Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

A Second World War A.F.C. group of seven awarded to Wing Commander G. Greaves, Auxiliary Air Force: he flew patrols in Hurricanes of No. 504 Squadron during the winter of 1939-40

Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1941’; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sqn. Ldr., A.A.F.), mounted for wear, nearly extremely fine (7) £800-1000

A.F.C. London Gazette 24 September 1941.

George Greaves was originally commissioned into the R.A.F’s Special Reserve as a Pilot Officer in October 1935, and gained advancement to Flying Officer in April 1937 and to Flight Lieutenant in September 1939, the latter appointment while serving in No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron, A.A.F. at Digby.

In common with other Auxiliary Air Force squadrons, No. 504 boasted an array of colourful personalities, among them Prince Obolensky, the famous rugby player, and, inevitably, a number of future aces, such as Victor Beamish and Count Czernin. For his own part, Greaves undoubtedly flew patrols in the Squadron’s Hurricanes over the winter of 1939-40, but it seems clear from surviving records that he had moved to pastures new before No. 504 set off for France in May 1940.

His subsequent award of the A.F.C. reflected ‘services rendered in operational commands of the Royal Air Force for the period 1 October 1940 to 31 March 1941’, but further research is required to establish his unit and deeds.

Greaves was advanced to Temporary Squadron Leader in March 1941 and to Temporary Wing Commander in January 1943, and was awarded his Air Efficiency Award in April of the latter year. He was released from active service in the same rank in October 1945.