The Gallantry Gazette JULY 2018 The magazine for collectors Issue 19

MAJOR GENERAL HENRY ROBERT BOWREMAN FOOTE VC, CB, DSO (1904-1993) The London Gazette War Office, 18th May, 1944. attempt to encircle two of our Divisions. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award On 13th June, when ordered to delay the enemy tanks so that the Guards of the VICTORIA CROSS to:- Brigade could be withdrawn from the Knightsbridge escarpment and when Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Henry Robert Bowreman Foote, the first wave of our tanks had been destroyed, Lieutenant-Colonel Foote D.S.O. (31938), Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (Edgbaston, re-organised the remaining tanks, going on foot from one tank to another to Birmingham). encourage the crews under intense artillery and anti-tank fire. For outstanding gallantry during the period 27th May to 15th June 1942. As it was of vital importance that his Battalion should not give ground, Lieutenant-Colonel Foote placed his tank, which he had then entered, in front of On the 6th June, Lieutenant-Colonel Foote led his Battalion, which had been the others so that he could be plainly visible in the turret as an encouragement subjected to very heavy artillery fire, in pursuit of a superior force of the enemy. to the other crews, in spite of the tank being badly damaged by shell fire and While changing to another tank after his own had been knocked out, Lieutenant- all its guns rendered useless. By his magnificent example the corridor was kept Colonel Foote was wounded in the neck. In spite of this he continued to lead his open and the Brigade was able to march through. Battalion from an exposed position on the outside of a tank. Lieutenant-Colonel Foote was always at the crucial point at the right moment, The enemy, who were holding a strongly entrenched position with anti-tank and over a period of several days gave an example of outstanding courage and guns, attacked his flank. As a further tank had been disabled he continued on leadership which it would have been difficult to surpass. His name was a by- foot under intense fire encouraging his men by his splendid example. By dusk, word for bravery and leadership throughout the Brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel Foote by his brilliant leadership had defeated the enemy’s

VCF002 £600 £50 per month over 12 months 1987 Mentioned in Despatches cover, signed by VC winners Major General Henry Foote and Rear Admiral Basil Charles Godfrey Place. The cover also includes 24 other signatures including Peter £30 per month VCF001 £150 Townsend, Sir Peter Scottand over 5 months and Lord Lewin. List included. 1992 The Retreat to El Alamein cover, signed by VC winner Major General Henry Foote.

£50 per month VCZ4007 £150 over 3 months VCF001D £200 1984 Award of the Victoria Cross to Airmen cover, signed by VC winners, £20 per month over 10 months Ian Fraser, Major General Henry Foote, Wing 1970 The Victoria Cross National Army Museum Commander Rod Learoyd and A/ cover, signed by VC winner Major General Henry Bill Reid plus G Bunn MBE. Foote. Would you like to see more of our VC stock? SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR EMAILS visit: www.buckinghamcovers.com/family VCF001E £150 Call 01303 278137 £25 per month over 6 months or email us at [email protected] Major General Henry Foote VC, signature taken from the VC Christmas card. quoting: VCE - Emails CAPTAIN RICHARD WALLACE ANNAND VC ERD DL (1914-2004) The London Gazette, War Office, 23rd August, 1940. and machine-gun fire. Reaching the top of the bridge, he drove out the party below, The KING has been pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to inflicting over twenty casualties with hand grenades. Having been wounded he the under-mentioned:- rejoined his platoon and his wound dressed, and then carried on in command. Richard Wallace Annand, The . During the evening another attack was launched and again Second Lieutenant (Supplementary Reserve.) Annand went forward with hand grenades and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. For most conspicuous gallantry on the 15th-16th May 1940, when the platoon under his command was on the south side of the River Dye, astride a blown bridge. During When the order to withdraw was received, he withdrew his platoon, but learning on the night a strong attack was beaten off, but about 11 a.m. the enemy again launched the way back that his batman was wounded and had been left behind, he returned a violent attack and pushed forward a bridging party into the sunken bottom of the at once to the former position and brought him back in a wheelbarrow, before losing river. Second Lieutenant Annand attacked this party, but when ammunition ran out consciousness as the result of wounds. he went forward himself over open ground, with total disregard for enemy mortar

VCZ7010 £300 £50 per month over 6 months 1990 50th Anniversary of the Invasion of Belgium cover, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, Sergeant John Hinton, Private Edward Kenna, Company Quartermaster-Sergeant £42.50 per month John Kenneally, Captain Richard VCZ3008 £170 over 4 months Annand and Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd. 1996 75th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion cover, signed by Captain Richard Annand, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson VCA014 £100 and Company Quartermaster-Sergeant John Kenneally. Also £50 per month includes 4 other signatures. over 5 months 1997 The Victoria Cross for Valour, The for Gallantry covers, signed by Captain Richard Annand. Also includes GC winners signatures

VCZ6004 £150 £75 per month over 2 months 1990 Invasion of Belgium cover, signed by Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, A/Captain Philip Gardner, Captain Richard Annand, Private Edward Kenna, Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd and A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid. VCA001 £60 1996 Gallipoli - The Allied Assault cover signed by VCA002 £50 Captain Richard Annand. Brooklet V.C.Card No. 38 Second Lieutenant (later Captain) Richard Wallace Annand VC, signed by him.

