Auction Catalogue

21 May 2020

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Live Online Auction

Download Images

Lot

№ 73

.

21 May 2020

Hammer Price:
£2,600



A scarce post-War A.F.M. group of six awarded to Squadron Leader F. Loveridge, Royal Air Force, who was three times awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air, and was later, in his civilian career, awarded the prestigious Pike Trophy in 1987 by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators

Air Force Medal, E.II.R. (132249 F. Sgt. F.J. Loveridge. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Borneo (Flt. Lt. F.J. Loveridge. R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (Fg. Off. F.J. Loveridge. R.A.F.); Indian Independence Medal 1947 (132249 Pil. II F.J. Loveridge. R.A.F.) mounted for display purposes together with a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air oak leaf, good very fine and possibly a unique combination of awards (6) £2,400-£2,800

A.F.M. London Gazette 10 June 1954.

Frederick John ‘Johnnie’ Loveridge was born 4 December 1923. His Second War service details are unknown, but his Service no. indicates enlistment between June 1940 and February 1941, and enclosed with the lot are photocopies of wartime correspondence with his mother, which refer to his service at various bases in the UK including R.A.F. Upavon, R.A.F. Bourne, and R.A.F. Shawbury, including service with an Advanced Flying Unit on training duties.

After the Second War Loveridge served as an Airman Pilot, and was attached to the Royal Indian Air Force. His Indian Independence Medal is uncommonly named Pilot II, a classification rarely seen on a medal, due to its short existence between 1947 and August 1950.

Loveridge was awarded the Air Force Medal in 1954, and was promoted Master Aircrew on 20 August of that year. He was awarded his first Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air in 1957 (
London Gazette 13 June 1957). He next appears whilst stranded with his crew in Paris due to engine trouble, whilst flying a Beverley from R.A.F. Dishworth. His clear lack of funds is highlighted from the photograph copy of an amusing postcard of a tramp, enclosed with the lot, addressed to his Commanding Officer which simply reads ‘Sir, Short of cash. Advise. Loveridge.’

Awarded his second Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air in 1958 (
London Gazete 1 January 1959), most probably for service as an instructor at the Beverley C.Mk.1 Operational Conversion Unit at R.A.F. Dishforth, he was put up for a commission, but quit the course at his own request; he subsequently re-joined a later course after an ‘interview without coffee’ with Air Marshal Sir Andrew McKee. After passing Officer Initial Training Course No. 93, he was commissioned Pilot Officer on 30 July 1959, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 22 November 1960, again the naming being relatively unusual in it being named to a Flying Officer, having served over twelve years of the necessary eighteen years in the ranks.

Promoted Acting Squadron Leader, Loveridge was awarded his third Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air (
London Gazette 1 January 1970), before retiring aged 47 on 30 July 1971.

Continuing to fly as a civilian instructor, in 1987 the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators awarded him the prestigious Pike Trophy with the following abridged citation:
‘John Loveridge became an A2 Qualified Flying Instructor in the Royal Air Force. On retiring he continued as a Civil Flying Instructor, becoming Chief Flying Instructor and subsequently Instructor Training Manager of his Flying Training Schools He has trained well over 200 civil flying instructors, always providing sound, sensible advice and guidance to instructors after completion of their training, and during subsequent careers. His outstanding flying ability, irreverent sense of humour and depth of experience, has made him a respected but approachable "guru" on all matters connected with flying instruction and flight safety. A fine testimonial to this instructor, who excels in steadfastness and dependability, is undoubtedly the many hundreds of his students now flying professionally as instructors, commercial and military pilots.’

Sold with various photocopied photographs of the recipient and detailed research.