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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 638

A superb British Empire Medal awarded to Leading Aircraftsman H. Garforth, Royal Air Force, who was originally recommended for the George Medal for his gallantry on the night of 11/12 April 1943, in rescuing the sole survivor from the burning wreck of a Wellington bomber of 104 Squadron, which crashed returning from operations. Despite the risk of exploding bombs, ammunition and petrol the Rear Gunner was extricated from the disintegrated aircraft, Garforth driving the ambulance into the middle of the burning wreckage and carrying a stretcher to the scene to effect a rapid casualty evacuation

British Empire Medal, G.VI.R. (1303228 L.A.C. Harold Garforth R.A.F.), mounted as worn, very fine

B.E.M. London Gazette 27 July 1943.

On the night of 11/12th April 1943 LAC GARFORTH was on duty as Driver of the Squadron Ambulance (the Orderly was 1504547 LAC E J White) on the flare path at Gardabia Main Landing Ground, Tripolitania. A Wellington aircraft from 104 Squadron was returning from operations when on touching down, bombs, which had evidently hung up, exploded, and the aircraft partially disintegrated in flames.

Coolly ignoring the risk of further bomb or petrol explosions, the driver took the ambulance and orderly at full speed to the blazing wreck. While LAC White set about extricating the Rear Gunner, who was injured from his turret, LAC GARFORTH prepared the ambulance and carried a stretcher up to the burning wreckage. Due to LAC GARFORTH's prompt action and splendid determination, the Gunner was rescued before receiving more serious injuries than a fractured leg and burns about the face. The Medical Officer states that any hesitation or lack of courage on LAC GARFORTH's part might well have cost the life of the Gunner.

This Airman displayed great devotion to duty despite the grave risk it involved for himself. By his coolness in driving the ambulance into the middle of the burning wreckage and at the risk of further bomb explosions, together with his subsequent actions in aiding the nursing orderly, undoubtedly contributed in a large way to saving the Gunner's life.

Entry from the Operations Record Book of No.104 Squadron.

11 April 1943

Eight aircraft were despatched to attack:- Landing Ground at Ste Marie du Zit. Aircraft "V" carrying 4,000lb bomb developed engine trouble and had to return to Base. The Target was well illuminated, Bursts were seen near buildings and on the Landing Ground. On aircraft "Z" three 500lb bombs hung up, on landing the aircraft blew up, four of the crew being killed, the Rear Gunner escaped but was severely injured.

Sold together with a letter from the Central Chancery confirming the Investiture date of 23 October 1945.

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Estimate

Starting price
£210