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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 649

The mounted group of five miniature dress medals worn by Squadron Leader G. F. Phipps, Royal Air Force

Air Force Cross, G.VI.R.; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., mounted as worn by Spink & Son, 5 King St., good very fine (5)

A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1942.

George Fitzgerald Phipps was born on 26 September 1910 at Udimore, Sussex and was commissioned Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Reserve on 14 July 1930. By trade a chartered accountant, Phipps was mobilised upon the commencements of hostilities. With his skills in high demand, Phipps was quickly promoted Acting Squadron Leader and rose to become Commanding Officer of flying at No. 5 Air Observer's School, Winnipeg. It was in this role that Phipps earned a deserved A.F.C.

Returned to Europe in the Spring of 1942 and posted to Bomber Command, he was soon flying as a pilot with No. 57 Squadron from Feltwell. His luck didn't last long, for Phipps was shot down whilst on a raid to Hamburg on 18 April. Having been shot down by the famous night fighter ace Oberleutnant Reinhold Eckardt, all the crew baled out and were taken prisoner. He was a Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft III during the 'Great Escape' but further study is required in relation to any participation. Having endured a forced march, Phipps and his comrades were liberated on 13 April 1945, being awarded the Air Efficiency on 13 December.

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Sold for
£100

Starting price
£50