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Auction: 11010 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 16

A Fine Second War ´Immediate´ 1944 Lancaster Bomb Aimer´s D.F.C. Group of Five to Flying Officer, Later Flight Lieutenant, C.H. McKenzie, Royal Air Force; Having Completed a Tour of Operations Early in the War with 115 Squadron, He Took Part in the First 1,000 Bomber Raids Over Cologne and Essen Whilst Employed as an Instructor, and Went on to Fly a Total of At Least 39 Operational Sorties, the Remainder with 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron; The Last Being to Wesselling, 21.6.1944, When His Lancaster Was Attacked and Severely Damaged by a JU 88; Half the Crew Bailed Out, Including the Navigator, Leaving McKenzie to Navigate the Stricken Aircraft Home to Safety a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R, reverse officially dated ´1944´ b) 1939-1945 Star c) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar d) Defence and War Medals, good very fine, with Royal Air Force Observer´s and Air Gunner´s Flying Log Book (covering the period 24.3.1939-8.1.1953) and a comprehensive file of research (lot) Estimate £ 2,000-2,500 D.F.C. London Gazette 21.7.1944 Flying Officer Colin Hiram McKenzie (50237), R.A.F., 44 Sqn The Recommendation, dated 23.6.1944, states: ´Flying Officer McKenzie commenced his second tour of operations in February, and has now completed 39 successful operational sorties. He has taken part in attacks on Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Schweinfurt and many raids against enemy shipping. Through the considerable period covered by these operational duties, he has invariably exhibited the greatest courage, determination and cheerfulness, and in doing so has set a splendid example, not only to his crew, but all others on the Squadron. On the 21st June, 1944, F/O McKenzie was Bomb Aimer of a Lancaster detailed with others to attack the synthetic oil plant at Wesselling. When on the bombing run, the Lancaster was attacked by an enemy fighter and sustained severe damage to the elevators. The captain lost control, and ordered his crew to abandon aircraft. It was, however, found almost impossible to open the front escape hatch owing to the loading and four members of the crew left by the rear door. Subsequently the captain regained control to find that he was uncertain about his position over very heavily defended territory. The Navigator being missing, F/O McKenzie immediately took over and skilfully guided his captain around the defences, giving him the trouble free route which was necessary in such a crippled condition. This was done in spite of the fact that most of the Navigational aids were unserviceable, and no-one was manning the wireless equipment. Thus, through devotion to duty, F/O McKenzie was able to ensure the safe return of the aircraft to its base. F/O McKenzie has been employed as Deputy Bombing Leader on the Squadron since February last, and during this time has worked hard to improve efficiency of the Squadron Bombing Section. This period has covered the inception of the new Bombing technique adopted against small vital targets recently attacked, and there is no doubt that the success which attended the Squadron´s efforts must in a large measure be attributed to his high personal efficiency and energy. He is, in my opinion, well worthy of the recognition which this recommendation seeks for him.´ Flight Lieutenant Colin Hiram McKenzie, D.F.C., a native of Ramsgate; educated at Chatham House School, Ramsgate; prior to enlistment was employed by Deakin and Son Ltd of the same town; joined the Royal Air Force, March 1939, and after training No. 2 A.O.S. Acklington qualified as Air Observer/Navigator, 4.6.1939; posted in this capacity to 115 Squadron (Wellingtons), Marham, August 1939; initially attached to Coastal Command he flew in his first operational sortie with the Squadron, 8.10.1939; he flew a further 22 sorties with the Squadron including: the R.A.F.´s first bombing raid of the War on a mainland target - the German held Norwegian airfield of Stavanger, 14.4.1940; Dinant; Hirson (3); Roulers; Thourout; Hamburg; Handorf; Evereux and Cologne; after completing his first operational tour he was posted in an instructor capacity to 18 O.T.U., Bramcote and then to 26 O.T.U., April 1942; whilst serving with the latter he participated in the first 1,000 Bomber Raids to Cologne and Essen; posted to 1660 Conversion Unit, Swinderby, December 1943, prior to being posted as Bomb Aimer to 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron (Lancasters), Dunholme Lodge, April 1944; he flew in 13 operational sorties with the Squadron including: Berlin; Stuttgart; Danzig Bay; Aachen; Paris; Schweinfurt; Salbris; Caen and 21.6.1944, ´Ops "Wesseling" attacked by JU 88, 4 of crew bailed out´ (Log Book refers); Flight Lieutenant 21.2.1946; post war service included at A.H.Q. Unit, Habbaniya, Iraq; with the Armament Division, Linholme and at R.A.F. College Manby.

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