Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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.

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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.