in the Great War, the War
Graves Commission (later to become The
Commonwealth War Graves Commission),
had no alternative but to stop any further
repatriation of bodies back to the United
Kingdom for family burials. The ruling that
further victims of the war should be buried
near where they fell was made for both
economical and logistical reasons, but it was
not welcomed by families who wished to say
their last farewells to a loved one on home
soil. While the ruling was for the most
part irreversible, a few exceptions
were made. Two Royal Flying Corps
airmen, the subject of my story, were
among a very small number who were
brought home to be buried, but only
after special orders from the highest
in command. One of the pilots had a
very private funeral while the other’s
was the largest his town has ever seen.
WILLIAM RHODES-MOORHOUSE
William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse, always
known as Will, was born in London in 1887.
His family was wealthy and had large estates
in New Zealand; Will’s mother was of Maori
descent. They moved to England in 1888.
Will’s father tried unsuccessfully to interest his
son in traditional activities, such as hunting and
fishing, but Will, eager to play with anything
mechanical, surprised his father by tinkering
with model steam engines and model railway
trains in a garden shed. Will certainly had a
mechanical aptitude and when he left Harrow
his passion for engines left him requiring
38 Armourer Issue 127
38 Ken Rimell WW1 VCs .indd 38
By Ken Rimell
further education, so he undertook a term of
‘crammers’ before going to Cambridge, where
by all accounts he didn’t fit in. He later deemed
his time in the higher education a waste of time,
preferring engineering. Fast motorcycles and
cars and a liking for speed led him to aviation.
Will’s flying started on a small airfield in
Huntingdon in 1908. He teamed up with
another pioneer aviator, James Radley, and
they built their own aeroplane, aptly called the
Radley-Moorhouse, which resembled a kite
fitted with an engine. Rhodes-Moorhouse flew
it and soon became quite a proficient pilot with
enough skill to become one of the best cross-
country aviators at the time. They took the
aircraft, fitted with the French Gnome engine, to
America in 1910, entering it for the new flying
sport of ‘Barnstorming’, competing at events
for money with the ultimate prize of winning
£1,000 and flying through America’s Golden
Gate Bridge for a bet.
Back in the UK Will came second in the Aerial
Derby race around London and became the first
accredited cargo pilot by flying a consignment of
books from Northampton to Hendon. Around
this time he met Linda Morrit, who shared
his passion for dangerous pursuits. They went
to St Moritz where he competed in the Cresta
Run. Linda, not to be outdone, became part of
Lord Carberry’s bobsleigh team on the same
downhill run. Will and Linda were married in
the spring of 1912 and the honeymoon was
spent in Belgium. It was not very romantic;
they had gone to take delivery of a Breguet
flying machine that they hoped to enter in the
Salisbury Plain military flying trials. Taking a
journalist as an extra passenger they took off
for England, but crossing the coast over Dover
they ran into turbulent weather, forcing them
to crash-land near Ashford. Luckily all three
escaped serious injury but Linda later suffered
a miscarriage. A reappraisal of the situation saw
Rhodes-Moorhouse abandon flying and take to
motor racing, speeding especially around the
Brooklands motor circuit. Such were his talents
in fast cars that he even competed in the Monte
Carlo Rally in a Rolls-Royce.
Will and Linda settled in the Manor at
Parnham, a Tudor house in Beaminster, Dorset,
where their son Willie was born in March 1914.
At the outbreak of WWI, and with previous
flying experience, Will enlisted in the Royal
Flying Corps. After his many accidents both in
flying and driving, the 27-year-old now boasted
a fine set of false teeth, and because of this he
was at first deemed, ridiculously, unfit for flying.
Undaunted, he found a job at Farnborough
where aero engines were tested and this
involved test flying; by December 1914
he was delivering aircraft to the front
line squadrons in France. With a
high loss rate among the RFC pilots,
and with their replacements slow to
appear, he was soon able to join No
2 Squadron at Merville in March
1915. Immediately, flying a BE2a
(Bleriot Experimental), he took part in
patrols, bombing, artillery spotting and
photographing enemy installations, a very
risky occupation. In the two-seat BE2a, in the
very early days, the Observer fired shots from
his revolver at any enemy aircraft thought to
be in range. By April Will had a new Observer
called Sholto-Douglas, who was later to rise to
Air Marshal status in WWII. The duo perfected
aviation photography and both airmen were
soon promoted.
The 2nd Battle of Ypres was now under way,
and thousands of German reinforcements were
arriving, via the railway junction at Courtrai
some 35 miles beyond the front line, to back up
their forces. Orders were issued to bomb this
11/12/2014 15:12

important railway junction and Will Rhodes-
Moorhouse volunteered. His last letter home
to his wife Linda, to be read in the event of his
death, outlined the risk he was about to take:
‘I’m about to take part in a trip from which
I don’t expect to return but that I hope will
shorten the war. I shall probably be either blown
up by my own bomb, or if not killed by enemy
rifle fire.’ In the same envelope was a letter to his
son ‘Sonny’, to be opened on his 21st birthday.
On the afternoon of 26 April 1915 he took
off alone for his dangerous mission, carrying a
100lb bomb. On reaching his target and against
advice to fly higher, he went down to below 300
feet through a hail of machine-gun fire from a
church tower and from hundreds of German
soldiers on the ground. A shell tore into into
his left thigh, ripping a large part of it and the
seat away, while a lump of shrapnel took off
three fingers from his right hand. To activate
the bomb he had to let go of the joy-stick and
operate the mechanism with his left hand. His
aim was accurate but the exploding bomb
almost sent the BE2a out of control. Unable
to use his left leg and bleeding profusely, he still
managed to regain control by using his left hand
and right leg while fighting to free fragments
of his damaged seat, which was restricting the
flying controls. He could have force landed and
received medical attention from the Germans
to save his life, but the need to get back to his
base and give a full report was uppermost in
his mind. He flew even lower in an effort to
avoid further damage to his aircraft and further
injuries, but to no avail as another bullet hit him
in the abdomen. In great pain he still managed
to keep his aircraft flying and return to his base.
A diary report by Maurice Blake, a squadron
pilot on the airfield when Rhodes-Moorhouse
returned, records: ‘I saw an aeroplane flying
very low on the other side of the river when
it turned to land. It was Will and just clearing
the hedge and river bank [he] made a perfect
landing. Webb-Bowen and I went to the
machine and found its occupant was badly hit.
We immediately sent for a stretcher and cut the
aircraft’s anti drift wires. He told me he “felt as
though his stomach was shot out of him”.’
Will needed immediate treatment for his
38 Ken Rimell WW1 VCs .indd 39
serious injuries but he waved away the medical
staff to give important information to his
superiors that later prevented a critical loss of
Allied soldiers. He was later moved to a Casualty
Clearing Station and died the next day. His last
wish was for ‘a stiff whisky and take my body
home’. As his life ebbed away, he told Maurice
Blake what dying was like: ‘It’s strange Blakey
old boy – unlike anything one has ever done
before, like one’s first solo flight.’ His award
of an immediate DSO was extended to add a
posthumous VC, the first ever won in the air.
His body was duly shipped back home to
Southampton and taken to the family estate
in Dorset. The following day a small funeral
cortège, made up of his family and a few pilots
from his squadron, wound its way up to the
top of a steep hill, where he was buried. It has
been said that the site was chosen for his grave
because he had planned to build a small cottage
there after the war, to share with his wife and
young son. The ashes of his son are now with
him; he was killed during the Battle of Britain in
1940 while flying with 601 Squadron. His body
was recovered from the wreck of his Hurricane
and his ashes placed at the same site. The
burial ground is now a family shrine, fully and
TWO WW1 VC WINNERS
only accessible via the Rhodes-Moorhouse VC
Charitable Trust. The Trust supports activities
in aviation, including flying and engineering
scholarships, with funds raised through the
private sale of Will’s medals. The pistol and
holster he was wearing on his last raid are
now on display in the Ashcroft Gallery at the
Imperial War Museum London.
I was fortunate enough to be granted
permission to visit the Rhodes-Moorhouse
graves, the simple resting place of two true
heroes of flying, now at rest along with their
family at this lonely spot. With my guide I
paused silently for several minutes in tribute.
CAPTAIN AIDEN LIDDELL VC
Captain Aiden Liddell VC was born in 1888.
He entered Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, in
September 1900, where some very distinguished
names can be found etched in the schools ‘old
boys’ records. Even at Stonyhurst, though he
was academically able, he suffered from ill
health. His special area of interest was science
and things mechanical, and in his spare time he
tinkered with oily engines and their ephemera,
earning him the nickname ‘Oozy’. He had a
fine voice and played the flute and often, when
not in an ‘oily’ state, would spend time studying
astronomy with one of the school’s priests,
Father Cortie. It was this interest that led the
young Liddell to an interest in photography,
and he took pictures and processed the films in
a makeshift darkroom. After passing out from
Stonyhurst he went to Balliol College, Oxford,
taking an honours’ degree in Zoology, a subject
he had hoped to follow in later life. He joined the
Special Reserve of the 3rd Battalion the Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders in 1911, and by the
summer of 1914 he was at Brooklands where he
gained his flying licence. He was an active young
man with a bright future ahead but the war was
to change all that.
At the outbreak of war in August 1914 he
was promoted to Captain and embarked for
France from Southampton with the regulars of
the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders aboard
the former Irish Fishery Protection Ship, SS
Sea Hound, headed for Boulogne. He was now
an officer in charge of a machine gun section.
Previously many of the reservists had had to
march barefooted from the railway station to
their headquarters at Fort George, Inverness,
after being issued with the wrong size boots! The
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 39
11/12/2014 15:12
 TWO WW1 VC WINNERS
typical military response to this
dilemma – that the soldiers’
feet had expanded during
training – was laughed off
during the buoyant period
of high spirits before war
really got under way. It would
appear that the boots had been
issued to the wrong recipients, a
matter quickly rectified during a
hasty ‘boot exchange’ on the rail
journey down to the south coast.
When they arrived they were piped
through the streets to the cheers of the French
who lined the streets and who were somewhat
bemused by the kilt-wearing Scots, but all this
good humour was soon forgotten as they reached
their destination at the Front. For almost 50 days
Liddell was in constant action. On one occasion
he spotted one of his party, Company Sergeant
Major Conroy, lying seriously injured in a field
near the village of Fremalles. Without thought
for his own safety, Liddell rushed to help the
wounded man to a field dressing station, thus
saving his life. For this deed of valour he was
mentioned in dispatches and awarded the
Military Cross. CSM Conroy was later to pay
special tribute to Liddell at his funeral.
Constant fighting and exposure to a bitter
winter in 1914 was to take its toll of Aiden
Liddell’s fragile health and he was invalided
home in February 1915. He did his best
to recover but a medical ruled out any
further involvement with active service
at the Front and the trenches. Liddell
had other ideas. In May 1915 he
applied to return to his duties, this time
with the Royal Flying Corps, and as he
already held a pilot’s licence he quickly
graduated through preliminary flying
training at Brooklands; by July he was
back in France with No 7 Squadron of the
Royal Flying Corps at St Omer. The aircraft
operated by the squadron was not to Liddell’s
liking – the clumsy RE5 had a top speed of just
80mph – but to allay the disappointment life on
the base was very comfortable with good food
and hot baths.
Whatever comforts they enjoyed, they were
constantly required to fly over hostile enemy
lines, reporting on enemy movements while
enduring ‘Archie’, their nickname for German
anti-aircraft fire. Sometimes shells also came
from their own gun batteries which were
unable to identify Allied aircraft. In addition
to observation patrols, pilots also had to drop
bombs leaving the fighter squadrons, often
40 Armourer Issue 127
38 Ken Rimell WW1 VCs .indd 40
in outdated aircraft, to shoot down an enemy
which, at the beginning of the war, had far
superior aircraft.
On 29 July accompanied by his Observer,
Aiden took part in his first operational mission,
a daunting experience for them both, who
returned with a damaged aircraft. Two days
later and accompanied by Observer Gunner
Roland Peck, Aiden embarked on a four-hour
mission deep into enemy territory, to report
back on enemy movements. To observe ground
movements accurately the Observer sometimes
had to unstrap himself from the confines of his
cockpit, stand on his seat and use his
telescope. Communication with
the pilot was by shouting or
the use of a small chalkboard
with scribbled messages,
which was difficult if it was
raining. Their aircraft had
been airborne for about
an hour when they were
attacked from above. Both
Liddell and Peck were
momentarily preoccupied
with events on the ground,
but when Peck saw it was
an enemy aircraft diving at
them, he reacted with speed
and returned fire. The German
aircraft attacked for a second time
and inflicted serious damage to the RE5’s
flying controls, tossing the aircraft onto its back
and seriously wounding Aiden Liddell. Peck
found himself holding on in an inverted aircraft,
unaware that his pilot, now unconscious and
with a shattered leg and smashed hand, torn
by an enemy bullet, could be dead. Luckily the
pilot’s unconsciousness was short-lived and in
spite of his injuries he righted the aircraft, much
to the relief of Peck. Fortunately, the enemy
aircraft broke off its attack. Although it now
had very limited flying controls the aircraft did
respond, so Liddell, adapting as best he could,
set course back to St Omer. They were still over
hostile territory and in danger
but Liddell managed to
hold the aircraft steady
to scribble a note on the chalkboard for Peck
to read, indicating a forced landing as soon as
they passed over Allied territory. But Peck had
other ideas. How about trying to get to the
Belgian airfield at Le Panne, where there would
be medical teams to deal with Aiden’s injuries?
A nod of agreement came from the now weak
pilot, who managed to change direction and
land safely. Quickly checking his pilot Peck sped
off to get help and within minutes the aircraft
was surrounded by people eager to pull the
British pilot from his blood-spattered cockpit.
Peck remained in the cockpit and carried out
first-aid until a full medical team arrived and
Aiden was safely lifted free and onto the ground,
smiling and joking in the process.
He was taken to the hospital at La Panne
(now no longer there), where he received
medical attention and at first all went well. His
mother was brought over to him, but in spite of
her presence at his bedside, he slipped away on
31 August, having been given the Last Rites,
holding his mother’s hand asking to go home.
His final wish was granted and he was
brought home and buried in the Holy Ghost
Cemetery, Basingstoke, just a few miles from
his home at Sherfield in London, after lying
overnight in the Roman Catholic Church, Farm
Street. His funeral was and still is the largest
that Basingstoke has ever seen, with thousands
turning out to pay their respects to this gallant
airman. One man in particular stood silently by
the grave and paid a special homage: Company
Sergeant Major Conroy whose life Aiden had
saved from the battle-torn trenches.
Captain Aiden Liddell VC’s grave is a well-
tended family plot in Basingstoke Cemetery, not
far from the busy railway station. Sadly the old
Chapel of the Holy Ghost nearby is now a ruin
and slowly decaying, in spite of being listed as a
historic monument.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I’m grateful to Peter Daybell, author of
the excellent book on Aiden Liddell, With
a Smile and a Wave, for freely allowing me
to use pictures and specific details from
his book.
11/12/2014 15:12
 Proprietor: Stewart Wilson
Specialists in Original Third Reich Collectors Items. Daggers, Flags, Uniforms, Medals & Awards,
Documents. Also a good selection of English Military Items, Antique Headdress, Swords, etc.
Listed Below Are Just A Few Items Presently For Sale.
1. SS Officers Sword.
2. SS NCO’s Sword.
3. SS 1936 Pattern Chained Leaders Dagger.
4. SS 1933 Model Dagger, Choice Of Four.
5. Government Official Dagger With Straps And Knot.
6. Land Customs Officers Dagger With Straps And Knot.
7. Allgemine SS Officers Peaked Cap.
8. NSDAP Gold Party Badge Belonging To An SS Officer With Research File.
9. German Gross In Gold.
10. German Infantry Officers Field Piped Tunic.
11. German Infantry Officers Peaked Cap.
12. NSDAP Political Leaders Shirt With Insignia.
13. SS Typewriter With Carrying Box.
14. SS Allech Porcelain 1943 Yulfest Presentation Plate.
SA HIGH LEADERS CHAINED HONOR DAGGER WITH DAMASCUSE BLADE
15. NSDAP Party Flag. BY EICKHORN BELONGING TO SA OBERGRUPENFUHRER FRANZ BOCK.

Visit our website for a large selection of original German militaria

w w w. t h e o l d b r i g a d e . c o . u k
al C/O JUBILEE HOUSE, 32 DUNCAN CLOSE, MOULTON PARK, NORTHAMPTON NN3 6WL, UK.
Post
New ress:-
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Tel: (01604) 719389
email: stewart@theoldbrigade.co.uk or theoldbrigade@btconnect.com

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 41

p41_ARMJanFeb15.indd 41 11/12/2014 12:40

 AFRIKA MEDAL
The Italian German
Campaign in Afrika Medal
By Jamie Cross
Afrika Korps Halftrack in action
W
inston Churchill is quoted as saying
about Fieldmarshal Rommel, ‘We
have a very daring and skillful
opponent against us, and, may I say across the
havoc of war, a great general.’
When one thinks of Rommel, it is always in
conjunction with the German Afrika Korps.
The DAK, or German Afrika Korps, was
formed to help out Hitler’s Italian Allies, and as
a reward for a hoped for victory, Italy had made
a commemorative medal to show the unity of
the Italian and German soldiers fighting side
by side against the Great British Enemy. The
Court Mounted Afrika Medal with War
Merit Cross and World War I awards
42 Armourer Issue 127
42 Jamie.indd 42
Back of paper award packet and
Afrika Medal
medal shows on one side two knights (Italy wording Italo-German Campaign in Africa. The
and Germany) wrestling a crocodile (England). award was manufactured in three main types,
This also usually has the manufacturer’s name firstly in a bronze tombak alloy, in a plated zinc
of F.M. Lorioli to either side of the crocodile’s metal and finally a base zinc metal.
legs and the designer’s name of
De Marchis to the base. The other
side has to the centre, the Italian
Feleni Arch flanked on either side
by a fasces and then a swastika. To
the base is the royal knot of the
house of Savoy. Around the
edge in both Italian
and German is the
Award Document for the Award of the War Merit Cross with a
facsimile of Rommel`s Sign to the base, also notice the title given to him
11/12/2014 15:13
 AFRIKA MEDAL

Afrika Map

1957 Re-issue Afrika Medal

Award document to Iron Cross 2nd class, again with

facsimile Rommel Sign; notice the change in title
1957 Medal bar grouping
to a known Knight’s Cross
The award was not given to Italians and it winner with Afrika awards
is unknown how long a service was required
or what the award criteria was for receiving it,
but it was assumed that you had to be based
in Africa and a member of any of Germany’s
armed forces or support forces. It was given with
an award document and a notation was made
into a soldier’s pay book and service record.
Citations range from the plain to some in colour,
showing the Italian Feleni Arch as a backdrop to
the citation. These all have the award’s details
typed onto it. The citation is stamped and signed
by a company officer. Any award document with
Rommel’s signature on it are very desirable and,
therefore, highly sought after.
The award was worn on a 25cm-wide ribbon
of green, white, red, white and black, being the
colours of the Italian and German flags, though
the Germans replaced this with their own usual
size of ribbons, and as a result, several sizes of
ribbon can be found on these awards. The first
awards were made in early 1942 with the last
being given in early 1944. These were stopped
after Italy surrendered and the award was
withdrawn on 29 March 1944, along with other
Italian awards.
The award was, however, re-instituted by the
West German Government and it was made
again by the firm of F.M. Lorioli. The design is
unchanged other than the removal of both the
swastika and fasces. As an award by a friendly
power, it ranked below any German combat
awards, decorations and medals. This was worn
on a ribbon bar on the service tunic. When
worn on a medal ribbon bar, it was again placed
behind any German or Austrian awards, with
the ribbon starting with the green side first. I
have not seen any miniatures of this award, but
think it likely that stick pins will exist in both
1939-45 types and 1957 types. Afrika Korps man in car with Afrika cuff band

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 43

42 Jamie.indd 43 11/12/2014 15:14

 Over 1000 original items in stock...Uniforms, Headdress, Badges, Medals, Toy Soldiers, Model Tanks, Equipment, Awards and Sidearms... from Waterloo to World War II.

WW1 British Royal Flying Corp Leather Coat. Early WW2 German
private purchase, tan leather, aviator’s coat.These Deutsche Hunde
coats were used by members of the Royal Flying Wesen Non Portable
Corps before the government issue contracts took Award Scarce refined
over.The leather is very supple with some rubbing zinc non portable
,scuffing and small stains.The orange cuff studs award, for service in
are stamped Made in England and the interior is the National League
lined with fawn blanket material.Two of the large for German dog
horn buttons are missing from the front of the coat, breeding, awarded
however there are two below the collar which could by the German Army
be moved to the front if desired.Complete with High Command. 4cm
matching leather belt with leather covered buckle. in diameter.
£595.00 £395.00

WW2 German WW2 German Luftwaffe Signals EM/NCO’s Visor

Court Mounted Cap. Luftwaffe Blue Grey EM/NCO’s Visor cap
Medal Group with brown wool piping denoting the service
Comprising rare WW2 German branch of signals.Complete with Luftwaffe alloy
Schinkel Iron Cross Adolf Hitler Bust cap eagle, cockade and black leather chin strap.
2nd Class,4yr Army Full size bronze Interior sweatband has one small hole to front
long service and bust of Adolf and is attached to cap via a black velvet band
Sudetenland medal Hitler, hollow and still retains the cotton bow to the rear.The
with Prague Castle cast, minus celluloid diamond is intact and maker marked
Bar. base. “Stirndruckfrei Deutsches Reichspatent”
£395.00 £1,995.00 £575.00

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED • INTEREST FREE LAYAWAY PLAN AVAILABLE • MEDAL MOUNTING SERVICE AVAILABLE
21 King Street, Merchant City, Glasgow G1 5QZ
Opening Hours: 11am - 5pm Tues - Sat. Tel: 0141 552 8164 Tel: 0141 552 4651
email: info@treasurebunker.com www.treasurebunker.com facebook.com/treasurebunker

WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING TO BUY GOOD QUALITY MILITARIA

The Treasure Bunker website is more than just a shop. It also provides a discussion forum for collectors and a free email newsletter with special offers.

Camera Gun
SOLD FOR £1550

WARE MILITARIA AUCTIONS

AUCTION DATE 28TH JANUARY 2015
WW1 MC

Viewing from 4.30pm on sale day.

Sale starts at 6.00pm.
Many good quality militaria items
including weapons, badges, medals, insignia etc
No Sale – No Fee, 12% Commission, absolutely NO other charges!
Body Armour
SOLD FOR £620 WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GOOD QUALITY MILITARIA FOR AUCTION - Pickelhaube
FROM SINGLE ITEMS TO WHOLE COLLECTIONS.
WW1 MM Medal Group
SOLD FOR £680
( 01920 871383 ) 07747 860746
WW1 Granatenwerfer
SOLD FOR £2500 8 martin@wmauk.com
Next Auction: 1st April 2015
HERTFORD HEATH VILLAGE HALL, LONDON ROAD,
HERTFORD HEATH, HERTS, SG13 7RH

Bomb (Lot 246)

SOLD FOR £400
www.wmauk.com Selection of Jewellery

44

p44_ARMJanFeb15.indd 44 11/12/2014 12:43

 www.ratisbons.com

Many thanks
for joining our
FiRst auction!
Selected results of ratisbon’s 1st Contemporary History Auction of Militaria
9th – 16th November 2014
All results are excluding buyer's premium

Allgemeine-SS visor cap EM/NCO Honor goblet grouping to Ofw. Röhrl Waffen-SS M40 field tunic (3-hole)

Starting price: € 1.000 Starting price: € 5.000 Starting price: € 350

Result: € 2.900 Result: € 5.800 Result: € 2.330

General Hans Speidel – Wehrmacht black Panzeraufklärer Luftwaffe Pilot‘s Badge –

Personal 1957 ribbon bar EM/NCO sidecap early Deumer
Starting price: € 300 Starting price: € 500 Starting price: € 350
Result: € 905 Result: € 1.370 Result: € 2.210

Rudolf Hess – Signed personal card Rare colour Panzer photo album Heer M35 camo helmet ET68

Starting price: € 500 Starting price: € 600 Starting price: € 650

Result: € 800 Result: € 1.695 Result: € 1.730

We are now accepting consignments for our forthcoming auction in January 2015!

