Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Wing Commander H. C. Tallboy, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, late Royal Garrison Artillery, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, who served as a Kite Balloon Officer during the Great War.

1914-15 Star (F. 2084, H. C. Talboy, P.O.M., R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. C. Tallboy.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sqn. Ldr. H. C. Tallboy. R.A.F.V.R.); together with a South African War National Commemorative Medallion 1899-1900 (H. C. Tallboy) very fine and better (7) £200-£240

Harold Charlton Tallboy was born at West Dean, Chichester, Sussex, in 1887, the youngest of four sons to George and Emma Tallboy. He initially served during the Great War with the Royal Naval Air Service, Armoured Car Division, from 18 November 1914 and also with the Royal Garrison Artillery (service number 141707). He was commissioned Second Lieutenant, on probation, into the latter regiment (Special Reserve of Officers) from an Officer Cadet Unit on 10 August 1916 and was advanced to acting Captain on 19 March 1917. He also served with the Royal Air Force from its formation on 1 April 1918. Tallboy’s Great War index card confirms service in the rank of Petty Officer with the Royal Naval Air Service, and as a Captain with the Royal Air Force. His 1914-15 Star was issued by the Admiralty and his British War and Victory medals issued by the Air Ministry. In the February 1919 Army List he is shown as Kite Balloon Officer. According to family tradition, at one stage during the Great War Tallboy was forced to make an emergency parachute descent while artillery spotting from an observation balloon which came under attack from an enemy aircraft. As he made his descent, the enemy pilot circled him and waved before flying away.

Tallboy’s Royal Air Force service records show that he was wounded on 13 May 1918 and hospitalised at the American Presbyterian General Hospital at Etretat. He returned to duty on 28 June 1918 and was wounded a second time on 4 September 1918. He was discharged to base on 19 September 1918 and then admitted to 8 Canadian Stationary Hospital on 15 March 1919. He was transferred to the unemployed list on 13 April 1919.

Returning to duty, Tallboy was commissioned Flight Lieutenant Class C on 7 July 1937 and advanced Squadron Leader, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 30 May 1939. After the war he continued to serve as a Flight Lieutenant in the Reserve of Officers and finally relinquished his commission with effect on 10 February 1954 retaining the rank of Wing Commander. He died in 1977.

Sold with a photograph of the recipient in uniform; and the recipient’s dress Squadron Leader shoulder boards and slip on epaulet rank insignia.

Note: The Boer War Commemorative Medallion included with the lot was a childhood possession of the recipient.