Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Captain C. H. L. Coney, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, who served as an R.E.8 Observer with 63 Squadron in the Mesopotamian theatre of war

1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. C. H. L. Coney. N. Staff. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. H. L. Coney. R.A.F.) mounted for wear, VM officially renamed, generally good very fine or better (3) £160-£200

Charles Herbert Law Coney was born in Pucklechurch, Gloucestershire in September 1889. He was employed as an Engineer prior to the Great War, and initially served with the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment.

Coney was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps as a Lieutenant, and qualified as an Observer in June 1917. He was immediately posted to 63 Squadron in Mesopotamia. Having arrived at Basra in August, the Squadron was plagued by disease and intense heat. It was not until 10 September that the first two aircraft had been assembled and were ready to fly. The Squadron’s R.E.8’s were based at Samarra, and attached to the First Indian Corps during its advance on Kirkuk and Mosul.

Coney advanced to (Temporary) Captain in November 1917, and was subsequently appointed as Honorary Captain.