Contact us at info@ratisbons.com or visit www.ratisbons.com/selling for more details on our consignment program.

ratisbon’s
ratisbon's
Klaus Butschek | Postfach 110303 | 93016 Regensburg | Germany
+ 49 941 46 700 16 | info@ratisbons.com | www.ratisbons.com

p45_ARMJanFeb15.indd 1 11/12/2014 12:48

 MEDAL COLLECTING

The Battle of Ahmed Khel:

almost another disaster in Afghanistan?

MEDAL
COLLECTING
WITH
PETER DUCKERS

B
ritain has had a long and on occasion fairly
disastrous relationship with Afghanistan,
our recent military incursion only just
ending, with a verdict on its effectiveness still
awaited. Three earlier wars during the era of the
Raj – 1839-42, 1878-80 and 1919 – saw some of
the severest fighting experienced by British and
Indian forces and on at least two occasions – the
‘Retreat from Kabul’ in 1841 and the battle of
Maiwand in 1880 – British forces suffered truly
significant defeats.
The 1878-80 campaign, inspired like that
of 1839-42 by the desire to deflect Russian
expansion towards the frontier of India, got
off to a sound start with the defeat of Afghan
forces, the occupation of the main centres of
Afghanistan (like Kandahar and Kabul) and
the apparent acquiescence of the population.
It was just as it was in 1839-40; and just as in
the first war, it took some time for the Afghans
to assemble their diverse forces and strike back. Plan of battle of Ahmed Khel
In the winter of 1879, when all seemed calm,
the Afghans broke out into a major uprising, The Afghan War medal, 1878-80 with clasps for Ahmed Khel
killed the newly installed British Resident at and Kandahar. Some men did the Kandahar-Kabul march
Kabul along with his escort, and attacked (fighting at Ahmed Khel) and then did the more famous Kabul-
British bases in the country. As in 1841, the Kandahar return march (fighting at Kandahar). An arduous
British had to decide whether to re-invade service!
the country with larger forces (an unpopular
and expensive option as far as London was of the size of the force and the problems with
concerned) or simply pull out altogether. The roads, the terrain and supplies, it was to move
latter was never really a choice, so Disraeli’s out in Brigades, one following the other along
Tory government found itself with a full-scale different routes, to ease pressure on the roads
war on its hands late in 1879. The most severe and local supplies.
fighting that winter was around Kabul, where
a comparatively small force under Sir Fred The force as eventually assembled comprised:
Roberts was dangerously stretched trying to 1st Brigade under Brig. General R. Barter:
defend the British hold on Kabul and the routes 1st Punjab Cavalry
to the Khyber and India. 11-11 Royal Artillery (Mountain Battery)
However, by the spring of 1880, things 2nd Battn., 60th Rifles
appeared to be more stable. Roberts, despite 15th Sikhs
the odds, had crushed Afghan forces attacking 25th Punjab Infantry
Kabul in December, while Kandahar in the One section, Field Hospital.
south, recently reinforced by a Division from
Bombay, seemed safe enough. It was decided, This Brigade set out first, heading for Ghazni
therefore, that a whole Division could be spared via the Arghastan and Khuskirud valleys. It was This Brigade proceeded along the Tarnai
from the garrison of Kandahar to be sent followed on 30 March by the cavalry brigade: valley. It was followed from Kandahar on 31
north to Kabul – the real centre of disaffection Cavalry Brigade under General C.H. Palliser: March by:
– to reinforce Roberts and to subjugate the 19th Bengal Lancers 2nd Brigade under Brig. General R.J. Hughes, comprising:
surrounding districts. A-B Battery, Royal Horse Artillery 2nd Punjab Cavalry
What was designated ‘the Ghazni Field 6-11 Battery, Royal Artillery G-4 Battery, Royal Artillery
Force’ (the fortified city of Ghazni being its first 19th Punjab Infantry 59th Regiment
objective) began to assemble under Sir Donald One Coy., 2/60th Rifles 3rd Gurkhas
Stewart early in March 1880 and by 28 March One Coy, 25th Punjabis 2nd Sikhs
was ready to move out of Kandahar. Because Engineer Field Park. Ordnance Field Park.

46 Armourer Issue 127

46 Peter Duckers.indd 46 11/12/2014 15:16

 MEDAL COLLECTING

Officers who fought at Ahmed Khel.

In all, Stewart’s forces comprised: Behind these came the huge baggage train, with
British troops (incl. officers) 2,154 the ordnance stores, field hospital, commissariat
Indian troops 5,095 and engineer field park, which trailed over
Indian ‘followers’ 7,273 many miles, with detachments guarding its Captain William V. Ellis, 25th Punjab Infantry :
Horses 1,942 flanks. This was followed by the Brigade under Mentioned in Dispatches for the action as Provost
Artillery mules 162 Brig. Barter, bringing up the rear: Marshal with the force.
Artillery bullocks 547 1st Punjab Cavalry 316
Artillery elephants 13 2/60th Rifles 443 directed the 2nd Brigade to form a line on the
Riding mules 162 15th Sikhs 570 left of the main road, in line with the horse
Ponies 714 25th Punjabis 380 artillery which was also deployed. The 2nd
Transport camels 6,881 11-11 Mountain Battery 6 x 7 lbr guns. Punjab Cavalry moved to the flat and open
Transport mules 789. land to the right of the line and the 19th
The length of Stewart’s entire column on Punjabis and Sappers were held back as a
It will be noticed that the fighting force, at the march was a staggering six miles! reserve. The three other artillery batteries at
around 7,200 men, was matched by the number The march had progressed only half a this stage were still straggling along, in line,
of ‘followers’ and was not much more than the dozen miles when scouts reported large with the main column. Stewart immediately
number of transport camels! numbers of the enemy on the hills three sent orders for Barter to hurry forward half
The HQ of the force reached Khelat- miles ahead, near Ahmed Khel, 23 miles the infantry of his rearguard and send the 1st
i-Ghilzai on 6 April, picking up some of south of Ghazni. At this point, Sir Donald, Punjab Cavalry to join the rest of the cavalry,
its garrison en route, and the whole force who had come up with the advance guard, commanded by General Palliser.
assembled, as planned, at Mushaki soon
afterwards. No opposition had been met
with so far, though hostile gatherings had
been seen on the distant flanks. The main
difficulty was long, hot and tiresome marches,
compounded by the fact that food and forage
proved hard to find – possible supplies in the
area had been looted, destroyed or carried
away – and finding food for the long column
and its many transport animals became a
major problem.
The combined field force left Mushaki on 19
April 1880, the advance guard under General
Palliser being:
19th Bengal Lancers 350
A-B RHA 6 x 9 lbr guns
19th Punjab Infantry 470
2/60th Rifles 63
25th Punjabis 85
4 & 10 Coys, Sappers & Miners 80.

Following them came the main force under

Brig. Hughes (mostly 2nd Brigade) with 1,092
infantry, 349 cavalry and ten guns:
59th Regt. 436
3rd Gurkhas 289
2nd Sikhs 367
G-4 Royal Artillery 6 x 9 lbr guns
6-11 Royal Artillery (Heavy Batty.) 2 x 40 lbr guns
2 x howizters
2nd Punjab Cavalry 349. Medal group of Captain W. V. Ellis, which includes the Kabul-Kandahar Star and India General Service
medal, with clasp “Hazara 1888” for later frontier campaigning.

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 47

46 Peter Duckers.indd 47 11/12/2014 15:17

 MEDAL COLLECTING
Clasp “Ahmed Khel” on a medal to a soldier of
the 59th (East Lancs) Regiment, which was heavily
engaged in the battle. With his later Long Service
and Good Conduct medal.
Stewart then continued the advance
towards the hills, his main infantry fighting
force deployed in line, with part of the 19th
Lancers covering their left flank. The hills,
running parallel to the road at this point,
then turned eastwards, with the road crossing
them, and were occupied by a large enemy
force, estimated at over 1,000 mounted men
and perhaps 12-15,000 infantry, their line
continuing for two miles to the east and thus
outflanking Stewart’s direct route.
Within about a mile and a half of the enemy
positions, Stewart ordered his artillery to take
up firing positions on a series of low knolls
and shell the ridges in front; the 2nd Punjab
Cavalry acted as escort for the horse artillery
and one company of the 19th Punjabis was
deployed to protect G-4 RA. The infantry
of the 2nd Brigade were then halted in line,
to the left of the guns, facing the enemy’s
right wing lining the hills. One and a half
squadrons of the 19th Lancers were posted
to the far right of the infantry line, as flank
guard, and three squadrons of the 2nd Punjab
cavalry (in addition to the artillery escorts)
covered the right flank of the gun positions.
At the extreme left of the infantry line Stewart
posted the heavy guns of 6-11 RA, rather
removed from support. One company each of
the 60th Rifles and 25th Punjabis, with part of
the 19th Punjabis, was placed slightly behind
the main infantry line as a reserve.
Stewart intended to order a general frontal
attack on the hill positions held by the Afghans,
but at 9.00 a.m., before he could launch his
attack, the Afghans suddenly surged forward,
wave after wave of swordsmen, extending far to
the left and right of Stewart’s line, threatening
not only to engage the main British-Indian
position but to envelop both flanks and
overwhelm the force. At the same time, a
large body of Afghan horsemen rode along
the ridge and wheeled down onto the plain,
and in one mass engulfed the 19th Lancers
before they could assemble to counter-charge.
The 19th were forced back to their right rear,
48 Armourer Issue 127
46 Peter Duckers.indd 48
by sheer weight of numbers, and
pressed into the line of infantry
battalions, whose line of fire they
then blocked, forcing them to
form a square, trying to direct
what firepower they could into
the advancing Afghans. Things
were actually critical for some
time; Afghan forces from the
hills now swept down from the
east, threatening the right of
Stewart’s embattled position, so
that every man in the infantry reserve
had to be brought quickly into action,
the reserve of 19th Punjabis and the
Sappers and Miners to bolster the
left flank and the rest to support
the right, around the guns.
The guns were now firing
case-shot and shrapnel at close
range into swarms of Afghans,
but neither this nor the rapid volley
fire from the infantry seemed to have
any effect. The 59th was ordered to
retire, firing steadily as they executed the
move, but causing some confusion in the firing
line; however, effective volleys from the 3rd
Gurkhas checked the Afghans further right
and the 2nd Punjab Cavalry charged into the
mass of Afghan swordsmen.
The artillery, whose effective fire under
pressure was highly commended by Stewart,
were ordered to new positions 200 yards to
the rear, with G-4 placed within the infantry
line and the 59th, redeployed after their
retrograde move, poured a devastating fire
into the attackers. The 2nd Sikhs gallantly
held their position throughout.
While this was going on, the cavalry was
also redeployed. One squadron of the 2nd
Punjab Cavalry relieved the squadron of the
19th Lancers acting as gun escort and two
squadrons of the 2nd Punjab Cavalry relieved
the Lancers on the left flank. Squadrons of the
1st Punjab Cavalry, which had now reached
the fighting force, were pushed out to the west
of the line. Sir Donald Stewart, commanding the Division
By this stage, the heavy volley firing from the which fought at Ahmed Khel.
infantry was having an effect. With hundreds
of their men mown down (it was estimated (5 killed and 48 wounded), with no less than
later that up to 3,000 Afghans were killed), the 17 Indian Orders of Merit conferred on them
impetus of the attack began to flag. Gradually, for this one action. The 2nd Punjab Cavalry
groups were seen to fall back towards the hills, lost 3 men killed and 20 wounded, while the
coming under fire of the heavy guns of 6-11 as 59th lost one man killed and 2 wounded; the
they retired; this is believed to have prevented 2/60th lost 3 killed and 2 wounded; the 2nd
an attack on the far left and any attempt to Sikhs lost 1 killed and 10 wounded; the 3rd
outflank the line and attack the baggage Gurkhas lost 4 ‘followers’ and the Artillery just
column and rear. 1 killed and 2 wounded.
By about 9.45 a.m., the action was effectively Not surprisingly, the news of Stewart’s
over, with Afghan forces streaming back to the victory (and another in the sizeable but now
hills, still under fire. Stewart odered the ‘cease forgotten action at Urzu a few days later) was
fire’ at 10.00 a.m., having been ferociously well received in Delhi and London; Stewart
engaged for nearly an hour. By this time, the was congratulated on his effective command,
remainder of Barter’s infantry had come up and, as was usual, put forward a large number
from the rear to reinforce the right centre. of ‘mentions’ to the various units and officers
However, what could have been an effective who had taken part in the battle. In due course
pursuit by the Indian cavalry was checked by a clasp, ‘Ahmed Khel’, was authorised for wear
the need to protect the flanks of what was still on the Afghan War medal in commemoration
a straggling column and its baggage. of what was a hard-won victory.
Stewart’s men buried 1,200 Afghans, while However, not everyone was so satisfied
his force lost the comparatively low number with Stewart’s actions at Ahmed Khel – the
– considering the ferocity of the attack and first significant battle that he had actually
the numbers engaged – of 17 killed and 124 commanded in a long career. One staff
wounded. The cavalry suffered most: the 19th officer, Col. H B. Hanna, who wrote a detailed
Bengal Lancers sustained the highest casualties account of the war (and who did not mince
11/12/2014 15:17
 MEDAL COLLECTING

his words when it came to what he considered
bad generalship on anyone’s part) wrote that
Stewart, far from behaving in a way that was
‘above all praise’, had courted disaster in his
conduct of the battle and was saved rather by
the discipline of the troops he commanded
than by his own tactical skill. Hanna attacked
the whole idea of the march in the first place
– he thought that there was no need for this
force to be sent by that route to Kabul, and
Stewart should not have accepted a weak
plan imposed on him by superior authorities.
Since he did, he should have planned it better.
He had no base en route, had no adequate
supplies (at a time when ‘living off the land’
was known to be just about impossible), and
took with him miles of transport which itself
needed huge quantities of supplies. More to
the point, Hanna claimed that Stewart badly
undervalued the risks he faced en route and
the strength of enemy opposition; he praised
the Afghans for their ‘well-conceived and
boldly executed plan’ which ‘came within an
ace of success’ at Ahmed Khel – though they
should have resisted the temptation to attack
at that point – but he condemned Stewart’s
tactics as faulty to the point of negligence.
He dangerously over-extended his force on
the march, he deployed his own forces close
to and in full view of his enemy (who were
already prepared to attack), he pushed his
artillery too far forward into exposed positions
(risking them at the outset) and – worse still
– he brought about an action with half his
force miles away, straggling to the rear, when
he had time to wait for them to come forward,
having no need to attack at that time. Hanna
concluded that in deploying only part of his
force in view of a superior enemy, Stewart
‘grossly underestimated their numbers and
courage and he narrowly escaped paying for
his miscalculation by defeat, with all the terrible
consequences which must have entailed’.
They say that fortune favours the brave: it
sometimes favours the lucky!

PHILIP BURMAN Q & C

Orders, decorations and
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Militaria Fairs We buy & sell quality militaria
BRITISH WW1 SMLE RIFLE WW1 RFC WOLSELEY PITH HELMET W.D.

CALENDAR OF FAIRS FOR 2015 AND BAYONET

dated 1911 in good original
condition all wood work correct.
MARK
WW1 RFC Wolseley pith
helmet with WD marking
This gun was purchased in the in nice original condition.

at Romford Essex area by me from This is a very scarce helmet

the owners who’s relation used it in to have survived in the
the war and returned home with it condition it is in.

The Community Centre £650.00 £450.00

Bowburn Village, Durham DH65AT WW1 FRENCH TANK DRIVERS

UNIFORM
BRITISH 1800C NAVAL MIDSHIPMAN’S
DIRK
WW1 French Tank drivers British Georgian 1800c

22nd March uniform consisting of the

correct drivers Adrian
Midshipman’s dirk very
similar to the Nile Club
helmet tunic and trousers Dirk. This is a large
all with various ink stamps fighting dirk with a
Future dates: 28th Jun, 30th Aug, 25th Oct and 27th Dec to the inside large curved plain blade
£1550.00 £2150.00

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side drum that khaki webbing equipment
has been turned consisting of left and right
Open to the public from 9am to 2pm. Admission £2.50 into a plant holder
or waste paper
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All enquiries to: David Douglas Militaria Fairs bottom .....£400.00 pouch, with various ink
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Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 49

46 Peter Duckers.indd 49 11/12/2014 15:18

 THE AEROSANI

An NKL-16 aerosani. The striped bars protruding from

near the propeller warn of the turning blades.

The Aerosani: Russia’s High-

Speed Winter Military Vehicle
By Eric Bryan

W
hen your country includes thousands Sikorsky’s Sleds in preparation for his aeroplane and helicopter
of miles of permafrost tundra and Igor Sikorsky entered the fray in 1909 and design ideas. By 1912, aerosanis were being mass
substantial lands above the Arctic created two aerosanis. In 1909-10, Sikorsky and produced at the Russian-Baltic Shipyard.
Circle, the problems of simply getting around, his cohorts would tear around Kiev’s winter
covering vast distances and maintaining supply streets in his propeller-pushed, open aerosleds. KOMPAS
and communication lines are paramount. At the Sikorsky tried several different motors, including In the winter of 1918-19, the Russian Civil
start of the 20th century, Russian designers and 15 and 25 horsepower motorcycle engines. The War was raging, and much of the country
engineers were contemplating these challenges 20-year-old Sikorsky’s aerosani experiments were was blanketed with heavy snow. The snowfall
by drawing up plans for fast and reliable winter
transport.
One of the solutions was the aerosani
(‘aero sledge’ or ‘aero sled’), a propeller-
driven snowmobile. Many of the vehicles were
constructed of plywood, fitted with skis and
powered by a rear-mounted aircraft engine
with a pusher-propeller. A 1905 issue of Aeronaut
Magazine featured propeller-driven sleds designed
by engineer Sergey Nezhdanovsky, who began
building the craft as early as 1903 as airscrew
testing platforms.
The Tsarist Russian Army used aerosanis,
then functioning as civilian light-duty winter
terrain transport vehicles, for light raids and
communications and reconnaissance duties in
the North during World War I. In World War
II, the Soviets used transport, armed assault and NKL-26 assault aerosanis on
ambulance aerosanis in winter conflicts. Between the move in winter 1943. Note the
1923 and 1929 the NAMI (Scientific Automobile soldier riding on the left-front ski in
and Automobile Engine Institute) and TsAGI the foreground, and the 10mm thick
(Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute) designed armoured glacis plate on the front of
over 20 different aerosanis, with contributions the vehicle.
from historic aircraft and automobile designers.

