Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 73
A scarce post-War A.F.M. group of six awarded to Squadron Leader F. Loveridge, Royal Air Force, who was three times awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air, and was later, in his civilian career, awarded the prestigious Pike Trophy in 1987 by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators
Air Force Medal, E.II.R. (132249 F. Sgt. F.J. Loveridge. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1962 -2007, 1 clasp, Borneo (Flt. Lt. F.J. Loveridge. R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (Fg. Off. F.J. Loveridge. R.A.F.); Indian Independence Medal 1947 (132249 Pil. II F.J. Loveridge. R.A.F.) mounted for display purposes together with a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air oak leaf, good very fine and possibly a unique combination of awards (6)
£2,400-£2,800 A.F.M. London Gazette 10 June 1954.
Frederick John ‘Johnnie’ Loveridge was born 4 December 1923. His Second War service details are unknown, but his Service no. indicates enlistment between June 1940 and February 1941, and enclosed with the lot are photocopies of wartime correspondence with his mother, which refer to his service at various bases in the UK including R.A.F. Upavon, R.A.F. Bourne, and R.A.F. Shawbury, including service with an Advanced Flying Unit on training duties.
After the Second War Loveridge served as an Airman Pilot, and was attached to the Royal Indian Air Force. His Indian Independence Medal is uncommonly named Pilot II, a classification rarely seen on a medal, due to its short existence between 1947 and August 1950.
Loveridge was awarded the Air Force Medal in 1954, and was promoted Master Aircrew on 20 August of that year. He was awarded his first Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air in 1957 (London Gazette 13 June 1957). He next appears whilst stranded with his crew in Paris due to engine trouble, whilst flying a Beverley from R.A.F. Dishworth. His clear lack of funds is highlighted from the photograph copy of an amusing postcard of a tramp, enclosed with the lot, addressed to his Commanding Officer which simply reads ‘Sir, Short of cash. Advise. Loveridge.’
Awarded his second Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air in 1958 (London Gazete 1 January 1959), most probably for service as an instructor at the Beverley
C.Mk.1 Operational Conversion Unit at R.A.F. Dishforth, he was put up for a commission, but quit the course at his own request; he subsequently re-joined a later course after an ‘interview without coffee’ with Air Marshal Sir Andrew McKee. After passing Officer Initial Training Course No. 93, he was commissioned Pilot Officer on 30 July 1959, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 22 November 1960, again the naming being relatively unusual in it being named to a Flying Officer, having served over twelve years of the necessary eighteen years in the ranks.
Promoted Acting Squadron Leader, Loveridge was awarded his third Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air (London Gazette 1 January 1970), before retiring aged 47 on 30 July 1971.
Continuing to fly as a civilian instructor, in 1987 the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators awarded him the prestigious Pike Trophy with the following abridged citation: ‘John Loveridge became an A2 Qualified Flying Instructor in the Royal Air Force. On retiring he continued as a Civil Flying Instructor, becoming Chief Flying Instructor and subsequently Instructor Training Manager of his Flying Training Schools He has trained well over 200 civil flying instructors, always providing sound, sensible advice and guidance to instructors after completion of their training, and during subsequent careers. His outstanding flying ability, irreverent sense of humour and depth of experience, has made him a respected but approachable "guru" on all matters connected with flying instruction and flight safety. A fine testimonial to this instructor, who excels in steadfastness and dependability, is undoubtedly the many hundreds of his students now flying professionally as instructors, commercial and military pilots.’
Sold with various photocopied photographs of the recipient and detailed research.
www.dnw.co.uk all lots are illustrated on our website and are subject to buyers’ premium at 24% (+VAT where applicable)
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225
