Auction Catalogue

16 & 17 September 2010

Starting at 1:00 PM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 1553

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17 September 2010

Hammer Price:
£330

A post-war civil C.B.E. group of three awarded to Mr. J. S. R. D. Rawcliffe, H.M. Land Registry, late Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, in which latter capacity he won a “mention” in the Great War

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Civil) Commander’s 2nd type neck badge, gilt and enamel, in its fitted case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (51813 Cpl. J. S. R. D. Rawcliffe, R.A.F.), together with a set of related miniature dress medals, extremely fine (6) £300-350

James Samuel Richard Doke Rawcliffe, who was born in 1888 and educated at Bradford Grammar School, was a qualified solicitor prior to enlisting in the Royal Flying Corps in December 1916. He subsequently served out in France and Flanders from January 1917 until the end of the War, and won a mention in despatches (London Gazette 3 June 1919 refers). Latterly employed as a Motor Cyclist, he was demobilised in the rank of Corporal in January 1919. Returning to his career as a solicitor, Rawcliffe joined H.M. Land Registry in 1922, rose to be the Senior Land Registrar and was awarded the C.B.E. in 1953. Described as a man of great integrity - ‘Truly an unsung hero’ - he died in 1975; sold with a quantity of original documentation, including the recipient’s M.I.D. certificate and Soldier’s Pay Book for Use on Active Service.