Auction Catalogue

31 March 2010

Starting at 10:00 AM

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British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

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Lot

№ 769

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31 March 2010

Hammer Price:
£1,800

Three: 2nd Lieutenant C. J. Pappas, South African Air Force, who was killed in action piloting an F. 51 Mustang of No. 2 “Cheetah” Squadron on a ground strike mission in November 1951
South African Korea 1950-53 (2/Lt. C. J. Pappas); U.N. Korea 1950-54 (2/Lt. C. J. Pappas), both with officially impressed naming, in their original named card boxes of issue, together with U.S.A. Divisional Citation Badge, extremely fine (3) £2000-2500

Critton John Pappas was killed in action on 4 November 1951, while piloting an F. 51 Mustang of No. 2 “Cheetah” Squadron, S.A.A.F. on a ground strike mission, his fate being described in the following “secret” battle casualty communique received by G.H.Q. U.D.F. at Pretoria on the 7th: ‘Lieutenant Pappas was flying in a railroad interdiction and enemy supply strike. After the railroad had been attacked the Flight flew south and attacked supplies at village CT. 0848 at 16.05 hours. After the attack No. 2 (Lieutenant Pappas) did not check in on the radio and no response to radio calls was received. The Flight Commander did not observe an aircraft crash nor did subsequent thorough search provide any clue as to the whereabouts of aircraft or pilot. Category unknown at present.’

Pappas left a widow, Laol Jean, resident at Church Street West, Pretoria.