Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant (Air Gunner) H. Smith, 102 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was killed in action when his Halifax was shot down by a night fighter following a bombing raid on Essen, 16-17 June 1942

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Air Council enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. G. Smith, 5 Peaton Street, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough’, nearly extremely fine (3) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Second World War Royal Air Force Casualties.

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Harry Smith served during the Second World War as an Air Gunner with 102 Squadron, initially flying Whitleys. His first operational sortie was a Nickel raid on Emden on 26 January 1942 in a Whitely bomber. The Squadron did not carry out operations in February and March, but resumed operations in April having converted from Whitleys to Halifaxes. He took part in the first Thousand Bomber Raid on Cologne on 30-31 May 1942, and the second Thousand Bomber Raid on Essen on 1-2 June 1942.

Smith was killed in action when Halifax W7651, piloted by Warrant Officer W. R. Davies, was shot down by a night fighter piloted by Oblt. Wilhelm Dormann and exploded in mid air over the hamlet of Radewijk, 6km east of Hardenberg, whilst returning from a raid on Essen on 16-17 June 1942. All the crew were killed.

Smith is buried in Hardenberg Protestant Cemetery, Overijssel, Holland. His medals were sent to his widow, Grace Smith.

Sold with copied research.