The Armourer

128 Pages·2017·47.961 MB·English

MILITARY HISTORY // EVENTS // AUCTIONS // COLLECTING
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CHARGE OF THE
LIGHT BRIGADE
Collect the medals, muskets and sabres of the cavalry
who charged the Russian guns at Balaklava
Operation Zipper
Far East offensive to
liberate Singapore
Jihad in the desert
The British campaign
medal for Sudan

V1 flying bomb
Hitler’s Vengeance weapon
brought terror from the sky
German Great War Long Range
SSppaanniisshh CCrroossss ppoossttccaarrddss Desert Group
The award to the Collecting the comic TThhee ssttoorryy aanndd mmiilliittaarriiaa
ttrrooooppss wwhhoo ffoouugghhtt iinn adverts for the war ooff tthhee lleeggeennddaarryy NNoorrtthh
tthhee CCoonnddoorr LLeeggiioonn in the trenches African raiders
Display until 3 Oct 2017
PLUS 22IINN MMOORRTTAARR,, WWWWII RREEIICCHHSSRREEVVOOLLVVEERR,, OORRIITTAA SSMMGG,, CCLLAASSSSIICC SSPPOORRTTIINNGG GGUUNN
p001 cover - DE.indd 1 17/08/2017 14:21
S Y M ?
elling our ilitaria
Warwick and Warwick have an expanding requirement for British and Worldwide uniforms, edged weapons,
badges, headgear, firearms, antique arms/armour and militaria. Our customer base is increasing dramatically
and we need an ever larger supply of quality material to keep pace with demand. The market has never been
stronger and if you are considering the sale of your militaria, now is the time to act.
F V
ree aluationS
We will provide a free,
professional and without
obligation valuation of your
collection. Either we will
make you a fair, binding
private treaty offer, or we will recommend
inclusion of your property in our next
specialist public auction.
F t
ree ranSportation
We can arrange insured transportation of your collection to our
Warwick offices completely free of charge. If you decline our offer, we ask
you to cover the return carriage costs only.
F V
ree iSitS
Visits by our valuers are possible anywhere in the country or abroad,
usually within 48 hours, in order to value larger collections.
Please telephone for details.
a d
dViSorY aYS
We are staging a series of advisory days and will be visiting
the following towns within the next few weeks,
G alashiels, Dunfermline, Hamilton, Cirencester, Sudbury,
Braintree, Ruislip, Isle of Man, Telford, Dundee, Edinburgh,
Dumbarton, Honiton, Minehead, Lichfield, Durham,
Stockton on Tees and Portsmouth.
Please visit our website or telephone for further details.
e p
xcellent riceS
Because of the strength of our customer base we
are in a position to offer prices that we feel sure
will exceed your expectations.
a n
ct ow
Telephone or email Richard Beale today
with details of your property.
Warwick & Warwick Ltd.
Auctioneers and Valuers
Chalon House, Scar Bank, Millers Road,
Warwick CV34 5DB
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
www.warwickandwarwick.com
1p6010_2P.inTd_dM i l1itaria_A4_Monthly_Apr15.indd 1 2194//0048//22001157 1114::3476
REGULAR
Welcome
Warners Group Publications,
The Maltings, West Street,
Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Publisher Rob McDonnell
[email protected] We go back to the one has stopped them annexing the
Editor Duncan Evans Crimean War this peninsula from the Ukraine. As a result,
[email protected] month with our cover all tourism tours by companies in the
Tel: [phone] feature on the Charge Crimea are currently banned and you
Sub Editor Susan Hibbins
of the Light Brigade at the Battle of are advised to avoid the general region,
Head of Design and Production
Balaklava. Now, while this is etched thanks to ongoing military action
Lynn Wright
into most people’s subconscious as a between the Ukraine government and
ADVERTISING
disastrous military folly, and it was Russian-backed separatists in the east.
