Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A post-war M.B.E. group of five awarded to Mr R. E. Manly, Air Traffic Control Officer at London Airport, formerly a Sergeant in the Royal Air Force who flew Spitfires with No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, in its Royal Mint case of issue with instructions for wearing; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these all unnamed with their named card box of issue addressed to Manly at London Airport, together with the ‘Gundabherunda’ silver medal presented to the pilots of 129 Squadron by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1942, named on the reverse ‘Sgt. R. E. Manly’ and hallmarked Birmingham 1941, in its presentation case, nearly extremely fine (6) £400-£500 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 31 May 1956: ‘Richard Edward Manly, Air Traffic Control Officer II, London Airport.’ The Operations Record Book for No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron for the period January to April, 1942, based at Westhampnett, has the following mentions of Sergeant Manly: Jan. 7 - Sgt. Manly reported for flying duties. Feb. 14 - 2 Spitfires Mark VB, Sgt. Tucker, Sgt. Manly. Scramble to investigate X raid over the Isle of Wight but plot faded and they were recalled. Mar. 12 - 4 Spitfires Mark VB, including Sgt. Manly take off for patrol over damaged Destroyer with escort making for Portsmouth. Mar. 22 - Captain Binstead, the Trade Commissioner for Mysore, Mr Goodchild of the India Office, and Sir Frank Brown of the East India Company visited the squadron, and after lunch with the Station Commander at Chopwyke House proceeded to the Dispersal where after speeches by Capt. Binstead and Sir Frank Brown, the latter presented Mysore Medallions to new pilots and to the 10 Senior N.C.O’s. Mar. 25 - 6 Sections, each of 2 Spitfires Mark VB, including Sgt. Manly, ordered to patrol over Newhaven area to intercept possible enemy Rhubarb but nothing seen to report. Apl. 10 - ... in the evening the Squadron took part in a Rodeo in the Hardelot-Desires area. They provided high cover on the instructions of the Wing Leader, while many dog-fights took place below them, in the course of which the Wing Leader (Wing Commander Robinson) and the C.O. of 340 Squadron were lost. Sgt. Manly of “B” Flight had to return on the way out owing to engine failure and crash landed between Brighton and Lewes, his aircraft being Cat. E. and he himself being severely shaken and bruised. He was post N/E. sick to Tangmere and admitted to Sick Quarters. Sold with relevant copied O.R.B. extracts.