Lot 4335

Description

Group of Eight: Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, - one clasp - Vietnam; Vietnam Medal 1964-73; Defence Force Service Medal with two bars; National Medal with bar; Australian Defence Medal; RAF Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (EIIR coinage bust type 2); Air Efficiency Award (EIIR Type 1); South Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, - one clasp - 1960-. E.W.Barnes A18592 on first and third medals, A18592 Barnes E.W. on second, fourth, sixth and seventh medals, A18592 E.W.Barnes on fifth medal, Barnes E.W. on eighth medal (top of medal not visible because of court mounting). First and third medals pantographed, second and fifth - eighth medals impressed, fourth medal engraved. Court mounted, extremely fine.

There is an MID emblem attached to the ribbon of the Vietnam Medal but there is no record of any entitlment to this award for Cpl Barnes. Corporal Ernest William Barnes, Safety Equipment Worker; served in Vietnam 19Nov1968 - 20Nov1969 with No.35 Sqn, nicknamed Wallaby Airlines, which operated DHC-04 Caribous flying out of Vung Tau airfield. While in Vietnam this squadron set new standards for Caribou flying, maintenance and safety. Receiving little recognition in Australia, the squadron played an oustanding and vital role in supplying allied forces. The U.S. Command, being unable to achieve the same level of performance from its own units, requested additional Caribou squadrons from the Australian Government. This request was denied as Australia only had two such squadrons, the one already in Vietnam and one required for home service. Safety Equipment Worker (SEW) trade training encompassed flying clothing aspects and included parachute and lifecraft courses. These workers maintained all safety and survival equipment for the aircraft.