VCX0002 £495 VCA017 £50 £165 per month over 3 months 1990 The Life and Times of 1990 Invasion of Belgium cover, signed by A/ Queen Victoria cover, signed by Flight Lieutenant William Reid, Private Captain Richard Annand. Edward Kenna, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, Sergeant John Hinton, Petty Officer Thomas Gould, A/Captain Philip Gardner, Captain Richard Annand, Corporal Richard Burton, Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd and Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson

2 Warren House, Shearway Road, Folkestone, Ct19 4Bf GG16 Tel 01303 278137 Fax 01303 279429 Email [email protected] WING COMMANDER RODERICK ALASTAIR BROOK LEAROYD VC (1913-1996) The London Gazette Air Ministry, 20th August 1940 The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer, in recognition of most conspicuous bravery:- Acting Flight Lieutenant Roderick Alastair Brook Learoyd (37860). This officer, as first pilot of a Hampden aircraft, has repeatedly shown the highest conception of his duty and complete indifference to personal danger in making attacks at the lowest altitudes regardless of opposition. On the night of 12th August, 1940, he was detailed to attack a special objective on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. He had attacked this objective on a previous occasion and was well aware of the risks entailed. To achieve success it was necessary to approach from a direction well known to the enemy, through a lane of especially disposed anti-aircraft defences, and in the face of the most intense point blank fire from guns of all calibres. The reception of the preceding aircraft might well have deterred the stoutest heart, all being hit and two lost. Flight Lieutenant Learoyd nevertheless made his attack at 150 feet, his aircraft being repeatedly hit and large pieces of the main planes torn away. He was almost blinded by the glare of many searchlights at close range but pressed home this attack with the greatest resolution and skill. He subsequently brought his wrecked aircraft home and, as the landing flaps were inoperative and the undercarriage indicators out of action, waited for dawn in the vicinity of his aerodrome before landing, which he accomplished without causing injury to his crew or further damage to the aircraft. The high courage, skill and determination, which this officer has invariably displayed on many occasions in the face of the enemy, sets an example which is unsurpassed.

VCZ027 £295

£29.50 per month over 10 months 1995 Royal Star & Garter Home cover, signed by VC winners, Private Edward Kenna, Company Quartermaster-Sergeant John Kenneally, Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd, Warrant Officer Keith Payne, Colonel Patrick VCZ2012 £125 £25 per month over 5 months Porteous, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson, Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid, Petty Officer Thomas Gould and Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser. 1990 Gallantry cover, signed by VC winners A/Flight Lieutenant Also signed by 14 others (list included). William Reid and Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd. Also signed by GC winners, Kenneth Farrow, William Taylor, Frederick Fairfax, Jack Easton, Margaret Purves + others VCZ031A £150 £50 per month over 3 months 1984 Award of the Victoria Cross to Airmen cover, signed by Corporal Richard Burton, Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd and A/Flight Lieutenant William Bill Reid. Also signed by Wing Commander G Bunn MBE.

VCL016B £250 VCZ4001 £200 £20 per month over 10 months £50 per month over 5 months 1990 Gallantry cover, signed by VC winners Colonel Patrick 1Benham Battle of Britain Porteous, Lieutenant Colonel Harold Ervine-Andrews, cover with full set of A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid and Wing Commander stamps & Biggin Hill pmk Roderick Learoyd. Also signed by Carl Walker GC, Wing 11/09/1990, signed by Rod Commander Bob Doe DSO, DFC & Bar, Lieutenant General Sir Learoyd VC plus German Napier Cookenden KCB, DSO, OBE, DL, Brigadier Alastair Pearson Ace, Adolf Galland. CB, DSO and Three Bars, OBE, MC, TD, DL, Lewis Brandon DSO, DFC and Bar, plus others

VCZ5007 £175 £17.50 per month over 10 months 1989 Official First Day Cover Postal & Courier Services cover, signed by Warrant Officer Keith Payne, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, £25 per month over 4 months Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd, VCL017 £100 Havildar Ali Haidar and A/Captain 1990 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain cover, Philip Gardner signed by Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd. Also signed by German Ace, Adolf Galland.

