A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars

Pair: Captain (Flight Commander) H. F. Flowers, No. 82 Squadron, Royal Air Force, and Royal Field Artillery, killed in aerial combat on 14 October 1918

British War and Victory Medals (Capt., R.A.F.); together with memorial plaque (Humphrey French Flowers); and R.F.C. collar badge, all contained in a contemporary fitted, glazed mahogany display frame, the top surmounted with an enamelled R.A. badge, good very fine or better (4) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars.

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Humphrey French Flowers was born in Corringham, near Gainsborough on 4 August 1898, and educated at Stancliffe Hall, Matlock and Trent Bridge. He joined the Inns of Court O.T.C. in April 1915, receiving his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd South Midland Brigade, R.F.A. in August 1915. Promoted to Lieutenant on 1 June 1916, he served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from April 1916; before transferring to the R.F.C. in April of the following year. After training at Brooklands, he joined 42nd Squadron as an Observer in France in May 1917, and after a period of training at Reading and Grantham obtained his Pilots wings. He then transferred to 82nd Squadron, R.A.F., which unit he joined in April 1918, being appointed Flight Commander the following September.

On 30 May 1918, Flowers was the pilot of an A.W.FK8 which came into combat with 8 E.A., including a Fokker DrI, he was wounded in this action, being forced to land at Corbie, due to blood obscuring his vision.

Captain Flowers was killed in action on 14 October 1918, whilst in combat over Ledeghem, in an A.W.FK8. His Observer, 2nd Lieutenant A. R. Bennett was also killed. They are both buried at Dadizeele New British Cemetery, Moorslede, Belgium.

The following is extracted from The Roll of Honour, by The Marquis De Ruvigny: ‘His commanding officer wrote: “I can say with truth that his modesty and happy disposition made him perhaps the most popular officer in the squadron, and his keenness and unfailing gallantry were invaluable as an example to those under his command. He never lost heart when bad times came, but always maintained an even, earnest and cheerful outlook, which endeared him to us all and made him such an excellent fellow. He had only recently been appointed Flight Commander, and did exceedingly well in that capacity from the first. In losing him the squadron has lost not only a most gallant and efficient officer, but one who was the personal friend of every member.”

See the following Lot for his Observer’s Medals, and Lot 1186 for his brother’s medals.