On 20th of November 2014, Spink London held an auction of historically important Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria.
The auction, comprised of 500 Lots, generated significant interest in a number of important medals and medal groups which resulted in remarkable prices.
At the forefront of this successful auction were the decorations and medals awarded to Lieutenant P.P. ‘Clem’ Clements of the Parachute Regiment and X Troop 11 SAS, one of the most highly decorated members of the airborne forces, of which he had been a founding member.
Lot 9 – On the outbreak of WWII, Clements volunteered for special service, and was enlisted No. 2 (Parachute) Commando in the recently formed British Airborne Forces, subsequently to become X Troop 11 SAS.
Clements took part in the first British Airborne Raid, Operation Colossus, to parachute in and destroy an aqueduct over the River Tragino, south-western Italy. As the senior NCO in the operation, he was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry.
Taken POW during the operation, he undertook clandestine operations for MI9 whilst imprisoned in Sulmona Camp.
Successfully escaping, his work was recognised by the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Having being repatriated to the United Kingdom, he was Commissioned into the Parachute Regiment, leading his men with distinction against heavy armour in the Forests of Ardenne in 1945. Wounded four times, he was awarded his third and final gallantry award, the Military Cross.
Price Realised: £98,400
Lot 13 – Amongst the other lots bestowed for outstanding zeal was the Superb ‘Ace-in-a-Day’ Battle of Britain Group to Spitfire Pilot R.F. ‘The Pied Piper of Harrogate’ Hamlyn, Royal Air Force.
At the height of the Battle of Britain, he shot down 5 enemy aircraft in one day, and was awarded an ‘Immediate’ Distinguished Flying Medal. He went on to score at least 10 victories, 8 of which were recorded between 14th – 30thAugust 1940.
Price Realised: £90,000
About Spink
Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine. Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide. Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore, Spink holds over 70 auctions a year. Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website (www.spink.com) or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad.
