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Lot

№ 1622

.

26 June 2014

Hammer Price:
£1,300

Pair: Sergeant M. A. Keller, a Royal Marine Commando Helicopter Pilot

General Service 1962, 3 clasps, Radfan, South Arabia, Northern Ireland (RM.22013 Mne. R.M.) 2nd and 3rd clasps loose on ribbon; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (P022013L Sgt, RM) nearly extremely fine (2) £1000-1400

Michael Andrew Keller was born in Bristol on 31 March 1944. A Student by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Marines at Deal on 15 January 1963. During 1963-70 he served variously with 41, 43 and 45 Commando. After training as a helicopter pilot, he served with 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, July 1973-May 1977, being qualified to fly the Chipmunk; Bell 47G 4A; Sioux AH1; Scout and Gazelle helicopters. Granted the G.S.M. with clasp ‘Radfan’ in July 1966 and the clasp ‘South Arabia’ in May 1967; saw service in Northern Ireland, February-April 1974. Awarded the R.N. Long Service Medal in January 1978. Keller took ‘Premature Voluntary Release’ on 13 June 1979.

With a quantity of original documentation, including: Royal Marines Attestation Papers; Royal Marines Company Record Book; R.A.F. Pilots Flying Log Book, October 1972-April 1977; Certificate of Service; Non-Commissioned Officers’ Wing Royal Marines Junior and Senior Command Course Certificates; R.N. Air Medical School Helicopter Aircrew Aviation Medicine and First Aid Certificate; Aircrew Underwater Escape Training Certificate; Army Flying Badge Award Certificate; Certificate of Discharge.