During the latest episode of Antiques Roadshow, expert Mark Smith heard the stirring story of a Second World War pilot who shot down five enemy aircraft in a single night in 1943, making him a fighter “Ace”.
Mark told the guest: “That is possibly one of the most iconic and best sets of Royal Airforce medals we’ve ever seen.”
The guest explained the medals belonged to his late father-in-law who was known as Ian and was a pilot in the RAF.
“We can see from his medals he has just about all of them,” Mark exclaimed. “So we have a Distinguished Service Order, a Distinguished Flying Cross, an Airforce Cross, a Worl War II Campaign ’39-’45.
“[We also have an] Air Crew Europe France and Germany, Italy. Defence, War Mention In Dispatches and an Air Efficiency award.”
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The guest also had a log book which left the expert “totally blown away”.
After learning Ian was an “Ace”, Mark explained: “An Ace means he shot down at least five aircraft.
“And I went on to say to you, ‘How many planes did he shoot down throughout the war?’ And the answer was 15.
Mark was amazed to know Ian shot down five enemy aircraft in less than five hours.
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Reading his logbook, Mark said: “I love this line here which says, ‘Incidentally, there were only 15 rounds per cannon left on landing.’
“So he started off with about 1,000 in each gun and he’s got about 60 left, he really did try that night.”
When he asked what the guest thought about that, he replied: “I think it’s absolutely amazing and he was an amazing person to know.”
He admitted he didn’t have a clue how much the medals would be worth today as they have been in the family for decades.
Mark revealed they were worth an estimated £20,000 which left the guest flabbergasted.
“What – woah,” the guest replied in complete shock. “That really is quite something.”
“Without any shadow of a doubt they are worth £20,000,” Mark explained. “Thank you so much because, to see a log back like that, is almost unique.”
Antiques Roadshow episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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