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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 51

The campaign group of five awarded to Warrant Officer W. F. Fitzgerald, Royal Australian Air Force, who was downed whilst flying with No. 49 Squadron in a raid on Stuttgart, Germany on 8 October 1943

Having survived a crash landing near the Swiss Border following a hair-raising mid-air collision over their target - which left Fitzgerald with extensive facial burns and broken bones - he was then enforced to endure a stretch at the hands of the Gestapo at the notorious Fresnes Prison in Paris, before spending time at Stalag Luft III, scene of the infamous 'Great Escape'

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, these last two officially engraved '415775 W/O W. F. Fitzgerald'; Australia Service Medal, Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these last three officially impressed '415775 W. F. Fitzgerald', good very fine (5)

William Frederick Fitzgerald was born on 25 June 1923 at Perth, Western Australia and was educated at Highgate State and Perth Technical College. He was an Assistant Storeman for Hemingway & Robertson (Accountants & Bookkeepers) upon his enlistment in February 1942 into the Royal Australian Air Force. Having qualified as an Air Gunner, he flew as the Rear Gunner with No. 49 Squadrons, operating on Lancasters. Fitzgerald had flown 3 Ops before being detailed to attack Stuttgart on 7/8 October 1943. Getting 'wheels up' at 2029hrs in ED426 EA-P (P-Peter), no more was heard of their mission. It is left to Fitzgerald to give more details:

'We were at the TP into the target (21,000ft) when another plane crashed into us, hitting us on the Port wing, making our Port Outer US. We finally hit high ground about 6,000ft. I was unconscious until following morning. When I met up with the MUG (Attwood). Aircraft crashed about 5 miles outside of Choinville, France, near Swiss Border. Whole crew being aboard when we crashed.'

Of their crew, three were killed, whilst two others evaded. It is interesting to note that the No. 49 Squadron Association record their aircraft as having been attacked by a night fighter after having reached their target.

Fitzgerald & Attwood attempted to strike out for the border. They made America Farm, where they were cared for by local people and given civilian clothes. Sadly they were captured, Fitzgerald with burns to his face and hair, besides a broken collarbone and toes. Initially passed to the Luftwaffe, he would face further trial at the hands of the Gestapo after his incarceration in the notorious Fresnes Prison, which for some 10 days. It was the scene of unending brutality, torture and death for so many of the unfortunate residents - which included Violette Szabo amongst many others.

Convinced of his identity, Fitzgerald was eventually released and passed into prisoner camps, notably Stalag Luft I & III, the latter of course the scene of the famous 'Great Escape'. He was eventually promoted Warrant Officer, was liberated from Stalag IV B on 23 April 1945 and discharged in January 1946 . He is recorded on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480