A rare Second War ‘Persian Gulf’ D.S.C. group of twelve awarded to Captain R. E. T. Tunbridge, Royal Naval Reserve, later Senior Officer of the African Coastal Flotilla, engaged in clandestine boating operations on behalf of Combined Operations, SOE, MI9, OSS and other organisations Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1942 and hallmarked London 1942; 1914-15 Star (S. Lt. R. E. Tunbridge. R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. R. E. Tunbridge. R.N.R.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.V.R., the reverse hallmarked London 1922, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (12) £2,400-£2,800 --- D.S.C. London Gazette 10 March 1942: ‘For courage, enterprise and devotion to duty in operations in the Persian Gulf.’ The D.S.C. was awarded for Operation ‘Countenance’ in September 1941, the main objective of which was the seizure of the Abadan Oil Refinery and occupation of the Haft-I-Khel Oilfields. Operation ‘Countenance’ in fact comprised of three simultaneous operations, of which Tunbridge was a part of Operation ‘Crackler’, the embarkation at Basra of the 24th Indian Brigade in Naval craft, their transport down the river Shatt-al-Arab for 32 miles to Abadan, and the support of the landing on that island. The operation also involved the destruction or capture of the Persian sloop Palang berthed at Abadan. Whilst the landing operations were under way, Tunbridge brought H.M.S. Shoreham up form Fao and opened fire on the Palang at No. 11 jetty. The first salvo unfortunately caused a large fire and although gunfire was checked, the risk of the fire spreading was too great, and Tunbridge decided that it was necessary, owing to her nearness to the refinery, to sink her, which he duly did. Throughout the day Shoreham was moving up and down the river using her 0.5 machine gun to engage Persian troops along the jetties and from time to time firing a well directed 4-inch to remove an annoying post from a housetop. The whole refinery was in Allied hands by evening and although the Persian posts along the river front had fought with such tenacity and in many cases literally to the last man, the main body of Persian troops fled during the night, and the not inconsiderable garrisons of Khosrowabad and Qasbah at the south end of the island also withdrew across the Bahmanshir River. Enquiries of the villagers next day as to the reason for this precipitate withdrawal all gave the Naval gunfire and sinking of the Palang as the main cause of the consternation. M.I.D. London Gazette 2 January 1945: ‘For gallantry, enterprise and undaunted devotion to duty in hazardous operations.’ The official recommendation states: ‘These Officers and men [of the African Coastal Flotilla] have carried out a number of perilous secret operations in enemy held territory, mainly in France, Italy and the Adriatic... The work of the African Coastal Flotilla, particularly during the winter of 1943-44 when the clandestine organisations were preparing for the campaigns of 1944, has been of inestimable importance.’ The ‘African Coastal Flotilla’ was the cover name for the Navy’s clandestine boating organisation, formed to co-ordinate secret operations on behalf of Combined Operations, S.O.E., MI9, and various other Allied ‘irregular’ organisations, in the Mediterranean theatre. The A.C.F. reported directly to the Deputy Director of the Operations Division (Irregular) (DDOD(I)), a retired naval officer who had been seconded from the Secret Intelligence Service to the Admiralty to take charge of the clandestine sea operations involved in restoring our shattered intelligence organisations in enemy-occupied Europe. In every clandestine operation, the A.C.F. officer was the key figure, the man in charge, who alone knew where ‘Joeys’ were to be landed and was responsible for navigation to and from the pinpoint. The A.C.F. had their own surfboat crews, who were always used on operations, except those conducted on behalf of S.O.E., who preferred to take along their own men. All volunteers, they were a mixed collection of ratings recruited by D.D.O.D.(I) from various sources. Many of their exploits are told in Undercover Sailors - Secret Operations of World War II by A. Cecil Hampshire. The important role played by Captain Tunbridge in the story of the A.C.F. is best told in the words of the D.D.O.D.