Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War A.F.C. group of five awarded to Squadron Leader R. K. Potter, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1946'; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Flt. Lt. R. K. Potter. R.A.F.V.R.) mounted as worn, good very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1946.
The original Recommendation states: ‘Examining Flight, Ambala. Squadron Leader Potter has been employed as a flying instructor. He was posted to this Command from the E.C.F.S. to form the Examining Flight, C.F.S. (I). This Flight, which consisted of Squadron Leader Potter and two other instructors, became operative in August 1944, since which its members have flown the length and breadth of India, testing instructors at all training Units as well as the ferry pilots of No. 229 Group. In all 1,140 hours have been flown and 473 pilots tested. Squadron Leader Potter has rendered useful service and, by his outstanding instructional ability and deftness as a pilot, combined with his flying integrity, he has been instrumental in raising the standard of flying instruction throughout the Command.’

Richard Keith Potter, a native of Knighton Rise, Leicester, was born on 21 October 1916 and gained Aero Certificate No. 11,530 on 21 October 1933, having taken his first flight in July 1929, and was a civilian Pilot by trade. Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, he gained his 'Wings' on 24 March 1940 and was commissioned Pilot Officer on 23 July 1940. Mentioned in Despatches, he was awarded the Air Efficiency Award on 21 September 1944, and was awarded the Air Force Cross for his fine work as a Flying Instructor in India during the Second World War. He died in Leicester on 7 May 2010.

Sold together with the recipient’s two Pilot’s Log Books (C.A. Form 24); named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the A.F.C., mounted in a glazed display frame; invitation to the presentation of The Queen's Colour at the Central Flying School, June 1969; two photographs of the recipient, including one on his wedding day; and copied research.