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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 538

The campaign group of five to Flight Lieutenant R. A. Bain, Royal Air Force, who was 'Mentioned' for his service in Palestine and who later was shot down over North Africa on 4 September 1940 and taken Prisoner of War

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine with M.I.D. oak leaf ((561042) Sgt. R. A. Bain. R.A.F.); 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (W/O. R. A. Bain. (561042) R.A.F.), mounted as worn although pin now missing, some light contact marks, otherwise very fine (6)

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 December 1938.

'For distinguished conduct displayed in action against armed bands in Palestine'.


R. A. Bain was born on 27 June 1910. He was to serve with No. 6 Squadron in Palestine operating as an Air Gunner on Hawker Harts and later Hardys, he flew through 1937-38 on various patrols covering a combination of aircraft recognition, ground recognition and culminating in bombing raids on 14 July 1938 at Wadi Quarn, followed up with an identical Op on the 4 August 1938. With the outbreak of the Second World War Bain was posted to No. 211 Squadron which flew Blenheims based at Qotafiya, Egypt. Flying as an Observer on 9 July 1940 Bain was part of nine crews who were ordered to intercept an Italian cruiser, alas this was not spotted so Tobruch Harbour was bombed as an alternative target.

Bain was part of two crews on 12 July 1940 who were tasked with carrying out a bombing raid on Bardia, heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered, the other aircraft L.8471 became aware the Italians had worked out the height from code that they were flying at, so he altered his height to miss both fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft fire. On 23 July 1940 he was part of a raid on the landing ground south of Derna, all aircraft landed at Sidi Barrani for refuelling before returning to base. He had a second raid on Tobruch Harbour on 3 August 1940 and his aircraft was noted as having direct hits to the jetty. The following day he was part of a raid on M.T. vehicles at Bir-El-Gobi, the bomb burst was not seen however a column of smoke was seen to rise from the target, the aircraft landed at Sidi Barrani. Bain returned to Tobruch Harbour on 10 August 1940 where the bombs fell to the north of the target.

On 12 August 1940 he was due to take part in a raid on M.T. vehicles at Derna, however owing to a poor run up it was decided to attack shipping in Tobruch Harbour, his aircraft force landed at Sidi Barrani on the homeward run owing to a petrol shortage. On 27 August 1940 he was part of a raid on Derna and his bombs straddled the breakwater approximately 1/3 from the shore end. 31 August 1940 saw him as one of two crews who raided Ain-El-Ghazala, however no results were observed, aircraft L.4526 however had better luck and bombs were seen to burst among buildings. On the morning of 4 September 1940 he was part of seven crews to bomb El Gazala landing ground, his aircraft bombed in the region of one aircraft in the North East corner of the landing ground.

Taking off again at 12:55 later the same day 4 September Bain was on board Bristol Blenheim L8376 which was to carry out a raid on Derna. The aircraft was attacked by a Cr.42 fighter and had one engine taken out of action, it had to force land near Derna after being struck by ground fire. The aircraft crashed wheels up at 15:20 and was later strafed and burned. The crew additionally comprised of Squadron Leader A. R. G. Bax (Pilot) and Aircraftsman 1st Class L. E. C. Wise (WOp/AG).

All the crew survived, however Bax suffered a broken leg, and all were taken Prisoner of War. Bain was sent to Stalag 4B at Mulberg (Elbe) and given the number (224676). On his return to the U.K. after the end of the war in Europe he was commissioned to Pilot Officer on 30 January 1947 and made Flight Lieutenant 30 July 1951. Bain retired from the Royal Air Force on 25 June 1958.

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Sold for
£1,000

Starting price
£180