Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce post-war A.F.M. group of eight awarded to Pilot 1, later Master Pilot, S. Goodyear, Royal Air Force, who flew Mosquito and Pioneer aircraft with 14 and 209 Squadrons; the latter on casevac operations over North Borneo and the Malay Peninsula

Air Force Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (1145998 Plt. 1. S. Goodyear. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1962-2007, 2 clasps, Borneo, Malay Peninsula (M. Plt. S. Goodyear (M1145998) R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, with Second Award Bar (M. Plt. S. Goodyear (1145998). R.A.F.) mounted as worn, generally good very fine (8) £2,600-£3,000

Provenance: Bentley Priory Sale, Spink, September 2012.

A.F.M. London Gazette 8 June 1950, the recommendation states:

‘Pilot 1 Goodyear has been in British Air Forces of Occupation since January, 1947, and has been in No. 14 (Mosquito) Squadron since October, 1947. During this time he has flown 600 hours in the Squadron, including 67 hours night flying. He has, at all times, displayed an unfailing keenness to achieve his aim. He has set an excellent example of loyalty, courage, and devotion to duty, and he has also played a large part in training new and inexperienced arrivals in his squadron. Although Pilot 1 Goodyear has only carried out 88 hours flying in the last six months, much of this has been on meteorological ascents and night flying. The meteorological ascents, in particular, are a regular duty commitment in the command, and make a notable contribution to the meteorological service. They are carried out in all conditions of weather, and seldom fail. This pilot has made a notable contribution to the service. The flying carried out to complete successful meteorological flights over a continuous period must always be of an arduous and sometimes hazardous nature. Pilot 1 Goodyear has completed 67 successful meteorological flights and, in doing so, has set a fine example of courage and determination to the whole Squadron, which has been largely responsible for the satisfactory results obtained by the Squadron.’

Sidney Goodyear served with the Royal Air Force during the Second War, and with the British Forces of Occupation from January 1947. Prior to his posting to 14 Squadron, Goodyear had carried out 1,200 hours of flying. He was posted to 14 Squadron at Wahn in Kohn, Germany, in October 1947. Goodyear was awarded the L.S. & G.C. in July 1959, and served with 209 Squadron (Pioneers) flying casevac operations over North Borneo and the Malay Peninsula.

1 of only 23 A.F.M.’s awarded to men with the rank Pilot 1.