Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce post-War ‘Military Division’ B.E.M. group of four awarded to Senior Aircraftwoman I. L. E. Hunt, Women’s Royal Air Force, for work as a Mosquito airframe mechanic at R.A.F. Sylt, Germany, and who flew at least 100 hours as a Target Towing Operator

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (2131353 Sen. A.C.W., Ivy L. E. Hunt, W.R.A.F.); War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Malay Peninsula (W2131353 Sgt. (W). I. L. Hunt. R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (2131353 Cpl. I. L. Hunt. W.R.A.F.), mounted for wear, contact marks overall, nearly very fine (4) £600-£800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the late Roy Painter.

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Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, July 2017.

B.E.M. London Gazette 9 June 1955.
‘Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to award the British Empire Medal to Senior Aircraftwoman Hunt in the Birthday Honours List for her outstanding services at Royal Air Force Station Sylt.
Senior Aircraftwoman Hunt served as an airframe mechanic in a target towing squadron and her duties involved the servicing of Mosquito aircraft. She was the only W.R.A.F. engineering tradesman in a squadron whose work was carried out under arduous and cold weather conditions. Throughout she worked readily and willingly and as hard as any airman. She never sought nor accepted any considerations as a woman in squadron work. Indeed, she set a high standard of efficiency and was a cheerful example to the ground crew. In addition to her ground duties Senior Aircraftwoman Hunt often flew as target towing operator on sorties of up to 3 hours duration. In these duties she proved extremely competent and rendered good service particularly when established operators were scarce. In a year and half she flew 100 hours in Mosquito aircraft. Off duty Senior Aircraftwoman Hunt entered into Station activities with equal enthusiasm and effect. In the field of sport she set a fine example to airmen and airwomen younger than herself. On one occasion when competitors were lacking she trained with great determination and made a major contribution to the Station athletic team’s success in the Command Championships. This was followed by an impressive display of determination and ability in the Stations Sports. In addition to athletics she is keen on shooting and was placed third and second respectively in the Individual Women’s Royal Air Force Special Shoot at Command Championships in 1953 and 1954. Senior Aircraftwoman Hunt also took a great interest in the children of the married personnel and worked hard for their happiness and edification. Each week she taught the Station Sunday School and escorted children to and from all church services. When special entertainments were arranged for children she was tireless in watching and caring for them. Senior Aircraftwoman Hunt cheerfully and unassumingly performed her duties in a manner far above the standard that would normally be expected of her. Her zeal, efficiency and confidence in all tasks were a fine example to others.’

Ivy Lillian Ellen Hunt was presented with her B.E.M. by Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Constantine at R.A.F. Shawbury, 27 September 1955.