λA travelling presentation silver-mounted ivory conductor's baton

λA travelling presentation silver-mounted ivory conductor's baton,

by Ebenezer Newman & Co, London 1916,

tapering circular form, engraved decoration, inscribed 'Given to Capt Powell R.A.F by Sir Godrey Paine 1918', in a fitted case, full length 40cm.

Claude Forbes Powell (1881-1959) was a conductor, composer, singer and teacher but from a historic perspective he is most notable for being the conductor of the first band of the newly formed RAF in 1918.

Godfrey Marshall Paine (1871-1932) had a distinguished career in the Navy and Air Force. At the age of 14 he joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman rising to Lieutenant on HMS Renown and First Lieutenant aboard HMS Hogue. By 1903 he was a Commander and in 1909 he was appointed Officer Commanding the Third Destroyer Flotilla. Following this he commanded HMS Actaeon in 1911 and it was at this period that he took an interest in naval aviation. Just three years later, in 1912, Paine was appointed first commandant of the Central Flying School at Upavon having just learned to fly earlier that year; The school trained pilots for both the military and naval wings. In 1917 he became 5th Sea Lord of the Admiralty and Director of the Royal Naval Air Service and the following year on 12th March he was awarded the K.C.B. By 1919 he was an Air Vice Marshall and his last appointment was as Inspector-General of the R.A.F. At the time he presented the Baton to Captain Powell in 1918 he was part of the Air Council as Master General of Personnel.