The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E., (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver, in Royal Mint case of issue; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Southern Desert, Iraq (F/O C. HEARD-WHITE. R.A.F.); Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; United States of America, Legion of Merit, Legionnaire’s breast badge, gilt and enamel, in case of issue
M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1945.
United States of America, Legion of Merit London Gazette 15 March 1946: ‘In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the War.’
Colin ‘Speedy’ Heard-White was born in Madras, India, on 27 April 1906, and was commissioned a Probationary Pilot Officer in the General Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force on 27 March 1925. Promoted Flying Officer on 14 December 1926, he was posted to 207 Squadron in Eastchurch on 15 February 1927, before being assigned to the Armoured Car Wing, Iraq, on 30 September 1927.
Having spent approximately 18 months service in Iraq with the Armoured Car Wing, Heard-White returned home to the R.A.F. Depot, Uxbridge, on 9 March 1929, and was discharged from his commission on account of ill health on 14 March 1930.
Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Heard-White was commissioned Acting Pilot Officer for the duration of hostilities with the Equipment Branch on 28 November 1939, being confirmed in that rank on 6 December 1940. As an Acting Squadron Leader he was awarded a commendation certificate by Maintenance Command on 25 June 1943, ‘Your name has been brought to the notice of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief.’ Subsequently serving as the official Royal Air Force Liaison Officer to the U.S.A.A.F. stationed at Milton, and dubbed ‘Speedy’ by the Americans, for his services as a Liaison Officer he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, and initially awarded the Bronze Star by the United States (London Gazette 30 October 1945), the usual medallic recognition given to Liaison Officers; unusually, however, Heard-White’s Bronze Start was later ‘upgraded’ to the Legion of Merit (Legionnaire). He relinquished his commission in July 1954, with the rank of Wing Commander, and died on 22 April 1986.
Sold with the recipient’s original M.B.E. Bestowal Document, dated 1 January 1945, with accompanying Central Chancery letter and named Buckingham Palace enclosure; original award document for the Legion of Merit Legionnaire, dated 19 November 1945; Commendation Certificate from Maintenance Command, dated 25 June 1943; and other ephemera, including a photographic image of the recipient.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with some research.
