Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 53

The campaign group of seven awarded to Acting Corporal C. H. McCarthy, Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps, who entered the Great War aged 17: McCarthy was duly 'mentioned' and twice decorated by the Allies by War's end

1914-15 Star (7228 2.A.M. C. H. McCarthy. R.F.C.); British War and Victory Medals (7228. A.Cpl. C. H. McCarthy. R.A.F.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R. (Charles Henry McCarthy); Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre; Italy, Kingdom, Al Valore Militare, bronze issue good very fine or better (7)

Belgium, Croix de Guerre London Gazette 25 July 1917.

Italy, Al Valore Militare, referred to by letter from the Central Telegraph Office, dated 6 June 1918.

Charles Henry McCarthy was born on 18 June 1898 at 396 Southwark Park Road, London, the son of Charles Joseph McCarthy of Rotherhithe, London. Working as a Telegraphist before the war McCarthy enlisted as a Boy, aged 17 with the Royal Flying Corps on 26 July 1915. Mustering as a Wireless Operator he served in France from 2 October 1915 with the rank of Airman 2nd Class.

McCarthy joined No. 16 Squadron and served with them, later joining No. 18 Squadron. Promoted to Airman 1st Class on 1 February 1917 he continuing to serve, being 'mentioned' for his services that year (London Gazette 19 January 1918). McCarthy was still serving on the formation of the Royal Air Force in the Spring 1918. After the War he was promoted Lance-Corporal on 31 December 1918 and joined No. 5 Squadron on 1 February 1919. McCarthy transferred to the Royal Air Force Reserve on 13 May 1919.

Sold together with an impressive original archive comprising:

(i)
Copy birth certificate.

(ii)
Marriage Certificate dated 6 October 1923.

(iii)
Christmas Card for 1915 from the City of Nottingham.

(iv)
Christmas Card from B Battery 92 Brigade R.F.A.

(v)
Ten assorted photographs.

(vi)
Letter from Central Telegraph Office dated 6 June 1918 relating to the award of the Italian Medal, at the time he was a Wireless Operator with No.5 Squadron R.F.C.

(vii)
Souvenir Programme of the 100th Performance of the Famous A.B.C.'s. 26th February 1916.

(viii)
Miniature British War and Victory Medal and a British Legion lapel badge.

(ix)
Note from The Controller M. F. Phillips to a Mr Bailey stating the award of a French (SIC) Croix de Guerre to C. H. McCarthy, dated 10 October 1918.

(x)
A blank Field Post Card.

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

Estimate
£2,400 to £2,800

Starting price
£2200