www.buckinghamcovers.com 3 A/FLIGHT LIEUTENANT WILLIAM REID VC (1921-2001) The London Gazette supplied him with oxygen from a portable supply. Air Ministry, 14th December 1943. Flight Lieutenant Reid refused to be turned from his objective and Dusseldorf was The KING has been graciously pleased to confer reached 50 minutes later. He had memorised his course and continued in such a normal the VICTORIA CROSS on the under-mentioned manner that the bomb-aimer, cut off by the failure of the communications system, knew officer in recognition of most conspicuous nothing of his captain’s injuries or of the casualties to his comrades. Photographs show bravery:- Acting Ft Lt Willaim REID (124438), that, when the bombs were released, the aircraft was right over the target. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 61 Squadron. Steering by the pole star and the moon, Flt Lt Reid set course for home. He was On the night of Nov. 3rd, 1943, Flt, Lt Reid was pilot and captain of a Lancaster aircraft growing weak from loss of blood. The emergency oxygen supply had given out. With detailed to attack Dusseldorf. After crossing the Dutch coast, the windscreen was the windscreen shattered, the cold was intense. He lapsed into semi-consciousness. shattered by fire from a Messerschmitt 110. Owing to a failure in the heating circuit, the The flight engineer, with some help from the bomb-aimer, kept the Lancaster in the air rear gunner’s hands were too cold for him to open fire immediately or to operate his despite heavy anti-aircraft fire over the Dutch coast. microphone and give warning of danger; but after a brief delay he managed to return the The North Sea crossing was accomplished. An airfield was sighted. The captain revived, Messerschmitt’s fire. resumed control and made ready to land. Ground mist partially obscured the runway During the fight with the Messerschmitt, Flight Lieutenant Reid was wounded in the lights. The captain was much bothered by blood from his head wound getting into his head, shoulders and hands...the aircraft damaged,...became difficult to control. The eyes. But he made a safe landing. rear turret, was badly damaged and the communications system and compasses out of Wounded in two attacks, without oxygen, suffering severely from cold, his navigator action...saying nothing about his own injuries, he continued his mission. dead, his wireless operator fatally wounded, his aircraft crippled and defenceless. Flt The Lancaster was then attached by a Focke Wulf 190. The enemy’s fire raked the Lt Reid showed superb courage and leadership in penetrating a further 200 miles into bomber from stem to stern... The navigator was killed and the wireless operator fatally enemy territory to attack one of the most strongly defended targets in Germany, every injured. The mid-upper turret was hit and the oxygen system put out of action. Flight additional mile increasing the hazards of the long and perilous journey home. His tenacity Lieutenant Reid was again wounded and the flight engineer, though hit in the forearm, and devotion to duty were beyond praise.

VCZ6002 £125 1991 50th Anniversary of the RAF Rescue Services cover, signed by VC winners, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, Sergeant Ernest Smith, Private Edward Kenna, Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid and Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd

VCZ3050 £125 1984 The Award of the Victoria Cross to Airmen cover, signed by Corporal Richard Burton, Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd and A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid. Also signed by Wing Commander G Bunn MBE.

VCR031 £250 1994 50th Anniversary of D-Day Presentation Card, signed by A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid. Also signed by others who took part on the day Terence Otway, John Howard, VCZ028 £360 1991 50th Ann of the Royal Air Force Rescue Services Johnnie Johnson, James cover, signed by Sergeant William Speakman, Petty Officer Thomas Gould, Hill, Lord Lewin and Edward Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, Private Edward Kenna, Sergeant Gueritz. Ernest Smith, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson, Company Quartermaster- Sergeant John Kenneally, Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, A/Captain Philip Gardner, A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid and Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd.

VCR001 £100 1965 25th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain VCZ3045 £50 1991 50th Anniversary of the cover, signed by A/Flight RAF Rescue Services cover, signed by Flight Lieutenant Lieutenant William Reid John Cruickshank, A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid and Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd.

4 Warren House, Shearway Road, Folkestone, Kent Ct19 4Bf GG19 Tel 01303 278137 Fax 01303 279429 Email [email protected] PRIVATE EDWARD ‘TED’ KENNA VC (1919-2009)

The London Gazette could not move further forward. War Office, 6th September 1945 Private Kenna endeavoured to put his Bren gun into a position where he could engage The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the bunker, but was unable to do so because of the nature of the ground. On his own the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:- No. VX.102142 initiative and without orders Private Kenna immediately stood up in full view of the Private Edward KENNA, Australian Military Forces. enemy less than fifty yards away and engaged the bunker, firing his Bren gun from the In the South West Pacific at Wewak on 15th May, 1945, during the attack on the hip. The enemy machine gun immediately returned Private Kenna’s fire and with such Wirui Mission features, Private Kenna’s company had the task of capturing certain accuracy that bullets actually passed between his arms and his body. Undeterred, he enemy positions. The only position from which observation for supporting fire could remained completely exposed and continued to fire at the enemy until his magazine be obtained was continuously swept by enemy heavy machine gun fire and it was not was exhausted. Still making a target of himself, Private Kenna discarded his Bren gun possible to bring Artillery or Mortars into action. and called for a rifle. Despite the intense machine gun fire, he seized the rifle and, with amazing coolness, killed the gunner with his first round. Private Kenna’s platoon was ordered forward to deal with the enemy machine gun post, so that the company operation could proceed. His section moved as close as A second automatic opened fire on Private Kenna from a different position and another possible to the bunker in order to harass any enemy seen, so that the remainder of the of the enemy immediately tried to move into position behind the first machine gun, but platoon could attack from the flank. When the attacking sections came into view of Private Kenna remained standing and killed him with the next round. the enemy they were immediately engaged at very close range by heavy automatic fire The result of Private Kenna’s magnificent bravery in the face of concentrated fire, was from a position not previously disclosed. Casualties were suffered and the attackers that the bunker was captured without further loss, and the company attack

VCZ5010 £225 £45 per month over 5 months 1983 The Royal Green Jackets cover, signed by VC winners: Private Edward Kenna, Warrant Officer Keith Payne, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson, Honorary Captain Rambahadur Limbu and A/Captain Philip Gardner. Plus 4 others.

