Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A ‘1933’ A.F.C., Great War Sopwith Camel pilot’s group of eight awarded to Group Captain E. R. Openshaw, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, late Somerset Light Infantry.

Air Force Cross, G.V.R., reverse additionally engraved ‘Squadron Leader E. R. Openshaw R.A.F. July 11th 1933’, retaining rod detached on right-hand side; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. E. R. Openshaw. Som. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. E. R. Openshaw. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, mounted for display, generally very fine, unless otherwise stated (8) £1,200-£1,400

A.F.C. London Gazette 3 June 1933, the recommendation states:

‘Exceptional keenness and ability in his work. Responsible for experimenting and developing new ideas for fighter attacks.

Due to his personal initiative, energy, and fine leadership in the air that certain definite conclusions have been reached with regard to tactics to be adopted in fighter Sqdns and also that his Sqdn has attained its present high state of efficiency.’

Edward Reginald Openshaw was born in Axbridge, Somerset in April 1895, and educated at Uppingham. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 1/4th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry in September 1914, and served with the Regiment in the Mesopotamian theatre of war. Openshaw transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in May 1917, and advanced to Captain in October of that year. Having carried out initial training he was posted as a pilot for operational flying to 209 Squadron (Sopwith Camels) at Izel-le-Hameau, France, in September 1918. The squadron was engaged in fighter and ground attack missions for the remainder of the war. Openshaw’s copied log books for the period record several attempted dog fights, and a number of ground attack sorties. He obtained a permanent commission in the Royal Air Force in 1919, and was posted to H.M.S. Furious as a Deck Pilot in June of the same year.

Openshaw subsequently served with H.M.S. Argus, and had postings at Leuchars and Gosport. He was posted to 19 Squadron in April 1929, before advancing to Squadron Leader and being appointed to the command of 111 Squadron (Siskins and Bulldogs) at Hornchurch in November 1930 (A.F.C.). Openshaw undertook a specialist armament course at the Air Armament School, Eastchurch, in 1934, and was posted in that capacity to the Middle East Headquarters in Cairo. He advanced to Wing Commander in January 1937, and was appointed on the Staff at R.A.F. Uxbridge.

Openshaw advanced to Group Captain in March 1940, and served as Station Commander at R.A.F. West Freugh, No. 13 Group, Bomber Command in September 1940. He subsequently commanded No. 1 Air Observer School, Wigtown and No. 2 Air Gunner School, Dalcross. Openshaw was seconded as a liaison officer to the Boulton Paul Aircraft Company in June 1943. He retired in May 1946, and was appointed a J.P. for Somerset in 1952. Openshaw resided at Barrows Croft, Cheddar, Somerset, and died in 1974.

Sold with photographic images of recipient and extensive copied research, including photocopies of several original documents such as commissions, and recipient’s flying log books.