Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Corporal R. J. McCarthy, Royal Canadian Air Force, for rescuing two fellow airman from a burning aircraft hangar at Sydney, Nova Scotia, on 15 February 1945, the fire fuelled by over 2,000 gallons of gasoline

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (R.174521 Cpl. Raymond J. Mccarthy. R.C.A.F.) nearly extremely fine £240-£280

B.E.M. London Gazette 8 May 1945; citation published Canada Gazette 5 May 1945:
‘On February 15, 1945, the explosion of a depth charge demolished a hangar and precipitated a violent fire which raged with great fury owing to some two thousand gallons of gasoline contained in the tanks of aircraft in the hangar. The hangar and contents were almost completely destroyed in 30 minutes. When the explosion occurred Corporal McCarthy was working in the ammunition room of the hangar. Although severely injured himself, this non-commissioned officer, completely disregarding his own safety, directed and assisted in the rescue of two of his companions who were critically injured and trapped in the debris of the demolished room where ammunition was exploding. In the face of very great danger and despite his own injuries, this non-commissioned officer displayed great courage and presence of mind in helping to rescue two fellow airmen. Only when ordered to hospital did he leave the scene of the explosion.’

The Rev. Raymond Joseph McCarthy was born in Lancaster, New Brunswick, on 20 October 1921, and attested for the Royal Canadian Air Force at Moncton on 16 June 1942. At the time of the act of gallantry for which he was awarded the British Empire Medal was serving as a Corporal at R.C.A.F. Station, Sydney, eastern Canada. He was presented with his medal on 17 August 1949.

Ordained Priest on 8 December 1954, he served as a Priest in Guyana for ten years, before returning to Canada in 1966, and devoting the rest of his priestly life to chaplaincy work in New Brunswick. He died at St. John, New Brunswick, on 3 April 1975.

Sold with copied research including a photographic image of the recipient.