British Groups

Lot 4022    The J.J.Atkinson Collection    British Groups

Estimate $7,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $10,500

GROUP OF NINE TO WING COMMANDER LESLIE FREDERICK BANKS, 206 Squadron, Royal Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross (1945); Air Force Cross (1955); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star (France and Germany); Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45; General Service Medal 1918 - two bars - Cyprus, Near East (Wg. Cdr. L.F.Banks. R.A.F.); Coronation Medal 1953; Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star (France). Court mounted for wear. General Service Medal named engraved, others unnamed. Very fine.

DFC: London Gazette 27 July 1945. 'For gallant and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations. This officer is one of the most outstanding personalities of the squadron during the history of the war. He has completed nearly a thousand operational flying hours and nearly a hundred sorties and is never satisfied unless he is contributing to the squadron's work either operationally or on the ground. His keenness to engage the enemy is a by-word to the squadron and he spent his last leave period flying over Germany with Bomber Command. On a previous leave he went to a neighbouring squadron in Coastal Command and flew on anti-shipping operations in the hopes that he would learn something that would be of use to this squadron. F/Lt Banks is the first navigator on this squadron who has been given a crew of his own. As a captain he inspires his crew with the same offensive spirit for which he is himself so famous. On April 2nd, 1945 F/Lt Banks was 1st navigator on an aircraft which made an attack on a ship in the Skaggerak. He was as cool and efficient in action as one would expect of him. I consider that this officer's operational record and example to be exceptional. I strongly recommend him for the D.F.C.'

AFC: London Gazette 1 January 1955. 'Squadron Leader Banks took command of No. 240 (Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance) Squadron in May 1952. He held this Command for a period of two years during which he succeeded in establishing his Squadron as an extremely efficient operational unit. He set an excellent example to all his subordinates in his enthusiasm for flying. He joined the squadron with a total of only 328 hours as a pilot, yet during the period in question he increased his experience to 1061 hours and still found time to maintain his exceptional standard as a navigator which was his former aircrew mustering, to the extent of 225 hours. His zest for hazardous duties was not satisfied by building the experience mentioned above. He delighted in parachute descents and qualified as a parachutist whilst in No. 240 Squadron. Further, he qualified as a diver during a detachment to Malta and in this capacity has a total of 10 hours underwater to his credit. This officer sets an example of the spirit of adventure which is to be encouraged in all officers of the Royal Air Force. Squadron Leader Banks by his example and personality, has made an impression on No. 240 Squadron which will be evident for a considerable period.'

Croix de Guerre: Army Corps (Order of) 5 June 1945. 'For exceptional services in the operations leading to the liberation of France'.

Together with copies of original recommendations for the first and second awards and details of approval for the award of the Croix de Guerre.

On 11 September 1944, General Juin, the Chief of General Staff of National Defence offered French awards for service in France or in air operations directly concerned with the liberation of France between 6 June 1944 and 1 September 1944. Squadron Leader Banks was recommended and subsequently awarded the 'Croix de Guerre avec etoile bronze' by the French authorities. He was presented with the insignia at an investiture held in the Institut Francais on 15 January 1947. (The appropriate file which is now lodged in the PRO, is A725299/44 (now AIR 2/9645).