Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce inter-war ‘Iraq policing duties’ A.F.M. awarded to Sergeant Pilot T. W. J. Nash, 84 and 8 Squadrons, Royal Air Force

Air Force Medal, G.V.R. (87366. Sgt. T. W. J. Nash. R.A.F.) good very fine £1400-1800

A.F.M. London Gazette , 1 January 1926. the original recommendation states:

‘For determination and devotion to duty. Since December, 1923, this Sergeant Pilot has performed 556 hours’ flying in Iraq, mostly over unmapped country and under adverse weather conditions.

His skill as a pilot is well above the average and by his keenness, especially when on detachment in the desert, he has set an excellent example to all ranks.’

Thomas William James Nash was born in Mile End, London, in October 1900. He joined the Royal Flying Corps as a Boy in July 1917. After serving at Cranwell and Leuchars, and being a Fitter, Nash advanced to Sergeant and remustered as a Pilot at the end of 1922. He was posted overseas for service with 84 Squadron (D.H.9A’s), Shaibah, Iraq, in December 1923. The Squadron was primarily engaged in policing duties over the deserts of southern Iraq. He served with 8 Squadron in the same capacity and with the same aircraft, August 1924 - November 1925.

Nash returned to the UK at the end of 1925, and transferred to the Reserve in July 1927. He was discharged in July 1929, and his service papers make no mention or any other awards, as such it would appear that the A.F.M. was his sole entitlement.