Archiwum zagraniczne East News 2023-09

A significant historical artefact from the Great War, the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar awarded to Captain Solomon Clifford Joseph, the highest-scoring Jewish ace of the conflict and the only ace from Birmingham, is set to be part of an upcoming sale of Orders, Decorations, Medals, and Militaria at Noonans Mayfair on Wednesday, 13 October 2023. These medals, a testament to Captain Joseph's exceptional bravery and skill, are estimated to fetch between £15,000 and £18,000 and are being offered by a collector. Captain Joseph's legacy as a daring pilot is well-documented. His aggressive flying style and remarkable aerial combat abilities resulted in at least 13 aerial victories over the Western Front between May and October 1918. He was no stranger to danger, having been wounded in aerial combat and narrowly escaping being shot down on numerous occasions. During the Great War, approximately 66 Distinguished Flying Crosses (D.F.C.) and Bars were awarded. In the London Gazette of September 21, 1918, Captain Joseph's D.F.C. was described as follows: "A gallant pilot who has accounted for eight enemy aircraft within the past four months. On many occasions, the enemy, numerically superior to Lieutenant Joseph's patrol, did not prevent his attaining success." His Second Award Bar to the D.F.C., granted less than two months later on November 2, 1918, was similarly lauded in the London Gazette as recognizing "a very gallant and skilful officer" who fearlessly led his formation against a formidable force of enemy aircraft. Born in Birmingham in April 1893 to a family with a background in fine art dealing, Captain Joseph's early life was immersed in art and culture. His father's business was based in Birmingham, and the family resided at 14 Speedwell Road, Edgbaston. In August 1917, Captain Joseph joined the Royal Naval Air Service and commenced pilot training at Crystal Palace in August 1917 and later at Vendome from September 15, 1917. He acquired his Royal Aero Licence on October 7, 1917, training on the Caudron Biplane at the British Flying School in Vendome, France. After additional training at Cranwell and Manston, he was posted to Dunkerque on February 16, 1918. Following a brief assignment to 12 (N) Squadron R.N.A.S. in February 1918, Captain Joseph joined 10 (N) Squadron R.N.A.S. later that month. He eventually transitioned to 210 Squadron in March 1918 for operational flying, transferring with the Squadron into the Royal Air Force the following month. Flying Sopwith Camels from various bases in France, Captain Joseph remained with the Squadron until November 28, 1918. The Squadron, of which he became a Flight Commander, initially undertook ground-attack duties during the German Spring Offensive and later engaged in offensive patrols and bomber escort missions over Belgium. After the war, Captain Joseph returned to Birmingham, where he enjoyed a successful career in manufacturing. Drawing inspiration from his middle name, he founded The Clifford Group, which, by his retirement in April 1960, comprised up to 16 companies, including Clifford Aero and Auto Ltd. in Hall Green, Birmingham, and New Imperial Motorcycles. His group of companies spanned Birmingham, Coventry, and Farnborough. Captain Joseph passed away in March 1966 and was laid to rest at Witton Jewish Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional bravery and entrepreneurship. Where: Birmingham, United Kingdom When: 19 Sep 2023 Credit: Noonans/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**