Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 7012 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 533

x The Remarkable and Unique G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O. and Three Bars, D.F.C., A.F.C. Group of Eighteen to Air Chief Marshal Sir B.E. Embry, Royal Air Force, Blenheim and Later Mosquito Pilot, Who Was Shot Down Over Occupied France in 1940, Famously Evading Capture For Two Months Before Returning to Active Duty Including The Specialist Precision Bombing Operations on The Gestapo Headquarters in Aarhus, Copenhagen, and Odense, Whilst Holding the Rank of Acting Air Vice-Marshal; Later Commander-in-Chief Fighter Command, 1949-53 a) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Knight Grand Cross´s (G.C.B.) set of Insignia, sash Badge, 90mm, silver-gilt, gold applique, and enamel; Star, 95mm, silver, silver-gilt, gold applique, and enamel, with gold pin, minor enamel damage to wreath on reverse of sash badge, with full sash riband, in Garrard, London case of issue b) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Knight Commander´s (K.B.E.) set of Insignia, breast Badge, 80mm including crown suspension x 65mm, silver-gilt, gold applique, and enamel; Star, 80mm, silver, gold applique, and enamel, with full and miniature width neck ribands, in Garrard, London case of issue c) The Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse of suspension bar officially dated ´1938´; with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated ´1940´; with Third Award Bar, reverse officially dated ´1940´; with Fourth Award Bar, reverse officially dated ´1945´, with integral top riband bar d) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., lower arm of reverse officially dated ´1945´ e) Air Force Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued f) General Service Medal 1918-62, G.V.R., one clasp, Kurdistan (F/O. B.E. Embry R.A.F.) g) India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., one clasp, North West Frontier 1935, M.I.D. Oakleaves (sic) (F/L. B.E. Embry. R.A.F.) h) India General Service 1936-39, two clasps, North West Frontier 1936-37, North West Frontier 1937-39 (S/L. B.E. Embry. R.A.F.) i) 1939-1945 Star, with Battle of Britain Bar j) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar k) Africa Star l) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaf m) Coronation 1953 n) Netherlands, Kingdom, Order of Orange-Nassau, Military Division, Grand Officer´s set of Insignia, neck Badge, 85mm including crown suspension x 55mm, silver-gilt and enamel; Star, 81mm, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with neck riband, in van Wielik, The Hague case of issue o) France, Fourth Republic, Legion of Honour, Commander´s neck Badge, 85mm including wreath suspension x 63mm, silver-gilt and enamel, one point of star damaged, enamel damage, with neck riband, in case of issue p) France, Fourth Republic, Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1939, bronze palm q) Iraq, King Faisal Active Service Medal r) Commemorative Medal for Dunkirk 1940 s) Commemorative Medal for R.A.F. Bomber Command 1939-45, the group generally nearly extremely fine, mounted court style for display purposes, and including the two commemorative medals t) The Group of Nineteen Miniature Awards worn by Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry, as the above group together with Denmark, Kingdom, Order of the Dannebrog, C.X.R., Commander First Class´s miniature, and without the two commemorative medals, minor enamel damage to one arm of cross of K.B.E. miniature, mounted court style, in Gieves, London case u) Air Chief Marshal´s Ceremonial Sword, 965mm, with etched decoration to blade and G.VI.R. metal-gilt decorative hilt, with gold lace sword-knot, in its black leather scabbard with metal-gilt mounts and two suspension rings v) Commemorative Twenty-Fifth Anniversary D-Day Medallion, 35mm, bronze, with unrelated red leather case w) Dunkirk Table Medal, 77mm x 60mm, bronze, by R.B. Baron, unnamed. The Group together with the following Official Documents &c.: - Nine of the Recipient´s Pilot´s Flying Log Books (Log Books Nos. II to X), covering the continuous period 17.2.1922-13.1.1940 - Commission appointing Basil Edward Embry as Pilot Officer, Royal Air Force, with effect from 29.3.1921, dated 1.11.1921 - Commission appointing Basil Edward Embry as Flying Officer, Royal Air Force, with effect from 1.1.1926, dated 3.5.1927 - Bestowal Document for the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, C.B., dated 1.1.1945 - Bestowal Document for the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, K.C.B., dated 5.7.1945, together with original Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood Envelope - Mentioned in Despatches Certificate, for North West Frontier of India (Mohmand Operations) 1935, dated 28.11.1935 - Buckingham Palace Enclosure for Coronation 1953 Medal, together with Permission to Wear Document - Bestowal Document for the Danish Order of the Dannebrog, Commander First Class, dated 19.12.1946, together with Official Enclosure - Bestowal Document for the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau, Grand Officer, dated 13.2.1947, together