An unusual Great War 1918 ‘Anti-submarine patrol’ A.F.M. group of three awarded to Short 184 Seaplane Wireless Observer, Sergeant Mechanic H. A. M. Balls, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force

Air Force Medal, G.V.R. (232626 Sergt. Obs. Balls, H. A. M., R.A.F.); British War Medal 1914-20 (F.32626 H. A. M. Balls. B.M. R.N.A.S.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (232626. Sgt. H. A. M. Balls. R.A.F.) mounted on card for display, remnants of lacquer, very fine (3) £1,800-£2,200

A.F.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘This N.C.O. Observer has put in approximately 250 hours in flying time on Anti-Submarine Patrols, and has done useful work in locating mines, etc and is specially recommended for the Air Force Medal.’

Approximately 102 A.F.M.’s awarded for the Great War.

The recipient may have considered himself slightly unfortunate not to have been recommended for the Distinguished Flying Medal. The services for which he is cited were surely in action against the enemy. Certainly, a number of ex-RNAS officers doing identical work on anti-submarine patrols were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Thus making the awarded above somewhat unusual.

Hector Archibald Macdonald Balls was born in Colchester, Essex, in February 1900. He enlisted as a Boy Mechanic in the Royal Naval Air Service on 2 July 1917, transferring to the R.A.F. upon its formation in April 1918. Balls served as a wireless observer on seaplanes operating out of Dover, and then Dunkirk. The following, from R.N. Aircraft Serials and Units 1911-1919 by Sturtivant and Page, provides an insight into the challenges of flying a Short 184 Seaplane:

‘Short 184 Seaplane (N2968) 407 Flt, Dover, 29 July 1918. Engine failure on take-off, sideslipped and crashed 1.5 miles SW of Dover Harbour, on tow and sank under tow. Crew: Lt. L. A. Westcott and 3 A.M. H. A. M. Balls rescued unhurt.

Short 184 Seaplane (N2806) 233 Sqn, Dover, 14 November 1918. Caught fire on take off returning from Calais. Crew: Lt. I. D. Richardson and Sgt. Mech. H. A. M. Balls.’

Balls advanced to Sergeant Mechanic in October 1918, and was discharged in April 1920.

Sold with copied or original recommendation, and research.