Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare ‘Palestine 1945-48 operations’ B.E.M. pair awarded to Aircraftman 1st Class A. Vickers, Royal Air Force, a Motor Transport Driver who detected, and single-handedly repelled, a gang of armed Arab thieves at No. 120 Maintenance Unit, Levant - wounding two of the thieves, and capturing one in the process, all of which was done under small arms fire

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (659202 A.C. 1 Cl. Albert Vickers. R.A.F.) suspension claw loose; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (659202 A.C. 1. A. Vickers. R.A.F.) mounted on card for display, otherwise generally very fine (2) (2) £360-£440

B.E.M. London Gazette 29 October 1948:

‘For gallantry and good service in Palestine prior to evacuation on 30th June 1948.’

The original recommendation states:

‘No. 120 Maintenance Unit, Levant - A.C.1. Vickers, an M.T. driver, set his colleagues a fine example by his devotion to duty and his determination to complete his work regardless of difficulties or dangers. On one occasion, Arabs had broken in and were stealing equipment. He called out the Striker Force but, realising the need for prompt action, he immediately launched an attack on the thieves unaided. Although under fire himself, he wounded one Arab and pressed on with his attack. Unexpectedly confronted by another Arab, A.C.1 Vickers felled him with the butt of his rifle and cooly arrested the wounded Arab, although this involved crawling forward under fire and in the face of thieves with a high reputation for skill at this form of fighting. This airman’s courageous action was typical of the high sense of duty and courage he displayed through the evacuation of his unit. His brave action undoubtedly saved the loss of valuable equipment.’

The Secretary of State for Air, in making recommendations to the Committee for the George Cross, the George Medal and the British Empire Medal, graded Vickers as No. 1 of the three airmen being put forward for recognition.

A total of only six B.E.M.’s were awarded to the Royal Air Force for the whole of the Palestine operations between 1945 and 1948.