Group Key Account Manager
certainly the result of muddled orders If Victorian-era conflict isn’t your
Claire Ingram
and miscommunication, it wasn’t a interest though, don’t worry, because
[email protected]
Tel: [phone] catastrophe as some would have it. The we have a fantastic selection of other
Sales Executive Ben Jackson losses were severe, but the Light Brigade features to read. How about Hitlers V1
[email protected] wasn’t wiped out and they did drive a flying bomb, the first cruise missile, and
Tel: [phone] wedge in the Russian forces. the development of the Reichsrevolver?
Auction House Sales Executive The war in Crimea is notable for a For the British and Commonwealth
Kristina Green
number of reasons. The first is that it side, there is surely no more legendary
[email protected]
saw the introduction of the Victoria outfit than the Long Range Desert
Tel: [phone]
Cross. It was also the first war that Group – these mavericks roamed the
Advertising Production & Design
Nicola Lock received regular newspaper coverage North African desert performing recon
[email protected] from reporters actually at the front. and carrying out assaults. We also look
Tel: [phone] The fighting initially captivated the at the portable and effective British
DISTRIBUTION audiences back home but the reports 2in mortar – how it was developed and
Warners Distribution from William Howard Russell (whose collecting the accessories today – and
Andy Perry • Tel: [phone] articles inspired Tennyson to write the webbing that the average British
MARKETING his famous poem) exposed the poor soldier had to use during WWII.
Marketing and Brand Manager medical facilities and the bungling that Before I finish, I’d also like to point
Nicola Lumb
led to the Charge. In our cover feature out this month’s My Militaria feature.
[email protected]
we look at the Charge itself, as well as Phil Froom showcases some fascinating
Tel: [phone]
the wider Battle of Balaklava in which it equipment that was supplied to Allied
PRINTING
took place. Supporting features include prisoners of war to help them escape
This publication is collecting muskets and rifles, the use and evade capture. Phil will be writing
printed by Warners
01778 395111 of sabres by the mounted troops and a more expansive feature on this
the highly collectable medals from the for a subsequent issue. If you have a
Crimean campaign. similarly quirky collection you’d like
SUBSCRIBE TO THE ARMOURER It’s also somewhat ironic that one of to share, drop me a line at the contact
FFoorr tthhee llaatteesstt ooffffeerr ccaallll the reasons for the war was to prevent details listed on the letters page.
0011777788 339922448899 Russian expansionism into the Crimea,
QQuuaarrtteerrllyy ssuubbssccrriippttiioonn as the Ottoman Empire contracted,
((33 iissssuueess)):: UUKK ££1122..9999 thus threatening British interests in
bbyy ddiirreecctt ddeebbiitt
India. Keen-eyed readers will see that
BBuuyy aa ddiiggiittaall eeddiittiioonn aatt there is no accompanying battlefield
www.pocketmags.com
tour feature this month. That’s because,
all these years later, the Russians are
Keep up to date on Facebook
www.facebook.com/armourermagazine in the Crimea again, but this time no Duncan Evans • Editor
Follow us on Twitter
@The_Armourer
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Subscribe from just £12.99
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www.armourer.co.uk // October 2017 3
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Contents REGULAR
WWWWWWIIIIIINNNNNN!!!!!!
Inside
111111122222226666666
OCTOBER 2017 // ISSUE 146
84
88
78
REGULARS 23 Under the hammer
Discover what has been sold at
3W elcome recent auctions, including Zulu medals at 106
What the Editor has to say about this DNW, rifles at Holts and WWI medals at
issue, in which we focus on the Charge of the Warwick & Warwick.
Light Brigade at Balaclava.
FEATURES
50
7N ews
What’s happening in the world of militaria, 38T he Long Range
museums, exhibitions, collections and events. Desert Group
64
The story behind the freewheeling, prototype
12 Militaria for sale special forces group in the North African
Lenny Warren trawls the internet desert, one of their most important missions
looking for unusual bargains or just plain and the highly collectable militaria.
bizarre items of militaria you can buy.
