Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare D.S.C., D.F.C. group of six awarded to Major T. Hinshelwood, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, who flew with the South African Aviation Corps during the campaign in German South West Africa 1914-15
Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R.; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (Flt.S.Lt., R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Major, R.A.F.); Italy, Al Valore Militare, silver (Basso Adriatico 1918), extremely fine (6)

D.S.C. London Gazette 14 September, 1918: Flt. Sub. Lieut., R.N.A.S. (now Capt., R.A.F.).
“For general good work and successful long reconnaissances under fire when serving with the Expeditionary Force in German South West Africa in 1914. Exhibited courage and resource when compelled to make a forced landing, whilst endeavouring to re-establish touch with the right advance on Olavifontein.”
D.F.C. London Gazette 21 September, 1918: Capt. (T/Maj.), Sea Patrol.
“A most efficient squadron commander. With great ability and judgement he has led his squadron on photographic and long distance bombing raids, obtaining valuable information. The high standard of efficiency attained by his squadron is largely due to his personal influence.”
M.I.D. London Gazette 22 August, 1918 (German S.W. Africa).
Sold with an original portrait photograph and some research including a summary of Fighter Patrols carried out during 1916, and a copy of a ‘Report on work of South African Aviation Corps in the campaign in German South West Africa’ by Major G. P. Wallace, Officer Commanding, S.A.A.C. Hinshelwood is favourably mentioned several times in this report: “To one with experience of the ordinary uses of an aeroplane under the conditions mentioned their flights [referring in addition to Captain Creed] from Walvis Bay to Karibib, Omaruru, (reconnaissance there) Kalkfeld, Otjitasu, Brakpan, the work from there and the return to Walvis Bay without damage of any sort to their machines appear to be almost unprecedented”. Wallace reports in detail on Hinshelwood’s forced landing and concludes “He is, though only 18 years of age, one of the finest pilots I have had the pleasure of working with”.
Major T. Hinshelwood died on 16 June, 1928, just a few weeks short of his 32nd Birthday.