With the 2022 auction schedule now complete, we are already looking forward to our first auction of 2023. Coming up in our Coins, Medals, Weapons, Militaria and Paper Collectables auction on 18-19 January are some interesting medal groups including a superb, original World War II Tank Corps medal group awarded to Corporal G Black (pictured below). The group includes Distinguished Conduct Medal GVI (7884495 Cpl G Black R.Tank.R); GVI India General Service Medal with North West Frontier 1936-37 clasp (7884495 Pte G Black R.Tank.C); 1939-45 Star, Africa Star; Burma Star and War Medal.
Gavin Black, from Stonehouse in Lanarkshire, was Killed In Action with the 7th Bn Royal Tank Regt 3rd January 1941 and is on the Alamein Memorial. His Distinguished Conduct Medal was awarded for "skill and gallantry in action near Sidi Barrani on 9th December 1940" with the 7th Royal Tanks. A copy of the original DCM Citation reads "This NCO was Tank Commander during the action on 9 Dec 40 at Nibeiwa and Tummar West, fighting his tank with gallantry and coolness engaging enemy guns at close range in spite of many direct hits one of which damaged his radiator and put one engine out of action. In spite of this he brought his tank back to the rallying point. His coolness and devotion to duty were remarkable".
Also included is much original material including a letter sent to his parents referencing his death (dated 12th January 1941) written and signed by Major J R Holden, noting that Black was killed on the preliminary attack on Bardia; a letter written by Black to his mother and a large cabinet photo of Black in uniform. The consignment has been made by a descendant of Gavin Black.
Please note that we will not be producing the usual full colour printed catalogue for this auction, however the online catalogue will be available in early January. The consignment date for this auction has now passed, but if you have any similar items you'd like to have valued or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact our valuer, James Sadler.