Northern Arms Fairs of Harrogate has been organising military antiques, art and collectibles events since 1978. One of their most substantial and long running is at Pudsey Civic Hall. This year the fourth of six was on Sunday 18 August. Ivor Hughes visited and found something of particular local interest.
These three WWII campaign medals (pictured above) include by far the rarest of all, the Air Crew Europe Star (centre). Typically, this medal was earned by air crew who had completed two months’ operational service over Europe.
And only after they had also qualified for the 1939 – 1945 Star (left). Though related death or disability, or an award for bravery, made qualification immediate.
Although WWII campaign medals were unnamed, these three were accompanied by the certificate of award. The recipient was Sergeant Joseph Edward Boyes, aged 21, from Beeston, Leeds. On 18 May 1943 he was navigator of an RAF bomber laying sea mines on the western French coast near La Rochelle. The bomber was shot down by German flak and ditched nearby. Sgt Boyes was one of five casualties.
Northern Arms Fairs’ next event at Pudsey Civic Hall is on Sunday 13 October from 9am to 2pm.
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