The Tom May Collection -British Groups

Lot 2065    Session 7 (11.30am Wednesday)    The Tom May Collection -British Groups

Estimate $2,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $6,500

GROUP OF FOUR TO FLIGHT COMMANDER AND TEST PILOT: Military Cross (GRI); Air Force Cross (GRI); British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. First two medals unnamed, Capt. L.H.Peter. R.F.C. on third and fourth medals. Swing mounted, extremely fine - good extremely fine.

Together with matching set of miniatures. MC: LG 18/7/1917, Lt (t/Capt) L.H.Peter 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, when leading a reconnaissance his party was attacked by hostile scouts. He kept his machines together and carried out a successful photograph reconnaissance despite a strong attack. To his leadership and initiative were largely due the success of the patrol.' AFC: LG 2/11/1918, Capt (T/Maj) L.H.Peter MC, RE & RFC General citation: 'In recognition of valuable flying services performed in their various capacities, flying instructor, test, ferry and experimental pilots etc.' Leslie Hurst Peter was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Engineers in October 1914. During his early service he helped develop the anti-aircraft searchlight. He volunteered for RFC pilot training in early 1916 and upon graduation flew Home Defence patrols until November 1916. He transferred to No 70 Sqduadron in France, flying Sopwiths on hazardous observation missions. Soon after he became a Flight Commander. He was awarded the Military Cross in July 1917 and transferred to No 67 Training Squadron, then later to Test Pilot duties. In March 1918 he was given command of No 55 Squadron, first on Home Defence duties, then on active duty on France (DH 4 bombers) until June 1918. During the last months of Major Peter's command Lt W E Johns (creator of Biggles) commenced flying with the squadron. For the remainder of the war he served as an Instructor and Test Pilot, both duties considered extremely hazardous in those early years of flying. In recognition of outstanding service in these roles he was awarded the Air Force Cross in November 1918. Leslie Hurst Peter's military appointments as follows; LG 21/7/1916, p7220, 2nd Lt L.H.Peter, Cornwall Fortress Engineers, R.E., T.F. LG 28/7/1916, p7493, Cornwall (Fortress) Engineers, 2nd Lt L.H.Peter is seconded for duty with R.F.C, 5th July 1916. Supplement to LG 11/4/1917, p3462, Royal Flying Corps, Flight Comdr - from Flying Officer and to be temp Capt whilst so employed - 2nd Lt (temp Lt) L.H.Peter, R.E., T.F., 25th March 1917. LG 28/5/1918, p6226, Royal Air Force, Flying Branch, to be temp Maj whilst employed as Maj (Flying) - (Temp Capt) L.H.Peter, M.C., 30th April 1918. LG 9/3/1920, p2907, Royal Air Force, Flying Branch, transfer to unemployed list - Capt L.H.Peter, M.C., A.F.C., 9th January 1919. Supplement to LG 17/1/1922, Territorial Army, relinquished commission 30th September 1921 under A.O.166/1921 as amended by A.O.332/21 and retains rank - Lt L.H.Peter, M.C., A.F.C. LG 26/9/1939, granted a commission as a Pilot Officer on probation in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve for the duration of hostilities with effect from 19 September 1939. LG 19/1/1940, p382, the above notification of 26/9/1939 cancelled. In the 1936 journal of The Institution of Electrical Engineers a paper was published titled, Modern Developments in Railway Signalling by Maj L.H.Peter AFC, MC. Major L.H.Peter AFC, MC is listed in attendance at the Annual Dinner of The Institution of Electrical Engineers and is recorded as Chairman of Radio Manufacturers' Association. With research.