Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Major C. H. ‘Squib’ Sainsbury, 4th Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, and Honourable Artillery Company

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial, on H.A.C. ribbon with two additional service clasps, the reverse officially dated 1950, together with companion set of miniature dress medals, both sets mounted court-style, good very fine (6) £120-£160

Cyril Henry Sainsbury was born at Feltham, Middlesex, on 17 May 1908, and was educated at Watford Grammar School for Boys. He was employed as a Clerk at the Bank of England and attested for the Honourable Artillery Company on 18 November 1932, as a Gunner in “B” Battery, H.A.C., R.A.T.A. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 4 November 1938, and on the outbreak of war was serving with the 90th (City of London) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Upon the conclusion of the war in Europe he reapplied for his former job at the Bank of England, describing his services in the following terms:

‘Having served with the Regiment in South East England on defence duties I embarked for overseas with a draft of Officers in December 1941. On arrival in the Middle East I was posted as a Captain to the 4th Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. The Regiment took part in all the Desert Campaigns, and after the battle of Tunis I was sent by my commanding officer on a gunnery staff course at the Middle East School of Artillery. Having completed the course in September 1943, I was appointed Instructor in Gunnery with the rank of Major. In February 1944 I took over the duties of Chief Instructor in Gunnery M.E.F. and was appointed C.I.G. in May of that year. The gunnery staff requirements in England at that time were for overseas personnel, and I was sent home in September 1944, to join the School of Artillery Larkhill. At present I am in charge of a post war gunnery staff course which is receiving instruction at the Military College of Science before proceeding to Larkhill.’

He was successful in regaining his job as a Clerk at the Bank of England and worked out his full 40 years. Cyril Sainsbury died suddenly in 2003 aged 95 years.

Sold with original Certificate of Birth; Warrant Card as a City of London Special Constable; University of London, General School Examination, School Certificate, dated June 1924; Commission as 2nd Lieutenant, 90th (City of London) Field Brigade, Royal Artillery, dated 4 November 1938; and two portrait photographs.