orders, decorations, campaign medals and militaria - Spink

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Southby-Tailyour and Johnston safely navigated the first hour of the trip, mainly using the middle of the river for depth reasons, when ‘suddenly, we hit solid ground. The craft slewed against the tide, which, though rising, was also pushing us harder aground. There had been no warning, no unexplained ripples on the surface of the otherwise flat waters. The undeniable sound and feel of a steel ship grinding harder into solid rocks and shifting stones quivered through the deck. Colour Sergeant Johnston slammed both engines into reverse - a process with a ‘V’ drive, which takes precious seconds to engage. The slope was too gentle, which meant that, although any damage would be minimal, we would have travelled some way across and up the shoal. Astern of us Colour Sergeant Davies had seen the gap between our two stern lights suddenly widen and guessed what had happened. Without altering course he slowed down and brought his bows close to our transom. His crew, waiting for just such an event, and without orders, passed two warps, crossed over, one for each of our quarters. As soon as turns had been taken around the Staghorns Tango One backed away against the flood stream. Both craft set their engines to full astern and with the same, but psychologically more satisfying noise, we slid off into deep water. The lines were slipped; I plotted the position of the shoal, judged which side lay the deepest water and the convoy set off again at slightly reduced speed. The teasing between myself and my cox’n took on a different note. Relief on my part and a smile on his. “Like to change places, boss? We need younger eyes for this sort of thing!” I reminded him that the safety of the vessel was his responsibilty; I was merely a ‘local pilot’ in an advisory capacity!’ The rest of the first trip to pick up 42 Commando passed without incident; in total Johnston had to do four passages in these tricky waters, mainly navigating by instinct alone, ‘almost exactly at high water we disembarked the second wave at Port San Carlos while Brian Johnston poured us all a well-earned tot... however, the new day was not yet over; the offloading rota was short of two LCUs so we returned to San Carlos Waters at best speed.’ Daylight and Dangerous Waters The fleet were subject to almost continual air-attack, and on the 25th, ‘during the day there were a number of air raids. I watched one from the bridge of an LCU while it unloaded cargo across Bonners Bay jetty and recorded seeing a pilot eject over H.M.S. Fearless. He landed in the water alongside the ship and was rescued by Colour Sergeant Johnston. He had a badly torn knee but was otherwise in fair shape.’ Having successfully landed 3 Commando Brigade, the LCUs were once again heavily occupied with the arrival of the Army’s 5th Infantry Brigade (consisting of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, 1/7th Gurkha Rifles, along with equipment and support units) in the first week of June; whilst the Scots Guards were succesfully landed at Bluff Cove, confusion over orders delayed the landing of the Welsh Guards; with the result that only half the battalion were landed by Foxtrot One and Foxtrot Four at Bluff Cove; on the 7th June, six out of eight available LCUs (including Johnston’s) were employed unloading the LSL Sir Tristram at Fitzroy, ‘as sunset grew nearer I made my way back to ‘clock in’ with the Army headquarters to discover that at dusk we were due to lose the four Intrepid LCUs, leaving us to rejuggle the offload priorities, procedures and timings... We knew we could not complete the task that night, but if we orders, deCoratioNs, CampaigN medaLs aNd miLitaria WWW.spiNK.Com worked fast, I suggested, she might, just might, be ready to sail the following night. During this conversation it was suggested that we send one of the two LCUs to Darwin to collect the Brigade radio vehicles so urgently needed [5th Brigade forward positions had no radio contact]. While the collection of the radios was vital for 5 Brigade, there were distinct disadvantages in transporting them by LCU. On the other hand there were two other ways of getting the vehicles to Fitzroy - overland or slung beneath a Sea King. These, though, were also fraught with difficulties, not least of which was the average speed over the peat at that time of year and the lack of helicopters.... Now that we had lost Intrepid’s four we needed both the remaining LCUs, working flat out, to ensure that Sir Tristram was unloaded in time for her return journey to San Carlos after dark. Secondly, as we could not tell the garrison at Darwin that the LCU would be on its way, I was hesitant to risk it when I knew that the Gurkhas had orders to destroy anything that moved up Choiseul Sound..... Thirdly, if I did send a LCU it would not be available until the next night as Gurkhas or no Gurkhas, it was clearly a target for Pucara over the Sound by day.... I was being cautious, but also trying to ensure that the LSL was given the first priority.... The unloading of the LSL and the safety of the LCU were, rightly or wrongly, uppermost in my mind at that stage.... During a brief discussion with Colour Sergeant Johnston he helped me with my decision by stating: “LCUs have been shot up by the Royal Navy on both flanks [he had been challenged twice when on a run back from Teal Inlet] and I would rather not face the Gurkhas. My luck may not last.” These were to be tragically prophetic words.’ In the early hours of the 8th June, Southby-Tailyour was ‘woken by Barnie Rolfe-Smith to tell me that MV Monsunen has returned from GG and has comms with the RN and is prepared to escort Foxtrot Four up Choiseul Sound so I have now ordered Colour Sergeant Johnston to sail but to make absolutely certain that he remains in comms with Monsunen in whatever way he and they deem fit to ensure that the Gurkhas know they are transiting the Sound. Told him that under no circumstances is he to sail back until dark tonight regardless of who orders him to do so.’ On the evening of the fateful day that Southby-Tailyour witnessed the air-attack on Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram he received news about Foxtrot Four - ‘2000. “F4 reported sinking - 6 wounded 11 dead or missing.” A cool army signaller had managed to get a message through while his Land Rover remained chained to the sinking LCU.’ Southby-Tailyour immediately sent out Foxtrot One to look for survivors, ‘my thoughts, though, were for Colour Sergeant Johnston and his men. “Who the hell ordered F4 to sail back in daylight down Choiseul Sound I would like to know.” ‘I do know now. Colour Sergeant Johnston, having loaded his craft, turned to the senior passenger and said: “Bugger the orders. The Brigade needs these vehicles forward now. We’ll sail.” He was a brave man who was to be awarded, posthumously, the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.’ Returning from Goose Green Foxtrot Four had been attacked by four Argentinian aircraft, three of these aircraft were eventually shot down. Johnston and his crew are commemorated on the memorial at San Carlos, there is also a memorial to the crew of Foxtrot Four on Lively Island.
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN CAMPAIGN GROUPS AND PAIRS 27 x27 Three: Sergeant C. Maxen, King’s German Legion Military General Service 1793-1814, nine clasps, Talavera, Busaco, Fuentes d’Onor, Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, Vittoria, St. Sebastian, Nivelle, Nive (Charles Maxen, Serjt. 5th. Line Bn. K.G.L.); Waterloo 1815 (Serj. Charles Maxen. 5th Line Batt. K.G.L.), with contemporary silver clip and original split ring suspension; Germany, Hanover, King’s German Legion Volunteer Medal, bronze, unnamed as issued, some contact marks to the Waterloo medal, otherwise generally very fine (3) £3,800-4,200 Sergeant Charles Maxen, born Gottingen, Hanover; served with the King’s German Legion in the Peninsula, and in the 7th Company, 5th Line Battalion, K.G.L. during the Waterloo Campaign, 16-18.6.1815; discharged 1815. PROVENANCE: Glendining, May 1909 Glendining, 1919 Seaby, 1976 41
Page 1 and 2: 22 NOVEMBER 2012 LONDON ORDERS, DEC
Page 3 and 4: ORDERS, DECORATIONS, CAMPAIGN MEDAL
Page 5 and 6: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN THURSDAY
Page 7 and 8: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 2 5
Page 9 and 10: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Brigadie
Page 11 and 12: ‘A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush
Page 13 and 14: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 6 11
Page 15 and 16: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 8 The C.
Page 17 and 18: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 10 10 Th
Page 19 and 20: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Kearns (
Page 21 and 22: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 11 A Sup
Page 23 and 24: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Kennett,
Page 25 and 26: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 12 12 Th
Page 27 and 28: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 14 The G
Page 29 and 30: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 16 Famil
Page 31 and 32: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Captain
Page 33 and 34: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 19 The B
Page 35 and 36: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN x22 Dist
Page 37 and 38: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Warrant
Page 39 and 40: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 26 The U
Page 41: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN us tense
Page 45 and 46: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 30 31 30
Page 47 and 48: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 35 35 Pa
Page 49 and 50: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 37 39 37
Page 51 and 52: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 42 Three
Page 53 and 54: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 45 An I.
