some very interesting points have been raised here. It's my belief the origial recepient of the medal bar i posted was very proud of it,as both the LS and Centenary medal appear gilded. secondly,as far as MVR, I would think comparing his not wearing his medals in combat to a rear echeleon type to be akin to comparing chalk and cheese. Due to the bulky clothes neded to keep warm,as well as the liberal amounts of whale grease applied to the face and neck wearing a standard uniform wasn't always the best option for an aviator. In fact aviators on both sides wore whatever they could to keep warm,and to enable them to fight at a the highest possible level of effiecency.