50 Armourer Issue 127

50 Eric Bryan.indd 50 11/12/2014 15:25


made some roads impassable, and cut off
communications with remote areas of Russia.
The Bolsheviks, seeking a form of transport to
negotiate the snowbound landscape, formed the
Commission for the Organisation of the Design
of the Aerosani (KOMPAS). N.R. Brilling was
appointed Director of the Commission.
The BK and ARBES Series
The initials ‘BK’ stood for ‘Brilling’ and ‘Kuzin’,
sometimes written as ‘BEKA’, who designed
BK aerosanis for KOMPAS beginning in 1920.
These aerosanis were used in putting down the
Kronshtadt Rebellion in March 1921, performing
manoeuvres on the Neva River’s frozen waters
in Petrograd. The ARBES and ARBES-II were
aerosanis designed by A.A. Arkhangelskiy and
B.S. Stechkin between 1921 and 1923 as part of
KOMPAS.
The ANT Series
The first of the Tupolev-designed ANT series
(‘ANT’ being Tupolev’s initials) was Soviet-built,
with 40 produced by September 1919, which
were deployed in the Russian Civil War. Under
KOMPAS management, the ANT-I and ANT-II
were made from 1921-23.
The ANT-III was the first all-metal aerosani,
made largely of aluminium. This machine could
carry a crew of three, and was fitted with an
80 horsepower engine. The skis and hull were
of aluminium, and the body was wrapped in
a ribbed metal skin. It was also produced as the
ANT-IIIA with a 50 horsepower engine.
The ANT-IV, presented in 1924, was a three-
ski aerosani propelled by a British Bristol 100
horsepower aircraft engine. It was employed in
1930 to work the 53-mile route between Kanash
and Cheboksary in Chuvashia, ferrying mail and
passengers. Horses took ten to twelve hours to
make the journey, while the aerosani completed it
in two-and-a-half hours. The success of the ANT-
IV led to its use in Tatariya, Kazakhstan and in
other Soviet republics.
This machine was entirely of metal, mostly
aluminium, with a driver and mechanic seated
in the front, and room for two passengers behind.
Later ANT-IV models had an extra jump seat
behind the two passenger seats, to accommodate
one more occupant. The cabin was upholstered
and fitted with soft lighting, and the hull had a
skin of corrugated aluminium. The machine
was equipped with an automotive-type steering
system, connected to its front ski. In 1931, the
ANT-IV was fitted with a Soviet-made 100
horsepower aircraft engine as was the next model,
the ANT-V.
50 Eric Bryan.indd 51
The RF-8 with front gunner and rear driver,
the radiator situated behind and above the driver.
The ANT-IVS was a dedicated aerosani
ambulance. This vehicle proved vital in the 1939–
40 Winter War, deployed in Karelia, and in the
Great Patriotic War, where the aerosani proved
invaluable operating in the Far North.
The OSGA-6
N.A. Andreev created an aerosani for OSGA, a
department responsible for the design of sleds
and speedboats. Called the OSGA-6 (later known
as the NKL-6), these aerosanis saw service in the
Soviet-Finnish War, where they were especially
effective on frozen lakes. They were used to patrol
remote areas of the Front, carry ammunition and
troops, and in actual combat.
The NKL Series
At the start of the Great Patriotic War, all existing
aerosanis were enlisted into the Red Army, and
new models were designed. The NKL-16 was
chiefly a civilian postal and transport aerosani.
The NKL-16/41 and NKL-16/42, looking like
commuter trains each on four skis, were military
transport-assault vehicles. Besides hauling
supplies, working patrols and communications
lines, these aerosanis also towed 18-20 skiers using
special cables.
The NKL-26 was a combat aerosani which
replaced the OSCA-6 (NKL-6). It was fitted with
a 100 horsepower five-cylinder aircraft engine
and could go to 45mph. It was lightly armoured
(a 10mm glacis plate set at a 60-degree angle was
affixed to the front) over its plywood construction,
and had a two-man crew.
A gunner/commander sat aft, manning a
roof-mounted 7.62mm DT (Degtyaryova Tankovy)
machine gun in a small open turret, and the
The highly successful metal
ANT-IV, with engine running;
the driver positioned behind
a small windscreen.
THE AEROSANI
driver/mechanic sat forward, peering through a
narrow slot in the body. This model had four skis,
all of which turned via the driver’s steering wheel,
making the NKL-26 a manoeuvrable vehicle.
When encountering regions barren of snow, the
skis could be replaced with wheels.
This series also included the NKL-6C
ambulance; the NKL-12 for servicing airfields,
and the NKL-38 freighter.
The RF-8/GAZ-98
The RF-8 combat aerosani was created by the
Narkomrechflot Design Bureau, operating under
an order from the GKO (the State Defence
Committee). As the GAZ (Gorky Automobile
Factory) was chosen as one of the RF-8
manufacturers, GAZ engineers further refined
the vehicle’s design. The initial batch of RF-8s
was sent to the Front at the end of 1941, where
the aerosanis made up battalions. The RF-8 was
numbered GAZ-98 by GAZ, and the Soviets
referred to the machine officially as the RF-8-
GAZ-98.
The RF-8 was powered by a GAZ-M-1 auto
motor, rather than an aircraft engine, and was
fitted with a metal propeller. The metal prop
expanded the capabilities of the aerosani:
previous models with wooden propellers had to
avoid forested areas due to prop breakages caused
by the blades striking trees and shrubs. The RF-8
was a four-ski aerosani which steered by its two
front skis.
This aerosani had a crew of two in tandem
seating, with the gunner in front and the driver
behind. The skis of aerosanis would sometimes
freeze to the ground if the machine was parked
for a period in the snow or on ice. To conquer
this problem, the RF-8 featured a jump pedal.
Depressing the pedal pulled on a tension wire
which was attached to the suspension mounting,
and tilted the aerosani to the right. The driver
would pump the pedal several times to break the
skis free from the frozen ground. (Designers dealt
with this problem on later aerosanis by coating the
skis with Teflon.)
In 1942-43, military engineers modified the
RF-8 by fitting it with a 110 horsepower aircraft
motor, improving the aerosani’s performance.
This RF-8-GAZ-98 variation was called the
GAZ-98K.
World War II
There were several Red Army aerosani
detachments. The aerosanis served in the war with
Finland, and in the bitter winter of 1941–42 while
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 51
11/12/2014 15:25
 THE AEROSANI
Two Sever-2s making their way along a forest road.
battling the Germans, they gave the Russians the
edge in moving through deep snow. Aerosani
units saw action in Staraya, Moscow, and
on the North-west Front. They offered the
enormous advantage of operating cross-county,
independently of enemy-controlled roads.
Military aerosanis mostly functioned in
transporting supplies, fuel, ammunition, and
in communications by carrying messages and
information. The Red Army occasionally
RUSSIAN ARCTIC EXPLORATION
Russians used aerosanis on arctic expeditions
to Novaya Zemlya and Tiksi Bay during
1932–35. In 1934, when the icebreaker
Chelyuskin was stranded in frozen Arctic
waters, an ANT-IV was shipped on the
steam vessel Smolensk to Uelen to provide
communications during rescue operations to
save the ship’s crew. The Chelyuskin had been
exploring the Northern Maritime Route
between Murmansk and Vladivostok to see if
it was possible for standard ships to negotiate
the route.
During its exploration of the Chukotka
region, the Arctic Institute successfully
utilised two aerosanis. Despite working in
temperatures which dropped to –40 degrees,
the aerosanis pulled loads of up to 2,200 lbs
at an average speed of 17mph, and as high
as 25mph in the springtime. The machines
covered a combined distance of 4,713 miles.
The Tupolev A-3 at speed.
52 Armourer Issue 127
50 Eric Bryan.indd 52
Appearing like a minibus on skis, the KA-3
replace the Sever-2.
deployed them in strikes, relying on speed and
the element of surprise, as the vehicles’ lack
of any real armour made them vulnerable
to artillery, mortar and machine gun fire.
Aerosanis were also used as ambulances,
evacuating the wounded quickly over frozen
terrain inaccessible to other vehicles, and on
reconnaissance missions.
The winter campaign of 1942-43 saw the
largest deployment of aerosanis in combat
roles. The Soviets found that aerosani units
were most successful operating on open terrain,
especially frozen rivers, lakes and coastal areas
such as the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea,
where they could move at speed. Wooded areas
and landscapes peppered with obstacles severely
slowed or halted aerosani units, and they had
to avoid battlefields with craters, trenches, or a
snow depth of fewer than 4-5 inches.
The Red Army had both combat and
transport aerosani battalions (BASB and TASB
respectively). The BASBs were made up mostly
of RF-8 and NKL-26 models. Aside from the
aforementioned military duties, the BASBs
worked in conjunction with ski-rifle units in
pursuing retreating enemies.
The main TASB aerosanis were the NKL-
16 variants. Besides all of the usual duties, the
TASB machines transported ski-rifle infantry,
45mm antitank guns, machineguns and
mortars, all through a combination of carrying
and towing. The NKL-16s also were put to
work in creating smokescreens.
0 was designed to
Post-war aerosanis
Russian aerosani technology continued after
the War, and up to the present day. All of the
post-war aerosani designs retained the rear
pusher-propeller arrangement. One of the
first of these was the Sever-2 (‘North-2’), a
converted GAZ-M20 Pobeda (‘Victory’) Soviet
saloon fitted with large skis. These aerosanis
took over postal deliveries in 1959 from the
NKL-16s.
The Sever-2’s replacement, the KA-30, was
a van-like minibus on skis which could carry up
to ten passengers and do 87mph. The KA-30
went into production in 1964. The Tupolev
A-3 was an amphibious aerosani with a boat-
like hull which began production in 1962. With
two tandem propellers, this vehicle could do
40mph on water, and nearly 75mph on snow. A
later A-3 could go at 90mph on snow, and one
variant used ground-effect properties (on water,
ice or snow) to facilitate high-speed operations
– in particular, retrieving cosmonauts who had
touched down in remote areas.
CURRENT AEROSANI MODELS
The AS-2 Aerosledge
Succeeding the Tupolev A-3 is the Tupolev
AS-2 aerosledge. Again of a speedboat type
of design, this vehicle has a 150 horsepower
automotive engine fitted with a pusher fan.
The AS-2 can move to 55 mph on snow or
ice, and 30 mph on water. This aerosani is
currently in production. The AS-2 won the
gold medal for design from the EVRIKA
Foundation at an exhibition in Brussels.
Some AS-2s have been enlisted for Russian
postal delivery duties in outlying regions.
The Torex Patrol
Of mostly glass-fibre construction with a flat-
bottomed hull, the Torex Patrol is made in
two variations, as a two-seater or four-seater.
Available with a choice of engine from 160
to 265 horsepower running a pusher-fan,
this aerosani does 34 mph on water, and up
to 93 mph on snow. Highly manoeuvrable,
the Patrol can turn 360 degrees within its
own length, climb a 35 degree grade, and
has found roles in Russian search and rescue
operations. The Patrol received a gold medal
from the Arkhangelsk International Forum
for its design.
11/12/2014 15:25
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p53_ARMJanFeb15.indd 53 11/12/2014 12:51

 ALLAN-WILLIAMS TURRET

Allan-Williams Turret
An Unexpected Surprise
By John Norris

T
aking a walk along the seafront is a
The two Allan-Williams turrets at the relaxing pastime and for a military
Cobbaton Combat Collection in Devon, enthusiast it can also turn into a
awaiting restoration. rewarding experience, because one never
knows what will turn up. Indeed, some most
unexpected items from World War II can be
spotted which require closer examination. For
example, at the north Somerset seaside town
of Minehead there are some rather large items
stretching along the seafront which are painted
red and white and very obviously had some
application before being turned into decorative
items. Investigations revealed them to be part
of a floating fuel system which had been used
in Plymouth harbour during the war.
Other similar unexpected items can reveal
themselves during strolls along seafronts, such as
in the small town of Exmouth in Devon. During
a recent visit to the town I saw a small dome-
shaped item with an interpretation board. People
were passing without giving it a second glance.
I was drawn to it and on reading the board the
dome was revealed to be an Allan-Williams turret
from the war, and something of a rarity.
Military enthusiasts are great detectives when
it comes to fact-finding and enjoy a challenge
to gather together all the information together
to form a picture. So it was with this discovery.
It turns out that the Exmouth Allan-Willams
turret was originally sited to cover the entrance
to Exmouth Docks where it provided defence.
It was moved to its current location relatively
recently with the assistance of the Royal
Electrical and Mechanical Engineers who, no
doubt, enjoyed the practice.
The turret was designed by Mr A.H.Williams,
managing director of the Saltney-based
company of Rustproof Metal Windows
Company in Chester, along with Colonel
V.T.R. Ford and Lieutenant Williamson. With
its experience in metal working Williams’
company was ideally suited to produce the
turrets. Indeed, the company was already
engaged in war work, making a range of items
including metal ammunition boxes and even
parts for Bailey Bridges. It is believed that it cost
only £125 to produce each turret which made
them very cost effective in local defence.
The Allan-Williams turrets were made
using a series of curved plates about 15mm in
thickness and cut to shape so that when welded
together they formed a dome. The turret was
mounted on a steel ring with a diameter of 70
inches which was fitted over a prepared trench-
like emplacement lined with concrete, accessed
through a narrow entrance. The turret was
traversed manually through 360 degrees to
provide all-round fire and the internal turret
race ring was fitted with a series of small metal
wheels or runners mounted in the horizontal
and vertical to keep the turret fixed on the race
The Allan-Willams turret Allan-Williams turret showing the front ring mounted on the base. In fact, the turrets
on the seafront at Exmouth sliding doors in the closed position were so well balanced that very little effort was
required to traverse them.

54 Armourer Issue 127

54 John Norris Allan Williams Turret.indd 54 11/12/2014 15:27


The two Allan-Williams
turrets at the Cobbaton
Combat Collection
in Devon. Note the
opening in the roof for
anti-aircraft fire
The lifting point can be seen on the top of the turret
which allowed it to be placed in position
Under ideal conditions it was shown that
four men could dig out an emplacement for
a turret and site it in position ready for use in
around two hours. More permanent positions,
lined with bricks and concrete, were also built
which accepted the race ring for the turret,
and these took longer to prepare. The turret
would have been lifted onto the traversing
ring by crane and manoeuvred into place by
engineers. The finished result was compact
and offered a low silhouette emplacement for
a machine gun. It was operated by two
men who could fire a light machine gun,
such as a Lewis Gun or Bren gun, from
the position.
The top of the dome had a hatch which
could be slid open to allow the machine gun
to be fired in the anti-aircraft role against
low-flying aircraft. The chances of actually
hitting anything from the position would
have been very slim indeed. The front of the
turret was fitted with a pair of sliding steel
hatches which could be opened to permit
the crew to fire against ground targets and
closed to provide some protection against
smallarms fire. By using their weight the
men inside could traverse the turret to
track a target as it moved. The turrets were
provided with two folding seats but when
operating the machine gun the crew would
have stood.
The Army did not like the turrets despite
the fact that they were designed by Army
officers. Some were used in local defences
and probably used by Home Guard units.
The turrets were not discarded and instead
54 John Norris Allan Williams Turret.indd 55
The sections making up the dome of
the turret can be clearly seen
many were sited at airfields to provide local
defence in the event of an attack. The airfields
at RAF Harlaxton in Lincolnshire and RAF
Harrowbeer in Yelverton are two such sites
known to have had Allan-Williams turrets. The
noise inside the turrets would have been terrific
when the machine guns were fired but with the
shutters open the fumes would have quickly
vented out.
In total some 199 of the Allan-Williams
turrets are understood to have been built
and sent to various locations, such as unit
headquarters in Norfolk, and some were
established on the estates of country houses.
In such locations they could serve to guard
approach roads. Research shows that 64 turrets
were sent to II Corps area and 116 to XI Corps
area in Eastern Command which were part of
the Home Forces tasked with the defence of
Britain. Around 75 were allocated to London
District where they were incorporated into the
‘Outer London Defence Ring’, sited at locations
such as Cockley Cley. From these figures it
will be seen that more than 199 turrets were
used and one can only assume that a number
were relocated. The turrets could be armed
with .55 inch calibre Boys anti-tank rifles in an
emergency, but they were primarily designed to
ALLAN-WILLIAMS TURRET
be armed with a light machine gun, which was
the more useful option to provide support fire.
After the war the scrap metal drive meant that
many were cut up for use in others purposes.
Some sources put the production numbers as
high as 300, but very few examples, perhaps
only 33, have survived. Along with the one at
Exmouth there are several restored examples in
museums including the IWM site at Duxford
and Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire.
Other surviving examples have been found in
fields, including two in the grounds of Cockley
Hall in Norfolk, one on the army target range
at Lulworth in Dorset, and one at Bembridge
Fort on the Isle of Wight.
Other turrets have been found at Earith
in Cambridgeshire and concrete turret bases
have been identified at South Marston,
Swindon in Wiltshire. The Cobbaton Combat
Collection at Umberleigh in Devon also has
two examples of Allan-Williams turrets on
site. Tim Isaac, who runs the collection with
his father Preston, informed The Armourer that
it is their intention to refurbish the turrets
and place them on a recreated trench. They
provided the dimension of their turrets which
measure 36 inches in height with a diameter
of 72 inches. The IWM at Duxford provided
measurements for the Allan-Williams turret
on display and gave the diameter as being
72 inches also, but the height is given as
48 inches. Exactly why there should be
such a variation in the measurements is
a mystery. There would have been some
allowance during manufacture, but not to
such a degree. Despite this discrepancy, it is
possible to calculate the weight using these
measurements and arrive at approximately
1,100 pounds or half a ton. Tim Isaac at
Cobbaton told The Armourer that when they
have completed the restoration of their
Allan-Williams turrets they intend to position
one on a rebuilt concrete position to make
a unique exhibition. Evidence for Allan-
Williams turrets is there to be traced; all it
requires is the patience to uncover it and fit
the pieces together like the turrets themselves.
Interpretation board with turret at Exmouth
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 55
11/12/2014 15:27
 FOR FREEDOM MUSEUM
Explore Belgium's For Freedom Museum
T
he For Freedom Museum, at Knokke-
Heist in Belgium, was honoured by His
Excellency David Johnston, Governor
General of Canada on the 28th of october 2014, a
day to remember for the museum, which depicts
Canadian Military Operation ‘Switchback’ in
October 1944.
David Johnston’s visit also included a trip to the
John McCrae-Site, Essex Farm, Boezinge-Ypres,
in order to honour two Ypres Technical Schools
which had helped to restore the site. After visiting
the restored bunkers in which Officer-Surgeon
and famous poet John McCrae remained during
WWI, the Governor General expressed his thanks
for the efforts made by the pupils of the two
schools and decorated their headmasters.
Next to be honoured was the For Freedom
Museum’s curator Fred Jones, who also received
the Governor General’s Medallion, a token of
cultural merit and endeavour. Fred runs the
museum with his brother Danny and partner
Patrick Tierssoone. The two brothers are the sons
of British Normandy veteran Dennis Jones, from
Crewe in Cheshire. During WWII Dennis Jones
worked in the Rolls-Royce factory that produced
Spitfire engines. In 1943, at the age of 18, he
joined the Army and was sent to Aberdeen, on 9th
of June he landed at Arromanches, Normandy.
After the war he stayed on in Belgium and
married Georgette, a girl from Knokke-Heist.
Knokke-Heist is a beautiful seaside resort on the
56 Armourer Issue 127
56 Freedom.indd 56
Belgian East Coast, 5 minutes drive from the Port but it lies 75kms inland, and the Allies still had to
of Zeebrugge. Unfortunately Dennis passed away supply their armies all the way from Normandy.
in 1984 at the age of 59, and after his death Fred Every year Knokke-Heist commemorates the
started collecting military WWII items. The first liberation of the town by organising the Canada
mannequin he made depicted his dad in military Week,which coincides with the autumn school
uniform (his wedding uniform). holidays. Knokke-Heist becomes Maple Leaf City
Knokke-Heist was liberated by the 3rd for the whole week. Around 1,000 Maple Leaf
Canadian Infantry Division on the 1st of flags decorate the houses and streets. A Canadian
November 1944, and each year there is a Contingent stationed in Brunssum, Holland,
commemoration attended by Canadian officials, attends all church and official ceremonies. They
which has produced lasting bonds of friendship. march through the avenues and streets and visit
In 1974 a former Belgian paratrooper and the For Freedom Museum, where a reception
farmer, Gerry Adriaenssens, inaugurated the is held. On Sunday they join the 4,000 walkers
33km Canadian Liberation March, to remember for the 33km Canadian Liberation March which
the heroic battle of the Scheldt in October 1944, takes them from Hoofdplaat (River Scheldt,
also called Operation ‘Switchback’. Holland) to Knokke-Heist, Belgium.
Fred has been collecting historical WWII Fred and Danny are very proud of their British
artefacts for almost 30 years. He has guided ancestry, they praise their mum, (to reach the
practically all the Canadian veterans during blessed age of 90, next February) who still repairs
these years when they visited their battlefields and irons the more than 120 original, British,
in the region, which cost the lives of 884 young Canadian, German and Polish military uniforms,
Canadians, who are buried in Adegem Cemetery. the museum has on display. “I wish they'd stuck
When a veteran passed away in Canada, the to collecting stamps”, she often says, in fact she
obvious question was, ‘What are we going to do means what would I do in my spare time, if they
with Dad’s uniform?’ The probable answer was: didn't provide me with a new job every day?
‘Send it to Fred Jones in Belgium, one day he’s going By Danny Jones
to start a museum,’ and Fred kept his promise. His
dream of doing so came true on the 29th of April
2009, when Régiment de la Chaudière Veteran
Adrien Boivin from Chicoutimi, Canada,
opened the For Freedom Museum.
The museum shows in very realistic scenes
the different WWII stages of occupation
and liberation by the North Nova Scotia
Highlanders, the Highland Light Infantry
of Canada and the Stormont, Dundas and
Glengarry Highlanders. Fred went to visit
Canada several times. to interview the
Commanders in Chief of 1944 and to
collect historical information.
He interviewed many Scheldt Pocket
veterans, among them Major-General
D.C. Spry, GOC 3rd Canadian Infantry
Division during the battle. Together with
the WW II Vehicle Collection of Patrick
Tierssoone and the display of excavated
remains of crashed German and Allied WWII
planes of the Bahaat-Association, the museum
holds a unique place in Belgium's WW II history.
The Liberation of Belgium's East Coast took
place on the 3rd of November 1944, the whole
of the country was however, already freed of
German occupation in september, that was 2
months before. Why? The answer is that Hitler
commanded his Armed Forces to keep hold of the
Scheldt estuary to prevent the Allies from using
the Port of Antwerp. Antwerp was liberated at the
beginning of September and practically intact,
FURTHER INFORMATION
For Freedom Museum is open from
Easter until the 15th of November from
10am-5 pm. Closed: Mondays
Winter: Weekends open from 10 am -5pm.
Fully open during the Christmas and Midterm
school holidays.
For Freedom Museum, Ramskapellestraat
91-93, B-8301 Knokke-Heist, Flanders, Belgium
info@forfreedommuseum.be
www.forfreedommuseum.be
Tel/Fax: 0032.50 687130
11/12/2014 15:28
 FOR FREEDOM “For Freedom Museum,
MUSEUM hidden Jewel of
KNOKKE-HEIST Belgium’s Atlantic Wall”
BELGIUM (dixit Paul Reed, Head Battlefield Guide)

D-Day in The Scheldt Estuary,

autumn 1944
Operation Switchback

Explore and walk through

the scenes of ‘D-Day in
The Scheldt Pocket
autumn 1944’

Daily from Easter until Nov 11th 10am–5pm.
Closed on Mondays.
Winter - open every weekend from 10am–5pm.
Christmas and February
half term holidays 10am–5pm.
Adult: €8 (60+: €6)
Children (12 to 7): €5 Under 7’s: Free
Groups (15 pers. +): €5pp
Guided Museum Tour on request: 1h30m
Price: 30 euros. Max 15 persons per guide.

For Freedom Museum Knokke-Heist Belgium

(5min. drive from the Port of Zeebrugge, 15min. drive from Bruges)
Ramskapellestraat 91-93, 8301, Knokke-Heist, Belgium
T 0032 50 687 130 | info@forfreedommuseum.be | www.forfreedommuseum.be

p57_ARMJanFeb15.indd 1 11/12/2014 12:53

 .303 INCH SMLE LUMINOUS SIGHTS
.303 inch SMLE Luminous Sights
By Kevin Driscoll
W
hen World War I began in 1914
virtually all British and Colonial
infantry were armed with the Rifle,
Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mk III. Maxim and
Vickers machine guns were in use and the British
were in the process of introducing the new air-
cooled Lewis machine gun, to be followed later
by the Hotchkiss.
The European conflict soon settled into the
pattern of trench warfare that largely continued
until the Armistice in November 1918. Trench
fighting was not restricted to daylight hours
and it was recognised that any development
that permitted the soldier to aim accurately and
shoot at night, or in poor light conditions, would
impact on the enemy. A suitable phosphorescent,
luminous or other style of night sight for rifles and
machine guns was sought.
Various designs of night sights for rifles had
been submitted for evaluation to the Small Arms
Committee of the War Office during the early
years of the century. A Captain Wallace proposed
a ‘Luminous or white night-sight’ during April
1903; however, the Small Arms Committee
dismissed his proposal, indicating they ‘are
not aware of any existing satisfactory system
and consider that adjuncts to a rifle should be
deprecated’.
In March 1910, Mr E.A. Down, late of the
Indian Forest Service, proposed a night sight for
rifles that had been trialled in India with success.
Down had been issued a Patent for his sight
during 1892 and the Patent describes the sights
as consisting of a horizontal bar of a triangular,
square, round or other convenient form, which is
coated or partially coated with strong luminous
paint and attached to the rifle immediately to the
rear of the foresight by a suitable clip or bracket.
The Small Arms Committee recommended that
no further action be taken with the proposed sight.
March 1911 saw the Small Arms Committee
again evaluating a night sighting device, submitted
by Mr H. Brunlees. Brunlees’ device projected
two parallel beams of light that came together at
a predetermined distance. The rifle was zeroed
Figure 1: Sight, Night,
No. 1. Mk. I.
1. Plate
2. Luminous screen
3. Lateral extensions
4. Depending limb
5. Tongue
6. Screw threaded pin
58 Armourer Issue 127
58 Kevin Driscoll must.indd 58
to hit the point of aim at the distance when the
beams of light met. The obvious downfall of
displaying the firer’s position resulted in the Small
Arms Committee’s decision not to proceed with
Brunlees’ proposal.
In 1913, Major B. Carter of The King’s
Regiment proposed a hinged white metal slide
with the edges turned up to hold a white card,
attached to the rifle by means of a spring or clip.
For night firing the white metal slide was adjusted
so that the foresight just appeared above a ‘V’
formed in the slide. It was further proposed to add
three radium stars to the bottom and shoulders
of the ‘V’. The advantages claimed were small
cost, ease of maintenance or replacement and
portability, as it could be carried in the pocket and
was of simple construction.
By this time the Small Arms Committee were
starting to show some interest in a night sighting
device for rifles. Major Carter’s proposal was
declined, although the Committee did accept
comments from the Commandant, Small Arms
School, Hythe.
The Commandant believed that providing
some means of taking an approximate aim at
night was of the utmost importance and should
be investigated. The Commandant went on to say
that he ‘dislikes devices which are not permanently
attached to the rifle’. He suggested ‘a small flap
housed in the foresight bed and hinged so as to
lie against the foresight when raised, with its rear
face bright, which, when raised, would reflect light
from overhead’.
Five different patterns of hardened and
polished foresights were trialled late in 1913 to
ascertain their suitability as night sights. Large flat,
small flat, sloping, large and small hemispherical
foresights were trialled with two variants of
aperture rearsight. As the light failed it was found
the hardened and polished sights became no more
effective than the standard military foresight. In
fact, when used in conjunction with the aperture
rearsight, they became more difficult to use than
standard military sights.
In early 1914, after much discussion,
investigation and testing, the Small Arms
Committee concurred with Commandant
Hythe’s thoughts that it would not be worthwhile
to go to any expense to improve the then current
method of firing in dim light and to rely on the
firer’s natural instinct to align the sights when
firing in the dark.
The end result of the trial and testing of night
firing devices from early in the century led to
nothing. The United Kingdom entered World
War I without a dedicated night sight for its .303
inch SMLE rifle. However the search for a suitable
phosphorescent or luminous sight continued.
John Elsden Martin of Glasgow was granted
Patent 23,433 dated 2 December 1914 for a
luminous rifle sight. The sight described in the
Patent application ‘relates to improvements in
sighting devices for fire arms, e.g. rifles, designed
to permit accurate aiming at night’.
The night sighting device comprises a flat metal
plate which is attached to the rear of the foresight
block of the SMLE. A projection on the right
side of the luminous sight engages the lightening
recess on the right side of the rifle nose cap. The
long arm on the left side of the sight is fitted with a
captive screw which replaces the normal nose cap
screw of the rifle.
The profile of the plate provides a square
notch, through which the foresight can be seen
by the firer. The surface of the plate facing the
firer is coated with a luminous substance which
is activated by exposure to burning or flashed
magnesium wire.
The following illustration reproduced from
Patent 23,433 of 1914 shows the characteristics of
the sight. Fig.1 shows the face of the sight viewed
by the firer, Fig.2 the front face of the sight, Fig.3 a
side view and Fig.4 shows its installed position on
the SMLE. The nomenclatures are those stated in
the Patent document.
On 2 June 1915 an order was placed by the
War Office to Alex Martin Co. Ltd for 15,000 sets
of Sights, Luminous, Night, for use with service
rifles. The contracted price was two shillings each
and delivery was scheduled at 3,000 per week
commencing 26 June 1915. The order was to be
fulfilled by 24 July 1915.
General Routine Order 831, dated 6 June
1915, issued to the troops in France by Sir John
French, Commander-in-Chief of the British
Expeditionary Forces, advised that approval is
given for the issue of phosphorescent night sights,
for use with all descriptions of rifles, on a scale
of 64 per Battalion, together with one yard of
magnesium wire (spare) per sight.
The GRO went on to advise that indents
should be sent to Ordnance Officers concerned,
and that issue would take place when supplies
become available. It appears that only 15,000 sets
of sights were purchased and that these remained
in service until formally withdrawn by List of
Change 24632 dated 15 November 1921.
The second night sight introduced to British
Service by LOC 17920 dated 4 July 1916
comprises three components: a backsight
identified as Sight, luminous, Back, No. 1 Mk.
I and a frontsight, Sight luminous, Front, No.
1. Mk. I. and a spring used in conjunction with
the frontsight. Orders for sight components were
11/12/2014 15:31

