The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

An unusual Great War and Second World War group of six awarded to Flight Lieutenant J. A. Bide, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, late Royal Naval Reserve

British War Medal 1914-20 (Mid. J. A. Bide, R.N.R.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (John A. Bide); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Mid. J. A. Bide, R.N.R.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Flt. Lt. J. A. Bide, R.A.F.V.R.), good very fine (6) £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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John Arthur Bide, who was born in Farnham, Surrey in July 1899, was appointed a Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve in January 1917, and also served in the Mercantile Marine before being released in April 1919. Returning to civilian life as a salesman, he enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in January 1939, was mobilised that September and appointed to a commission as Pilot Officer in the Balloon Branch in October 1940. His subsequent appointments included 915 and 927 (Balloon) Squadrons and he attained the rank of Flight Lieutenant prior to being released in July 1945, the award of his Efficiency Decoration appearing in A.M.O. N519 of 1947; sold with copied service records.