The Charterhouse auction on Friday 26th June will provide collectors with a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy items owned by the Second World War hero Rear Admiral Godfrey Place VC CB CVO DSC, including his medal ribbons featuring a Victoria Cross ribbon when they go under the auctioneers hammer along with other militaria, coins, stamps, medals, trains and many other collectors’ items.
“I have always had an interest in militaria when, as a child, my father dragged me around specialist fairs and took me into small dark shops in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s looking for items to add into his collection.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Over the years, I have been fortunate to auction some wonderful medals and militaria including a Falklands Military Medal awarded to Sgt Tom Collins which was sold for £39,000. Selling this lot with the crimson Victoria Cross ribbon will probably be as close as I will ever get to handling a real VC. However, when I was recently in London, I did take the opportunity to call into the Imperial War Museum where his medals are on public display.”
Lieutenant Basil Charles Godfrey Place was just 22 years old when he embarked on a most daring attack on 22nd September 1943. Commanding Midget Submarine X.7, and sailing with just one other Midget Submarine (X.6), he travelled over 1,000 miles from his base to Norway, dodging anti-submarine nets, a mine field, gun defences and enemy listening posts to reach his destination – the German Battleship Tirpitz. With charges placed on the enemy vessel, the mission succeeded when they went off an hour later putting the Tirpitz out of action for months. Unfortunately, both submarines were attacked with depth charges and guns which made their withdrawal impossible. However, both submarines were successfully scuttled to prevent them getting into enemy hands. Most of the crews were then taken prisoner.
This lot also includes other personal items such as his boson’s whistle when he was at the Royal Naval College Dartmouth and a signed photograph of The Queen and Prince Philip, is just one of nearly 200 lots of medals, stamps and militaria. Also featured is a collection of 50 lots of Dorset Regiment medals and high value stamps such as the rare Victoria green £1 stamp
Viewing for this auction over 1,100 lots is on Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th June at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers or you can browse online at www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk
Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.
www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk
Image: The Victoria Cross and other medal ribbons owned by Rear-Admiral Godfrey Place, being sold by Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne on Friday 26th June £100-200