Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Flight Sergeant J. R. Henderson, Royal Air Force, who served as the personal Rigger to Albert Ball during his service with 60 Squadron in the lead-up period to his being awarded the Victoria Cross, and was awarded the R.A.F. Meritorious Service Medal

British War and Victory Medals (5582 F. Sgt. J. R. Henderson. R.A.F.); Royal Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (5582 Flt. Sjt. J. R. Henderson. R.A.F.) nearly extremely fine (3) £700-£900

One of only 854 G.V.R. Royal Air Force Meritorious Service Medals awarded.

M.S.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919 (France):
‘In recognition of distinguished services rendered during the War.’

John Robert Henderson enlisted into the Royal Flying Corps on 21 May 1915, and served during the Great War on the Western Front from 26 May 1916, predominately with 60 Squadron. He served as Albert Ball’s personal Rigger whilst Ball was serving with 60 Squadron: ‘In Albert Ball, [his Commanding Officer] Smith-Barry recognised that rare quality, and accordingly allowed Ball free rein from the beginning, permitting him to fly solo missions, and allowed him to retain his ‘personal’ Nieuport A201, being allotted his own ground crew comprising a fitter, Corporal Walter Bourne, and a rigger, Corporal J. R. Henderson.’ (Albert Ball V.C. by Chaz Bowyer refers).

Promoted Corporal on 1 September 1916, and Sergeant on 1 October 1917, he was further advanced Sergeant Mechanic on 1 April 1918, and Chief Mechanic on 1 August 1918. He returned to the Home Establishment on 6 February 1919, and transferred to the Reserve on 9 March 1919. For his services during the Great War he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Sold with a small silver medal fob, the reverse engraved ‘Sgt. J. R. Henderson 60 Sqdn. R.A.F. Football XI. B.E.F. 1918-9’; and the recipient’s Service Record.