Bulletin No.64 - Summer '24

Welcome to our Summer bulletin, this time we bring you some unusual aspects of warfare on the ground, at sea, and in the air during the 20th century.

Up first is the ‘Senior Service’, in the shape of the Second World War sea-going uniform of celebrated racing-driver turned Coastal Forces Lieutenant, Lord Peter Selsdon. His participation in numerous cross-Channel combined operations saw him engaging Nazi E-boats and seeing off German air attacks during the Anglo-Canadian reconnaissance raid in the Pas-de-Calais led by Lord Lovat; the Bruneval Raid of 1942, and the Dieppe Raid of the same year - all contributing to Selsdon's award of the Distinguished Service Cross in July 1945.

Our naval theme continues on the website with a well provenanced and signed portrait of Winston Churchill by Walter Stoneman. It was presented to a Wren officer in recognition of her contribution as a cypher specialist at the top secret summit meetings between Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt in Quebec (Quadrant) and Cairo (Sextant). Also of note this time are a splendid pair of presentation photographs of King George VI and his consort Queen Elizabeth that were rescued from the wardroom of the destroyer HMS Quail after she hit a mine in 1943. A hand painted and rope tension Royal Marines side drum, a collection of naval related items provenanced to a First World War submariner and Victoria Cross winner, a Coastal Forces Motor Launch's bell, and a period portrait of a Battle of the Atlantic officer rounds up the section.

The airborne element of the Bruneval Raid commanded by John Frost of Arnhem fame, leads neatly on to a modern masterpiece that celebrates the bravery and tenacity of the airborne soldier in the form of a silver sculpture of a Second World War paratrooper. This model complete with numerous fine silver suspension lines captures the moment the paratrooper touches ground, and was created by silversmith and sculptor Robert Glover to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

A collection of British Indian Army pieces includes a mounted pair of goat horns, the relics of ‘Billy’ an Indian Cavalry Division mascot from the First World War. A quick delve into the photographic archives reveals goats were adopted as unit mascots across the Western Front. Billy was clearly a well loved and morale-boosting member of the troop, as attested by the quality of his mount and silver plaque. On a more sobering note, a 48th Pioneers silver presentation cup given by the commanding officer on his appointment in 1914 serves as a poignant reminder of the Mesopotamian Campaign, the Fall of Kut, and imprisonment under the Ottomans.

Last but by no means least, we have a superb collection of presentation Royal cufflinks, the personal gifts of the Kings and Queens that are also exceptional examples of the jewellers craft. It's a bumper Summer Bulletin, so please do take a look at all the latest additions to the website.

Until next time,

James, Toby and George