A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars

Three: Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) R. L. Leith-Hay-Clark, No. 35 Squadron, Royal Air Force, killed in September 1942 when his Halifax bomber was shot down by a Me110 whilst on operations against Saarbrücken

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal, with named Air Council condolence slip (Pilot Officer R. L. Leith-Hay-Clark) extremely fine (3) £200-250

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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Richard Langton Leith-Hay-Clark was the son of Major Norman and Mrs Alice Theodora Leith-Hay-Clark, of West Brompton, London, and elder brother of Donald Massingberd Leith-Hay-Clark (See Lot 1250). He was Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) of a Halifax bomber of 35 Squadron on the night of 19th/20th September 1942, detailed to attack Saarbrücken, when it was shot down by a Me110 at Blesme (Marne), near Vitry-le-Francois, France. Three members of the crew survived to become prisoners of war but the pilot, Wing Commander J. H. Marks, D.S.O., D.F.C., Flight Lieutenant A. J. Child, D.F.C., and Pilot Officer Leith-Hay-Clarke were all killed and buried in Choloy War Cemetery, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. He was 25 years old.