The Extremely Rare and Possibly Unique WW2 MBE (Military) and Dunkirk Evacuation Military Medal (M.M

The Extremely Rare and Possibly Unique WW2 MBE (Military) and Dunkirk Evacuation Military Medal (M.M) Medal Group of Acting Group Captain Leslie Ralph Flower of the Royal Air Force, An Unusual Example of an Army Gallantry Award to a Member of the RAF For Service at Sea, group consists of M.B.E. 2nd type Military, Military Medal GVI “517225 CPL L. R. FLOWER R.A.F.”, 1939-45 star, Atlantic star, Defence medal, War medal 1939-45 (last 4 unnamed as issued), General Service medal 1918-62 ERII with clasp Malaya “FLT LT. L. R. FLOWER R.A.F”. - Group mounted as worn by the recipient. This group is sold with the following related items, Original bestowal document for the award of the MBE, named to Pilot Officer Leslie Ralph Flower MM RAF and dated 2nd June 1943. Also with case for MBE. Recipients Dunkirk medal in card box of issue. A framed picture (59 x 69.5cm) with caricatures of the members of the officer’s mess RAF Felixstowe, dated October 1949. An engraved silver (h/m Birmingham 1970) presentation cigarette box. The engraving on the lid depicts the Long Range Recovery and Search Craft of the type introduced by Group Captain Flower during his time as Director RAF Marine Craft. The engraving on the front depicts the Seaplane Tender which Group Captain Flower took to Dunkirk in 1940. The inscription on the inside of the lid reads ‘Presented to Group Captain L R Flower MBE MM RAF by the Officers and Airmen of the Marine Branch November 1970’. A cased model, by Brian Williams, of RAF High Speed Launch 127 deploying in support of Operation Jubilee (Dieppe raid 19th August 1942). Flying Officer Flower was Master of this craft during the operation. Presentation plaque with crest for RAF Mount Batten, presented to Group Captain Flower on his retirement from the service. Plaque inscribed ‘Presented to Gp Capt L R Flower MBE, MM RAF from the Officers and Men of RAF Mount Batten November 1970’. 2 printed folders of supporting information providing details of Group Captain Flowers service career and including an extremely detailed account of his involvement in the Dunkirk evacuation written by the Group Captain himself. Memory stick containing an audio file of an interview given by Grp Cpt Flower to Radio Solent on the 50th anniversary of Dunkirk. M.B.E Military – London Gazette 2nd June 1943. Information from the vendor indicates that this award relates to his time at RAF Carsewall when he led the rescue of a number of flying boats that had broken free of their moorings during a storm, thus keeping the unit operational. Military Medal – London Gazette 1st January 1941 ‘The King has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant conduct’, The original citation for the Military medal reads; “One Pinnace and 5 Seaplane Tenders left Calshot at 0430 hours on Thursday, 30th May, and proceeded to Dunkirk to assist in the evacuation of the B.E.F. They were towed by a tug but owing to rough weather the tow had to be cast off and the boats were ordered to proceed under their power. They were then engaged on the very difficult task of ferrying soldiers from the beach to larger vessels lying off the shore. During this operation, although not individually attacked, they were constantly under shell fire and subject to raids. Under difficult circumstances of a lee shore and heavy swell it has been reported that some 500 men were taken off and saved. In the process two Seaplane Tenders were lost, one through over-crowding and the second through damage to propellers and subsequent grounding. On Sunday, the 2nd June, two Seaplane Tenders were required to perform a special duty. The crews were selected from volunteers. During the passage to Dunkirk the two boats were first bombed and then repeatedly machine -gunned by three enemy aircraft. In the attacks Seaplane Tender No.243 was sunk and of the officers, crew and passengers, only one was saved. Seaplane Tender No.276, of which Corporal Flower was in charge, was ordered by the Senior Naval Officer present to carry on to Dunkirk in execution of orders. During the whole of the operations in which the Seaplane Tenders were involved, the coxswains and crews showed a strong sense of discipline and duty. In this, the work of Corporal Flower and his crew is specially mentioned. After being subjected to bombing and machine gun fire, in which his starboard engine throttle controls were shot away, Corporal Flower, when ordered to do so, carried on to Dunkirk, completed his task and returned to Dover with only one engine serviceable. It is considered that the resourcefulness of Corporal Flower and his crew contributed to saving Seaplane Tender No. 276 and the personnel on board when attacked. Thus, a machine gun mounting was improvised out of a towing bollard, engine starting handle, tubing and rope. From this they were able to maintain a high rate of fire with their Lewis Gun. Corporal Flower, during the operation of the 30th May and 2nd June, carried out his duties in a most commendable way and is therefore strongly recommended for the award of the Empire Gallantry Medal or the British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service.’