A father and son / Second World War British 1st Airborne Division gallantry medal group, being

A father and son / Second World War British 1st Airborne Division gallantry medal group, being that of Major Ernest Deuchar MC (1911-1995) and his son, comprising Military Cross (Capt E Deuchar, S Staffords, 1943) (London Gazette 21 October 1943), 1939-45, Italy and France & Germany Stars, Defence and War Medals with Mention in Despatches oak leaf, the medals unofficially engraved, together with Army Book 439 Officer`s Record of Service, an Airgraph, and a biography of Deuchar prepared by his son Captain (retd) BFC Deuchar (see following lots) together with further research material and post-War photographs, a George VI silver table cigarette box, bearing an engraved grenade device to the front, and to the lid underside a number of engraved signatures, as presented to CSM Deuchar by his comrades upon leaving the Grenadier Guards to commence officer training, a Queen Elizabeth II long service medal group comprising General Service Medal, clasps Northern Ireland and Malay Peninsula, with Regular Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal to 23466236 Cpl / WO Cl 2 B F C Deuchar, Royal Engineers, together with Regular Army Certificate of Service, an extensive archive of photographs and documents, and a presentation pewter tankard At the age of 16 Deuchar lied about his age in order to enlist the Territorial Army at Derby; two years later, still miss-representing his age, he successfully entered the ranks of the Grenadier Guards. In October of 1940, having reached the rank of CSM, Deuchar was put forward for officer training, in July of 1942 he took a commission with 2nd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Airlanding Brigade. He was awarded the Military Cross for his part in Operation Husky, the Allied airborne invasion of Sicily. "This officer and his party landed near an enemy strong point and was at once attacked by strong patrols. He quickly organised his party and returned fire, killing six of the enemy. Having dealt with this opposition, he led his party to Waterloo Bridge where he organised several stragglers into a composite force. At this time strong enemy reinforcements were being brought up to the Bridge which was in imminent danger of capture. Lieutenant Deuchar at once realised the situation, and disposed his force along the banks, holding the river line for some five hours against a vastly superior force. During the whole of the fighting this officer showed initiative and courage of the highest order." Upon his return to England Deuchar was promoted to Captain and posted to 1st Airlanding Brigade Headquarters as Deputy Assistant Provost Marshall. It was in this role that he took part in Operation Market Garden at Arnhem, being mentioned in despatches.