Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Sergeant Mechanic J. E. Smith, Royal Air Force, late Essex Regiment and Royal Flying Corps
British War and Victory Medals (14808. Sgt. J. E. Smith. R.A.F.) good very fine

Three: Air Mechanic T. D. de V. Draycott, South African Air Force
Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Africa Service Medal, all officially named ‘572324 T. D. de V. Draycott’, mounted as worn, good very fine

Pair: G. A. Campbell, South African Forces
War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, both officially named ‘230040 G. A. Campbell’, good very fine (7) £80-120

John Edward Smith was born West Ham, London, in 1886 and attested for the Essex Regiment on 21 September 1904. Transferring to the Army Reserve, he was recalled to the Colours on the outbreak of the Great War, and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 22 August 1914 (entitled to a 1914 Star). He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 25 August 1915, and was posted to No 21 Squadron, proceeding with them to France on 16 January 1916, where their main role, flying R.E. 7s, was in reconnaissance. He was promoted Corporal on 1 September 1917, and Sergeant Mechanic on 1 July 1918, before taking his discharge on 30 April 1920.

Sold with copied Medal Index Card, discharge papers, and other research.


M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1946: ‘Air Mechanic 572324V T. D. de V. Draycott, South African Air Force.’