Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A B.E.M. awarded to Corporal T. L. Johnson, Royal Air Force

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (53687 Cpl. Thomas L. Johnson, R.A.F.) good very fine £200-250

B.E.M. London Gazette 7 September 1943. ‘In January, 1943, an aircraft stalled and crashed on an airfield and burst into flames on impact. Although the wreckage was blazing fiercely and there was grave danger of petrol tanks and ammunition exploding, Aircraftman Parton entered the flames to help the injured pilot. Driven back by the heat of the fire, he again entered the flames. He received assistance from Corporal Johnson and together these airmen, who showed great courage and complete disregard of their own safety, succeeded in extricating the pilot from the wreckage. Their courage and prompt action helped to save the life of the pilot’.

Sold with recommendation, which, in addition to a citation similar to that above, states that Corporal Johnson was from No.165 Squadron, and that the aircraft, a Typhoon from No.486 Squadron, flown by Sergeant Fisher, crashed on 8 January 1943. Both Johnson and Parton received the B.E.M. for their bravery, having been considered for the George Medal.