The unique I.G.S. 1908-35 Medal awarded to Flight Lieutenant R. J. O. Bartlett, 20 Squadron, Royal Air Force, a Wapiti pilot who was mentioned in despatches for his gallantry against the Upper Mohmands in 1933. Bartlett was subsequently employed as an Instructor at R.A.F. College, Cranwell, and was killed in a flying accident there, 7 October 1936

India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, North West Frontier 1930-31, Mohmand 1933, with M.I.D. oak leaf (F/O. R. J. O. Bartlett. R.A.F.) 2nd clasp loose on riband, as issued, good very fine £700-£900

M.I.D. London Gazette 3 July 1934:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service rendered in connection with the operations against the Upper Mohmands during the period July - October 1933.’

The Royal Air Force received little recognition for their services in the above operations, being awarded 1 D.F.M. and 3 M.I.D.s. Of the 3 M.I.D.s, one went to the Group Captain commanding No. 1 Indian Group, who co-ordinated the operations; one to Bartlett and one to an other rank.

Approximately 180 ‘Mohmand 1933’ clasps awarded to the R.A.F., only 26 of which were to officers, six of which had this combination of clasps - with Bartlett’s being the only one with an M.I.D. oak leaf.

Roy James Oliphant Bartlett was commissioned in the Royal Air Force in 1928, and posted to the Aircraft Depot, India in March of the following year. Having gained his ‘Wings’, he advanced to Flying Officer in January 1929 and subsequently served with 5 Squadron out of Quetta. Bartlett was posted to 20 Squadron (Wapitis) at Peshawar in April 1933.

Bartlett returned to the UK, and was posted to No. 1 Armament Training Camp, Catfoss, in February 1934. He advanced to Flight Lieutenant in April 1934, and was posted to 17 Squadron (Bulldogs) at Kenley in October of the same year. Subsequent postings included with 3 and 214 Squadrons, before being posted as an Instructor to R.A.F. College, Cranwell in August 1936.

Flight Lieutenant Bartlett was killed in a flying accident on 7 October 1936. He and Flight Commandant H. F. B. Burton were both flying Hawker Fury Mk1s, when they collided during camera gun practice. Both pilots successfully abandoned their respective Furies, but Bartlett was tragically struck by one of the falling aircraft, and killed. He is buried in St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Cranwell.

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