Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Air Mechanic 2nd Class W. J. Bond, Royal Flying Corps, late Royal Engineers, who was killed in action while serving as an Observer in No. 70 Squadron in April 1917, his Sopwith Strutter falling victim to “Blue Max” holder Oberleutnant Fritz Bernert

1914 Star (24277 Pnr. W. Bond, R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (77683 Pte. W. J. Bond, R.F.C.), somewhat polished, nearly very fine or better (3) £300-350

William James Bond was born at Lower Weston, near Bath, and enlisted in the Royal Engineers in March 1913, aged 18 years. Embarked for France as a Pioneer in the 51st Field Company, R.E., in mid-August 1914, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in April 1917, when he joined No. 70 Squadron, a Sopwith Strutter unit operating out of Fienvilliers.

His appointment was short-lived, for his aircraft, piloted by 2nd Lieutenant Clive Halse, was shot down in flames over Vaucelles during a reconnaissance flight to Cambrai on 24 April, their fate being witnessed by a fellow squadron officer, 2nd Lieutenant N. C. Seward; see Dix Noonan Webb, 19 March 2008, for Halse’s awards.

Modern references further confirm that their aircraft was one of five victims claimed in a single action that day, the whole by Oberleutnant Fritz Bernert of Jasta 2 - a record. Bernert had been awarded the Pour Le Merite the previous day and raised score to 28 ‘kills’ before his death in October 1918.

Bond was buried next to his pilot in Honnechy British Military Cemetery; sold with copied research.