Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War glider operations and Transport Command M.B.E. group of four awarded to Warrant Officer E. W. Burrow, Royal Air Force, who, having won a “mention” for operations in 1940, was decorated for his services in No. 298 Squadron at the time of the D-Day, Arnhem and Rhine operations - although by trade a fitter, he was ‘invariably chosen to proceed on mass glider flights’

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (W./O. E. W. Burrow (505255) R.A.F.), generally extremely fine (4) £300-350

M.B.E. London Gazette 13 June 1946. The original recommendation states:

This Non-Commissioned Officer has held the post of First Class Fitter since March 1944 and has, from the first, contributed much to the efficiency of the unit. He contributed largely to its ability to produce a maximum number of serviceable aircraft for such glider-towing operations as D-Day, Arnhem, and the Rhine crossing. He has also made numerous flights in aircraft under test. Warrant Officer Burrow has invariably been chosen to proceed on mass glider flights and, in recent months, he was chosen as a Squadron Airborne Halifax for Transport Command duties, a task he accomplished successfully. He has at all times set a fine example to those working with and under him.’

Edgar Whittaker Burrow, a native of Montrose, Angus, was mentioned in despatches for his services in 1940, quite possibly as a member of ground crew during the Battle of Britain (London Gazette 1 January 1941). More certain is the fact he served on the strength of No. 298 Squadron from March 1944, a Halifax unit based at Tarrant Rushton, Dorset. Otherwise charged with dropping S.O.E. agents and supplies, 298 towed Hamilcar and Horsa gliders during the D-Day, Arnhem and Rhine “Varsity” operations. Burrow was awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in September 1949.

Sold with the recipient’s original Buckingham Palace forwarding letter for his M.B.E., together with R.A.F. Record Office forwarding letter for his L.S. & G.C. Medal.