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Auction: 26002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 228

The 'Balloon Officer's' M.B.E. group of eight awarded to Captain H. B. Dakin, Royal Flying Corps, later Royal Air Force, who further earned a brace of 'mentions' in both wars, most notably in the Middle East in 1920

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, hallmarked for London 1919; 1914-15 Star (2.Lieut. H. B. Akin. L'Pool. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. H. B. Dakin.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine overall (8)

M.B.E. London Gazette 10 October 1919.

M.I.D. London Gazette 12 June 1920, 1 January 1943

Humphrey Burns Dakin was born at Chiselhurst, Kent on 12 July 1895, the son of Edith and Dr Thomas Dakin of 165 Avenue Road, St. Albans. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant with the 17th (1st City) Battalion, Liverpool Regiment on 9 April 1915. Entering the war in France in November 1915, it is unclear when he joined the Royal Flying Corps but it was some stage prior to November 1917.

He was serving with No. 31 Training School on the creation of the Royal Air Force and was advanced Lieutenant on 2 April 1918. Further promoted Captain on 1 May 1919, he appears upon the Air Force List at the time in the roll of Balloon Officer.

Posted to No. 17 Squadron on 7 May 1918 Dakin transferred to 16 Wing on 1 February 1919 and was posted to the Middle East with them on 1 May. His rank was altered to Flight Lieutenant in October 1919, around the same time he earned his M.B.E., and transferred to the unemployed list on 13 December 1919. He was 'mentioned' in General Milne's Dispatch around the same time.

Interestingly his medals were addressed to 819 Madison Avenue, New York City, USA. Returning to civilian life, the outbreak of the Second World War saw Dakin return to service as Pilot Officer with the Administrative and Special Duties Branch on 28 February 1939. Advanced Flying Officer on 16 July 1939 he was again mentioned as a Squadron Leader on 1 June 1942 with the Balloon Branch.

Resigning his commission and retaining the rank of Wing Commander on 13 May 1944, Dakin retired to Yorkshire and died at Claro, West Riding in 1970; sold together with copied research.

For the recipient's dress miniatures, please see Lot 281.

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Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480