RARE BRITISH AIR FORCE CROSS

[Mervyn Mitton]

I have just been able to purchase this rare WW2 group - there are two awards, one the Air Force Cross and the other, the Air Efficiency Award. Both give the right to have the initials follow the name.

I will show separately the qualifications to receive each of these - however, in order of precedence the AFC is number 35. The Defence Medal is number 185, the War Medal number 186 and the Air Efficiency Award, number 220. The AFC was for Gallantry or, Meritorious Service on non-operational missions. It is rare in that only 2600 were awarded during the course of WW2.

These are the numbers for other Gallantry awards during the same period.

VC's - 182 : GC's - 139 : DSO's - 4,880 : MC's - 11,000 + : MM's - excess of 15,000 : DFC's - 20,000 : AFC's - 2600.

I am also showing details of his Record of Service. I am still puzzled how he managed to get to Rhodesia in 1940 to get married. After the War he became a test pilot and was flying an Avro Anson with a test crew when it crashed and all were killed. This would have been about 1950. I am hoping to get some clearer photos of him and also some further details. During the War they would not let him fly operationally - since he was such a good pilot they had him on training - hence only Defence and War Medals.

Edited September 24, 2010 by Mervyn Mitton

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[Mervyn Mitton]

This illustration and details of a DFC is shown for you to be able to compare it with the Air Force Cross - which immediately follows it in order of precedence.

These copied items are from the Medal Yearbook. An annual publication in October - and one which all serious medal collectors should have a copy of reference.

[Ralph]

There is a recommendation for his AFC at The National Archives, Kew under reference AIR2/9616

Hi AE was awarded 11.01.45 announcd in Air Ministry Order 14 /1945

[Mervyn Mitton]

Ralph - thankyou very much for that additional information. I checked his Gazette - but, it doesn't say anything, only the award. In 17 years this is only the second one to have been brought-in. Mervyn

[IrishGunner]

During the War they would not let him fly operationally - since he was such a good pilot they had him on training - hence only Defence and War Medals.

Pure speculation; but had he flown operationally, he would have earned campaign stars, but perhaps nothing as significant as the AFC.

Nice group.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Wearing the Air Force Cross ribbon. NEW PHOTOS AND INFORMATION

Edited September 29, 2010 by Mervyn Mitton

[Mervyn Mitton]

He is front row - middle

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