A scarce Second World War King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct group of three awarded to Aircraftman 2nd Class W. H. Gittins, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, originally recommended for a B.E.M. for his gallantry in saving an instructor from a burning aircraft which had crashed at R.A.F. Wrexham, 9 November 1943

Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (William H. Gittins) mounted on card for display, with framed and glazed King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct certificate, dated 8 June 1944, generally good very fine (3) £280-£340

King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct London Gazette 8 June 1944. The original recommendation (for a B.E.M.) states:

‘On the 9th November 1943, at R.A.F. Station, Wrexham, aircraft Master II AZ.836, being piloted by P/O. B. Shylega, a pilot under training, in the front cockpit with Sgt. D. J. Ray, instructor, in the rear cockpit, came in to land, stalled, and the pilot in endeavouring to gain control of the aircraft, crashed into Master II DK.932, an aircraft parked in a dispersal area some distance away from the runway in use. Both aircraft burst into flames, and Master II AZ.836 ended up the right way up in a mass of flames a few yards away from the other burning aircraft which had no occupants.

The pilot in the front cockpit of Master II AZ.836, although severely burned about his face and hands, managed to get clear of the aircraft unaided, but the instructor, Sgt. Ray, was unable to free himself and was on the point of collapse when No. 1178198 Corporal Beswick S. J., who was some fifty yards away, ran to the scene of the burning aircraft and, although there were other airmen working on the spot, showed splendid initiative and high courage, setting a fine example to the airmen in the vicinity, by immediately, without fear of injury to himself, jumping on to the starboard centre section, opening the side of the rear cockpit and endeavouring to pull the instructor out who, by this time, was too overcome by the flames and burns to his face and hands to get out of the cockpit unaided. Corporal Beswick was unable to lift the instructor out by himself, and while endeavouring to do so, No. 1860769 AC2 Gittings [sic] W. H. who was some distance away, ran to the scene and immediately jumped up on to the aircraft and aided the Corporal, but the instructor was too heavy for these two airmen to lift and while they were endeavouring to rescue him, No. 943051 Sgt. Liudzius, A., who was also some distance from the scene, ran immediately to the buring aircraft, jumped up, and the three airmen between them were able to lift the instructor clear.

During all this period the aircraft was burning furiously and, although the fire tender was spraying foam over the flames, there was a grave danger of explosion. Although none of these airmen themselves sustained any burns or other injuries, nevertheless, AC2 Gittings’ prompt action and courage in, without fear of injury to himself, going to the aid of Corporal Beswick, undoubtedly saved the life of Sgt. Ray the instructor.’

William Herbert Gittins served during the Second World War at No. 17 Pilots Advanced Flying Unit, R.A.F. Wrexham.