Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. group of nine awarded to Wing Commander F. H. L. Varcoe, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, late Royal Flying Corps, Middlesex Regiment and London Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., privately engraved, 'F. H. L. Varcoe. July 27th. 1916.'; 1914-15 Star (3107. Ptr [sic]. F. Varcoe. 9-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. F. H. L. Varcoe.) rank and initials officially corrected on BWM; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R. (Act. Sqn. Ldr. F. H. L. Varcoe. R.A.F.V.R.) the silver medals heavily toned, good very fine (9) £1,200-£1,600

M.C. London Gazette 22 September 1916:
'For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He rendered invaluable assistance to his Company Commander during the attack, and later showed great skill in organising his defences. He shot with his revolver an enemy signaller who had entered the trench with his telephone instrument.'

Frank Henry Lubbock Varcoe was born at Ealing, Middlesex, on 27 November 1892, and served in France with the 9th Battalion, London Regiment (Queen Victoria's Rifles), from 22 January 1915. He participated in the attack on Hill 60 on 17 April 1915, and was present when the enemy counterattacked a few days later, using hand grenades to bombard the defenders at close range. Discharged to a commission as Temporary Second Lieutenant, 10th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, on 5 August 1915, Varcoe was briefly attached to the 2/5th Battalion, Gloucester Regiment and decorated with the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the defence of the Duck's Bill Crater, Laventie, Aubers Ridge.

Transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, Varcoe was appointed Flying Officer (Observer) on 26 December 1916, and raised Lieutenant on 1 July 1917. He served as Assistant Instructor in Gunnery from 30 June 1917, relinquishing his commission in October 1921. Reappointed to a commission with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1938, Varcoe witnessed active service with the Administration and Special Duties Branch and was raised Acting Squadron Leader in January 1944. Mentioned in Despatches on 14 June 1945, he was further awarded the Air Efficiency Award and promoted Wing Commander on retirement in July 1948. He died on 3 January 1959 in Stockport.

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