A fine Second World War C.B., Great War Palestine operations M.C. group of seven awarded to Air Commodore R. Byrne, Royal Air Force, late City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders), who, having been decorated and severely wounded in the Great War, went on to add a “mention” to his accolades as a Group Captain out in France in 1940

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, in its Garrard & Co. case of issue; Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved, ‘Lieut. R. Byrne, City of London Yeo. (R.R.), Palestine, 21st Nov. 1917’; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. R. Byrne); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf, these last three with their original addressed Air Ministry card forwarding box, mounted as worn where applicable, together with related Royal Life Saving Society proficiency medal, named and dated 1912, in its case of issue, and three sets of related miniature dress medals, generally good very fine (Lot) £1500-1600

C.B. London Gazette 1 January 1946.

M.C. London Gazette 18 July 1918:

‘When in command of the two most advanced troops, he held on to his position, which was of great importance, all day, though exposed to fire from both flanks. he showed splendid resource and determination.’



Reginald Byrne was born in October 1888, the son of Major Bernard Byrne of the Royal West Kents, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders) in September 1915, although initially he was employed with the 6th Reserve Cavalry. Finally embarked for active service with the Rough Riders in 1917, he saw action out in Palestine and was awarded his M.C. for the above cited deeds at Bethuna on 21 November, but, as verified by accompanying documentation, he was severely wounded in the following month - he would still be using crutches at the time of attending an investiture at Buckingham Palace in the summer of 1918.

Post-war, after being employed on special staff duties, Byrne transferred to the Royal Air Force as a Flying Officer in January 1921, in which capacity he served as an Accountant Officer and Command Accountant between the Wars, gaining advancement to Squadron Leader in January 1929 and to Wing Commander in January 1937. And he was employed out in France in the rank of Group Captain following the renewal of hostilities, a family source stating that he saved a number of his men by commandeering a coal barge at La Rochelle, bringing it safely to Swansea after a long and eventful voyage - certainly he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 22 July 1940 refers).

Employed by Bomber Command and Flying Training Command for the remainder of the War, Byrne was advanced to Air Commodore in early 1946, and awarded the C.B. Settling in Hampton Wick, Surrey, he died in April 1965.

Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including the recipient’s C.B. warrant and M.I.D. certificate, together with his commission warrant for 2nd Lieutenant in the City of London Yeomanry; a Great War map for Gaza-Jerusalem region, and two telegrams from the recipient to his family, reporting on his progress from wounds and the award of his M.C.; 1939-45 War medal issuance slip, confirming entitlement to his 1939-45 Star; and several career photographs, including him on crutches with family members outside Buckingham Palace on investiture day.