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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 314

Three: Sergeant (Wireless Operator & Air Gunner) K. W. Smith, No. 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action on 31 August 1943

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, together with the Air Council Condolence slip in the name of 'Sergeant. K. W. Smith.', in their waxed envelopes, with 'ticker tape' confirming the three Medals and postage box, the lid with label 'W. G. Smi[th], 7, Glen[bervie Drive], Leigh-O[n-Sea]', label torn on box, Medals nearly extremely fine (3)

Kenneth William Smith was born in 1922, the son of William George and Caroline Annie Smith, of Leigh-on-Sea. He served during the Second World War with No. 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force. His Squadron flew some 6,237 sorties on 525 raids during the Second World War and lost 192 aircraft. They flew the most sorties in No. 4 Group and had the third heaviest losses for the whole of Bomber Command.

Based out of Breighton and flying Halifax II JD-409, they were detailed for a raid on Monchengladbach on 30/31 August 1943. Whilst over Westmalle, some six miles south-west of Turnhout they were attacked by an enemy night fighter from Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1) with Hauptman Rupprect of Stab II at the controls. They were shot down and crashed at 0408hrs near Antwerp. Of the seven crew, six - including Smith - were killed. Sergeant H. T. Street managed to evade but Smith, aged just 21, was buried with his comrades in the Schoonselhof Cemetery; sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£650

Starting price
£230