(I) himself. In a remarkable strongly worded attachment to the recommendation for Tunbridge’s M.I.D., he states: ‘In connection with the attached list of recommendations for honours and awards to the personnel of the ACF, DDOD(I) desires to submit the work of Captain Tunbridge to the notice of the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean. Captain Tunbridge succeeded to the command of the African Coastal Flotilla in the spring of 1943 at a time when the fortunes of the flotilla were at a low ebb and the morale of the personnel lowered by the absence of active operations, and the difficulties in obtaining well found ships and suitable equipment. In the face of the overwhelming requirements of regular operations, no priority could be granted to the flotilla in its struggles to effect repairs to the ancient craft available, and no consideration could be given towards the provision of more suitable craft. Moreover, the prestige of the flotilla had been damaged by the depredations of “private navies” operating in the Mediterranean before the advent of DDOD(I). The zealous but unconstitutional conduct of the sponsors of the “private navies” had alienated the sympathy and understanding of local naval authorities who at best regarded irregular operations with amused tolerance and ridicule, or at the worst with impatience and hostility. Captain Tunbridge therefore, fresh from the relatively straightforward business of the sea, was faced with a formidable task with at first nothing to help him beyond directives and signals and letters of encouragement from DDOD(I) coupled with periodical personal visits from the latter and as much equipment as DDOD(I) could scrape together in the UK. In the sixteen months Captain Tunbridge has been in command he has, with the assistance of the Commander-in-Chief’s staff, not only succeeded in building up a highly efficient force, but has restored the confidence of the flotilla in its work; has overcome the prejudices of local naval authorities, with the result that the flotilla now enjoys the maximum assistance in its work, and, above all, Captain Tunbridge has succeeded in removing the convictions of the clandestine authorities in the Mediterranean (since they have been largely deprived of their private navies) that the formation of the African Coastal Flotilla would hamper rather than advance their interests. This last achievement has been won at the expense of an outwardly strictly neutral attitude to all clandestine authorities and the exercise of exceptional patience, cunning and tact, for such is the ‘prima donna’-like temperament of those engaged on underground or subversive activities that had the slightest preference been shown to one more than the other (except as ordered by Allied Forces HQ) the competitors would have immediately seized the opportunity as an excuse to re-embark on private sea-going enterprises, chaos would have again resulted and the just prejudices of local naval authorities never overcome. Thus it will be seen that Captain Tunbridge in addition to his ability as an organiser and seaman has won a diplomatic victory, and it has been necessary for DDOD(I) to set down the record of his achievements in forceful rather than tactful language in order to emphasise this latter point.’ Robert Ernest Tuearsly Tunbridge was born at Ryde, Isle of Wight, on 9 December 1892. He joined the Merchant Navy in 1911, gaining his Second Mate’s certificate in April 1914, and was mobilised in the Royal Naval Reserve during the Great War until January 1920. Tunbridge returned to the P. and O. Company by whom he was employed for many years. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Commander R.N.R. in April 1926; Commander, June 1934; Captain, December 1941. Amongst his wartime appointments he was executive officer in H.M.S. Ranchi , September 1939 to January 1941; executive officer in H.M.S. Shoreham to December 1941 (awarded D.S.C.); senior officer, Ceylon Escort Group, based at H.M.S. Lanka, Colombo, March 1942 to February 1943, when he joined H.M.S. Hannibal, R.N. Base at Algiers, officially for ‘Sea Transport duties’ but in fact as senior officer, African Coastal Flotilla, to carry out clandestine operations on enemy-held shores (mentioned in despatches). From July 1944 to the end of the war he was based at H.M.S. Byrsa, R.N. Base at Naples. In November 1946 he was appointed R.N.R. A.D.C. to the King, an appointment that he held for 12 months. He continued with the P. & O. Company after the war and was latterly Captain of the S.S. Chusan until his retirement in January 1953. He was awarded the C.B.E. (Civil) in the Coronation Honours list in recognition of his long service with P. & O. Captain Tunbridge died at sea on 2 February 1956, while travelling as a passenger in the ship Kenya and was buried at sea off the east coast of Africa. ------ For more information , additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.noonans.co.uk
A Victorian Tunbridge Ware sewing box, cushion topped cuboid form, inlaid with a parquetry panel of specimen woods, within graduated concentric borders of geometric and foliate scroll micromosaic, opening to reveal a fully fitted interior of geometric spools, lidded compartments, carved bone tools, barrel form tape measure, marquetry needle book etc, 26.5cm wide, 12.5cm high, 21cm deep
A Tunbridge Ware table cabinet, by Thomas Barton, mid 19th century, the coromandel panels and doors, with mosaic borders, enclosing three drawers, raised on bun feet, paper label to the underside, 21cm wide 16cm deep 17cm high Condition Report: One drawer handle with losses. Surface scratches and wear, particularly to the top. No key present.
