bentley priory - Spink

THE BENTLEY PRIORY BATTLE OF BRITAIN TRUST APPEAL CHARITY AUCTION
38
37
Three: Pilot Officer W.A. Saunders, Royal Air Force, Killed in Action
14.6.1940
1939-1945 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal, all contemporarily impressed
‘P/O. W.A. Saunders. R.A.F.’, minor correction to surname on last, extremely fine,
with named Air Council enclosure (3)
£180-220
Pilot Officer William Anthony Saunders, of Reading, Berkshire; Commissioned Pilot
Officer, Royal Air Force and served during the Second World War with No. 21 Squadron
(Blenheims), Bodney, March 1940; his first operational sortie was an attack on German
patrol vessels off the German-Danish coast, 31.3.1940; the following month he took part
in two missions against enemy warships at sea, and a strike against Wilhelmshaven,
5.4.1940; his 22nd operational sortie was a strike against Merville aerodrome, 14.6.1940:
‘Level bombing attack delivered from 9,000 feet. Slight AA fire and fighter attack
experienced P/O Saunders, Sergeant Eden and Sergeant Webb seemed to be in trouble
with AA fire and fell out of formation, and was then followed by Enemy Aircraft. Fate
unknown’ (Operations Record Book No. 21 Squadron refers). In all probability, Saunders
gallantly stayed at his controls as his Blenheim was chased by a Me.109 to allow his two
crew members to bale out, for the latter were both taken Prisoner of War. His body was
never recovered, and his name is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
PROVENANCE:
Campion Collection, September 2003
38
Five: Flight Sergeant J.C. Savill, Royal Air Force
1939-1945 Star; Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 Bar; Defence and War
Medals; Royal Air Force Long Service & G.C., G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar
(565417 Act. F. Sgt. J.C. Savill. R.A.F.), good very fine (5)
£140-180
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