George Kidner
Lot 7
The impressive D.S.O. and D.F.C. group of orders, medals and decorations, to Wing Commander J.M.N. Pike C.B. R.A.F., comprising: Companion of the Bath military division neck badge (cased), Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, 1939-45 War Medal with oak leaf, G.S.M. with Malaya clasp and oak leaf, Coronation Medal 1937, and Coronation Medal 1953 (last nine mounted for wearing); offered together with a complete set of corresponding dress miniatures (mounted for wearing), the recipient’s dress cap with gold braid covered peak, a presentation silver cigarette box and other presentation items, three of the recipient’s Stowe School sporting caps, and a quantity of associated documents and ephemera. In the course of a long and distinguished career, James Maitland Nicholson Pike won the D.F.C. in 1941 (immediate award), as Acting Squadron Leader 203 Squadron, while conducting low level attacks on Italian air bases in Abyssinia. He inflicted severe damage on the enemy, before completing a return flight of 350 miles in a Blenheim bomber with one engine and the landing gear out of action, without injury to his crew. He then gave similarly brave service over a further period of three days. His D.S.O. was awarded in 1942 (immediate award) following a successful raid on an air base on Sardinia. An official notification of the award stated that “....He personally led a very successful dusk attack on Sardinian aerodromes.....which resulted in a large number of enemy aircraft being destroyed and damaged in spite of heavy flak opposition. It was entirely due to his leadership and preparation....that such successful results were obtained...”. He was mentioned in despatches four times during his career, and was created C.B. in 1963. Wing Commander Pike was also in action following the St Nazaire raid and was entitled to the French Croix De Guerre (not present with the group) for covering “the withdrawal of the Naval striking force” during which action he caused much damage to the enemy, sustained much damage to his own aircraft, and contributed in significant measure to the safety of the withdrawing forces: “...owing to his courage and fine fighting spirit, [he] probably averted a concerted air attack on our ships.” Offered with research. See lot 166.
