The Magnificent & Historically Important
Royal Flying Corps, Royal Air Force
CB, CBE,
WW1 (RAF Pair) WWII (RAF Trio) M.I.D. (Twice) GVI MGS 'Malaya' ! Coronation 1953.
Group of Eleven ,
To:
BOY --157368 AIRCRAFTMAN 2nd Class, AIRCRAFTMAN 1st Class (RFC) --Pilot Officer (RAF) -Flying Officer--Flt/Lt--Sqd/Ldr--Wing/Cmdr--Group Captain --Air Commodore -- Air Vice Marshall
21165. WILLIAM ALFRED OPIE. CB.CBE.
2, 31,13 and 5 Squadrons,
Later, Air Officer Commanding No.41 GroupMentioned in Despatches 11th June 1940 & again 1st January 1941.CBE 1951. CB 1955
The aviation career of Bill Opie was a legend in RAF circles. He joined the RFC on 26th November1917 at the humble rank of "Boy" and soon became Aircraftman 2nd Class (a trainee rigger age 15)During The Great War he went to France at the very earliest opportunity at age 17 and by the close of his career in 1959 at age 58 he had attained the rank of Air Vice Marshall.
We think that's a 'close to unique' attainment from the ranks of the WW1 R.F.C.During his active flying career he flew just about everything you can imagine from Tiger Moths to SE5s, Bristol Fighters. Also included in his logs are: AUDAX, WAPITI, HART, HECTOR, LYSANDER & BLENHEIM aircraft.
William Alfred Opie was born at Albany Road, Redruth, Cornwall in December 1901, the son of William Opie (Master Butcher) and Elizabeth Clara Opie. He was educated at Redruth County School.
He had one elder brother, Arthur Leslie, and an elder sister, Florence Evelyn.
This wonderful group comes with two original log books covering the periods (1) 1st May 1923 -- 31st December 1925, and (2) 1st February 1929 -- 15th March 1934. He was posted to 31 Squadron at AMBALA, INDIA, on 31st March 1925 and onward to QUETTA , INDIA until 6th July 1929 when he was seen transferred back to Henlow on 16th August 1929. He and his wife and child were injured in the QUETTA EARTHQUAKE of 1935 . He was divorced in 1948. Bill died in 1977.
His career, attainments, awards and promotions read like a 'who's who' of aviation in the early-mid 20th century.
1917 Joined Royal Flying Corps
1918 To France with operational squadron.
1918 To home base UK
1920 Applied for and accepted Commission and flight training.
2.2.1921 Flight Cadet, "B" Sqd, RAF College, Cranwell.
1922 Permanent Commission and wings.
1922 PILOT, 2 Squadron
1925 PILOT, 31 Squadron
1929 Engineering Course (Officers)
1931 Engineering Officer (No.1 School of Technical Training (Apprentices)
1934 Flight Commander 13 Squadron
1935 Flight Commander 5 Squadron (INJURED in QUETTA EARTHQUAKE on 30th MAY 1935. HE AND FAMILY AIRLIFTED TO RISALPUR)
1935 Staff Officer Deputy Directorate of Repair & Maintenance
1937 Staff College ( Cranwell )
1938 Officer Commanding (Designate) 2 Squadron.
1939 Officer Commanding 18 Squadron
1940 Transferred to the Technical Branch
1940 Engineer Staff Officer, HQ Bomber Command
1941 Deputy Director of Repair and maintenance (Aircraft)
1944 Director of Servicing &Maintenance.
1947 Officer Commanding RAF St Athan
1948 Senior Technical Staff Officer, HQ Far East Air Force.
1951 OfficerCommanding, RAF Maintenance Base, SELETAR.
1953 Assistant Controller of Aircraft, Ministry of Supply.
1956 Air Officer Commanding No.41 Group R.A.F.
( He was the last Commanding Officer of No.2 Squadron as a biplane equipped unit. During his tenure, the squadron converted from the Audax to the Hector and then to the Lysander.A totally remarkable man and career.Full sized medals court mounted as worn EF. Miniatures court mounted EF. Orders as issued. 
A MAGNIFICENT GROUP. £6995 (WITH PART EXCHANGES of ALL TYPES WELCOME )
A MAGNIFICENT GROUP. £6995 (WITH PART EXCHANGES of ALL TYPES WELCOME )