10
Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry
Interested in the price of this lot?
Subscribe to the price guide
Description
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's website
A scarce Great War M.B.E., inter-War ‘Sudan 1926’ A.F.C. group of eight awarded to Group Captain R L. Crofton, Royal Air Force, late Northumberland Fusiliers
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1918; Air Force Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. R. L. Crofton. North’d Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. L. Crofton. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, nearly very fine and better (8) £1,800-£2,200
---
M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919.
A.F.C. London Gazette 15 February 1927:
‘In recognition of valuable flying services rendered in the Sudan and in connection with the operations in the Nuba Mountains province of the Sudan, 1926.’
M.I.D. London Gazette 11 July 1940.
Richard Llewellyn Crofton was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Northumberland Fusiliers on 25 January 1915, and served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front. Transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, and later to the Royal Air Force, for his services during the Great War he was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1919 Birthday Honours’ List.
Promoted Flight Lieutenant on 1 January 1924, during the inter-War years Crofton served with the R.A.F. Garrison in the Sudan, commanding the Detached Flight at Khartoum- his main duties were survey work, particularly in the areas between the White Nile and the Wau, Tonj, and Rumbek; co-operation with the Sudan Defence Force; provide air transport for officials at Khartoum to allow them to visit the various District Governors, and equally to allow the District Governors to cover their areas more efficiently; and to educate the native population in the power of aircraft.
Crofton’s biggest challenge whilst in the Sudan was persuading the various officials to use aircraft as a means of transport- prior to his arrival all travel was done by means of camel, and the officials were reluctant to give up the large ‘out of office’ allowances and opportunities for shooting that came with this slower form of transport! For his services in the Sudan, in particular in connection with the operations in the Nuba Mountains province in 1926, he was awarded the Air Force Cross.
Returning to the U.K. Crofton was promoted Squadron Leader on 1 August 1933; Wing Commander on 1 October 1937; and temporary Group Captain on 1 December 1940. He retired on 22 March 1945, retaining the rank of Group Captain.
Auction Details
Shipping
T&Cs & Important Info
Ask seller a question
In order to view full details and any additional images for this lot as well as place advanced bids or bid live, please click here to view this lot on the auctioneer's website
A scarce Great War M.B.E., inter-War ‘Sudan 1926’ A.F.C. group of eight awarded to Group Captain R L. Crofton, Royal Air Force, late Northumberland Fusiliers
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1918; Air Force Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. R. L. Crofton. North’d Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. L. Crofton. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, nearly very fine and better (8) £1,800-£2,200
---
M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919.
A.F.C. London Gazette 15 February 1927:
‘In recognition of valuable flying services rendered in the Sudan and in connection with the operations in the Nuba Mountains province of the Sudan, 1926.’
M.I.D. London Gazette 11 July 1940.
Richard Llewellyn Crofton was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Northumberland Fusiliers on 25 January 1915, and served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front. Transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, and later to the Royal Air Force, for his services during the Great War he was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1919 Birthday Honours’ List.
Promoted Flight Lieutenant on 1 January 1924, during the inter-War years Crofton served with the R.A.F. Garrison in the Sudan, commanding the Detached Flight at Khartoum- his main duties were survey work, particularly in the areas between the White Nile and the Wau, Tonj, and Rumbek; co-operation with the Sudan Defence Force; provide air transport for officials at Khartoum to allow them to visit the various District Governors, and equally to allow the District Governors to cover their areas more efficiently; and to educate the native population in the power of aircraft.
Crofton’s biggest challenge whilst in the Sudan was persuading the various officials to use aircraft as a means of transport- prior to his arrival all travel was done by means of camel, and the officials were reluctant to give up the large ‘out of office’ allowances and opportunities for shooting that came with this slower form of transport! For his services in the Sudan, in particular in connection with the operations in the Nuba Mountains province in 1926, he was awarded the Air Force Cross.
Returning to the U.K. Crofton was promoted Squadron Leader on 1 August 1933; Wing Commander on 1 October 1937; and temporary Group Captain on 1 December 1940. He retired on 22 March 1945, retaining the rank of Group Captain.
Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
Live Online Auction
United Kingdom
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
If you are successful in purchasing lot/s being auctioned by us and opt for the item/s to be sent to you, we will use the following methods of shipment:
Within the UK
If you live within the UK, items will be despatched using Royal Mail Special Delivery. This service provides parcel tracking (via the Royal Mail website) and next weekday delivery (betwen 9am and 1pm). Items delivered within the UK are covered by our insurance company. Heavy and bulky lots will be sent by courier, in discussion with the client.
Outside of the UK
If the item/s being sent are worth under £1000 in total they are sent using Royal Mail’s Signed For International service. This ensures the item must be signed for when it is delivered.
If the item/s being sent are valued at over £1000 in total they will be sent using FedEx. This service allows next day delivery to customers in many parts of the US and parcels are fully trackable using the FedEx website.
Shipping Exceptions
Certain lots such as those containing glass or sharp implements, etc., may not be suitable for in-house shipping within or outside of the UK. Please contact Noonans with any queries.
Important Information
Buyers Premium: 24%
Other Information: Please visit www.dnw.co.uk for more information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL BUYERS
All lots in DNW auctions are automatically reserved at the bid step which reflects 80% of the lower estimate figure, unless otherwise instructed by the vendor.
All multiple lots (lots containing two or more items) with the exception of designated sets of notes, are sold as viewed and not subject to return. Buyers are recommended to view such lots.
Lots marked ‘x’ in dark blue are subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the EU.
Important Notice Advance Bidding Facility
Please note that our easy-to-use advance bidding facility, which replaces the ‘old-fashioned’ commission bid system, provides all bidders with total control over their bids right up to the point that the lot is offered for sale.
Bids made online cannot be seen by others and do not go live until the actual moment that the lot in question is being offered for sale. All bids can be easily altered or cancelled by the bidder prior to this point. An automated confirmatory email will be sent confirming all bids and alterations.
Anyone with a valid email address can easily register to bid online.
There is no additional charge for online bidding and it is not necessary to pre-register a payment card in order to do so.
It is recommended that all bidders execute their own bids, either prior to the auction by using this facility or live as the auction is taking place.
Whilst we are still happy to execute all bids submitted in writing or by phone, fax or any other method, it should be noted that all bids left with us will be entered at our offices using the same bidding facility to which all our clients now have access. There is, therefore, no better way of ensuring the accuracy of your advance bids than to place them yourself online.
For any support queries please contact: Ian Anderson ian@dnw.co.uk (+44) 20 7016 1751
