Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant (Wireless Operator / Air Gunner) R. Mercer, 107 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was killed in action when his Blenheim was shot down by Me.109s over Aigneville whilst on a bombing raid to the satellite aerodrome at Amiens, on 10 July 1940

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Air Council enclosure, in card box of issue, with torn label addressed to ‘... Wells,’, extremely fine (3) £280-£320

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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Roy Mercer, a native of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, served during the Second World War as a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner with No. 107 Squadron. His first operational sortie was on 14 June 1940, bombing Merville aerodrome, which proved a very successful raid, destroying many Ju.88s and Me.109s.

Mercer was killed in action when Blenheim L9468, borrowed from 82 Squadron, and piloted by Pilot Officer H. L. Atkin-Berry, was one of 6 aircraft detailed to attack the heavily defended Luftwaffe bases at Amiens on 10 July 1940. On reaching the target they encountered extreme flak which broke up the formation. They were then ‘bounced’ by Me.109’s and five of the aircraft were shot down. Of the six aircraft detailed, 9 crew were killed, 5 crew were made Prisoner of War, and 1 crew member escaped and evaded capture.

Mercer is buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery, France. His medals were presumably sent to his parents, Frank and Kate Mercer, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Sold with copied research.