Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare and well-documented ‘Balloonatics’ campaign group of seven awarded to Flight Sergeant and Observer J. Baxter, Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force - decorated for his service whilst attached to the Belgian forces during 1917, and a Police Constable with the City of London Police prior to and after the Great War

1914-15 Star (F.4573, J. Baxter, A.M. 1. R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals (30212. F. Sgt. J. Baxter. R.A.F.); Coronation 1911, City of London Police (P.C. J. Baxter.); Jubilee 1935 (P.C. J. Baxter.); Belgium, Order of Leopold II, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver and enamel, with rosette on riband, obverse centre missing Lion; Croix de Guerre, A.I.R., bronze, with bronze palm emblem on riband, mounted for wear, but additionally mounted on card for display, generally very fine unless otherwise stated (7) £800-£1,200

Order of Leopold, Chevalier London Gazette 25 July 1918. The recommendation, dated 8 December 1917, states:

‘A non-commissioned flying officer who has rendered the greatest services during the ascents made on behalf of the British artillery placed as the disposal of the Belgian Army.’

Croix de Guerre London Gazette 25 July 1918.

The combination of Belgian awards to the R.F.C. is very rare, only five such being awarded, with a further three later awarded to the R.A.F.

James Baxter was born in Hornsey, London in May 1888. He joined the City of London Police at Cloak Lane in May 1910, and was Commended and awarded ten Shillings for courageous conduct in stopping a runaway horse on 18 July 1913. Baxter enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service in May 1915, and served with No. 8 Balloon Company in the French theatre of war from 1 September 1915. It was not long before the R.N.A.S. Balloons were transferred to the control of the Royal Flying Corps, and Navy personnel were at liberty to transfer Services if they so desired. Baxter joined the R.F.C. as Sergeant in June 1916, and the Royal Air Force in April 1918. He advanced to Flight Sergeant in April 1917, and at some stage advanced his status from being ground staff on the handling of the balloons to becoming an Observer, being entitled to wear the distinguishing observer’s brevet. Baxter was granted his Aeronaut’s Certificate by the Royal Aero Club of the UK on 2 October 1916, and as such served as a “Balloonatic” with the 16th Balloon Company, R.F.C. He was demobilised on 24 March 1919, and rejoined the City of London Police the following month. Baxter retired to Pension in May 1936, and was appointed to the First City of London Police Reserve in August 1936. He resigned in October of the same year in order to take a permanent position with the London Telephone Service of the General Post Office. After the war he resided at 1 College Hill, London, EC4, and died in November 1961.

Sold with the following original and related documentation: Bestowal Document for both Belgian awards, with Ministry of Foreign Affairs enclosure letter (both with typed translations); Ministry of Foreign Affairs enclosure for the two Belgian awards; Royal Air Force Demobilization Account document; typed letter from recipient to Officer Commanding, Port Depot, Royal Air Force, Havre, regarding his application for the 1914-15 Star, dated 6 March 1919; St. John Ambulance Association First Aid Certificate, named and dated February 1911; letter from recipient as member of the First City of London Police Reserve to the Commissioner of Police for the City of London agreeing to serve for an indefinite period from June 1936; with other ephemera and copied research.