Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 130

An Inter-war Test Pilots Royal Aircraft Establishment A.F.C. group of five awarded to Group Captain J. A. T. Ryde, Royal Air Force, who flew 72 different aircraft in a variety of roles throughout his career, later seeing wartime service as a member of the British Air Commission in Washington

Air Force Cross, G.V.R.; 1939-1945 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; United States of America, Legion of Merit, Officer's breast Badge, with bronze emblem upon riband, good very fine (5)

A.F.C. London Gazette 3 June 1935.

Legion of Merit London Gazette 5 July 1946, the original citation states:

'Group Captain J. A. T. Ryde, Royal Air Force distinguished himself from January 1943 to January 1945 by his liaison activity between the Air Technical Service Command and the British Air Commission in the United States. His efforts helped in great measure to solve engineering problems connected with the modification of aircraft for British use.'

The original recommendation dated 3 April 1945, states:

'In accordance with the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, it is recommended that the Legion of Merit, Legionnaire degree, be awarded Group Captain J. A. T. Ryde, British Air Commission, for exceptional and meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services for the period of January 1943 to January 1945, which has been brought to a successful conclusion.

During this period Group Captain Ryde took charge, for the British Air Commission, of all modification centres where changes were being accomplished on aircraft in accordance with British requirements. One of Captain Ryde's outstanding example of such work was the modifications of B-24s' for use by the British as a general reconnaissance airplane. Equally important modifications were accomplished on at least a dozen types of aircraft.

In this assignment Group Captain Ryde was in complete charge of all engineering and technical details. In close coordination and cooperation with the Army Air Forces, Air Technical Service Command, he handled the changes in specifications, drawings, and other important official data. Excelling in an aeronautical engineering background, he combined this with his knowledge of British and American terminology, his ability to convey United Nations Requirements to the complete satisfaction of builders and users of the modified aircraft, and his direct understanding of those with whom he worked, to attain the objectives of the U.S. Army Air Forces in relation to the United Nations requirements. Through his tact and complete fairness under all conditions and circumstances, he was most successful in obtaining this coordination, which generally would have been exceedingly difficult. In addition to the aforementioned responsibilities, Group Captain Ryde was in charge of all classified data between the Army Air Forces and British Air Commission.

Group Captain Ryde has served with the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm. He also was associated with British aircraft factories as a representative of the Royal Air Force. Since coming to the United States about four years ago, he assumed command of the Eastern District for the British Air Commission, a similar position to one he held on the West Coast. he is an accomplished flying officer and is the possessor of the Air Force Cross for gallant and conspicuous contributions in the development of Aeronautics.

Group Captain Ryde has gained an envious reputation for himself, due to his fine team work, initiative, tact, and masterful ability to command the respect and wholehearted cooperation of his fellow workers. He is credited with superior accomplishments that have proven a most definitive aid in the shortening and ultimate winning of the war.

The services of Group Captain Ryde have been honourable since the period for which this recommendation is made.

Group Captain Ryde is neither directly or indirectly connected with the allocation of lend lease material.

Major General K. B. Wolfe, Chief of Procurements and Engineering Division, USA.

John Alexander Thomson Ryde was born at Scarborough on 5 October 1904 and educated at Aldenham School where he served as a Corporal within the school O.T.C. Joining R.A.F. Cranwell as a Cadet on 14 September 1922, Ryde began his flying training in February 1922 being promoted to Pilot Officer on 31 July 1924. Posted first to 43 Squadron at R.A.F. Henlow in July 1925 he was advanced Flying Officer on 31 January 1926. Transferring to the R.A.F. Training base at Leuchars in January 1927 after which he was sent to join 402 Flight- based in Malta. There he spent most of his flying time on Flycatchers flying from H.M.S. Eagle as well as being land based. Returning to the UK aboard Eagle in April 1929 for R.A.F. Donibristle he thence joined R.A.F. Gosport in February 1930.

With nearly 1,000 hours in his log book Ryde joined the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough in July 1930. Here he flew many different aircraft in turn, covering a variety of different roles from Aerial Photography and Camera Gun work to landing in different weather conditions- his passengers always being civilians in an investigative capacity. Transferring to 801 Squadron in July 1933 flying Nimrods and he made his way to Gibraltar with H.M.S. Furious in January 1934. Furious' route taking it across the Atlantic to Venezuela and then up to the Caribbean, returning to the U.K. in April 1934. Returning to the R.A.E. he gained his Air Force Cross in June 1935 for his continued good work at Farnborough. After continued flying throughout 1936-1937, began to reduce his hours through 1938-1939 with his last recorded flight being on the 2 September 1940 at Hatfield, by then he had completed over 2200 hours. Promoted to Wing Commander on 1 January 1940 and further advanced Group Captain on 1 December 1941. Ryde served Posted to the British Air Commission in the United States from January 1943. Later serving more specifically attached to the British Air Commission in Washington from 1 December 1944. Retiring at his own request on the 1 November 1945, retaining the rank of Group Captain. He died on the 25 April 1966, aged 61; sold together with a comprehensive archive comprising:

(i)
His 6 logbooks all bound as one with leather binding, this with gold embossed 'J. A. T. Ryde.'

(ii)
Correspondence from the 1980's from the Department of Defence, enclosing copied recommendation for the Legion of Merit.

(iii)
A letter from the Air Ministry dated April 1936 relating to flying practice.

(iv)
A typed list of all the aircraft he flew which numbered 72 types in total.

(iii)
Assorted copied research and aircraft details on the types he flew.

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

Sold for
£2,100

Starting price
£1500