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Pic: Warwick&Warwick/BNPS

Pictured: 120 Squadron photographed in front of an Avro Lincoln, September 17, 1947. (Squadron Leader Henry Matthews is second row from the front, 11 in from the left).

The resilience of a hero gunner of The Few who refused to relinquish his position despite being badly wounded can be revealed after his medals emerged for sale for £5,000.

Squadron Leader Henry Matthews, of 236 Squadron, was on board Blenheims which defended these skies against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.

On March 5, 1941, his aircraft was flying off the south coast of Ireland when they spotted two Heinkel 111's.

A dogfight ensued and Sgt Matthews was shot in the left shoulder but, despite being in agony, still continued to man his turret.

Now, Sq Ldr Matthews' medals, including a prestigious Distinguished Flying Medal for this action, log books and unseen photos are going under the hammer with auctioneers Warwick & Warwick.