Orders, Decorations and Medals

Air Force Cross, E.II.R., the reverse dated 1952, and additionally inscribed ‘Flt. Lt. E. C. Powles’, in its Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £500-550

Flight Lieutenant Edward Cyril Powles, General Duties Branch, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Station, Kai Tak. For the past year, F/Lt. Powles has been in charge of a detachment of No. 81 (P.R.) Squadron at Kai Tak. During this time he has displayed commendable courage and flying skill. In addition to his photographic reconnaissance duties, he has undertaken meteorological reconnaissance flights in weather unfit for photography and a number of special and, on occasions, long and arduous flights in connection with ferrying operations. On two occasions, when acting as radio transmission relay for convoys of aircraft, which included the duty of passing weather information, he has himself been caught by unforeseen changes in the weather at his base, and, both times, he landed safely only by virtue of his ability and skill as a pilot. His calm determination not to be beaten by the weather has been an inspiration and example to all pilots on the station. This officer, even when flying at altitude, often over the sea, alone in a single seater aircraft has always shown the greatest determination to complete his mission although this entailed returning to base with his fuel almost exhausted. He has repeatedly earned high praise for his skill, courage and high standard of airmanship.’ A copy of this recommendation is sold with the lot.