19 March 2013
A collection of medals, trophies and memorabilia from Air Chief Marshal Sir John Boothman is to be auctioned.
Air Chief Marshal Boothman flew in hundreds of different aircraft types and served in important roles during the First and Second World War.
The medals awarded to Air Chief Marshal Boothman include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross, British War Medal (1914-1918), Victory Medal, General Service Medal, 39 – 45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, Defence Medal, British War Medal (39 – 45), Coronation 1953, Croix de Guerre and the Czech War Cross. In addition he was awarded the DFC and Legion of Merit, rank of Commander, by the USA.
Other items for auction include his miniature Schneider trophy which he won in 1931 for his country, a silver model of Supermarine Spitfire presented by Rolls-Royce, his photograph album of the 1931 event and citations for the American D.F.C., signed by President Roosevelt and the Legion of Merit by President Truman.
The London based auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb have valued the lot at £15,000 – £20,000 and items are being auctioned on March 26th by order of his nephew Martin Boothman, for the benefit of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity.
Martin Boothman, nephew of Air Chief Marshal Boothman said, “He was a remarkable man and was involved in the widest possible range of RAF activities during his amazing career. Sadly his son Patrick was killed in a flying accident in 1946 and so his medals were left to me. With the money raised going towards the RAF Benevolent Fund, I think he’d be delighted to know that he’s been able to help members of the RAF family in trouble today.”
