Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Salonika’ O.B.E. group of five awarded to Major C. H. A. Hirtzl, Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps and East African Pioneer Corps

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; 1914-15 Star (23 Pnr. C. H. A. Hirtzel. E. A. Pnrs.); British War and Victory Medal, with small M.I.D. oak leaves (Major C. H. A. Hirtzel. R.A.F.); Defence Medal, mounted as worn, the O.B.E. on 2nd type riband, good very fine (5) £300-400

O.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919.

Clement Henry Armitage Hirtzel was born in Exmouth, Devon, on 10 April 1879. Emigrating to Africa, he was employed first as a Electric Tramway Engineer at Johannesburg in 1902, before becoming Engineering Manager, Delagon Bay, in 1903, and Boiler Factory Inspector (Electrical and Mechanical Engineer) for H.M. Government in British East Africa in 1908. On the outbreak of the Great War he attested for the East African Pioneer Corps as a Private Soldier.

Being an Associate Member of the Institute of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; speaking German, French, and Swahili; an expert in the repair of cars and aeroplane engines; and also familiar with hydro-electric work, he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps as a Second Lieutenant, and appointed an Assistant Equipment Officer on 15 November 1915. He was promoted Lieutenant on 8 February 1916, and temporary Captain whilst employed as an Equipment Officer on 27 May 1916, He controlled the development of the Aircraft Park at Adastraal House from July 1916 to February 1917, and was promoted Park Commander, with the rank of temporary Major, on 1 February 1917. He subsequently served as Park Commander, Transport Repair Park at Farnborough from 7 March 1917, before being seconded to the Ministry of Munitions to organise repair of aircraft within civilian firms.

On 14 September 1918 Hirtzel took command of the Salonika Aircraft Park (No. 16 Wing), was Mentioned in Lieutenant-General Sir G. F. Milne’s Despatch ‘for distinguished and gallant service during the period 1 October 1918 to 1 March 1919, with the British Salonika Force’ (London Gazette 5 June 1919; and was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He transferred to the Unemployed List on 1 July 1919, and was appointed to the Disposals Board, Salonika Aircraft Park.

Sold together with a group photographic image featuring the recipient.