Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An unusual post-war B.E.M. group of three awarded to Corporal F. P. Reid, Royal Air Force, who was decorated for his part in averting a major disaster at Eindhoven in June 1955, when an F86 Sabre jet crashed in flames

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (1912372 L.A.C. Francis P. Reid, R.A.F.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (1912372 L.A.C. F. P. Reid, R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (W1912372 Cpl. F. P. Reid, R.A.F.), mounted as worn, very fine and better (3) £1000-1200

B.E.M. London Gazette 13 December 1955. The joint citation states:

‘On Sunday 26 June 1955, at 14.30 hours, an F86 Sabre crashed through the perimeter wire into the explosive area at Eindhoven and caught fire.

Leading Aircraftman Warrior was not on duty when the accident occurred. Immediately the alarm was given, however, he manned the Fire Tender, which he normally drove, and with two Firemen and two Fire Picquets was moving out of the Section within a few seconds of the alarm being given. He reached the scene of the crash, which was nearly two miles from the Fire Section in less than three minutes after the first call-a most creditable performance. As soon as he arrived he saw that the Dutch Airfield Tender and R.A.F. Crash Tender from the detachment wing were concentrating on the aircraft. Well knowing that within 30 yards of the aircraft there was a hut containing high explosive, he immediately concentrated on extinguishing the fires which had started in the dry undergrowth and trees around the crash where a large quantity of fuel from the crashed aircraft's drop tanks had spilled. As soon as his tender was empty he refilled it and continued to fight the fire, rallying the crew and by his example inspiring others to give assistance at a critical moment. It was largely due to his prompt action in fighting the burning brushwood that the fire was prevented from spreading to a building containing high explosives although at one time it was within ten feet of that building. From the moment of his arrival at 14.30 hours until 15.00 hours, this airman was acting on his own initiative with no further direction from the Fire Officer than an order to carry on as he was doing, which could not be bettered. In every way this airman was acting in the highest traditions of the Fire Services. He displayed qualities of initiative and courage beyond his experience when, by his good work and persistence, in face of a very serious situation when the flames were extremely close to the high explosive hut, he ensured the rapid extinguishing of a dangerous fire.

Leading Aircraftman Reid, an Admin. Orderly, although off duty at the time, made directly for the scene of the accident to give assistance. During a particularly critical period when a warning was given that bombs were in danger of exploding and that the aircraft was about to explode, difficulty was experienced in rallying sufficient volunteers to assist in getting the fire under control or to search for the pilot. Realising the seriousness of the situation, Leading Aircraftman Reid on his own initiative encouraged the other airmen to disregard the danger and showed a complete disregard for his personal safety. By his example he encouraged other airmen to assist in fighting the fire, thus permitting a search party to get behind the burning area to search for the pilot, who was later found, downwind of the aircraft with the seat almost on top of him, but still alive.’