VCZ3007 £150 £15 per month over 10 months VCZ5003 £200 1990 The Spirit of Britain Churchill cover, signed by VC winners, £40 per month over 5 months Honorary Captain Rambahadur Limbu, Corporal and Private Edward Kenna. Also signed by 6 GC winners. 1983 The Battle of Blenheim 1704 cover signed by Private Edward Kenna, Warrant Officer Keith Payne, Sergeant John Hinton, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson and A/Captain Philip Gardner.

VCZ6011 £180

£30 per month over 6 months 1990 Invasion of Belgium cover, signed by Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, Lieutenant Colonel Eric VCZ062S £250 £50 per month over 5 months Wilson, Private Edward Kenna, Captain Richard Annand and 1990 Military Medal covers, signed by Colonel Patrick Porteous, Honorary Captain Gaje Ghale. Sergeant John Hinton, Private Edward Kenna and Lieutenant Colonel Harold Ervine-Andrews. Also signed by Major Crookenden, Brigadier Alastair Pearson, Stuart Archer GC and Bob Awcock MM.

VCZ8004 £250

£25 per month over 10 months 1990 RM Gallantry cover, signed by Petty Officer Thomas Gould, Private Edward Kenna, Honorary Captain Ganju Lama, Subadar Major Umrao Singh, A/Captain Philip Gardner, Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd, Warrant Officer Keith Payne 01303 and Subadar Bhandari Ram. Also signed by 8 GC winners plus Elizabeth Mortimer MM. 278137

www.buckinghamcovers.com 5 LIEUTENANT (ACTING CAPTAIN) PHILIP JOHN GARDNER, M.C. (1914-2003)

The London Gazette, War Office, 10th car, he then dismounted in the face of intense anti-tank and machine gun fire and February 1942 secured a tow rope to the car, seeing an officer lying beside it with his legs blown The KING has been graciously pleased to off, he lifted him into the car and gave the order to tow. The tow rope, however, approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:- broke and Captain Gardner returned to the armoured car, being immediately Lieutenant (acting Captain) Philip John wounded in the arm and leg: despite his wounds he lifted the other officer out of GARDNER, M.C. (132595), Royal Tank the car and carried him back to the tank, placing him on the back engine louvres Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (Sydenham). and climbing alongside to hold him on. While the tank was being driven back to safety it was subjected to heavy shell fire and the loader killed. On the morning of November 23rd, 1941, Captain Gardner was ordered to take two tanks to the assistance of two armoured cars of the King’s Dragoon Guards which The courage, determination and complete disregard for his own safety displayed were out of action and under fire in close proximity to the enemy, south-east of by Captain Gardner enabled him, despite his own wounds, and in the face of Tobruk. He found the two cars halted two hundred yards apart, being heavily fired intense fire at close range, to save the life of his fellow officer, in circumstances on at close range and gradually smashed to pieces. Ordering the other tank to give fraught with great difficulty and danger. him covering fire, Captain Gardner manoeuvred his own close up to the foremost

VCZ7020 £290 £72.50 per month over 4 months 1969 British Achievements cover, signed by Company Quartermaster-Sergeant John Kenneally, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson, Captain Philip Gardner, Sir Tasker Watkins, A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid, Colonel Patrick Porteous and Major David Jamieson. Also signed by Johnnie Johnson. VCZ161A £495 £49.50 per month over 10 months 1990 Invasion of Belgium cover, signed by Colonel Patrick VCZ6010 £175 Porteous, A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid, Lieutenant £25 per month over 7 months Colonel Eric Wilson, Sergeant John Hinton, Petty Officer Thomas Gould, Captain Philip Gardner, Private Edward 1970 National Army Museum Group Kenna, Captain Richard Annand, Corporal Richard Burton, 5 No 2, The Victoria Cross cover, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser and Wing Commander signed by Petty Officer Thomas Roderick Learoyd. Gould, Captain Richard Annand, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, VCZ100 £300 Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson, Captain Philip Gardner and A/Flight £50 per month Lieutenant William Reid. over 6 months 1995 50th Anniversary of VE VCZ5008 £150 Day presentation card, signed £50 per month over 3 months by, Company Quartermaster- 1990 Invasion of Belgium Sergeant John Kenneally, cover, signed by Company Captain Richard Annand, Quartermaster-Sergeant John Captain Philip Gardner, A/ Kenneally, Lieutenant Colonel Flight Lieutenant William Reid, Eric Wilson, Captain Philip Colonel Patrick Porteous, Gardner, Wing Commander Flight Lieutenant John Roderick Learoyd and Captain Cruickshank, Lieutenant Richard Annand. Commander Ian Fraser and Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson.

