Swordfish pilot's WW2 1939-1945, Atlantic Stars and BWM attr...

Hammer

£190

Swordfish pilot's WW2 1939-1945, Atlantic Stars and BWM attributed to Sub-Lieut (A) Leonard Beale Cater Fleet Air Arm good extremely fine. With Admiralty condolence slip to Sub-Lieutenant (A) Leonard Beale Cater and Navy Accounts box of issue addressed to his father, Francis L. Cater, New York City. He was killed in action with 823 Sqn from HMS Sparrowhawk on 21st June 1940 when his Swordfish ditched in the North Sea after an attack on the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst off Trondheim. With no known grave, he is commemorated on the Lee-On-Solent Memorial.
With copied research and family typed notes, joined the F.A.A. in 1938, served on HMS Hermes, awarded his wings on completion of pilot training Dec 1938, posted to HMS Glorious in Aug 1939, promoted Sub-Lieut (A) 14/3/40, was on shore leave when the Glorious was sunk by the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau 8/6/40 with the loss of over 1200 lives. His good fortune about not being aboard the Glorious was short lived as he was killed in an attack just 13 days later. Sold with 1935 Silver Jubilee Naval Review Medal engraved Cadet L.B. Cater, embroidered naval wings, hat band, various buttons, rank badges etc.
Also with range of coins, various pin badges, 1914-15 Star trio set of miniature medals, ASC cap badge, National Service Medal in box of purchase, books of matches etc. (B)