As history continues to captivate us, there’s something undeniably powerful about holding a tangible piece of the past. This February, we invite you to discover some truly remarkable items at our upcoming Militaria, Maritime, and Naval Auction. Featuring treasures that span centuries, these items come from both the battlefields of the Great War and closer to home. The auction, scheduled for February 26, 2025, will showcase rare finds, all with extraordinary histories to tell.
07/02/2025
Let’s look at some of the exceptional lots available, each with fascinating stories and valuable provenance. If you have military items of your own - perhaps from family members who served – these auctions are an excellent opportunity to pass on their legacy to new custodians. We’re also looking for consignments with strong family histories and documented provenance, so don’t hesitate to contact us with your items for future auctions.
Among the most poignant and personal relics of wartime are the diaries written by soldiers themselves. A series of diaries of Pioneer Lawrence Horton, estimated at £100/£150, offer an intimate glimpse into the life of a soldier in a gas warfare unit in the Royal Engineers during the First World War. This lot features a group of three small pocket diaries that span from April 30, 1917, to January 1, 1920. These diaries offer daily entries covering Horton’s time in training and his service on the front lines in France.
Horton, who joined the Royal Engineers in May 1917, recorded everything from the monotony of waiting in billets to the harrowing realities of trench warfare and gas attacks. His entries from April 1918, for example, describe a mission in which gas was discharged under fire, and the constant risks of shelling and casualties, including the tragic death of a fellow soldier in October 1918.
The armistice is marked succinctly on November 11, 1918: “Hostilities ceased at 11am. Attached to 2nd American Army.” Horton’s service continued until his discharge in 1919, and he was later awarded the British War and Victory Medals. His diaries not only chronicle his experiences but also offer a unique perspective on the quieter moments between battles—attending YMCA events and carrying supplies under fire.
These diaries come with photocopied research and a full transcript of the entries, allowing collectors and historians alike to dive deep into the narrative of a soldier who served in a critical part of the war effort. This lot would make an incredible addition to any collection focusing on World War I.
Another striking piece of history is the pocket diary of Private James McDonald, likewise estimated at £100/£150, who served with the 14th and 1/8th Royal Warwickshire Regiment. This compact 3x5 inch diary spans December 1916 to July 1918, offering 76 pages filled with detailed accounts of his training and service on the Western and Italian fronts.
McDonald's diary is filled with poignant moments of both tragedy and camaraderie. He writes about his departure from Chiseldon for France on Christmas Eve in 1916, the upbeat music from the band as the soldiers marched, and the harsh realities of war, including witnessing the devastation of French cities like Peronne. The entries also detail the exhaustion and fear of life on the front lines, like when McDonald recounts being caught in a barrage of fire while marching to the Canal Bank or wearing gas masks during a mustard gas attack.
While many soldiers’ diaries focus on the hardships of war, McDonald’s account also highlights the human side of military life, including moments of lighter joy, like the warm reception from Italian civilians in 1918. His diary offers a vivid and deeply personal perspective on what it was like to serve in two theatres of war, from the trenches of the Western Front to the mountains of Italy.
Another highly poignant lot comes from the tragic local story of Private Albert Jones, a young man who served with the 6th Battalion of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. This group, estimated at £180/£220, includes his 1914-15 Star, 1914-18 War Medal, and Victory Medal, all named to “11519 PTE. A. JONES SHROPS. L.I,” along with his death plaque, commemorating his sacrifice.
Private Jones was killed in action on August 13, 1915, during the brutal fighting in the trenches at Rouge de Bout. His death, following a gunshot wound to the head, made him the first casualty from his battalion. The loss of Jones, only 24 years old, was deeply felt in his hometown of Rushbury, Shropshire. He is commemorated on local war memorials, and his final resting place is at Rue-du-Bois Military Cemetery in Fleuxbaix, France.
Accompanied by research materials and a detailed account from the battalion’s war diary, this medal trio and plaque are a solemn reminder of the personal costs of war. They also serve as an important historical artefact from the early months of the conflict, highlighting the devastating toll the war took on communities.
These are just a few examples of the treasures available at our Militaria, Maritime, and Naval Auction on February 26, 2025. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer interested in military history, these lots offer rare and moving pieces of history. Additionally, if you have militaria items from your own family’s history, we would be honoured to help you find a new home for them. Our team is dedicated to preserving these stories and ensuring they continue to be appreciated by future generations.
For more information on consigning items or to request a catalogue, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01743 450 700 or fineart@hallsgb.com. We look forward to seeing you at the auction!
07/02/2025
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