Three: Second Lieutenant (Pilot) A. R. Strachan, No. 20 Squadron, Royal Air Force, formerly Highland Light Infantry, killed in aerial combat on 20 September 1918, a ‘Black September’ casualty

1914-15 Star (5436 Pte., High. L. I.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut., R.A.F.); together with memorial plaque (Andrew Robert Strachan) contained in an unusual contemporary fitted, glazed display frame, this leather covered with ornate brass-gilt surround, extremely fine (4) £450-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars.

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Andrew Robert Strachan served as a Pilot with No. 20 Squadron, R.A.F., flying in Bristol F2bs. On 15 September 1918 whilst on patrol with his squadron, a formation of 20 enemy Fokkers were intercepted, Strachan claimed one these destroyed. Three days later, on18 September 1918 during the Battle of Havrincourt and Epehy, he was in a plane, together with his Observer, Lieutenant B. W. Wilson, which intercepted an enemy aircraft, in the ensuing fight the E.A. was damaged.

Second Lieutenant Strachan was killed in action on 20 September 1918 whilst on an offensive patrol, when in combat with an enemy aircraft over Fresnoy Le Grand. His Observer, 2nd Lieutenant D. M. Calderwood was also killed. They have no known grave and are commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, France.

The following line is extracted from an article entitled ‘Top Scorers, The Record of 20 Squadron, R.F.C. & R.A.F., by Norman Franks and Frank Bailey: ‘Lt. A. R. Strachan and D. M. Calderwood were lost (killed) on September 20, Strachan having credit for five victories.’

Two Bristol fighters of 20 Squadron were shot down on 20 September 1918, one of which was claimed by the German air ace Otto Schmidt, his 14th out of a total of 20 victories.