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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 66

Three: Warrant Officer D. J. Richards, No. 428 (Ghost) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, who was shot down and taken a Prisoner of War on the night of 4 October 1943, being added to the score of Hauptmann Ludwig Meister - the famed night fighter Ace who notched up some 39 'kills' and took a Knight's Cross

1939-45 Star, clasp, Bomber Command, with its box of issue named to 'WO D J Richards 1320929'; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine, together with his Bomber Command & P.O.W. commemorative medals, these in their cases of issue (Lot)

Donald James Richards was born in Lambeth in 1922, his family living at Strachur, The Drive, Sevenoaks by the time of the Second World War. Having completed his initial training, Richards served as a Navigator upon the Halifaxes of No. 428 Ghost Squadron. Getting 'wheels up' at 1725hrs on 4 October, they set out to bomb Frankfurt, in a force of some 54 aircraft. Intercepted and shot down by Hauptmann Ludwig Meister, Richards was lucky indeed to come away with his life and spent the remainder of the Second World War in the bag. He was held at Stalag IV (Muhlberg) and having returned home, died in Ilford in June 1963; sold together with his related miniature dress medals and three of his mother's named British Red Cross Proficiency Medals.

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Estimate
£300 to £500

Starting price
£240