A Three Generation Family Group of Medals

GV 1911 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal - Unnamed.

 

Great War Pair. Correctly impressed - M2-114791 Cpl. R. G. Marks A.S.C.

 

1939 to 45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and GSM Palestine 1945-48, correctly impressed FLT.LT. K.G. Marks RAF.

 

Condition GVF+

 

Sold with a Full Hunter Silver pocket watch engraved to 'Inspector G. Marks'.

 

Dog Tags to K.G. Marks, Raf Badge, Church Lads Brigade Medal and Silver Boxing Medal. 

 

George Marks was born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire in 1850. At the time of the 1911 census, he was serving as a Police Inspector in Eton. He retired in 1915 and was presented with a Silver Pocket Watch. George passed away in 1934

 

His son Rupert George, born in 1890, became a motor mechanic. At the time of the 1911 census, he resided with his father at Police Office 101 High Street, Eton, Bucks. During the Great War, Rupert served with the Army Service Corps, and the pair was his sole entitlement.  He passed away in 1974. 

 

Rupert's son, George Kenneth Marks, was born in July 1924. In his youth, he was a member of the Church Lads Brigade and became a Boxing Champion. 

 

During the Second World War, he served as a Flight Engineer with Bomber Command. Marks did an operational tour with on 51 Squadron. The following is taken from 'Yorkshire Aircraft.co.uk'   

 

Halifax W7818 

'At 18.44hrs on 18th February 1943, this 51 Squadron aircraft had just taken off from Snaith airfield for a mine laying flight when an engine failed, losing height. The pilot belly landed the aircraft at the edge of Snaith airfield in front of the Squadron Headquarters building. The aircraft was badly damaged but the crew escaped injury. All of the above had been posted to 51 Squadron on 4th January 1943 from 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit.

Pilot - Sgt Edward Fred Hutchinson Haly RAFVR (1318907).

Flight Engineer - Sgt Kenneth George Marks RAF (577633).

Navigator - Sgt Arthur Wright RAFVR (1526625).

Air Bomber - Sgt Charles Leonard Bramfitt RAFVR (1055909).

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt Peter Woods RAFVR (966365).

Air Gunner - Sgt Leonard Stanley Baldwin RAFVR (1396686).

Air Gunner - Sgt Cecil James Johnston RAAF (411244).'

 

Marks rose from Sergeant to Flight Lieutenant during the war. In the post-war years, he remained in the RAF but transferred to the secretarial branch, becoming a Squadron Leader. Kenneth relinquished his commission in 1952.