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Auction: 18001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 435

The mounted group of three miniature dress medals named to Captain H. G. Hegarty, M.C., Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps, an Irish Great War fighter ace

Military Cross, G.V.R, the reverse engraved 'H.G.H. 28.5.18. R.F.C.', British War and Victory Medals, mounted as worn, good very fine (3)



Herbert George Hegarty was born in County Galway in 1887 and educated at Portora Royal School, Enniskillen, Ireland. He was employed as a banker with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps from October 1911-1917. On returning to the UK he joined the Royal Flying Corps in June 1917 and after training was posted as a pilot to No. 60 (Fighter) Squadron (S.E. 5a's), at St. Marie Cappel in November 1917. Carrying out offensive patrols with the squadron he amassed 2 destroyed, 2 shared destroyed and 2 forced down out of control in the space of just six months, being awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette 16 September 1918, refers). The recommendation, dated 16 May, states:

'On the 14th instant this officer whilst leading his patrol in extremely adverse weather, attacked alone an E.A. two-seater and fought him down from 3,000ft to 100 ft about 4 miles over the lines. He eventually drove down the E.A. which crashed. Also this morning he, together with another officer, attacked and destroyed an E.A. two-seater which crashed just in the enemy lines near Arras.

This officer has also the following victories to his credit:

29 January 1918. Attacked 6 E.A. Scouts in vicinity Sheet 20 E22 at height of 13,000 feet and succeeded in driving down one completely out of control.

4 February. Together with another officer attacked an E.A. Scout in vicinity of Sheet 28 D14 at 10,000 feet. This E.A. crashed in our lines.

18 February. Attacked an Albatros Scout over Menin at 13,000 feet which he drove down completely out of control.

30 March. Attacked an Albatros Scout S. of Albert at 12,000 feet and fought him down to 500 feet and E.A. crashed.

Lieutenant Hegarty has fought many other combats and has driven down several which he has not claimed owing to lack of confirmation. He is a bold and fearless pilot and is extremely modest. He has frequently led patrols in an extremely capable manner. Throughout the time he has served in the Squadron (five and half months) he has never missed his turn on patrol and has always shown a splendid spirit and example to all.'

He was promoted Temporary Captain and Flight Commander of 'A' Flight in June 1918 and added an Albatros Scout to his score. Having completed his tour with No. 60 Squadron he saw out the remainder of the war as an Instructor at No. 4 Fighter School. Hegarty died in Somerset in 1953; sold with comprehensive research.




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Sold for
£450