with original Envelope - Bestowal Document for Commemorative Medal for Dunkirk 1940, numbered 28068, together with original Envelope - Borough of Dover Illuminated Scroll with attached wax seal admitting Air Vice-Marshal Sir Basil Edward Embry as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough, dated 12.6.1946, in leather scroll holder - Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London Scroll admitting Air Vice-Marshal Sir Basil Embry as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company, in leather scroll holder - City of London Copy of Freedom Document admitting Sir Basil Edward Embry, Citizen and Glass Seller of London, as a Freeman of the City, dated 13.12.1946, together with original Envelope - Invitation to Air Marshal Sir Basil and Lady Embry to the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, together with Earl Marshal´s Office Enclosure and copy of the Dress Regulations for the Coronation, together with original Earl Marshal´s Office Envelope - Two Tickets of Admission for the Coronation, to Admit Air Marshal Sir Basil E. Embry, and Lady Embry, both to the West Gallery of the South Transept - Two Copies of the Ceremonial for the Coronation, 2.6.1953, together with copy of the Notes for the Guidance of Guests, for the Order of March for Group 5, which included Air Marshal Sir Basil E. Embry - Two Copies of the Form and Order of Service for the Coronation, 2.6.1953, one inscribed ´Basil Embry. 2nd. June, 1953´ - Two Copies of the Statutes of the most Honourable Order of the Bath, 1948, one water damaged - Copy of the Order of Service for the Ceremony of the Installation of Knights of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, 24.5.1951 - Copy of the Statutes of the Distinguished Service Order, together with two amendment sheets - Two Copies of the Statutes for the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau (one Dutch language version and one English language version) - Copy of the Order of Service for the Unveiling and Dedication of the Battle of Britain Chapel in Westminster Abbey, 10.7.1947, together with a guide booklet to the Memorial - R.A.F. Escaping Society Illuminated Scroll presented to Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry on his retirement as Chairman of the Society, undated - Souvenir Booklet for the Unveiling of the Battle of Britain Window at the Rolls Royce factory, Derby - The Battle of Britain, August to October 1940, Air Ministry Account pamphlet - 21 Army Group Some Notes on the Use of Air Power in Support of Land Operations, December 1944 pamphlet - The recipient´s Government of India Private Pilot´s Licence, valid 6.10.1938- 24.3.1939 - Copy of a signal received from the Air Officer Commanding, No. 1 (Indian) Group, R.A.F., congratulating the recipient for his work over India´s North West Frontier, 1938 - Signed letter to the recipient from the Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, M.P., declining the invitation to the Battle of Britain Dinner, dated 8.8.1951 - Two Hadlow School, Masterton, New Zealand, Memorial Hall scrolls, each signed in facsimile by a number of Admirals of the Fleet, Field Marshals, and Marshals of the Royal Air Force. The Group together with 43 Photographs, including: - Cologne´s main railway station by the Hohenzollern Bridge, showing what was originally the booking hall - The railway station and junction at Soltau, north of Hanover, showing the results of a low-level Mosquito bombing raid - Aerial view of the Garrison and railway town of Trier during the Bomber Command raid of 23.12.1944, showing a Lancaster flying over the target amid rising smoke - Three views of the battered town of Goch, which was heavily attacked by Bomber Command - The town of Goch, showing German prisoners being marched carrying shovels, to assist in clearing the wreckage from the town´s streets - A general view of the German town of Krefeld, a target of Bomber Command - Three views of a Mitchell bomber being prepared and loaded in the snow at an R.A.F. airfield in Belgium - Bombed Railway yards at Arras - The Officers´ Mess at Wittering, after an enemy air raid, 1941 - Aerial view of the Oil Mill at Helden, following a medium level attack by Mitchells and Bostons - Aerial view of Hedel Road Bridge, showing it completely destroyed, 24.10.1944 - Three aerial views of Montreuil-Belfroi Ammunition dump, before, during, and after a medium level attack by Bostons and Mitchells - Aerial reconnaissance view of The Hague prior to attack - The remains of Roermond Road Bridge after the attack by Bostons and Mitchells, 28.10.1944 - Aerial view of the bombed Moondeville Steel Works - Two Portrait photographs of the recipient. (lot) Sir Basil Embry´s full size insignia of the Danish Order of the Dannebrog would have been returnable on the recipient´s death. Estimate £ 150,000-180,000 G.C.B. London Gazette 2.1.1956 Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Edward Embry K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., Royal Air Force. K.C.B. London Gazette 1.1.1953 Air Marshal Sir Basil Edward Embry K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., Royal Air Force. C.B. London Gazette1.1.1945 Acting Air Vice-Marshal