The outstandingly rare Great War 'Bloody April' casualty group awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Eric Arthur Welch, Royal Flying Corps, who flew operationally with No. 53 and No. 16 Squadrons on the Western Front and who was the Pilot of Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2f (Serial No. A3168) when the aircraft was shot down near Mericourt, France, on the 23rd April 1917, the 47th victory of Pour le Merite holder Leutnant Manfred Von Richthofen, the famous 'Red Baron', Commanding Officer of Jasta 11 and the highest scoring ace of the Great War.


Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal (2.LIEUT. E.A. WELCH.)


Condition: Extremely Fine, near Mint.


Eric Arthur Welch was born at Islington, London in 1894, although he resided for most of his life in Lancaster, Lancashire. He was the Pilot of Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2f Serial Number A3168 when he was killed in action (aerial combat) near Mericourt, on 23rd April 1917, aged 22, the 47th victory of the Commanding Officer of Jasta 11, ‘ace’ and Pour le Merite holder, Rittmeister Manfred Freiherr Von Richthofen, the famous ‘Red Baron’ and the top scoring ace of the Great War.


More information on Manfred Von Richthofen and his victories can be found here (cut and paste into your browser):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manfred_von_Richthofen#Piloting_career

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_victories_of_Manfred_von_Richthofen


This group comes with a substantial quantity of research, which will be emailed to the buyer.


Note: This group will be offered for sale elsewhere and may be withdraw from sale by auction on Ebay at any time.


Please check out my other items listed on Ebay.


I am selling a very large collection of medals, including many gallantry and casualty items: Please feel free to email me at Darren5192@aol.com stating your collecting interests. I may well have something for you. Equally, I will consider realistic offers on this pair via this email address and can also provide any further information or photos if requested. 


Postage offered free to the UK only (Royal Mail Special Delivery).