Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War M.B.E. pair awarded to 2nd Lieutenant P. Coombs, Royal Air Force, late Royal Naval Air Service

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1919; British War Medal 1914-20 (2 Lieut., R.A.F.), very fine and better (2) £150-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the R.F.C. and R.A.F. formed by Wing Commander Bill Traynor.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 18 November 1918:

‘For distinguished service in connection with military operations in France and Flanders’.

Percy Coombs, who was born in Frome, Somerset in March 1889, served as a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Naval Air Service (November 1914 to November 1917), prior to being transferred to an Officers’ Training Section and being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant (Technical) in the newly established Royal Air Force in April 1918 - his MIC entry confirms his sole entitlement to the British War and Victory Medals. Latterly employed by 84 Wing H.Q., he was placed on the Unemployed List in February 1919.