Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare post-war G.M. group of seven awarded to Sergeant E. E. C. Newman, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, late Royal Scots Fusiliers, who was killed in action in Korea

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (3254797 Sgt. Eric E. C. Newman, Royal Scots Fusiliers); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (3254797 Sjt., K.O.S.B.), single initial ‘E.’; Korea 1950-53 (3254797 Sjt., G.M., K.O.S.B.); U.N. Korea contact marks, very fine (7) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Richard Magor Collection of Medals Relating to India and Africa, and other Fine Awards.

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G.M. London Gazette 30 March 1948: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.’

The following extract was taken from The Times of 31 March 1948:

‘The aircraft was a Dakota of Hindustan Airways and was on a test flight and carried six Indian passengers who escaped through the rear exit. Newman and Roberts entered the aircraft through the rear exit and were about to extricate the pilot from the cockpit when the petrol tanks exploded, enveloping the aircraft in flames. Blast, flames and smoke forced them back; immediately afterwards they returned to the cockpit and dragged the pilot out of the aircraft to safety.’

Eric Ernest Charles Newman was serving with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Scots Fusiliers, at Nicolson Lines, New Delhi at the time of the above incident on 25 October 1947.

He was killed in action in Korea on 28 October 1951, while serving in the 1st Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers. In his history of the regiment in Korea, Major-General J. F. M. MacDonald states: ‘The close proximity of the enemy’s defensive positions, in the Hinge area, only some 300 yards away, restricted patrolling and offensive activity was mainly confined to shelling and air strikes using napalm bombs. In this unenviable position, the Battalion remained until 4 November [1951], incurring daily a number of casualties from enemy shelling.’