Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An extremely rare ‘Iraq operations’ R.A.F. M.S.M. and Long Service group of ten awarded to Warrant Officer S. J. Briggs, Royal Air Force, late Royal Engineers and Royal Flying Corps

1914-15 Star (221 Cpl. S. Briggs, R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (221 W.O. Cl. 2. S. Briggs R.E.), single initial ‘S.’ on these three; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (336426 Cpl. S. J. Briggs. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals; Jubilee 1935; Royal Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, G.V.R., coinage head (336426 Cpl. S. J. Briggs. R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., coinage head (W./O. S. J. Briggs. R.A.F.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (221 Sjt: S. J. Briggs. 2/E. Ang: F. Coy. R.E.) lightly polished, otherwise very fine and better (10) £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd.

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M.S.M. London Gazette 28 October 1921: ‘For distinguished services in the Field in Mesopotamia.’ The recommendation states:

‘For continuous good work and devotion to duty, while N.C.O. in charge of engines in his Flight. He has at all times shown unfailing energy and skill, and, by his example, has proved himself capable of maintaining a high state of efficiency among his subordinates.’

Sidney James Briggs originally entered the Egyptian theatre of operations on 16 August 1915, as a Corporal in the Royal Engineers, but would appear to have transferred to the Royal Flying Corps shortly thereafter (No. 336426). His T.F.E.M. was announced in Army Order 64 of January 1917. Remaining as a regular in the Royal Air Force after the War, Briggs was awarded his M.S.M. for services in Mesopotamia (Iraq) and his Jubilee 1935 medal while serving as a Flight Sergeant at the R.A.F. Depot, Middle East (official roll refers).