WWII Pilot’s Daring Flight with Burning Bomber Set for Auction

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The medals belonging to World War II pilot Wing Commander Clive Beadon, famous for his extraordinary flight under perilous conditions, will be auctioned next week. Beadon and his crew faced a life-threatening situation on January 1, 1945, when their Liberator bomber was struck by a Japanese shell during an attack on the Burma-Siam railway. The shell created a 60 cm hole in the fuselage, igniting flames that they managed to douse using tea and water from their flasks.

Despite the critical conditions, Beadon successfully flew the damaged aircraft approximately 500 miles over the Bay of Bengal, striving to reach the safety of the coast while avoiding further enemy attacks. Tragically, one crew member lost their life, but the remaining members worked tirelessly to keep the flames under control using all available resources, including fire extinguishers.

The mission, noted for its extreme danger, has been hailed as one of the most hazardous undertaken by Eastern Air Command Liberators. For his bravery, Beadon was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by King George VI, who acknowledged the sacrifices of men like him in securing freedom.

The auction, organized by Noonans Mayfair in central London, is expected to attract considerable interest, with the medals anticipated to fetch up to £5,000.

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