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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 276

Three: Squadron Officer S. M. Ravenhill, Women's Royal Air Force, late Women's Auxiliary Air Force

Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service Medal 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya (Sqn. Off. S. M. Ravenhill. W.R.A.F.), mounted as worn, light contact marks, very fine (3)

Sylvia Maud Ravenhill was born on 27 December 1915 at Tenby, the daughter of Ethel and Ernest Victor Ravenhill of 3 St. Mary's Street, Tenby, Wales. On 8 August 1915, a little over four months prior to her birth, her father received multiple shrapnel wounds at Gallipoli. He was discharged due to his injuries a week later and was 'mentioned' (London Gazette 28 January 1916, refers) for his service as a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment.

Commissioned Acting Section Officer on Probation on 13 January 1943, Ravenhill was promoted Section Officer, Women's Auxiliary Air Force on 13 July 1943, and transferred to the Equipment Branch as Flight Officer on 18 March 1947. Appointed to a permanent commission as Flight Officer, Women's Royal Air Force, on 1 February 1949, she was posted Squadron Officer in the Equipment Branch on 1 July 1952 and retired in the rank of Squadron Leader on 27 December 1972, having spent her final years in the Supply Branch.

Interestingly, Ravenhill appears to be part of the team who assisted in the climb of Everest, for she is mentioned by author Sir John Hunt in Appendix IX of The Conquest of Everest (1954):

'Acknowledgments of assistance in launching the expedition in addition to those mentioned in the text of this book, we desire to express our particular gratitude to the following, who gave us exceptional assistance in various ways…'

Ravenhill died in 2006 at Pembrokeshire; sold with copied research.


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Sold for
£95

Starting price
£60