Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional South Russia D.S.O., D.F.C. group of six awarded to Captain S. G. Frogley, No. 47 Squadron, Royal Air Force, late Royal Berkshire Regiment
Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R.; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (2 Lieut., R.Berks.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt., R.A.F.); Russia, Order of St Stanislas, 2nd class neck badge with swords, gold and enamels by Ivan Alekseev, Moscow, generally good very fine (6)

D.S.O. London Gazette 1 April 1920. ‘A fleet of about 40 Bolshevic vessels, armed with all descriptions of guns, having broken through the defences of the Volunteer Army, commenced a bombardment of Tzaritzan. Flying Officer Frogley led a formation of machines on 15th October 1919, and at a height of 1,000 feet dropped his bombs with such effect that the fleet was dispersed, several vessels having been destroyed. During a period of four months this officer has rendered invaluable services in South Russia.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 1 April 1920. ‘On the 15th July 1919, Flying Officer Frogley led a most successful raid on the Bolshevik flotilla of vessels (about 40 in number) 150 miles from his base, which resulted in the capture of the town of Kamshin (Volga) by our Allied Troops. He then led his formation at almost ground level, attacking the retreating enemy with machine guns and causing complete disorganisation amongst them. A very risky and noteworthy performance, seeing that the distance back to his base was 150 miles.’

In addition to the Order of St Stanislas, 2nd class with swords, Frogley was awarded the Cross of St George, 4th class, for the following action: ‘During the fighting for Kamyshin on the 12-14 (25-27) July 1919, flying far behind the enemy’s lines in spite of the danger of terrific firing from the enemy naval artillery, they helped to spread panic among the enemy lines by dropping bombs on enemy vessels and troops, which was of the greatest assistance to the general success.’

Captain Sidney Frogley was in temporary command of 47 Squadron in South Russia until the appointment of Major Ray Collishaw, D.S.O., D.S.C., D.F.C., the noted Canadian fighter ace. The squadron fought in support of the White Russian armies commanded by General Anton Deniken, the most successful of the many counter-revolutionary army commanders. Collishaw submitted an earlier recommendation for the award of the D.F.C. to Captain Frogley which, although unsuccessful, makes interesting reading and gives detail of Frogley’s earlier operations with the squadron: ‘Since January 1917 Capt. Frogley has been on Active Service continuously with the Royal Air Force at Salonika. During that time he has carried out about 100 Special Missions and Bombing Raids with the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty. His example of efficiency has always reacted upon the moral of all ranks in the Squadron. During the attack from Salonika when the enemy were thrown back Capt. Frogley led his Flight with conspicuous gallantry and utmost determination carrying out numerous bombing and reconnaissance raids and destroying enemy communications. These operations had a far reaching effect on the moral of the enemy in this area which finally broke. Since June 1919 Capt. Frogley has made about 40 bomb raids and special reconnaissances for the Caucasian Army at the front. In all these operations resulting in our rapid advance, Capt. Frogley’s Pilots have earned the admiration of the whole Volunteer Army.’

One of only two D.S.O., D.F.C. combinations for South Russia.