Basil Edward Embry D.S.O., A.F.C., Royal Air Force. The Recommendation states: ´This officer has commanded the Group [No. 2] since June, 1943. The force consists of two Mosquito Wings in addition to light and medium bombers. By its nature it is a specialised force which, for operational efficiency, depends primarily upon the direction, leadership, and personal example of the Commander, both in the air and on the ground. Until January, 1943, the Group concentrated on day operations but in view of the requirements for the Normandy operations the Group´s main effort has been concentrated on night operations as from February, 1944. The record of success since the commencement of the invasion has been outstanding and this may be attributed to the inspiration given by Air Vice Marshal Embry´. K.B.E. London Gazette 3.7.1945 Acting Air Vice-Marshal Basil Edward Embry C.B., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., R.A.F. The Recommendation states: ´Air Vice-Marshal Embry has commanded 2 Group since 1st June 1943. By his personal direction, control and encouragement, and his own participation in selected hazardous missions he has raised the efficiency and effectiveness of the Group to the highest all-round standard of combat airmanship reached by any such force in this war. His medium bombers were used by day but his Mosquitoes specialised in night operations and pin point targets by day. They comprised the only effective night force working with our armies on the whole of the American and British front in Europe. These 200 Mosquitoes were the bane of the enemy´s life and they must be given a share in victory quite disproportionate to their numbers. In the war circumstances of the past 12 months, with continuous operations by night and by day, from bases in England and on the continent, the load on Air Vice-Marshal Embry has probably been heavier than on any other Air Commander. His organisation, administration and tactical direction were excellent but something more was needed. The efficiency of his Group depended primarily upon the morale of the air crews and the inspiration of the unit commanders. To ensure these factors he flew as a pilot with his squadrons, selecting, where possible, both by day and by night, the more dangerous tasks. There has been a crusading spirit about Air Vice-Marshal Embry´s work which has added the keen edge to the Group´s operations, both on the ground and in the air´. D.S.O. London Gazette 13.9.1938 Squadron Leader Basil Edward Embry, A.F.C. ´For gallant and distinguished services rendered in connection with operations in Waziristan, 1938´. The Recommendation states: ´The success of the Shami Pir Operations was largely due to this officer´s initiative as a commander, quite apart from his exceptional flying ability and complete disregard of personal danger. During the Kharra Operations he was largely responsible for the heavy casualties to the enemy; and the resulting comparatively few casualties in our troops. Throughout all recent operations his Squadron was remarkable for a sustained very high standard of performance and general efficiency both in the air and on the ground.´ D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 30.4.1940 Wing Commander Basil Edward Embry, D.S.O., A.F.C. (09252) ´ In April, 1940, Wing Commander Embry led a squadron of twelve aircraft in an attack on Stavanger aerodrome and seaplane base. He successfully completed his task and returned to his base, with the whole squadron, in despite the failure of one of his engines before he reached his objective. Again, two days later, he led his squadron in another attack on Stavanger, which was also a success, and very valuable photographs were taken. During this flight he suffered from frost-bite. The satisfactory results achieved were due, primarily, to the courage, determination and fine leadership of this officer´. The Recommendation states: ´On 15th April, 107 Squadron was ordered to attack Stavanger Aerodrome and Seaplane base with 12 aircraft from Lossiemouth. Wing Commander Embry led a squadron and, in spite of one of his engines cutting out before he reached his objective, he successfully completed the task and returned to his base with his whole Squadron, on one engine. The attack was completely successful and the courage and determination with which it was pressed home was due to a very great extent to the leadership and fine example of Wing Commander Embry. On 17th April, Wing Commander Embry again led his squadron of 12 Blenheims to attack Stavanger. This attack was also a success, and very valuable photographs were taken. During this flight he suffered from frost bite. There is no doubt that the success of these attacks was due, primarily, to the courage, determination and fine leadership of Wing Commander Embry and I recommend an immediate award of a bar to his Distinguished Service Order.