Six: Captain W. C. Aumayer, Devonshire Regiment, attached King’s Own Malta Regiment

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (5612495 W.O. Cl. 2. W. C. Aumayer. Devon.) unit officially corrected on last, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (6) £160-£200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore.

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William Charles Aumayer was born in Kennington, London in 1903. A Labourer by occupation he attested for the Regular Army on 12 June 1922 and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment at Devonport on 29 September 1922. Transferring to the 2nd Battalion, he served with them in India from 25 January 1923, before returning home with his battalion via Aden in 1927. A keen sportsman he successfully completed several courses of instruction before embarking with the 2nd Battalion for Malta on 16 July 1938 and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in October 1940.

Appointed to an Emergency Commission whilst in Malta as a Lieutenant on 5 December 1940, Aumayer was attached as Acting Captain to the King’s Own Malta Regiment in September 1941, and serving with them during the Siege of Malta. Returning home on 21 October 1943 he was medically boarded before being placed on sick leave; a period of various hospital admissions followed before he relinquished his commission on account of disability with the rank of Captain on 24 February 1945. He died at Plymouth on 26 May 1956, aged 53.

Sold with the recipient’s riband bars; various related badges including an officer’s King’s Own Malta Regiment cap badge; and a pewter presentation tankard, engraved ‘Open Obstacle Race 1932 Winner L/Sgrt. Aumayer 2nd Devon Regt.’; with two photographic images of the recipient, copied service records, and other research.

Note: The official records with the lot clearly indicate that the recipient was not entitled to the Italy Star; given that this medal group was acquired by the present vendor directly from the recipient’s family, presumably the Italy Star was self-awarded.