Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare M.B.E. and ‘Far East’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer A. Kinnaird, Royal Air Force, Coxwain of a High Speed Launch when attacked off Singapore, wounded, and later taken prisoner
The Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) 2nd type; Military Medal, G.VI.R. (509367 W.O., R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (W/O (509367) R.A.F.), together with named box of issue for M.M. and original photograph of the recipient outside Buckingham Palace, generally good very fine (7)

M.B.E. London Gazette 2 January, 1956.
M.M. London Gazette 1 October, 1946: ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services rendered during the period of operations against the Japanese in Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies terminating in March, 1942.’ The following details were released by the Air Ministry News Service at the time of the award:
‘Sergeant (now Warrant Officer) Alexander Kinnaird, R.A.F. - No. 105 Air/Sea Rescue Unit. This airman was coxwain of a high speed launch which was attacked by enemy aircraft during the passage from Singapore to the Netherlands East Indies. Sections each consisting of three aircraft made no less than eleven dive-bombing and machine-gun attacks. During this engagement Sergeant Kinnaird showed great coolness, determination and courage. After being wounded in the left arm by an explosive bullet, which severed an artery, he did his best to continue his duties and was only removed from his post by force.’
The group is sold with a copy of his official service record which shows that he was reported missing, prisoner of war, from 1 February, 1943. His record also shows entitlement to the Pacific Star and not the Burma Star.