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Auction: 22102 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction VI - e-Auction
Lot: 109

India General Service 1908-1935, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (F/O. M. W. Keey. R.A.F.), edge bruise and overall contact wear, very fine

Montague William Keey was born at Stoke Devonport, Devon on 15 September 1902, the son of Edward and Isabella Keey of 87 St Ronans Road, Southsea, Hampshire. Joining the R.A.F. College, Cranwell with the intake of September 1920 he served along with his brother, Edward Charles Keey, who joined in the same class. Keey received an injury whilst training on 15 September 1922, his 20th birthday, and was admitted to the R.A.F. Central Hospital. A possible clue to his injury is in the treatment he received, 'eye training', which was apparently successful causing him to be discharged back to his unit on 24 October 1922. Completing his training Keey was Commissioned Pilot Officer on 3 February 1923, a few months before his brother who was also Commissioned Pilot Officer on 27 April 1923.

Posted to No. 2 Squadron at R.A.F. Andover, Keey was involved in a crash on 2 November 1923 when his Bristol Fighter (F4941) overturned on landing. There is nothing to indicate that he was seriously injured, regardless Keey was soon transferred to the Stores Branch on 10 December 1923. It may be speculated that the near miss may have left him shaken as his brother had died in a crash on 15 October 1923, stalling in a low level turn after an aborted landing. Placed on half pay between 28 October 1925-8 March 1926, he was promoted Flying Officer (Stores Branch) on 20 April 1926 with No. 31 (Army Co-Operation) Squadron, Ambala, India. Transferring to No 28 (Army Co-Operation) Squadron, while still at Ambala, on 13 December 1926 Keey remained her for some time and was still serving on that posting as late as 15 May 1930.

Returning to Britain although staying with the Stores Branch he was posted to Headquarters, Wessex Bombing Area, R.A.F. Andover on 27 October 1931. Transferring the next year to Station Headquarters, R.A.F. Upavon, Wiltshire on 8 August 1932 and promoted Flight Lieutenant while here on 1 October 1932. Moving to No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron, R.A.D. Kenley, Surrey on 20 September 1935 he soon transferred again on 25 November to Station Headquarters, R.A.F. Ramleh, Palestine. Keey died while still in service on 15 July 1937; sold together with corresponding Dress Miniature as well as copied research including a typed biography, R.A.F. Cranwell graduates list and London Gazette entries.

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Sold for
£200

Starting price
£80