A Second War M.B.E., inter-War A.F.M. group of nine awarded to Squadron Leader G. F. Carnell, Royal Air Force

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; Air Force Medal, G.VI.R. (363383. Cpl. G. F. Carnell. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Coronation 1953 (S/Ldr. G. F. Carnell MBE. A.F.M.) contemporarily impressed naming; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (363383 F. Sgt. G. F. Carnell. R.A.F.) light contact marks, good very fine and better (9) £1,600-£2,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1945.
The original Recommendation states: ‘This Officer is Engineer Officer of his Squadron. Owing to his extensive flying experience, and intimate knowledge of Beaufighter aircraft and Hercules engines, Flight Lieutenant Carnell consistently produces a high state of serviceability. Aircrews have complete confidence that the maintenance of their aircraft is as near perfect as possible. In spite of all difficulties, this Officer has been an example to all and a tower of strength under very difficult circumstances.’

A.F.M. London Gazette 9 September 1938.
The original Recommendation, dated 21 February 1938, states: ‘Corporal Carnell has set an outstanding example of devotion to duty to all ranks both in the air and on the ground during the period January 1936 to January 1938, that he has served in 104 (Bomber) Squadron at RAF Station Abingdon, Berkshire, and at RAF Station Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. Throughout the above period Corporal Carnell was employed in flights and consistently as Air Gunner. During exercises he flew invariably with Leaders of formations on account of his ability to assist pilots in finding targets and aerodromes in thick weather. For the same reason he flew with the least experienced pilots during ordinary individual practices, and also to help bring these pilots up to standard. He maintained a consistently high standard of morale, he flew cheerfully with any pilot in the Squadron in practically any weather, and it was practically noticeable that the less experienced pilots gained confidence with Corporal Carnell as their Air Gunner.

Corporal Carnell was a confidant and competent Navigator in cloud and thus assisted greatly towards raising the standard of the Squadron cloud flying. At RAF Station Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, on Sunday 6 June 1937, when three aircraft from another Squadron were lost, intensive search patrols were carried out over part of the peak country in unfavourable weather. Corporal Carnell took part in every search. Four occupants of the lost aircraft were killed and quite a number of the air observers became apprehensive during the search and afterwards. By his example Corporal Carnell helped cure quickly this nervous disorder. Corporal Carnell worked hard all the time and at any hour. He was of great assistance in training new air gunners and as an A.H.L. Instructor. On every parade he was the smartest airman present including the N.C.O.'s. He took an outstanding part in games. Corporal Carnell was trained at Halton and is now doing a conversion course FAE to Fitter I at Henlow. This N.C.O. has completed 1,300 Hours flying.’

Gerald Francis Carnell was born at Devonport on 13 January 1907, the son of Geroge Willliam Carnell, a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and enlisted as an Aircraft Apprentice at No. 1 School of Technical Training, Halton, in January 1923 (7th Entry). Qualifying as a Fitter Air Gunner, he served with 104 Squadron, and was awarded the Air Force Medal in 1938.

Commissioned Pilot Officer in the Technical (Engineering) Branch on 24 October 1941, he was promoted Flying Officer on 26 September 1942, and was Mentioned in Despatches the following year (London Gazette 14 September 1943). He served during the latter half of the Second World War with 153 Squadron - equipped with Beaufighters and based in Algeria, they operated in a night-fighter role. As the war in the Mediterranean moved northwards, the Squadron relocated to Sardinia and provided intruder missions over Northern Italy and assisted in the allied landings in Southern France. For his services during the Second World War he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Granted a permanent Commission as Flight Lieutenant on 15 August 1946, Carnell was promoted Squadron Leader on 1 November 1947 and retired on 8 September 1953.

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