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RAF 'Air Rank' field service cap - history

SOLD

Code: U23348

By Moss Bros., Covent Garden, London. Not sized but physically measures approximately 27cm internally. An 'Air Rank' field service cap dating from the mid 1970s. This is lightly soiled with a couple of very minor moth nips but in very good overall condition. Very nice Queen's crown bullion badge. Lined in dark grey satin with matching black velvet trim. The maker's crest/details visible beneath a greasepaper panel. Excellent heavily domed brass buttons. This belonged to Air Commodore Geoffrey John Barnes Claridge CBE, OBE. He was born on 23rd February 1930 and completed flying training in 1951. He was posted to 151 fighter squadron based at Leuchars followed by a tour at the Central Fighter Establishment before leaving for Canada where he served fro 2 years as an instructor with the RCAF in Winnipeg. Back in the UK he went to HQ bomber command before attending the RAF staff college at Bracknell in 1963. This was followed by a tour with No.31 photo reconnaissance squadron at Laarbruch in Germany. On his return he was posted to the MOD but in 1969 moved to the Air Secretary's Dept. following promotion to Wing Commander. In 1971 he was appointed CO of 51 Squadron after which he was awarded an OBE. He completed an air warfare course he returned to the MOD before becoming senior RAF officer Northern Ireland and Station Commander at Aldergrove on promotion to Group Captain in 1975. In 1977 he was awarded the CBE, attended the senior officers warfare course at Greenwich and went to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Belgium as a special assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. A year later he was promoted to Air Commodore and became the United Kingdon National Military Representative at SHAPE, a post he held until May 1981. After this he returned to the UK as director of RAF recruiting. Claridge retired on 11 June 1984 and died on 1st January 2012. A rare cap. We also have Claridge's service dress cap and Air Commodore tunic/trousers available. Stock code U23348.