Full medal write up
1939-1945 STAR, BURMA STAR, PACIFIC CLASP, DEFENCE AND WAR MEDALS 1939-45, NAVAL GENERAL SERVICE 1915, CLASPS MALAYA, S E ASIA 1945-6 CLASPS ‘SUB, LIEUT. P. D. HANDSCOMBE. R.N., KOREA 1950 ‘LIEUT. P. D. HANDSCOMB. R.N’, UNITED NATIONS MEDAL FOR KOREA.
A fine group of awards and photograph albums belonging to Lieutenant Commander Peter Derek Handscomb, a Royal Navy pilot 1944-56 who served as a Grumman F6F hellcat fighter pilot in the Far East during the second War. In 1945, the then Lieutenant Handscomb was serving with 800 Squadron aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Emperor in the far East. We know this as he is noted on the following website as hitting the barrier on Emperor when landing his Hellcat on the return from an operation, 8 July 1945:
https://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/ESCORT/EMPEROR.htm
Handscomb’s exact service post 1945 is not fully researched, however the following is taken from Navy Lists. Handscomb’s surname variously spelt Handscombe but the former is correct:
June 1944 List - Temp Act Sub Lieut (A) Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve: 20 April 1944
February 1945 - – Sub Lieut (A), Rajaliya/ 757 Squadron; 7 February 1945
July 1945 List – Sub Lieut (A), 800 Squadron: 21 April 1945
October 1948 List – Lieut (A): 20 August 1947
1951 List - Lieut: Daedalus
1954 List – Instructor Lieut: Heron
April 1956 List – Lieut Commander: 12 December 1955: Placed on Emergency List
The nature of Handscomb’s service in Malaya and Korea is as yet unknown but was presumably still as a carrier borne pilot but more in depth research will be required.
A signed letter in the group, dated 23 April 1953 from USAF Major Spencer Finney, suggests Handscomb had been doing some liaison work with the USAF. The 1954 Navy List has him as an Instructor at H.M.S. Heron.
Along with the medals are WW2 photograph albums. The first smaller album appears to consist of photos relating to his pilot training in Canada and as well as naval subjects, has various scenic shots of places in Canada and the USA. The second and third larger albums include a large number of photos that appear to be related to Handscomb’s service in the Far East. Various shots of the carriers Emperor and Shah and other warships, carrier borne aircraft; mainly Hellcat’s; some really good shots here. Squadron and naval personnel, aerial photographs of Egypt, Ceylon, China, a lot of scenic shots, some interesting shots of operation targets including a destroyed bridge which Handscomb titles ‘My Own Work’, fireworks celebrations from Emperor on VJ day, Japanese surrender and Mountbatten. Many of the more interesting naval related photos have been added to the PDF listing. The two larger albums pages are loose and a number of photos are missing. There are also some loose photos, some of which may have come from the albums.
Condition generally VF or better, some contact wear. Malaya clasp issued loose and attached by wire, medals mounted as worn with original ribbons.