Page 55 and 56: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN action)
Page 57 and 58: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 54 A Fin
Page 59 and 60: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 56 56 Fo
Page 61 and 62: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 61 Three
Page 63 and 64: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 67 The S
Page 65 and 66: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Sergeant
Page 67 and 68: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 72 Bethn
Page 69 and 70: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 76 Loyal
Page 71 and 72: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 80 Royal
Page 73 and 74: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 84 Bury
Page 75 and 76: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 87 22nd
Page 77 and 78: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 91 Dewsb
Page 79 and 80: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 95 (Loya
Page 81 and 82: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 99 37th
Page 83 and 84: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 102 Irvi
Page 85 and 86: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 106 Loch
Page 87 and 88: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 110 Monm
Page 89 and 90: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 114 5th
Page 91 and 92: November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 118 Oxfo
Page 93 and 94:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 121 Sadl
Page 95 and 96:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 125 Loya
Page 97 and 98:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 129 Towe
Page 99 and 100:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 133 West
Page 101 and 102:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 136 Worl
Page 103 and 104:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 140 23rd
Page 105 and 106:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 144 Red
Page 107 and 108:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 148 149
Page 109 and 110:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 152 Nava
Page 111 and 112:
Page 113 and 114:
Page 115 and 116:
Page 117 and 118:
Page 119 and 120:
Page 121 and 122:
Page 123 and 124:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 177 Mili
Page 125 and 126:
Page 127 and 128:
Page 129 and 130:
Page 131 and 132:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN x191 Ale
Page 133 and 134:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 195 Alex
Page 135 and 136:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 199 x199
Page 137 and 138:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN x202 Hon
Page 139 and 140:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 206 Army
Page 141 and 142:
Page 143 and 144:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 213 Matt
Page 145 and 146:
Page 147 and 148:
Page 149 and 150:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 229 Chin
Page 151 and 152:
Page 153 and 154:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 246 Crim
Page 155 and 156:
Page 157 and 158:
Page 159 and 160:
Page 161 and 162:
Page 163 and 164:
Page 165 and 166:
Page 167 and 168:
Page 169 and 170:
Page 171 and 172:
Page 173 and 174:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 324 Quee
Page 175 and 176:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 341 Indi
Page 177 and 178:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 354 Arct
Page 179 and 180:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN MILITARI
Page 181 and 182:
Page 183 and 184:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 369 Mini
Page 185 and 186:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 389 Mini
Page 188 and 189:
396 Honours and Awards Bestowed upo
Page 190 and 191:
402 orders, deCoratioNs, CampaigN m
Page 192 and 193:
408 x408 Germany, Brunswick, Waterl
Page 194 and 195:
orders, deCoratioNs, CampaigN medaL
Page 196:
orders, deCoratioNs, CampaigN medaL
Page 199 and 200:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN x431 Rus
Page 201 and 202:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN x435 Vat
Page 203 and 204:
Page 205 and 206:
439
Page 207 and 208:
Page 209 and 210:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN and in t
Page 211 and 212:
Page 213 and 214:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 443 Majo
Page 215 and 216:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 444 A Su
Page 217 and 218:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN days, de
Page 219 and 220:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Erchin.
Page 221 and 222:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN and dive
Page 223 and 224:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN crash to
Page 225 and 226:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Captain
Page 227 and 228:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN ground a
Page 229 and 230:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN refers);
Page 231 and 232:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 451 Capt
Page 233 and 234:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 454 Capt
Page 235 and 236:
457
Page 237 and 238:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Group Ca
Page 239 and 240:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 464 Thre
Page 241 and 242:
Page 243 and 244:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 469 Lieu
Page 245 and 246:
Page 247 and 248:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Lieutena
Page 249 and 250:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Lieutena
Page 251 and 252:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 484 Pair
Page 253 and 254:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 489 Thre
Page 255 and 256:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Captain
Page 257 and 258:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN 495 Grea
Page 259:
November 22, 2012 - LoNdoN Auction
Page 262 and 263:
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IN BLOCK LETTE
Page 264 and 265:
Lot Price 195 £1,200 196 £580 197
Page 266:
SPINK “ON THE GO” TECHNOLOGY Sp
Page 270 and 271:
5 auctions per year in our new gall
Page 272 and 273:
4.3 Bidding as Principal When makin
Page 274 and 275:
5.13.1.3 as soon as possible follow
Page 276:
£25 © Copyright 2012 STAMPS COINS
show all

orders, decorations, campaign medals and militaria - Spink

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?