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Auction: 14002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 22

A Rare 'Iraq' D.F.M. Pair to Flight Sergeant J. Birch, Royal Air Force
a) Distinguished Flying Medal, G.V.R. (47558 F/Sgt. J. Birch. R.A.F.), double-struck in places
b) General Service 1918-62, G.V.R., one clasp, Iraq (47558 F/Sjt. J. Birch. R.A.F.), last partially officially corrected, generally very fine or better, mounted for wear, with photograph of recipient in uniform (2)

D.F.M. London Gazette 10.10.1922 47558 Flight Sergeant Joseph Birch, 55 Sqn, R.A.F., 'For distinguished services rendered during active service operations in Iraq during 1920-21'

M.I.D. London Gazette 28.10.1921 Birch 47558, Flt./Sgt. Joseph, R.A.F., 'For distinguished service... Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force.'

47558 Flight Sergeant Joseph Birch, D.F.M., born Manchester, Lancashire, 1897; joined the Royal Flying Corps, as 2/AM, 29.8.1916; advanced Sergeant Mechanic, 1.7.1918; Flight Sergeant 1.3.1919; posted for service at Base Depot, Egypt, November 1919; posted to 142 Squadron (Bristol F.2b's), Palestine, January 1920; 142 Squadron re-numbered as 55 Squadron; they were equipped with De Haviland 9A bombers and a small number of the earlier D.H.9s was sent to Turkey, July 1920, to reinforce the Army of the Black Sea for the defence of Constantinople and the Dardenelles against Turkish Nationals; two months later the squadron moved to Iraq and formed part of the Mesopotamian Wing attached to the Army Command based in Iraq; 55 Squadron crews helped police the country and were frequently called upon to take action against rebellious tribesmen and foreign insurgents; subsequent postings included to 111 Squadron and Staff College; discharged 8.12.1927.

Provenance:
G.A. Griffiths Collection, Spink, March 1994

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Sold for
£2,300