Orders, Decorations and Medals

An extremely rare “crowned-head” D.F.M. group of six awarded to Squadron Leader R. Wright, Royal Air Force, for his part in the Chitral garrison relief operations of 1932

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.V.R., 2nd ‘crowned bust’ issue (363282 Cpl. R. Wright, R.A.F.), officially impressed naming; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (363282 L.A.C., R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals, these two privately inscribed, ‘Sqn. Ldr. R. Wright, D.F.M.’ and ‘J.L.’; Jubilee 1935; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (W./O., R.A.F.), generally good very fine (6) £3000-3500

Just 22 “crowned-head” D.F.Ms were issued between 1931-37, three of them for the Chitral garrison relief operations of 1932.

D.F.M. London Gazette 8 September 1933:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service rendered during the operations in connection with the Chitral reliefs, September to October 1932.’

Roland Wright, who was born in October 1905, was decorated for his part in the operations that led to the successful biennial relief of the Chitral garrison in 1932. In previous years, the Nawab of Dir had been able to guarantee the garrision’s safe passage, albeit with a small escort, but in September 1932, as a result of anti-British agitators raising small lashkars of hostile tribesmen, his forces were quickly occupied, and it was therefore decided to despatch a special mobile column of all arms to protect the garrison during its journey through Shamozair country. And in order to support that initiative, five R.A.F. squadrons (11, 20, 27, 39 and 60) were placed under the control of the G.O.C.-in-C., Northern Command, who in turn delegated control to the Commander, Peshawar District.

Prior to the commencement of bombing operations, warning notices were issued, but these had little effect in demoralising the hostile tribesmen, who regularly greeted our aircraft with heavy rifle fire. Bombing operations actually commenced on 17 September and were continued on an intensive scale until the 23rd, as a result of which most of the lashkars were broken up and dispersed, but small parties of “diehards” held on in certain areas, as a result of which air operations were extended. When, at length, the relief column got safely home, the Commander, Peshawar District, relinquished control of the Royal Air Force’s operational agenda, but independent sorties were flown right through until 16 October, when an agreement was struck between the hostile tribesmen and our local Political Agent.

Wright added the Jubilee Medal to his accolades in 1935, while serving as a Corporal in No. 4 (Army Co-operation) Squadron (the official roll refers), and was commissioned as a probationary Flying Officer in November 1940. Granted the permanent rank of Flight Lieutenant in July 1946, he was placed on the Retired List as a Squadron Leader (Engineering Branch) in October 1954.