Orders, Decorations and Medals

An unusual post-war M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Flight Lieutenant C. Mayhew, Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps: ‘This officer has worked with the airborne forces since their formation, and was responsible for the preparation of the parachutes for many of their operations, including those of the Polish Brigade at Arnhem ... he is universally recognised in the Parachute Regiment as one of the foremost experts on parachute technique’

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; British War and Victory Medals (125709 Pte. 1, R.A.F.); General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Iraq, Palestine 1945-48 (333005 L.A.C., R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., coinage bust (333005 Sgt., R.A.F.), the Great War and G.S.M. awards polished, thus fine, the remainder very fine or better (7) £1200-1500

M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1951. The original recommendation states:

Flight Lieutenant Mayhew has served in the Armed Forces of the Crown from 1916, firstly in the Army then in the Royal Flying Corps, becoming absorbed into the Royal Air Force at its inception. An apprentice tailor in civil life, he became a fabric worker in the service, and applied his civilian skill to his service job. He served in non-commissioned rank up to the rank of Warrant Officer, and during this time attended a parachute course. From 1932 he has specialised in parachute and airborne equipment. This officer has worked with the airborne forces since their formation, and was responsible for the preparation of the parachutes for many of their operations, including those of the Polish Brigade at Arnhem. Flight Lieutenant Mayhew is universally recognised in the Parachute Regiment as one of the foremost experts on parachute technique and, through his efforts, many faults have been rectified and, indirectly, many lives saved. He has never had a fatality from any faulty packing. Flight Lieutenant Mayhew was keen to continue serving but unfortunately was not selected for a permanent commission, and retired in July after 34 years’ service. His devotion to duty during a lifetime of invaluable service to his country merits the highest praise.’

Charles Mayhew was born in Chelsea, London in June 1898 and enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps in October 1916. Following active service out in France from April to September 1918, he was discharged in February 1919, but re-enlisted that August. Having then been based in Baghdad during the Iraq operations 1919-20, he was advanced to Sergeant in December 1922, attended the above mentioned parachute course in May 1935, and was awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in October 1940. Mayhew was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in October 1941, advanced to Flying Officer in December 1942 and to Flight Lieutenant in September 1945, and was placed on the Retired List in September 1950, shortly before the award of his well-merited M.B.E.