Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Mr. W. Tebbett, for his gallantry in the rescue of the crew of an aircraft that had crashed near Frettenham, Norfolk

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Wilfred Tebbet) nearly extremely fine £260-£300

B.E.M. London Gazette 19 December 1944: ‘Wilfrid [sic] Tebbet, Electrician, Frettenham, Norfolk [in a joint citation with Ralph William Miles, Butcher and Farmer, Hainford, Norfolk]:

‘An aircraft with a full bomb-load crashed on a common, and the tail, wings, and engines were flung over a wide area. Four or five fires broke out amidst the scattered wreckage, and the undergrowth was also ignited. Miles and Tebbet, acting independently, immediately went to the scene of the crash and, in spite of exploding ammunition and the danger from the unexploded bombs, began at once to rescue the crew, some of whom were injured and trapped. With help, they removed all the crew from the blazing wreckage. Miles and Tebbet set a splendid example and showed great courage in the face of considerable danger.’

According to an account that appeared in the Norfolk News and Weekly Observer, 23 December 1944, Tebbet sustained burns to his arms in carrying out the rescue. Two further men, Mr. Ralph Hewitt, a haulage contractor from Frettenham, and Mr. Albert Sidell, a carpenter from Hainford, received a Commendation.