Auction Catalogue

17 September 1999

Starting at 12:00 PM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Regus Conference Centre  12 St James Square  London  SW1Y 4RB

Lot

№ 910

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17 September 1999

Hammer Price:
£180

The Great War pair awarded to Group Captain A. N. Benge, No. 45 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was twice shot down during the Great War

British War and Victory Medals (Capt., R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals, both named (Group Capt., R.A.F.), nearly extremely fine (4) £70-90

Group Captain Arthur Norman Benge was first commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps on 3 June 1916. Almost exactly one year later Benge was suffering from the effects of the rigours of flying on the Western Front. The Medical board enquiry report reads ‘cardio vascular and nervous breakdown, very weak, tremors, unable to balance, exaggerated deep reflexes. States he has entirely lost his confidence for flying.’ A report from the examining officer reads ‘I have seen Captain Benge of 45th Squadron, complaining of sickness and giddiness in the air. This officer was home two months after seven months on active service. He first noticed these symptoms after being twice in succession shot down., being subsequently sent home for that reason........ He has entirely lost his self confidence. He is not fit for active service duties at present, but I see no reason why under further attention at home he should not completely recover.’ Clearly Benge did recover, going on to serve as a Group Captain during the Second World War. Sold with 8 copied pages of service detail.