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Auction: 1005 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 12

x The Scarce and Unusual Second War ´1945´ Pathfinder´s D.F.C. and Superb ´1941´ Aerial Lifesaving B.E.M. Combination Group of Seven to Halifax and Lancaster Wireless Operator Flight Lieutenant, Later Squadron Leader J. Bremner, 35 Squadron, Royal Air Force, For Great Courage and Initiative During a Training Flight, When After His Aircraft Was Forced to Crash-Land He Extricated Two Unconscious Crew Members to Safety From the Burning Wreckage Before He Himself Collapsed; Later, When Fully Operational, He Took Part in 65 Sorties Either Side of D-Day a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse dated ´1945´ b) British Empire Medal, Military Division, G.VI.R. (1100103 Sergeant James Bremner R.A.F.) c) 1939-1945 Star d) Air Crew Europe Star e) Defence and War Medals f) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Cyprus (Flt. Lt. J. Bremner. R.A.F.), minor contact marks to the B.E.M., otherwise nearly extremely fine (7) Estimate £ 1,800-2,200 D.F.C. London Gazette 16.1.1945 Acting Flight Lieutenant James Bremner, B.E.M. (146952), R.A.F.V.R., 35 Sqn. The Recommendation, dated 21.10.1944, states: ´Flight Lieutenant Bremner has a magnificent record of service; he is now on his second tour of operations and has, altogether, taken part in 65 bombing operations against the enemy. As a Wireless Operator Air Gunner he has, on many occasions, demonstrated his skill in the use of special equipment and his general efficiency and enthusiasm has gained him the complete confidence of his crew. Flight Lieutenant Bremner has recently operated in a Master Bomber crew and has proved absolutely fearless under all conditions. In recognition of this Officer´s long record to devotion to duty and reliability, he is recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.´ B.E.M. London Gazette 30.1.1942 1100103 Sergeant James Bremner, Royal Air Force. ´In October, 1941, Sergeant Bremner was wireless operator in an aircraft engaged in exercises over the sea. When some 10 miles from the coast, one engine failed. The pilot then turned the aircraft towards land after having released his bombs into the sea and, when endeavouring to make a forced landing, the aircraft crashed in a field and caught fire. Sergeant Bremner was stunned but, recovering quickly, immediately went to the assistance of the 3 other members of the crew who were completely incapacitated. He succeeded in removing from the aircraft the second wireless operator and the navigator, both of whom were unconscious. He then attempted to extricate the pilot who was strapped in the cockpit although, it is believed, he was already dead. Whilst so doing, Sergeant Bremner saw people in the distance, shouted for help, and then collapsed. He had received concussion and shock as a result of the accident and had not other help arrived when he collapsed, he and his comrades whom he had saved, might have been in further grave danger from exploding petrol tanks. This airman displayed great courage and initiative in dangerous circumstances and was undoubtedly the main factor in rescuing two of his comrades. Unfortunately one of them succumbed to his injuries the same night.´ Flight Lieutenant James Bremner, D.F.C., B.E.M., born 12.12.1921, served with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, and was awarded the B.E.M. (see citation above) whilst serving with No. 16 O.T.U., Upper Heyford, 17.10.1941; Posted to 35 Squadron (Halifaxes), Path Finder Force, at Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, he began his first tour 10.5.1942- operational sorties included Frankfurt, Dusseldorf (2), Kiel, Cologne (2), Genoa (4), Turin (2), Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg (2). Commissioned Pilot Officer, 21.4.1943, Bremner converted to Lancasters and began his second tour 3.5.1944, playing a full part in ensuring the success of the D-Day landings, bombing the coastal battery at Maisy, 5.6.1944, and St. Lo, 6.6.1944. By the end of his second tour, 16.10.1944, he had flown a total of 65 operational sorties. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 21.10.1946, and Squadron Leader, 1.1.1966, Bremner retired from the Royal Air Force 5.4.1968.

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