RAF Pilots, Air Force Cross Winner’s Tunic. A good 1953 dated example, worn by Wing Commander “Bill”

RAF Pilots, Air Force Cross Winner’s Tunic.
A good 1953 dated example, worn by Wing Commander “Bill” Banning-Lover. To the left breast padded Pilots Wings, with medal ribbons of the AFC, 1939/45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, 1953 Coronation Medal. To the cuff Wing Commander rank lace. The interior with an Issue label dated 1953 ... Accompanied by overall GC Very clean condition. (2 items)
From the Estate of Wing Commander G.C. “Bill “ Banning-Lover AFC.
Wing Commander “Bill” Banning-Lover was commissioned into the Royal Air Force in 1937, qualifying as a Pilot he was selected for duties as a Flying Instructor serving at the Central Flying School and other units. It was in this roll he was serving at the outbreak of WW2 and it would not be until 1942 that he obtained an operational posting to 66 Squadron flying Spitfires. He was appointed Squadron Commander before being transferred to 234 Squadron. In late 1943 he was rested with a posting to RAF Boscombe Down where he test flew the The Westland Welkin a twin engine heavy fighter for high altitude operations. In 1944 he returned to Ops, first commanding 131 and then 504 Squadrons, both flying Spitfires and his operations included support for Operation Market Garden the push through Holland to Arnhem. Remaining with the RAF after the end of the war he attended the RAF Staff College in Haifa and was then posted to AHQ Italy. He returned to operational flying commanding 21 and 107 Squadron PR units flying the Mosquitos in Germany. A number of other postings followed until he resigned his commission in 1961. His flying career spanned over 30 aircraft types and 3,500 flying hours.