issued to several manufacturers and it appears
that approximately 50,000 sets of sights were
manufactured.
The main feature of this sight is the radium
filled tubes fitted to each component. These sights
glowed naturally in the dark and did not require
‘activation’ by external sources. This is a similar
system to the luminous sight sets issued for use on
Vickers, Lewis and Hotchkiss machine guns.
To describe the individual components of the
sight set:
REARSIGHT
The rearsight consists of a metal block with
a square sighting gap in the top edge at the
centre. Horizontal holes are bored left and
right of this gap to receive glass tubes filled
with radioactive material. A clamping plate
is fitted on the bottom edge, held in place by
two screws.
FRONTSIGHT
The frontsight consists of a block with a blade on
top and dovetail at the bottom. Projecting arms
are formed at the rear end in which a frame,
bored vertically to receive a glass tube filled with
radioactive material, is pivoted.
The frontsights are provided in three heights
and are marked on the top left-hand side. Sizes
available are .0, -.015, and -.03. These heights
correspond to some of the variants of frontsights
available for the SMLE.
When a rifle is selected to be fitted with
luminous sights the existing blade foresight should
correspond to the heights above.
FRONTSIGHT SPRING
A sheet steel spring is formed to fit over the band
block foresight, and has an upward projecting
finger at the rear end which acts as a tension
spring for the front side tube frame when the sight
is assembled to the rifle.
PACKAGING
The three components, the foresight, rearsight
and spring, were individually wrapped in greased
paper and supplied in a cardboard box.
The sights were permanently fitted to rifles
of the Battalion. The following procedure was
provided for fitting the sights to the SMLE:
Rifles should be selected for fitting, having
blades foresight sized .0, -.015, or -.03.
Frontsight – Hold the muzzle end of the rifle in
a vice fitted with leather lined clams. Remove nose
cap screw and nose cap. Carefully mark the front
end of the blade to be replaced with one edge
of the block, place the ‘Cramp, tool adjusting
foresight, R.S.M.L.E.’ on the barrel so that the
fore end block is between the gap of the cramp,
turn the screw, forcing the blade over as far as
possible from left to right, remove the cramp, and,
with a brass or copper punch, drive out the blade.
Choose a luminous frontsight of the same
height as the original blade foresight, and mark it
to correspond with the mark on the blade.
Place the spring over the block band foresight,
with the projecting finger to the rear, and depress
it against the block until the top end of the finger is
below the top surface of the block band foresight,
insert the dovetail of the luminous frontsight into
the dove tale of the block from the right until the
finger of the spring is held down.
Remove the rifle from the vice, grip the handle
of the ‘Drift, magazine catch pin’ in the vice, and
rest the left side on the block band foresight, with
58 Kevin Driscoll must.indd 59
.303 INCH SMLE LUMINOUS SIGHTS
Figure 3: No. 1. Mk. I.
Luminous Front Sight
Figure 5:
Cardboard
Packing Box
Figure 2: No.1. Mk. I.
Luminous Back Sight
Figure 4: Front Sight Spring
the rifle turned on its left side, on top of the drift, The modification is as follows:
and drive the frontsight across the dovetail until The top of the tube frame of luminous sights
the finger of the spring enters the hinge space and fitted to rifles, short, M.L.E., and folded down,
seats on the angle at the bottom end of the jointed may jam on or only just clear the top front corner
tube frame when the latter is in a vertical position. of the hand-guard cap of the rifle.
Adjust the luminous frontsight to the position In order to prevent jamming and consequent
of the blade foresight previously removed. effect on the accuracy of the rifle when used with
Replace the nose cap and screws, and fix the day sights, the hand-guard cap of all rifles fitted
frontsight by centre punching. with luminous sights will be filed, to clear the top
NOTE: Great care must be exercised in of the tube frame of the luminous sights when
removing and inserting the frontsight so that the folded down, to the extent and in the manner
position of the block, band foresight, which is shown at ‘A’ in the accompanying sketch.
retained and positioned on the barrel by a cross- Luminous sights remained in service until
pin and longitudinal key, is not disturbed. officially withdrawn on 19th May 1920 by LOC
Back-sight – Grip the rifle in a vice fitted with 23399. The LOC required that all luminous
leather lined clams. Move the rearsight leaf to the sights in the hands of troops and all those in
vertical position. store be returned to the Chief Ordnance Officer,
Unscrew the clamping plate three or four Weedon, who, the LOC advised, would receive
turns, pass the horns of the clamping plate (one special instructions as to reporting stocks for
each side of the leaf) under the bottom of the disposal.
wind gauge or sight cap, and swing the luminous Variants of the .303 in. Lee Enfield rifle
backsight over the sighting edge. Tighten the served during World War II, Korea and beyond
screws to clamp it in position, taking care that the until replaced in British service by the L1A1
lines on wind gauge or cap correspond with the self-loading rifle. However, the luminous sights
line on the luminous backsight. described above had been withdrawn from
When the leaf sight with luminous backsight is service by 1921 and there was never another issue
lowered to the horizontal position it will be found of luminous or specialist night sight for use by the
necessary to cut away a portion of the rear hand rank-and-file soldier.
guard to clear it, so that the slide may rest upon
Figure 7: Further modification of the SMLE Front
the ramps of the sight bed at the lowest position.
Hand Guard
Where rifles are required for firing during the
day the luminous frontsight is folded back, and
the sights used in the ordinary manner.
After the initial issue and installation of the
luminous sights it was found that the finger of
the spring of the luminous foresight was binding
on the front hand-guard. LOC 19480 dated 8
October 1917 provided the following remedy:
When fitting luminous frontsights, the front
hand guard should be removed from the rifle and
a vertical groove filed in the front end of the hand-
guard end cap, to the dimensions shown in the
accompanying drawing, to give further clearance
to the finger of the spring of the luminous
foresight when assembled to the rifle.
A later LOC 19952 which was undated,
but released during 1917, provided further
modification to the front hand-guard of rifles
fitted with luminous sights. This modification
further relieved the front hand-guard to permit
the luminous foresight to be folded down without
binding on the top front corner of the hand-
guard. Figure 6: Modification of SMLE Front Hand Guard
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 59
11/12/2014 15:31
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 BROMLEY
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 BOSTOCK MEDALS
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p62_ARMJanFeb15.indd 62 11/12/2014 13:30

 MEDAL COLLECTING

Medals of The Great War:

Part Two – the 1914-15 Star
THE CENTENARY OF Mesopotamia in 1914-15, in Gallipoli and
Salonika in 1915 and in smaller theatres like
German West Africa, Persia, the North West
Frontier of India, the Pacific and elsewhere. It
should be noted, therefore, that recipients of
this Star could have been in action since the
beginning of the war, but only those who served
in France and Flanders received the 1914 Star.
It is interesting to reflect on the very varied Star obverse
experiences of men who eventually wore the

1914-18
same medal; it (and the British War and Victory
Medals automatically awarded with it) could be
earned for just a few weeks’ campaign service on
the North West Frontier of India or for four years
of gruelling warfare on the Western Front or for
sea and submarine service around the world!
The Star is named on the otherwise flat and

T
his award arose out of the much- plain reverse. As with the 1914 Star, naming
publicised disquiet felt by those who did details are machine impressed (not engraved),
not receive the 1914 Star but had been usually giving the recipient’s number, abbreviated
on active service in 1914 (like the Royal Navy) rank, initials, surname and abbreviated unit,
or had fought in the often severe campaigns though not usually showing the battalion
in 1915 on the Western Front and elsewhere, number as the 1914 Star did. Those to officers
which they thought equally worthy of reward. do not carry a service number.
There was a long newspaper campaign over Awards to naval forces and marines do not
‘distinctive awards’ in the manner of the 1914 carry a ship’s name, but simply the branch Star, reverse, Indian
Star throughout the war. Those who had fought abbreviation like RN, RNVR, MFA, RNR, recipient
in 1915 understandably wanted their own medal RMLI etc. (with a naval recipient’s rank
– if there was a 1914 Star for the BEF in France coming after the surname), whilst those
and Flanders, why not something special for to aerial forces are impressed with
Gallipoli or Mesopotamia or for those who had R.F.C. or R.N.A.S. for the Royal Flying
served in the murderous battles of Ypres? In fact, Corps or Royal Naval Air Service; the Royal
a ‘Gallipoli Star’ was proposed and designed, but Air Force was not created until 1918 so the Star
in the end the whole idea of awarding distinctive will not carry the abbreviation R.A.F.
‘theatre’ medals was abandoned. Obviously, those who had earned the
Instead, it was agreed that a bronze 1914- 1914 Star would not be eligible for the
15 Star would be given to those who had not 1914-15 Star, so no one could wear both, but it
received the 1914 version but had served in 1914 nevertheless caused considerable criticism that
and/or 1915, in whatever service or theatre. the later Star was identical to the earlier one
Authorised by Special Army Order 20 of 1919 to all intents; this was one reason why a dated
(with a number of subsequent amendments), the clasp (to be covered later) was belatedly added to
medal is identical to the 1914 Star except that the 1914 Star, to provide some visible difference
it carries the central dates 1914-15 on a short between the two awards and to honour those
scroll in place of Aug-1914-Nov as on the earlier who had been ‘under fire’ early in the war. Star reverse naval
award. Its ribbon is also identical to that for the By Peter Duckers recipient
1914 version – 32mm wide, in equal stripes of
red, white and blue which merge into each other. Star with associated British War and Victory Medals
The medal was awarded to land, sea
and aerial forces, to Imperial forces and to
designated civilian categories (e.g. some nursing
services). Around 2,366,000 were issued, with
approximately 284,000 to naval forces, making it
one of the most frequently-seen British medals.
The Star could not be awarded by itself; as with
the 1914 Star, any recipient was automatically
entitled to the British War Medal and Victory
Medals, so would receive three medals, even if
he/she had been killed or died in 1914-1915
or their service had been curtailed by wounds,
illness or injuries before the end of the war.
It was given to those who served in operations
on the Western Front after 22 November
1914 and before 31 December1915. It was
also awarded to those who had served in any
other theatre or at sea since 5 August 1914
and before 31 December 1915 – for example,
in the campaigns in East Africa, Egypt and

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 63

63 Peter Duckers.indd 63 11/12/2014 15:32

 BLUNDERBUSS
ANTIQUES
PO Box 145, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 1AU
Telephone: 01767 318715
Email: mail@blunderbuss-antiques.co.uk
Website: www.blunderbuss-antiques.co.uk
Business Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE WEAPONS &

MILITARIA FROM THE 19TH CENTURY TO WW2
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PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.blunderbuss-antiques.co.uk
...where you will find our current stock of the above items,
ALL of which are photographed. This is a regularly updated,
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We attend various militaria fairs throughout the year
please check our website or telephone for details.

Dorset Militaria Strachan Militaria

20th Century Militaria from around the world
01420 478215
ron@dorsetmilitaria.com www.ismilitaria.co.uk
www.dorsetmilitaria.com
German, British, US and international militaria at competitive prices
Free mainland UK postage for smaller items.
Based in the heart of England.

Here you will find a good range

of original militaria including Badges,
Medals, Headgear, Edged Weapons
etc. covering all conflicts from
WW1 through to the Gulf War.

We are always looking to buy or acquire new items,

for either part exchange or cash so please contact
me with anything you feel would be of interest.

64

p64_ARMJanFeb15.indd 64 11/12/2014 13:41

 www.extraklasse.co.uk
The on-line shop for
Michael Janke Caps & Uniforms

Extra Klasse
James Brown
Tel:- +44 (0) 7980 608211
Email:- james@extraklasse.co.uk

M&T THE INTERNATIONAL Militaria Collectors Club present their

RZ Militaria 2.indd 1 09/10/2013 15:36

MILITARIA MILITARIA
AND
SPECIALISTS IN THIRD REICH
MILITARIA FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS.
COLLECTABLES FAIRS
AWARDS & DECORATIONS North Star Hotel
HEADWEAR & EQUIPMENT Amien Street Dublin 1
PLUS MANY OTHER ITEMS
on
Saturday, February 21st 2015
2015 fair dates:
16th May, 15th Aug, 14th Nov,
20th June Gorey, Co. Wexford
ALL ITEMS GUARANTEED
Medals, Badges, Uniforms, Helmets, Caps,
100% PRE-1946 MANUFACTURE.
Equipment, Swords, Daggers, Bayonets,
We are always looking Postcards, Books, and much, much more.
to buy collections or single items.
For further details contact:
VIEW THE CATALOGUE ON OUR WEBSITE Mark: 0861602228
www.mandtmilitaria.com
Eddie: 0863410159
The Banks, Banks Lane,
Fran: 0879615047
Victoria Road, Carlisle CA1 2UD From the UK dial: 00 353 861602228 • 00 353 863410159
Tel/fax: (01228) 531988 Mobile: 07736 074047 00 353 879615047 • 00 353 18479100
Email: L3mnt@aol.com 10am - 3pm. Admission €4

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 65

p65_ARMJanFeb15.indd 65 11/12/2014 13:43

 LITTLE DAVID

Little David
By Terry Gander

An official Aberdeen
Proving Ground
photograph of the one
and only Little David
mortar in the firing
position and with the
barrel at its maximum
elevation angle of +65°.
(US Army)

T
here will always be arguments regarding
which artillery piece was the largest
ever assembled but there will rarely be
any agreement regarding candidates. Until
relatively recently the most obvious leader of
the pack was the WWII German 80cm K(E),
a monstrous railway gun that weighed about
1350 tonnes when in action. It was so large that
the carriage straddled two sets of railway tracks
and, once at a firing site, it took from three to
six weeks to construct and prepare for firing.
For all its size and potential firepower, the piece
proved disappointing during its one and only
set of operational fire missions during the Siege
of Sevastopol in June 1942.
But even the 80cm K(E) was outstripped by
Gerald Bull’s Supergun from the period just
before the First Gulf War. That outlandish
creation would have had a calibre of one metre
and the capability to fire a satellite into Space (or
potentially reaching a maximum range measured
in thousands of kilometres). But never having
been assembled or tested somewhat excludes the
Supergun from the contest. Apart from the huge
and cumbersome Turkish bombards cast during
the late 1400s and early 1500s, the British (never-
to-be fully developed) 36-inch Mallet’s Mortar
of the post-Crimean War era, and the German
WWII 54 or 60cm Karlgerät fort smashers, to date
there is only one other candidate, the American
Little David.
Little David could never beat the 80cm K(E)
in weight and size but it did have a calibre of
36 inches (914mm) and it fired a massive high
explosive projectile weighing from 1,655.6 to
1,678.3kg to a modest range of about 9,500
An example of the odd-looking 914mm projectile
fired by Little David. What appear to be guidance
fins under the base are actually steel plates acting as
a display stand. (T J Gander)
yards (8,687m). In many ways Little David
was an odd artillery design, primarily because
it was never intended to be an artillery piece at
all. It was originally intended to be an aircraft
bomb projector.
The bomb projector approach was adopted
by the US Army when it became necessary to
test aircraft bomb fuzes and on-target effects
under something approaching operational
conditions. In its simplest form this entailed
actually dropping bombs from aircraft but

The barrel of Little David in its travelling configuration with

the elevating arc prominent at the base. (T J Gander)

66 Armourer Issue 127

66 Terry Gander must little David.indd 66 11/12/2014 15:33


this introduced several practical shortcomings.
One was the sheer cost and time entailed in
providing bomber aircraft and their crews
over the extended periods needed to complete
a series of tests, to say nothing of changeable
weather conditions and the provision and
preparation of the large target and safety areas
that would have to be involved. There was
also the question of accuracy. Not even the
advanced Norden bomb sight could consistently
and accurately deliver bombs onto a test target
time after time, especially when the bombs
had to be dropped from high altitudes. A more
economical and controllable technique became
available by firing the bombs from large calibre
artillery pieces.
This latter approach proved to be perfectly
satisfactory for the smaller and lighter types of
aircraft bomb. However, the increasing load-
carrying power of the four-engined bombers
coming into service during the early 1940s
meant that larger and heavier bombs could be
carried. The largest available artillery pieces
were limited in calibre to 12 inches (305mm)
or so and the new generation of bombs would
be larger than that. It was therefore decided
to develop a specialised, ground-based bomb
projector that could accommodate bombs
with body diameters up to 36 inches/914mm.
Smaller bombs could still be launched by using
forms of sabot.
Being a static proofing equipment there
was little need for refinements. As originally
envisaged, the planned Bomb Testing Device
T1 was little more than an oversize, smooth-
bore, muzzle-loaded mortar barrel elevating
on pivots on a large base structure dug into the
ground: it was not intended to be moved after
its initial emplacement. Laying controls and
recoil mechanisms were minimal.
It has not been confirmed that a Bomb
Testing Device T1 was ever completed, for
the project was overtaken by events in the
Pacific. During the island-hopping campaigns
leading towards the Japanese mainland it
became painfully obvious that the Japanese
were highly skilled in the construction of near-
indestructible field fortifications using little
more than locally-sourced palm logs, coral and
soil. It required the heaviest available artillery
to demolish some of the resultant miniature
forts which took time, a great deal of labour
and risk, and the deployment of artillery under
difficult conditions. Even then many fortified
structures could not always be effectively
Aligning the pre-rifled section of a Little David projectile with the barrel rifling (US Army)
66 Terry Gander must little David.indd 67
The soldier in this ready-to-travel side view demonstrates the size of the box structure needed to support the
firing stresses produced when firing. (US Army)
neutralised and there remained the prospect
that fortifications on mainland Japan would be
even more formidable.
It is now seemingly impossible to determine
who exactly was responsible but someone put
forward the idea of using the Bomb Testing
Device T1 as a demolition system to counter
heavily fortified obstacles. This appears to have
happened during March 1944, a time when the
invasion of mainland Japan was in the initial
planning stages. (There are still uncertainties
regarding several aspects of Little David as the
demolition version of the Bomb Testing Device
T1 came to be known.)
The change of purpose meant that some
alterations to the purely static T1 had to
be introduced. As far as the ordnance was
concerned the barrel (bore length 7.12m)
was rifled to impart more accuracy while the
whole arrangement had to be modified to a
semi-mobile form. Perhaps the most involved
change came with the nature of the demolition
projectile to be launched. Instead of something
resembling an aircraft bomb an entirely novel
projectile design was introduced.
The Little David projectile base outline was
hemispherical, in contrast to the conical ogive.
Constructed at the Picatinny Arsenal and, as
mentioned above, each projectile (it is doubtful
if an official designation for the projectile was
ever bestowed although the non-descriptive
term T1 has been found mentioned) weighed
from 1,655.6 to 1,678.3kg. Of that weight
approximately 725.7kg was the explosive
payload, namely Picratol, a mixture of 52%
Explosive D and 48% TNT. In its turn Explosive
D is also known as ammonium picrate and at
one time had the alternative name of Dunnite
(after its originator, a Major Dunn). When it
first appeared during the 1900s Picratol proved
to combine extreme insensitivity and extremely
The Little David barrel in the ready-to-load horizontal position. (US Army)
LITTLE DAVID
efficient and powerful blast wave production.
One of the main functions of the TNT element
in Picratol is to create the high temperature
conditions that will make the Explosive D
detonate and produce the blast effects that could
create large craters and demolish even the most
stoutly constructed structures. The term craters
prompts mention of a US Army training film
in which a sequence shows one resultant crater
with a depth of about 3.9 to 4m, far in excess
of the height of a soldier shown for scale, with a
crater diameter of about 11.6m. Those results,
according to the film commentary, were with
an instantaneous impact fuse. If some form of
delay fuse had been involved and the conical
nose was far more substantial than a simple
wind shield, it would have allowed the projectile
to burrow into a target before detonation,
resulting in even more spectacular effects.
To make a Little David equipment semi-
mobile its construction was broken down into
two main loads to be towed on wheel bogie
assemblies, the prime mover for each being a
M26A1 12-ton 6 × 6 tank transporter tractor.
The barrel and elevating arc load weighed
about 36 tonnes while the steel base box
structure and its associated bits and pieces
weighed around 42 tonnes. To these loads were
added a bulldozer and a construction crane,
plus trucks carrying the projectiles, propelling
charges and accessories.
Assembling a Little David at a firing site took
about 12 hours and a fair degree of manual
labour. Using the bulldozer and a crane bucket
(both regarded as part of the Little David
ensemble), a pit and access ramp had to be dug
for the base structure, a box-like assembly 5.5m
long, 3.35m wide and 3.05m deep. Before the
base structure could be towed along the access
ramp, the base of the pit was covered with
heavy timber baulks to spread the firing loads.
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 67
11/12/2014 15:33
 LITTLE DAVID

