Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Sold by Order of a Direct Descendant

The important Memorial Plaque issued in remembrance of Acting Major Edward “Mick” Mannock, V.C., D.S.O. & 2 Bars, M.C. & Bar, Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps, the highest scoring and most decorated British pilot of the Great War, who was killed in action in July 1918

Memorial Plaque 1914-18 (Edward Mannock), together with Great War period embroidered R.A.F. Wings, somewhat polished, otherwise very fine £8,000-10,000

To be sold with an original family portrait photograph taken at Sialkot, Punjab, India, including Mannock, a studio portrait photograph of him as a young subaltern wearing R.F.C. Wings, taken at Canterbury around 1916, and a larger coloured version of the same portrait, with painted V.C., D.S.O. and M.C. ribands, and rosettes; together with a quantity of correspondence addressed to Mrs. D. Mannock, his sister-in-law, and Miss B. D. Mannock his niece, in the period 1967-89, mostly in respect of commemorative events, a certificate of birth for his older brother, Edward Patrick Mannock, certified true copy dated 23 January 1912, and a quantity of newspaper cuttings, articles, and magazines.

The life and times of “Mick” Mannock, the highest scoring and most decorated British pilot of the Great War, need little explanation here, his exploits in 40, 74 and 85 Squadrons in the period May 1917 up until his death in action on 26 July 1918 occasioning numerous publications, not least The Personal Diary of “Mick” Mannock, edited by Frederick Oughton (Neville Spearman, 1966). But for the purposes of immediate reference, the citations for his numerous gallantry awards are reproduced herewith:

V.C. London Gazette 18 July 1919:

‘In recognition of bravery of the first order in aerial combat:

On 17 June 1918 he attacked a Halberstadt machine near Armentieres and destroyed it from a height of 8,000 feet.

On 7 July 1918, near Doulieu, he attacked and destroyed one Fokker (red-bodied) machine, which went vertically into the ground from a height of 1500 feet. Shortly afterwards he ascended 1000 feet and attacked another Fokker biplane, firing 60 rounds into it, which produced an immediate spin, resulting, it is believed, in a crash.

On 14 July 1918, near Merville, he attacked and crashed a Fokker from 7000 feet, and brought a two-seater down damaged.

On 19 July 1918, near Merville, he fired 80 rounds into an Albatros two-seater, which went to the ground in flames.

On 20 July 1918, east of La Bassee, he attacked and crashed an enemy two-seater from a height of 10,000 feet. About an hour afterwards he attacked at 8000 feet a Fokker biplane near Steenwercke and drove it down out of control, emitting smoke.

On 22 July 1918, near Armentieres, he destroyed an enemy triplane from a height of 10,000 feet.

Major Mannock was awarded the undermentioned distinctions for his previous combats in the air in France and Flanders:

Military Cross. Gazetted 17 September 1917.
Bar to Military Cross. Gazetted 18 October 1917.
Distinguished Service Order. Gazetted 16 September 1918.
Bar to Distinguished Service Order (1st). Gazetted 16 September 1918.
Bar to Distinguished Service Order (2nd). Gazetted 3 August 1918.

This highly distinguished officer, during the whole of his career in the Royal Air Force, was an outstanding example of fearless courage, remarkable skill, devotion to duty, and self-sacrifice, which has never been surpassed.

The total number of machines definitely accounted for by Major Mannock up to the date of his death in France (26 July 1918) is fifty - the total specified in the Gazette of 3 August 1918, was incorrectly given as 48, instead of 41.’

D.S.O. London Gazette 16 September 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during recent operations. In seven days, while leading patrols and in general engagements, he destroyed seven enemy machines, bringing his total in all to 30. His leadership, dash and courage were of the highest order.’

Bar to D.S.O. London Gazette 16 September 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In company with one other Scout this officer attacked eight enemy aeroplanes, shooting down one in flames. The next day, when leading his Flight, he engaged eight enemy aeroplanes, destroying three himself. The same week he led his patrol against six enemy aeroplanes, shooting down the rear machine which broke in pieces in the air. The following day he shot down an Albatros two-seater in flames, but later, meeting five Scouts, had great difficulty in getting back, his machine being much shot about, but he destroyed one. Two days later, he shot down another two-seater in flames. Eight machines in five days - a fine feat of marksmanship and determination to get to close quarters. As a Patrol Leader he is unequalled.’

Second Bar to D.S.O. London Gazette: 3 August 1918:

‘This officer has now accounted for 48 enemy machines. His success is due to wonderful shooting and a determination to get to close quarters; to attain this he displays most skilful leadership and unfailing courage. These characteristics were markedly shown on a recent occasion when he attacked six hostile Scouts, three of which he brought down. Later on the same day he attacked a two-seater, which crashed into a tree.’

M.C. London Gazette 17 September 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In the course of many combats he has driven off a large number of enemy machines, and has forced down three balloons, showing a very fine offensive spirit and great fearlessness in attacking the enemy at close range and low altitudes under heavy fire from the ground.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 18 October 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has destroyed several hostile machines and driven others down out of control. On one occasion he attacked a formation of five enemy machines single-handed and shot one down out of control. On another occasion, while engaged with an enemy machine, he was attacked by two others, one of which he forced to the ground. He has consistently shown great courage and initiative.’

N.B.
The Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order with 2 Bars, and Military Cross with Bar, awarded to Major “Mick” Mannock, were sold at auction by Sotheby’s on 19 September 1992 (Lot 34).