A Great War “balloonatic’s” M.B.E. group of three awarded to Captain G. F. Golding, Royal Air Force, late Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1919; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. G. F. Golding, R.A.F.), together with an R.F.C. cap badge and his silver identity disc, good very fine (5) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the R.F.C., R.N.A.S. and R.A.F..

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M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919.

George Francis Golding, who was born in October 1892 and from Kensington, London, originally enlisted in the Scottish Horse, and thence served in the Royal Naval Air Service prior to transferring to the Royal Flying Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant in April 1916. He subsequently trained as a Kite Balloon Officer (Observer), and joined No. 18 Balloon Company in early 1917. Latterly employed in 3 Balloon Wing, H.Q. 3 Brigade, he was appointed a Technical Officer in the newly established Royal Air Force in April 1918, and was awarded the M.B.E. and a mention in despatches (London Gazette 16 March 1919 refers). Described as having a ‘knowledge of all types of balloons and winches’ on his service record, he was transferred to the Unemployed List in April 1919.