WWII RAF Fighter Command Air Crew Europe Star Medal and Log ...

Hammer

£1,150

WWII RAF Fighter Command Air Crew Europe Star Medal and Log Book Grouping, plus cloth insignia, photographs, ephemera and other miscellaneous items relating to The wartime service of Flying Officer Arthur Bingham. The medal group comprises 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star with Rosette, Africa Star with North Africa 1942-1943 clasp, Italy Star, France and Germany Star and 1939-1945 War Medal - accompanied with private purchase miniature medals. The pilot's log books detail the training and combat operation undertaken by Bingham as a fighter pilot, these are accompanied by a selection of photographs, a 126 Squadron patch, two RAF wings patches and Service and Release book.

Flying Officer Bingham was born in Liverpool on 13/4/1923 and came from a humble background. He joined the RAF at 17 years of age in 1940 and learned to fly in Canada. On completion of flight training he was involved in heavy air fighting against the Axis powers from mid 1942-late 1944. He served in both the Western Europe and Mediterranean theatres of conflict and flew mostly in Spitfire V's and Spitfire IX's. Thereafter, Flying Officer Bingham had various roles in the RAF until he was demobilised in 1946. He maintained his interest in aviation by joining the RAFVTR and later became a civilian flight controller.

Arthur Bingham was not the only member of his family to join the RAF, his brother William also volunteered and joined Bomber Command, where he flew in Lancaster bombers as an Air Gunner. Sadly he was killed in action on 25/4/1944 and he is buried at Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany. Photographs of this brave Airman and his original grave marker are included within this lot. Please note other items including uniforms relating to F/O Bingham are in Lot 308.