Five: 1939/45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Australian Service Medal correctly impressed to 400969 R. F. Cripps
Flight Sergeant Cripps a native from Glenferrie Vic, enlisted on the 7th of December 1940.
On 9 Jan 43, Cripps was tasked as bomb aimer aboard Lancaster W4371 of 12 Sqn, Bomber Command. The aircraft took off from RAF Station Wickenby, to carry out a mine laying operation in the Saint Peter’s Head area of the West Frisian Islands, near the Danish coast. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take-off and it the Lancaster and crew failed to return to base.
The crew was listed as missing in action, and an investigation determined the crew was killed in flying battle. Two other planes were also listed as missing at the same time.
Official report states “It is presumed to have been lost owing to enemy action over the target which it was detailed to attack”
Historian Alan Storr states “Following post war investigations and enquires, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea”.
This is a rare Air Crew Europe Killed in Action group to an Australian and seldom seen on the market.
Near EF SOLD
