War medals and documents belonging to a former commander of the Bermuda Regiment have fetched more than $60,000 at auction in the UK.

The late Lieutenant Colonel John Anthony Marsh was a highly-decorated Second World War veteran who also served with the elite SAS.

An unknown collector in Britain purchased his medals for £37,950 through UK specialty auctioneers Warwick & Warwick.

"This is a very high sum for a medal group," said Richard Beale of Warwick & Warwick. "He was a founder member of the SAS and medals to special forces personnel are very much sought after."

According to Mr. Beale, the collection was unique in its completeness and range of accomplishments.

"This was a unique group with interest from his exploits during World War II with the SAS, to his later career in Bermuda," said Mr. Beale.

"There was also a comprehensive archive of original documents detailing his career from photographs during World War II, SAS reunion menus [and] newspapers with front page photos of Lt. Col. Marsh with [US] President J.F. Kennedy and other delegates."

Lt. Col. Marsh's medals went up for auction on December 11. They were valued at £10,000 ($16,263.70); bidding started at £13,000 ($21,146.43).

The £37,950 sale price was unexpected, according to Mr. Beale.

"There was a very substantial bid by a consortium of Bermuda businessmen."

Lt. Col. Marsh's military career led him into North Africa and Europe during World War II before he was posted in Bermuda at the Prospect Garrison.

He later became commander of the Bermuda Regiment and Assistant Director of Tourism in the late 1970s.

When he died at age 64 he was afforded a state funeral.