Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Great War M.C. group of four awarded to 2nd Lieutenant V. A. Fair, Royal Air Force, late Royal Engineers and King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was decorated for his gallant deeds in an action with the 6th Battalion of the latter corps during the “German Spring Offensive” - he was the only officer of his company left standing: having then transferred to the R.A.F. as an Observer, he was killed in action in September 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (1025 L. Cpl., R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut., R.A.F.), together with a period hand-coloured portrait photograph, extremely fine (4) £1800-2000

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918.

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during recent operations. As the only surviving officer of his company, he organised and assumed command of a composite company, consisting of his own and other units, and commanded it with great ability. He held onto positions against heavy odds, and delayed the enemy’s advance at a most important point.’

Victor Adolphus Fair first entered the French theatre of war as a Sapper, R.E. in late January 1915, gaining advancement to 2nd Corporal prior to being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in May 1917. Posted to the 6th Battalion out in France, he won his M.C. for gallantry in the “German Spring Offensive”, following which, in August 1918, he transferred to the Royal Air Force as an Observer and joined No. 211 Squadron at Petite Snythe in France, recently formed under the command of Major G. R. M. Reid, D.S.O., M.C. A few weeks later, however, on 29 September, he was killed in action during the battle for the Hindenburg Line, when his D.H. 9 was shot down in flames after a running combat over the Ypres-Courtrai sector - his pilot, an American, Lieutenant W. Henley-Mooney, U.S.A.S, was wounded and taken prisoner.

Fair is buried in the Harlebeke New British cemetery.