Medal Bar of Flying Officer Michael Edmund Staples

Michael Staples was a successful Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain, serving with No. 609 Squadron at RAF Middle Wallop in Hampshire.

Staples joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1938 and was called up at the beginning of the Second World War. In October 1940 he was shot down in flames during aerial combat over Yeovil while intercepting a surprise attack of enemy fighters. Staples baled out at 21,000 feet and later recovered in hospital despite sustaining huge blood loss after being shot in the thigh. He was killed in November 1941 when his Bristol Beaufighter crashed while coming in to land at night. Medals, from left to right: 1939–1945 star with Battle of Britain clasp, Air Crew Europe Star, 1939–1945 War Medal.