Lot 839
An RAF brass "scramble" bell from the R.A.F Poling radar base in West Sussex, stamped A.M 1939. together with a photo of WAAF Avis and a mahogany display cabinet. This bell was situated by the sleeping quarters of the base and was used extensively on the 18th of August 1940 known as "the hardest day" in the Battle of Britain. On the day the Luftwaffe attempted to destroy the Polling radar station with a large formation or Stuka (Junkers Ju 87) dive bombers. As remembered by Poling W.A.A.F Avis Parson "During this time it was put to great use. Oh how I hated it at times. I would be in a deep sleep, having been on duty all night, but it would keep ringing until everyone was in the shelter". Parsons would receive the Military Medal for her actions on that night. Provenance - taken from the Poling base upon demolition in 1956 by David Balaam, gifted to Bill Weatherly MM for W.A.A.F Avis Parsons in 1999 then gifted to RAF Princess Marina house by Parsons SOLD £3500