Lot Archive

Lot

№ 486

.

29 November 1996

Hammer Price:
£2,000

A rare A.F.C. and Palestine D.F.M. group of eight awarded to Wing Commander F. H. Stubbs, Royal Air Force
Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1945’; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (563927 Sgt., R.A.F.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine, M.I.D. (563927 F/Sgt., R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D., the group mounted Court style as worn, generally good very fine (8)

D.F.M. London Gazette 22 November 1938, ‘for gallant and distinguished services rendered in Palestine.’ A total of eleven D.F.M.’s and one Bar were awarded for operations in Palestine 1936-39.

A.F.C.
London Gazette 14 June 1945.

M.I.D.
London Gazette 23 December 1938 (Palestine).

Francis Herbert Stubbs enlisted as No 563927 Aircraft Apprentice on 3 September 1929. He continued to serve attaining the rank of Flight Sergeant Pilot Metal Rigger, before being discharged to a Commission on 31 March 1940. He was granted an Emergency Commission as a Pilot Officer (on probation) in the General Duties Branch on 1 April 1940, being confirmed in appointment and promoted War Substantive Flying Officer on 1 April 1941. Promoted War Substantive Flight Lieutenant on 1 April 1942, and granted a Permanent Commission as a Flight Lieutenant in the General Duties (Pilot) Branch, Royal Air Force, on 1 September 1945. He was promoted Squadron Leader on 1 August 1947, and Wing Commander on 1 January 1954. The Squadrons he served in are recorded as No. 80 Squadron, No. 252 Squadron, No. 143 Squadron and No. 36 Squadron.