Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Lieutenant H. Kirby, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, who was a F.E.2.d pilot with 20 Squadron, and was shot down over France and taken POW, 12 May 1917. He was subsequently mentioned in despatches for gallantry whilst in captivity

British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. H. Kirby. R.A.F) mounted for wear, BWM with official corrections, toned, nearly extremely fine (2) £200-£240

M.I.D. London Gazette 16 December 1919:

‘For gallantry whilst Prisoners of War in escaping, or attempting to escape, from captivity, or for valuable services rendered in the prison camps of the enemy.’

Harold Kirby was a native of Coventry, and his brother Hugh served as Captain with the Royal Air Force during the Great War. Kirby was commissioned Second Lieutenant (on probation) in the Royal Flying Corps in August 1916. After carrying out training as a pilot, he was posted for operational flying to 20 Squadron (F.E.2d’s) in France, April 1917.

Kirby took off on a bombing operation at 6.34am, 12 May 1917. He was shot down and forced to land with his Observer Sergeant T. E. Wait. The aircraft was captured, and both airmen were taken prisoner of war. Kirby was repatriated in January 1919.