Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War D.S.C. pair awarded to Sub-Lieutenant Charles K. Chase, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and Royal Naval Air Service

Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., the reverse inscribed ‘Sub.Lieut. R.N.V.R. att. R.N.A.S., Dunkirk 21st April 1917’; French Croix de Guerre 1914-1917, neatly inscribed around the reverse centre ‘Dunkirk 21st April 1917’, extremely fine (2) £500-700

D.S.C. London Gazette 21 April 1917: ‘In recognition of their services on the 1st March, 1917, when they were attacked by two hostile machines whilst on reconnaissance Flight and brought them both down out of control. Flt.-Lieut Edwards was hit by a bullet which passed through the left shoulder fracturing the collar bone and at the same time was slightly wounded in both feet. Although suffering considerably he brought his machine home safely in spite of being again attacked by two hostile aircraft. By his determination and pluck he probably saved his own life and that of his observer.’

French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 20 July 1917.

Captain Charles Kieth Chase was a Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.V.R., with No. 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., based at St.Pol, France, when he and his pilot, Flight Lieutenant S. T. Edwards, in a Sopwith one and half strutter, were attacked by hostile aircraft on 1 March 1917, and, having dealt with their opponents near Bruges, were forced down with battle damage at Furnes. Chase, though gazetted for the D.S.C. immediately, did not receive the actual decoration until November 1920. In March 1918 he was as an Observer Lieutenant with No. 6 Wing, and in April 1919 was serving as an R.A.F. Captain with 66 Wing in the Mediterranean.