Four: Gunner G. E. Spirling, Royal Artillery, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Tobruk on 20 June 1942

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (909420. Gnr. G. E. Spirling. R.A.); toether with the recipient’s King’s Badge, in card box of issue, the Second War awards all somewhat later issues, nearly extremely fine (4) £100-£140

George Ernest Spirling was born in Woodbridge, Suffolk, on 27 July 1919, and enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Felixstowe on 4 May 1939. He qualified as a Gun Layer in March 1940, and served during the Second World War with the 69th Medium Regiment, R.A., in the Middle East from 29 July 1941. He was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Tobruk on 20 June 1942, and was held initially in Italy, and then at Stalag 18A at Wolsberg. Repatriated following the cessation of hostilities, he was discharged on 1 June 1945. Subsequently emigrating to Australia, he died in Queensland on 19 February 2001.

Sold with the recipient’s Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; card Identity disc and P.O.W. Identity tag; and copied research.