´ D.S.O. Third Award Bar London Gazette 20.8.1940 Wing Commander Basil Edward Embry, D.S.O., A.F.C. (09252) ´During the operations over the Low Countries and France, Wing Commander Embry continued to display an extremely high standard of leadership and resolution in carrying out all tasks allotted to his squadron, raising its morale to a high level and setting an example to the other squadrons in his group. He has shown a high sense of duty and determination´. D.S.O. Fourth Award Bar London Gazette 20.7.1945 Acting Air Vice-Marshal Sir Basil Edward Embry K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., R.A.F. The Recommendation states: ´Air Vice-Marshal Embry was a Prisoner-of-War in Germany in 1940. During his escape he found it necessary to kill three Germans with the result that a price of 70,000 Reichmarks was placed on his head. In spite of this greatly increased hazard in the event of capture, he has, since D-Day in 1944 taken part, by night and by day in the operations shown below. He has refused to lead and has flown his Mosquito as an ordinary pilot of the force. This example of personal skill and courage by the A.O.C. has had such an inspiring effect upon his squadrons of 2 Group that their standard of operational efficiency has reached a height which has never been exceeded. For these operations, involving long and hazardous flights in varying conditions of summer and winter weather I strongly recommend A.V.M. Embry for the award of a third bar to his DSO. Since September 1939, a total of 120 sorties amounting to approximately 360 hours has been flown. Since D-Day the details are as follows:- 7.6.44...Night Interdiction 20.6.44...Night Interdiction 7.7.44...Night Interdiction 23.7.44...S.A.S. Special Target, Cherbourg 30.7.44...Attack on Submarine Rest Centre, Chateauneuf 4.8.44...Night Interdiction 14.8.44...Attack on enemy positions 5 miles north of Failaise 18.8.44...Attack on S.S. Barracks at Egletons 31.10.44...Attack on Gestapo Headquarters, Aarhus 23.3.45...Attack on Gestapo Headquarters, Copenhagen 31.3.45...Attack on enemy gun positions at Emmerich 17.4.45...Attack on Gestapo Headquarters, Odense.´ D.F.C. London Gazette 22.6.1945 Acting Air Vice-Marshal Basil Edward Embry, C.B., D.S.O., A.F.C., R.A.F. ´On three occasions within recent months, Air Vice Marshal Embry took part in air attacks on Gestapo Headquarters. The targets were at Aarhus, Copenhagen, and Odense respectively. In the first operation complete surprise was achieved and the attack proved highly successful. At Copenhagen the operations was also well executed and success obtained. At Odense, the target was cleverly camouflaged, making the task on hand even more difficult. In spite of this, several runs were made over the target, which was finally attacked with great precision. In these hazardous missions, Air Vice-Marshal Embry pressed home his attacks with a skill and gallantry in keeping with his outstanding reputation.´ A.F.C. London Gazette 1.1.1926 Flying Officer Basil Edward Embry. The Recommendation states: ´For outstanding determination and devotion to duty in flying the Vernon Ambulance in ´Iraq. This officer has invariably pushed through to his objective in order to collect urgent cases of sick in spite of every imaginable difficulty and under exceptionally adverse weather conditions, and in doing so has displayed high courage and zeal in addition to the utmost skill in flying, navigation and air pilotage.´ M.I.D. London Gazette 8.5.1936 Embry, Flight Lieutenant (now Squadron Leader) B.E., A.F.C., No. 1 (Indian) Wing Station ´For distinguished services rendered in connection with the Mohmand operations, North West Frontier of India, 15th/16th August to 15th/16th October, 1935.´ M.I.D. London Gazette 24.9.1941 Group Captain B.E. Embry, D.S.O., A.F.C. M.I.D. London Gazette 11.6.1942 Wing Commander B.E. Embry D.S.O., A.F.C. M.I.D. London Gazette 1.1.1946 Acting Air Vice Marshal Sir Basil E. Embry, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C. Denmark, Order of the Dannebrog, Commander First Class London Gazette 11.2.1947 Air Vice-Marshal Sir Basil Edward Embry, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., Royal Air Force. Netherlands, Order of Orange-Nassau, Grand Officer (with Swords) London Gazette 18.11.1947 Air Vice-Marshal Sir Basil Edward Embry, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., R.A.F. France, Legion of Honour, Commander (Proposed by the French Government 20.11.1945, Accepted 5.12.1945) Air Vice Marshal Sir Basil Embry. Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Edward Embry, G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C. was born on 28 February 1902 at Barnwood, Gloucester and educated at Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire. He was commissioned Pilot Officer in the R.A.F., on at first a short service commission, in March 1921 carrying out his initial flying training at Netheravon. Not content with the sedentary life on a home based squadron, and having gained his Wings in April 1922, he immediately applied for an overseas posting, and in August 1922 joined No. 45 Squadron in Iraq, being promoted to Flying Officer the following month. He spent five years on active operations in that country, initially with No. 45 Squadron flying DH9As and Vickers Vernons, with his final two years with No 30 Squadron, again flying DH9As. In January 1926 he was appointed to a permanent commission, retaining his rank of Flying Officer, and that month´s New Years Honours List announced the award of the A.F.C. for his work with his first squadron - the first formal recognition in what turned out to be a glittering career. Following two tours instructing in the UK, initially at his old school at Netheravon, staff appointments, and a year at the R.A.F. Staff College, he was posted to India, arriving in March 1934. He was fully occupied in active operational flying for the next two years, keeping the peace on India´s North West Frontier, and was promoted Squadron Leader in December 1935, but in March 1936 moved to R.A.F. India H.Q.