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Auction: 14003 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 3

A Fine Military Division C.B.E., Second War '1942' Wing Leader's D.S.O., '1940' Immediate Battle of France D.F.C. Group of Ten to Hurricane 'Ace' Group Captain P.R. 'Johnnie' Walker, 1 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Who Claimed At Least 8 Victories, 6 of Which Were Claimed During 10th-20th May 1940, During Which Period He Was Also Shot Down Twice. He Converted to Spitfires and Became Wing Leader at Tangmere, in Time to Plan For, and Take Part in, Operation Jubilee, 19.8.1942; He Commanded 135 Wing, as Part of the 2nd T.A.F., July 1944-May 1945
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel
b) Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse of suspension bar officially dated '1942', with integral top riband bar
c) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1940'
d) 1939-1945 Star
e) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar
f) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaf
g) Coronation 1953
h) Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold, Military Division, Officer's breast Badge, 85mm including crown and crossed swords suspension x 40mm, silver-gilt and enamel, French motto, obverse central medallion loose, with rosette on riband
i) Netherlands, Kingdom, Order of Orange-Nassau, Military Division, Commander´s neck Badge, 84mm including crown suspension x 56mm, silver-gilt, silver, and enamel, in case of issue
j) Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, L.III.R., with bronze palm on riband
k) France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, reverse undated, with bronze palm on riband, good very fine and better, breast awards mounted court-style for display purposes, with the following related items:
- The recipient's associated miniature awards, mounted court-style for wear
- M.I.D. Certificate, dated 1.1.1946
- Bestowal Document for the Distinguished Service Order, dated 11.9.1942, this glazed and framed with a portrait photograph of recipient in uniform
- Bestowal Document for Belgian awards, with Air Ministry enclosure, 17.6.1947
- Bestowal Document for Dutch Award, dated 7.5.1947
- Original Citation for the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme, dated 15.2.1943
- R.A.F. Pilot's Flying Log Book (10.11.1946-31.10.1960)
- Scrap book containing photographs, newspaper cuttings, and telegrams relating to various stages of recipient's career
- File of research, leather bound, and embossed with recipient's name and rank (lot)

C.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1958 Group Captain Peter Russell Walker, D.S.O., D.F.C., Royal Air Force.

D.S.O. London Gazette 11.9.1942 Wing Commander Peter Russell Walker, D.F.C. (37435), Royal Air Force
'This officer has completed numerous sorties since April, 1942. By his meticulous planning and forethought, combined with his great skill and tenacity in action, he has won the complete confidence of his fellow pilots. In the recent Dieppe operations, Wing Commander Walker led formations of aircraft on 2 sorties. Throughout his operational career, he has displayed the highest standard of devotion to duty. He has destroyed 8 enemy aircraft.

The Recommendation states: 'Wing Commander Walker went as Senior Flight Commander with No. 1 Squadron to France at the outbreak of war. He remained with that Squadron until the end of May, 1940, when he was transferred for instructional duties to the O.T.U. at Aston Down. In October, 1940, he took over command of No. 253 Squadron, which he held until November, 1941, when he left to become Wing Commander Flying in the Kirton Sector. On April 28th, 1942, he took over the duties of Wing Commander Flying in the Tangmere Sector. He has completed considerably over 400 operational flying hours, and is officially credited with 8 aircraft destroyed. He has led some 35 offensive sweeps.
His meticulous planning and attention to detail; his tenacity of purpose and personal skill, combine to make him a Wing Leader of outstanding ability, in whom the Squadrons place implicit faith.'

Covering remarks of Station Commander: 'On August 19th, during the attack on Dieppe, he led two Wing sorties, one of two Squadrons and, finally, one over the returning convoy, comprising five Squadrons. The attention that he gives to his duties as Second in Command of the Sector, and to the training, both in the air and on the ground, of the Day Squadrons under his control, show him to be an officer in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force.'

D.F.C. London Gazette 7.6.1940 Flight Lieutenant Peter Russell Walker (37435), Royal Air Force
'In March, 1940, this officer was leading a section of three aircraft which attacked nine Messerschmitt 110's near Bozanville. Two of the enemy aircraft were destroyed. In May, 1940, Flight Lieutenant Walker led a section of five aircraft in an attack on fifteen Messerschmitt 110's, which were escorting bombers. In this engagement eight enemy aircraft were shot down. Flight Lieutenant Walker has led his flight in many combats, and has personally shot down six enemy aircraft.'

