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Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 135

Six: Warrant Officer R. W. Beck, Royal Air Force

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (363366. L.A.C. R. W. Beck. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (363366 F/Sgt. R. W. Beck. R.A.F.), minor polishing and contact marks, very fine (6)

Robert William Beck was born 25 November 1906 and succeeded in passing the Open Competition Examination in November 1922 as a Boy Mechanic. He entered R.A.F. Halton as an Apprentice with the trade of Carpenter Rigger with 17 Flight, 'C' Squadron with No. 3 Intake on 31 January 1923. Beck was posted to India with the rank of Leading Aircraftman, his Service and Release Book states that he undertook 51 months of overseas service. After almost 25 years of service Beck retired with the rank of Warrant Officer, his commanding officer's statement upon his release reads:

'He has served in the R.A.F. for 24 years. He was originally trained as a Carpenter Rigger, and later after further training in Metal Rigging, he became a Fitter 2 (Airframes). In the sphere of these trades he has gained a wide experience in the inspection, reconditioning and servicing of aircraft. During the past 6 yrs he had mainly been employed on technical work in an administrative capacity. He is willing and reliable to undertake responsibility.'

During the Second World War he earned himself a 'mention' (London Gazette 1 January 1945, refers); sold together with copied research including London Gazette entries, Boy Mechanics Term Reports and Air Ministry communications as well as original photographs, a service and release book and framed Mention in Despatches certificate also a collection of Royal Air Force cross country commemorative medallions, including one in silver.

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Sold for
£480

Starting price
£160