Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 305

A 1944 A.F.C. group of four awarded to Captain H. P. Blinkhorn, No. 61 Squadron, South African Air Force, who was killed in an air crash whilst attempting to deliver urgent air parts on 8 July 1945, the wreckage was not discovered for some time and its remains are now on display the the S.A.A.F. Museum, Pretoria

Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1944', in its Royal Mint case of issue; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal 1939-45, both officially named '203096 H. P. Blinkhorn', together with the recipient's South African Second War Memorial Plaque, dedicated to '203096V Capt. H. P. Blinkhorn. A.F.C. S.A.A.F.', good very fine (4)

A.F.C London Gazette 8 June 1945. The recommendation states:

'Captain Blinkhorn has served in the Squadron on Communication work since 1940 having completed 1400 hours flying. He has a fine record free from accidents, and has flown regularly in all weather. His work has been mainly the piloting of high Officials of the Govt. and the Forces. This Officer's loyalty, zeal and ability in the performance of his duties have contributed materially to the efficient running of the Squadron.'

Harold Percy Blinkhorn was born in October 1900 at London, England and enlisted in the Honourable Artillery Company, Reserve Battalion (No. 12401) on 5 November 1918, seeing no active service overseas (no Medal entitlement). A mechanical engineer, he emigrated to South Africa with his wife and child, settling in Wynberg, Cape Town. During the 1930s he learn to fly at Young's Field under Captain Duk and purchased a Spartan, also owning a Puss Moth and Leopard Moth. By the time of the Second World War was a Company Director upon his enlistent in the South African Air Force on 24 September 1940. Posted to the Reserve Communication Squadron as 2nd Lieutenant, he thence joined No. 61 Squadron and was advanced Captain. During the next five years, he racked up nearly 3000 hours flying and had carried 5083 passengers on his flights, including politicians, military officials and fellow pilots. On 8 July, he took off in a Ju86 and climbed over to the Pakhuis Mountains near Clanwilliam in dreadful weather, on a flight to transfer urgent spares to the Swartkops Air Station. The court of inquiry heard:

'Whilst flying in a valley bad visibility, low cloud, rain and with a strong westerly wind the pilot tried to climb over the mountains. When near the summit and in a steep climb a cloud suddenly blew over the top and curled down. The aircraft disappeared into this and crashed into the mountain, burst into flames and was destroyed.'

Blinkhorn and his three passengers were all killed, with the wreck only being discovered and recovered some time later. The aircraft (in sections) is on display at the S.A.A.F. Museum, Pretoria, while Blinkhorn is buried in the Plumstead Cemetery; sold together with his S.A.A.F. Pilots Flying Log Book (D.D.461), a little water damaged, his S.A.A.F. Identity Card, his copy of The Air Pilot, with ink inscription inside, telegrams and letters of condolence, letters of congratulations on award of A.F.C., besides a good file of research.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,300

Starting price
£900