The Recommendation (originally for a D.S.O.) states: 'On 29.3.1940 at 1400 hours F/Lt. Walker leading a section of three Hurricanes attacked 9 Me 110s near Bozanville, and the section shot down one in France and probable one other in Germany. Between 10/5 and 20/5 F/Lt Walker led his flight with courage and determination on the enemy. On 11/5 with five Hurricanes he attacked 15 Me 110s escorting bombers north of Laon and eight were shot down. During this period he lead his flight in many combats during which he shot down six enemy aircraft and was shot down twice himself. I attribute largely to his leadership the number of enemy aircraft shot down by his flight and the few casualties sustained.

Belgian Order of Leopold, Officer London Gazette 27.6.1947 Acting Group Captain Peter Russell Walker, D.S.O., D.F.C., Reserve of Air Force Officers
'In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the liberation of Belgium.'

The Recommendation states, 'Group Captain Walker has commanded No. 135 Wing throughout the European campaign and under his leadership the squadrons have operated continuously in a fighter and fighter-bomber role in close co-operation with the Army. The efficiency and personal example of this officer has led to the smooth running of the Administrative services and the Wing's excellent operational achievements. His maintenance of a high standard of welfare amongst officers and men has led to a cheerful and contented Wing.

The Close co-operation of a Belgian Squadron and the other British and Dominion Squadrons in the Wing was undoubtedly due to this officer's influence.'

Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau, Commander London Gazette 31.10.1947 Wing Commander Peter Russell Walker, D.S.O., D.F.C. (37435), Royal Air Force
'In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war.'

The Recommendation states, 'Group Captain Walker commanded No. 135 Wing from the time of the invasion of the Continent until after V.E. Day. During the period of the liberation of the Netherlands, the main task that devolved upon this Wing was the maintenance of air superiority and attacks on enemy transportation deep inside enemy territory. By his cheerfulness and his good organising ability, the spirit of the Tempest squadrons in the Wing always remained at a high level and the successes achieved were a direct reflection of this officer's leadership.'

Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palm London Gazette 27.6.1947 Acting Group Captain Peter Russell Walker, D.S.O., D.F.C., Reserve of Air Force Officers
'In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the liberation of Belgium.'

France, Croix de Guerre (Proposed by French Government, 1943, Accepted same year) Wing Commander P.R. Walker

The Recommendation states, 'A Wing Leader of exceptional merit, after having played an especially outstanding role in the operations of the French campaign, he lead the fighter group 'Ile de France' against the enemy on 29 separate occasions during the campaign of the summer of 1942, exhibiting the qualities of an unparalleled combatant and tactician.

Group Captain Peter Russell Walker, D.SO., D.F.C. (1914-1972), born Hatcheston, Suffolk. He was educated at Woodbridge School, where he was Head of School and captain of Rugby and Cricket. Walker joined the Royal Air Force as a pupil pilot in 1935. After training he was posted as a pilot to 1 Squadron (Hawker Fury I's), Tangmere, 1937. The squadron had established a reputation for aerobatics and Walker flew in the unit's aerobatic team for the 1937 Hendon Air Pageant. In the same year they flew to Zurich, as guests of the Swiss Air Force, for a demonstration in aerobatics at the International Air Meeting. Walker advanced to Flight Commander in 1939, and with the outbreak of the war immediately went overseas with the squadron as part of 67 Wing of the Advanced Air Striking Force. Walker flew his Hurricane to his new base at Octeville, Le Havre, 8.9.1939. For the remainder of the month the squadron acclimatised itself with reconnaissance flights before moving to Norrent Fontes. They made their first foray over enemy lines in October, with occasional combats as the 'Phoney War' progressed.

The First Bf.110 to Fall to an R.A.F. Fighter
Flying from Vassincourt Walker was involved in shooting down the first Bf 110 to fall to an RAF fighter:

'At 14.00 hours on 29.3.1940 I [Walker], as Green Leader, and with F/O Stratton, Green Two, and Sgt. Clowes, Green Three, was ordered to patrol centre front at 25,000 feet.

