19th Mar, 2025 10:30 GMT/BST
Militaria & Ethnographica
20
A Second World War Polish Air Force Group of Three Medals, comprising 1939-45 War Medal, Polish Virtuti Militari and Polish Air Force Medal, awarded to 782592 Flight Sergeant Emil Szczerba RAF, with his Flight Engineers breast badge, and medal ribbon bars showing he was also awarded the DFM, 1939-45 Star, Italy Star and Defence Medal which are not present, together with supporting paperwork, his Navigator's, Air Bomber's and Air Gunner's Flying Log Book with entries from 8.11.44 to 13.12.46, Extracts from Records, Brief Statement of Service and Certificate of Discharge, various testimonials, Passport, Identity Cards etc.
Footnote :- This flight engineer reached the trade proficiency of Superior and was recorded as of "very good character" which was the highest character assessment in the RAF. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal which was approved 16th November 1944, the related paperwork states that he flew 56 sorties with 413 operational flying hours, "As flight engineer this airman has completed many sortieis against the enemy, during which he has displayed courage, skill and fortitude of a high standard. On one occasion whilst participating in a mission to Warsaw, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered; the aircraft was held in searchlights and sustained extensive damage. Despite this, the mission was continued and completed successfully. On the return flight further anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Nevertheless the aircraft was flown safely back to base.
This airman has participated in 6 missions to Warsaw."
Sold for £2,500
Estimated at £100 - £200
Auction: Militaria & Ethnographica, 19th Mar, 2025
A group of medals awarded to Lance Sergeant Donald Charles Randall, who took part in Operation Chariot, one of the most pivotal operations in World War II, are to be offered in the sale. The medals comprise a Distinguished Conduct Medal, a 1939-45 Star, a 1939-45 War Medal and Efficiency Medal with Territorial Suspender, and are sold together with Randall’s ID tags, cap, beret, webbing belt, uniform badges and insignia as well as letters and telegrams relating to him being missing in action, being a prisoner of war and further items of interest. Donald Randall of the Cameron Highlanders, attached to No.2 Commandos. Operation Chariot was a daring British commando raid during World War II, carried out on 28th March 1942. Its objective was to destroy the heavily fortified dry dock at St. Nazaire, France, which was used by Nazi Germany’s battleship Tirpitz. The raid aimed to prevent the Tirpitz from using the dock for repairs and resupply, thereby disrupting German naval operations in the Atlantic.
Further lots with World War II interest include a rare Second World War Mimeographed Field Order, announcing the ceasefire in North Western Europe, two Second World War Child’s Gas Masks in Teddy Bear Cases, and a Collection of Second World War Polish Medals and Badges. Also on offer is a very rare Officer’s Private Purchase Pritchard-Greener Revolver Bayonet No.49, a rare Early 19th Century Repeating Air Rifle/Shotgun by Staudenmayer, London, 1802 (estimate: £3,500-4,500), and a Collection of Helmet Plates and Badges to the Northumberland Fusiliers.
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