Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

British War Medal 1914-20 (2. Lieut. J. D. G. Brendel.) very fine £60-£80

John Daniel Brendel was the son of Johann Daniel Friedrich 'Fritz' Brendel and Effie Brendel of Hilldrop Road, Holloway, London, England. Brendel was born in Islington, London in 1890, and his father was a China Importer and Dealer born in Berlin, Germany and a German national.

Brendel left Liverpool for New York, USA, 29 March 1913, and subsequently travelled to Canada where he served with the Canadian Militia. Returning to England he attested for the Royal Flying Corps as Air Mechanic 3rd Class (74050) and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant General List (attached Royal Flying Corps), 1 November 1917.

Second Lieutenant Brendel was killed in a flying accident whilst training as a pilot with No 4 Training Squadron based at Hooton Park, 27 January 1918. He was flying Sopwith Pup B5972, when his aircraft was seen to nosedive from 6,000 feet and he crashed into the River Mersey off Eastham. Brendel’s body was recovered still found strapped into his seat, with the cause of death being given as multiple injuries including head injury. The Coroner’s inquest heard accounts from various witnesses, the RFC Mechanics agreed the aircraft was in fine mechanical condition and everything in good working order, with one theory being that Brendel fainted and lost control.

Second Lieutenant Brendel is buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Hendon, Middlesex, England. This is his full medal entitlement.

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