Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second War ‘Casualty’ group of four to Sergeant (Rear Gunner) W. Bladen, No. 40 (Abingdon’s Own) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
1939-45 Star; Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 bar; Italy Star; War Medal, with named condolence slip and box of issue addressed to father at ‘Widnes, Lancs.’; Observers and Air Gunners Flying Log Book, for period 8 December 1942 - 13 August 1943; fathers Great War pair, comprising, British War and Victory Medals (203353 Pte. W. Bladen, R. Berks. R.), generally nearly extremely fine (6) £180-220

The log book contains details of 28 operational sorties all in Wellington bombers over the Italian theatre of war.

Sergeant (Rear Gunner) William Michael Bladen failed to return from operations on 15 August 1943 and was presumed lost in action. He is buried at Naples War Cemetery, Italy.