Gordon Williamson

Pilot Observer

Para

Radio Operator

Retired Pilot

Glider Pilot

Observer

As there seems to be quite a good level of interest in 1957 stuff these days, here are some of the Lufty ones.

Pilot

Die truck in silver, the tiny M at the bottom indicates the Osaka Mint.

Close up Obverse

Unlike the Rising Sun and Sacred Treasure Orders, which were available to both civilian and military people, the Golden Kite was purely military. After WW2 Japan renounced militarism ( and now only has not Armed Forces but a "Self Defence Force") and thus no need for purely military decorations. The Golden Kite was abolished in 1947.

The award shows the legendary Golden Kite, the messenger of the Gods over a pair of crossed Samurai shields each with a sword and banner superimposed and vertically in the centre, a sheathed Halberd.

Very nice John. Glad to see someone else likes these. I have a 6th Class on its way to me now. Pity that prices jump quite a bit when you get to the top grades !

Yes, the temptation is very strong. I've a whole load of others "in the pipeline". To be honest, I think I actually prefer this stuff to the German.

The award docs are sometimes available too, problem is trying to figure out what they are for, in Japanese characters !!! :speechless-smiley-004:

He also appears, as a lad, to have had some sort of Cadet service. Goodness knows what this Uniform is. Maybe Rick as Guru of all things obscure may have an idea ? Or is it just some sort of Band uniform

And Frau Starke can get her war widows pension.

Eventually, in April 1943, a formal death certificate is issued.

Of course at first they won't know if he is dead or has maybe been rescued and taken prisoner, so when his wife gets some financial aid from the state, it merely lists him as "vermisst"

She is also a quite successful boat, sinking 8 enemy ships in her first three patrols. On her fourth however, she is depth charged and sunk. Frau Starke gets the dreaded "missing in action" letter.

More

When U-61 is retired, Starcke joins U-588, a brand new Type VIIC. Some shots from her

While with U-61, Starke earns the U-Boat War Badge.

And some receive awards from Admiral Carls

U-61 carried out 10 war cruises before being retired to training duties. Here crew members line up for inspection, -

And he transfers to U-Boats. Here. at the commissioning ceremony for U-61. You can just see his head peeking over the commanders shoulder ( third from left)

With wife and family

1939 is a big year for Starcke. He gets married. This is his marriage certificate.