A Tunbridge Ware Hever Castle box 19th century, with concave corners, 23cm wide 15cm deep 8cm high Condition Report: Splits to the Hever Castle panel. No key present. Knocks and wear throughout.
A Tunbridge Ware Hever Castle box, 19th century, with a mosaic Hever Castle, on a satinwood panel, with 'Van Dyke' pattern borders, and convex sides 25cm wide 15cm deep 8cm high Condition Report: The key is present. Cracks to the satinwood panel. Minor knocks and wear throughout.
A Tunbridge Ware table cabinet, by Thomas Barton, mid 19th century, the coromandel panels and doors, with mosaic borders, enclosing three drawers, raised on bun feet, paper label to the underside, 21cm wide 16cm deep 17cm high Condition Report: One drawer handle with losses. Surface scratches and wear, particularly to the top. No key present.
A Tunbridge Ware rosewood needlework box c.1840, probably by Burrows, of octagonal form, the mosaic top, opening to reveal a nine-compartmented interior, 28cm wide 22.5cm deep 6.5cm high Condition Report: No apparent losses to the mosaic. The key is not present.
A Tunbridge Ware book trough c. 1840, probably by Burrows, with rosewood turned handles, the centre with a leaf form mosaic on satinwood, 40cm wide 26cm deep 12cm high Condition Report: Some shrinkage cracks. No apparent losses to the mosaics.
A Tunbridge Ware box 19th century, the top inlaid with mother of pearl, to zig-zag borders, 25cm wide 18cm deep 14cm high together with a small octagonal example, with a floral mosaic top, 13cm wide (2) Condition Report: The key is present. Losses to the mother of pearl decoration. Knocks and wear to both examples. Losses to the mosaic on the octagonal example.
A Tunbridge Ware table cabinet, by Thomas Barton, mid 19th century, the satinwood floral mosaic top, over coromandel sides, and two doors, enclosing four drawers, with hardwood inlaid knobs, raised on bun feet, paper label to the underside, 20cm wide 15cm deep 19vcm high Condition Report: Appears to be in good condition. Only minor knocks to the corners. The key is present. No losses to the mosaic.
A Tunbridge Ware glove box 19th century, with a floral mosaic top, 24cm wide and another similar box, 15cm square (2) Condition Report: The key to the glove box is missing but present to the square box. Knocks and wear throughout. Cracks to the panel on the square box.
A Tunbridge Ware sewing box by Edmund Nye, 1820s, with a hinged pin cushion lid, flanked by two compartments, paper label to the underside. 22cm wide together with a Tunbridge Ware box, 19th century, with a floral mosaic lid, 12cm wide (2) Condition Report: Knocks and wear throughout. The smaller box with a repair to the border and minor losses to the mosaic. No key present. Losses to the interior lining of the sewing box.
A Tunbridge Ware work box, early 19th century, the kingwood veneered lid with a printed street scene, to mosaic borders, and a mother of pearl escutcheon, enclosing lift-out compartments, 23cm wide 18cm deep 8cm high Condition Report: Knocks and wear throughout. Losses to the interior lining. No key is present.
A Tunbridge Ware Hever Castle box 19th century, with concave corners, 23cm wide 15cm deep 8cm high Condition Report: Splits to the Hever Castle panel. No key present. Knocks and wear throughout.
