26th Apr, 2023 10:30

Bravery in the Field: Medals & Militaria

 
  Lot 101
 

POIGNANT DIARY & MEDAL GROUP AWARDED TO PRIVATE JOHN JOHNSTONE ALEXANDER BULLOCK, CAMERONIANS
WWII

army no. 14758599, the medals comprising the War Medal, the 1939-45 Star, and the France & Germany Star, the diary from January 1st-15th February 1945, with him dying a week later on the 23rd February of his wounds, aged 19, along with his service book, a photograph of him, eight photographs of his grave, his glengarry, his father's button polisher inscribed J. BULLOCH (this WWI period, his father having served from 1918 and survived the war), newspaper cuttings, a letter from the family who agreed to tend his grave after he was reburried in 1947, further letter from this family, his church in Coatbridge for where he was organist, contained in a burr walnut case

Note: Bullock enlisted aged 18 on the 4/5/1944. His diary tracks his first posting, 1st entry 1st Jan 1945: Think that we are leaving Langholm at last. Final preparations. Received parcel from mother also card. Parade 8PM. Arrived Carlisle 11PM. Phone home for last time.; there are then daily entries until 8th February: Into Battle; with X for the next six days until 15th February: Shrapnel wound in head at 9:30 AM. Heavily wounded and Sey. and Bill killed. Not serious, but very lucky to be alive. Syd[?] and I sent back. Glad to be out.; he would die one week later on the 23rd April. His Notification of Death noting ...died of wounds in Western Europe... while serving with the Allied Expeditionarly Force.

 

A condition report is offered as an indication of any issues visible to the naked eye. As none of our staff is a professional conservator or restorer, buyers must satisfy themselves in respect of condition. The condition report does not form part of any contract between McTear's and the buyer, and all lots are offered "as is" in accordance with our Terms of Business available on our website.

 

Sold for £280
Estimated at £200 - £300


 
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