Australian Groups

Lot 4258    Session 13 (2.30pm Thursday)    Australian Groups

Estimate $4,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $7,000

GROUP OF FIVE: Air Force Cross (GVIR); British War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; General Service Medal (GVIR) - bar - Malaya; Air Efficiency Award (EIIR). 1949 engraved on the A.F.C., 23829 N.H.Peel on second and third medals, 0156 N.H.Peel on fourth and fifth medals. Second, third and fourth medals impressed, last medal engraved. Very fine.

Sqadron Leader Noel Henry Peel RAAF. Enl.28Nov1940 Dis.01Sep1973. AFC.: LG. 01Jan1949. 'Although Warrant Officer Peel's record as a service pilot has not been unusually long, it is one of exceptional achievement and reveals highly commendable courage and devotion to duty whilst flying. On two particular occasions his courage and ability to retain his balance and judgement under most adverse and disconcerting circumstances, were wholly responsible for saving his aircraft, crew and passengers from certain disaster. At Iwakuni on 27th October 1947, Warrant Officer Peel, in very bad weather conditions called upon G.C.A. for assistance to land. Visibility was zero and the wind wa of gale strength. After two unsuccessful attempts to and by G.C.A. procedure, he was instructed to climb back to holding altitude. On the third approach, Warrant Officer Peel, due to his tenacity and skill, saved the aircraft and its complement from certain disaster. The Officer in charge of G.C.A. gave an incorrect instruction of final approach and only due to Peel's presence of mind was the aircraft prevented from flying into the sea. Carrying on, and using hsi own judgement, Warrant Officer Peel successfully avoided a sea wall and high tension cables to make a safe landing. A second incident occurred at Okinawa on 16th October 1947, in conditions of low visibility, torrential rain and in a winf of gale strength again necessitating a landing by G.C.A. procedure. However, on this occasion, the aircraft had to land downwind because the G.C.A. equipment at that time operated in only one direction. Warrant Officer Peel had no option other than to attempt to land, as his aircraft had insufficient fuel to reach the nearest alternative airfield, which was in China. He landed safely, a feat which won unstinted praise from members of the U.S.A.A.F. who witnessed it and appreciated that Peel's courage and cool-headed skill alone saved his aircraft and complement from disaster. During his flying career Warrant Officer Peel has flown more than 1600 hours, 340 of which have been flown in the last six months. Throughout his flying he has shown exceptional ability, a deep sense of responsibility, and a fearless courage, which qualify him for a wide and generous recognition'. Together with Log Books (2), pilots general note book folder containing photographs, letter re personnel involved in Atomic Weapons Tests in Australia / Post Atomic Weapon Detonation, invitations, passport.