Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Family group:

A scarce Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Corporal Mechanic P. E. Coleman, 11 (Fighter) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, for his gallantry near Fampoux, 28 April 1917, in saving several of the Squadron’s FE2b’s from total destruction by shell fire - whilst under heavy machine gun and shell fire himself
Military Medal, G.V.R. (1155 Cpl. P. E. Coleman. 11/Sqd: R.F.C.) very fine

Pair: Sergeant W. J. Coleman, Berkshire Regiment
Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Suakin 1885, Tofrek (49/890. Sergt. W. J. Coleman. 1/Berks: R.); Khedive’s Star, 1882, reverse regimentally impressed ‘W. C. 1. Bks 890’, generally very fine

Pair: Corporal Mechanic V. H. Coleman, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force
British War and Victory Medals (1154 Cpl V. H. Coleman R.A.F.) very fine (5) £1,600-£2,000

M.M. London Gazette 9 July 1917, the original recommendation states:

‘For coolness and gallantry. On the 28th April near Fampoux assisted to salve wrecked aeroplanes under very heavy enemy shell fire. He has previously rendered valuable assistance in salvage work.’

Approximately 167 M.M.’s, and 2 Second Award Bars were awarded to the Royal Flying Corps for the Great War.

Percy Evelyn Coleman served during the Great War as a Corporal with 11 Squadron (F.E.2b’s), Royal Flying Corps on the Western Front. He advanced to Flight Sergeant, and was awarded the L.S. & G.C. in January 1936. (N.B. the recipient is erroneously confused with 10808 Ernest Coleman also of 11 Squadron, and also awarded the M.M. under different circumstances, in A Contemptible Little Flying Corps).

William J. Coleman was born in Castle Cary, Somerset. He attested for the 49th Foot at Sherborne in July 1865, and advanced to Corporal in March 1870 and to Sergeant in March 1881. Coleman served with the 1st Battalion, Berkshire Regiment in Egypt, August 1884 - May 1886. discharged 17 April 1888, having served 22 years and 280 days with the Colours.

Victor Harold Coleman was born in Fleet, Hampshire. He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps, 16 March 1914, and advanced to Corporal (Carpenter and Joiner) in December 1916 (not entitled to Star). Coleman served in that capacity with 113 and 14 Squadrons in the Middle East. He transferred as Corporal Mechanic in the Royal Air Force in April 1918.