BBC Antiques Roadshow star blown away by 'extraordinary' collection of war medals, with 'appalling' warning

A rare collection of World War II war medals, including items linked to covert military operations, has drawn praise from experts and raised concerns over their historical significance. Among those examining the collection is Mark Smith, a medals and militaria specialist at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin and a regular contributor to BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. He described the upcoming auction on September 16 as "extraordinary," noting that it spans nearly 250 years of military history, from the 1790s through to the 1950s. The auction includes a variety of medals, among them the "Popski’s Private Army" Medal Group, awarded to Sergeant John Beautyman, a member of a jeep-mounted sabotage unit operating behind enemy lines. Beautyman received his Military Medal personally recommended by Major Vladimir "Popski" Peniakoff, a decorated officer known for leading daring raids. This particular set is expected to sell for between £10,000 and £15,000. Smith emphasized the unique nature of the collection, particularly highlighting the connection to the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), a British Army unit specializing in deep-penetration operations during World War II. He noted that the group gained renewed attention due to the popular television series SAS: Rogue Heroes, which chronicled the exploits of elite special forces. Another notable item is the "X-Craft" Midget Submarine Group, awarded to Lieutenant Commander Joe Brooks, who served aboard the secret midget submarine X9 during Operation Source, a dangerous mission aimed at sinking the German battleship Tirpitz in a Norwegian fjord. Brooks later joined another midget submarine, X24, participating in Operation Guidance, a mission involving the placement of explosives beneath a ship in Bergen Harbour. However, the operation resulted in the accidental detonation of a vessel carrying ammunition, causing widespread destruction in the harbor. According to Smith, Brooks was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his role in the mission. However, Brooks reportedly refused to wear the medal due to the tragic aftermath, the German occupiers retaliated by executing 50 local men, blaming them for the attack. As a result, the medal remains unmounted and stored in its original packaging, untouched since the war. The collection also features a 1854 Crimea Medal awarded to Private Frederick Melrose of the 17th Lancers, who participated in the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava. Smith explained that Melrose, a former Shakespearean actor, was killed during the charge, which became immortalized in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade." The auction reflects growing public interest in the often-overlooked aspects of wartime history, particularly the contributions of covert units and individual acts of bravery. Smith expressed concern that such stories might be lost to time, emphasizing the importance of preserving these artifacts for future generations. He warned that while the medals themselves are valuable, their true worth lies in the narratives they represent. The sale is scheduled to take place on September 16, drawing collectors and historians alike. The event underscores the enduring fascination with military history, especially the lesser-known roles played by specialized units during conflicts. As the auction approaches, anticipation builds around the potential discovery of new historical insights hidden within each piece.