Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘1940’ G.M. awarded to Corporal R. J. Farley, 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron, Royal Air Force, for the rescue of a trapped pilot and his air gunner from a flaming Lysander - ‘Farley unhesitatingly ran to his assistance and, plunging his arms into the blazing cockpit, released the legs of the pilot, who was apparently stunned and whose clothes were in flames.’ Both Farley and Aircraftman 1st Class T. W. Coop were awarded the George Medal for their gallantry at Netherthorpe aerodrome, 6 September 1940.

Farley was later M.I.D. for distinguished services against the Japanese, and was taken prisoner of war, 8 March 1942, following the Fall of Singapore

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (158305 L.A.C. Richard John Farley, R.A.F.) very fine £3,600-£4,000

G.M. London Gazette 21 January 1941, the original recommendation (jointly listed with 820067 Aircraftman 1st Class T. W. Coop) states:

‘On 6th September, 1940, an aircraft crashed on the aerodrome at Netherthorpe, and immediately burst into flames. Aircraftman First Class Coop promptly ran to the burning aircraft and endeavoured to extricate the pilot. In spite of the flames, and regardless of the additional danger from exploding ammunition, Leading Aircraftman Farley unhesitatingly ran to his assistance and, plunging his arms into the blazing cockpit, released the legs of the pilot, who was apparently stunned and whose clothes were in flames. Between them the airmen carried him to a safe distance, thereby saving him from certain death. In spite of superficial burns on arms and legs, Leading Aircraftman Farley returned to his normal duties. By their action these two airmen showed great courage and complete disregard for their personal safety. Unfortunately the pilot later succumbed to his injuries.’

613 (City of Manchester) Squadron’s History gives further details on the rescue attempt at Netherthorpe: ‘At 9:15am on 6th September, 1940, a Lysander aircraft (No. P1692) of No.613 (City of Manchester) Squadron, Royal Air Force, was on its landing approach at Netherthorpe, five miles north-west of Worksop, Nottinghamshire, when it hit a lorry which was travelling on the airfield perimeter road. The aircraft overturned and immediately caught fire, the air gunner managing to escape without help but the pilot [Pilot Officer G. L. Edmonds] remained inside in a dazed condition. Aircraftman 1st Class T.W. Coop promptly ran to the burning aircraft and tried to extricate the pilot then, in spite of the flames and exploding ammunition, Leading Aircraftman R.J. Farley also ran to help, plunging his arms into the blazing cockpit to release the pilot's legs. Between them the two airmen carried the pilot, his clothes burning, to a safe distance and in spite of superficial burns to his arms and legs Leading Aircraftman Farley returned to his normal duties. The pilot and air gunner [Sergeant Lethan] were both removed to hospital where the former later died, the Squadron's first Officer casualty of the War.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 October 1946:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya, Hong Kong and the Netherlands East Indies during the operations against the Japanese, terminating in March 1942.’

Richard John Farley subsequently advanced to Corporal, and was taken prisoner of war by the Japanese, 8 March 1942, following the Fall of Singapore. He was released 2 September 1945.