Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Fleet Air Arm Firefly pilot’s Korea pair awarded to Captain A. L. L. Skinner, Fleet Air Arm and Royal Navy, who flew with 825 and 821 Squadrons in at least 124 operational sorties, including reconnaissance and attacks on road and rail targets, carried out from H.M. Carriers Ocean and Glory. He later commanded the frigate Arethusa, and the destroyer Devonshire, before being appointed A.D.C. to the Queen in January 1978

Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (Lieut. A. L. L. Skinner R.N.) suspension slightly loose; U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, mounted for wear, generally very fine (2) £500-£600

Anthony Leslie Lawrence Skinner was born in Brighton, East Sussex in 1929. He joined the Royal Navy as a Naval Cadet in January 1946. After passing out from Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Skinner was commissioned Acting Sub Lieutenant in January 1948. Subsequent service included with H.M. Ships Theseus (Carrier) and Cygnet. Skinner advanced to Lieutenant in September 1950, and was posted for pilot training at R.N.A.S. Fife in May the following year.

Skinner was posted as a pilot for operational service and served with 825 Squadron (Fairey Fireflies), Fleet Air Arm, aboard H.M.S. Ocean and with 821 Squadron (Fireflies) aboard H.M.S. Glory, during the Korean War. Skinner was employed on reconnaissance and attacks on road and rail transport. During his tour with H.M.S. Glory, he completed her 10,000th deck landing since her deployment to Korea. Skinner is mentioned on numerous occasions in The Carriers in Korea by J. R. P. Lansdown, which also records that he carried out at least 124 operational sorties during the Korean War.

Having returned to the UK, Skinner was posted to H.M.S. Triumph (Carrier) in December 1953, and was next appointed Flag Lieutenant to Rear Admiral R. L. Fisher, DSO, OBE, DSC, Royal Navy, Flag Officer Ground Training at Daedalus, R.N.A.S. Lee on Solent in April 1955.

Skinner advanced to Lieutenant Commander in September 1958, and to Commander in December 1962. He had several Staff postings, including to the U.S.A., before being appointed to the command of H.M.S. Ursa (Destroyer). Skinner was employed as Fleet Aviation Advisor to Commander in Chief Western Fleet and Senior Aviation Adviser to Commander in Chief Eastern Atlantic. He was promoted Captain in June 1969, and appointed to the command of H.M.S. Arethusa in December 1971. Skinner was employed on the Directorate of Naval Warfare prior to being appointed to the command of H.M.S. Devonshire (Guided Missile Destroyer) in February 1976. He served as Director General of Naval Manpower & Training (DGNMT), and was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Queen in January 1978.

Captain Skinner retired in June 1978.

Extensive interviews carried out with recipient about his service career are held by the Imperial War Museum, CD copies of which are included with the lot.

Sold with copied research, including photographic image of recipient in uniform.