British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. G. J. Mahoney-Jones) good very fine £150-200 Footnote Captain George James Mahoney Jones, a pilot in 20 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, was killed in action on 7 April 1917, a ‘Bloody April’ victim of the German ace Vizefeldwebel Max Müller of Jasta 28. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. The air offensive for the battle of Arras began on the 4th of April, 1917. The key military objective was the capture of Vimy Ridge by the First Army, comprising largely of Canadian units. On the 5th of April FEs of 20 Squadron were in a fight over Belgium just before midday, having sent out two northern Offensive Patrols at 0950 and 1047. On the first, Captain Mahoney-Jones and Captain R. M. Knowles, in A1961, followed an Albatross Scout down to 700 feet in company with A29, Second Lieutenant Pike and A. M. Sayers. They were then attacked by nine fighters, Jones and Knowles claiming one down over Courtrai and later another over Houthulst after a running fight. On the 7th of April, 20 Squadron had been assigned to bomb the aerodrome at Mouvaux, just north of Lille. They had bombed it that morning, having one aircraft crash on the way back through engine trouble, although its crew were safe and on the right side of the lines. Later that day, at 1712, eight FEs went back, bombed the base again and then headed for home. After recrossing the lines, Captain George Mahoney-Jones looked back and saw one of his crews being engaged by nine German fighters and he immediately turned to assist. The pilot of the other FE was then wounded and force-landed just inside British lines, but by now Mahoney-Jones and his gunner, Second Lieutenant W. B. Moyes, a former 6th Royal Scots officer, were fighting for their lives in the midst of the enemy fighters. At first they seemed to succeed in driving off some of the fighters but finally a burst set their machine on fire and the FE fell in flames, both men being killed. Shortly afterwards, 20 Squadron received a letter from the Headquarters of the Australian 34th Battalion: To the Commandant, R.F.C. Bailleul, 8 April 1917. ‘The C.O. 34th Battn. A.I.F. has asked me to express a deep sense of admiration which was inspired by the gallant flying of an airman, apparently belonging to a squadron under your command. About 6 pm on the evening of the 7th instant, two of our planes were engaged with nine of the enemy’s. One plane was damaged and the other, although retreat looked possible, turned and fought. Several of the enemy’s planes scattered but unfortunately our plane was hit and immediately burst into flames. The scene was witnessed by the men of the Battalion from the trenches and the conspired bravery was much spoken of by them and the gallantry is sure to foster a spirit of emulation for our men to strive hard on their parts, to act in the same heroic and self-sacrificing manner as this gallant airman. The true bravery of your fine Corps was thus strikingly brought home to our men.’ Captain Mahoney-Jones was brought down by Vizefeldwebel Max Müller of Jasta 28, his 6th victory, but the first for the Jasta. Müller went on to score 36 victories before he was shot down in January 1918, highly decorated and the highest scoring Bavarian pilot of the war.
British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. G. J. Mahoney-Jones) good very fine £150-200 Footnote Captain George James Mahoney Jones, a pilot in 20 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, was killed in action on 7 April 1917, a ‘Bloody April’ victim of the German ace Vizefeldwebel Max Müller of Jasta 28. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. The air offensive for the battle of Arras began on the 4th of April, 1917. The key military objective was the capture of Vimy Ridge by the First Army, comprising largely of Canadian units. On the 5th of April FEs of 20 Squadron were in a fight over Belgium just before midday, having sent out two northern Offensive Patrols at 0950 and 1047. On the first, Captain Mahoney-Jones and Captain R. M. Knowles, in A1961, followed an Albatross Scout down to 700 feet in company with A29, Second Lieutenant Pike and A. M. Sayers. They were then attacked by nine fighters, Jones and Knowles claiming one down over Courtrai and later another over Houthulst after a running fight. On the 7th of April, 20 Squadron had been assigned to bomb the aerodrome at Mouvaux, just north of Lille. They had bombed it that morning, having one aircraft crash on the way back through engine trouble, although its crew were safe and on the right side of the lines. Later that day, at 1712, eight FEs went back, bombed the base again and then headed for home. After recrossing the lines, Captain George Mahoney-Jones looked back and saw one of his crews being engaged by nine German fighters and he immediately turned to assist. The pilot of the other FE was then wounded and force-landed just inside British lines, but by now Mahoney-Jones and his gunner, Second Lieutenant W. B. Moyes, a former 6th Royal Scots officer, were fighting for their lives in the midst of the enemy fighters. At first they seemed to succeed in driving off some of the fighters but finally a burst set their machine on fire and the FE fell in flames, both men being killed. Shortly afterwards, 20 Squadron received a letter from the Headquarters of the Australian 34th Battalion: To the Commandant, R.F.C. Bailleul, 8 April 1917. ‘The C.O. 34th Battn. A.I.F. has asked me to express a deep sense of admiration which was inspired by the gallant flying of an airman, apparently belonging to a squadron under your command. About 6 pm on the evening of the 7th instant, two of our planes were engaged with nine of the enemy’s. One plane was damaged and the other, although retreat looked possible, turned and fought. Several of the enemy’s planes scattered but unfortunately our plane was hit and immediately burst into flames. The scene was witnessed by the men of the Battalion from the trenches and the conspired bravery was much spoken of by them and the gallantry is sure to foster a spirit of emulation for our men to strive hard on their parts, to act in the same heroic and self-sacrificing manner as this gallant airman. The true bravery of your fine Corps was thus strikingly brought home to our men.’ Captain Mahoney-Jones was brought down by Vizefeldwebel Max Müller of Jasta 28, his 6th victory, but the first for the Jasta. Müller went on to score 36 victories before he was shot down in January 1918, highly decorated and the highest scoring Bavarian pilot of the war.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
