Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Captain W. R. B. Annesley, Royal Air Force, late Royal Engineers

British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. W. R. B. Annesley. R.A.F.) very fine (2) £100-£140

William Robert Bathurst Annesley was born in Bideford, Devon, in 1892 and was educated at Cheltenham College and St. Andrew’s University. He was commissioned second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers (Territorial Force) on 24 September 1914, and served with the Royal Engineers during the Great War in Gallipoli from September 1915 (also entitled to a 1914-15 Star), and was later seconded to the Royal Flying Corps as an Observer Flying Officer in October 1915. He completed pilot training in Egypt and was granted his Royal Aero Club Aviators Certificate in January 1917.

Annesley was was posted to 34 Squadron, 14th Wing, in March 1918, a bomber/ reconnaissance/ artillery spotting unit stationed at San Luca. During his time he was involved in various duties including photo reconnaissance, night flying and solo bombing. For his services in Italy he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 5 June 1919). He later joined 31 Squadron, 1st India Wing, as a pilot flying Bristol Fighters in India; this unit was commanded at the time by Squadron Leader A. T. Harris, the future Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Bomber Command.

Annesley was attached to the Royal Canadian Air Force on Special Duties in February 1927, and died in Toronto, Canada whilst still assigned on 16 August 1927.

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