This VC group of five was awarded posthumously to Squadron Leader ASK ‘Pongo’ Scarf for his heroic efforts to stem the devastating Japanese aerial bombardments coming out of Singora. Every other Blenheim in his squadron was shot down before they could even get ‘wheels up’ so the responsibility for a daring raid fell squarely on his shoulders. He succeeded in making his bombing run but was mortally wounded on the return journey.
The medal, presented to Scarf’s widow at Buckingham Palace on June 30, 1946, was consigned for sale at Spink (20% buyer’s premium) by his family.
At £550,000, it beat the previous highest sum for an RAF VC, that awarded to Flight Lt Bill Reid, 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, which sold for £290,000 at Spink in November 2009.