50B ritish 2in mortar
EVENTS
This classic, portable mortar for
infantry troops was a success in WWII. Collect
14 In the sale rooms the accessories and weapons themselves.
Here’s what is coming up for auction in 6600
the next month, including badges and aviation 60G erman Spanish Cross
at Bosleys and Third Reich items at Ratisbons. The award for the German troops
who fought in the Condor Legion in Spain is
18 War & Peace Revival examined in detail. Here are the prices and
The Revival was back at the Hop Farm what to look for.
in Kent with hundreds of re-enactors, military
vehicles, exhibitions and dealers. 64G reat War comic
postcards
20 Tankfest It wasn’t all blood and misery – well, not
Who doesn't love the sight and smell according to these postcards, anyway. Ray
of armoured vehicles? John Norris reports Westlake heads to the post office with a
from the Tank Museum’s showpiece event. collection of comic cards from the trenches.
4 October 2017 // www.armourer.co.uk
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Contents REGULAR
COVER
FEATURES
COVER
STORY
28 CChhaarrggee ooff tthhee LLiigghhtt
Brigade
Gerald Prenderghast looks at the Battle of
Balaklava and the confusion of orders that
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4455
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69O rita SMG tttiiimmmeee iiittt’’’sss aaa hhhiiiggghhh---qqquuuaaallliiitttyyy rrriiifffllleee SSSIIIGGGNNNAAALLLSSS
Yes, it’s finally here. The history and fffooorrr nnnooo llleeessssss aaa fffiiiggguuurrreee ttthhhaaannn ttthhheee
development of the Romanian alternative to Prince of Wales. 111111112222 RReevviieewwss
German SMGs is revealed by Michael Heidler. BBiillll HHaarrrriimmaann aanndd DDuunnccaann
101 TTeerrrroorr ffrroomm EEEvvvaaannnsss tttaaakkkeee aaa lllooooookkk aaattt ttthhheee lllaaattteeesssttt mmmiiillliiitttaaarrryyy
78T aking back the East tthhee sskkiieess 38 bbooookk rreelleeaasseess..
The little-known story of the British IItt wwaass tthhee ffiirrsstt ooff HHiittlleerr’’ss rreevveennggee
and Commonwealth plan to retake ports in weapons and the start of the flying bomb 117 Festival Diary
Malaysia, then Singapore, from the Japanese. campaign in 1944. Your guide to historic days out,
shows and re-enactments around the country.
84W WI Reichsrevolver 106 Jihad in the desert
Bill Harriman tells the story of the Mark Simner describes the British 118 Auction Diary
development of this handgun for the forces of Army’s campaign in Egypt and Sudan, and the Don’t miss that must-have
Imperial Germany. awarding of the Queen’s Sudan Medal. militaria. It’s your dates for upcoming auctions.
88G earing up for action 110 The Photo Inspector 120 My militaria
No soldier would be without his Ray Westlake takes a close look at Phil Froom shows off his
combat webbing. Graham Priest reveals the a period photo to identify badges, awards and fascinating collection of items for Allied troops
different types for British forces in WWII. unit information in this regular series. trying to escape from captivity.
95A King’s rifle 122 Collector’s focus
Another tale of classic Neil Thornton showcases a silk
shooting guns: this 69 bookmark from the Anglo-Zulu War, with
accompanying note.
124 Your letters
Have your say on collecting
militaria, features in the magazine and
identifying mysterious objects.
