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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 609

The Air Efficiency Award awarded to Wing Commander R. I. Crump, A.F.C., Royal Air Force, who served notably during the Second World War before joining the Metropolitan Communication Squadron and dying on active service in an air crash while transporting V.I.P. passengers

Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R. (Flt. Lt. R. I. Cramp. [SIC] R.A.F.V.R.), minor edge wear, very fine

Raymond Irwin Crump was born at Wolverhampton, England on 25 June 1913, the son of William and Florence Crump of The Vicarage, Clifton-on-Teme, Worcestershire. Working as a Banker prior to the war he acquired his Royal Aero Club Aviators certificate at Worcestershire Flying School on 17 August 1937. Enlisting with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in Spring 1939 with the number 748100 with the rank of Sergeant. Commissioned to Pilot Officer on 17 December 1941 with the officer number 112375. Flying with No. 107 Squadron in 1942 Crump was credited with a kill while piloting a bomber on 30 April 1942, the combat report reading:

'The same enemy aircraft was fired upon by No.2 of leading Vic (Pilot Officer Crump, Air Gunner Sergeant Verrier) at 400 yards range as he came into attack "E". Strikes were observed on enemy aircraft and about 150 rounds were fired. This enemy aircraft is claimed as destroyed."

Further promoted Flying Officer on 1 October 1942 he transferred to the Royal Air Force from the Volunteer Reserve on 1 January 1943 with the permanent rank of Flight Lieutenant. Crump remained in this role for the rest of the war and afterwards was posted briefly to the General duties branch on 21 July 1947 before returning to the Active List on 19 August. Promoted Squadron Leader with the General Duties Branch on 1 November 1947 and further advanced Wing Commander on 1 January 1954. He was at this time flying with the Metropolitan Communication Squadron with one of his reports stating:

'This officer is a Flight Commander and pilot employed in the squadron responsible for conveying Very Important Personages. In this capacity he has had as passengers among others, the Queen of the Netherlands, the Duke of Gloucester and the Regent of Iraq. He was built up the Flight, which he commands, to a high standard of efficiency. On two occasions recently he has shown courage and a high standard of airmanship, once when carrying out an important mission in extremely adverse weather conditions and with his radio unserviceable; and again when forced landing a Hudson aircraft which had become damaged whilst engaged on a test flight. This is a thoroughly reliable and first class pilot and flight commander.'

Crump was killed whilst transporting three people when he flew below the safety height in cloud and crashed into the ground on 28 July 1955. The passengers were Wing Commander L. N. King, Major C. D. Nodder and Mr J. P. C. Searle; sold together with copied research including citations, London Gazette entries and aero club card as well as passenger lists, probate valuations and typed research.

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Sold for
£320

Starting price
£90