Pair: Warrant Officer J. W. D. Sykes, Royal Air Force, who was killed in action while serving as an Observer in No. 150 Squadron in April 1942

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Northern Kurdistan (364767 L.A.C. J. W. D. Sykes, R.A.F.); Iraq, King Feisal’s War Medal, with engraved clasp, mounted as worn, good very fine and rare (2) £1000-1200

Approximately 65 officers and 280 airmen were awarded the ‘Northern Kurdistan’ clasp for their services against Sheik Admed of Barzan’s rebellious tribesmen in March-June 1932.

James William Duley Sykes was killed in action while serving as an Observer in No. 150 Squadron on 2 April 1942, aged 33 years. His Wellington came down near Villacoublay, Paris, after being detailed to attack Poissy; all the crew perished with the exception of Sergeant C. W. Maltby, who became a P.O.W.

Sykes is buried in Les Gonards Cemetery, Versialles.

Sold with an impressive photograph album containing approximately 200 images taken by the recipient in Iraq and Kurdistan 1929-32, including aircraft, personnel and armoured cars; also see Lot 533 for his father’s awards.