Miniature Medals

A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Corporal Thomas Nicholson, Black Watch, for rescuing the pilot of a burning Spitfire

British Empire Medal (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (2754365 Cpl. Thomas Nicholson) good very fine £200-250

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to the 42nd and 73rd Regiments (Black Watch).

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B.E.M. London Gazette 10 November 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.’ The original recommendation, which appears in both War Office and Air Ministry records, states: ‘On May 29th, 1944, a Spitfire IXB aircraft of 401 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, crash-landed in a field adjacent to R.A.F. Station, Hawkinge, England. The pilot [P/O F. T. Hubbard] had not jettisoned his forty-five gallon petrol droptank and on impact the aircraft immediately burst into flames.

Corporal T. Nicholson, Black Watch, and Corporal B. E. C. Aldridge, Middlesex Regiment, both of No. 34 R.H.U., observed this aircraft about to crash-land, both ran to the scene of the burning aircraft. With complete disregard to their personal safety and without hesitation, they extricated the pilot who was conscious but unable to release his safety harness.

The aircraft was fully loaded with petrol and ammunition and by their prompt action and total disregard of flames which immediately enveloped the aircraft, Corporal Nicholson and Corporal Aldridge undoubtedly saved the life of the pilot. They displayed the greatest courage and gallantry and their conduct under such circumstances serves as an outstanding inspiration to other personnel and a fine tribute to the good relationship existing between Army and Air Force personnel.’

Wing Commander K. L. B. Hobson, Commanding No. 126 Wing, recommended both men for the George Medal, while the Officer Commanding, R.A.F. Station, Hawkinge, recommended the award of a Mention in Despatches. A compromise appears to have been arrived at with the award of the B.E.M. to each man, despite further requests by the War Office to the Air Ministry ‘that the recommendation for both these men be altered from B.E.M.’s to G.M.’s.’