VCG023 £75 1991 Victoria Cross for Valour, George Cross for Gallantry cover, signed by A/Captain Philip Gardner. Also signed by GC winners

VCG001A £60 1990 Western Desert ‘Operation Compass’ cover, signed by A/Captain Philip Gardner. Also signed by The Lord Carver

6 Warren House, Shearway Road, Folkestone, Kent Ct19 4Bf GG19 Tel 01303 278137 Fax 01303 279429 Email [email protected] HONORARY CAPTAIN GANJU LAMA VC MM (1924-2000) The London Gazette, great coolness and complete disregard for his own safety, crawled forward War Office, 7th September, 1944. and engaged the tanks single handed. In spite of a broken left wrist and two The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS other wounds, once in his right hand and one in his leg, caused by withering to:- cross fire concentrated upon him, Rifleman Ganju Lama succeeded in bringing his gun into action within thirty yards of the enemy tanks and knocked out first one and then No. 78763 Rifleman Ganju Lama, 7th Rifles, . another, the third tank being destroyed by an anti-tank gun. In Burma, on the morning of the 12th June, 1944, the enemy put down an intense In spite of his serious wounds, he then moved forward and engaged with grenades the artillery barrage lasting an hour on our position north of the village of Ningthoukbong. tank crews, who now attempted to escape. Not until he had killed or wounded them This heavy artillery fire knocked out several bunkers and caused heavy casualties, and all, thus enabling his company to push forward, did he allow himself to be taken back was immediately followed by a very strong enemy attack supported by five medium to the Regimental Aid Post to have his wounds dressed. tanks. After fierce hand to hand fighting, the perimeter was driven in in one place and enemy infantry, supported by three medium tanks, broke through, pinning our troops Throughout this action Rifleman Ganu Lama, although very seriously wounded, to the ground with intense fire. showed a complete disregard for his own personal safety, outstanding devotion to duty and a determination to destroy the enemy which was an example and an ‘B’ Company, 7th Gurkha Rifles, was ordered to counter-attack and restore the inspiration to all ranks. It was solely due to his prompt action and brave conduct that situation. Shortly after passing the starting line it came under heavy enemy medium a most critical situation was averted, all positions regained and very heavy casualties machine-gun and tank machine-gun fire at point blank range, which covered all lines of inflicted on the enemy. approach. Rifleman Ganju Lama, the No. 1 of the P.I.A.T. gun, on his own initiative, with

VCZ029 £290 1983 St Kitts Military Uniforms (Park II) Official FDC, signed by Honorary Captain Ganju Lama, Warrant Officer Keith Payne, Company Quartermaster-Sergeant John Kenneally, Private Edward Kenna, Colonel Patrick Porteous, Captain Gerard Norton, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson, Sergeant Ernest Smith, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser and Petty VCG026 £160 Officer Thomas Gould. 1991 Victoria Cross for Valour, George Cross for Gallantry cover, signed by Honorary Captain Ganju Lama. Also signed by GC winners, Barry Johnson, James Beaton, Carl Walker, Tony Gledhill + 4 others

VCZ092 £150 VCZ6003 £150 1981 St Kitts Military official FDC, signed by Petty 1981 St. Kitts Official FDC, signed by Company Officer Thomas Gould, Company Quartermaster- Quartermaster-Sergeant John Kenneally, Sergeant John Kenneally, Private Edward Kenna, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, Colonel Patrick Colonel Patrick Porteous, Lieutenant Commander Porteous, Private Edward Kenna, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Fraser, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson and Eric Wilson and Honorary Captain Ganju Lama. Honorary Captain Ganju Lama. VCZ7014 £150 1973 The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) Miliary cover, signed by Lieutenant VCZ8005 £250 Commander Ian Fraser, Private Edward 1985 Queen Mother cover, signed by Petty Kenna, Sergeant Ernest Smith, Warrant Officer Thomas Gould, Subadar-Major Umrao Officer Keith Payne, Captain Gerard Singh, Warrant Officer Keith Payne, Subadar Norton, Honorary Captain Ganju Lama and Bhandari Ram, Honorary Captain Gaje Ghale, Company Quartermaster-Sergeant John Honorary Lieutenant (QGO) Tulbadur Pun, Kenneally. Honorary Captain Ganju Lama and Company Quartermaster-Sergeant John Kenneally. Also signed by 5 GC winners including Ken Bridge

VCZ9001 £160 1981 Battle of Jersey cover, signed by Honorary Captain Ganju Lama, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, Private Edward Kenna, Sergeant Ernest Smith, Petty Officer Thomas Gould, Honorary Captain (GCO) Rambahadur 01303 Limbu, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson, Company Quartermaster-Sergeant John Kenneally and Colonel Patrick Porteous 278137

