Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The General Service Medal awarded to Squadron Leader S. J. Beard, Royal Air Force, who was awarded the D.F.C. and Bar with No. 61 Squadron during the Second World War

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Flt. Lt. S. J. Beard. R.A.F.) extremely fine £200-240

D.F.C. London Gazette 27 October 1942.

D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 27 June 1944.

Sidney John Beard was born on 8 March 1920, and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 14 December 1940, posted to the General Duties Branch. He was promoted Flying Officer on 3 December 1941 and Flight Lieutenant on 3 December 1942. He served with No. 61 Squadron (Lancasters) during the Second World War, and was awarded the D.F.C. and Bar, taking part amongst others on operational sorties on D-Day and in the Caen Raid that heralded the Allied break-out in Normandy. He relinquished his commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on appointment to a short service commission in the Royal Air Force on 18 April 1951, and served with the R.A.F. in Malaya. He retired with the rank of Squadron Leader on 27 January 1962 and died on 24 April 1984.

Note: Beard’s attributed Second War awards, comprising D.F.C. and Bar, 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45 were sold at Glendining’s in July 1985, the catalogue noting ‘Stars and Medals all named “S. Ldr. S. J. Beard, 61 Sq. R.A.F.”’