SAS soldier's medals from WW2 to be auctioned

Six framed medals will be going under the hammer on Wednesday 10 July

The medals of a soldier killed during a secret World War Two mission are to be auctioned.

Cpl Kenneth Bateman was parachuted into France hours before the D-Day Landings as part of Operation Bulbasket - but was later captured and shot on 7 July.

His niece applied for the medals to the ministry of defence in 2003 after being "inspired" by the story.

The lot is expected to fetch between £800 and £1,200 with Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Tamworth Auction Rooms.

The full archive includes newspaper clippings and communication with the war office in the 1940s.

Mr Bateman’s niece, from Lichfield in Staffordshire, died in February 2023 aged 85.

Another family member, from Swadlincote, decided to auction the collection following a period of ill health.

“Mum always wanted to visit his grave in France but sadly never made it over there.

“We are now not in the best of health and would sooner the medals go to someone who will appreciate them.”

Two framed pictures of Mr Bateman will also be included

Six framed medals will be going under the hammer including the France and Germany Star, 1939-1945 Star, 1939-1945 War Medal, Defence Medal, The Africa Star and The Italy Star.

Also included is the 24-year-old's 8th Army Bar - which would be added to The Africa Star - and a book about Operation Bulbasket.

The collection comes with two photos of Mr Bateman, who serviced in Special Air Service.

Jeff Clark, militaria specialist with Richard Winterton Auctioneers, said: "This elite unit of 55 soldiers successfully managed to sabotage the railway lines many times and was tasked with preventing fuel supplies reaching the 2nd Panzer Division.

“They managed to obtain the whereabouts of a large supply of fuel that was due to arrive where the RAF managed to destroy that supply.”

The 10 July sale at The Tamworth Auction Rooms in Church Street also includes stamps and vintage toys.