A group of five Tunbridge Ware items 19th century, comprising a cribbage board, with four stained bone pieces, 26cm wide, a rosewood taper stick, 7cm diameter, a card case, with a butterfly panel, 12cm wide, a brush, 17cm wide, and a ruler, 23cm wide (5) Condition Report: Knocks and wear throughout, particularly to the card case. Some remanent wax, to the taper stick.
A Tunbridge Ware box 19th century, the lid with a floral mosaic, to lignum vitae moulded edges, and concave sides, with a band of oak leaves, enclosing three compartments, 21cm wide 16.5cm deep Condition Report: Minor knocks and wear. Overall good order.
A Tunbridge Ware bowl c.1840, of octagonal form, the centre with a butterfly mosaic panel on satinwood, to geometric mosaic sides, 24.5cm wide Provenance: Originally purchased from Bonhams, Lot 305, sale code 19831. Condition Report: Some splits and cracks. No apparent losses to the mosiac.
A Tunbridge Ware desk stand, 19th century, with a geometric inlaid lid, and a mosaic lid, flanked by two cut glass inkwells, to sloping floral mosaic sides, raised on bun feet, 29cm wide 18cm deep 7cm high excluding the inkwells Condition Report: The inkwells are a little stiff to remove. Knocks and wear throughout. The mosaic decoration appears to be in good order, with no apparent losses.
A group of ten Tunbridge Ware stamp boxes A group of ten Tunbridge Ware stamp boxes, mid-19th century and later, comprising seven Victorian examples, an Edward VIII example, a floral decorated box, and another marked 'Postage Stamps', 4cm to 9cm wide (10) Condition Report: Minor knocks and wear throughout.
A Victorian Tunbridge Type Box - Elkington & Co. This is a nice Late Victorian Table top Box. It has the Shell type Inlay to the top in kingwood, and an upholstered interior lid lining. It is also marked Elkington and co inside. Its in good general condition. There is no key. It measures approx 32cm by 30cm and 8cm high
Antique Mahogany and Burr Walnut Veneer Tea Caddy - with Tunbridge inlay, opening to two lidded divisions, circular bone knobs and colourful paper and gilt design to interior lid with central paper print of children in an idyllic scene, fitted with brass locking mechanism and hinges.
A Tunbridge Ware box, A Tunbridge Ware box, the hinged lid, revealing a plush interior, 23.5cm wide, together with a hardwood vase, of squat form, with incised decoration, 14.5cm high a toleware tray, with painted floral decoration, 40.5cm wide and toleware lamp, the green shade decorated with a painted wreath, and winged lions, 46cm high (4) Condition Report: Tunbridge Ware box) Good condition, only minor knocks. Vase) Knocks, wear and dents throughout. Toleware tray) Losses to the paint, particuarly to the underside. Heavy wear to the edges. Scratches throughout. Lamp) Losses to the painted decoration. 16.11.22 - PAT Test passed
A TUNBRIDGE WARE PANEL DEPICTING THE PANTILES, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS , KENT A TUNBRIDGE WARE PANEL DEPICTING THE PANTILES, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS , KENT, 19th century, in a Tunbridge Ware frame. Frame 19.5cm high x 24.5cm wide
A William IV walnut and cube parquetry Tunbridge style tilt-top table the rounded rectangular cube parquetry top with walnut cross banding, raised on three scroll supports to a tripod base with downcurved legs with scroll toes, 29¼ x 19¾in. (74.25 x 50.2cm.), 28¼in. (71.75cm.) high.
A VERY GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE FOLDING TRAVELLING TABLE DESK, the two piece folding top inlaid with a ruined castle, parquetry panel and band of roses, opening to reveal a velvet writing surface, pen tray and two ink bottles. 15.5ins long x 12ins wide.
A VERY GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE FOLDING TRAVELLING TABLE DESK, the two piece folding top inlaid with a ruin, castle with a moat, flowers, oak leaves and acorns, opens to reveal a blue leather writing surface, pen tray and two ink bottles. 13.5ins long x 10.5ins wide.
A VERY GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE DOMED TOP PARQUETRY SEWING BOX with Van Dyke parquetry to the sides, on four metal feet. 9ins long x 7.5ins wide x 6ins high.
