A Collection of Awards to the Royal Air Force between the Wars (1919-1939) formed by Group Captain JE Barker

A fine and scarce Great War 1917 ‘French theatre’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Air Mechanic 1st Class C. M. Reynolds, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, who was wounded in 8 places, resulting in the loss of his left arm, whilst attempting to repair wireless apparatus under heavy shell fire, 24 June 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7420 1. Cl: A.M. C. M. Reynolds. R.F.C.); 1914-15 Star (7420 2. A.M. C. M. Reynolds. R.F.C.); British War and Victory Medals (7420. 1. A.M. C. M. Reynolds. R.F.C.); Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Christopher Maurice Reynolds D.C.M.); Belgium, Decoration Militaire, with R.F.C. brass Cap Badge, generally good very fine (6) £3000-4000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Royal Air Force between the Wars (1919-1939) formed by Group Captain JE Barker.

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Provenance: DNW, March 2011.

D.C.M. London Gazette 25 August 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in repeatedly repairing wireless apparatus under heavy shell fire and at great personal risk. On the last occasion he was wounded in eight places, and lost his left arm in the execution of his duty, setting a magnificent example of fearless devotion.’

One of only 92 Distinguished Conduct Medals awarded to members of the Royal Flying Corps.

I.S.M. London Gazette 11 April 1958 (Assistant Superintendent, Post Office, Liverpool).

Belgium, Decoration Militaire London Gazette 24 September 1917.

Christopher Maurice Reynolds was born at 40 Rokesmith Street, West Derby, Liverpool, in February 1898. He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps as Air Mechanic 2nd Class in August 1915. Having been a Telegraphist with the Post Office prior to the war his R.F.C. trade became Wireless Operator. He served in the French theatre of war from 2 October 1915, and was posted for service with 5 Squadron at Abeele, close to the French/Belgium border. Reynolds advanced to Air Mechanic 1st Class in October 1916. The Squadron had several moves in France during Reynolds service, and he is recorded as having received multiple wounds on 24 June 1917, after which he was evacuated to 26 General Hospital at Etaples. He left France for the UK on the Hospital Ship Princess Elisabeth the following month.

Reynolds was discharged ‘medically unfit’ in September 1918, and was awarded the Silver War Badge, with King’s Certificate.

Sold with file of copied research.