More timber baulks were employed to provide
load-bearing platforms for the approach of the
two main assemblies.
Once the box structure was in place and the
wheel assemblies had been lifted out by the
crane, the soil around the box structure had to
be replaced and securely tamped to maintain
stability when firing. The 8.5m long barrel and
elevating arc assembly could then be lifted and
lowered by crane onto the trunnions on the base
structure. Further assembly details were then
completed before the mortar was in a ready to
fire state. Laying controls involved hydraulics
and an electric motor, the barrel elevation firing
arc being from +45° to +65°. Barrel traverse was
limited to 13° each side.
Loading was carried out with the barrel
horizontal. First to be loaded into the muzzle
were two 61.7kg propellant charge bags plus two
A M26A1 tank transporter tractor as used to tow the two
main loads that made up Little David. (T J Gander)
18kg charges, all manually rammed to the base
of the barrel (the combined charges produced
a muzzle velocity of 381m/s). Then came the
projectile, lifted towards the muzzle by the crane
before a small lifting jib located next to the muzzle
became involved as the pre-engraved grooves
on the projectile and the barrel rifling grooves
were aligned and the projectile introduced into
the barrel. Once the crane arrangements were
out of the way the projectile was fully loaded
by elevating the barrel to its full extent to allow
the projectile to slide along the rifling grooves
towards the base of the barrel and onto the
propellant charges. This took about 25 seconds
and must have been an anxious period in case
the projectile became stuck during its travel.
Following final laying adjustments a
percussion tube was inserted into a vent near
the propellant charges. All personnel then
retired a considerable distance as once the
percussion tube was actuated via a long lanyard
the resultant muzzle blast was considerable, as
was the recoil reaction (mechanically limited on
the barrel to 610mm) which, on occasion, must
have disturbed the base structure installation.
The resultant blast and noise once the projectile
reached the target were even greater, so much so
that firing warnings had to be issued to personnel
and installations located some distance around
the firing and target points.
Starting during October 1944, all firing
tests were conducted at the Aberdeen Proving
Ground in Maryland. By April 1945 the firing
tests had been concluded, leaving only final
service testing and approval to be completed.
That never happened for examination of the
test results revealed that accuracy, especially at
extended ranges, was too poor and erratic to be
acceptable. It appears that corrective ballistic
modifications were being considered when the
project came to an abrupt halt.
On 6 August 1945 Little David was eclipsed
in its intentions by an even greater explosion
creation measure, the Atom Bomb. With Japan
defeated there was no immediate need for Little
David so by October 1945 the entire programme
and its hardware had been placed into limbo and
storage, which lasted 12 months. Following that
period it emerged that there were no realistic
service prospects for Little David. The one and
only example ever produced was eventually
wheeled out to its final resting place to become
an impressive museum piece at Aberdeen
Proving Ground, where it remains to this day.

www.bobsimsmilitaria.co.uk britisharmycapbadgesandmilitaria.com
email: tiger.six@virgin.net
07885 443731 Very reasonably priced
Overseas telephone dial 0044-7885-443731
Anodised cap badges at...
Specialising in WWII to Vietnam. American, British,
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USAAF-RAF-Airborne-Special Forces-Paras-Glider Troops-Military
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Anodised, Colonial badges at...
I buy-sell-trade and accept items on consignment,
single pieces and collections britisharmycapbadgesandmilitaria.com
Discrete and immediate settlement

Contact Dave at www.billfriarmedals.co.uk

dbgmilitaria@hotmail.co.uk
or 07805 399132
www.dbgmilitaria.co.uk Dealing exclusively
DBG Militaria would like to offer you original WW1 and WW2 British and German in British Medals
Militaria of all types with some Polish and Canadian equipment included. I will also
offer for sale military watches from WW1 and WW2 and a good selection of military
books on equipment and events from the Boer war to post war period.
Victorian and World War I
Medals always wanted
Please be aware items are posted daily from DBG Militaria so you can buy today and have your item
delivered the next day to a UK address with items that have a postage charge. Tel: 01942 671 980
Sellindge military fairs dates for 2015 will be announced at dbgmilitaria.co.uk very soon. E-mail: sales@billfriarmedals.co.uk

68 Armourer Issue 127

66 Terry Gander must little David.indd 68 11/12/2014 15:33


WATFORD
Arms, Militaria
& Medal Fair
10.00 am - 2.00 pm
on
Sunday 11th Jan 2015
at
THE BUSHEY ARENA
London Road, Bushey,
Hertfordshire,
WD23 3AA
Tables from £30
Future date: Sunday 22nd Mar
For further information
please call:
SOVEREIGN ARMS FAIRS
Tel: 01438 811657
or 01923 448903
www.sovereignfairs.com
Email:
SovereignFairs@aol.com
p69_ARMJanFeb15.indd 69
Specialists in German
military photographs
and WW1 & WW2
militaria.
Items from Britain, Japan
and Germany including rare
photographs (especially
Fallschimjager), paperwork and
postcards plus badges, medals,
uniforms, helmets and bayonets.
Visit our website to view
hundreds of genuine items
New website launched
www.surreymilitaria.com
Tel: 07710 349838
DCM
British & Imperial orders,
decorations & medals
www.dcmmedals.com
DCM Medals is a new
internet site which aims
to offer an interesting
selection of British and
Imperial medals, orders
and decorations.
We are always interested in
buying or exchanging medals.
What have you got to sell?
Phone Mark on:
07793 707324
MILITARIA
COLLECTORS
SWAP SHOP & FAIR
To be held at
BRECON TOWN INDOOR
MARKET HALL
SUNDAY 15th February 2015
10.00am - 2.00pm
The aim of this fair is not only to attract the
commerical militaria dealer, but to give the
collector with surplus items to sell or exchange
the opportunity of having his own affordable
stall for the day. Do you have any military
medals, books, badges, buttons, bayonets,
swords, helmets, uniforms, maps, prints etc
that you may have been left and wish to move
on or just get valued? Don’t be afraid, give it a
try, someone is here to help. Share a pitch with
a friend or just have a day out.
Future dates: 31st May, 16th Aug, and 6th Dec
Tables
Full size pitch-10ft/12ft...£30
Entrance fees
Adults... £1-no concessions • Children... 50p
Serious collector preview 9am-9.50am... £3
For further information please contact
Roy: 01639 722479 / Jon: 01874 658342
Many thanks to those who attended the last event.
One of the most heroic battles of all time, the
battle of Rorke’s Drift (1879) is commemorated
in the South Wales Museum at Brecon Barracks.
At Rorke’s Drift 140 soldiers of the regiment
faced more than 4,000 Zulu warriors.
Bexley Medals
& Militaria
Based in Bexley, Kent. We buy & sell all
types of military collectable antiques.
Medals bayonets, swords, helmets etc.
We can help source items and also
sell a small amount of items on a
commission basis.
Tel: +44 (0)1322 523531
www.bexleymedalsandmiliatraria.co.uk
Hildenborough Militaria Fair
Sunday 18th January
Militaria Fair Dates for 2015
22nd February, 29th March, 26th April,
May NONE, 28th June, 19th July,
23rd August, 27th September,
18th October and 15th November
Hildenborough Village Hall,
Riding Lane, Off the B245 Tonbridge Rd,
Hildenborough, Kent, TN11 9HY
5 mins by car from M25, junction 5.
Doors open 8.00am - 12.00pm.
Admission £1. Children under 15 free
Contact Rick on 01322 523531 for more details
or visit www.bexleymedalsandmilitaria.co.uk
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 69
15/12/2014 09:59
 WWI PRESENTATION SWORD
WWI Presentation Sword
By Richard Fuller
I
have recently acquired a standard 1895
pattern British Army Infantry Officer’s
Sword (as modified in 1897) with steel
guard and cypher of George V. The blade has
no maker’s or tailor’s name, although there is a
unidentified brass proof mark and an interesting
etched presentation inscription. It has its original
leather field scabbard.
Presented to Arthur W. Souster
By the members and staff of
Edward Lloyd Ltd
On his promotion for gallantry
in the Field. January 30th 1916
Research has revealed details of the recipient
but not the reason for the use of the phrase
‘gallantry in the field’. However, it does
confirm the unusual occurrence of immediate
promotion from the rank of Private to an
officer. Unfortunately the date and place of
enlistment and circumstances (volunteer or call
up) have not been established.
Arthur Willie Souster. Born 1892. Son of
Charles (Coffee House Keeper) and Priscilla
Souster (ne. Priscilla S. Adams). Sixth of nine
70 Armourer Issue 127
70 Richard Fuller.indd 70
children (7 brothers and 1 sister). Lived at 3
Lymington Avenue, Wood Green, London
((from 1901 Census
Census). By the age of 18 he
was employed as an Advertising Clerk
for the Daily Chronicle but the family
had moved to 8 Lymington Avenue
((from 1911 Census
Census). The Daily
Chronicle was a major national
newspaper owned by Edward
Lloyd Ltd.1 Presumably still
employed there when he
joined the army or was
called up.
The London Gazette
Supplements (see below)
confirm that he served
in the Honourable
Artillery Company
(HAC) as Private no.
3851. Served in France
for the duration of WWI.
The rank of Private in the
HAC indicates service in the
infantry. (The equivalent in the
artillery is Gunner.) The HAC was
regarded as one of the more superior
territorial units.
Date of entry to France 22 September
1915. Gazetted from Private to temporary
2nd Lieutenant on 30 January 1916 and
transferred to the Duke of Cambridge’s Own
(Middlesex Regiment). Transferred to the
King’s African Rifles (KAR) as a Lieutenant,
20 February 1918. Relinquished that post on
1 May 1920.
Medal Roll confirms: WWI Victory, British
War Medal, 1915 Star.
Address given as 60 Bury Road, Wood
Green, N22 (London).
No record of post-war life except for living
at 25 Langton Avenue, London N20, from
1930-35 and at The Bungalow, Islip, from
1935 until his death in April 1965, aged 72.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 1 March 1916
War Office, 1st March 1916 – ‘Regular
Forces: The undermentioned Officer, Warrant
Officers, and men to be temporary Second
Lieutenants. Dated 30 January 1916: The
Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex
Regiment). Private A.W. Souster, from
Honourable Artillery Company’. (A number
of other men from different regiments are also
listed as being promoted on the same day to
the same temporary rank, including a Private
E.M. Welstead, HAC.)
Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 November 1917
War Office, 23 November 1917 – Regular
Forces: ‘The undermentioned temp. 2nd Lts
to be temp. Lts (1st Lieutenants). 1 July 1917.
Midd’x R – A.W. Souster. 30 July 1917. (Also
E.M. Welstead of the Middlesex Regiment
who was appointed on 3 July 1917.)
Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 May 1918
‘The undermentioned temp. Lts. are transfd.
to Gen. List for service with K. Afr. Rif. (Kings
African Rifles): 20 February 1918. A.W. Souster,
Middd’x R.’.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 17 June 1920
The undermentioned temp. Lts. relinquish
their commns (commissions). On completion of
service: A.W. Souster, K. Afr.. Rif., 1 May 1920,
and retains the rank of Lt.
1/1st Battalion the Honourable Artillery
Company (HAC) became part of 8th Brigade in
3rd Division, 10 November 1914. (The 2nd Battalion
HAC did not arrive in France until October 1916).
1/1st Battalion H.A.C. transferred to 7th
Brigade in 3rd Division, 9 December 1914.
7th Brigade transferred to 25th Division, 18
October 1915.
Souster transferred to the Duke of
Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex) Regiment, 30
January 1916.
HAC 1/1 Battalion served as infantry in
France (from September 1914). According
to the HMSO History of the Great War Principal
Events 1914-1918 (based on official documents)
the major actions in the western theatre were
the Battle of Loos, 25 September-8 October
1915, and the 2nd Battle of Champagne,
25 September-6 November 1915. Nothing
else is listed until the beginning of the Battle
of Verdun on 25 February 1916 (after his
promotion). Details of the Battle of Loos are
worth recounting.
On the night of 18 September 1915, 1/
HAC moved into the line near Hooge, to the
east of Ypres, and occupied positions in front
of Bellewaerde Lake, including the contested
craters. For six days previously the German
line had been subjected to artillery barrage and
attack as part of diversions to the forthcoming
offensive at Loos which was due to open on 25
September.
The Battle of Loos, which began on 25
September 1915, was the largest conflict for
the BEF in the war to that date: six divisions,
that is 75,000 men, would take part. It was the
debut of the divisions of the ‘New Army’ and
the decision had been taken to use chlorine gas
and smoke as there was a shortage of shells for
the artillery. The battle was also a key moment
in the rise of General Sir Douglas Haig, who
replaced Field Marshal Sir John French as
Commander-in-Chief of the BEF after the
battle had ended.
It was also an important stage in the
development of the BEF as the battle was
fought before the artillery reduced the
landscape to churned-up mud. The troops
went into battle in flat caps holding their rifles
with attached bayonets and advanced through
woodland, over coal slag heaps, also fighting in
built-up areas.
11/12/2014 15:36
 WWI PRESENTATION SWORD

With hindsight, in the poor weather
experienced by the BEF, the artillery could
offer little support. The British attacks were
undoubtedly pressed with courage and
determination but too many attacks were carried
out against well-entrenched machine guns
which the poor British artillery bombardment
had not affected. The other major problem
was the enemy shelling, which was persistent,
demoralising and devastating. Orders which
came up the line were often late or incorrect. The
men had inadequate supplies of food and water,
let alone grenades which were far less efficient
than the German variety. Officers and men went
into action without maps and the casualty rate
among officers (from Lieutenant-Colonel down)
left too many units leaderless.
Over 61,000 men were killed or wounded
during the battle, and just over 6,300 died on the
first day (25 September). The highest death rates
were in the 7th Division, with 1,565 killed, and
in the 15th (Scottish) Division, with 1,595 killed.
Unfortunately I have not been able to locate
any further details of the movement and actions
that may have involved the HAC after this battle.
Details of Souster’s ‘gallantry’ have not been
located and the promotion date of 30 January
seems late for a Loos battlefield promotion. It
may be that ‘gallantry’ is a misnomer and that
he and the others were promoted to fill the
heavy losses of officers by men with battlefield
experience who showed leadership skills or
were possibly regarded as educated and officer
material. The life expectancy for a Lieutenant
at the front was just six weeks so attrition would
require urgent replacements for junior officer
ranks. The lack of a bravery medal or being
mentioned in despatches seems to indicate this
as a likely scenario.
Unfortunately, Souster’s three medals have
not been located. However, a reference on the
internet to an unknown auction house general
sale on 15 September 2007 lists Lot 495 as ‘3
FWW (First World War) War Medals, General
Police Medals, Lieutenants: Commission,
ID card & photo of Thrapston, AE/AW
Souster.’ Thrapston is in Northamptonshire.
I would appreciate details of these medals and
documents if any reader has them for sale or
knows of their whereabouts.
Printed 1872-1930 when it merged with the News Chronicle.
1

Jim Bush
Terry Abrams The AIRBORNE BAYONET Man
MILITARIA & AVIATION FAIR
Vauxhall Motors Sports & Social Club Rivacre
Road, Ellesmere Port, Wirral, Cheshire
CH66 1NJ (Jct 5 & 53)
Specialising in Enfield Rifles & accessories Held indoors, tables 6x4 supplied £15, other
WANTED: WANTED: sizes available. Space outside for stands and
MILITARIA MILITARIA associated displays. Food in comfortable
Re-barrelling of SMLE rifles surroundings. Free parking.
Large range of parts for bolt-action Enfields

Sorry, no export available on small

Sunday 15th March 2015
10.00am to 3.00pm
orders of gun parts.
TEL 01233 637188 Admission £3.00 (free for under 15s)
Tel:07973 373419 MOB 07950 267862 For further details contact us via
airborne9756@btinternet.com Tel: 0151 327 4701 Mobile: 07745873491
Fax: 01245 231753 Unit 12, The Malthouse Antiques Centre, Hythe, Kent
e-mail: griffin@griffintrust.org.uk

The Militaria Dealers

Printed Catalogue with colour
photos available. Send cheque
(payable to M Bentley) for £6.50
to cover print, p&p (£22 for 1
year subscription of 4+ issues) to:
Website: www.themilitariadealers.com
Email: info@themilitariadealers.com
A constantly changing stock of guaranteed
Original Militaria, updated on a daily basis.
Covering Aeronautica and Flying Clothing,
Uniforms and Headgear, Binoculars, British and
German Helmets and uniform items generally. Just a
few of the mainly Combat Orientated or Historically
significant items I shall be offering from countries
around the world. Similar items are always wanted
Most payment methods are accepted, including
Credit Cards. Part exchanges may be considered.

Please Email or Call +44 (0) 7775 661417

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 71

70 Richard Fuller.indd 71 11/12/2014 15:36

 Under the Hammer
Laidlaw Auctioneers & Valuers 13th December
L
aidlaw Auctioneers and Valuers of
Carlisle, founded at the beginning of
2014 by BBC antiques expert Paul
Laidlaw, held their most recent auction on the
13th of December, at the point of this issue
going to press. As with all their auctions, it
included a very varied and interesting array
of medals and Militaria, exclusively from
private sources and bearing realistic pre-sale
estimates.
The medals section included gallantry
groups from both World Wars including that
of Major Ernest Deuchar MC. Serving with
2nd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment,
1st Airlanding Brigade, he was awarded
the Military Cross for his part in Operation
Husky, the Allied airborne invasion of Sicily.
His citation reads “This officer and his
party landed near an enemy strong point and
was at once attacked by strong patrols. He
quickly organised his party and returned fire,
killing six of the enemy. Having dealt with this
opposition, he led his party to Waterloo Bridge
where he organised several stragglers into a
composite force. At this time strong enemy
reinforcements were being brought up to the
Bridge which was in imminent danger of
capture. Lieutenant Deuchar at once realised
the situation, and disposed his force along
the banks, holding the river line for some five
hours against a vastly superior force. During
the whole of the fighting this officer showed
initiative and courage of the highest order.”
Upon his return to England Deuchar
was promoted to Captain and posted to 1st
Airlanding Brigade Headquarters as Deputy
Assistant Provost Marshall. It was in this role
that he took part in Operation Market Garden
at Arnhem, being mentioned in despatches.
The medals, including those of his son, carried
a pre-sale estimate of £4000-5000
The First World War was represented by a
Military Medal group Pte F Basnett, 1/2 East
Lancashire Field Ambulance, RAMC, together
with a detailed contemporary notebook/
diary, photographs, Divisional citation for the
MM, and two cassette recorded interviews.
72 Armourer Issue 127
73_Under_the_hammer.indd 72
Auction News
Frank Basnett volunteered for Army
service in November of 1914,
survived the sinking of the
Royal Edward en route to the
Dardanelles, later serving
in the Middle East,
France and Flanders.
The citation for the
Military Medal
reads “At Essarts
on April 5th,
1918, [Pte
Basnett] acted as
a runner carrying
messages from
one post to
another for hour
after hour under
heavy fire, and
when not employed
as a runner became
a volunteer stretcher
bearer, quite regardless of his own
fatigue. A very appealing group in the
current climate, it carried a pre-sale estimate in this church yard” and dated 1917, was
of £400-600 pitched at just £20-40
The First World War was represented by The Second World War section included a
other poignant artefacts including a 1914 number of uniform lots. A Second World War
Princess Mary gift tin with bullet pencil and RASC 4th Infantry Division MELF clothing
New Year card, together with a rare 1914 group, comprising a kit bag with Battledress
Christmas Fund document wallet as given to blouse, General Service caps, webbing belts,
some officers, estimate £150-250. A battle of identity discs, documents etc, of a type not
Jutland shrapnel fragment framed with period so commonly encountered these days and
autograph note describing its provenance was entirely fresh to the market was estimated at
attractively estimated at just £40-60. Of unique £100-200. The German offering included
appeal were two lots of ephemera including a numerous Luftwaffe garments. A Luftwaffe
First World War autograph notebook belonging pelzmantel sheepskin overcoat, brought back
to a nurse stationed at the UVF Hospital at Ville by the vendor’s father and last worn during the
de Pau, France, circa 1916, containing succinct 1970s at a Rugby international (!) was estimated
and wry observations regarding her living at £50-80. Carrying higher expectations were
conditions, colleagues and duties, together with a Luftwaffe flight branch stabsfeldwebel's first
two bon mot albums, one bearing the name pattern fliegerbluse, an oberleutnant's service
Nora Murray and dated from 1909-1918, tunic bearing a Legion Condor cuff band, a
containing drawings and sentimental notes, Luftwaffe generalleutnant's privately tailored
aphorisms and quips, including a portrait of a fliegerbluse, a Luftwaffe Judicial branch
nurse - possibly the author. This fascinating lot generalmajor's service tunic and others similar,
carried a tempting pre-sale estimate of £100- expected to sell for between £300 and £800.
200, while a First World War postcard depicting
the church at Savy-Berlette, with fragments of
a dried flower affixed by threads and bearing
the pencil annotation “Dear Ma, These few
flowers I picked off a French soldier's grave,
11/12/2014 15:39
 Amongst the edged weapons was a scarce
British service Arisaka bayonet estimated at
£100-200, and an early 19th Century Volunteer
sword socket bayonet of a pattern associated
with the Cambridge University Volunteers,
estimated at £150-250
There was a selection of Naval weapons
including an early 20th Century Royal Navy
Reserve officer's sword, the regulation guard
incorporating the initials RNR to the crowned
fouled anchor device, expected to sell for
between £300 and £500. A rare Victorian
Royal Navy Flag Officer's sword was estimated
at £500-700. Also included were a Georgian
Naval ivory-handled dirk, 1804 and 1900
Pattern Royal Navy cutlasses, and a Victorian
Customs percussion pistol.
The firearms category was topped by two rare
Georgian Whitehaven Volunteer variant Short
Land Pattern flintlock muskets expected to sell
for £1500-2500. And bringing us back to the
Great War, a pair of ever popular deactivated
SMLE rifles.
All of Laidlaw Auctioneers & Valuers’
specialist auctions take place on Saturdays and
have fully illustrated online catalogues featuring
a live internet bidding facility. They offer free
pre-sale valuations and can be contacted on
01228 904905 or by email using enquiries@
laidlawauctioneers.co.uk.

All of Laidlaw Auctioneers & Valuers’ specialist auctions take place on Saturdays and have fully
illustrated online catalogues featuring a live internet bidding facility. They offer free pre-sale valuations
and can be contacted on 01228 904905 or by email using enquiries@laidlawauctioneers.co.uk.

