Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Seven: Wing Commander B. H. Godfrey, Royal Air Force, late Royal Navy and Royal Flying Corps, who flew operationally in a Home Defence unit 1917-18 and was awarded the American Bronze Star in the 1939-45 War

1914-15 Star (Clk. B. H. Godfrey, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut. B. H. Godfrey, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; United States of America, Bronze Star, in its case of issue with related lapel badge and tunic riband, together with a set of related dress miniature medals, the Great War awards with contact marks and polished, nearly very fine, the remainder extremely fine (14) £350-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Small Collection of Medals to the R.F.C., R.N.A.S., R.A.F. and F.A.A..

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Basil Henry Godfrey, who was born in May 1896, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps, Special Reserve, in July 1916, after active service as a Caulker in the Royal Navy. Among his subsequent wartime appointments was a tour of duty in No. 39 (Home Defence) Squadron at Woodford Green in 1917, where his fellow pilots included Captain W. Leefe-Robinson, V.C., and two other “Zeppelin-killers”, namely Captain A. de B. Brandon, D.S.O., M.C., and 2nd Lieutenant Tempest, D.S.O.

Remaining in the Royal Air Force after the War, he was placed on the Retired List as a Flight Lieutenant on account of ill-health in July 1936, but was recalled on the outbreak of hostilities with an appointment as a Squadron Leader in the Air Ministry’s Personnel and Training Department, in which capacity he was advanced to Wing Commander in July 1945 and awarded the American Bronze Star (London Gazette 3 May 1946 refers), the recommendation stating:

‘For meritorious service in the performance of outstanding service for the period 1 September 1942 to 1 September 1945. As Assistant to the Deputy Director of Training (Ground), Air Ministry, Wing Commander Godfrey rendered important service in the furtherance of those problems relating to training United States Air Force personnel in Chemical Warfare and Fire Fighting procedures. Through Wing Commander Godfrey’s efforts, specialised training courses were expeditiously initiated and during the period cited more than 2700 United States Air Force personnel received instruction. By his untiring efforts, personal interest, and keen spirit of co-operation, Wing Commander Godfrey has rendered outstanding service to the United States Air Forces in this theatre.’

Godfrey was placed back on the Retired List in December 1945; sold with a quantity of research.