Auction Catalogue

16 December 2003

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Grand Connaught Rooms  61 - 65 Great Queen St  London  WC2B 5DA

Lot

№ 909

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16 December 2003

Hammer Price:
£2,000

A Scarce Great War ‘Balloon Action’ M.M. group of three to Aircraft Mechanic 1 F. G. N. Smythe, Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps

Military Medal, G.V.R. (23611 1Cl. A.M., 14/Bln. Coy. R.F.C.); British War and Victory Medals (23611 1 A.M., R.A.F.), mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (3) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1918.

Recommendation states: ‘I have the honour to bring to your notice the names of No.17116 1st Class A.M. Leyland T. Telephonist and No.23611 1st Class A.M. Smythe, F. G. N. Winch Driver. These Air Mechanics shewed great coolness and courage on the 10th instant at Villers Faucon, remaining at their posts and working when heavily bombed by seven enemy aircraft, there rendering great assistance in helping to save the Balloon and the observers in the car.’ Signed by officers of the 29th Balloon Section, 14th Balloon Company and 3rd Balloon Wing.

A total of 167 Military Medals and 2 bars were awarded to men of the R.F.C.