orders, decorations, campaign medals and militaria - Spink

orders, deCoratioNs, CampaigN medaLs aNd miLitaria
448
448
A Good Great War 1918 Fighter Ace’s M.C. Group of Three to Captain
H.G. Hegarty, Flight Commander 60 Squadron, Royal Air Force, He
‘Achieved 8 Victories Between 28th January - 1st July 1918’
a) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
b) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Capt. H.C. Hegarty.
R.A.F.), generally very fine (3)
£3,000-4,000
M.C. London Gazette 16.9.1918 T./2nd Lt. Herbert George Hegarty, R.A.F.
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on offensive patrols. During recent
operations he destroyed four enemy machines and drove down two. He is a bold and
fearless pilot, and has done splendid work.’
The Recommendation, dated 16.5.1918, states: ‘On the 14th instant this officer whilst
leading his patrol in extremely adverse weather, attacked alone an E.A. two-seater and
fought him down from 3,000ft to 100 ft about 4 miles over the lines. He eventually
drove down the E.A. which crashed. Also this morning he, together with another
officer, attacked and destroyed an E.A. two-seater which crashed just in the enemy lines
near Arras.
This officer has also the following victories to his credit:
29.1.1918 Attacked 6 E.A. Scouts in vicinity Sheet 20 E22 at height of 13,000 feet and
succeeded in driving down one completely out of control.
4.2.1918 Together with another officer attacked an E.A. Scout in vicinity of Sheet 28
D14 at 10,000 feet. This E.A. crashed in our lines.
18.2.1918 Attacked an Albatros Scout over Menin at 13,000 feet which he drove down
completely out of control.
30.3.1918 Attacked an Albatros Scout S. of Albert at 12,000 feet and fought him down
to 500 feet and E.A. crashed.
Lieutenant Hegarty has fought many other combats and has driven down several which
he has not claimed owing to lack of confirmation. He is a bold and fearless pilot and is
extremely modest. He has frequently led patrols in an extremely capable manner.
Throughout the time he has served in the Squadron (five and half months) he has never
missed his turn on patrol and has always shown a splendid spirit and example to all.’
Captain Herbert George Hegarty, M.C., born 1887, a native of County Galway,
Ireland; educated at Portora Royal School, Enniskillen, Ireland; employed as a Banker
with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank prior to the Great War; served as Second
Lieutenant, Hong Kong Volunteer Corps, from October 1911-1917; returned to the
UK and joined the Royal Flying Corps, June 1917; after training posted as a Pilot to
60 (Fighter) Squadron (S.E. 5a’s), St. Marie Cappel, November 1917; carrying out
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