Three: Aircraftman W. P. Pope, Indian Air Force

1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, all officially impressed ‘Ind-44083 AC1. W. P. Pope. I.A.F.’, mounted as worn, good very fine, scarce to unit (3) £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to recipients of the Burma Star.

View
Collection

The Indian Air Force came into being in 1932. Its strength in December 1945 was 578 flying personnel, 841 other officers and 22,904 airmen (other ranks including ground crew &c.). During the Second World War nine squadrons saw active service on the Burma front, mainly flying Hurricanes in a supporting role to the ground forces, providing tactical reconnaissance and giving close support in operations as fighter-bombers. The I.A.F. squadrons often operated from forward airstrips in Burma and Pope was doubtless constantly busy in theatre keeping aircraft efficient for operations.

Non-aircrew of the flying services in Burma received the Burma Star for service in theatre between December 1941-September 1945. The presence of the 1939-45 Star in Pope’s group indicates that his service met the requirement of 180 days’ operational service.