Second World War Commando Royal Marines archive – £9100 at Lindsay Burns.
The group, of seven medals and related militaria, belonged to Mne A Mathieson of the 48 Commando Royal Marines.
‘Jock’ Mathieson, an uncle of the vendor, had been a dispatch rider in the Marines amphibious division formed in advance of Operation Overlord.
During the Normandy landings he believed he had been shot as he felt liquid trickling down his face. It turned out to be fuel from his motorbike that had taken the bullet as he carried it through the shallows.
Highlights from the collection included a Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, two green berets and a rare airborne troop smock. Following lots of local press interest, it went on to sell for £9100 (estimate £300-500).
