War hero's medals tell amazing story

THE story of a North East hero who fought in both world wars has emerged from an auction which takes place today.

Boldon Auction Galleries in South Tyneside will sell seven medals awarded to Major Norman Batey Pigg, who was born in Seaham in County Durham in 1894.

He joined the army as a second lieutenant in 1915 and served in the 21st and 1st Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers.  The medals are estimated at between £3,000 and £5,000.

They include a First World War Military Cross inscribed Armentieres, and awarded for conspicuous gallantry in action. Major Pigg led a successful raid against the enemy’s trenches and was severely wounded.

His Distinguished Service Order medal for conspicuous gallantry and initiative was earned during the operations east of Solesmes from the October 23-26 1918.


He commanded a company (YCO 1st BN Northumberland Fusiliers) which made three assaults during the operations.  On one occasion he pushed forward with a small party and captured a machine gun which had been causing casualties.  Later he observed the enemy’s field battery which he at once charged and routed the gunners, saving the battalion many casualties.

He was praised for “his fine example of leadership and courage” when he encouraged his men to successfully repulse three heavy enemy attacks.

Later when the enemy drove back the line on his left, he quickly threw out a defensive flank enabling the remainder of his force to take up a new position in the rear. His rapid grasp of the situation considerably impeded the enemy’s advance.

During an enemy attack, for two days under repeated heavy bombardment and in the face massed attacks, held his men cleverly together and rendered great assistance to his battalion commander.  On November 23, 1916, after being severely wounded, he was carried back to the trenches and taken to hospital having been shot through the leg.

He was told he may have to have his leg amputated. The night before the operation the surgeon examined the wound and found a piece of khaki thread that was impeding the healing process and his leg was saved.

During the Second World War he served with the 8th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers in France in 1940.  As a Major commanding ‘C’ Company on May 25, 1940, he became second in command of the battalion evacuated at Dunkirk.

Giles Hodges, who runs Boldon Auction Galleries, said: “His war record is remarkable. He was a very brave man.”

ANOTHER bravery medal will be sold today as part of a family archive.

The 49th Tynemouth medal, which was awarded to Percy Catmore Chaston in 1916 “For Bravery in Saving Life at Sea,” will be sold at Boldon Auction galleries along with a 1914 - 1918 war medal, inscribed Percy C. Chaston and a Mercantile Marine War 1914 - 1918 medal.  The medals are estimated at £300-£500.

Percy Catmore Chaston was awarded the Tynemouth medal for saving the life of Philip Goddard at Alexandra Dock, Hull.  The record of the medal presentation describes how Mr Chaston, third engineer on the Cairn liner Hurona, was in his bunk when he heard the cries of men in the water of the dock.

It was a dark night, but Mr Chaston dived into the dock and rescued Mr Goddard. He then returned to search for Nelson Gabree, Mr Goddard's uncle, but was unsuccessful and Mr Gabree drowned.  Mr Chaston was presented with his medal at a ceremony in the Shipping Federation Offices in Newcastle.

The Chaston family are believed to have lived in Jesmond in Newcastle.  There is a record of Percy Catmore Chaston dying in 1917 in his 25th year.

Four First World War medals awarded to Second Lieutenant J Chaston and another four to Cpl H Chaston 16 Northumberland Fusiliers, are valued at £100-150.

A plaque in St George’s Church in Jesmond includes the name of Cpl Harry Chaston, who was killed at the age of 24 in 1918.


Published in The Journal 5th December 2012

Read more: Journal Live http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/12/05/seaham-war-hero-s-medals-tell-amazing-story-61634-32363716/#ixzz2EGqUZC7V

Medals of Heroism and Bravery for Sale on 5th December

Lot 165

A group of 7 medals awarded to Major Norman Batey Pigg comprising; a Military Cross inscribed Armentieres, 23.11.16, 31.3.17, N.B.P. for conspicuous gallantry in action. He led a successful raid against the enemy's trenches and was severely wounded.

A Distinguished Service Order medal for conspicuous gallantry and initiative during the operations east of Solesmes from the 23rd to 26th October 1918. He commanded a company (YCO 1st BN Northumberland Fusiliers) which made three assaults during the operations. On one occasion he pushed forward with a small party and captured a machine gun which had been causing casualties. Later he observed the enemy's field battery which he at once charged and routed the gunners saving the battalion many casualties.

First Bar 1914 - 1919, comprises; The Great War for Civilisation 1914 - 1919 medal inscribed Capt. N. B. Pigg, with a single bronze oak leaf emblem and The 1914 - 1918 War medal inscribed Capt. N. B. Pigg. Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty by his fine example of leadership and courage he encouraged his men to successfully repulse three heavy enemy attacks. Later when the enemy drove back the line on his left, he quickly threw out a defensive flank enabling the remainder of his force to take up a new position in the rear. His rapid grasp of the situation considerably impeded the enemy's advance.

