The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A rare Great War M.M. group of four awarded to Flight Sergeant E. Wardell, No. 2 Balloon Section, Royal Air Force, late Royal Flying Corps

Military Medal, G.V.R. (26712 Flt. Sjt., R.A.F.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf (26712 F. Sgt., R.A.F.); Defence Medal, unnamed, mounted court style for wear, good very fine (4) £1000-1400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 18 November 1919. ‘... for gallantry in numerous actions extending from June 1917 to the close of the War.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 31 December 1918.

Recommendation reads: ‘Has carried out his duties, first as a Sergeant, and since January 1917 as Flight Sergeant, with unfailing energy and devotion to duty. His [2nd Balloon] Section has very often been under most heavy shell fire and has had a large number of casualties, especially during the battle of Messines (June 1917), during the retreat on the Second Army front in April 1918, at Poperinghe during May and June 1918, and in the advance in the Autumn of 1918. On all occasions he has carried out his duties with the greatest steadiness and total disregard for his personal safety.’

Edward Wardell was born in 1881 and came from Putney. A Woodworker by occupation, he enlisted in the R.F.C. as an Air Mechanic 2nd Class on 18 April 1916. He attained the rank of Flight Sergeant in May 1917 and was remustered as Chief Mechanic in April 1918. With copied service papers, recommendation and gazette extract.