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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 108

Five: attributed to Squadron Leader R. T. Collier, Royal Air Force, who was killed in action on 13 September 1942

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (5)

Richard Theobald Collier was born at Cardiff, Glamorgan in 1914, the son of Florence and Colonel Richard Collier. Joining the Royal Air Force as a Pilot Officer on 6 July 1936 he was further advanced Flying Officer in December 1938 while stationed in Africa. Collier was still there in September 1940 when he was advanced Flight Lieutenant and returned to Britain on 3 May 1941 from Lagos. He was posted to 156 Squadron flying Vickers Wellington III out of R.A.F. Warboys as a Squadron Leader.

Taking off for a raid over Bremen on 13 September 1942, the squadron joined an enormous force of 446 aircraft. The attack was an success with serious damage caused to German infrastructure in the area. Of the 446 aircraft taking part 21 were lost including Collier’s, lost without a trace, likely over the sea as no wreckage was ever found. Along with Collier four other members of the crew were lost, they are commemorated at the Runnymede Memorial; sold together with a copied Bomber Command Losses Database entry.

For the medals of his father, Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Collier, see Lot 215.

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Sold for
£350

Starting price
£180