Auction Catalogue

3 December 2020

Starting at 10:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 697

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3 December 2020

Hammer Price:
£150

The mounted group of eight miniature dress medals worn by Group Captain F. Rothwell, Royal Air Force

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R.; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-3; Italy Star; Defence and War Medal 1939-45, Efficiency Decoration, E.II.R., Territorial; together with a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air emblem mounted at the end of the group, presented in an attractively framed display box, along with R.A.F. Wings; cap badge; should straps and full sized awards riband bar, the France and Germany clasp of more recent manufacture and added later, otherwise very fine (8) £80-£120

D.F.C. London Gazette 21 May 1943.
The original recommendation states: ‘In the campaign in North Africa, Acting Flight Lieutenant Fred Rothwell, 13 Squadron, has displayed great keenness and determination, setting a fine example. On one occasion, during a bombing attack on Bizerta in daylight, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter but, by skilful manoeuvring, he evaded the attacker, having sustained only slight damage to his aircraft. On another occasion, one night in February 1943, he was detailed to patrol the Kasserine Pass and to bomb any mechanical transport in the vicinity. Whilst searching for objectives and flying at a low level his aircraft was hit by fire from the ground defences. A shell, which burst inside the aircraft, broke the rudder and tail trim controls. In spite of this, Flight Lieutenant Rothwell continued his search and later bombed some transport. He flew the damaged aircraft to an airfield at Maison Blanche where he affected a safe landing at the third attempt.’

Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air
London Gazette 1 January 1954.