A Collection of Awards to the Royal Air Force Between the Wars (1919-1939), formed by Group Captain J E Barker 777
The unique ‘Waziristan and North West Frontier’ D.F.C. and Two Bars, Great War A.F.C. group of ten awarded to Airship, De Haviland, Wapiti and Hawker Hart pilot, Group Captain S. B. ‘Bunny’ Harris, Royal Air Force, late Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps. Having served both at sea and in the air during the Great War, Harris went on to make a name for himself with 27 and 39 Squadrons on the North West Frontier between the wars. His prowess as a bombing formation leader was recognised by the award of three D.F.C.’s earned over a ten year period. He flew in some of the most challenging conditions, and over some of the most hostile terrain, and is frequently mentioned by his 27 Squadron contemporary Albert Cowton in his book - With the First in the Field.
Harris also flew in the pioneering long distance flight from Risalpur to Calcutta and back, in January 1925, before commanding 39 Squadron, 1930-33, when he is recorded by the Squadron History as transforming them from the ‘Flowers of England’s Youth’ to ‘Veterans of the Frontier.’
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, G.V.R., with Second and Third Award Bars, reverse additionally engraved ‘F/Lt. S. B. Harris A.F.C. R.A.F.’; AIR FORCE CROSS, G.V.R., reverse additionally engraved ‘Hon. Capt. S. B. Harris R.A.F.’; 1914-15 STAR (Mid. S. B. Harris, R.N.R.); BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Capt. S. B. Harris. R.A.F.) BWM partially officially corrected; INDIAGENERAL SERVICE 1908-35, 2 clasps, Waziristan 1921-24, North West Frontier 1930-31 (F/O S. B. Harris. R.A.F.); 1939-45 STAR; AFRICA STAR;DEFENCE ANDWARMEDALS 1939-45, last four privately engraved ‘Group Captain S. B. Harris, D.F.C., A.F.C.’, mounted for display, generally very fine (10)
£8000-12000
Provenance: Aviation Collection, Spink, May 1998. D.F.C. London Gazette 30 May 1924:
‘In recognition of distinguished service rendered with the Waziristan Force between January, 1922 and April, 1923.’ The recommendation states:
‘This Officer has carried out 53 raids out of a total of 58. At all times he has performed his duties with skill and daring and has not hesitated to fly low altitudes in spite of fire from the ground, in order to reach his objective.’ D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 26 June 1931:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service rendered in connection with the operations on the North West Frontier of India between the 23rd April and 12th September, 1930.’ The recommendation states:
‘During the period 23 April to 11 October 1930, this Officer has carried 66 operational flights of which 55 have been bombing raids across the border. His keenness and efficiency as a Bombing Formation Leader have been infectious, and this spirit is clearly reflected by his Squadron. His courage and devotion to duty are of a very high order.’
D.F.C. Third Award Bar London Gazette 8 September 1933:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service rendered in connection with the operations on the North West Frontier of India during the periods 28th January, 1932 to 8th February, 1932 and 6th March, 1932 to 18th March, 1932.’ A.F.C. London Gazette 2 November 1918. M.I.D. London Gazette 1 May 1918.
Stafford Berkeley ‘Bunny’ Harris was the son of G. H. Harris, Master Mariner, and was born at 31 St. Stephen’s Avenue, Shepherds Bush, London, in February 1896. He entered the Royal Naval Reserve as Probationary Midshipman in August 1912, and initially served during the Great War with H.M.S. Otway. Harris was posted as Acting Sub Lieutenant for service with H.M.S. Hercules (battleship) in February 1916. Subsequent service included with H.M.S. Princess Royal, before transferring to the Royal Naval Air Service. Harris advanced to Lieutenant in January 1918, and served at Luce Bay Airship Station throughout 1918. Stationed at the latter he was engaged on Anti-Submarine Patrols in airships operating over the Irish Channel and the North Sea.
Dirigibles to De Havilands
Harris transferred to the Royal Air Force as Lieutenant Dirigibles in April 1918, and was Flying Officer Airships from August the following year. After the war he was posted to the R.A.F. Airship Base at Howden, from which he was sent No. 1 F.T.S. Netheravon for further instruction. Harris gained his ‘Wings’, and also qualified from a Specialist Course on Meteorology, in 1920. He was posted as a Flight Lieutenant and pilot to 27 Squadron (DH9A’s) at Risalpur, India, in November 1921. Harris flew with the Squadron on operations to Waziristan, from 1922, and illustrations of some of these early style of operations against dissident tribesmen may be found in the diary writings of Albert Cowton. The latter served as a Sergeant in Harris’s ‘A’ Flight at the time, and his diary was later published under the title With the First in the Field.
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