A Tale of Two Families

We are thrilled to be offering for auction a fascinating collection of memorabilia spanning World War I and World War II. 

We have a collection of First World War ephemera relating to Nursing Sister Jessie Arthur RRC and Nursing Sister Beatrice E. Arthur MDH.  To include a framed set of medals presented to Beatrice E. Arthur: French ‘Medaille d’Honneur’, 1917, 1914-1918 Star Medal, 1914-1920 British War Medal, 1914-1918 Victory Medal, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne silver medal, dated 1911 and a Territorial Force Nursing service Medal, together with a scrap book ‘Memories 1914-1919’ containing photographs and inscriptions of the Sisters travels during the war detailing a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the nursing staff aboard the HMS Mauretania in 1915 and beyond.  Estimate £100 - £150

We also have a Military Cross,  First World War trio to Captain G. E. Stephenson: 1914 Mons Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal and corresponding Dress Medals, Captain Stephenson’s Greatcoat, a canvas medical bag, containing a tin of unused ointment Anti-Gas, No. 3A, together with photographs.  Estimate £300 - £500    

A set of First World War medals relating to Corporal Robert Arthur, 6-2608, Northumberland Fusiliers who was killed in France 27th January 1918 to include: 1914-1915 Star Medal, 1914-1920 British War Medal, 1914-1918 Victory Medal, Death plaque, framed ephemera and photograph of Robert Arthur.  Estimate £50 - £100

A First World War Death plaque for William Rounsevell, a dog tag inscribed Lt Jno H. Lambert, CE-25th Northumberland Fusiliers, photographs and ephemera including an Edwardian photograph album 'Uncle Jack and Aunty Doris India Days'. Estimate £50 - £100

Military Cross (MC)

The Military Cross was instituted on December 31st, 1914 as a recognition of distinguished and meritorious service in battle in situations not sufficient to merit the Victoria Cross. The Military Cross can be awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below or Warrant Officers.  On performing a second or subsequent action, the recipient will be awarded a bar to the Military Cross to be worn on the ribbon.

On each arm of the silver-coloured Military Cross is an Imperial Crown and in the centre of the award is the ‘Imperial’ and ‘Royal Cypher’ of the reigning sovereign, GV, GVI or EIIR. The reverse of the award is plain with the year of the award engraved on the lower arm. The white ribbon is 1.375 inches wide with a central vertical purple stripe (0.5 inches wide). The bar is made of silver with a crown in the centre.