Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare ‘Mohmand 1933 operations’ M.I.D. group of six awarded to Leading Aircraftman., later Flight Lieutenant, T. A. Rowe, 20 Squadron, Royal Air Force

India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Mohmand 1933, North West Frontier 1935, M.I.D Oak Leaf (508932. L.A.C. T. A. Rowe. R.A.F.) with unofficial retaining rod between clasps, as issued; India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (508932. Cpl. T. A. Rowe. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R, 1st issue (W/O. T. A. Rowe. (508932). R.A.F.) mounted as originally worn, very fine (6) £800-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Royal Air Force between the Wars (1919-1939) formed by Group Captain JE Barker.

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Collection

Provenance: Group Captain F. Newall Collection, Christie’s March 1988.

M.I.D. London Gazette 3 July 1934:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service rendered in connection with the operations against the Upper Mohmands during the period July - October 1933.’

The Royal Air Force were awarded a total of 1 D.F.M. and 3 M.I.D’s for the above operations.

Thomas Anthony Rowe was born at Fritchley, Derbyshire, in October 1908. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1926, and in due course was posted to India. Whilst serving there Rowe was involved in two operations qualifying him for the India General Service Medal 1908-35. The first operations, between 28 July and 3 October 1933, were connected with the R.A.F. support of the Mohmand Column against the Upper Mohmands. His distinguished services during these operations earned him a Mention in Despatches, one of only three R.A.F. personnel so rewarded for these operations. The other two personnel were officers, Group Captain (later Air Marshal) B. E. Sutton and Flying Officer R. J. O. Bartlett. Just one squadron was involved, 20 (Army Co-operation) Squadron, together with staff from No. 1 (Indian) group Headquarters.

Rowe continued to serve with 20 Squadron, and would have been present with them two years later when he qualified for the ‘North West Frontier 1935’ clasp. The Squadron operated out of Peshawar during the continued Mohmand disputes. Rowe advanced to Corporal and was still serving in India when the Faqir of Ipi led an intensive holy war against government authorities and forces, 1936-37.

Continuing his service into the Second War, Rowe was promoted Warrant Officer 1 March 1941. He was commissioned Flying Officer in the Technical Signals Branch, in January 1955, and was advanced to Flight Lieutenant three years later. He retired in January 1965, and died at Broomborough Hospital, Totnes, Devon, 25 October 1990.

Sold with a file of copied research.