www.buckinghamcovers.com 7 CAPTAIN CHARLES HAZLITT UPHAM VC & BAR (1908 - 1994) The London Gazette War Office, 14th October, slopes and was continuously under fire. Second Lieutenant Upham was blown over 1941. by one mortar shell, and painfully wounded by a piece of shrapnel behind the left Second-Lieutenant Charles Hazlitt Upham (8077), shoulder, by another. He disregarded this wound and remained on duty. He also Military Forces. received a bullet in the foot which he later removed in Egypt. During the operations in this officer performed At GALATOS on 25th May his platoon was heavily engaged and came under severe a series of remarkable exploits, showing outstanding mortar and machine-gun fire. While his platoon stopped under cover of a ridge leadership, tactical skill and utter indifference to danger. Second-Lieutenant Upham went forward, observed the enemy and brought the He commanded a forward platoon in the attack on platoon forward when the Germans advanced. They killed over 40 with fire and MALEME on 22nd May and fought his way forward for over 3,000 yards unsupported by grenades and forced the remainder to fall back. any other arms and against a defence strongly organised in depth. During this operation When his platoon was ordered to retire he sent it back under the platoon Serjeant his platoon destroyed numerous enemy posts but on three occasions sections were and he went back to warn other troops that they were being cut off. When he came temporarily held up. out himself he was fired on by two Germans. He fell and shammed dead, then In the first case, under a heavy fire from a machine gun nest he advanced to close crawled into a position and having the use of only one arm rested his rifle in the quarters with pistol and grenades, so demoralizing the occupants that his section fork of a tree and as the Germans came forward he killed them both. The second to was able to ‘mop up’ with ease. fall actually hit the muzzle of the rifle as he fell. Another of his sections was then held up by two machine guns in a house. He went On 30th May at SPHAKIA his platoon was ordered to deal with a party of the enemy in and placed a grenade through a window, destroying the crew of one machine gun which had advanced down a ravine to near Force Headquarters. Though in an and several others, the other machine gun being silenced by the fire of his sections. exhausted condition he climbed the steep hill to the west of the ravine, placed his men in positions on the slope overlooking the ravine and himself went to the top In the third case he crawled to within 15 yards of an M.G. post and killed the with a Bren Gun and two riflemen. By clever tactics he induced the enemy party to gunners with a grenade. expose itself and then at a range of 500 yards shot 22 and caused the remainder When his Company withdrew from MALEME he helped to carry a wounded man out to disperse in panic. under fire, and together with another officer rallied more men together to carry other During the whole of the operations he suffered from dysentery and was able to eat wounded men out. very little, in addition to being wounded and bruised. He showed superb coolness, He was then sent to bring in a company which had become isolated. With a Corporal great skill and dash and complete disregard of danger. His conduct and leadership he went through enemy territory over 600 yards, killing two Germans on the way, inspired his whole platoon to fight magnificently throughout, and in fact was an found the company, and brought it back to the Battalion’s new position. But for this inspiration to the Battalion. action it would have been completely cut off. During the following two days his platoon occupied an exposed position on forward

VCZ071 £225 1982 New Zealand Armistice Day cover, signed by Corporal Cyril Bassett, Sergeant John Hinton and Captain Charles VCU005 £150 1978 New Zealand QEII Army Memorial Upham. Also includes the facsimile signatures of Sergeant Alfred Hulme, Museum opening, signed by Captain Charles Upham. Sergeant Harry Laurent and Sergeant Keith Elliot.

VCX012 £200 Captain Charles Upham signed.

VCU001 £200 1980 35th Anniversary of VE Day cover, signed by Captain Charles Upham

8 Warren House, Shearway Road, Folkestone, Kent Ct19 4Bf GG19 Tel 01303 278137 Fax 01303 279429 Email [email protected] The London Gazette on the two nearest strongpoints on the left flank of the sector. His voice War Office, 26th September 1945. could be heard above the din of battle cheering on his men and, in spite of The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of a Bar to the VICTORIA the fierce resistance of the enemy and the heavy casualties on both sides, CROSS to:- the objective was captured. Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham V.C. (8077), New Zealand Military Forces. Captain Upham, during the engagement, himself destroyed a German tank and several guns and vehicles with grenades and although he was shot Captain C.H. Upham, V.C., was commanding a Company of New Zealand troops in the through the elbow by a machine gun bullet and had his arm broken, he Western Desert during the operations which culminated in the attack on El Ruweisat went on again to a forward position and brought back some of his men who had Ridge on the night of 14th-15th July, 1942. become isolated. He continued to dominate the situation until his men had beaten In spite of being twice wounded, once when crossing open ground swept by enemy off a violent enemy counter-attack and consolidated the vital position which they had fire to inspect his forward sections guarding our mine-fields and again when he won under his inspiring leadership. completely destroyed an entire truck load of German soldiers with hand grenades, Exhausted by pain from his wound and weak from loss of blood Captain Upham Captain Upham insisted on remaining with his men to take part in the final assault. was then removed to the Regimental Aid Post but immediately his wound had been During the opening stages of the attack on the ridge Captain Upham’s Company dressed he returned to his men, remaining with them all day long under heavy enemy formed part of the reserve battalion, but, when communications with the forward artillery and mortar fire, until he was again severely wounded and being now unable troops broke down and he was instructed to send up an officer to report on the to move fell into the hands of the enemy when, his gallant Company having been progress of the attack, he went out himself armed with a Spandau gun and, after reduced to only six survivors, his position was finally over-run by superior enemy several sharp encounters with enemy machine gun posts, succeeded in bringing forces, in spite of the outstanding gallantry and magnificent leadership shown by back the required information. Captain Upham. Just before dawn the reserve battalion was ordered forward, but, when it had almost The Victoria Cross was conferred on Captain Upham for conspicuous bravery during reached its objective, very heavy fire was encountered from a strongly defended the operations in Crete in May, 1941 and the award was announced in the London enemy locality, consisting of four machine gun posts and a number of tanks. Gazette dated 14th October, 1941. Captain Upham, without hesitation, at once led his Company in a determined attack

VCU004 £225 1984 Military History Stamp Issue New Zealand Post Office first day cover, signed by Captain Charles Upham. VCZ062Q £250 Victoria Cross small medal cover, signed by Captain Charles Upham, Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser and A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid.

VCU003 £100 HM The Queen leads the Nation in Thansgiving Service, 40th Anniversary of VE Day, Official Westminster Abbey cover, postmarked 1985, signed by VC winner, Charles Upham VC & Bar.

