Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War B.E.M. awarded to Flight Sergeant Leslie J. Turner, No. 945/7 Squadron, Royal Air Force

British Empire Medal (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (517959 F/Sgt. Leslie J. Turner, R.A.F.) in box of issue; Defence & War Medals, together with two R.L.S.S. medals, silver and bronze; a photograph album recording his service in Hinaidi and Aboukir during the 1930’s; identity discs and various other photographs and documents, good very fine (5) £200-250

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1945. The recommendation states: ‘A Balloon Operator who was Senior N.C.O. of the Squadron Advance Party which left Glasgow on the 1st February 1944 for deployment. From that date until the deployment in June 1944, he was engaged on the construction of 80 balloon sites and accesses thereto, and his energy and enthusiasm have been an example to all. He has shown exceptional energy, ability and zeal in the deployment of 80 winches, tentage and equipment, and hydrogen trailers to their respective sites. Owing to his knowledge of the Squadron’s Barrage area, in addition to his normal Flight duties he was continually called upon to assist the other Flights of the Squadron. His unsparing energy and enthusiastic efforts have been outstanding and have greatly contributed to the working of the Squadron during the period immediately following deployment when the Squadron was without a Warrant Officer, Ballons.’