flying ace who flew in BOTH world wars

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

The real-life Biggles: Extraordinary bravery of flying ace who flew in BOTH world wars, shot down dozens of enemy planes and had his teeth pulled out after he was captured by the Japanese

The set belonged to Air Vice Marshall William Staton from Emsworth, Hampshire, who served the British armed forces for 35 years. During his RAF career AVM Staton brought down 25 enemy aircraft in just six months, and inspired the creation of target marking techniques which lit up enemy aircraft with flares. He served in both world wars before captaining the British Olympic shooting team in 1948 and 1952. Mr Staton voluntarily retired from combat in 1952 to allow younger officers to be promoted. This is the first time the collection of medals is being sold, with his family feeling 'it is the right time to pass them on to someone else'.