VCX012 £200 VCZ3053 £300 01303 278137 1979 120th Anniversary of the Canterbury Regiment cover, signed by Captain EMAIL: [email protected] Charles Upham, Sergeant Alfred Hulme and Sergeant John Hinton.

Don’t miss out on our weekly “Sensational Signatures” email, jam packed with one-off signed items and new autographs just in - subscribe at www.buckinghamcovers.com/family www.buckinghamcovers.com 9 GROUP CAPTAIN GEOFFREY LEONARD CHESHIRE CV OM DSO** DFC (1917-1992) The London Gazette Air Ministry, 8th September very low flying. In June, 1944, when marking a target in the harbour at Le Havre 1944 in broad daylight and without cloud cover, he dived well below the range of the The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the light batteries before releasing his marker-bombs, and he came very near to being VICTORIA CROSS on the undermentioned officer in destroyed by the strong barrage which concentrated on him. recognition of most conspicuous bravery:- During his fourth tour which ended in July, 1944, Wing Commander Cheshire led his Wing Commander Geoffrey Leonard CHESHIRE, D.S.O., squadron personally on every occasion, always undertaking the most dangerous D.F.C. (72021), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 617 and difficult task of marking the target alone in the face of strong defences. Squadron. Wing Commander Cheshire’s cold and calculated acceptance of risks is exemplified This officer began his operational career in June 1940. by his conduct in an experimental attack on Munich in April, 1944. Munich was Against strongly-defended targets he displayed the selected, at Wing Commander Cheshire’s request, because of the formidable courage and determination of an exceptional leader, always ready to accept extra nature of its light anti-aircraft and searchlight defences. He was obliged to follow, risks to ensure success. He frequently released his bombs from below 2,000 feet. in bad weather, a direct route which took him over the defences of Augsburg and Over Cologne in November, 1940, a shell burst inside his aircraft, blowing out one thereafter he was continuously under fire. Illuminated from above and below, all side and starting a fire; undeterred, he went on to bomb his target. guns within range opened fire on him. Diving to 700 feet, he dropped his markers At the end of his first tour of operational duty in January 1941, he volunteered with great precision and began to climb away. He then flew over the city at 1,000 for a second. He pressed home his attacks with the utmost gallantry. When he feet to assess the accuracy of his work and direct other aircraft. His own was was posted for instructional duties in 1942, he undertook four more operational badly hit by shell fragments but he continued to fly over the target area until he missions. was satisfied that he had done all in his power to ensure success. For a full twelve He started a third operational tour in August, 1942, when he was given command minutes after leaving the target area he was under withering fire. of a squadron. He led the squadron with outstanding skill on a number of missions Wing Commander Cheshire has now completed a total of 100 missions. In four before being appointed in March 1943, as a station commander. years of fighting against the bitterest opposition he has maintained a record of In October, 1943, he undertook a fourth operational tour, relinquishing the rank of outstanding personal achievement, placing himself invariably in the forefront of the group captain at his own request so that he could again take part in operations. He battle. What he did in the Munich operation was typical of the careful planning, set to work as the pioneer of a new method of marking enemy targets involving brilliant execution and contempt for danger which has established for Wing Commander Cheshire a reputation second to none in Bomber Command. VCZ2005 £250 £50 per month over 5 months 1984 Appointment to the Distinguished Service Order cover, signed by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire and Brigadier Lorne Campbell. Also other signatures (Eric Wormold produced cover).

£65 per month VCZ005A £100 VCZ7018 £325 over 5 months £50 per month over 2 months Large 32cm x 23cm 1984 The Award of the Victoria Cross to 1990 Salute to the Brave The Battle Airmen cover, signed by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire, of Britain Benham cover, signed Flight Lieutenenat John Cruickshank, Warrant Officer by Wing Commander Roderick Norman Jackson, Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd, Learoyd and Group Captain A/Flight Lieutenenat William Reid, Group Captain Leonard Cheshire. Also signed by Leonard Trent and Air Commodore Ferdinand West. German Ace Adolf Galland.

VCC021 £150 £50 per month over 3 months 1978 25th Anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II cover signed by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire.

VCZ7003 £225

£75 per month over 3 months VCC023 £275 1986 14th Reunion of the VC & GC Cross £55 per month over 5 months Holders cover, signed by Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, Group Captain Leonard 1977 Special 90th Birthday of Sir Barnes Cheshire, Wing Commander Roderick Wallis cover, signed by Group Captain Learoyd, Sir Roden Cutler, Rear Admiral Leonard Cheshire. Also signed by Godfrey Place, A/Flight Lieutenant William Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris and Wing Reid and Air Commodore Ferdinand West. Commander David Shannon

10 Warren House, Shearway Road, Folkestone, Kent Ct19 4Bf GG19 Tel 01303 278137 Fax 01303 279429 Email [email protected] FIELD MARSHAL FREDERICK SLEIGH ROBERTS VC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, KStJ, VD, PC (1832-1914)

