Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A unique M.S.M., D.M.M. group of eight to Squadron Leader G. A. Baverstock, Rhodesian Air Force, late South African Air Force and Royal Air Force

Rhodesia, Meritorious Service Medal (Civil) (Mr. G. A. Baverstock); Rhodesia, Defence Forces’ Medal for Meritorious Service (Sqn. Ldr. G. A. Baverstock); Rhodesia, General Service Medal (Flt. Lt. G. A. Baverstock); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (Flt/Lt Baverstock G. A.) officially engraved naming to last, mounted as worn, generally very fine or better (8) £500-600

M.S.M. (Civil) awarded 20 April 1979, citation states:

‘Before retirement from the Rhodesian Air Force Mr Baverstock became involved, through the Joint Planning Committee of the Ministry of Defence at that time, with the technical photographic problems and planning involved in the establishment of National Registration. On retirement from the Air Force he immediately joined the Ministry of Internal Affairs to assist the Registrar-General with the implementation of the scheme. His expertise and technical knowledge and diligent application to the task contributed greatly to the successful implementation of National Registration and which also resulted in a great saving on foreign exchange in both capital outlay and running costs.’
 
D.M.M. awarded 11 November 1975, citation states: 

‘Squadron Leader Baverstock was the station photographic officer at Rhodesian Air Force Station New Sarum from 1st January 1964, to the date of his retirement. During this difficult period, through the application of a high degree of professional knowledge and resourcefulness, he has made a significant contribution to the development of the highly efficient photographic reconnaissance capability that the force enjoys today. His determination and inventive capacity especially when beset with the problems associated with a difficult supply situation, were a fine example to all members of his section and this force.’
 
George Albert Baverstock was born in London, 24 June 1922. He served during the Second War with the Royal Air Force, and transferred to the South African Air Force after 1946. Baverstock was stationed at A.F.B. Swartkop, Pretoria, 1948-51, before transferring to the Rhodesian Air Force. He served at New Sarum, Salisbury, Rhodesia, 1951-74, before subsequently being employed with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Salisbury, from 1974. Baverstock died in Natal, South Africa, 10 November 1981.

Group unique to the Rhodesian Air Force.

Sold with the following original documentation: Bestowal document, including citation, for Defence Forces’ Medal for Meritorious Service, dated 8 October 1975; carbon copy of citation for M.S.M. (Civil); photograph of recipient in uniform, and letter from recipient’s widow. Sold with photographic images of recipient.