The WW2 ‘Special Operations Executive’ Group of 5 awarded to Captain Hugh Sanderson Carruthers, Special Operations Executive, late Royal Artillery, awarded an M.i.D. for ‘gallant and distinguished service’ in the Middle East on 14 October 1943, comprising: 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, with clasp ‘8th Army’; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, 1939-45, the latter with bronze ‘M.i.D.’ oak leaf; Group loose, as originally issued within named O.H.M.S. box (H. S. Carruthers, Esq, 16, North Terrace, N/C. on Tyne 2), clasp and emblem loose, with original transmission slip, medals mint state as issued (5) M.i.D.: London Gazette: 14 October 1943 – ‘for gallant and distinguished service’ in the Middle East’Captain Hugh Sanderson Carruthers was born on 12 August 1906, and educated at St. Bees School. Beginning his military training with the St. Bees School Contingent, O.T.C., he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery on 11 July 1939. Seeing service in WW2 in North Africa, and later in Italy, he was awarded a mention in despatches for ‘gallant and distinguished service’ on 14 October 1943. His name is listed on the ‘Most Secret List of S.O.E. Agents’ compiled by Eliah Meyer, yet his S.O.E. file is not yet publicly available for viewing on the National Archives Website. He was released from the T.A. Reserve of Officers on 9 July 1952, retaining the honorary rank of Captain. He died on 22 March 1991, and was buried at the Whitley Bay Cemetery and Crematorium, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. Offered with an original Field Message Book; S.O. Book 136 with various cryptic notes and annotations, a ‘Consolidated Return of Equipment’ list; a contemporary telegram and a handwritten letter to the recipient from Lt. E. A. R. Davis, HQ Force 133, Cairo.

Estimate: GBP 250 - 300