59
Three: Warrant Officer F. Smith, Royal Air Force, who flew on Air Sea Rescue (A.S.R.) missions...
1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine and unusual (3)
H. F. Smith, a native of Redbourn, near St. Albans, Hertfordshire, commenced flying training in August 1943, initially for duties as an Air Gunner but latterly as a Wireless Operator.
Posted to No. 280 Squadron, an Air Sea Rescue unit operating in Warwick aircraft, in October 1944, he went on to participate in numerous search missions in the period leading up to the end of hostilities. Several of them were of a successful nature with resultant Catalina or High Speed Launch pick-ups. Cases in point included a sortie flown on New Year's Day 1945, 'With Fighter Escort … Diverted to dinghy with 6 survivors. Dropped boat (survivors landed)', and another on 3 February 1945, 'Diverted to posn. of distressed A./C. Sighted 2 dinghies - 7 survivors dropped Lindholme - Sent for help. All picked up safely by Catalina.'
He also flew a patrol in March 1945 'covering the Allied airborne landings over Rhine', in addition to a V.I.P. flight of 2 August: 'Special Patrol - Mr. Attlee returning from Potsdam'. Smith flew his final operational patrol on 17 May 1946, when a schooner was found and taken in tow by launch.
Sold with the recipient's original R.A.F. Air Gunner's and Wireless Operator's Flying Log Book, covering the period August 1943 to May 1946; together with an Innoculation Certificate and his identity discs.
Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.
1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine and unusual (3)
H. F. Smith, a native of Redbourn, near St. Albans, Hertfordshire, commenced flying training in August 1943, initially for duties as an Air Gunner but latterly as a Wireless Operator.
Posted to No. 280 Squadron, an Air Sea Rescue unit operating in Warwick aircraft, in October 1944, he went on to participate in numerous search missions in the period leading up to the end of hostilities. Several of them were of a successful nature with resultant Catalina or High Speed Launch pick-ups. Cases in point included a sortie flown on New Year's Day 1945, 'With Fighter Escort … Diverted to dinghy with 6 survivors. Dropped boat (survivors landed)', and another on 3 February 1945, 'Diverted to posn. of distressed A./C. Sighted 2 dinghies - 7 survivors dropped Lindholme - Sent for help. All picked up safely by Catalina.'
He also flew a patrol in March 1945 'covering the Allied airborne landings over Rhine', in addition to a V.I.P. flight of 2 August: 'Special Patrol - Mr. Attlee returning from Potsdam'. Smith flew his final operational patrol on 17 May 1946, when a schooner was found and taken in tow by launch.
Sold with the recipient's original R.A.F. Air Gunner's and Wireless Operator's Flying Log Book, covering the period August 1943 to May 1946; together with an Innoculation Certificate and his identity discs.
Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.
Orders, Decorations and Medals
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
If required our shipping department may arrange shipment as your agent. Although we may suggest carriers if specifically requested, our suggestions are made on the basis of our general experience of such parties in the past and we are not responsible to any person to whom we have made a recommendation for the acts or omissions of the third parties concerned
Important Information
SALEROOM NOTICES:
Lot 56: The recipient was also Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 1 January 1945, refers) and is sold together with her emblem.
Lot 285: Official replacements throughout
Lot 326: The Lot is now accompanied with the recipient’s original Memorial Scroll
Lot 373: Withdrawn. The Lot has been withdrawn from the Sale and has kindly been returned to the recipient by the vendor having been lost in 2015.
Lot 561: This lot is NOT subject to 5% import duty.
Lot 580: Print catalogue erroneously lists this item as lot 579
Lot 595:
Accompanied with an important original archive comprising;
- The recipient’s identity tag worn at Goose Green
- Parachute Regiment No. 2 Dress with General Service riband and belt, the first named
- A poignant painted tile depicting the recipient with his tours of Northern Ireland either side
- Three British Army football trophies
Two Regimental ties
Lot 648: The set comprises a 1st Class Badge and 2nd Class Star
Lot 670: Withdrawn
Lot 754: Sold as viewed
Lot 791: Centre depressed and loose but still present. Revised estimate £70 - £90
An invoice showing the total amount due, including buyer’s premium, taxes, postage charges and other fees will be sent to buyers directly by Spink.
For full details please see the Spink Terms and Conditions for Buyers.
Taxes may vary, so ensure that you pay attention to the location of the sale in relation to your own location
Terms & Conditions
Please see here