Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine ‘Arabian Peninsula’ M.M. group of six awarded to Flying Officer J. F. Molyneux, Royal Air Force Regiment, Commanding No. 10 Armoured Car Squadron, formerly Army Air Corps

Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (4099061 Sgt. J. F. Molyneux, R.A.F. Regt.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Arabian Peninsula (Sgt., R.A.F.) mounted as worn, good very fine (6)
£2500-3000

M.M. London Gazette 8 November 1957. ‘For his skill, tenacity and bravery on 27th January, 1957, when No. 10 Armoured Car Squadron, under his command was involved in an action with No. 9 Squadron against Yemeni Army Forces.’

The following details are taken from the official recommendation which has only recently been released: ‘On the 27th Januaty, 1957, a section of No. 10 Armoured Car Squadron under the command of Sergeant Molyneux was involved in the action with No. 9 Squadron, Aden Protectorate Levies, against Yemeni Army Forces at SANAH, on the Protectorate-Yemeni border. The action began when Yemeni Forces attacked Sanah at 1530 hours, and continued until approximately 1130 hours. During this period Sergeant Molyneux’s section was continually engaged. His skilful handling of the armoured cars and the coolness and bravery he displayed against prolonged opposition contributed greatly to the success achieved by the Protectorate forces. He placed his own car in the most forward and exposed position and although it was hit frequently by small arms fire he continued to calmly pass back most useful and vital information to the commander of the force. His final position, selected by himself, brought him under very close fire, and as he had to expose the top part of his body in order to observe adequately, he was, for a long period, in very considerable personal danger. This was not the first time that Sergeant Molyneux had distinguished himself in action. He has, during the last few weeks, been involved in other actions. On all occasions he has shown very great ability and courage and, by his example, has been an inspiration to the men under his command.’

John Frederick Molyneux was born at Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, on 11 January, 1923, and originally enlisted into the Royal Welch Fusiliers on 19 May, 1941. In September 1942, he transferred to the Army Air Corps, seeing service in North Africa and Italy, rising to the rank of Sergeant. In December 1946, he transferred to the Reserves and enlisted into the Intelligenge Corps, Territorial Army, in December 1950, in which he was promoted to Corporal. He was discharged on 5 May, 1952, on enlisting into the R.A.F. as an R.A.F. Regiment Gunner Instructor, in the rank of Sergeant.


Sergeant Molyneux was based at Catterick until May 1956, when he embarked for the Middle East for service with the Aden Protectorate Levies. This successful tour was curtailed by the Army’s takeover of the Aden Protectorate Levies and, in April 1957, he held briefly with No. 58 (Field) Squadron, and at Khormaksar, Aden, before returning to the United Kingdom. From July 1957, Molyneux was employed once more at the R.A.F. Regiment Depot, after which he served at the Officer Cadet Training Unit at Jurby. In May 1962, he was granted a permanent commission as a branch officer, R.A.F. Regiment. Flying Officer Molyneux served at R.A.F. Coningsby as the Ground Defence Training Officer until January 1964, when he was placed on the retired list. He died on 6 March 1977. Sold with copy Record of Service and two copy photographs.

Only 15 Military Medals were awarded for service in the Arabian Peninsula 1950-60, of which just 6 were to British units. This award is unique to the Royal Air Force Regiment.