Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War B.E.M. group of three awarded to Flight Sergeant Lauretta Kerr, Women’s Auxiliary Air Force

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (420348 Flt. Sgt. Lauretta Kerr, W.A.A.F.), on lady’s bow riband; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (3) £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Norman Gooding Collection.

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B.E.M. London Gazette 12 June 1947.

The original Recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. is employed as Catering Sergeant at the Station H.Q. at Hendon. She has been employed solely on messing duties since her arrival at the station 10 months ago. She has performed her task, which has entailed work of a specially trying character, in a manner worthy of the highest praise. In spite of the serious manning position which caused her to be without experienced staff for 3 months, she devoted the whole of her time, with no respite at all, to organising her section, and maintaining the standard of messing at a high level. She took over a messing account debt of £525 on her arrival; through her untiring efforts this was cleared in less than four months. She also trained aircrew as Catering Officers during this period and they all gave her the highest praise. F/Sgt Kerr’s cheerful and conscientious devotion to duty under the most trying conditions has been an inspiration to her staff.’

Lauretta Kerr was further mentioned in the Sunday Sun (Newcastle) on 15 June 1947 as a resident of 34 Ridley Street, Southwick, Sunderland.