BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)
Pic: Bosleys/BNPS

The bravery medals awarded to Warrant Officer Bob Tait.

Left to Right - Military Medal with second award bar, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, General Service Medal, Palestine 1945-48, Royal Air Force Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (EIIR).

The bravery medals awarded to the founding member of the SAS who designed its famous cap badge and took part in one of the regiment's most daring raids are to be sold.

Warrant Officer Bob Tait was involved in the very first SAS mission in Libya in November 1941 which proved a disaster, with 22 men out of about 60 either killed or captured by the Germans.

The second, though, was far more successful. W/O Tait was one of five commandos who snuck into a German aerodrome deep behind enemy lines and laid explosives that destroyed 37 aircraft.

In between the raid he came up with the sword and wings insignia for the newly-formed regiment.

His medals and other items are now being sold at auction for £50,000