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Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 240

A 1954 C.B.E. group of seven awarded to Air Commodore C. V. Mears, Royal Air Force, who was thrice 'mentioned' during the Second World War and later Deputy Director of Intelligence and A.D.C. to the Queen

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 2nd type neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya (Gp. Cpt. C. V. Mears R.A.F.); Coronation 1953, mounted as worn where applicable, very fine (7)

C.B.E. London Gazette 10 June 1954.

Cuthbert Vincent Mears was born on 8 January 1903 at Twickenham. Educated at Christ's Hospital School from 1912-19 he took up with Martin Farlow & Co. as an Articled Clerk until January 1925, becoming an Associate Member of the Institute of Accountants and Auditors. Commissioned Pilot Officer on 11 June 1928, he was appointed Accountant Officer and worked in an R.A.F. Depot from 23 July 1928-7 February 1934 when he was transferred to No. 503 (County of Lincoln) Squadron. He is listed as a member of Headquarters Staff, Middle East from 8 December 1937 and was still there on the outbreak of the Second World War.

Mears received a brace of 'mentions' with Headquarters R.A.F. Middle East (London Gazette 1 January & 11 June 1942, refers). He is also listed as 'interned as a result of enemy action at sea' on 12 September 1942 before being noted as 'previously interned, now safe in USA' and finally 'Previously safe in USA now safe in UK', suggesting he may well have been sunk in transit.

Appearing on the strength of No. 1 Depot on 17 November 1942 Mears was promoted Squadron Leader on 20 November. Transferred to Coastal Command on 19 June 1943 he appears to have served here for the rest of the War, making the hat-trick of 'mentions' by War's end (London Gazette 1 January 1946, refers).

Promoted Wing Commander on 22 July 1947, Group Captain on 6 June 1948 and appointed to the Directorate of Intelligence as Deputy Director of Intelligence from 3 March 1951-28 June 1954, with his C.B.E. following at the end of this posting. Mears became Staff Officer in Command of Administration for Headquarters No. 90 (Signals) Group from 12 July 1954-18 December 1957. He also took up the role of Aide-De-Camp to H.M. The Queen on 18 June 1957. His final appointment was as Director of Personnel (Ground), being promoted Air Commodore on 1 January 1958. He retired on 1 February 1961 and died on 13 February 1992 at Worthing, West Sussex.

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Sold for
£750

Starting price
£400