MARK CARTER MILITARIA & MEDAL FAIRS 2015

ALDERSHOT - 2015
Sundays 26th April & 1st November 2015
at The Princes Hall, Princes Way, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1NX
(next to Police Station, close to Town Centre and Railway Station. Just off main A325
between Farnborough and Farnham. 10 minutes from Junction 4 on M3)

WEST COUNTRY (YATE) - 2015

Sundays 1st February, 12th April, 28th June, 23rd August & 29th November 2015
at Yate Leisure Centre, Kennedy Way, Yate, nr Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 4DQ
(Easy access to M4 - just 10 minutes from either direction. From Swindon/London/The East:
exit at Junction 18 and then take A46 & A432. From Wales/The North/The South West:
exit at Junction 19 (M32). Leave M32 at Junction 1 and then take A4174 and A432)

STRATFORD UPON AVON - 2015

Sundays 8th March & 11th October 2015
at Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre,
Bridgefoot, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6YY
(just off A439 Warwick Road. Close to town centre, just 10 minutes from
Junction 15 on M40 giving excellent access to nationwide motorway network)

Excellent new venue WOKING - 2015 Excellent new venue

Sunday 14th June 2015

at Woking Leisure Centre, Woking Park, Kingfield Road (A247), Woking, Surrey, GU22 9BA
(On opposite side of A247 from Woking Football Club, a very short distance from A320
Woking to Guildford Road - follow excellent local brown “Leisure Centre” signage.
Only 10 minutes from M25 (J10 or J11) or A3, 15 minutes from M3 (J3).
12/15 minutes walk from town centre & major railway station)

ALL EVENTS OPEN 10.30am - 2.00pm (preview at 9.30am)

★ Top quality fairs held at established, well lit venues with catering facilities
★ Between 90 and 130 tables of quality militaria, medals and books are GUARANTEED
at each event ★ Attended by leading dealers from many parts of the country
★ Dealers tables at very reasonable prices - new dealers always most welcome
★ All events are well signposted and have PLENTY of parking nearby - FREE at Aldershot,
Woking and Yate, pay & display at Stratford upon Avon
Admission: £2.50 (accompanied children free). Preview admission: £3.50 (open to all)
Email: markgcarter@bulldoghome.com
Website: http://www.milweb.net/dealers/trader/markcarter.htm
ENQUIRIES: SLOUGH (01753) 534777
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 73

73_Under_the_hammer.indd 73 11/12/2014 15:40

 Bosleys 28th January
Bosleys of Marlow will hold their first sale of
2015 on 28 January; it will be a long awaited
Military Badge Auction and will contain
648 lots of rare military badges, both cloth
and metal. This sale will also contain a fine
selection of Georgian military buttons, part
of an important collection.
Bosleys’ first public auction will be held
on 4 March and already a steady stream of
items has been consigned. The sale will see
the first part of a large collection of WWII
period German daggers; examples will
include SS, Navy, Army, Luftwaffe, RLB,
Forestry, Political etc. The collection holds
in the region of 100 daggers and collectors
will be relieved to know that these will be
sold over a number of sales. The German
section will also include a selection of badges
and clasps, swords and the second part of a
buckle collection.
Medals will again feature strongly and
there will be a selection of Victorian New
Zealand Medals for the Maori Wars, one to
an Officer retained in its original card box
of issue. Irish Guards’ collectors will see a
number of gallantry groups to both wars, a
DCM and Bar for the Great War and a World
War II Military Medal to an Armoured
Brigade Guardsman
who was captured
during the great
break-out of the
Irish Guards which
started the push
towards Arnhem in
September 1944.
This will not be the
only World War II
award of a Military
Medal; there will
be a further three
examples, representing the
beaches of Dunkirk 1940, the Battle of El uniforms already consigned include a rare
Alamein and a rare example for operations example of an ADC to the Viceroy of India,
in South East Asia 1945. Post-war conflicts a full dress Hussar pattern uniform of the
will be represented by a number of medals, Northumberland Hussars and a number of
including a Naval General Service Medal impressive British high-grade Civil Court
awarded to an original crewman of HMS Dress Coatees.
Amethyst, which was involved in the famous Regimental badges will feature strongly
action during the Chinese Civil War. When and so far include the Royal Marines,
steaming along the Yangtze River, she came Lancashire Regiments and a fine selection
under Chinese fire and was stranded. of helmet plates, shoulder belt plates etc. to
Head-dress offered will include a Welsh numerous different regiments.
Regiment Home Service Blue Cloth Helmet, It is worth visiting www.bosleys.co.uk
a helmet of the Montgomeryshire Imperial regularly to obtain the latest news on
Yeomanry and others. A good selection of consignments etc.

Marlow's 12th February

The next Marlow’s military auction will be held removed so
on Thursday 12 February. Cataloguing has just that it could WW1 German
started for this sale but has already attracted a still be used combination
large variety of collectables new to the market. when using trench knife
The Sword category will include a rare a rifle or sub-
Russia- made Gladius shortsword with machine gun.
Russian Cyrillic maker’s marks, a Spanish There will be a
Artillery shortsword, an 1897 Indian Infantry large Gun section
Officer’s sword with presentation panel to in this sale, in
the blade, an Army Medical Officer’s sword, excess of 50 items,
a late 18th-century German Hussar’s sword which will include
similar to the 1788 pattern, a British 1821 a small collection
pattern Light Cavalry sword, a British 1853 of old spec
Cavalry Trooper’s sword and an 1885 Cavalry deactivated guns.
Trooper’s sword. These will consist
There will be a large consignment of combat of an M1 Garand
knives, consisting of more than 50 items, rifle by Springfield
including an extremely rare WWI German Armoury, a British
combat trench knife, the wooden gripped issue P14 rifle, Rare 1928
handle of which has a combination of various complete with its dated officer
tools hinging out from the side panels. There long-range sights, an M1/ equipment
will also be a small selection of WWI variants A1 Thompson SMG, a
of German combat trench knives, a scarce MKII Sten SMG, a MKIII Sten
WWII Indian issue marked kukri, a scarce SMG and a German MG34 LMG
American USMC landing force machete, complete in its wooden transit chest with
a rare WWII SOE-type tyre slasher pocket drum magazine, anti-aircraft sight and spare North Lancashire working dress scarlet tunic
knife, an American WWII A1 folding survival barrel case. There will also be some obsolete and a Loyal North Lancsashire . Equipment
machete, a WWI/WWII Italian combat knife, calibre rifles, including a French Gras M1880 items include a rare set of 1919 Pattern
a WWI/WWII Dutch combat knife, a post carbine, a rare Swedish model 1867/89 rolling Officers webbing Mills equipment, most parts
WWII Spanish Special Operations knife, a block rifle, a Swedish model 1867 rolling block dated 1928 .
WWII American Carlson raider’s knife by rifle, a Swiss Vetterli 1871 rifle, an Austrian The auction begins at 12 noon, with viewing
Collins & Co, a WWI American 1917 pattern Werndl 1867/77 rifle and an 1875 dated from 10 a.m., and the saleroom manager,
trench knife, a rare WWI British private- Martini MKII 2 band rifle. Kevin King, can be contacted on 07789
purchase combat knife, a WWII beaded and Other categories in this sale will include 628030 to help with any of your questions.
ribbed F-S fighting knife, a WWI escape knife a small collection of North Lancashire If you have any items which you wish to be
by Rodgers, which is similar in construction to Regiment uniforms including khaki working entered into our next available sale then please
the WWII SOE pocket knife, and a rare BC41 dress tunic for India service, a 3rd North do not hesitate to contact Kevin King and he
field-converted combat knife with one knuckle Lancashire Senior NCO’s scarlet tunic, a will be happy to assist you.

74 Armourer Issue 127

73_Under_the_hammer.indd 74 11/12/2014 15:49

 C&T Auctioneers and Valuers
2 December 2014 Auction of Great
War Military-Crested China
This sale consisted on a single owner collection of military-crested
china and it proved that quality sells! This area of collecting has largely
taken a nosedive over the last few years with many items not realising
the prices of previous years. However, we were delighted with the prices
achieved for some of the items in this auction, which still shows that
quality and rare items will always perform well at auction. Some of the
highlights included Lot 8: Rare 1919 Peace Plate made by Goss with
the flags of the Allied Nations involved in the Great War, estimated
at £100-£150, which finally sold to a room bidder for £240. Lot 27:
Royal Flying Corps figure holding medal, which sold to an internet
bidder after much competition in the room, for £230. The front cover
lot in the auction was Lot 143: Extremely Rare Steam Roller, Rolling
Over the Kaiser to Berlin, which sold in the room for just under the
bottom estimate at £640. The auction also had other items of militaria,
including the start of a small collection of military whistles,which
all made well above the pre-sale estimates. Please contact Matthew
Tredwen on 01634 292042 if you have a single item or whole collection
you would like to have valued or sell at auction. You can also visit our
website www.candtauctions.co.uk

4 February 2015
Militaria Auction
This auction will take place as usual at The Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, from 10.30 a.m. with viewing on the day of the
auction at 9.00 a.m. and throughout the sale. At the time of going to press, auctioneer Matthew Tredwen is already delighted with some of
the items which have been consigned to this auction. One of the highlights is an original photographic record and drawings of an officer of
the Royal Engineers during the Third Afghan Wars of the late 19th century with some photographs taken by the famous war photographer
of the time, John Burke. This album heads up an interesting ephemera and photographic section which includes a number of interesting
Great War related items. Other parts of the auction include a good selection of British military uniforms, British campaign medals, an
Imperial German Pioneer pickelhaube with the original cover, a selection of Third Reich Awards, an original Waffen SS peaked cap taken
from Russian film studios, and edged weapons from European and world nations including a Chinese executioner’s sword. British cloth and
metal badges are also available in this auction, as single and quantity lots. Please contact Matthew Tredwen on 01634 292042 if you have
a single item or whole collection you would like to have valued or sell at auction. You can also visit our website www.candtauctions.co.uk

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73_Under_the_hammer.indd 75 11/12/2014 15:40

 Book Reviews
A look at some of the latest military titles
Collectors’ guides:
Pistols and revolvers from 1400
to the Present Day
by Martin J. Dougherty
Hard back, 224 pages, £19.99
Published: Amber books
A History of the World in 100 Weapons
ISBN-13: 978-1782741503
By Chris McNab
Osprey Publishing, ISBN 9781472803467 Although described
Hardback, 384 pages, £9.99 as a ‘Collector’s
Guide’, this book
My first reaction to Chris McNab’s book was that, at is really more a
£9.99, its 384 pages represented great value for money. A concise history of
quick flick through then revealed that here too was a book the handgun, from
that had been well thought out, its text carefully written, the 14th century’s
its hundreds of colour and black-and-white illustrations hand cannons to
chosen with great attention to detail. Our history has the sophisticated
indeed been shaped and changed by weapons: even the semi-automatic
smallest advancement in their development having helped to pistols and revolvers
build and overthrow empires, change the course of civilisation and win wars. produced by today’s
The author has divided his book into seven chapters. ‘The Ancient World (5000 BC-AD firearms industry.
500)’ relates how mankind first picked up sticks or rocks with violent intent and later shaped It begins by briefly describing
these into, for the time anyway, sophisticated flint axes. Then came the bow, the chariot, which aspects of pistol collecting and the development
provided mobility, and Bronze Age swords. Later there were siege towers, Roman artillery and, of early muzzle-loaders. Succeeding chapters
as empires expanded, the fighting ship. The ‘Medieval World’ of 500-1500 would see the skills cover: percussion cap pistols, early cartridge
of the sword-maker and the manufacture of other hand weapons, such as the halberd and pike. pistols, and pistols of WWI and WWII, and
Who will not know of the English longbow and how it performed in the hands of the bowmen the book concludes with a detailed chapter on
at Agincourt? The next chapter (‘The Early Modern World’) will take us from 1500-1800, but pistols and revolvers of the modern era. The
not before the author deals with the rockets developed by the Chinese, early cannons and the text gives an essentially accurate description
matchlock. of the development of the handgun to its
Now the flintlock, the rapier, the Katana from Japan and the sabre, which can be seen present form and is complemented by a
in the fine painting spread over pages 98/99 being put to good use as Confederate cavalry useful specification attached to each of the
charges the enemy during the American Civil War. The chapter ends with a well-illustrated pictures of weapons which are described in
and informative description of how ships of the line aimed their guns. Into the ‘Imperial the text. It is very well illustrated, having over
Wars’ of 1800-1914 now where we encounter the Baker Rifle, the US Navy Colt, Enfield 200 images, both art-work and photographs,
rifles and the Gatling Gun. Here too are naval mines, explosive shells, the German Mauser, which also includes a number of excellent and
and ironclad ships. informative cut-away drawings of significant
Dominating the first two pages of the ‘1914-18’ chapter is a photograph of the British weapons, such as the Borchardt C93 and the
Mills bomb, more than 70 million of which are produced before the war’s end. This section Mauser 1912 semi-automatic pistol.
of the book would not be complete without coverage of tank development, gas and the use On the whole, a useful book for the new
of the Vickers machine gun. I’m roughly halfway through the book now and still to come are collector or military historian, although more
the chapters on World War II and Modern Warfare. Not much better than this in the book experienced readers may feel the need for a
world for under ten pounds! little more detail.
Ray Westlake George Prescott

American Tanks & AFVs of World

War II
By Michael Green
Osprey Publishing
Hardback, 376 pages, £30.00
ISBN 978 1 782009313
In this superbly illustrated volume, armour expert
Michael Green examines the dizzying array of
machinery fielded by the US Army, from the
famed M4 Sherman, M3 Stuart and M3 Lee
through to the half-tracks, armoured cars, self-
propelled artillery, tank destroyers, armoured
recovery vehicles and tracked landing vehicles
which provided the armoured fist that the Allies
needed to break Axis resistance in Europe and the
Pacific. One month after the German invasion
of Poland in 1939, the US Army placed its first
order for tanks in 20 years – it was for 329 light
tanks. By the end of World War II US industry
had built nearly 90,000. Packed with historical
and contemporary colour photography, the
encyclopaedic new study details the design,
development, and construction of these vehicles,
their deployment in battle and the impact that
they had on the outcome of the war.
American Tanks & AFVs of World War II
WIN ME
is set out in nine chapters: (1) Early
Medium Tanks, (2) M4 Series Tanks),
(3) Light Tanks, (4) Heavy Tanks,
(5) Tank Destroyers, (6) Armoured King’s Royal Irish
Cars, (7) Armoured Half-Tracks, Hussars, 4th Armoured
(8) Self-Propelled Artillery and (9) Brigade, 7th Armoured
Tracked Landing Vehicles. In all nine Division. Still with
comprehensive chapters the text, photo colour, on page 157 we
reproduction and layout are magnificent. see a side-on view of the
I’m sure that it will leave the purchaser final version of the M5.
of this book, be they expert or newcomer The vehicle depicted
to the subject, quite satisfied that their shows the markings
outlay has been justified. of the 601st Tank
Let us dip in. Chapter three, which Destroyer Battalion as
covers light tanks in some 50 pages, in use at the Voltumo
begins by telling how in May 1922, the River, Italy, in October 1943.
Ordnance Department inquired of the Infantry This is indeed a mighty reference work of the
Branch what they wanted to see in a new light highest order.
tank. It would not be until March 1927 that Ray Westlake
development work had been completed on a new
light tank design by James Cunningham and a YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY
contract awarded by the Ordnance Department. Osprey Publishing have given us 1 copy of
Forty-nine photographs and colour plates American Tanks & AVFS Of World War II by
accompany this section of the book and include Michael Green to give away, for your chance to
a superb colour study of an M3 as used by the win a copy visit www.warners.gr/competitions14
British Army in North Africa. The multicoloured to answer the simple question and enter. Closing
paint scheme shown was that in use by the 8th date 27th February 2015. Good Luck!

76 Armourer Issue 127

76 Books.indd 76 11/12/2014 15:39

 For Team and Country – Sport on
the Front Lines of the Great War
By Tim Tate
Metro Publishing
Hardback, 176 pages, £9.99
ISBN 978 1 78219 920 5
In their jacket blurb,
the publishers ask us
to imagine ‘Wayne
Rooney, Andy
Murray and Mo
Farah exchanging
the glamour of
their careers for
the brutality and
bloodshed of war –
and quietly giving
their lives for their
country’. Today the
news would be dominated by such a sacrifice.
Well, who knows if that could ever happen?
But certainly during the years that we now
associate with World War I, the brightest
sporting stars of their generation did just
that. They did it in ones and twos and often
as complete groups. Again we must hurl our
minds forward a full century from 1914 and
try to imagine a Manchester United first team
volunteering to serve their country en bloc. The
vast majority of these sporting icons never ran
out to a cheering Old Trafford crowd again.
In his very readable book, Tim Tate
reveals how sport was Britain’s first and most
vital recruiting sergeant in the fight against
Germany and how sportsmen applied their
unique talents on the battlefield, but not at
the loss of that sporting spirit so enjoyed
back home. Who will ever forget the London
Irish Rifles as they dribbled a football
across a chlorine-soaked No Man’s Land
at Loos, or those of the 8th East Surreys at
Montauban on 1 July 1916? Sport, however,
would never be the same. How could it be as
names that once featured on weekly match
programmes were now only to be seen on
club war memorials: eleven from the staff of
Tottenham Hotspur, for instance, or seven
from Newcastle United? The same number
was lost from Heart of Midlothian, the
whole team having signed up en masse with
the 16th Royal Scots. Harry Wattie, Duncan
Currie and Ernie Ellis were among the 472
casualties as that battalion went forward on
1 July 1916 – the first day of the Battle of
the Somme. In cricket, almost one in six of
the players that went to war would be killed.
At least 34 first-class players lost their lives
among the 210 county players who served. In
Rugby Union, every England international
from the past season signed up. Sportsmen
also came forward from lands other than
Great Britain. Tennis lost its greatest player,
the New Zealander Tony Wilding, while
American football and ice hockey star Hobey
Baker died in aerial combat with the German
air ace Manfred von Richthofen – the Red
Baron. There will be many new books as, in
2014, we remember how history was shaped
a century ago. For Team and Country will
surely prove to be one of the best
Ray Westlake
76 Books.indd 77
The Coward? The Rise and WIN ME
Fall of the Silver King
By Steve R. Dunn
Book Guild Publishing, ISBN 9781909984622
Hard back, 222 pages, £17:99
This is the story of Admiral Edward Troubridge, one of the more
controversial Establishment figures of the Great War.
The book begins by describing his early education and entry into
the Royal Navy, before charting his rise from Flag Lieutenant to Rear
Admiral and discusses his relationship with important figures of the
day, such as Sir John 'Jackie' Fisher and the future King, George V.
Having established him in the context of his times, events move
on to 5-7 August 1914 and Troubridge's controversial refusal to
engage a force of German cruisers because he claimed they were a superior
force against which his own ships had no chance. Although he was exonerated by a court martial,
these events nevertheless blighted his career, which went on to see him shuffled off into the obscurity
of the Balkans before retirement and death from heart failure while at a dance in Biarritz.
The book is well researched and the text is interesting and briskly written, without being
superficial. It includes nine useful appendices, a comprehensive bibliography and index, and makes
a workman-like job of the life story of a controversial and largely neglected Edwardian naval figure.
George Prescott
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY Book Guild Publishing have given us 4
copies of The Coward? The Rise and Fall of the Silver King by Steve R. Dunn to give away, for
your chance to win a copy visit www.warners.gr/competitions14 to answer the simple question
and enter. Closing date 27th February 2015. Good Luck!
The Retreat from Mons 1914: North
By Jon Cooksey and Jerry Murland
Pen & Sword Books, ISBN 978 1783030385
157pp, pb, £14.99
This excellent pocket-sized publication is an ideal companion
if you are thinking of going to France to do some battlefield
exploring. This is the first of two volumes dealing with the
opening campaign of WWI in 1914 and it lists places to visit
and sights to see.
There are pictures of scenes ’then and now’ and suggestions of
routes to take either by walking, cycling or driving. The subject
matter is well researched and accurately described.
The first phase of the retreat of the British Expeditionary Force at
Mons – or in military terminology, the strategic withdrawal – was a bitter struggle, and the
authors have described in detail where each and every part of battle took place.
I can certainly recommend this very modestly priced book.
Ken Rimell
Bloody Red Tabs: General Officer Casualties of the
Great War
By Frank Davies and Graham Maddocks
Pen & Sword Books, ISBN 078 1783462377
225pp, pb, £14.99
This detailed book lists Officers who were either killed or wounded in
WWI. The final part also lists those who were wounded and the date
of their eventual death.
The authors have researched their subject very thoroughly; it is
amazing, for instance, to read how many Brigadier Generals were to fall
in the conflict. But to me the most surprising aspect was the officers’
ages; many were well beyond retirement age, still holding senior rank and fighting in the
front line.
One unfortunate victim was the Rt. Hon. H.H. Kitchener, Secretary of State for War, who
was drowned as a result of enemy action on 5 June 1916. He and his retinue were aboard HMS
Hampshire when it hit a mine off Scapa Flow in a raging storm. There were only a dozen survivors
and Kitchener’s body was never found. The islanders erected a special memorial overlooking the
site where the ship sank.
This is a valuable publication, particularly for reference, and I recommend it as a useful title
for anyone with an interest in WWI.
Ken Rimell
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 77
11/12/2014 15:39
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Tel: 07850 031056 Email: robert.tredwen@btinternet.com
Below are some of the items currently for sale on our website with full
detailed descriptions and photographs @ www.militaryantiques.co.uk
All items guaranteed of the period stated and are sold with a full money back cover
WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING TO PURCHASE ANY PAPERWORK OR EQUIPMENT RELATING TO GERMAN U BOATS - PLEASE CALL WITH DETAILS - CALL 07850 031056

PRE WWI & WWI MILITARIA
English Civil War Cromwellian Lobster Tail Helmet with Nasal Bar and Armourers
Marks ...........................................................................................................................POA
Military white metal Army whistle. Dated 1909. Birmingham Made ..........................£68
British Coldstream Guards Officers bearskin by Edward Smith of London ..............£850
British WWI Model Tank Trench Art Tobacco Box ...................................................£385
Imperial German State of Saxony Other Ranks Picklehaube. Original correct pattern
cockades but replaced chinstrap. Good overall condition. ..........................................£585
Imperial German Garde Dragoon Regimental Picklehaube Helmet ........................£1295
THIRD REICH MILITARIA
Third Reich Life Size Adolf Hitler Bust on Marble Base..........................................£1285
Third Reich Picture Disc/Record of Baldur Von Schirach, Head of Hitler Youth
Speech. Good condition................................................................................................£350
Third Reich DJ/HJ Blue Wool Ski Cap Complete with Original Factory Issue Tag ..£295
Third Reich German Army Issue Cooking Stove with Scarce Original Outer Cover £185
Third Reich BDM (League of German Girls) Proficiency Clasp. .................................£88
Third Reich State of Bavaria 25 Year Service Medal with Miniature in Original Case of
Issue ..............................................................................................................................£225
Third Reich Red Cross Officers dagger. Orange grips in excellent condition. ......... £1100
German Army Officers Dagger Knot ...........................................................................£60
Third Reich German Air Force Officers Dagger Knot .................................................£60
Third Reich NSBO Organisation Other Ranks Belt Buckle........................................£125
Italian Mussolini Body Guard NVSN Leaders Dagger. .............................................£885
WANTED FOR CASH: ANY ITEMS RELATING TO THE CAMPAIGN IN
CHINA INCLUDING WEAPONS, PHOTOS ETC FROM PRE 1914

Please join Military Antiques Mailing List to receive updates on New Listings, Special Offers and Show Dates.
Log on to the website and find the link at the bottom of the page. We post worldwide.