Second Bar 1939 - 1945 comprises; The Defence Medal, The 1939 - 1945 Star and a 1939 - 1945 War medal, with a single bronze oak leaf. Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack, for two days under repeated heavy bombardment and in the face massed attacks. He held his men cleverly together and rendered great assistance to his battalion commander.

Major Norman Pigg, born in Seaham, Co. Durham in 1894. He joined the Army as a 2nd Lt in 1915 and served in the 21st and 1st Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers.

On the 23rd November 1916 after being severely wounded, 2nd Lt Pigg was carried back to the trenches and taken to hospital having been shot straight through the leg. He was told he may have to have his leg amputated. The night before the operation the surgeon examined the wound and found a piece of khaki thread that was impeding the healing process and his leg was saved.

He served with the 8th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers during the 2nd World War in France 1940. As a Major commanding 'C' Company on the 25th May 1940 he became second in command of the Battalion evacuated at Dunkirk.
Home service for the rest of the war. Estimate £3,000-£5,000    

Lot 152

A Tynemouth medal, inscribed on the reverse 'Awarded to Percy Catmore Chaston, 1st April 1916 For Bravery in Saving Life at Sea', along with a 1914 - 1918 War medal, inscribed Percy C. Chaston and a Mercantile Marine War 1914 - 1918 medal, inscribed Percy C. Chaston. (3)


Percy Catmore Chaston was awarded the 49th Tynemouth medal "for saving the life of Philip Goddard at Alexandra Dock, Hull on 1st April 1916. Mr Chaston was third engineer on the Cairn Liner 'Hurona' and he was in his bunk when he heard the cries of men in the water of the dock. It was a dark night, but Mr Chaston dived into the dock and rescued Mr Goddard and American horseman. He then returned to search for Nelson Gabree, Mr Goddard's uncle, but was unsuccessful, Mr Gabree being drowned. At a ceremony in the Shipping Federation Offices in Newcastle upon Tyne, Mr Stanley Mitcalfe presented him with the Tynemouth Medal Trust's Silver Medal......."

Taken from 'The Tynemouth Medal Trust, Notes on the Trust, Its Aims and its Awards' compiled by C.J. Lambert. Estimate £300-£500
These lots will be sold on Wednesday 5th December in our Fine Art & Antique Sale.  We start at 10am prompt.

Please do contact us if you require more information.

Antique Sale Highlights 26th September 2012

Our September sale got off to a seasonal start with Lot 40 A Clarice Cliff Fantasque Bizarre 'Blue Autumn' pattern tea service, which sold for £2100,

Lot 49, a Moorcroft vase decorated with leaf and blackberry pattern on an autumnal ground which sold for £800

and Lot 50 a pair of Italian Cantagalli copper lustre vases which sold for £980.

Musical instruments sold well, in particular Lot 174 An Italian violin bearing the label G. Pedrazzini Cremonese fece in Milano 1933, along with a silver mounted bow which sold to a telephone bidder for £12500 after a fiercely contested battle.

Local interest came in the form of Lot 187, an album of black and white shipping photographs that fetched £700,

while more exotic lots 295 and 297 Oriental seals sold for £1100 and £1700 respectively.

The Rolex brand name continues to bring in good money; Lot 321 a Gentleman's Rolex 'Yacht-Master' Oyster Perpetual watch went for £2800.

Gold prices also remain high with Lot 332 a 9ct gold curb link charm bracelet, stamped 375 with a full sovereign dated 1911 and a half sovereign dated 1914, total weight of 71 grams sold for £920.

We had an interesting selection of art works with traditional oils such as Lot 392 attributed to Harry Fidler 'Plough Team in open Countryside' fetching £460

and Lot 406, a watercolour by Frank Henry Mason selling for £480,

while Lots 430 and 431, photographs by Patrick Lichfield, of David Bailey and Italian designer Valentino sold for £1500 and £1800,

and a collection of contemporary prints by Antony Micallef sold for between £220-300 each.

Lot 465 A Shirvan prayer rug wove a price of £1600 after much interest and bidding from the room, telephone and internet.

In the diverse furniture section; Lot 502 A 1970's steel lamp with three tiered globe and a large single steel table lamp shone with a hammer price of £450.

Lot 505 A Danish teak dining room suite comprising; sideboard, extending table and six chairs sold for £400

and Lot 508 An oxblood three seater Chesterfield settee sold comfortably at £420.

We are now accepting entries for our next Fine Art and Antique Auction to be held on Wednesday 5th December 2012.  Please call in, telephone or email us and we will arrange to value and/or enter items for Auction.

The December Auction will be a super opportunity to find the perfect Christmas present!

Fundraising Update

SPONSER MONEY UPDATE

Great North Run final total is £727!!!!!

Raised for Disability North

Thank you once again for the support

Entries for December 5th Fine Art & Antique Sale

Consigned for Sale - Lot 34
A pair of Art Nouveau WMF pewter vases, with glass liners, cast in relief with a maiden amongst sinuous flower stems (stamped on the underside of the rim).  Height 36cm  Estimate £100 - £150

Entries are still being accepted for our Fine Art & Antique Sale on Wednesday 5th December.

