Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

A mounted group of thirteen miniature dress medals representative of those worn by Air Commodore F. M. F. West, V.C., C.B.E., M.C., Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps, comprising: Victoria Cross; Order of the British Empire (Military), gilt and enamel; Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; Defence and War Medals; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Jubilee 1977; Belgian Order of Leopold I, gilt and enamel, on a French Legion of Honour riband, mounted court-style by Sells, London, generally good very fine (13) £80-100

Ferdinand Maurice Felix “Freddie” West was awarded the V.C. for his great courage during an operational patrol north-east of Roye, France in August 1918, when his aircraft was attacked by several enemy scouts. Although hit by five bullets - which nearly severed his left leg - he managed to bring his aircraft back to base and deliver a vital reconnaissance report before being taken to hospital.

His full-size awards were sold by Sotheby’s in November 1994.