Seven: Petty Officer T. W. Moorcroft, Royal Navy, who was mentioned in despatches for Palestine 1948

Naval General Service 1915-62, 2 clasps, Palestine 1936-39, Palestine 1945-48, with M.I.D. oak leaf (J.113787 T. W. Moorcroft. L.S. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Italy Star; Burma Star; War Medal; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (J.113787 T. W. Moorcroft. A/P.O., H.M.S. Resolution) mounted as worn, generally extremely fine and rare (7) £700-£900

M.I.D. London Gazette 7 January 1949: ‘For distinguished services in connection with operations in Palestine before the withdrawal of British forces.’

The M.I.D. recommendation states: ‘H.M.S. Stag (Haifa). For outstanding service in Palestine. This rating has been singled out for the high qualities displayed under the most testing and dangerous conditions then prevailing in Haifa. Moorcroft distinguished himself as a ready volunteer for any hazardous mission and for his easy acceptance of responsibility and for his adaptability and fearlessness and displayed an equally exemplary performance whether in charge of armed guards, as coxswain of a Haifa patrol M.F.V. or in connection with evacuation operations in the Port.’

Thomas William Moorcroft was born in West Ham, London, on 30 September 1909. He joined the Royal Navy in May 1925 and was finally discharged in November 1949. He served in Pelestine before the Second World War, and again afterwards, being one of only a few recipients of these two clasps.

Sold with original M.I.D. Certificate, dated 7 January 1949; original Certificate of Service; various documents and photographs, including Neptune Certificate and forwarding letter for second Palestine clasp; two miniature hallmarked silver oars, each mounted on a plinth and inscribed ‘Atlantic Fleet, 1928. All Comers Race, 1st Gig.’ and ‘H.M.S. Repulse. One Mile Whaler. 1st.’; together with a prize teaspoon and two sporting medals.