26 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! SAVE MONEY ON THE ARMOURER
www.armourer.co.uk // October 2017 5
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email: [email protected] or [email protected]
p006.indd 1 14/08/2017 14:47
REGULAR
militarianews
Duncan Evans reports on what’s happening in the
world of military history and collecting
COMMEMORATION
Passchendaele remembered
Members of the Royal Family representing all the soldiers with
joined Theresa May and the no known graves, were released
King of Belgium at a service to from the ceiling of the Gate.
commemorate the 275,000 Allied In the evening the Cloth Hall
and 220,000 German soldiers in Ypres’ Market Square was
who were killed, wounded illuminated as a series of events
or lost in the Third Battle of took place, including music
Ypres, commonly known as and narration. The National
Passchendaele. The ceremony, Youth Choir of Scotland gave a
which started on 31 July, was performance while Dame Helen
attended by 4,000 descendants Mirren helped tell the story of the
of those who fought in the battle. battle. A special version of War
The commemorations began with Horse, written for the event by
a speech by Prince Charles, 100 Michael Morpurgo, was enacted
years to the day after the terrible in the Market Square.
battle started. He said, “We laying wreaths at the graves of Belgium stood shoulder to Testimonies from both Allied
remember it not only for the rain German soldiers buried at Tyne shoulder. One hundred years on, and German soldiers were
that fell, the mud that weighed Cot cemetery. we still stand together, gathering projected onto the Cloth Hall,
down the living and swallowed Later, Prince William joined as so many do every night, in including an interview with Harry
the dead, but also for the courage Theresa May to represent Britain remembrance of that sacrifice." Patch, known as the Last Tommy,
and bravery of the men who at the Menin Gate with 200 The service ended with who only spoke of the horror of
fought here." descendants and said, “Members the playing of the Last Post, a Passchendaele when he reached
The Duchess of Cambridge of our families, our regiments, our tradition that started in 1928 his 100th birthday.
joined with German Foreign nations, all sacrificed everything and has continued almost More information about
Minister Sigmar Gabriel and for the lives we live today. During every evening since. As it the commemorations is at
Queen Mathilde of Belgium in the First World War Britain and ended, thousands of poppies, passchendaele2017.org. ■
RECORDS
British regiments that had pipe resource for genealogists.
New
bands, with Commonwealth This collection records all
countries such as Canada, of the men who belonged to
collection of
Australia and even South Africa these pipe bands during World
records for having regiments with their War I. Apart from their general
own pipers. The bagpipes’ military information (names,
Great War importance in linking the men service number, rank, regiment
back to the history of their unit, and battalion), this collection
pipers
and of their homeland, was not notes their fate (if applicable)
under appreciated. The sound and a brief outline of how the
There is a long history of and swirl of the pipes boosted bands were utilised. This often
Bagpipes and the British Army, morale amongst the troops and states that the band was quickly
and whilst they weren’t officially intimidated the enemy. However, withdrawn from frontline service.
recognised until 1854, many of unarmed and drawing attention Due to their importance for
the Army’s battles since the mid- to themselves, these extraordinary morale, the pipers were often
1700s were fought with pipers men were sitting ducks as they no longer used even as stretcher
playing. The original purpose of went over the top to pipe their Piper Records blog (Image bearers. It is quoted that over
the pipes in battle was to signal men into battle. coloured by Doug Banks) 1,000 pipers died during WWI.
tactical movements to the troops Forces War Records has Go to the War Forces home
during battle. presented the transcribed during the Great War 1914-18’ page to start searching at www.
By the time of WWI it was collection of records for ‘Pipers of as a permanent memorial to the forces-war-records.co.uk/
❯
not only the Scottish or even Scottish and overseas Regiments men involved and an invaluable records.asp ■
www.armourer.co.uk // October 2017 7
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News
MEMORIAL
War memorial name furore
ARTEFACTS
WWII bouncing bombs
resurface
In the middle of July, three give the all clear, and then raise
pieces of history were brought them to the surface.
to the surface of Scottish Loch Attaching specialist lifting
Armorel K. Trevelyan, commonly Trevelyan’ to the Meavy War Striven for the first time in over equipment to the heavy metal
known as Kitty, was just 17 when Memorial by the parish council. 70 years. They were among an Highballs, the NDG team then
she signed up for the Voluntary The memorial is a Grade II listed estimated 200 of the Barnes winched them out the water
Aid Detachment (VAD) and building and as such has statutory Wallis-designed munitions and onto their workboat the
left Meavy, near Yelverton in protection. Dartmoor National tested on the loch ahead of the Cato. After being secured they
Devon, for the muddy battlefields Park Authority has no objections Dambusters raid in 1943. were then moved to shore
of France. Kitty came from a to the principle of her name Lieutenant Commander ready for transport in wet tanks
well-off family but worked in being added." Tony Hampshire, Commanding containing a special salt-water
the canteens, feeding the troops The National Park Authority is Officer of the diving group, solution to prevent corrosion.
