Medals belonging to Group Captain Peter Townsend, the former fiance of Princess Margaret, have fetched a staggering £260,000 at an auction. The collection of 11 medals, which included gallantry awards, belonged to the RAF fighter pilot and royal equerry who made history during the Battle of Britain. Townsend, who hailed from Devon, was credited with being the first pilot to take down an enemy aircraft on English soil in February 1940.
The auction, conducted by Dix Noonan Webb, attracted significant interest and culminated in a private buyer acquiring the lot. Among the notable medals were Gp Capt Townsend’s DSO (Distinguished Service Order), DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), and CVO (Commander of the Royal Victorian Order). Additionally, two of his flying log books spanning from 1933 to 1943 were also part of the auction.
Following his remarkable wartime service, Gp Capt Townsend went on to take command of No 85 Squadron, where he completed over 300 operational sorties from May 1940 to June 1941. His illustrious career continued as he became equerry to King George VI in 1944 and later served as the comptroller to the Queen Mother’s household in 1953, paving the way for his relationship with Princess Margaret.
In a surprising turn of events, Townsend decided to part ways with his cherished medals in November 1988 by selling them to raise funds for a charitable cause supporting children. He came across the medals “lying around in a bag at the bottom of a drawer” and saw an opportunity to contribute to a noble cause. Townsend’s philanthropic gesture underscored his commitment to supporting children’s causes, a passion he pursued in his later years.
His legacy lives on through his contributions to charitable endeavors and his significant role in British royal circles. Townsend’s multifaceted career trajectory, from a valiant RAF pilot to a respected equerry and ultimately a philanthropist, reflects a life dedicated to service and compassion.
Although Townsend passed away in June 1995 at the age of 80, his story continues to capture the imagination of history enthusiasts and collectors alike. The recent auction of his medals serves as a poignant reminder of his remarkable journey and the lasting impact he made through his selfless actions and dedication to noble causes.
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