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Auction: 4020 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 111

An Extremely Rare 'Crowned Head' D.F.M. Group of Six to Warrant Officer R. Wright, Royal Air Force, for the Chitral Reliefs 1932 Distinguished Flying Medal, G.V.R., 2nd 'Crowned Head' type (363282. Cpl. R. Wright. R.A.F.); India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., one clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (L.A.C.); War and Defence Medals; Coronation 1935; R.A.F. Long Service and G.C., G.VI.R., 1st 'Indiae Imp.' type (W/O), extremely fine, mounted court style (6) Estimate £ 5,000-7,000 D.F.M. London Gazette 8.9.1933 Cpl. Roland Wright, 'For Operations in the Chitral Reliefs, September - October 1932' Operations in connection with the Chitral Reliefs 1932 The biennial relief of the Chitral Garrison became due in September 1932. In 1930, the tribal situation was so satisfactory that the Nawab of Dir was able to guarantee a safe passage to the troops, and only a small escort accompanied. However in early 1932, certain well known anti-British agitators had succeeded in raising small lashkars of hostile tribesmen. With the bulk of the Nawab's forces occupied against these hostiles, it was considered unlikely that he would be able to ensure the security of the relief. It was therefore decided to despatch a mobile column of all arms to deal with any hostile action from Shamozair country against the column. Five R.A.F. Squadrons (Nos. 11, 20, 27, 39, and 60) were placed under the control of the G.O.C-in-Chief, Northern Command, who in turn delegated control to the Commander Peshawar District. Warning notices of bombing were issued, but aircraft were met with heavy rifle fire. On the expiration of the warning, bombing of selected villages began on 17th September and continued on an intensive scale until 23rd September. The lashkars broke up and to all intents and purposes, dispersed. However, small parties of 'diehards' remained in some areas and it was decided to continue the air bombardment on a reduced scale for harassing effect only over a wide area. With the relief column safely home, the Commander, Peshawar District, relinquished command of the Air Forces and the further action became an independent air operation. The object of the Air Forces was now confined to securing the submission of the Shamozair and bombing continued up to 16th October, when the tribes met with the Political Agent and agreed to refrain from further hostile action. Only three D.F.M.s were awarded for these operations, from a total of only 22 'crowned head' D.F.M.s issued between 1931 and 1937.

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£5,400