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Auction: 14002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 23

The Outstanding North West Frontier 1935 'Crowned Head' D.F.M. Group of Seven to B.2b and Wapiti Air Gunner, Warrant Officer D.R. Woolnough, 20 Squadron, Royal Air Force
a) Distinguished Flying Medal, G.V.R., 2nd 'Crowned Head' type (506286 L.A.C. D.R. Woolnough. R.A.F.)
b) India General Service 1908-35, three clasps, North West Frontier 1930-31, Mohmand 1933, North West Frontier 1935, M.I.D. Oak Leaf (506286. A.C.1. D.R. Woolnough. R.A.F.)
c) 1939-1945 Star
d) Air Crew Europe Star
e) War Medal, M.I.D. Oak Leaf
f) Defence Medal
g) R.A.F. Long Service & G.C., G.VI.R. (W/O. D.R. Woolnough. (506286) R.A.F.), light contact marks overall, therefore generally very fine, mounted court-style for wear in this order, with recipient's R.A.F. Certificate of Service and several photographic images including a portrait image of recipient in uniform (lot)

D.F.M. London Gazette 8.5.1936 506286 L.A.C. Woolnough D.R. No. 20 (AC) Squadron, R.A.F. Peshawar, 'For valuable services rendered in the field in connection with the Mohmand Operations, N.W.F. of India 1935'

M.I.D. London Gazette 7.2.1936 Woolnough, No.506286 Leading Aircraftman (now Corporal) D.R., No. 20 (A.C.) Squadron, 'For distinguished services rendered in the field in connection with the Loe-Agra Operations, North West Frontier of India, during the period 23rd February to 13th April, 1935.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 14.6.1945 506286 Woolnough, D.R., W/O, R.A.F.

506286 Warrant Officer Douglas Rupert Woolnough, D.F.M., born 1907; joined Royal Air Force as Aircraft Hand, Wireless Operator 11.7.1927; served as Wireless Operator, Air Gunner, November 1930-November 1936; served in this capacity on the North West Frontier with 20 Squadron (Bristol F.2b's and Wapitis), R.A.F. Peshawar; the squadron had arrived in India in 1919, and between the wars was engaged in operations policing the borders, initially with Bristol Fighters before they were replaced with Wapitis in 1932; Woolnough was commended for his services during the Mohmand operations of 1933, by the Army Commander of Northern Command (Extract from letter No.3347/3/A.2. dated 13.10.1933, refers); and distinguished himself when the R.A.F. flew in retaliation to the uprising by the Faqir of Alingar, during the Loe-Agra operations, February-April 1935; Air Observer, Wireless Operator, November 1936-October 1939; discharged 10.7.1952, after 25 years service, the recommendation from his commanding officer during his last posting states, 'An exceedingly competent and reliable Warrant Officer whose character has always been exemplary and whose trade assessments have been consistently high. He has always willingly undertaken any extra task entrusted to him and for the last year has been Motor Transport Officer of this station as well as Signals Officer.'

1 of approximately 22 'crowned head' D.F.M.s awarded, and 1 of 14 three clasp IGS in this combination to the R.A.F.

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