Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 74

The unique South African Second War Memorial Plaque issued in remembrance of Senior Matron G. I. Sadler, South African Military Nursing Service, tragically lost during the famous disappearance of Lancaster 'PA278' over the Mediterranean - it remains to date the worst loss of female British and Commonwealth life

South African Memorial Plaque 1939-45 (254580V S/Matron G. I. Sadler S.A.M.N.S.), good very fine

The only Senior Matron to lose her life during the Second World War.

Gertrude Irene Sadler was born on 13 August 1904 at Tynemouth. Serving at the rank of Senior Matron, she had been visiting her parents at 2 Esslemont Avenue, before boarding her transport back to Salonika Hospital. It was to be her final flight, for Sadler was unfortunate enough to have been aboard the Lancaster'PA278' "F" for Freddie of No. 103 Squadron on 4 October 1945. Operating the return leg of the 'Dodge' missions, they took off from R.A.F. Glatton at 0030 hours under Flight Lieutenant G. Taylor, scheduled for arrival at Naples. Their passengers, including Sadler, sat on canvas folding seats in the fuselage, but due to a lack of heating or parachutes, "F" for Freddie was forced to fly at just 2,000 feet. Headed on course over the Mediterranean, she developed engine troubles and radioed that they would turn and attempt to land at Marseilles, but little more was heard. A partner Lancaster simply spotted a flash of flames at 0440 hours. It is considered the plane crashed near Corsica, Sadler amongst 6 crew and 19 female passengers. She was 41 years of age and is commemorated upon the Monte Casino and Royal London Hospital Memorials; sold with copied research.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£700