The sale starts at 9am with viewing on Saturday 1st December 10am - 1pm, Tuesday 4th December 2pm - 6pm and on the morning of the sale from 9am.

The sale will be live on the internet (via the-saleroom.com - registration is simple and free); so if you cannot attend the auction you can listen live on the web.

If you have anything to enter for the sale please call us 0191 537 2630, email boldon@btconnect.com or pop in to the saleroom.

We look forward to seeing you.

Great North Run 2012

Giles completed the Great North Run 2012 on Sunday 16th September in a time of 2 hours 21 minutes and 42 seconds and has raised over £647 for Disability North.

Thank you to everyone who supported Giles and sponsored him in running this half marathon.

He is now having a rest before his next challenge!!

Next Fine Art & Antique Sale

We are currently putting the finishing touches to our next Fine Art & Antique Sale to be held on Wednesday 26th September.

Among the lots included in this sale is this stunning platinum solitaire diamond ring, 4.40 carat. 
Estimate £15,000 - £20,000


Lot 322

Our catalogue will be on-line from Wednesday 19th September.

Entries Accepted for our next Fine Art & Antique Auction

It's not too late!

Entries are still being accepted for our Fine Art & Antique Sale on Wednesday 26th September.

We will be selling English and Continental Ceramics and Works of Art, Collectables, Cigarette Cards, Jewellery, Silver and Silver-Plate, Books, Carpets and Rugs, Oils, Watercolours and Prints, Continental and English Furniture.

All valuations for sale are free of charge and we display our Fine Art & Antique Sale Catalogues with the Antiques Trade Gazette at www.antiquestradegazette.com, Invaluable at www.invaluable.com and with UKauctioneers at www.ukauctioneers.com .  In addition we offer an online bidding service for these sales via the-saleroom.com for bidders who cannot attend the sale.  Bidders can access the entire sale in real time and bid in real time.  This ensures that our Fine Art & Antique Sales reach a truly international market place.

If you have any items you would like to enter for possible sale please call Giles or Tom 0191 537 2630, email boldon@btconnect.com or call in to Boldon Auction Galleries, 24a Front Street, East Boldon, NE36 0SJ.

We look forward to doing business with you.

PDF Calendar

Did you know that you can download a PDF Calendar giving you all our Auction Dates, Viewing Times, Accepting Entries Days and other information to keep you up to date with everything happening at Boldon Auction Galleries in one handy calendar?

All you have to do is to go onto the Auction Dates tab on our home page and click on Auction Dates at the bottom of the page.  Then click on the Click Here button.

It's as simple as that!

We hope you find the calendars useful; we update them fortnightly so you will never miss an Auction!

Summer Sale Highlights

Our summer sale held on Wednesday 13th July was a huge success with many top lots.

Lot 32, A Burmantofts Faience Anglo Persian vase by Louis Kramer decorated with fish did not actually sell during the auction itself but quickly became the subject of a fiercely contested bidding battle after the sale, finishing with a selling price of £3400 which comfortably exceeded its upper estimate.

Lot 45 and 46 were real gems - two pairs of early twentieth century Art Nouveau ceramic tiles - which attracted a huge amount of interest on the internet and phones before selling in the room for £1000 and £1450 each.

Model enthusiasts were rewarded with two treasures, Lot 99, a part scratch built 7 1/4 inch gauge LNER Class B1 locomotive with detailed drawings which sold for £2100

and Lot 166, a shipyard model of the Silver Elm which sold for £3300.

A rare Beckwith of London pneumatic air rifle with cylindrical barrel and leather clad stock, complete with its pump, sold well at £1550

and Lot 109, a German Luftwaffe officer's dagger fetched £300.

We had a large collection of musical instruments in this auction with 15 violins, 2 cellos - one of which sold for £1500, a banjo, a squeeze box

and a Steinway piano which sold for £2400.

A silver four piece tea service fetched £610

and Lot 315, a gentleman's Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Date Just" chronometer sold for £1000, showing that these classic items are still selling well at auction.

We had some interesting Masonic items in the sale including Lot 426, a silver Masonic Lodge presentation set which reach £1550

and Lot 139, a collection bowl, gavels and ceremonial swords which sold for £150.

There was an eclectic range of artwork with pieces such as Lot 474, a half portrait of a lady attributed to Alan Lowndes which sold for £600 contrasting sharply with the ultra-modern Lucie Bennett Red Felt Tip Girl which sold for £490.

Lot 528 was an example of good quality early twentieth century furniture, an oak triple door wardrobe with carved acorns, that sold for £800;

and lot 562 was an ornate 20th century walnut Italian decorative centre table with acanthus carved edge, with heavily carved winged female supports with lion paw feet and a heavily pierced carved stretcher, the legs each ending in an open mouthed lion.  It generated a good amount of interest and sold for £1700.

We are now accepting entries for our next Fine Art and Antique Auction to be held on Wednesday 26th September 2012.