Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare ‘North West Frontier’ B.E.M. group six awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 A. R. Clarke, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, for distinguished service with 11 Squadron at Risalpur, India

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.V.R. (No. 315032 Flt. Sergt. Arthur Richard Clarke. R.A.F.); British War Medal 1914-20 (315032. Sgt. Mech. A. R. Clarke. R.A.F.) Victory Medal 1914-19 (M.2444 A. R. Clarke. P.O.M. R.N.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (315032. F/Sgt. A. R. Clarke. R.A.F.) number partially officially corrected; Jubilee 1935; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (315032. F/Sgt. A. R. Clarke. R.A.F.) mounted for display on card, solder repair to central post of last, nearly very fine (6) £800-£1,000

B.E.M. London Gazette 31 July 1931:

‘For services rendered in connection with the operations on the North West Frontier of India between 23 April 1930 and 12 September 1930.’

The original recommendation states:

‘During period May to September, 1930, at Risalpur, N.W.F.P., this N.C.O. has shown a marked devotion to duty and has set an excellent example to all ranks during a period of intensive work under trying weather conditions.’

1 of only 38 B.E.M.’ (G.V.R.) awarded to the Royal Air Force, and 1 of 7 awarded for distinguished service on the North West Frontier.

Arthur Richard Clarke was born in 1894, and joined the Royal Navy in August 1910. He was lent to the Royal Naval Air Service, 25 October 1912 (his R.A.F. personnel number is from the block allotted to ex Royal Navy personnel who were lent to the R.N.A.S. but not formally enrolled into it, and who subsequently transferred to the R.A.F. upon its formation. The differing numbers and Service on the BWM and VM are unusual). Clarke transferred to the Royal Air Force in April 1918, and became an Aircraft Hand and then Rigger (Aero). He served with 11 Squadron at Risalpur, 1928 - 1931, and advanced to Sergeant Major 2nd Class in October 1931 (awarded L.S. & G.C. August 1928). Clarke advanced to Warrant Officer Class 2 in January 1933, and was discharged in October 1936. He died in July 1956.

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