The London Gazette 24th December 1858 Described how Lieutenant Roberts’s gallantry had on every occasion been most marked. On following up the retreating enemy on the 2nd January 1858, at Khodagunge, VCR050B £195 he saw in the distance two sepoys going away £19.50 per month with a standard. They immediately turned round over 3 months and presented their muskets at him, and one of Handwritten letter the men pulled the trigger, but fortunately the cap (11.4cm x 17.6cm) with snapped and the standard-bearer was cut down envelope (12.2cm x by this gallant young officer. He also on the same 9.4cm) from address day, cut down another sepoy who was standing at Englemere, Ascot bay with musket and bayonet keeping off a sowar. signed by Lord Lieutenant Roberts rode to the assistance of the Roberts. horseman, and rushing at the sepoy with one blow VCR050 £250 of his sword cut him across the face killing him Frederick Roberts VC, signed letter on the spot. 1892 headed Commander in Chief

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PAGE ITEM QTY CODE £ p Gallantry Gazette Issue 19

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POST CODE EXPIRY DATE START DATE ISSUE No TEL No: SIGNATURE Email: SECURITY CODE* *Last 3 digits on back of card. We cannot process your order without it. Alternatively you can call our small friendly Folkestone based Customer Service team (no call centres) on 01303 278137 BUCKINGHAM COVERS LTD, REGISTERED IN ENGLAND NO. 03877048 IS PART OF INTERNET STAMPS GROUP LTD, REGISTERED IN ENGLAND NO. 03497867. REGISTERED OFFICE FOR BOTH: WARREN HOUSE, SHEARWAY RD, FOLKESTONE, KENT CT19 4BF, UK. TEL. 01303 278137. PETTY OFFICER THOMAS WILLIAM GOULD VC (1914-2001) The London Gazette Lieutenant Roberts and Petty Officer Gould volunteered to remove ADMIRALTY Whitehall, 9th June, 1942 the bombs, which were of a type unknown to them. The danger in dealing with the second bomb was very great. To reach it they had to The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA go through the casing which was so low that they had to lie at full length to CROSS for great valour while serving in H.M.S. Thrasher, to:- Lieutenant Peter move in it. Through this narrow space, in complete darkness, they pushed Scawen Watkinson Roberts, . and dragged the bomb for a distance of some 20 feet until it could be lowered Petty Officer Thomas William Gould, C/JX. 147945. over the side. Every time the bomb was moved there was a loud twanging On February 16th, in daylight, H.M. Submarine Thrasher attacked and sank noise as of a broken spring which added nothing to their peace of mind. a heavily escorted supply ship. She was at once attacked by depth charges This deed was the more gallant as H.M.S. Thrasher’s presence was known to and was bombed by aircraft. The presence of two unexploded bombs in the the enemy; she was close to the enemy coast, and in waters where his patrols gun-casing was discovered when after dark the submarine surfaced and were known to be active day and night. There was a very great chance, and began to roll. they knew it, that the submarine might have to crash-dive which they were in the casing. Had this happened they must have been drowned.

VCG010 £60 1995 50th Anniversary of VE Day coin cover, VCG024 £70 signed by Petty Officer Thomas Gould VCG010B £40 1992 50th Anniversary of the Award £35 per month over 2 months of 2 Victoria Crosses to Tommy Gould 1997 Victoria Cross for Valour, George Cross for and Peter Roberts cover, signed by Gallantry cover, signed by Petty Officer Thomas Petty Officer Thomas Gould. Also Gould. Also signed by GC winners. signed by Vice Admiral Sir Hugh MacKenzie.

VCZ7013 £250 1997 Endowment of the Raflet £55 per month Stamp Club room cover, VCZ026 £275 over 5 months signed by Private Edward 1990 Gallantry cover, signed by Lieutenant Commander Kenna, Petty Officer Ian Fraser, A/Captain Philip Gardner, Petty Officer Thomas Gould, Lieutenant Thomas Gould, Private Edward Kenna, Company Commander Ian Fraser, Quartermaster Sergeant John Kenneally, Honorary Colonel Patrick Porteous, Captain (GCO) Rambahadur Limbu, Warrant Officer Sergeant Ernest Smith, Honorary Captain (GCO) Rambahadur Limbu Keith Payne, A/Flight Lieutenant William Reid, and Company Quartermaster Sergeant John Kenneally. Also includes other signatures Sergeant Ernest Smith, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wilson and Colonel Patrick Porteous. Also signed by 9 others.

VCZ121 £400 £40 per month over 10 months 1983 St Kitts Military Uniform cover, signed by Captain Gerard Ross Norton, Honorary Captain Ganju Lama, Warrant Officer Keith VCZ5009 £160 Payne, Private Edward Kenna, £20 per month over 8 months Company Quartermaster Sergeant 1990 50th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain John Kenneally, Colonel Patrick cover, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Harold Porteous, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Ervine-Andrews, Sergeant John Hinton, Wing Wilson, Sergeant Ernest Smith, Commander Roderick Learoyd, Private Edward Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser and Petty Officer Thomas Gould Kenna and Petty Officer Thomas Gould Flexi-pay is available on all items! Simple & interest free - You can choose to spread the cost over up to 12 months, with a minimum monthly payment of £10 (the amounts shown here are just examples so an item at £250 could be split over 10, 5 or 2 months ) Talk to any of our team to find a payment plan that suits you. Call us on 01303 278137 or email us at [email protected] www.buckinghamcovers.com 12