Special Collections

Sold on 27 June 2002

1 part

.

A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars

Download Images

Lot

№ 1220

.

27 June 2002

Hammer Price:
£260

The memorial plaque to Second Lieutenant (Pilot) K. D. Handel, No 53 Squadron, Royal Air Force, killed whilst flying on 25 June 1918

Memorial Plaque (Kenneth Douglas Handel); together with R.F.C. cloth wings; two collar badges, two shoulder pips; two wound stripes; and a small piece of shrapnel, this in an attractive gold mount for wear on a chain, all these items displayed in a glazed fitted case with khaki backing; together with a large studio portrait photograph of recipient in flying gear, on board, 47 c.m. by 60 c.m., with paper label below printed with biographical details,
extremely fine (9) £150-200

Kenneth Douglas Handel was born in 1894, and educated at Ilminster Grammar School. He joined the R.F.C. on 1 September 1915, as a wireless operator, proceeding to France in March 1916 attached in this capacity to a Field Battery. He was severely wounded, and on recovering from these wounds was granted a commission in the Royal Flying Corps, with whom he trained to be a pilot. On completing his training he was posted to France on 1 June 1918. He was killed on 25 June 1918 when returning from patrol duty he ran out of petrol, forcing him to make a bad landing. His observer (2nd Lieutenant H. Dyson) was injured but survived. Second Lieutenant Handel is buried at Aire Communal Cemetery, France.