Code: 10799
A very rare RAF bomb disposal casualty medal group.
The medal group was awarded posthumously to 27 year old RAF Sergeant, 549546 Leslie Albert Gibbs of No. 6228 bomb disposal flight.
Sgt. Gibbs and 24 year old RAF Corporal, Sydney Dennis Veryard (plus a French guide) were killed on September 1st 1944, whilst defusing an aircraft bomb load.
On 4/5th July 1944, RAF 428 squadron Lancaster KB756 was on operations to Villeneuve marshalling yards, and after crossing the French coast they were attacked by a German night fighter, which set the bomber alight. The pilot, P/O. W.C. Gay battled with the controls to keep the striken aircraft level for the crew to bale out. Sadly he and the rear gunner, who was unable to escape, died when the bomber hit the ground. The Lancaster wreckage then lay hidden in a Forest until an RAF B/D squad, with the help of a local French guide, located it and attempted to make the bomb load safe. During the defusing operation, the unstable bomb load unfortunately detonated killing the B/D men and the guide, who was standing nearby.
The medals and silk ribbons are in mint condition and come with the medal slip in an Air Ministry card box.
CWGC certificate and some research is included with the group.
A fine medal group to a very brave airman.
Not for sale to the EU.
