17 September 2026
Our Clandestine Operations - Inc The D.J. Croll Medal Collection & Other Properties auction came to a close on the 16th of September, with many lots achieving significant sales, demonstrating a robust market.
As one of our most comprehensive militaria sales to date, it featured material connected to two famous British WWII clandestine operations, the Battle of Waterloo, as well as other historical properties.
Selling historic military items is always a thrill. For me, they act like a time machine taking me back to that desperate moment on the battlefield - just before the charge, the attack on the target, the moment before the whistle blew to send them 'over the top.' Today's sale was no exception, as some incredible lots were snapped up by collectors worldwide.
Mark Smith, Medal Specialist
Wounded at Waterloo leading his Battalion
The Outstanding Small Army Gold Medal, and Bar, Gold C.B., Order of St Anne, Waterloo Group of 5 was awarded to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Colin Campbell of the 3rd Battalion 1st Foot (Royal Scots), who led the battalion through the Peninsular War and the 1815 Waterloo Campaign until being severely wounded on June 18th.
Sold for £74,008 inc. premium
+164% above high estimate
Waterloo Presentation Sword
The c.1815 Waterloo Presentation Mameluke Sword was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Colin Campbell, CB, by his fellow officers of the 3rd Battalion 1st Foot (Royal Scots) following the Battle of Waterloo, where Campbell was severely wounded.
Sold for £40,832 inc. premium
+300% above high estimate
L.R.D.G & Popski's Private Army
Commemorating the high-mobility, jeep-mounted desert and Italian sabotage raids of No. 1 Demolition Squadron. The Outstanding Military Medal Group of 6 awarded to Serjeant John Edward Beautyman, Royal Signals, 1st Demolition Squadron Popski’s Private Army, late Long Range Desert Group who was awarded an Immediate Military Medal recommended by Major V. Peniakoff MC, Officer Commanding 1 Demolition Squadron P.P.A.
Sold for £31,900 inc. premium
+150% above low estimate
Small Naval Gold Medal - The Boarding and Capture of the Hermione Frigate 1799
The Small Naval Gold Medal (believed to be an official duplicate issue) awarded to Admiral Sir Edward Hamilton, Bart, Kt, K.C.B. for the Boarding and Capture of the Frigate Hermione in which action he was severely wounded.
Sold for £16,588 inc. premium
+225% above high estimate
One of the Founders of the Royal Air Force
The Historically important group of 13 awarded to Air Vice Marshall Sir Charles Laverock Lambe KCB, CMG, DSO Royal Navy and a foundational commander in the Royal Air Force hand-picked by Air Marshall H.M. Trenchard, 1st Viscount Trenchard, GCB, OM, GCVO, DSO on its creation in 1918.
Sold for £11,484 inc. premium
+29% above low estimate
Killed in the Charge of The Light Brigade
The Crimea Medal awarded to Private Frederick Melrose, 17th Lancers, who was Killed in Action in the Charge of the Light Brigade, Balaklava 25th of October 1854.
Sold for £10,208 inc. premium
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