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Auction: 4004 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 21

A Great War Italian Front M.C. Group of Four to Captain T.C. Lowe, Royal Air Force, Late Royal Engineers, Commanded a Flight of Bristol Fighters Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (26843 Spr. T.C. Lowe R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. T.C. Lowe R.A.F.), (4) Estimate £ 1,800-2,200 M.C. London Gazette 16.9.1918 Lt. (T./Capt.) Thomas Clelland Lowe, R.E. and R.A.F. 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in carrying out numerous successful reconnaissances and taking a large number of successful photographs, on several occasions driving off enemy aircraft. He has repeatedly carried out long reconnaissances, showing great determination in overcoming difficulties and completing his duty. When attacked by seven enemy aeroplanes he and his observer engaged them and drove one down out of control.' Captain Thomas Clelland Lowe M.C. born 1892; served early part of the Great War in the Royal Engineers before being gazetted as Flying Officer (Observer) from Second Lieutenant R.E., 1917; served with No. 9 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, on Western Front; during which time he and his pilot (Second Lt. J.G. Kidd) flying BE2e 7163 were credited with a victory, 23.1.1917 (Combles); on completion of pilot training was posted to No. 51 Wing, R.F.C., Italy 23.1.1918; appointed Temporary Captain and given command of 'Z' Flight (Bristol Fighters), on its formation in March that year; initially operated as a flight with No. 28 Squadron, but with the addition of another flight it became No. 139 Squadron; 4.4.1918 he and his Observer (Lt. H.V.N. Banks) shot down an Albatross DV; in June the same year, whilst on reconnaissance both Lowe and his Observer (Lt. A.S. Withers) were wounded in combat with an enemy aircraft resulting in a crash landing on return to Villaverla Airfield; after being released from hospital returned to England 3.7.1918; transferred to unemployed list 1919; held commission in Reserve of Air Force Officers 1923-25, until relinquished commission due to poor health.

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£2,700