A Second World War ‘Aircraft Spotter’ B.E.M. group of four awarded to Gunner S. G. Haffenden, Royal Artillery

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (1798333 Gnr. Stephen G. Haffenden); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed, mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £180-220

B.E.M. London Gazette 10 April 1945.

Recommendation reads: ‘179833 Gunner Stephen George Haffenden, 426.126 Heavy AA Regiment, RA’ ‘For untiring devotion to duty and the highly proficient performance of his job as Spotter at the Command Post over a long period and especially throughout the Flying Bomb deployments. Possessing high intelligence and an abnormally keen eye and with an intense interest in Aircraft Recognition, Gunner Haffenden has from the outset employed every opportunity to develope his talents and improve his talents and improve his knowledge for the good of the team. Whether on duty or off, when an alert sounds he is to be found at the Command Post where his recognition ability and outstanding quickness of eye are universally acknowledged and relied upon by both officers and men. Throughout his service Gunner Haffenden has carried out his (oft-time tedious) duties with admirable skill and efficiency and with an enthusiasm and cheerfulness which have been infectious.’

With copied gazette and recommendation extracts,