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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 522

Pair: Second Lieutenant E. G. Mucklow, who originally enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers but after deserting went under the name of C. L. Milburn and re-joined into the Royal Flying Corps, and who was killed in a flying accident on 22 April 1918

British War and Victory Medals (Capt C. L. Milburn. R.A.F.); Memorial Plaque (Cyril Lawson Milburn), extremely fine (3)

Edward Gerald Mucklow was born at Elton, Bury, Lancashire. He was educated at Rossall School in Blackpool and served as a member of the O.T.C.. Mucklow joined the Army in September 1914 but was eventually hospitallised at the Military Hospital, Lichfield, Staffordshire, where he deserted after allegations of bullying on 19 September 1915.

Mucklow in a civilian capacity passed his Aeronautical Certificate in May 1916 at Hendon flying a Hall biplane and consequently re-joined the war effort, this time joining the Royal Flying Corps as Cyril Lawson Milburn giving himself the date of birth of 19 September 1888 with an address of Elnora, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, he even supplied a reference from A. F. M. Wilson who claimed to be an Assistant-Master from Rossall School, Fleetwood. He was appointed a Second Lieutenant on probation with the Royal Flying Corps with effect from 3 June 1916.

He spent time in France with the No.2 Aircraft Depot as well as No.4 and No.15 Squadrons. He was then transferred to the Home Establishment and subsequently joined No.37 Squadron at Stow Maries in December 1917. He flew 11 operational sorties from Goldhanger, Essex, against Gotha and Giant bombers as well as Zeppelins, flying BE2d, BE2e and BE12 and BE12b aeroplanes. He was also known for messaging the Tiptree jam factory in Essex requesting more jam!

Milburn was killed in a flying accident at the southern end of Stow Maries airfield on 22 April 1918, flying a BE12b (C3240). The aircraft stalled as a result of an engine failure on take off on a bank during a night practice raid and he suffered a broken neck. He is buried at Stow Maries (SS. Mary and Margaret) Churchyard.

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Sold for
£550

Starting price
£180