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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 208

A post-war Civil C.B. group of three awarded to Squadron Leader J. L. Girling, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was 'mentioned' in 1944 and later honoured for his work as Comptroller-General of the Patent Office

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Civil Division, Companion's neck Badge, silver-gilt, in its box of issue; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, in their named box of issue, good very fine (3)

C.B. London Gazette 12 June 1958.

James Lawrence Girling was born at Melton Mowbray on 8 July 1901, the son of Jessie and Robert James Girling of Felixstowe. His father was a well-known Felixstowe man having founded a popular estate agents in the area, going on to be become a chartered surveyor.

Rather than following in his father's footsteps the younger Girling studied electrical engineering at London University. He was living at Woodcroft, Bath Road, Felixstowe while a student in 1919. Upon graduating he competed for and secured a job in the Patient Office as Assistant Examiner on 5 November 1921.

Joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve upon the outbreak of the Second World War Girling was commissioned Pilot Officer on 19 September 1939. Advanced Flying officer on 18 April 1940 and Flight Lieutenant on 1 March 1942 he served with the Administrative and Special Duties Branch. Further promoted Squadron Leader Girling was 'mentioned' in 1944 (London Gazette 14 January 1944, refers).

After the war Girling retained the rank of Squadron leader with the Volunteer Reserve and returned to the Patient Office. He was called to the Bar (Grays Inn) and was appointed Superintending Examiner. Promoted to Comptroller-General in 1954 he succeeded Sir John Blake in the role but served for only four years before poor eyesight forced him to resign.

Girling lived until 26 October 1969 when he died at Ipswich; sold together with copied census data, London Gazette extracts and a coronation medal roll along with an original invitation to Investiture and a newspaper clipping.

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Sold for
£320

Starting price
£270