The scarce casualty I.G.S. 1908-35 with North West Frontier 1930-31 clasp awarded to Flight Lieutenant J. C. H. Tavendale, 27 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was killed in action along with his air gunner, when his Bristol Fighter F2B crashed near Ali Musjid in the Khyber Pass during operations against rebels, 14 May 1930

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (F/L J. C. H. Tavendale. R.A.F.) mounted for display with Commission Document, dated 4 May 1927, in glazed frame, also with a portrait photograph of recipient in uniform - this also glazed and framed, nearly extremely fine £500-£700

James Charles Henry Tavendale was born in Reading, Berkshire, in 1904. He was commissioned Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force in 1924, and was under instruction at No. 5 F.T.S. Sealand, Chester from September 1925. Having gained his ‘Wings’ and advanced to Flying Officer, Tavendale was posted as a pilot to 32 Squadron at Kenley, and then overseas to 27 Squadron at Ambala, India, in March 1929. He advanced to Flight Lieutenant in April 1930, and was posted to 20 Squadron (Bristol Fighter F2B’s) at Peshawar.

The IGS Medal Roll is annotated as ‘Deceased’ next to his name, but he was in fact killed in action along with his air gunner (363555 L.A.C. Henry J. Chappell) on 14 May 1930. For the latter date, a Times report gives the two airmen’s details and the aircraft Bristol Fighter F2B 4562 as having ‘crashed near Ali Musjid in the Khyber Pass during operations against rebels.’

N. Roberson’s publication about 20 Squadron adds the following additional detail with regard to the circumstances prevailing in the area at the time:

‘Meanwhile, operations on the NWFP continued on an almost continuous basis, and in 1930 civil disturbances by the “Red Shirt” movement provided the Squadron with additional tasks. The “Red Shirts” were trying to cause a general uprising of the tribes in Waziristan, and on 23 April, civil disturbances broke out in Peshawar. As a result, the Squadron were tasked over the next four days to carry out aerial recces for the Brigade HQ and Chief Commissioner, reporting on all movements in and around the important villages in the area. On 4 June 1930, the Squadron carried out day and night recce (using Flares) over Mohmand country, and this was followed by night-bombing of Afridi tribesmen, when 15 aircraft dropped 20 lb and 112 lb bombs.”

Both Flight Lieutenant Tavendale and L.A.C. Chappell are buried in Peshawar.

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