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Auction: 22103 - Orders, Decorations and Medals VII - e-Auction
Lot: 441

Three: Sergeant G. K. Marchmont, Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps, one of its pioneers whose career began as a mechanic at one of Britain's first flying schools in 1908

1914 Star (525 2/A.M. G. K. Marchmont. R.F.C.), with Rosette; British War and Victory Medals (525 Cpl. G. Marchmont. R.F.C.), good very fine (3)

George Kember Marchmont was born at Forest Hill, Surrey in 22 May 1883 the son of Joseph Marchmont. Joining a Flying School in 1908 he enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps on 15 January 1913 as an Air Mechanic Class I. Entering the war on 13 August 1914 he proceeded to serve as an Aero Rigger in France with No 16 Squadron, being promoted Air Mechanic Class I on 1 May 1915 and transferring to No. 11 Squadron the next year on 7 November 1916. Advanced Corporal on 1 March 1917 he was posted to the Home Establishment later that month on 26 March he served at No.1 Aircraft Acceptance Park, being further promoted Sergeant on 1 June 1917. Married the same year he clearly felt that the war had got in the way stating 'It was the Kaiser's fault it couldn't have been before'.

With the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918 Marchmont was transferred to the new service with the rank of Sergeant Mechanic on 1 April, further transferring to No. 14 Aircraft Acceptance Park on 4 July. Reclassified as Sergeant (Rigger Aero) on 1 January 1919 he served briefly in that role before entering hospital on 28 March 1919. Marchmont continued to serve until 15 January 1921 before leaving for civilian work at Handley Page Transport. Retiring in 1943 he soon re-joined the workforce with Fuels Consolidated Air-Services and spent his time helping to repair aircraft damaged during the Second World War. Marchmont died in June 1977; sold together with copied and original service papers, a newspaper extract and .M.I.C. as well as copied photographs.

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Sold for
£1,500

Starting price
£170