Preview: WW2 Chindits Burma Star amongst medals in Tamworth militaria auction

Sale date Thursday 20th August

THE catalogue is now live online for Richard Winterton Auctioneers'  upcoming Militaria Sale.

Starting at 9.30am on Thursday, August 20, and comprising 162 lots, the auction features medals, militaria, swords, uniforms, kit, equipment, books and more.

Highlights include two interesting lots relating to the British Army Parachute Regiment and the Burma campaign during the Second World War.

A World War Two Burma Star Chindits medals group relates to Raymond Douglas Eastbury, born March 19 1923 in Birmingham.

The Chindits was a British-led long-range penetration special force fighting deep behind Japanese lines in Burma during WW2, disrupting supply lines, railways and communications.

Eastbury first enlisted in the Army as a 16-year-old in 1939 and went on to join the Army Air Corps.

He was sent to fight in the Burma campaign and then gained his full parachute wings in 1945.

Coming to auction are Eastbury's Burma Star, 1939-1945 Star, 1939-1945 War Medal and Defence Medal.

There is also a photo of the soldier in uniform and another of him in later life, his Chindits insignia, Parachute Regiment cloth shoulder title and 44th Indian Airborne cloth patches.

The lot also includes a military Jaeger-LeCoultre pocket watch, original documents relating to Eastbury, and his father's WW1 medal pair correctly impressed to 25108 PTE S Eastbury R WAR R. An unnamed 1914-15 Star is also present, although records suggest Stephen Eastbury was not entitled to this medal.

There is also a boxed Imperial Service medal named to Reginald Tomlinson, related to Eastbury by marriage.

Another lot comprises an interesting archive of documents, paperwork, badges and formation patches linked to Arhur Kenneth Vale, of Selly Oak, Birmingham, who also served with the Parachute Regiment in Burma during WW2.

Vale first enlisted into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment before his transfer to the Parachute Regiment.

The archive of paperwork includes a pass book, pay book, documents, letter and discharge certificate.

Badges include cloth Pegasus Formation patches, a pair of 14th Army Formation patches, a pair of Eastern Command British Army District Formation patches and a number of metal and cloth formation signs. No medals are included.

You can view the catalogue online now or contact us to book an appointment to view in person at the saleroom in Church Street between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday, August 19.

On the day of the auction, people can bid online, in the room or by prior arranged telephone bid.

For more information or to book a free valuation of all types of medals and militaria with Jeff Clark, call 01827 217746 or email tamworth@richardwinterton.co.uk.

Free valuations and home visits for large collections and house clearances are also available.