Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Sergeant (Air Gunner) J. E. Gunton, 37 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action when his Wellington was shot down over target at Feuersbrunn Military Airfield, Austria, 6-7 July 1944

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with named Air Council enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. J. E. Gunton, c/o A. H. Bowden, 456 Green Lane, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex.’, extremely fine (4) £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Second World War Royal Air Force Casualties.

View
Collection

James Edward Gunton served during the Second World War as an Air Gunner with 37 Squadron, flying Wellingtons- he joined the Squadron, based at Foggia air base complex, Italy, in June 1944, and took part in raids against Munich, the Timisoa rail Yards, and Ventimiglia as Second pilot; and against Aquila oil Refinery, Feuersburun air field, Danube and Verona as an Air Gunner.

Gunton was killed in action when Wellington JA531, piloted by Flight Sergeant A. Croydon, was shot down and crashed whilst on a second raid Feuersburun air field, Austria, on 6-7 July 1944. The R.A.F. suffered catastrophic losses, with 9 Wellingtson, 2 Liberators, and a Halifax all lost. The entire crew were killed.

Gunton is buried in Klagenfurt War Cemetery, Austria. His medals were sent to his widow, Mrs. J. E. Gunton.

Sold with copied research.