Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Craftsman C. W. S. Sparks, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who was killed in a motor accident whilst serving in the BAOR in Germany, 9 February 1946

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (2053984. Cfn. C. W. S. Sparks. R.E.M.E.) with named Under-Secretary for War Condolence Slip, good very fine £80-£120

Charles William Samuel Sparks was ‘killed in Germany [a] month before his demobilisation. After serving in the Army, a R.E.M.E. private, 24 year old... youngest son of Mr and Mrs C. Sparks of 239 Wood Street, Walthamstow, has been killed in an [motor] accident in Germany - a month before he was due to be demobilised. Although she has received official notice of her son’s death, Mrs Sparks is still awaiting the full details. Death was caused by a fractured skull which she thinks was caused by a road collision.

Educated in Walthamstow, at the William Morris Central and William McGuffie schools, Charles Sparks was a Territorial and an apprentice electrician. He was last home at Christmas, and three weeks ago he celebrated his birthday in Munster.’ (Newspaper cutting refers).

Craftsman Sparks died, 9 February 1946, and is buried in Munster Heath War Cemetery, Telgte, Germany.

Sold with the following original documentation: letter of condolence (slightly damaged) to recipient’s father from his commanding officer, dated 25 February 1946; letter of condolence (slightly damaged) to recipient’s mother from the principal matron of 23rd Scottish General Hospital, dated 11 February 1946; enclosure for Efficiency Medal, addressed to recipient’s mother, dated 30 April 1952; newspaper cutting, photographs of recipient’s grave and other ephemera.