Medals & Coins, Arms & Armour - 1st May 2019

Lot 505

The fine Siege of Malta O.B.E group of ten medals to Wing Commander Henry Hipwood

Estimate £500 - £700 | Hammer £1400

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Description

The fine Siege of Malta O.B.E group of ten medals to Wing Commander Henry Hipwood, O.B.E., Royal Air Force: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Officer's breast badge (military), superimposed busts type; 1914-15 Star (2195 1 A. M. H. HIPWOOD. R.F.C.); British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal (2195. SGT. H. HIPWOOD. R.F.C.); 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, British War Medal 1939-45, all unnamed as issued; R.A.F. Meritorious Service Medal, George V (2195 C.M.M. H. HIPWOOD. R.A.F.); R.A.F. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, George V (2195. S.M. 1. H. HIPWOOD. R.A.F.); together with associated documents and copy research; grades vary from very fine to extremely fine.

Warrant Officer 1st Class R.A.F. 01/04/18; M.S.M. L.G.: 03/06/19; Sqn. Ldr (temp) L.G.: 20/09/40; Wg Cdr (temp) L.G.: 16/12/41; O.B.E. L.G.: 01/01/42.

The recommendation for this officer's O.B.E. refers to his part in the defence of Malta, and the importance of his role in that vital and valiant effort was clearly very significant: "As chief technical officer at Kalafrana, Squadron Leader Hipwood has been responsible for the overhaul and repair of all aircraft in the island during a period when the number of aircraft has increased from three Gladiators to its present size and complication. Frequent shortages of spares and equipment have made a great deal of improvisation necessary but this has been tackled with great efficiency and initiative. It is chiefly due to Squadron Leader Hipwood's example of hard work and quiet efficiency that such a high standard of work has been turned out in spite of difficulties"