Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A well-documented Helicopter pilots’ campaign pair awarded to Sergeant M. A. Keller, Royal Marines, who served with 45 Commando in Radfan, before qualifying as a pilot and flying operationally with 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron in Northern Ireland

General Service 1962-2007, 3 clasps, Radfan, South Arabia, Northern Ireland (RM.22013 M. A. Keller. Mne. R.M.) 2nd and 3rd clasps loose on riband as issued; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (P022013L Sgt M A Keller RM) generally good very fine (2) £1,000-£1,400

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, June 2014.

Michael Andrew Keller was born in Bristol in March 1944. A Student by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Marines at Deal on 15 January 1963. During 1963-70 he served variously with 41, 43 and 45 Commando. After training as a helicopter pilot, he served with 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, July 1973-May 1977, being qualified to fly the Chipmunk; Bell 47G 4A; Sioux AH1; Scout and Gazelle helicopters. Granted the G.S.M. with clasp ‘Radfan’ in July 1966 and the clasp ‘South Arabia’ in May 1967; saw service in Northern Ireland, February-April 1974 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in January 1978). Keller took ‘Premature Voluntary Release’ on 13 June 1979.

Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including: Royal Marines Attestation Papers; Royal Marines Company Record Book; R.A.F. Pilots Flying Log Book (October 1972-April 1977); Certificate of Service; Non-Commissioned Officers’ Wing Royal Marines Junior and Senior Command Course Certificates; R.N. Air Medical School Helicopter Aircrew Aviation Medicine and First Aid Certificate; Aircrew Underwater Escape Training Certificate; Army Flying Badge Award Certificate; Certificate of Discharge.