Czechoslovakia, Republic. An Order of the White Lion Award Document to Air Marshal Harold Edwards, 1947

A Czechoslovakian issued award document for the Order of the White Lion, constructed of paper with a thick blue matte frame. The document is named to Letecky marsal Harold Edwards, C.B. Kanada” (Air Marshal Harold Edwards, C.B., Canada), for services rendered to the Czechoslovak State, awarding the Order of the White lion for Victory, Star of the 1st degree. Conferred in Prague on December 3, 1947. Original signature in blue ink of Army General Bohumil Boček.  Plain cardboard reverse. Measures 510 mm (w) x 421 mm (h) including matte border, minor marks to edges and light foxing on the paper document, a rare award document which remains in extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: Air Marshal Harold “Gus” Edwards, C.B. (1892–1952) was one of Canada’s most influential early airmen and a key architect of the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Born in England and raised in Montreal, he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1915 and soon transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he distinguished himself as a pilot and instructor. After the war he became a foundational officer of the RCAF, rising steadily through senior commands. During the Second World War, Edwards served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief RCAF Overseas, overseeing the expansion and administration of Canadian air units in Europe and playing a central role in shaping Canada’s contribution to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. For his leadership and service, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (C.B.) and was additionally honoured by allied nations, including receiving the Order of the White Lion (Czechoslovakia), recognizing his support of Czechoslovak airmen and the broader Allied war effort.

General Bohumil Boček (1894–1952) was a senior Czechoslovak officer and a key organizer of Czechoslovak forces in exile during the Second World War. A First World War Legion veteran, he helped rebuild the Czechoslovak Army abroad after 1939 and held major staff roles in France and Britain. After liberation he became Chief of the General Staff, guiding the army’s postwar reorganization before being removed and persecuted following the 1948 communist takeover.