Rare World War Two medals sell for £24k at auction

Six rare World War Two medals awarded to a Lancaster Bomber pilot have sold for £24,000 at auction.

Flight Lieutenant Edward Sydney Ellis, born in Luton in 1914 and employed by Vauxhall Motors, was one of only seven people to have received this collection.

He served with the 625 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and flew at least 36 operational sorties, including raids on Berlin.

Mark Quayle from Noonans Mayfair auctioneers described the medals as "the physical embodiment of one man's determination to carry out his duty regardless of personal consequence".

"Flight Lieutenant Ellis risked life and limb time and again with his Lancaster crew," he added.

The medals - bought by a private collector - include the Distinguished Flying Cross and Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for flying, which is second only to the Victoria Cross.

Flt Lt Ellis, known as Ted, was posted to the newly formed 625 Squadron at Kelstern in October 1943.

His Lancaster Bomber crew were hit by anti-aircraft fire, which put his rear gunner out of action, and his mid-upper gunner was wounded by an enemy fighter.

The wrecked aircraft was hit again crossing the Dutch coast on the return flight before he managed to successfully crash land back home.

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