Five: Squadron Leader W. Hamley, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, late Royal Artillery and Royal Air Force, who served as an Observer in “Syren Force” in North Russia 1918-19

British War and Victory Medals (Lieut., R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sqn. Ldr., R.A.F.V.R..), the first with possible minor official correction, contact marks, generally very fine (5) £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Roy Bartlett Collection of Awards to the R.N.A.S., R.F.C. and R.A.F..

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William Hamley, who was born in May 1896 at Lew Trenchard, Devon, enlisted in the 4th Wessex Brigade, Royal Field Artillery in July 1912, and was embarked for India with his unit in October 1914. Here he remained employed until transferring to the Royal Air Force in July 1918, in which period he was commissioned into the R.F.A. and advanced to Lieutenant in July 1917.

Having trained as an Observer at Blandford, Hamley was embarked for North Russia, where he served in “Syren Force” from November 1918 to June 1919, in which latter month he was badly injured in an aircraft accident, sustaining a broken arm and additional injuries to his spine. He was placed on the Unemployed List in October 1919.

On the renewal of hostilities, Hamley was commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a Pilot Officer in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch, and served in that capacity for the remainder of the War, gaining advancement to Squadron Leader in July 1945. Awarded the Air Efficiency Award in April 1947, he transferred to the Royal Air Force Reserve of Officers and relinquished his commission in October 1954.