A VERY GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE SEWING BOX AND COVER, the top inlaid with lilies surrounded by scrolls, opens to reveal a fitted tray, roses around the sides. 12ins long x 9.5ins wide x 4.25ins high.
A VERY GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE DOMED TOP TWO-DIVISION TEA CADDY, the top inlaid with Hever Castle, Kent with roses to the borders, opening to reveal two tea canisters, roses to the sides. 9.25ins long x 5.25ins wide x 5.5ins high.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE MARQUETRY AND PARQUETRY SLIGHTLY DOMED TOP LONG BOX, the top inlaid with roses and parquetry, parquetry to the sides. 9.5ins long x 3.5ins wide x 2.75ins high.
A VERY GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE MARQUETRY AND PARQUETRY SLIGHTLY DOMED TOP TEA CADDY, the top inlaid with a bird and wheat ears, opening to reveal a glass mixing bowl and tea canister, band of roses to the sides, on bun feet. 9ins long x 5.5ins wide x 6ins high.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE MARQUETRY AND PARQUETRY TWO-DIVISION TEA CADDY, the domed top inlaid with roses opening to reveal two tea canisters. 9ins long x 5ins wide x 4.5ins high.
A TUNBRIDGE WARE LONG BOX, in maplewood, the hinged lid inlaid with roses, with carved edge and maplewood interior. 9.5ins long x 4ins wide x 3ins high.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE TWO-DIVISION TEA CADDY, the top inlaid with Eridge Castle, Sussex, opening to reveal two square tea canisters with roses around the sides. 8.5ins long x 4.5ins wide x 5ins high.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE SEWING CASE, the slightly domed top inlaid with Muckross Abbey, County Kerry, Ireland surrounded by roses and opens to reveal a fitted interior with scissors, bodkins and cotton reels in a lift-out tray. 9ins long x 7ins wide x 4ins high.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE BOX, the slightly domed top inlaid with Muckross Abbey, County Kerry, Ireland surrounded by roses, the sides inlaid with roses. 9ins long x 7ins wide x 4ins high.
A SUPERB TUNBRIDGE WARE SLOPING TOP WRITING DESK, the two piece folding top inlaid with Muckross Abbey, County Kerry, Ireland, parquetry and marquetry opening to reveal a leather writing surface. 11ins long x 8.5ins wide.
A SUPERB TUNBRIDGE WARE BOX AND COVER, the slightly domed top inlaid with "Leeds Castle" surrounded by flowers, the sides with flowers and scrolls. 10.5ins long x 8.5ins wide x 4.5ins high.
A LARGE GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE TEA CADDY, the hinged top inlaid with flowers and parquetry and opening to reveal a glass mixing bowl and a pair of tea canisters with parquetry tops. 12ins long x 6ins wide x 6ins high.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE PARQUETRY WRITING DESK, with sloping top with parquetry inlay and opening to reveal a leather writing surface and two bottles. 13ins long x 12ins wide.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE MARQUETRY AND PARQUETRY SLIGHTLY DOME TOPPED BOX, inlaid with roses, with a hinged top. 9.5ins long x 5.75ins wide x 3.25ins high.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE MARQUETRY AND PARQUETRY TABLE INKSTAND, inlaid with roses and fitted with two small boxes and covers and a square glass inkwell and cover. 8.5ins long x 7ins wide.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE MARQUETRY AND PARQUETRY TABLE INKSTAND, inlaid with scrolls and flowers, inset with two glass ink bottles with marquetry tops, pen tray, on four brass feet, complete with pen. 10ins long x 6.5ins wide. Provenance: N. Somers Collection.
A TUNBRIDGE WARE MARQUETRY CHEST, with marquetry top of flowers, flowers to the door to the front, enclosing three drawers and supported on bun feet. 6ins wide x 5ins deep x 5.5ins high.
A GOOD TUNBRIDGE WARE PARQUETRY AND MARQUETRY CHEST, with parquetry top and marquetry door to the front, enclosing three drawers and supported on bun feet. 6ins wide x 4.5ins deep x 5ins high.