on the front line. She arrived in currently trying to work towards a said, “Northern Diving Group The project to raise the
France in 1916 and served for mutually agreeable solution with were delighted to assist in Highball bombs was an
13 months before contracting the interested parties and is not this fascinating initiative. We important one as there are no
measles and then pneumonia. currently insisting it is removed welcomed the opportunity to examples on public display.
She died, aged 19, and was until a solution has been found.” provide our mine-lifting and They will eventually be housed
buried in the Commonwealth Meanwhile, the War Memorials recovery expertise to preserve in the Brooklands Museum in
War Grave at Wimereaux in the Trust made this statement: ‘War this piece of history.” Surrey and de Havilland Aircraft
Pas de Calais, France. Memorials Trust does not object The Northern Diving Group Museum in Hertfordshire in
In her home village of Meavy to the principle of adding Kitty experts were enlisted to dive time for the 75th anniversary of
she was largely forgotten for 100 Trevelyan’s name to Meavy war to the bombs to check them, the Dambusters raid. ■
years until the charity Wenches memorial, nor has it asked for her
FILM
in Trenches uncovered her story. name to be removed. However, Dunkirk? Where are the 40,000
It was responsible for getting we do believe that any addition Where are who sacrificed themselves
her name etched on a war of a name on a war memorial to defend the city against a
the French?
memorial in her home village in should be undertaken legally, superior enemy in weaponry
February of this year. However, with due consideration to the and numbers? No one can deny
as the memorial has statutory style of the existing names and While the film of the epic story a director’s right to focus his
protection, permission should in consultation with the local of the evacuation of Dunkirk and point of view on what he sees
have been sought first. Dartmoor community. In May 2017 the the rescue of the BEF has met fit, as long as it does not deny
National Park Authority told The Trust received comments from with theatrical approval there has the reality which it claims to
Armourer,, “This has arisen from members of the public about been some criticism from certain represent.’
the addition of the name ‘Kitty the way in which Kitty Trevelyan’s quarters over historical elements. Christopher Nolan’s film
name had been added to Meavy French film critic Jacques concentrates on the British forces
war memorial.' Mandelbaum commented, though, with only a brief mention
In response to the various in the French newspaper Le of the French fighting on the
issues the Trust suggested Monde, ‘Where in the film are perimeter of the town to keep the
consultation with the local the 120,000 French soldiers Germans at bay. The film went on
community to decide how who were also evacuated from general release on 19 July. ■
Kitty Trevelyan’s name should
be commemorated and
consideration of alternative ways
of adding the name. For example,
a new stone being added to
the base of the war memorial
to ensure Kitty Trevelyan’s name
could be commemorated in the
same way as the other names on
❯
the war memorial. ■
8 October 2017 // www.armourer.co.uk
p007-008,010 news - DE.indd 8 17/08/2017 14:53
16th - 17th Century Italian Helmet
Historic Firearms Bid in person, by phone,
absentee or live online
View Catalog online at
& Early Militaria
cowans.com. Request
a printed catalog by emailing
[email protected]
Live Salesroom Auction
Contact: Jack Lewis
fi [email protected]
November 1-2, 2017 10:00 am
ET 1.513.871.1670 x227
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45232
cowans.com
ALWAYS ACCEPTING EXCEPTIONAL CONSIGNMENTS
p009.indd 1 14/08/2017 15:16
News
MUSEUM
drama of the biggest naval
WWI ship battle ever fought, interactive
installations, education suites
sails again
and spaces for gala dinners and
events will be open to the public.