- another staff appointment. However, this was short lived and in October 1937 he was appointed to command No. 20 Squadron at Peshawar, the role being close support of army columns, and within a year he had earned the first of his four D.S.O.s. During his five years in India he took part in the Mohmand campaign of 1935 and the Waziristan campaigns of 1937 and 1938. Additional confirmation of a successful tour was that he received promotion to Wing Commander on its completion in February 1939, and another staff appointment at the Air Ministry. With the outbreak of war in September 1939, Embry quickly manoeuvred himself into the command of No.107 Squadron at R.A.F. Wattisham, a Blenheim bomber unit which had already begun operations and suffered casualties. On 25 September Embry led a formation of three Blenheims on a reconnaissance mission to Germany. They were attacked by German fighters and Embry´s aircraft suffered serious damage to wings and fuselage, with the tyre of one main wheel being slashed. He carried out a one-wheel landing on reaching Wattisham - his baptism of war had begun! The Phoney War over, No.107 Squadron was called upon to carry out an increased number of reconnaissances, the purpose of which was to keep watch on the German naval bases. On 6 April 1940 a photo reconnaissance mission revealed that a German force, including the two battle-cruisers Gneisenau and Scharnhorst, was at anchor off Wilhelmshaven. From then on Embry and his crews were fully involved in attacks on the German fleet. Embry´s superiors began to witness his personal restless urge to lead in the air and to attack the enemy at every opportunity. He was warned by his A.O.C. that he was carrying out to much operational flying and that he must guard against it in the future. It is obvious that Embry turned a deaf ear to the friendly but authoritative directive! The German campaign in Norway was now in full swing and No.107 Squadron, detached to Lossiemouth in Scotland, carried out ten raids in eight days on the airfield at Stavanger. Atrocious weather conditions and close Luftwaffe opposition made these missions extremely hazardous. The squadron gained many decorations and medals for gallantry and Embry´s personal recognition was a first bar to his D.S.O. On return to Wattisham on 3 May, 1940, the squadron drew breath and worked up to operational strength again. Then, on 10 May, the German blitzkrieg invasion of the Low Countries erupted. Within hours Embry and his crews were in the thick of a battle to stem the German advance, with each crew flying two or three sorties daily across the Channel to France. On 12 May, he led his squadron in company with No. 110 Squadron to attack two bridges crossing the Albert Canal at Maastricht. They were savaged by ground flak and jumped by numerous Messerschmitts, losing seven Blenheims between them. A further two No. 107 Squadron aircraft crash-landed back at Wattisham, and examination showed that every surviving Blenheim had suffered shell and bullet strikes. This mission set the pattern for squadron operations for the next few weeks, battling against overwhelming odds to assist the retreating British Army on its path to Dunkirk and eventual partial survival. His leadership, personal gallantry and resolution during this period resulted in the award of a second bar to his D.S.O. By 26 May, the pace of operations was beginning to take its toll on Embry, and on his return from his last sortie that day he was ordered to leave No. 107 Squadron and take over command of R.A.F. West Raynham with promotion to Group Captain. His protests were to no avail, but next day, he led his squadron, with his appointed successor in support, for the last time in an attack on German troops advancing on Dunkirk. Making his bombing run into heavy flak, his aircraft received a direct hit, killing the air gunner and sending the aircraft out of control. He and his navigator baled out and Embry´s parachute put him down behind the enemy lines near St Omer. He was captured by the Germans, and was being marched away to a Prisoner of War camp with other captives when he saw a road sign ´Embry, 3km´. Taking this as an omen, he rolled down a bank and made his escape. Evading the Germans for two months he eventually made his way through France and Spain to Gibraltar. Nine weeks and five days after baling out of his crippled aircraft, Embry stepped ashore in the UK. The story of these dramatic events is told in Wingless Victory by Anthony Richardson (Odhams Press). After some two months sick leave, Embry was posted as Senior Administration Officer to No. 6 Group, with the rank of Group Captain. His appointment was extremely short lived