Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 551

A Great War A.F.C. group of three awarded to Squadron Leader W. H. MacKenzie, Royal Naval Air Service

Air Force Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals (Flt. Lt. W. H. MacKenzie. R.N.A.S.), cleaned, pitting and some wear through contact to naming on first, very fine (3)

A.F.C. London Gazette 3 June 1919.

William Herbert MacKenzie was born on 17 April 1892 on Prince Edward Island, Canada and entered the Royal Naval Air Service as a Probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant on 11 December 1915. Going to Felixstowe, he qualified as an Aeroplane and a Seaplane Pilot and had an exciting sortie on 30 May 1916 as recalled in his Service Record (ADM 273/8/58, refers):

'Carried out a patrol flight of over 5 1/2 hours, carrying Lewis Gun, 3 trays of ammunition, 2-65lb bombs & wireless; in Short Seaplane No. 8347, with Flt. Sub. Lt. Ball as Observer. Attacked enemy submarine from height of 800 ft & dropped 1-65lb which missed submarine by a few feet, causing it to submerge. Sent W/T message to all ships in vicinity warning them of submarine.'

MacKenzie joined No. 6 Wing in Malta on 26 February 1917, being promoted Flight Lieutenant on 30 June 1917. He remained with the unit when they moved onto Taranto, before going to Calshot Torpedo School on 18 February 1918. His final posting in wartime was at the East Fortune Station for Instructional Duties from 25 March 1918. He retired in the rank of Squadron Leader on 3 February 1926 and died at Cuckfield in 1963; sold together with copied research.

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

Sold for
£1,900

Starting price
£1100