As we approach the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a momentous occasion that marks the end of World War II in Europe, we take time to celebrate the men and women whose courage, sacrifice, and dedication helped defeat the Axis powers, both on the frontlines overseas and on the home front.
While national celebrations will commemorate the historic event, Hansons Auctioneers’ Medals & Militaria Auction on the 14th May offers an opportunity to reflect on the objects and stories that represent the extraordinary bravery of service personnel from the conflict.
One such story of valor is that of Sergeant Sidney Grime of B Special Service Squadron, The Royal Tank Regiment. In May 1942, Sgt Grime participated in Operation Ironclad, a daring mission where Allied Forces landed on the Vichy French-controlled island of Madagascar. During a fierce engagement, his tank, along with three others, was knocked out of action by enemy anti-tank fire.
With his comrades in imminent danger, Grime swiftly assisted the wounded from the damaged tanks and brought them to safety, all while under constant machine gun and sniper fire. He made repeated trips to the damaged tanks, retrieving essential supplies such as a Bren Gun and first aid equipment. As the enemy advanced, Sgt Grime first used a Thompson Submachine gun to repel the attackers. When the ammunition ran out, he used his pistol to fight them off. His Distinguished Conduct Medal is a testament to the courage he showed that day.
Another significant item featured in the auction is a simple yet powerful piece of ephemera that marks the end of the war. A typewritten sheet, dated 08/05/1945, was received by Petty Officer Dorothy Joyce Wills, a Royal Navy Wren. It proudly announces “Splice the main brace,” a naval term meaning a declaration of victory, accompanied by the perhaps even more anticipated gift of an extra ration of the traditional Royal Navy ‘grog’. This piece of history, preserved by Dorothy and later her family, signifies the conclusion of six years of fighting in Europe, following the German surrender.
The famous Dambuster Raids, known as Operation Chastise, also feature prominently in this auction. Taking place on the night of May 16th/17th, 1943, 617 Squadron of Bomber Command deployed bouncing bombs to breach the Möhne and Edersee dams. The raid was successful but came at a heavy cost, with eight aircraft and 53 aircrew casualties. A silk escape map signed by Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris, RCAF Pilot Joe McCarthy, and Les Munro is included in a special Dambusters lot, offering a unique piece of history for collectors.
The auction also includes the RAF logbook of Flight Sergeant Terrence Henry Perera, a Belper man who served in the ill-fated Lancaster ND339. The aircraft was brought down by anti-aircraft fire while on a mission to target a German flying bomb storage site. Terrence managed to parachute to safety, while the young pilot, F/O Frank Crosier, tragically lost his life in the crash. Captured by the Germans, Terrence spent time in several Prisoner of War (POW) camps, enduring harsh conditions and the infamous ‘death march’ to Stalag Luft III-A. Against the odds, he survived and later returned to RAF service. Terrence remained in Derbyshire until his passing in 2016.
These stories of bravery, sacrifice, and survival are captured through a range of militaria in Hansons’ Specialist May auction.
If you have military memorabilia and are curious about its value, Hansons Auctioneers offers free valuations. Whether you have a single medal or a complete family archive, Matt Crowson, a specialist in this field, is ready to guide you through the process. To arrange a free valuation, email Matt directly at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can join him at his weekly walk-in valuations at our Derbyshire saleroom every Thursday 10am to 2pm.
For more information on our valuation services, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or contact the service team on 01283 733988 or email [email protected].
Auction Information
Auction: Derby May Medals, Militaria & Firearms Auction
Auction date: 14th May 2025 | 9:30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
