Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. W. H. D. Baird, R.A.F.), very fine £40-60

William Dodds Holdane Beard, who was born in February 1895, was working as a partner in the family business in Edinburgh on the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914.

A direct entrant to the Royal Flying Corps from the General List, he was appointed a Flying Officer in May 1917, and appears to have joined No. 1 Squadron out in France in June 1917 - but, for reasons unknown, was quickly hospitalised in the following month. Returning to duty in March 1918, he joined the strength of No. 112 Squadron, a Home Defence unit and a component of No. 53 Wing, and it was in this latter capacity that he was killed in a flying accident on 22 November 1918. Baird, who was awarded the A.F.C. (London Gazette 1 January 1919 refers), was 23 years of age and was buried in Edinburgh (Morningside) Cemetery.

Sold with copied service record.