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Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 245

A Great War M.B.E. group of six awarded to Squadron Leader L. Henshall, Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps and South Lancashire Regiment, who was seriously wounded in action at Hooge, only to become a member of the fledgling R.F.C. and later serve as Squadron Leader in the Second World War

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, (M.B.E.) Member's breast Badge, hallmarks for London, silver; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. L. Henshall. S. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. L. Henshall. R.F.C.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with MID oak leaf, good very fine (6)

M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919.

M.I.D. London Gazette 17 March 1941 and 2 June 1943.

Leonard Henshall was born on 3 September 1891 at Deganwy, North Wales, the son of Louis Henshall. He was educated at Botelar Grammar School, Warrington, going on to work in the Ministry of Finance, Customs Department in Egypt. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment on 10 November 1914, he served in France from April 1915.

Having been severely wounded in the action at Hooge, Henshall was attached to the Royal Flying Corps in September 1916, performing a Staff role. Throughout his tenure with the Royal Flying Corps he became increasingly a part of the Royal Air Force as he served with a number of Squadrons in 1917 including No. 49 and No. 104. Appointed Adjutant on 17 October 1917 he continued to serve with the No. 22 Wing, a training wing of the Royal Flying Corps. This situation continued until the formation of the Royal Air Force at which point Henshall was commissioned Captain on 1 April 1918. Serving as an Administrative Officer with various units through 1918 he was hospitalised on 17 December at Fishmonger's Hall Hospital. Despite this situation he was awarded the M.B.E. on 3 June 1919 to go with his press mention in The Times on 23 June. Finally in good health again he joined Headquarters No. 2 Group on 13 July 1919 being transferred to the unemployed list on 15 September 1919.

With the outbreak of the Second World War Henshall was commissioned Flying Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Promoted Flight Lieutenant on 1 September 1940 he received a 'mention' the next year on 17 March 1941 with the rank of Squadron Leader. Mentioned again on 2 June 1943 Henshall retained the rank of Squadron Leader upon resigning his commission on 25 January 1944; sold together with copied research including London Gazette and Air Force List entries as well as handwritten research and correspondence with the Ministry of Defence.

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Sold for
£550

Starting price
£240