103359 Lieut.T.D.Mainprize - a Rhodesian serving in the South African Air Force as an Observer: 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, British War Medal, Africa Service Medal and South African WW2 death plaque – Killed in Action. The medals are a second issue and are not named. The marks on the back of the stars and medals is where they were being held in place with Prestik, can easily be cleaned off. The death plaque is missing one original nut and another has been replaced.
Thomas Dennis Mainprize attested on 29 June 1940, aged 19. Started training as a Pupil Pilot, remustered as Air Gunner and later did Air Observer training with 223 Sqn. His course results state “An above average observer but weak in Photography”, 1 November 1941. Mainprize was killed in action with 60 Sqn, near Sidi Barani, when the Martin Maryland he was flying in was shot down shot down by BF 109’s. Also killed on board were Lt.J.A.Huber, Sgt.M.B.Coetzee and Sgt.C.A.Ryan. Mainprize is buried in the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt, sharing his grave with Sgt Ryan.
With 16 pages copy documents, original Observer Course report, original Noticas, original - 1990's medal awards slip with the four medals ticked off, and digital photo of his gravestone. Medals mounted for display. Small chip out of top and bottom left corners of plaque wooden backing.
Son of Thomas B. and Lillian S. Mainprize, of Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia. From my personal collection.
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James D.N. MacKenzie
Southern Africa Militaria
