A scarce Second War B.E.M. awarded to Air Sergeant Winnie I. Duncan, South African Women’s Auxiliary Air Force

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (F.263484V. A/Air Sgt. Mrs. W. I. Duncan S.A.W.A.A.F.) good very fine, scarce to unit £300-£400

B.E.M. London Gazette 13 June 1946.

The original Recommendation states: ‘Temporary Air Sergeant Mrs. Winnie Isabel Duncan is most deserving of recognition for her most outstanding service with this Unit [No. 1 Air Depot, S.A.A.F.]. Over a period of years she has performed all duties allotted to her in a most efficient manner and has shown remarkable aptitude and versatility in all sections in which she has been employed. During her service with the Records Office of this Unit, Temporary Air Sergeant Duncan has risen, via all sub-sections, to fill the post of second in charge of that section. On occasion it has been necessary for her to take complete charge of Records, which arduous duty she has performed in the most exemplary manner. Mention is made here of the fact that only a person possessing outstanding administrative ability and commanding the respect of all ranks whilst maintaining a high standard of discipline is capable of controlling the Records Office in a Unit of this size, particularly with demobilisations proceeding at its present pace. Temporary Air Sergeant Duncan possesses all the required qualifications and is highly accurate and efficient.
Special attention is drawn to the fact that regardless of ill health which is at times chronic, Temporary Air Sergeant Duncan, who lives many miles from Roberts Heights, regularly reports for duty at 07.00 hrs. In order to do this she is almost entirely dependant on public transport. Furthermore, in addition to overtime work, which she performs willingly almost daily, she has on numerous occasions worked until late on Saturday nights and has again reported early on Sunday mornings to continue working on into the night. Throughout the past year she has steadfastly refused to take any leave in order that the necessary work may be done and has in consequence lost all leave due to expiration of her leave cycle. On the return of her wounded husband from Active Service she voluntarily cancelled her previous application for discharge because of the volume of work and staff shortage.
Her willingness, devotion to duty, loyalty, industry, and the outstanding performance of her duties over and above normal requirements, whilst suffering from ill health, are worthy of the highest recognition.’