Just picked up this great VC group to RAAF recipient Sir Edward Hughie. It's his mounted miniatures in a fitted tailored case that includes his wing.
Arthur Hoyle, DFC knew Edwards during the war and wrote a book about him.
Citation for the award of the Victoria Cross <O
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Acting Wing Commander Hughie Idwal EDWARDS D.F.C. (39005), No.105, Squadron. <O></O>
The group includes a large original custom leather case with "Sir Hughie Edwards, V.C" embossed in gold across the top with cut out for the min group and cut out for original cloth RAF pilot wings which are also included. Also has a binder with a photo of Cmdr Edwards in front of his Mosquito, original newspaper clippings of his retirement and later obituary, some reference to a researcher confirming his awards and some photocopies of other photos.
The medals include the V.C, KCMG, CB, DSO, OBE, DFC, Knight St Johns, '39-45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star with Rosette, Africa Star, Burma Star, Defence Medal, '39-45 War Medal (M.I.D.), G.S. Medal 1918-1962 with SE ASIA 1945-46 Bar, Coronation 1953, & Jubilee 1977.
Edwards was, I believe, the most decorated Aussie airman of WWII and the first soldier in WWII to receive the VC, DSO, DFC. Interestingly, he lost the use of his right leg from the knee down in 1938 after bailing out of his Blenheim which was going down and having his chute tangle in the radio mast. He actually was dragged down with the aircraft and survived! His determination and willpower saw him through two years of recuperation and a return to flight status. Edwards specialized in low level attacks and flew Blenheims, Mosquitoes and Lancasters e and continued to fly combat missions even after a posting as Station Commander at Binbrook. His postwar service included ADC to the Queen in the 60's and Governor of Western Australia 74-75. He retired from ill health from his war wounds in 1975. His full size medals are on display in the Australian War Museum.
The medals include the V.C, KCMG, CB, DSO, OBE, DFC, Knight St Johns, '39-45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star with Rosette, Africa Star, Burma Star, Defence Medal, '39-45 War Medal (M.I.D.), G.S. Medal 1918-1962 with SE ASIA 1945-46 Bar, Coronation 1953, & Jubilee 1977.
Edwards was, I believe, the most decorated Aussie airman of WWII and the first soldier in WWII to receive the VC, DSO, DFC. Interestingly, he lost the use of his right leg from the knee down in 1938 after bailing out of his Blenheim which was going down and having his chute tangle in the radio mast. He actually was dragged down with the aircraft and survived! His determination and willpower saw him through two years of recuperation and a return to flight status. Edwards specialized in low level attacks and flew Blenheims, Mosquitoes and Lancasters e and continued to fly combat missions even after a posting as Station Commander at Binbrook. His postwar service included ADC to the Queen in the 60's and Governor of Western Australia 74-75. He retired from ill health from his war wounds in 1975. His full size medals are on display in the Australian War Museum.
Arthur Hoyle, DFC knew Edwards during the war and wrote a book about him.
http://www.warbooks.com.au/IndividualBooks/hughieedwardsvc.html
http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Edwards_HI.htm
http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Edwards_HI.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hughie_Edwards
http://www.awm.gov.au/fiftyaustralians/17.asp
http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews/editions/4409/story08.htm
A google search will bring up hundreds of references to Sir Hughie Edwards!
http://www.awm.gov.au/fiftyaustralians/17.asp
http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews/editions/4409/story08.htm
A google search will bring up hundreds of references to Sir Hughie Edwards!
></O>Acting Wing Commander Hughie Idwal EDWARDS D.F.C. (39005), No.105, Squadron. <O
></O>Wing Commander Edwards, although handicapped by a physical disability resulting from a flying accident has repeatedly displayed gallantry of the highest order in pressing home bombing attacks from very low heights against strongly defended objectives. On 4th July, 1941, he. led an important attack on the Port of Bremen, one of the most heavily defended towns in Germany. This attack had to be made in daylight and there were no clouds to afford concealment. During the approach to the German coast several enemy ships were sighted and Wing Commander Edwards knew that his aircraft would be reported and that the defences would be in a state of readiness. Undaunted by this misfortune he brought his formation 50 miles overland to the target, flying at a height of little more than 50 feet, passing under high-tension cables, carrying away telegraph wires and finally passing through a formidable balloon barrage. On reaching Bremen he was met with a hail of fire, all his aircraft being hit and four of them being destroyed. Nevertheless he made a most successful attack, and then with the greatest skill and coolness withdrew the surviving aircraft without further loss. Throughout the execution of this operation which he had planned personally with full knowledge of the risks entailed, Wing Commander Edwards displayed the highest possible standard of gallantry and determination. (London Gazette – 22 Jul 1941)
Thanks for letting me share! I've owned some rather nice medals in my life but doubt I'll ever own a full sized VC group. Rather proud to have this group!
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