HMS Caroline, the only World Captain Rees said HMS
War I Battle of Jutland ship still Caroline stands shoulder to
afloat, has reopened following shoulder with the world’s most
the successful completion historically significant ships
of winter repairs, and the including Lord Nelson’s Victory
installation of an ingenious and Queen Victoria’s Warrior,
engineering solution to make it both of which are part of the
safe for visitors, said The National National Museum’s fleet and
Museum of the Royal Navy. are currently on display in the
The ship, which was fully Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
restored and opened to the project work, said, “Because of cruiser saw action in the famous “HMS Caroline is a living
public on 31May 2016, through the historic fabric of Alexandra Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916, legend. This is a world-class
£15,086,100 backing from Dock, which is a scheduled in which more than 8,000 lives heritage asset and the only
Heritage Lottery Fund and ancient monument, and the were lost, and was the focus of ship remaining from the Grand
£4,518,000 support from Tourism complications of attaching an international commemorations and High Seas Fleet of some
NI, has reopened following hull equally important and iconic last year. 250 vessels,” said Captain Rees.
repairs conducted over the winter vessel which weighs more than The living quarters of the “We must not underestimate
last year by Harland and Wolff 4,000 tonnes to it, we had to captain, officers and ratings as the value of this ship and the
Heavy Industries. progress the project very carefully well as the signal school, engine resonance of its history and
A highly complex permanent and sensitively.” room, sick bay and galley and position in Northern Ireland, so
mooring system was used to The 122m-long light cruiser, many other spaces are, once it is a matter of pride for us as
make the ship safe for the public built in 1914, was restored to its again, available to experience. well as a contribution to local
and also to protect the ship from full glory with new decking, guns These hugely atmospheric areas communities that the ship is
lateral movement as it floats on and a total refurbishment from of the ship are largely intact from brought back to life as a museum
the rising and falling tides. bridge to engine rooms. Visitors the day the ship was completed and visitor attraction.”
Captain John Rees, OBE, are being offered a unique in 1914. The ship is now open seven
Chief of Staff at The National experience to journey back 100 In addition, state-of the art days a week until 5pm. Check
Museum of the Royal Navy, in years to a dangerous life at sea multi-screen video experiences, www.hmscaroline.co.uk for
charge of the restoration and during World War I. The light reproducing the sounds and more info and ticket prices. ■
PRESERVATION
Lockyer to transform historic British guns into works of art
When the founders of Lockyer matt gold and reduced to 24in
of England saw a pile of – that of an original coach gun.
100-year-old guns destined Every Art Gun is then boxed up
for scrap, they decided to try with a description of its own
to find a way to rescue them. unique history.
After months of planning, the The rescued guns are
company was launched to discovered worldwide, as well
restore, decommission and as people inheriting them.
transform the guns into unique Lockyer has already started
pieces of sustainable art . receiving private commissions
Managing Director George to turn bequeathed guns into
said, “We saw beautiful old works of art.
British side-by-side guns George said, “The guns come
destined for scrap and it from lots of different sources and
bothered me how under- finding the guns has become
appreciated they were. I saw a Lockyer ‘Art Gun’ is part of our can still dry fire. A team of experts something of an obsession! It’s
these guns as works of art, as sporting history – they are up to make any repairs and restore and exciting when we find a rare or
well as pieces of engineering, 140 years old.” enhance the steel plate, which particularly beautiful one. It’s
and we realised that was the Each vintage gun at Lockyer often features delicate engravings. amazing to think where that
way that we could save them. is painstakingly restored then The barrel is taken back to its gun has been and what it’s seen
We want people to appreciate deactivated to current EU spec, original steel and then given during its lifetime.”
each gun for its craftsmanship so no gun licence is needed and a finish of either original steel, More details at www.
and its artistic value because it can’t fire live ammunition, but graphite black, burnt bronze or lockyerofengland.co.uk. ■
10 October 2017 // www.armourer.co.uk
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