A good Second War ‘1942’ O.T.U. Fire Fighting Section Commander’s B.E.M. group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant H. Irwin, Royal Air Force

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (347346 Sgt. Herbert Irwin, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (347346 Act. F. Sgt. H. Irwin. R.A.F.) mounted for display, generally very fine or better (5) £300-£400

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, June 2002.

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1943, the original recommendation states:

‘This airman has been in charge of the Fire Fighting Section at R.A.F. Satellite, Steeple Morden, for the past nine months and has performed his duties in a most efficient and zealous manner. His courage and splendid leadership have done much to save life and to prevent fires spreading and causing further damage to government property. On a recent occasion, by his determination and leadership, he was instrumental in saving two houses from being destroyed when an aircraft crashed on to them taking-off. On another occasion he was instrumental in keeping a fire under control, although there was a great danger from petrol tanks exploding, so that the occupants of an aircraft could be removed. He has set a fine example of devotion to duty.’

Between 1940 - September 1942, Steeple Morden was used as a grass satellite dispersal airfield by No. 11 O.T.U. flying Wellingtons from Bassingbourn.