Five: Squadron Leader E. N. Fenton, Royal Air Force, late Royal Naval Air Service

British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut., R.A.F.); India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Mahsud 1919-20, Waziristan 1919-21 (F./O., R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals, generally very fine and the third rare (5) £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the R.F.C. and R.A.F. formed by Wing Commander Bill Traynor.

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Approximately 170 “Mahsud 1919-20” clasps were issued to Royal Air Force personnel, the published roll stating another possible 7 unconfirmed entitlements.

Edward Norman Fenton, who was born in Tientsin, China in February 1900, entered the Royal Naval Air Service as a Temporary Probationary Flight Officer in February 1918, direct from service as a Corporal in the 15th (Volunteer) Battalion, County of London Regiment. Transferred to the strength of the newly established Royal Air Force in April 1918, he was advanced to Flying Officer in December of the following year, and is confirmed as having participated in the Mahsud and Waziristan operations of 1919-21 - his appointments at the time included No. 97 Squadron, a D.H. 10 unit subsequently re-numbered as No. 60 Squadron. Placed on the Reserve of Air Force Officers in December 1922, Fenton took up employment with the Asiatic Petroleum Co. in China, but was recalled in September 1939, and served in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch for the duration of hostilities, finally being released in the rank of Squadron Leader.