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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 108

Three: Pilot Officer R. H. Garbutt, No. 466 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action on a raid to Frankfurt on the 18 March 1944

1939-1945 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, extremely fine (3)

Richard Henry Garbutt was a Wireless Operator on Halifax III LW369 of No. 466 Squadron. The aircraft left Leconfield at 1931hrs for a raid on Frankfurt which comprised 846 aircraft of which in turn there were 22 losses (2.6%).

The German controller split the fighters - half went to the diversionary raid at Heligoland and the others met the Frankfurt bomber stream, although cloud preventing them making much of an impact. Pathfinder Force marking was accurate leading to heavy bombing in central, eastern and western districts. Later bombing was scattered, but this was normal for such a large force due to creepback and also the fact that inexperienced bomber crews were placed at the back of the stream. Lots of cultural buildings were destroyed along with around 5500 houses, 99 industrial premises and 56 public buildings. 421 civilians were killed and 55,500 bombed out.

Garbutt is buried in Durnbach War Cemetery. He was the son of Albert Edward and Annie Eleanor Garbutt, of Hull; sold together with card box of issue, named Condolence Slip and ticker tape including the piece which has his service number.

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Sold for
£420

Starting price
£320