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Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 758

(x) A most unusual B.E.M. awarded to Warrant Officer Class II S. Kalumeya, Rhodesian Air Askari Corps

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 2nd type (Sgt. Sabiti Kalumeya. W.O. C2. Rhod. A.A.C.), naming engraved in serif capitals, light contact marks, nearly very fine and most scarce

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1946.

On 15 August 1941, the Rhodesian Air Askari Corps under the command of Wing Commander T.E. Price, was formed to provide armed guards and non-armed labour for the airfields. Members of the corps were all volunteers and did valuable service guarding and protecting air stations.

It appears there may have just been four awards of the B.E.M., besides an O.B.E. to Price and an M.B.E. to Squadron Leader A. L. Southey. Kalumeya is the higest ranking B.E.M. recipient.

Source:
Pride of Eagles, The Definitive History of the Rhodesian Air Force 1920-1980, Beryl Salt (assisted by Wing Commander Peter Cooke and Group Captain Bill Sykes).

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Sold for
£500

Starting price
£140