and after reverting to the rank of Wing Commander began a period of flirtation with Fighter Command, initially to command a wing comprised of Nos. 151 and 264 Squadron. By December 1940 he was commanding a sector at Wittering, a post he filled for some 10 months, before being seconded to the Desert Air Force in North Africa. On return to England in March 1942, he resumed command of the Wittering Sector. In early 1943 he was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer at No. 10 Group, Fighter Command. But again this appointment was short-lived and in May 1943 he took command of No. 2 Group, Bomber Command, in the throes of being transferred to the 2nd Tactical Air Force (T.A.F.), as part of the build up of the Allied invasion of German occupied Europe. He was now an acting Air Vice Marshal with command initially of some 10 squadrons operating a variety of aircraft, and had been considered as a possible candidate for the command of the Pathfinder Force, but ´Bomber´ Harris was against the idea as he recognised that Embry´s character and personality was too much like his own. Embry didn´t take long to acquaint himself with his new command and impressed all by piloting all types of aircraft in a relatively short period. He issued orders that all station commanders were to fly at least two or three operations each month with their resident squadrons and leading by example he commenced operations himself, usually in a subordinate position to the formation leader. His group expanded as the months went by, and being re-equipped with the formidable Mosquito. From late 1943 to May 1944, the group was involved principally in attacking V1 rocket sites. His squadrons developed a reputation for attacking pin-point targets, often single buildings in a built-up area. One of the most publicised was Operation Jericho on 18 February 1944 when the Mosquitoes attacked Amiens prison and liberated hundreds of French patriots, many under sentence of death by the Gestapo. Whilst Embry planned this raid, he was ordered by higher authority not to participate. However, as evidenced by the detail in the recommendation for the third bar to his D.S.O., Embry did take part in several other equally successful precision attacks, often under the pseudonym ´Wing Commander Smith´. The successful raid on the Gestapo H.Q. at Odense on 17 April 1945 was to be his final operational sortie of the war. He had remained in the thick of fighting all through the war, and few had such varied experience both of combat and command. He was fortunate to survive unscathed. The War over Embry was asked by Marshal of the R.A.F. Portal to organise and co-ordinate a fund to help those people in the occupied countries who had helped British aircrew evade capture and escape back to Britain. Within a few months he had raised over £20,000 for what became known as the R.A.F. Escaping Society, and remained its Chairman for the next ten years. Meanwhile, his first peacetime appointment in 1945 saw him as Director General of Training (R.A.F), and he was promoted to Air Vice Marshal in July 1947. This was followed by four years as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Fighter Command from April 1949 to April 1953, with the rank of Air Marshal from January 1951, and he was a representative of the R.A.F. both at the funeral of King George VI, and the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In July 1953 he was appointed to N.A.T.O. as Commander-in-Chief, Allied Air Forces Central Europe, and was promoted to his final rank of Air Chief Marshal that December. He was in practice the air force commander to the tri-Service supreme commander, Marshal of France Juin. It was a period of frustration for Embry and he failed to convince various Allied military and political appointees of the need to revise their attitude to the vital importance of air power. His blunt and utterly frank criticism of existing N.A.T.O. organisations did not endear him to either his N.A.T.O. colleagues or to some of his Air Ministry contemporaries and on leaving his post in February 1956- against his own wishes and those of Marshal Juin- he was not offered further service. He was appointed G.C.B. on 2 January 1956, quickly followed by his final day of Service on 26 February 1956. Within a few months he emigrated to New Zealand and by the end of the year he had written and had published an auto-biography covering his experiences of the 35 years he had served, Mission Accomplished (Methuen & Co). He did not stay in New Zealand long, before moving to Western Australia, where he took up farming and established a thriving farm out in the bush. Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry died on 8 December 1977. Basil Embry was, by any standards, one of the most inspiring leaders ever to serve in the R.A.F. But is seems that peacetime service was not to his liking, and his outspoken impatience with all forms of bureaucracy brought him few friends. One of his greatest admirers - and a colleague from his Mosquito days - described him as both charming and rude, prejudiced and broad-minded, pliable and obstinate, dedicated and human. Above all things he was a most gallant leader of men.

Sold for
£135,000