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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 594

A Second World War M.I.D. group of five to Flight Sergeant A. V. Aldus, Royal Air Force,

General Service Medal 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (561011. L.A.C. A. V. Aldus. R.A.F.); 1939-1945 Star; Defence Medal; War Medal with M.I.D. oak leaves; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (561011 F.Sgt. A. V. Aldus. R.A.F.). Court mounted for display the last with small official correction to the service number, first and last toned, otherwise good very fine or better (5)

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1945.

Alfred Victor Aldus was born on 8 December 1910. He joined the Royal Air Force as a Halton Apprentice on 19 January 1927 and remained at Halton until 3 January 1930 where he was then posted to 7 Heavy Bomber Squadron flying Vickers Virginias at this time. He was promoted to A.C.1 on 1 April 1931 and was posted to the Far East on 22 September 1933 with 36 Squadron and after a period of training he flew as a back seater in an Air Gunner/Wireless Operator and Observer flying in Hawker Horsley Torpedo Bombers out of Singapore. He carried out an Air Gunner's course on 11 March 1934. The Squadron converted to Vickers Vildebeest in July 1935, these aircraft could carry a crew of three. He left the Squadron on 6 April 1936 and began his return to the U.K. on the HT Neuralia but disembarked at Egypt on 23 April 1936 and was posted to 4 Flying Training School at Abu Sueir and moved between 4 FTS and Depot NE (A) several times for the remainder of the year. He made it to the U.K. and had leave for October and November 1936.

Returning to Egypt he was posted on 1 February 1937 to 208 (AC) Squadron at Heliopolis and flew in Hawker Audax, transferring to 33 (B) Squadron on 26 March 1937 who flew Hawker Harts. Both Squadrons were involved in action to control unrest in Palestine. He returned to the U.K. on 15 November 1937 and was posted to 12 Squadron at Andover. He received a promotion to Corporal on 1 November 1938.

He moved on to ground duties despite being recommended for training as an Air Observer in 1939. Aldus joined 12 Squadron equipped with Fairey Battles and went to France at the outbreak of WW2, serving throughout the Battle of France in 1940 when the squadron suffered heavy losses. He managed to get back to the U.K. before France fell and remained with 12 Squadron until 1942. He had received further promotions that of Acting Sergeant on 1 August 1940 and then to Temporary Flight Sergeant on 15 June 1942. He completed a short course at 1656 Conversion Unit and was then posted to the newly formed 192 Squadron.

192 Squadron was a new specialist electronic counter measures squadron and flew a variety of modified aircraft, including Wellingtons, Halifaxes and Mosquitos. He remained with this squadron until 19 April 1945 when the war in Europe was virtually complete. He then served in units involved in maintenance or training such as 13, 24 and 14 MU until he was finally discharged on 4 May 1953.

He died at on 26 February 1979 at York, aged 69; sold together with a very detailed research folder which includes copied service papers.

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Sold for
£200

Starting price
£140