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Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 79

p79_ARMJanFeb15.indd 79 11/12/2014 13:08

 Ask the Armourer
Do you have an item in your collection that would like our readers to identify? Have you bought something and then wondered about
its history? This is the place to ask. Send your pictures electronically or by post along with a brief question and we will seek the answers
from our readers. If you know what any of the items are and would like to help with some information, please write to us quoting the
issue and item number and details will be published in the next issue. Please post to: Ask the Armourer, Warners Group Publications plc,
The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH or email: armourer@warnersgroup.co.uk

127-1
Many years ago I was given the pistiol shown, Responses
and have never yet been able to find out its
intended use. I would be most grateful if any
fellow readers are able to enlighten me.
The lanyard ring below the butt, would suggest
that it was intended for military use of some sort.
There is no date or maker's name, other than the letters
“JGA” just above ther serial no. “5662”.
The single shot, centre fire chamber is opened by pressing the lever on the left
hand side, just above the satety catch. The celibre appears to be approximately
•303, but having never been able to try a genuine 303 round, I am not able to
confirm this. Also, as there is no barrel, it is not able, or apparntly intended to
fire a projectile.
Various uses have been suggested over the years, the most logical being that it was used
to ignite some sort of fuse. If anyone can confirm what it was designed to do, I would be
very much obliged.
John M. Evans

125-2
Geoff Pulman, who submitted the query, notes
that as 'P.H.' 'came up trumps with my other
badges, can he do it again?' Indeed he can!
The badge is an other ranks' plate used to
hold the cross-belts together: the two studs went
through one belt and the hook held the second
belt in place.
This example belongs to the volunteer forces
raised to oppose the invasion threatened by
Napoleon. The identity of the unit in question
is not obvious from the engraving upon it, but
the notations can be unravelled. The letters at
the top are not 'R.V.' as suggested, but 'R.P.',
125-4 Indicating 'Royal Perthshire'. Usually for
This is the badge of the Control Commission, the time, the volunteers in Perthshire were
Germany, established to administer the occupied organised in two brigades or four battalions
territories at the end of World War II; the officers' each, the numbering in the centre indicating
badge was the same but in gilt, while the police of the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Brigade of Royal
the CCG wore a white metal badge of a crowned Perthshire Volunteers. This was the 2nd or
star with the royal cypher 'GVIR' in the centre. Belmont and North Strathmore Battalion,
From its initials the corps was nicknamed 'Charlie which had its headquarters at Blairgowrie.
Chaplin's Grenadiers'! Its offer of service was accepted by the
Philip Haythornthwaite government on 15th October 1803,which was
also the date of the officers' commissions. It
comprised four companies of 63 men each,
125-4 based at Blairgowrie, Rattray, Alyth and
I recognize two badges that someone is trying Belmont; its uniform was red with blue facings,
to identify (125-4) white breeches and gold ace for officers. The
The badge with the wreath, Star of David commanding officer was Lieut. Colonel Allan
in the middle, topped by a crown was worn by Macpherson of Blairgowrie, but, as an old
member of the British Jewish Brigade in WWII. solider whose constitution had suffered from
The badge with the wreath encircling the years of military service, he retired on health
letters CCG was worn by the occupying force grounds in November 1805 and was succeeded
members of the British Army of the Rhine in command by his deputy, Major James
(BAOR) Control Commission Germany. Rattray of Arthurstone. In 1806 the unit was
Gary Meyers absorbed into the Eastern Perthshire Local
LtCol US Marine Corps Militaria, so the badge can be dated precisely
Honolulu, HI to 1803-06.
Philip Haythornthwaite

80 Armourer Issue 127

80 Ask the Armourer.indd 80 15/12/2014 14:41

 125-5
The makers' name on the slider is difficult to read, so the
authenticity of the badge is difficult to confirm. The query
also asked for the history of the badge, which is easier to
provide. The Glider Pilot Regiment was formed in December
1941, initially as part of the Army Air Corps, and wore its
badge, but when that unit was disbanded in 1950 the Glider
Pilot Regiment adopted its own badge, as illustrated, changing
to a similar design with the 'Queen's' crown after 1952. The
regiment became part of the new Army Air Corps in 1957
and adopted the badge of the new unit.
Philip Haythornthwaite

126-3
The ammunition belt in the photograph is Belgian, used from 1915 by mounted
troops, including cyclist units. It replaced the larger bulky item previously used. I'm
not sure if “mounted” included cavalry as well as vehicular troops.
M.D.U. Heaume

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Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 81

80 Ask the Armourer.indd 81 15/12/2014 14:42

 MEDALS GALORE
Some of the Home Front WWI items on Jan Parker’s stand along with trench art.
Medals Galore at the Yate
Militaria Fair
I
n this modern technological age we
have become used to expressions such as
‘download’ and ‘online’ as we ‘surf ’ the
Internet for our wants and needs using the
computer. Indeed, it appears that there is virtually
nothing which cannot be done online including
purchasing our weekly groceries. That is all very
convenient, and even militaria collectors can
purchase items from specialist websites, all from
the comfort of their own homes.
However, many militaria collectors are
purists at heart, set in their ways, and they
prefer to get out and visit militaria fairs where
they can talk to the traders along with fellow
collectors. The Berkshire-based militaria trader
Mark Carter from Windsor is well-known
among collectors and fellow traders alike and
he organises a series of very successful Militaria
and Medal Fairs for collectors at four main
venues throughout the year. He held his last
fair for 2014 on Sunday, 30 November at the
Leisure Centre at Yate, near Chipping Sodbury,
The floor at the Yate Militaria Fair.
82 Armourer Issue 127
82 John Norris 2.indd 82
By John Norris
and very kindly invited The Armourer along to
see how things went. There were almost 150
traders on site and the event attracted a good
attendance from around the country, mostly
collectors, but also some members of the public
who were generally curious.
The range of collectables was sufficient to suit
all interests, especially for the falerists (medal
collectors). There were medals galore from most
campaigns since the late 19th century to the
present day, with deployments such as Iraq. Inert
ammunition for those interested in ballistics,
from smallarms to artillery shells, uniforms,
badges, buttons and paper ephemera, including
photographs, were all on show for established
collectors and to tempt new collectors to take up
the hobby.
Each trader knew how to show items to the
best effect to collectors and with such good
views the stalls resembled exhibits at a museum,
the only difference being that these items were
for sale. Helmets of all types were on offer,
Part of David Howell’s Royal Navy collectables.
Looking down on the stands at Yate.
such as the range shown by Terry Smith from
Bristol, who had an interesting assortment of
British, German and American types. From
Northampton Ian Foster Militaria specialised in
WWII German medals, badges and cuff titles
for units and campaigns such as ‘Kreta’. Ian
informed The Armourer that interest in these
items was very good and with such quality on
offer it is easy to understand why.
There was a lot of interest in World War I, due
to the centenary commemorations over the next
four years. For example, the ‘Dead Man’s Penny’
or Death Plaque has increased in value and an
example with research material and the trio of
medals awarded to those British troops eligible
were on offer at an average cost of £300.
David B. Howell has a family history of naval
service and he specialises in all aspects of the
Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Merchant Navy
from the Victorian period and both World Wars.
He had a good selection of badges, headdress
and photographs of very good quality.
11/12/2014 15:41

Some of the medals for sale at the Jim Bullock’s
Militaria stand.
Roger and Claire Brownson are private
collectors who had travelled down from
Bridgnorth in Shropshire to attend the fair and
participate in some trading. A regular trader
was Jim Bullock (www.jimbullockmilitaria.
com ) from Romsey in Hampshire, with over
50 years’ experience in collecting, had a fine
selection of medals ranging from the Boer
War in South Africa to WWI. Jim informed
us that his website is updated on a weekly
basis to include new items and collectors can
buy online. Jan Parker usually trades at the
premises of Old Curioddity Shop, a small
emporium-style business in Rickford, in the
Chew Valley near Bristol. She had brought
along a selection of Home Front items from
WWI including trench art. The prices for such
things are still reasonable for new collectors.
As well as attracting established businesses,
the Yate event is a venue where part-time
dealers can also trade. These dealers still
had a good selection of items on offer such
as ‘John; Militaria Collector’ (01452 489584)
who had a very good selection of helmets.
By contrast S.E. Sewell (www.sewellmedals.
co.uk) from Stowmarket had a superb array
of medals, including a Military Cross priced
at £650 and others for South Africa and the
Star of Khediv.
Another medal dealer was Berkshire-
based Simon Payne, who trades as Charlies
Medals Ltd (www.charliesmedals.co.uk) from
Bayonets on the JDR Militaria stand with the bayonet for the Dreyse ‘needle gun’
at the top of the display.
82 John Norris 2.indd 83
Range of German WWII militaria at the Ian Foster
militaria stand.
Reading. He had a wide range of campaign
medals: a set for an Irish Guard, including
Iraq (Desert Storm), UN for Kosovo and
others in the group at £550 including
documents. Charlies Medals’ website has a
page where collectors can register to receive
an online newsletter.
Although no deactivated or antique firearms
are sold at the venues organised by Mark
Carter, dealers still trade in bladed weapons,
including swords, daggers and bayonets. For
example, Dave Rogers of JDR Militaria had
an international selection of bayonets covering
a period of over 150 years. A couple of items
stood out: an unusual British Lancaster bayonet
and a saw-backed Prussian Army bayonet
dated 1871, as used on the Dreyse ‘Needle Gun’
issued for service during the Franco-Prussian
War, priced £495.
Conrad Chin-See (grenadiers@btinternet.
com) from Worcester, trading as Grenadiers
Military Antiques and Collectables, offered a
range of items which matched his business card.
Inert ammunition, books and helmets attracted
attention and the range of porcelain figures
and commemorative items from WWI made an
interesting contrast to the heavier objects such
as the mortar ammunition. Projectiles fired
by mortars are known as bombs and Conrad
had a choice of types ranging from the small
5cm bomb, used by the German Granatwerfer
GrW36, to the heavier British three- inch
Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knives and SOE crossbow darts on the World Military
Collectables stand.
MEDALS GALORE
Another view of David Howell’s Royal Navy
Collectables.
mortar bomb and even an early Stokes-type
three- inch bomb from WWI. This is an areaof
collectables which is fascinating for the intricacy
of the design and engineering skills which went
into producing the projectiles.
World Military Collectables (www.
worldmilitarycollectables.com) is another
business which has the facility for collectors to
buy items online, but those attending the event
at Yate were certainly attracted to the trade
stand. Here they were able to discuss items and
handle them before making a decision. Among
unusual objects offered for sale was a range of
Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knives as used in WWII
by Commando troops, but even more unusual
were the metal crossbow bolts (darts)as used by
Special Operations Executives (SOE) during
WWII for the purpose of silent killing. A very
scarce item was a small, delicate cardboard box
containing very fragile glass ampoules holding
different coloured liquids: the types of acids
used to initiate the detonation action for limpet
mines used by the SOE. It is incredible to think
that something so fragile has survived all these
years. The different coloured liquids were for
different time sequences and would make a fine
addition to a collection for someone interested
in the SOE.
At a venue such as Yate, with so many
different traders offering a wide and diverse
range of collectables between them, it was
inevitable that not everybody could be
Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 83
11/12/2014 15:41
 MEDALS GALORE

More headdress from both World Wars. Hand grenades and mortar bombs on Conrad Chin- Helmets of all types are a popular item to collect.
See’s ‘Grenadiers’ stand.
mentioned. For that, we hope that those not
mentioned will understand. Collectors at such
a venue are truly spoilt for choice when it
comes to making a decision and so it was for us
at The Armourer when it came to choosing who to
mention by name. We know that everyone will
understand our position and that all traders had
items of very high quality.
The Armourer would like to thank Mark Carter
and all the traders for their time and hospitality
during our visit. The next militaria fair at Yate
will be Sunday 1 February, and Mark has his
2015 dates already fixed for his other venues,
including Aldershot. The venue at Yate is
spacious and well lit with good parking facilities,
disabled access and all other amenities including
refreshments are available upstairs in the
restaurant. If anyone would like to receive a copy
of these dates they should email Mark Carter at:
markcarter@bulldoghome.com Alternatively,
Mark welcomes telephone enquiries on 01753
534777 or visit his Website at: www.milweb.net/
dealers/trader/markcarter.htm
Medal collectors may be interested to know
there is an app available to help organise
and catalogue their collection of medals
and any badges. It is free to download at:
www.androidpit.com/app/com.akhaj.falerist The delicate acid ampoules, centre of picture, on the World Military Collectables stand.

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Trade and retail welcome
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Tel: 01798 831955 Fax: 01798 839009
Bury Mill Farm, Burygate, Pulborough,
West Sussex RH20 1NN

Email: info@dropzonemilitary.com
www.phoenixmilitaria.net
www.dropzonemilitary.com

84 Armourer Issue 127

82 John Norris 2.indd 84 11/12/2014 15:41

 News and Views
We welcome letters and feedback on articles and subjects of interest to
collectors. Please post to: News and Views, Armourer, Warners Group
Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH
or email: armourer@warnersgroup.co.uk

Sole surviving WWI Gallipoli Ship to open to IWM Documents

the public in 2015 in doubt
HMS M33 Monitor, the sole surviving warship that took part in the Gallipoli campaign in August 1915, is As a regular user of the Imperial
set to open to the public on the 100th anniversary of that famous battle, after receiving a Heritage Lottery Museum Research Rooms and
Grant (HLF), of £1.75 million. Library facilities in London I was
She arrived in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in 1990 and apart from some minor restoration somewhat disturbed to discover
work in the interim has languished in Number 1 Basin’s dry dock overlooked by Nelsons flagship, HMS recently that this priceless facility
Victory. Upon arrival, and minus her triple expansion steam engines, her lower decks were flooded with may go into the commercial
a rust inhibitor and left for over a year for the chemicals to do their work. With the chemicals finally domain, so that payment will be
removed she was allowed to dry out and given a thick coat of preservative paint. required to view what are basically
In 2013 Hampshire County Council and the National Museum of the Royal Navy realised that this historic public documents, via the various
ship needed a major makeover and they applied for a lottery grant. They were successful and work has online historical agencies.
already started. The first phase of the restoration was to cocoon the ship in scaffolding followed by canvas The recent museum revamp,
sheeting to protect the workforce. costing £40 million, has left other
M33 was able to support the Allied landings by slipping into the shallow waters at Gallipoli and with her vital services within the museum
guns shelled the enemy beach head. With a crew of 75 officers and ratings condition were cramped to say with a shortfall of £4 million, and
the least, but she was fast and went on to serve the Royal Navy for many more years until being paid off. one of the options now under
Ken Rimell consideration is to privatise both the
research and library facilities and
the education departments or, even
more drastically, to dispose of the
entire collection and make existing
staff redundant.
I went to the opening of the
revamped IWM London in August
and while the improvements are
commendable they are in no way
worthy of an expenditure of £40
million, leaving other vital services
within the museum to suffer. I shall
be contacting my local Member of
Parliament to see if this decision
can be reversed.
HMS M33 Monitor shrouded in scaffolding as the HMS M33 Monitor with her dazzling paint scheme. Ken Rimell
restoration commences.

The Ratcliffe Spitfire P9503 Project

Students at Ratcliffe College Leicestershire have embarked on an
ambitious project. They hope to have a full size replica Spitfire Mk1
ready for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September
2015. Head of Art and Design, Dominic Berry together with a group
of students are making the Spitfire mainly out of wood using 3000
blueprints from the Supermarine Archive creators of the Spitfire and
provided by Paul McVittie of CAD Engineering. Among the other
companies supporting the project are Dunlop Tyres, who provided three
Spitfire tyres, Airframe Assemblies, The Spitfire Society, Homebase,
The Spitfire Aircraft Company, DAG (Defence Archeological Group),
and a bursary from Leonard Stillwell, a former Spitfire pilot, who
bequeathed a grant system via the Spitfire Society for such projects.
Building the Spitfire is teaching the students, and many parents,
skills in engineering and woodworking, all done in out of class extra
curricular hours, and many of the major components are now ready
for assembly.
The college have now decided to give their Spitfire a number, and
P9503 was adopted; this aircraft crashed into the Salisbury Plain Visits to companies associated with the restoration of Spitfires that fly
in October 1940 just allowing the pilot Paul Baillon time to take to today have also been undertaken.
his parachute and float safely down to earth. The Spitfire remained The Ratcliffe Spitfire now has a completed tail and rudder
buried until recovered by DAG (Defence Archeological Group), made assembly and most of the formers cut using plywood and according
up of modern day wounded soldiers, in September 2013. Several of to Dom Berry, there is still a great deal to do to have the aircraft
the mangled pieces were donated to the Ratcliffe team by Rosemary ready by September. Progress on the project comes via a very
Baillon, daughter of the pilot, to add to their project. Many of these well produced and informative newsletter and I think with such
bits, cleaned and straightened are now included in the Spitfires cockpit. enthusiasm they will have their dream wish to have Ratcliffes very
Trips to the RAF Museum at Hendon allowed the students to own P9503 done on time.
measure and view a real Spitfire Mk1, they also took copious pictures. Ken Rimell

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 85

85 News & Views.indd 85 15/12/2014 14:46

 Stockport Militaria Thetford`s Militaria Fair
Collectors’ Society On Sunday 11 January, Breckland Leisure Centre at Thetford, Norfolk, will be
host to the very popular Thetford Militaria Fair. Now into its fourth year, the
Club History - In 1966 a group of enthusiasts; fair has been very well received by both collectors and specialist dealers and
medal collectors, weapon collectors and military attracts visitors from many neighbouring counties. As it is conveniently situated
history enthusiasts met regularly in the Navigation only minutes off the A11, close to the Suffolk border, the fair is easily accessible
Inn on Lancashire Hill in Stockport and The from major routes. The fair is held in the light and spacious sports hall and with
Stockport and District Arms Collectors’ Society flat unloading, ample free parking and a licensed café, the location is ideal.
was formed.   The Club has flourished from then The fair opens at 10 am and closes at 2 pm. Admission is £2.50 with
on and we still have members from these early accompanied children under 16 free.
beginnings. In 1996 the Club’s title was changed This fair boasts some of the county’s leading dealers in militaria including
to Stockport Militaria Collectors’ Society D&B Militaria, the largest internationally recognised supplier of deactivated
The Club today - The Club meets on weapons and militaria throughout the UK and Europe.
the first Monday of the month (except on Bank You will find specialist dealers in Royal Flying Corps, Royal Air Force and
Holidays when it moves to the second Monday) home front items, webbing and equipment, insignia, badges, bayonets, swords,
at the Shropshire Suite, the Britannia Hotel, headwear, daggers, books, medals, badges and more, with prices to suite all
Dialstone Lane, Stockport SK2 6AG. There is a budgets.
programme of speakers which cover the interests Militaria continues to be an excellent investment, especially in the current
of most members. economic climate where many financial investments yield very little. If you
Arms, medals and militaria fairs have been have an item of militaria that you are thinking of selling or would just like to
held from the 1960’s.   Since 2010 the Society has know more about, why not bring it along to the fair? Organiser Susan Wright of
organized three Fairs per year at the Britannia Norfolk fairs will be pleased to introduce you to the most appropriate specialist.
Hotel which are very popular and well attended.   For more information and photographs from the last fair please visit the website
Dealers from all over Great Britain attend.   A www.norfolkfairs.com or telephone Susan directly on 07596 436260
substantial amount from the Fairs is donated to
military charities including the local Broughton
House for ex service personnel, S.S.A.F.A, British
Legion and others. 22-26 July
David Owen, President and Fair
Organiser 2015

British & Commonwealth

- Badges -
Cloth Insignia
Original items only
www.gnmilitaria.co.uk • geoff@gnmilitaria.co.uk

ADVERTISER'S INDEX G N Militaria............................................ 86 Morton & Eden Ltd................................. 30 Stephen Wheeler.................................... 86

Andrew Taylor........................................ 64
Arms & Armour Uk.................................. 4
Bangor Fair.............................................. 87
Bexley Medals And Militaria................. 69
Bill Friar Medals..................................... 68
Blunderbuss............................................ 64
Bob Sims Militaria.................................. 68
Bosleys............................................ 30 & 92
Bostock Militaria.................................... 62
Bradford Exchange................................ 15
Brecon Fair.............................................. 69
Bromsgrove Militaria Fair...................... 21
Bulldog Militaria..................................... 62
C&T Auctioneers & Valuers................... 17
Cairncross & Sons.................................. 62
Chelmsford Militaria Fair...................... 10
David Douglas Militaria Fairs............... 49
DBG Militaria........................................... 68
Dorset Militaria....................................... 64
Drop Zone................................................ 84
Eagle Relics............................................. 10
Extra Klasse............................................. 65
For Freedom Museum............................ 57
GHQ Militaria Fairs................................. 21
Gradia Militaria....................................... 79
Heritage Case Company........................ 79
Ian Strachan............................................ 64
Irish Militaria Fair................................... 65
Jager Medals & Militaria........................ 62
Jamie Cross.............................................. 20
Jeremy Tenniswood................................ 65
Ken Trotman............................................ 87
Klaus Butchek......................................... 45
Laidlaw Auctioneers & Valuers............ 73
Leon's Militaria....................................... 20
Lockdales................................................ 87
M & T Militaria......................................... 65
Mark Carter Militaria & Medal Fairs.... 73
Marlows Military Auctions.................... 26
Mathews Militaria.......................... 68 & 87
Mike Lapworth........................................ 87
Militaria Shows....................................... 27
Military Antiques.................................... 79
Military Mode Limited............................ 60
Military Tour............................................ 60
Minden Militaria..................................... 87
MJR Supplies........................................... 87
Mr Morris................................................. 62
Mr R Brough............................................ 61
Norfolk Fairs........................................... 60
Northern Arms Fairs.............................. 81
Officers Colours...................................... 62
Parade Antiques..................................... 36
Past Glories Militaria.............................. 87
Pdhenterprises.co.uk............................. 61
Peter Duckers......................................... 69
Peter Green............................................. 87
Peter Nichols Cabinet Makers.............. 62
Philip Burman......................................... 49
Phoenix Militaria.................................... 84
Platoon....................................................... 6
Preston Arms Fair................................... 41
Q & C Militaria......................................... 49
Regimentals............................................ 91
Richard A Underwood........................... 61
Rob Cotton Art........................................ 60
Saracen Exports (J Price)...................... 17
Scotmint Ltd............................................ 61
Shooters Rights Association................ 53
Soldier Of Fortune.................................... 2
Sovereign Fairs....................................... 69
Stockport Arms & Militaria Fair............ 53
Surrey Militaria....................................... 69
Terry Abrams.......................................... 71
The Airborne Bayonet Man................... 71
The Griffin Trust..................................... 71
The Homefront Collection..................... 36
The Lanes Armoury................................ 79
The London Medal Company................ 53
The Medal Centre................................... 53
The Militaria Dealers............................. 71
The Old Brigade...................................... 41
The War Store.......................................... 69
The Wittmann Offering........................... 79
Tiger Collectables.................................. 71
Time Militaria.......................................... 62
Treasure Bunker..................................... 44
Wallis & Wallis......................................... 35
Ware Militaria Auctions......................... 44
Waterloo Militaria................................... 49
Wilfried Drygala..................................... 87
Wolverley Militaria Fair......................... 87
WW2 Militaria......................................... 21
ZMW Militaria.......................................... 87

86 Armourer Issue 127

85 News & Views.indd 86 15/12/2014 14:49

 KEN TROTMAN LTD COLLECTOR WANTS:
PO Box 505 -anything-
Huntingdon Coldstream Guards:
Cambridgeshire Especially:
PE29 2XW • Officers paggri badge
• Boer war service dress tunic
Send for FREE catalogue containing
• Waistbelt clasp OR and WOI/II
over 2000 BOOKS on weapons, Vintage & Military
• OR’s service dress tunic WWI
militaria and military history. Timepieces,
• White buff drum carriage
Antique Guns
Tel: +44 (0) 1480 454292 (brass buttons large, medium, small)
& Militaria
Fax: +44 (0) 1480 384651
Please offer to: Wilfried Drygala,
Visit us at www.kentrotman.com Email: w.drygala@t-online.de + 44 (0)7811 327010 • zmwmilitaria.com
email: enquiries@kentrotman.com Tel: 049 421 44 53 81 • Fax: 049 421 44 53 61 ziggy@zmwmilitaria.com

