Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War A.F.C. group of six awarded to Flight Lieutenant M. R. B. Clift, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew operationally in Coastal Command in 1943
Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Fg. Off. M. R. B. Clift, R.A.F.V.R.), good very fine and better (6) £1200-1400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Coldstream Guards, R.F.C., R.N.A.S. and R.A.F. formed by the late Tom Baugh.

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A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1946. The original recommendation states:
‘Throughout his tour of duty, Flight Lieutenant Clift had displayed exceptional keenness both in his duties as transport pilot and in the organisation of flying training within the Flight. He is a most efficient instructor and highly skilled pilot and captain of aircraft. Most of his flying has been executed in adverse weather over the Indian Ocean.’

Montague Robert Barclay Clift flew operationally as a pilot in Hudsons of No. 279 Squadron, Coastal Command, in 1943 - accompanying Operational Record Book entries for the period April to December 1943 reveal at least 15 sorties of an Air Sea Rescue nature. Having been advanced to Flying Officer in June 1943, Clift was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in December 1944, awarded his A.F.C. for his subsequent services in H.Q. East African Communication Flight, and his Air Efficiency Award in December 1945.

Sold with a file of research, including photocopies of the recipient’s Buckingham Palace forwarding letter for his A.F.C., and similarly copied Air Ministry letters to the recipient regarding his 1939-45 campaign awards and Air Efficiency Award.