Rare WW1 Military Medal & Mentioned In Despatches Group of Four – Flt. Sgt. E. Wardell, No. 2 Balloon Section, Royal Air Force (late Royal Flying Corps)

A rare first world war MM for Balloon service under enemy shelling to 26712 Flight Sergeant Edward Wardell, No.2 Balloon Section, Royal Air Force. 

George V Military Medal named to 26712 Flt: Sjt. E. Wardell. R.A.F. 
British War Medal named to 26712. F. Sgt. E. Wardell. R.A.F. 
WW1 Victory Medal (with MID oak leaf emblem) named to 26712. F. Sgt. E. Wardell. R.A.F. 
WW2 Defence Medal unnamed as issued 

M.M. -London Gazette: 18th November 1919.
 ‘… for gallantry in numerous actions extending from June 1917 to the close of the War.’

M.I.D. – London Gazette: 31st December 1918.
Recommendation reads:
 ‘Has carried out his duties, first as a Sergeant, and since January 1917 as Flight Sergeant, with unfailing energy and devotion to duty. His [2nd Balloon] Section has very often been under most heavy shell fire and has had a large number of casualties, especially during the battle of Messines (June 1917), during the retreat on the Second Army front in April 1918, at Poperinghe during May and June 1918, and in the advance in the Autumn of 1918. On all occasions he has carried out his duties with the greatest steadiness and total disregard for his personal safety.’

Edward Wardell was born in 1881 and was from Putney, a district in south-west London, England, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. He married   Louisa Wardell on May 29, 1903 at Kensal Green in London and was a Woodworker by trade. Wardell enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps, as an Air Mechanic 2nd Class, on April 18, 1916. Throughout the next year, he advanced through the ranks, appointed Air Mechanic 1st Class (June 1, 1916), appointed Acting Corporal (June 21, 1916), promoted to Corporal (July 1, 1916), appointed Acting Sergeant (July 25, 1916), promoted to Sergeant (October 1, 1916), before attaining the rank of Flight Sergeant on May 1, 1917.

When the Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to form the Royal Air Force on April 1, 1918, he was transferred to the RAF accordingly, where he was re-mustered as a Chief Mechanic (Rigger (Airship)) on April 2, 1918. 26712 Flight Sergeant Edward Wardell, No. 2 Balloon Section, Second Brigade, Royal Air Force was Mentioned in Despatches and recommended for the Military Medal by the Major-General, Commanding 2nd Brigade, Royal Air Force, as mentioned in the Fifth Supplement to the London Gazette 31089 of Friday, December 27, 1918, on Tuesday, December 31, 1918, page 15234: “Has carried out his duties, first as a sergeant, and since January 1917 as Flight Sergeant, with unfailing energy and devotion to duty. 

His Section has very often been under most heavy shell fire and has had a large number of casualties, especially during the battle of MESSINES, (June 1917), during the retreat on the Second Army front in April 1918, at POPERINGHE during May and June 1918, and in the advance in the Autumn of 1918. On all occasions he has carried out his duties with the greatest steadiness and total disregard for his personal safety.”

Upon the ceasing of hostilities, he was transferred to the Royal Air Force Reserve on August 16, 1919. For his First World War service, he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He was cited for his Military Medal, as mentioned in the Supplement to the London Gazette 31647 on Tuesday, November 18, 1919, page 14002: “His Majesty the KING has approved of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the field to No. 26712 Flight Serjeant Edward Wardell (Putney), Royal Air Force, for gallantry in numerous actions extending from June, 1917 to the close of the War.”

Wardell was discharged from the Royal Air Force on April 30, 1920. He later served on the home front during the Second World War, earning him the Defence Medal. 

The medals are court mounted for wear. Comes with research.

Regiment: Royal Air Force

Era: WW1