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Auction: 1006 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 14

A Scarce Combination Great War French Theatre ´Balloonatics´ D.F.C., D.C.M. Group of Five to Captain G.G.L. Blake, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, Late Lieutenant, Royal Navy; Who Completed 470 Operational Hours in the Air, and Was Compelled on At Least 5 Occasions to Parachute From His Balloon, Whilst Under Heavy Enemy Aircraft Fire a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in John Pinches case of issue b) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (24107 Fl: Sjt: G.G.L. Blake. R.F.C.) c) 1914-15 Star (Lieut. G.G.L. Blake, R.N.) d) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Capt. G.G.L. Blake. R.A.F.), last four cleaned, remnants of lacquer, therefore generally nearly very fine, together with the following related items: - Riband bars, two with original horizontal D.F.C. ribands - Commission appointing G.G.L. Blake, D.F.C., D.C.M., Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, dated 1.12.1918 - Second War Military Identity Card, complete with photograph of recipient - Portrait photograph of recipient in R.A.F. uniform - a Fine photograph album illustrating the early part of the recipient´s naval career, from his time at R.N.C. Dartmouth onwards - Letter from recipient´s father to a relative, dated 18.5.1902 - Several extracts from the London Illustrated News and The Graphic relating to ´Balloonatics´ (lot) Estimate £ 5,000-7,000 D.F.C. London Gazette 3.12.1918 Lieut. George Godfrey Leigh Blake, D.C.M. ´Throughout the recent operations this officer has rendered most valuable service in face of heavy hostile fire and attacks by enemy aeroplanes, compelling him on three occasions to parachute. He has completed 470 hours in the air, displaying gallantry and initiative of a high order.´ D.C.M. London Gazette 18.6.1917 24107 Flt. Sjt. G.G.L. Blake, R.F.C. ´For conspicuous courage and determination while observing from a balloon, which was brought down by hostile aircraft. Though injured, he immediately ascended again, and was once more shot down. This N.C.O. has rendered valuable services at all times.´ M.I.D. London Gazette 15.5.1917 24107 Flt. Sjt. G.G.L. Blake, R.F.C. Captain George Godfrey Leigh Blake, D.F.C., D.C.M., born Southsea, Hampshire, 1892; son of the Reverend G.L. Blake, R.N.; entered the Royal Naval College Dartmouth as a Cadet, 1905; passed out in 1909 and was appointed as Midshipman H.M.S. Bacchante, 15.9.1909; advanced Lieutenant 25.10.1915; whilst serving in H.M.S. Africa he was tried by Court Martial and discharged, 4.2.1916, for absence without leave and smuggling spirits on board ship; enlisted 2/A.M. Royal Flying Corps, the following month; served in the French Theatre of War, 26.5.1916-16.7.1917; advanced Sergeant 1.8.1916; qualified as Balloon Observer, 1.10.1916; Flight Sergeant 1.1.1917; commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant, 17.7.1917; served with 3rd Balloon Wing Headquarters, from September 1917; served with 10th Balloon Company from November 1917; served with 45 Balloon Section, 12th Balloon Company, January 1918-October 1918; Lieutenant Kite Balloon Section 1.4.1918; served with the 18th Balloon Company Headquarters from October 1918; Acting Captain 6.11.1918; discharged 1919; in later life he resided at ´1 Woodville, West Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight´; he served during the Second World War as a Second Lieutenant 20th Battalion, Hampshire Home Guard. For the plaque awarded to the recipient´s father, see Lot 500.

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