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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 528

A scarce Great War A.F.M. group of four awarded to Flight Sergeant H. S. Eltringham, Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Air Force, who latterly served aboard the airship R-36

Air Force Medal, G.V.R. (313711 F/Sergt. Eltringham, H. S., R.A.F.); 1914-15 Star (M.3485 H. S. Eltringham, E.R.A.3, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (M.3485 H. S. Eltringham. C.P.O.M.3 R.N.), mounted court-style by Spink, very fine (4)

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

Herbert Sisterton Eltringham was born on 30 May 1890 at Gateshead who joined the Royal Navy on 19 August 1911, a fitter and turner by trade. During the Great War he rose to be Chief Petty Officer upon his posting to the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 August 1916 and thence Chief Mechanic upon his joining the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. Eltringham served at the Longside Airship Station, Scotland, in 1918, which flew anti U-Boat patrols over the North Sea. During 1918-19 he served at the stations at Kingsnorth, Pulham, Howden and Bedford, being made Flight Sergeant on 15 March 1919.

Continuing aboard airships, he was one of the crew of the R-36 in 2 April 1921, when she suffered the loss of her upper fin and rudder whilst carrying reporters and Air Ministry officials. The airship was under the command of Major G. H. 'Lucky Breeze' Scott, C.B.E., A.F.C., (Victory Medal sold by e-Auction at Spink, January 2022). A little more than 20 minutes after having departed, she went into a steep dive with the engines on full power from the 4,000ft cruising altitude. Dumping a half-ton of water from the ballast tank and cutting the engines was the only option for Navigating Officer 'Tommy' Elmhirst. Scott returned to the driver's car and by his cool guidance assisted in bringing her back under control, to the great relief of all her passengers. Eltringham was duly awarded the A.F.M. in June 1919 and completed his service at 4 Flight Training School, Abu Sueir and with No. 6 Squadron, Royal Air Force at Baghdad; sold together with copied Service Records and research.

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Sold for
£2,500

Starting price
£1500