Lot 2322

Description

Group of Six: George Medal (GVIR); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; British War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; Air Efficiency award with bar. 205448 Sgt Geoffrey Ellis RAAF on first medal, 205448 G.H. G.H.Ellis on second to fifth medals, F/Lt G.H.Ellis on sixth medal. First and last medals engraved, the others impressed. Very fine.

GM LG 16 July 1941: 'Three Wirraway aircraft of No.24 Squadron were proceeding from Townsville to Evans Head for bombing and gunnery practice at No.1 Gunnery and Bombing School on 29 November 1940 and included aircraft A20-53 2, with the following crew: Pilot Officer H.A. Lenne - pilot, No 205448 Sgt Ellis G.H. - observer. The aircraft proceed in open formation and were approaching St. Lawrence when the engine of A20-53 failed as a result of which the pilot attempted a forced landing on a clay pan but overshot and crashed into timber. The aircraft burst into flames which enveloped the whole of the fuselage. Sergeant Ellis escaped from his seat with a dislocated right shoulder, abrasions to face and arms and slight burns but Pilot Officer Lenne was trapped in the wreckage. Despite his injuries Sergeant Ellis re-entered the flames, released the pilot and assisted him to escape. This most courageious act did not unfortunately save the life of the pilot who succimbed to his injuries in hospital and Sergeant Ellis sustained further severe burns to his face and hands which together with his previous injuries almost proved fatal.'