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Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 239

A fine Great War 'Western Front' D.F.C. group of five awarded to Captain H. Munden, Somerset Light Infantry, attached Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, later Major, Royal Army Service Corps

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., the reverse contemporarily engraved 'Capt. H. W. Munden Somerset L. I. att. R.A.F. 8th August 1918'; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. Munden. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine (5)

D.F.C. London Gazette 2 November 1918:

'On 8th August, when on cavalry contact patrol, this officer flew at 500 ft. altitude for two and a half hours endeavouring to establish the exact locality of our troops. During this time he was subjected to intense machine-gun fire, and was, moreover, attacked by formations of four and nine Fokkers, and later by thirty scouts. Most gallantly he engaged these, but, finding the odds too great, he retired. As soon as the hostile machines had left him he returned to continue his patrol, although his machine was riddled with bullets. No difficulties damp this officer's keenness and perseverance.'

Harry Munden was born on 8 June 1897 at Clifton, Bristol and educated at Colston's School. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Somerset Light Infantry on 7 April 1916, he subsequently transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. His Service Record notes his knowledge of French, while Munden completed his Observer's course at Hythe in May 1916 and was confirmed 2nd Lieutenant on 27 November 1916, and advanced to Flying Observer (Lieutenant) in July 1917. Made Acting Captain in early 1918 and having qualified as a Pilot, he flew with No. 79 Squadron from 24 June 1918 before joining No. 6 Squadron on 15 July 1918. Former 'flyers' in the Great War of No. 6 Squadron had included Major Hawker of 'V.C.' fame, Wing Commander Strange and a young Hugh Dowding. Munden continued their traditions in fine style - earning his D.F.C. before being '...injured in an aero accident' on 3 September 1918. Recovered from his wounds, he re-joined No. 6 in November 1918, being attached to a 'French aeroplane factory' before joining the Mesopotamia Arm of No. 6 Squadron in April 1919.

Returned to the Army on 17 June 1920, he enjoyed many happy years on '...Regimental duty with the 1st and 2nd Battalions' of the Somerset Light Infantry (Light Bob Gazette July 1953, refers). Munden served in the rank of Major in the Royal Army Service Corps during the Second World War and was finally discharged on 4 August 1948, before gaining employment at the Army Apprentices School, Harrogate into the 1950s; sold with a large mounted photograph (450 x 330mm) of the visit of the Duke of York on the presentation of Colours to the 2nd Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry at Tidworth, July 1927, in which Munden is identified, copied service record and research.

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Sold for
£2,700