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Auction: 16002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 9

A Second War 1940 G.M. Group of Six to Corporal T.W. Coop, Auxiliary Air Force
a) George Medal, G.VI.R. (820067 A.C.1Cl. Thomas William Coop)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Africa Star
d) Defence and War Medals
e) Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R. (Cpl. T.W. Coop (820067) Aux. AF), light contact marks to first, otherwise extremely fine, mounted court-style, together with named card box of issue for the A.E., and a photograph of the recipient (6)

G.M. London Gazette 21.1.1941 820067 Aircraftman 1st Class Thomas William Coop (in a joint citation with 158305 Leading Aircraftman Richard John Farley)
'In September, 1940, an aircraft crashed on an aerodrome and immediately burst into flames. Aircraftman Coop promptly ran to the burning aircraft and endeavoured to extricate the pilot. In spite of the flames, and regardless of the additional danger from exploding ammunition, Leading Aircraftman Farley unhesitatingly ran to his assistance and, plunging his arms into the blazing cockpit, released the legs of the pilot, who was apparently stunned and whose clothes were in flames. Between them the airmen carried him to a safe distance, thereby saving him from certain death. In spite of superficial burns on arms and legs Leading Aircraftman Farley returned to his normal duties. By their action these two airmen showed great courage and complete disregard for their personal safety. Unfortunately the pilot later succumbed to his injuries.'

The Squadron History gives further details: 'At 9:15am on 6th September, 1940, a Lysander aircraft (No. P1692) of No.613 (City of Manchester) Squadron, Royal Air Force, was on its landing approach at Netherthorpe, five miles north-west of Worksop, Nottinghamshire, when it hit a lorry which was travelling on the airfield perimeter road. The aircraft overturned and immediately caught fire, the air gunner managing to escape without help but the pilot remained inside in a dazed condition. Aircraftman 1st Class T.W. Coop promptly ran to the burning aircraft and tried to extricate the pilot then, in spite of the flames and exploding ammunition, Leading Aircraftman R.J. Farley also ran to help, plunging his arms into the blazing cockpit to release the pilot's legs. Between them the two airmen carried the pilot, his clothes burning, to a safe distance and in spite of superficial burns to his arms and legs Leading Aircraftman Farley returned to his normal duties. The pilot and air gunner were both removed to hospital where the former later died, the Squadron's first Officer casualty of the War.'

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