Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The extremely rare ‘Southern Desert, Iraq’ campaign group of seven awarded to Air Commodore H. L. Burton, Royal Air Force, late Royal Army Medical Corps, 1 of only 2 R.A.F. Medical Officers who served in the campaign - he was also mentioned in despatches for his service there. Burton later served as Honorary Physician to the King, 1939-1944

1914-15 Star (Lieut. H. L. Burton. R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. L. Burton.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Southern Desert, Iraq, with M.I.D. oak leaf (S/L. H. L. Burton. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937, mounted on card for display, generally very fine or better (7) £2,000-£2,400

M.I.D. London Gazette 15 March 1929:
‘In recognition of distinguished service rendered in connection with the operations against the Akhwan in the Southern Desert, Iraq, during the period November 1927 and May 1928.’

Air Ministry C.D. 59 (issued 1928) on the Operations carried out in the Southern Desert (Nov 27 to May 28) gives only two medical officers involved in the campaign. Whilst the ‘Southern Desert, Iraq’ clasp is very scarce, particularly to senior officers, it is thus extremely rare when awarded to a medical officer.

Hugh Leonard Burton was born in Burton-on-Trent in July 1887. He was educated at Epsom College, and studied Medicine at King’s College Hospital, 1905-1909. Burton was employed as a Deputy Medical Officer with H.M. Prison Services prior to being commissioned in the Royal Army Medical Corps in December 1914. He served during the Great War with the R.A.M.C. in the French theatre of war from July 1915, and advanced to Temporary Captain in June 1916.

Burton relinquished his commission in June 1919, and resided at Redlands, Cedar Avenue, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. He joined the Royal Air Force as a Flight Lieutenant (Medical) in October 1921, and advanced to Squadron Leader in July 1924. Burton was posted to HQ Iraq, 18 March 1926, and thence on to the British Hospital, Iraq some 10 days later.

Burton advanced to Wing Commander in May 1934, and to Group Captain in July 1936. He was appointed Honorary Physician to the King in April 1939, and advanced to Air Commodore in June 1942. Burton retired upon reaching the age of 57 in July 1944, and died in October 1969.