Three: Lieutenant R. H. Dunlop, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, late 7th (Service) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, an R.E.8 pilot with 53 Squadron - who, whilst on a low reconnaissance, had his aircraft petrol tank pierced by machine-gun fire from the ground. He held his aircraft steady, whilst his observer climbed out on to the wing to inspect the damage. The observer then returned to his seat, gathered his stick and cap and went out on to the wing for a second time to plug the hole with the aforementioned items. They completed the reconnaissance, and dropped messages at Division Headquarters on the return journey

1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. R. H. Dunlop. York. & Lanc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. R. H. Dunlop. R.A.F.) very fine (3) £300-£400

Robert Hunter Dunlop was born in March 1895, and was the son of an Edinburgh solicitor. He was employed as an Engineer at Milne & Sons, Edinburgh, from 1912 to 1915, prior to being commissioned and serving with the 7th (Service) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment (Pioneers) in the French theatre of War from 13 July 1915. Dunlop was wounded, and then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in later 1916.

Dunlop initially trained as an Observer, prior to taking Pilot training in 1917. He was posted for operational service with 53 Squadron (R.E.8’s) in France in 1918. Having advanced to Lieutenant, Dunlop flew as part of ‘A’ Flight and on 5 July 1918:

‘In the middle of a low reconnaissance, Lts Dunlop and Scott, 53 Sqn, had their petrol tank pierced by machine gun fire from the ground. Lt. Scott (observer) climbed out on to the wing of the machine to investigate the extent of the damage. He then climbed back into his seat, removed his cloche, stepped out on to the wing again and blocked the rent with his stick and leather cap. The reconnaissance was then completed and messages dropped at Divisional Headquarters on the return journey.’ (Royal Air Force Communiques 1918, edited by C. Cole, refers)

After the War, Dunlop qualified as a doctor, and ran the practice in Grantown-on-Spey in the Scottish Highlands. Doctor Dunlop died in April 1955.

Sold with a copy of an article - 53 Squadron 1916-18 by Raymond Vann - in which Dunlop is mentioned and features as part of a group photograph.