Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Family group:

Four: Flight Lieutenant W. J. Atkins, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals, unnamed as issued

Special Constabulary L.S., G.V.R., 1st issue, 1 clasp, The Great War 1914-18 (William Atkins), extremely fine (5) £150-200

Warrant Officer William James Atkins, R.A.F.V.R., the son of William Atkins, served with 909 and 910 (Balloon Command) Squadrons early in the war. Later, in February 1943 he was posted from 1660 Conversion Unit to serve on the Lancaster bombers of No.61 Squadron. With them he flew on 29 missions, including attacks on St. Nazaire 22 / 23 March, Berlin 27 / 28 March, Kiel 4 / 5 April - when the aircraft was hit by flak in several places, Spezia Harbour - attacking battleships and dock facilities, 13 / 14 and 18 / 19 April, Cologne 28 / 29 June and Peenemunde 17 / 18 August. After being again being posted to 1660 Conversion Unit he was posted to the Lancasters of No.630 Squadron in August 1944. With them he flew on 17 missions, including the daylight attacks on Bergueheuse 31 August, Brest 2 September and Wilhelmshaven 5 October. He was appointed a Pilot Officer (on probation) by London Gazette 17 April 1945 and promoted Flying Officer (war substantive) by London Gazette 27 July 1945. Sold with addressed lid of card box of issue, which gives: ‘F/Lt. W. J. Atkins, 28 South Eastern Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent’; a photograph of the King in R.A.F. uniform greeting aircrew and copied research details.