For Medals & Militaria contact BRITISH ARMY INSIGNIA WOLVERLEY

East Anglia’s Premier Dealer
& Auctioneers of Collectables
Our next auction is being held on
SATURDAY 24TH AND SUNDAY 25TH JANUARY
at 52 Barrack Square, Martlesham Heath,
Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RF
Coins, Weapons, Militaria and Collectables
Live online bidding available www.the-saleroom.com
To order a catalogue please contact Lockdales
Call 01473 627110 or email sales@lockdales.com
View the catalogue free at www.lockdales.com
Most comprehensive
range of current British
Army Insignia from
50’s to the present day, including over
450 cloth TRFs and Formation Signs and
over 150 obsolete anodised cap badges
www.british-military-badges.co.uk
Plus Officer Metal and Embroidered
Cap badges. Guards RSM ranks,
Wings and most WO’s Arm badges.
MIKE LAPWORTH
mike.lapworth@gmail.com
26 Southdown Road, Bristol, BS9 3NL
MILITARIA FAIRS
Wolverley Memorial Hall, Wolverley, nr. Kidderminster,
DY11 5TN (2 miles north of Kidderminster off the A449)
11th January 2015
Future dates: 15th Feb, 15th Mar, 19th Apr,
17th May, 6th Sep, 18th Oct, 15th Nov and 13th Dec
9am - 1.30pm.
Admission £1.00
FREE VALUATIONS ON ALL MILITARY ITEMS
WE ALSO BUY
Phone: 01562 851489 / 07816 853878

MATTHEWS
MILITARIA
P.O. BOX 4401 WORTHING BN11 5WG ROD FLOOD German WW1 and WW2
FOR FREE 16 PAGES LIST SEND A FULL Cap badges, Helmet plates, Titles, Militaria at sensible prices.
A4 SIZE, S.A.E. WITH LARGE LETTER STAMP Collars, Cloth insignia and the Headdress
of Britain and the Commonwealth.
All items guaranteed original,
BRITISH AND FOREIGN CAP BADGES layaway scheme available.
All items original.
Huge stock list of mainly Gaunts,
PO Box 211, Hedge End, Similar items always wanted.
Firmins, Marples Beasley, etc
Constantly changing list also includes Southampton, SO30 0GA UK
+44 (0)7831 178007
Police, Colonial, Naval, R.A.F, Cloth. Tel: +44(0)1489 782896 PO BOX 75, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7WF
GUARANTEED SATISFACTION Email: rodflood.23@virgin.net steve@pastgloriesmilitaria.com
OR IMMEDIATE REFUND www.mindenmilitaria.com www.pastgloriesmilitaria.com

BANGOR COLLECTORS
& MILITARIA FAIRS
Medals, Badges, Antique Guns, Swords, Tie-Tac’s,
MJR SUPPLIES TAPESANDPOLISHES.COM

“Providing Antique Restoration Supplies

Postcards, Stamps, Books, Toys, Military Uniforms,
Coins, Bric-a-Brac & Many Many Other Small
Collectables & Memorabilia.
First Bangor Presbyterian Church Halls,
Main Street, Bangor, N. Ireland. (Opposite Asda)
Saturday 14th February
FUTURE DATE: 11th April, 13th June
First Presbyterian Church Bangor Halls, Main Street, Bangor
A GREAT DAY OUT.
Email: cmartin123@btinternet.com
BRITISH MILITARY
to professionals & collectors alike”
Specialist suppliers of repair and
restoration materials for antiques, coins, medals,
books, ephemera & all types of collectables
Fast reliable worldwide mail order service
www.care4antiques.com
Email: martin@tapesandpolishes.com
Tel: 01782 822986
BADGES
All types from Waterloo to today’s
amalgamations. Shako Plates,
Glengarries, Cap, Police, Gurkha etc.
Send SAE for extensive list to
Manufacturer and Supplier.
P. Green
35 Old Silk Mill, Brook Street,
Tring HP23 5EF
Email: P_R_Green@hotmail.com

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 87

p87_ARMJanFeb15.indd 87 11/12/2014 13:01

 Collectors Corner
COLLECTORS CORNER is now free! There is no catch, you can sell, seek or swap absolutely free. Please send your completed form to:
The Armourer Collectors Corner, Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH
TO PLACE A COLLECTORS ADVERT: Your advert must consist of no more than 50 words (including contact address and tel. number). Please write the copy
clearly on the form below and provide a contact telephone no. where you can be reached in case of any query. Warners Group Publications does not guarantee
the validity of any articles sold in this section - any transactions are carried out solely at the reader’s discretion.
FOR SALE
V/SCARCE PANZER 25. AWARD, Gustav Brehmer,
excellent £800. Ironcross 1st class owner Otto Blause,
history with photo £280. Pilots Observers Badge,
junker £500. 1933 S.A.Daggers army with hangers,
luft with chains. Luft Flak excellent £195 many
other items. Age Forces sales photolist £5. Tel: 0117
9499866 Bristol.
PAIR USA NAVY INTERCOM sonar headphones and
breast bone mics! Cable stamped simplex 1944 used
on subs, destroyers, cruiser etc. Offers please, callers
welcome! Tel: 01638 751936 Suffolk.
MARTINI HENRY INFANTRY RIFLE, short lever, in
excellent condition gwo issue leather sling £850ono.
Collected from South Yorkshire. Also lovely Wilkinson
sword bayonet and scabbard with frog £180ono. Ring
for full details. Tel: 07971 223 707 S.Yorkshire.
POLICE MEMORABILIA, buy and sell for free list, ring
Barton Militaria 01652 633413.
GERMAN THIRD REICH WW2 Kriegsmarine Reich
war flag complete with rope loops attached and well
marked Reichskriegs flg 0.8 x 135 strongly stitched
few small minor holes. £425. Tel: 07984 372528 Kent.
WEBLEY SENIOR AIR PISTOL, original box, component
and price lists etc. Very good/fine condition. Batch
number 1759 early 1960’s, offers please. Contact:
01295 720998 or mobile 07939 574660 Oxfordshire.
Inert large calibre cartridges sale. German U-Boat
88mm deck gun round, brass 1936 cartridge, 1941
H.E. Proj: Russian 115mm steel cartridge case for T72
Tank. German 88mm Tiger Tank H.E. round. German
75mm Mountain Gun round. WW1.1Pdr. Anti-Aircraft
round. Superb condition. British Artillery Range
TO PLACE A COLLECTORS ADVERT: Your ad must consist of no more than 50 words (including contact address and tel. number).
Please write the copy clearly on the form below and provide a contact telephone no. where you can be reached in case of any query.
Name
Address
88 Armourer Issue 127
88 Collectors corner.indd 88
Finder in original box, Ross, London, AA Mk.3 1940,
with accessories, spare lenses, etc; with tripod. Good
optics. £290. Jap. WW2 Naval peaked soft hat (khaki),
superb, £90. Jap. WW2 Army steel helmet, good
original liner, owner signed, superb, £675. German felt
Pickelhaube, nice condition, £275.Tel. 01226 763238.
WW1 3INCH, 4INCH, 6INCH TRENCH MORTAR BOMBS;
1.5 and 2inch THB’s totally inert. Large Aerial bomb
back half, 40 inch long, 15 inch diameter, 14 inch fins,
1000 pounder? Baby’s gas mask. British Army water
canteen LS Mk lV 1896-1901. Russian submarine
clock 8.5 inch diameter, brass. Tel: 01226 763238.
“MOLDERS UND SEINE MANNER” (Molders and
his Men). By Fritz Von Forell. Profile of Luftwaffe
Ace Werner Molders. First Edition. 1941. £28 Post
Free. “Mit Bomben und MG’s Uber Polen” (with
bombs and machine guns over Poland) by Josef
Grabler. Luftwaffe War Correspondents view of the
Polish Campaign. First edition 1940. £28 Post Free.
“Bestimmungen Fur Die Gelande-Ubungen Des
Pionier-Bataillons 29 IM Juni-Juli 1937”. Rules and
regs. For Field Exercise, Pioneer-Battalion 29 1937.
Contains a wealth of information. Itineries, equipment
carried, officers names. Well worthy of research. £18
Post Free. Tel: 07892 712799.
TOWER PERCUSSION CARBINE 1861 Patt.Sling,
superb condition, good bore and working order,
marked to Australian (NSW) Militia. Bargain
£825ono. Buyer collects from South Yorkshire. Tel:
07971 223707.
WAR COLLECTION, l, ll FS 057216242 Belgie – leper,
Allsa FE. Tel: 057 216242.
MYFORD ML7 LATHE. 3 and 4 Jaw Chucks. Tail Stock
Chuck. Face Plate. Collect Set. Fixed Steady. Stand.
Telephone
Suds Tray. £875. Myford Virtical Slide £120. Tel: 01524
858511 Lancaster.
WW2 GERMAN MOUNTAIN SOLDERS, Ice pick with
movable ring with tough webbing wrist strap. Ring
missing, this one is the longer pick, makers mark
is Churret Chamonix £120 plus pp. Fine Condition.
Contact: Mr Clover, 18 Bedford Rd, Holland on Sea,
Essex CO15 5LH. Tel: 01255 812148 Essex.
05/798 GA OPTICAL MILITARY RANGEFINDER
No.12 Mk7 1941 type FT 37, Number 6190 250 to
20,000 yds with case, regret no stand, say £150. Tel:
01785 760017.
WANTED
ANY MADE OR UNMADE PLASTIC MODEL KITS wanted.
Also diecast, armour, afv, military vehicles, corgi, etc,
also any osprey, squadron signal, after the battle
books. Write 27a the grove, biggin hill, kent tn16 3ta.
Tel: 07973 885754.
BULLET LINKING MACHINE for 50 cal rounds to insert
bullets into links, all services, had them during war,
want for use in museum with 50 cal belts for show,
also army wd watch with crows foot. Tel: 077209
57411 Co.Antrim.
WW2 LUFTWAFFE 30MM. MK 101/MK 103 cannon
shell. 30mm MK 108 alternatively 25mm Hotchkiss
or 20mm Madsen (required for exhibition on Luftwaffe
crashes in Eire). Tel: 00353 1 8255813 Ireland.
STOLEN ITEMS
DEACTIVATED GUNS STOLEN 2011 – seeking
help. SKS P621407 S.M.L.E. 8836A Mauser K98
4153a PPsH – 41 950 MI Garand 5563559 AKMS
A184538 Contact Shiggins1966@gmail.com
Tel: 07523 354880. ✃
ARMOURER
the
militaria magazine
Photocopies will be accepted
11/12/2014 16:03
 ARMS FAIR & EVENTS DIARY
AUCTIONS MILITARY FAIRS T: 07980 608211
6 January 4 January E: fairs@RZMilitaria.com
Wallis & Wallis Chelmsford Militaria Fair W: www.RZMilitaria.com
West Street Auction Galleries, Lewes, Marconi Social Club, Beehive Lane, 25 January
Sussex BN7 2NJ Chelmsford, Essex Stoneleigh Militaria
T: 01273 480208 F: 01273 476562 T: James 07595 511981 The Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh Park,
E: auctions@wallisandwallis.org E: james@chelmsfordmilitaria.com Coventry CV8 2LZ
W: www.wallisandwallis.org Sundays 11th JANUARY & 15th MARCH T: 01743 762266 F: 01743 762277
24 and 25 January LIVERPOOL ANTIQUE ARMS, MEDAL & W: www.militariashows.com
Lockdales MILITARIA FAIR 1st February
52 Barrack Sq, Martlesham Heath, Village Hotel Whiston L35 1RZ The Medal Centre, Wakefield Medal Fair
Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 3RF Tel: 01423 780759 or 07889 799896 Outwood Memorial Hall, Victoria St, off Leeds Rd,
T: 01473 627110 E: sales@lockdales.com or www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk Outwood, nr. Wakefield, W.Yorkshire WF1 2NE
W: www.lockdales.com Sundays 18th JANUARY & 8th MARCH T: 01434 609794 M: 07950 421704
28 January NEWARK ANTIQUE ARMS, MEDAL & W: www.themedalcentre.co.uk
Ware Militaria Auctions MILITARIA FAIR 1 February
Hertford Heath Village Hall, London Rd, Cedric Ford Pavilion Mark Carter Militaria & Medal Fairs
Hertford Heath, Herts SG13 7RH NEWARK SHOWGROUND NG24 2NY Yate Leisure Centre, Kennedy Way,
T: 01920 871383 M: 07747 860746 Tel: 01423 780759 or 07889 799896 Yate, nr. Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 4DQ
E: martin@wmauk.com or www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk T: 01753 534777
W: www.wmauk.com Saturdays 31st JANUARY & 18th APRIL E:markgcarter@bulldoghome.com
28 January BOLTON ARMS, MEDAL & MILITARIA FAIR W:www.milweb.net/dealers/trader/markcarter.htm
Bosleys Horwich Leisure Centre, Bolton BL6 5PY 8th February
The Old Royal Military College, Remnantz, Tel: 01423 780759 or 07889 799896 or Arms & Armour UK
Marlow, Bucks SL7 2BS www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk The Bedford Militaria Fair
T: 01628 488188 W. www.bosleys.co.uk Sundays 8th FEBRUARY & 29th MARCH Stantonbury Campus, Milton Keynes, MK14 6BN
4 February GIANT LEEDS ANTIQUE ARMS, MEDAL & T: 01832 274050
C & T Auctioneers & Valuers MILITARIA FAIR E: info@arms-and-armour-uk.com
The Spa Hotel (York suite) Mount Ephriam, Pudsey Civic Hall, Leeds LS28 5TA 8 February
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8XJ Tel:01423 780759 or 07889 799896 Chatham Militaria Fair
T: 01634 292042 or www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent. ME4 4TZ
E: enquiries@candtauctions.co.uk 11 January T: James 07595 511981
W: www.candtauctions.co.uk Norfolk Fairs – Militaria Fair E: james@chathammilitariafairs.co.uk
10 February Breckland Leisure Centre, Croxton Road, 8 February
Wallis & Wallis Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1JD GHQ Fairs
West Street Auction Galleries, Lewes, T: 07596 436260 The Maltings, off Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey
Sussex BN7 2NJ E: norfolkfairs@aol.com GU9 7QR
T: 01273 480208 F: 01273 476562 W: www.norfolkfairs.com T: 07919 455799 W: www.ghq.uk.com
E: auctions@wallisandwallis.org 11 January 14 February
W: www.wallisandwallis.org Chatham Militaria Fair Bangor Collectors & Militaria Fairs
12 February The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, First Bangor Presbyterian Church Halls, Main
Marlow’s Military Auctions Kent. ME4 4TZ Street, Bangor, N.Ireland (opp.Asda)
The Stone House Hotel, Stone, Staffs T: James 07595 511981 E: cmartin123@btinternet.com
T: 07789 628030 E: james@chathammilitariafairs.co.uk 15 February
E: info@marlowsauctions.co.uk 11 January Militaria Collectors Swap Shop & Fair
W: www.marlowsauctions.co.uk Sovereign Arms Fair Brecon Town Indoor Market Hall.
17 March Watford Arms, Militaria & Medal Fair, T: Roy 01639 722479 / Jon 01874 658342
Wallis & Wallis The Bushey Arena, London Rd, Bushey, 15 February
West Street Auction Galleries, Lewes, Hertfordshire WD23 3AA Bromley Military Collectors Fair
Sussex BN7 2NJ T: 01438 811657 E: SovereignFairs@aol.com Civic Centre, Kentish Way, Bromley,
T: 01273 480208 F: 01273 476562 W: www.sovereignfairs.com Kent BR1 3UH
E: auctions@wallisandwallis.org 11 January 15 February
W: www.wallisandwallis.org Wolverley Militaria Fairs Chelmsford Militaria Fair
1 April Wolverley Memorial Hall, Wolverley, nr. Marconi Social Club, Beehive Lane,
Ware Militaria Auctions Kidderminster, DY11 5TN Chelmsford, Essex
Hertford Heath Village Hall, London Rd, Hertford T: 01562 851489 M: 07816 853878 T: James 07595 511981
Heath, Herts SG13 7RH 17 January E: james@chelmsfordmilitaria.com
T: 01920 871383 Stockport Antique Arms 15 February
M: 07747 860746 E: martin@wmauk.com Armour, Medals & Militaria Fair Britannia Hotel, Wolverley Militaria Fairs
W: www.wmauk.com Dialstone Lane, Offerton, Stockport SK2 6AG Wolverley Memorial Hall, Wolverley, nr.
28 & 29 April T: 0161 624 6211 or 07966 276 033 Kidderminster, DY11 5TN
Wallis & Wallis E: davidowensmcs@ymail.com T: 01562 851489
West Street Auction Galleries, Lewes, W: www.stockportmilitaria.org M: 07816 853878
Sussex BN7 2NJ 18 January 21 February
T: 01273 480208 F: 01273 476562 Hildenborough Militaria Fair Militaria & Collectables Fairs
E: auctions@wallisandwallis.org Village Hall, Riding Lane, off B245 Tonbridge Rd, North Star Hotel, Amien St, Dublin 1
W: www.wallisandwallis.org Hildenborough, Kent TN11 9HY T: 00 353 861602228
9 June T: 01322 523531 22 February
Wallis & Wallis W: www.bexleymedalsandmilitaria.co.uk Preston Arms & Militaria Fair
West Street Auction Galleries, Lewes, 18 January Samlesbury Canberra Club, Myerscough Rd,
Sussex BN7 2NJ Bromsgrove Militaria Balderstone, Nr. Blackburn, Lancs BB2 7LF
T: 01273 480208 F: 01273 476562 Medal and Arms Collectors Fair, Spadesbourne T: 01254 263260
E: auctions@wallisandwallis.org Suite, (The Council House) Burcot Lane, M: 07884 284390
W: www.wallisandwallis.org Bromsgrove B60 1AA W: www.prestonarmsfair.co.uk

Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 89

89 Events Index.indd 89 15/12/2014 14:53

 22nd February T: 01668 215574 M: 07796 758974
The International Birmingham Arms Fair E: david.douglas500@btinternet.com
Antique Arms & Militaria Exhibitions, W: www.daviddouglasmilitariafairs.co.uk STOCKPORT MILITARIA COLLECTORS
PO Box 194, Warwick CV34 5ZG 22 March SOCIETY WHY NOT COME & JOIN US?
T: 07710 274452 Sovereign Arms Fair We meet the first Monday of each month
W: www.birminghamarmsfair.com Watford Arms, Militaria & Medal Fair, at 7.45 pm
22 February The Bushey Arena, London Rd, Bushey, At the Britannia Hotel, Dialstone Lane,
Hildenborough Militaria Fair Hertfordshire WD23 3AA Stockport SK2 6AG
Village Hall, Riding Lane, T: 01438 811657 E: SovereignFairs@aol.com 0161 930 1000
off B245 Tonbridge Rd, Hildenborough, W: www.sovereignfairs.com ENQUIRIES 01709 557622
Kent TN11 9HY 9 May Website www.stockportmilitaria.org
T: 01322 523531 Stockport Antique Arms
W: www.bexleymedalsandmilitaria.co.uk Armour, Medals & Militaria Fair Britannia Hotel, GUEST SPEAKER AND EVENT
1 March Dialstone Lane, Offerton, Stockport SK2 6AG PROGRAMME 2015
Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal and Arms T: 0161 624 6211 or 07966 276 033 MONDAY 5th January
Collectors Fair E: davidowensmcs@ymail.com Free and Easy Meeting
Spadesbourne Suite, (The Council House) Burcot W: www.stockportmilitaria.org SATURDAY 17th January
Lane, Bromsgrove B60 1AA 10th May Stockport Arms Armour and Militaria Fair.
T: 07980 608211 E: fairs@RZMilitaria.com Arms & Armour UK MONDAY 2nd February
W: www.RZMilitaria.com The Bedford Militaria Fair, Stantonbury Campus, David Hill. The 7th Cheshire Macclesfield
1 March Milton Keynes, MK14 6BN Battalion.
GHQ Fairs T: 01832 274050 MONDAY 2nd March
The Maltings, off Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey E: info@arms-and-armour-uk.com Free and Easy Meeting
GU9 7QR 21 June MONDAY 13th April
T: 07919 455799 W: www.ghq.uk.com The International Birmingham Arms Fair Martin Purdey ‘The Gallipoli Oak’
1 March Antique Arms & Militaria Exhibitions, PO Box 194, SATURDAY 9th May
Preston Arms & Militaria Fair Warwick CV34 5ZG Stockport Arms and Militaria Fair
Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard, Chorley, T: 07710 274452 MONDAY 11th May
Nr.Preston, Lancashire PR7 5LP W: www.birminghamarmsfair.com Desmond Rochford
T: 01254 263260 M: 07884 284 390 13 September The Battle of Crete – 1941
W: www.prestonarmsfair.co.uk The International Birmingham Arms Fair MONDAY 1st June
1st March Antique Arms & Militaria Exhibitions, PO Box 194, Clifford Mansfield. ‘Small Boat Actions in
The Medal Centre Warwick CV34 5ZG the Napoleonic War’
Wakefield Medal Fair, Outwood Memorial Hall, T: 07710 274452 MONDAY 6th July
Victoria St, off Leeds Rd, Outwood, nr. Wakefield, W: www.birminghamarmsfair.com David King. ‘The Admiralty Regrets’ – HMS
W.Yorkshire WF1 2NE 8th November Thetis.
T: 01434 609794 M: 07950 421704 Arms & Armour UK MONDAY 3rd August
W: www.themedalcentre.co.uk The Bedford Militaria Fair, Stantonbury Campus, Lloyd Powell ‘Hannibal and the Battle of
15 March Milton Keynes, MK14 6BN Cannae’
Militaria & Aviation Fair T: 01832 274050 MONDAY 7th September
Vauxhall Motors Sports & Social Club, E: info@arms-and-armour-uk.com Free and Easy Meeting
Rivacre Rd, Ellesmere Port, Wirral, EUROPE AND ABROAD SATURDAY 3rd October
Cheshire CH66 1NJ (Jct 5 and 53) Forthcoming Auction in January 2015 Stockport Arms Armour and Militaria Fair
T: 0151 327 4701 M: 07745 873491 Ratisbon’s MONDAY 5th October
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Wolverley Militaria Fairs T: + 49 941 46 700 16 MONDAY 2nd November
Wolverley Memorial Hall, Wolverley, E: info@ratisbons.com Free and Easy Meeting
nr. Kidderminster, DY11 5TN W: www.ratisbons.com MONDAY 7th December
T: 01562 851489 M: 07816 853878 Tony McMylor our Chairman, Auctioneer,
22 March Magician And Resident Comedian’s
David Douglas Militaria Fairs
Highlight your entry for Christmas Military Quiz
The Community Centre, Bowburn Village, £30 plus VAT call Scott on
Durham DH65AT 01778 395002

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militaria magazine January/February 2015

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bevm@warnersgroup.co.uk • Tel: 01778 392055 Published every two months Territorials lining the
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The Armourer

Annual subscription
ISSUE 127 January/February

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time
of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor the publisher accept responsibility
2015

for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can
give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances.Whilst every care has been taken to compile current valuations, the publishers cannot (6 issues): UK £23 PLUS Great War Russian Rifles

accept liability for loss, financial or otherwise, incurred by reliance placed on the information herein. Quoted prices are indicative and are for illustrative purposes
and Bayonets ■ Medals
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only. Always seek expert advice with regard to valuations.

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cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will however investigate any written complaints.

90 Armourer Issue 126

89 Events Index.indd 90 15/12/2014 15:06

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