Lot 3962

Description

Trio: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1377 Sjt. R.J.Lillywhite R.F.C. on first medal, 2 Lieut. R.J.Lillywhite on second and third medals. All medals impressed. Uncirculated.

Captain Robert John Lillywhite, born Chichester 12Apr1893, the nephew of famous cricketer, James Lillywhite; awarded Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate no.720 on 01Jan1914, then worked as flying instructor; was involved in Britain's first parachute descent at Hendon, W.Newell (parachutist), F.W.Gooden (pilot), pilot R.J.Lillywhite (passenger); Enl.08Aug1914 under Special Order of 04Aug1914 as Sergeant Pilot; served in France from Dec1914; commissioned 2 Lieutenant 28Sep1915; RFC communiqu‚ No.16 of 26Oct1915, No.22 of 22Nov1915, No.25 of 19Dec1915 involved in aerial combat; Jan1916 in No 3 Sqn with his Observer, Sjt J B McCudden, who was one of the most highly decorated airmen of WWI being awarded VC, DSO and Bar, MC and Bar, MM and French Croix de Guerre; 01Sep1916 promoted to Captain; killed in flying accident at the Front 26Nov1916; buried Westhampnett (St Peter's) Churchyard. With research. See lot 3993 L/Cpl H V Lillywhite, possibly a relative.