A scarce Great War 1918 ‘immediate’ M.M. group of three awarded to Balloon Winch Operator, Corporal Mechanic F. Ludlow, No. 37 Balloon Section, Royal Air Force, who was originally recommended for the D.C.M. as a result of his gallantry during heavy shelling on his winch position near Vis-En-Artois on 5 September 1918. Despite being wounded, he ‘remained at his post and let up the balloon to a sufficient height to enable the Observers to parachute, thereby saving their lives’

Military Medal, G.V.R. (18387 Cpl Mech: F. Ludlow. R.A.F.); British War and Victory Medals (18387. Cpl. F. Ludlow. R.A.F.) mounted on card for display, generally good very fine (3) £1,800-£2,200

M.M. London Gazette 8 November 1918. The original recommendation (for the award of a D.C.M.) states:

‘1st Balloon Wing, No. 37 Balloon Section.

On the 5th September 1918, when the winch of No. 37 Balloon Section was under heavy shell fire East of Vis-en-Artois, this N.C.O. although wounded in the leg, remained at his post and let up the balloon to a sufficient height to enable the Observers to parachute, thereby saving their lives. He then assisted in removing the wounded under heavy shell fire.’

Approximately 92 M.M.s awarded to the R.A.F. for the Great War.

Frederick Ludlow was born in Bethnal Green, London, in December 1888. Having been employed as a Machine Winder, Ludlow enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps as a Winch Operator in January 1916. He initially served with No. 8 Balloon Section in France from May 1916, prior to transferring to No. 37 Balloon Section. Ludlow advanced to Corporal in May 1917, and transferred as Corporal Mechanic to the Royal Air Force in April 1918.

Ludlow distinguished himself on 5 September 1918, during which action his Balloon Section suffered casualties of seven killed. He suffered gun shot wounds to the knee during the attack, and was hospitalised until 25 October 1918. Ludlow remained in France until returning to the U.K. in March 1919. He was discharged to the Reserve the following month.

Sold with copied service papers.