Lot 196

C&T Auctioneers and Valuers is proud to be presenting lot 196 for auction, a 1942 dated British Airborne Forces smock, in our 2-day live Fine Arms, Armour & Militaria auction on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th February. This smock is a fine example of the 1st pattern Denison smock, complete with original wool cuffs and 1942 dated size label.

Not only is this a fine example of the Denison smock, but lot 196 has also offered up some more of its story. On examination, our cataloguers found an original camouflaged scarf inside one of the pockets. Hiding beneath the camo were some clues to the life of its original owner.

The pocket contained a newspaper cutting, naming Charles Kneale, as well as a photo of him proudly sporting his awards later in life. With this knowledge, it has become apparent that prior to serving in the First Airborne Division, Kneale could already boast an interesting career - in 1933 he was signed as a professional left back for Liverpool F.C!

Kneale subsequently spent 6 years as a Sergeant in the 1st Airborne Division. As such, he spent WW2 serving across North Africa, Italy and Sicily, and was one of the troopers involved in Operation Market Garden in 1944. The famous Market Garden operation aimed to seize tactically significant bridges across the Netherlands. In reality, the operation was a catastrophic failure for the British, known as the Battle of Arnhem. Of the 10,000 men at Arnhem, only 2,000 survived.

After the war, Kneale returned to family life with his wife, Ann Kneale, their three children and seven grandchildren. Kneale became a mainstay in his Deeside community which is celebrated in the newspaper clipping included in the lot. 

Whether you’re a footy fan, or a collector of British Airborne pieces, this is a fascinating lot which illustrates the life of its original owner. 

Check out lot 196 now - you could ‘kop’ a fine piece of militaria!