Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant (Observer) A. W. Kirby, 110 (Hyderabad) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action when his Blenheim was shot down whilst attacking a convoy off Norway, on 14 August 1941

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Air Council enclosure and medal ticket, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. J. Payne, 8 Almond Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey’, 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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Arthur William Kirby served during the Second World War as an Observer with 110 Squadron, flying Blenheims, having joined the Squadron direct from 13 O.T.U. on 4 August 1941. He was killed in action when Blenheim V6515, piloted by Sergeant E. S. Elmes, on anti-shipping duties, was shot down whilst attacking a convoy off Norway. The Bomber Command diaries for 14 August 1941 state that 26 Blenheims carried out coastal sweeps over a wide area. Ships off of the Dutch coast were bombed and Boulogne docks were hit. One aircraft (Kirby and crew) were lost.

Kirby is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. His medals were sent to his widow, Janet Kirby, who had subsequently remarried.

Sold with copied research.