Description
Physical description
Hexagonal-shaped identity tag of blue fibre with two holes, one each end for suspending on a neck-string. The lower end of the tag is bent.
Label
This identity disc belonged to Pilot Officer Frederick Harrold, a Hurricane pilot who was killed in action during the Battle of Britain. Harrold, of Hills Road, Cambridge, was killed on Saturday, 28th September over Deal, Kent, having only just been posted to 501 Squadron two days previously. Harrold was shot down by a MeBf109 and was later interred at St Andrews Churchyard Cemetery, Cherry Hinton.
History note
This identity disc belonged to Pilot Officer Frederick Harrold, a Hurricane pilot who was killed in action during the Battle of Britain. Harrold, of Hills Road, Cambridge, was killed on Saturday, 28th September over Deal, Kent, having only just been posted to 501 Squadron two days previously. Harrold was shot down by a MeBf109 and was later interred at St Andrews Churchyard Cemetery, Cherry Hinton.
When Harrold's surviving sister died, the uniform, personal effects, including battered cigarette case, bent door key, damaged identity disc, talismans, pilots flying log book, medals, documents and photographs were bequeathed to the Imperial War Museum.
On examination it would appear that the service dress uniform is the one worn by him at the time of his being killed, the jacket and trousers clearly showing evidence of severe wounds from the left side to the right. Both have been cleaned previously but there is some staining and discouloration, and in addition some buttons and the belt buckle have earth deposits clearly visible. Although it is known that the crash-site was excavated in 1975, the uniform items, identity disc, and cigarette case are in too good a condition than would be the case if buried for 35 years.
Inscription
F.C. HARROLD
OFFR
C OF E
42707
R.A.F.
Inscription
DO
NOT
REMOVE