Three: Sergeant J. H. Bennie, a Rhodesian in the Royal Air Force

1939-45 Star (710312 Sgt., 237 Sqdn.); Italy Star (710312 Sgt., 237 Sqdn.); War Medal 1939-45 (710312 Sgt., 237 Sqdn.), all officially engraved as issued to Rhodesian casualties, with named card box of issue, extremely fine (3) £90-110

James Hogg Bennie was the son of Matthew and Alison Bennie of Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia. After training, he joined 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron based at Rossignano, Northern Italy on 13.3.1945. Flying Spitfires, Bennie undertook many reconnaissance, escort and bombing missions during March - April 1945. On 13.4.1945 whilst on a shipping reconnaissance near Sestri Levante, Bennie reported that his engine had cut out. After jettisoning his long range tanks and bombs he was last seen gliding down from 15,000 feet to some fields near Lodi. Between 13.4.1945 and 30.4.1945 several unsuccessful searches were made by the Squadron to locate Bennie’s landing / crash site. His body was recovered and was interred in the Milan War Cemetery. Sold with copied squadron flight reports and other research details.