| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/09352.002 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Military Cross : Captain Raymond James Brownell, Royal Flying Corps
Description
Military Cross (Geo V). Privately engraved reverse with recipient's details.
History / Summary
2058 Sergeant (later Air Commodore) Raymond James Brownell, a Tasmanian, enlisted on 12 September 1914 in 9 Battery, 3 Field Artillery Brigade. He was discharged on 16 March 1917 on transfer to the Royal Flying Corps (later Royal Air Force) for pilot training. He also served in the RAAF during WWII. Brownell was awarded the Military Medal in July 1916 for gallantry at Pozieres. He was also awarded the Military Cross in 1918 for his success as a fighter pilot with 45 Squadron in Italy ending the war with some 12 kills, including an observation balloon. The citation reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Within the last three months he has brought down six enemy areoplanes, four of which were seen to come down in flames, the other two falling completely out of control. The dash, gallantry and offensive spirt displayed on all occasions bt this officer are worthy of the highest pariase'. In 1921 Brownell joined the RAAF, and held the rank of Wing Commander at the outbreak of the Second World War. He was appointed Commander of the British Empire in January 1945 and retired from the RAAF in 1947.