At about 14.30 hours the Section was flying in a northerly direction east of Metz, when I heard Green Three on the R/T saying he could see something to the east. I turned and flew in that direction and suddenly saw three machines coming straight towards us and about 500 feet below… At the same time as I recognised them I saw six more. They were flying in sections of three lying astern. At this time we were just about over Bozanville.

At the time we recognised them as German Me. 110's they recognised us and immediately started a steep turn to the right to get on our tails. I warned Green's Two and Three of their numbers and gave the order to attack. I immediately went into a sharp right hand turn and tried to get on the tail of Me. 110 which was the last of the circle. From then on it developed into "Dogfight" and it was a case of every man for himself.

The Me. 110 I was attacking manoeuvred very well and my first bursts were rather wild. After a short time I managed to get in a better one and he did a half roll and dived towards the clouds. It was obvious that he was not badly damaged so I followed him down to 18,000 feet. He outdistanced me but I kept him in sight. At 18,000 feet he pulled out of the dive and did a stall-turn. This enabled me to catch him and we started to "mix it" again, but a small amount of smoke was coming from his port engine, and his manoeuvres were followed fairly easily.

At this time I was joined by Green Two who proceeded to put in some good bursts. Also we were amongst the clouds and the Me was not using any evasive tactics at all except dodging in and out the clouds. Both his engines were giving out a great deal of smoke and the port one nearly stopped. By this time we were down to 3,000 feet and over the Front. Both of us has used up our ammunition and the Me. 110 was last seen gliding in an easterly direction giving out clouds of smoke.' (Combat report refers)

Battle of France
The German aircraft crashed over Allied Lines. The pilot was taken prisoner of war, whilst the gunner was killed. The squadron moved to Berry-au-Bac in April 1940. Over the next month things 'hotted up', and the fighting was to become intense. On the 20th Walker Destroyed a Bf.109 of 7/JG53 over Redange. Between 10th-20th May Walker had claimed at least 6 Victories and been shot down twice (as referenced in his D.F.C. citation, and 8 by the time he was recommended for the D.S.O.). Given the hectic and confusing nature of the times during the collapse of France, squadron records are unsurprisingly limited for the period. Squadron records and claims would not have been high on the list of priorities given that on the 17th May the squadron was driven out of its base at Berry-au-Bac by bombing. This began a series of retreats from base to base until a return to the UK at the end of the month.

On the 10th May Walker shared a Do. 17 near Longuyon. The following day he led his flight in a contact with about 40 enemy bombers, escorted by 15 Me. 110s. In the ensuing fight Walker Destroyed a Me. 110 near Mezieres, and had another unconfirmed east of Vervines. The Combat Report offers the following detail:

'No. 1 [Walker] attacked first enemy aircraft from rear and first bursts had no effect. One enemy aircraft got on to No. 1's tail and our aircraft changed the position and got on enemy aircraft's tail and gave one burst as enemy aircraft did climbing turn. Enemy aircraft burst into flames, pilot jumped by parachute and enemy aircraft was seen to crash in wood. No. 1 then attacked second enemy aircraft and deflection shooting had no effect. No. 1 then got in a second deflection shot with remaining ammunition and enemy aircraft was seen to go on its back direct towards the ground from 4,000 feet. Enemy aircraft was not seen to hit the ground. Position east of Vervines.'

The Squadron Records give the following for the 16th May, 'More raids today - Aerodrome defence machines took off several times after raiders, but failed to make contact. Paul Richey qualified as a member of the Caterpillar Club by leaping successfully once again, but had the satisfaction of knocking off one Me. 110. In this same encounter, F/Lt. Walker added a further 2 Me. 110's to his score, as did also Soper one and Kilmartin one. Refugees have been streaming past the camp for some days.'

Walker's Combat Report dated for the 17th gives:

'Detailed for offensive patrol [Walker, Brown, Palmer, Kilmartin, Soper] against dive bomber east and west of Sedan.

On reaching Vouziers at a height of 8,000 feet (base of cloud) in a break a strong formation of enemy fighters (Me. 110), was seen above. As the cloud was decreasing towards the east it would have been impossible to fulfil a mission against Dive Bombers with enemy fighters in such strength above. I climbed to attack this fighter formation which turned S.W. into the sun. I obtained a satisfactory position at 18,000 feet and attacked. As the fight developed more and more Me. 110's entered the combat, up to a total perhaps of 25. In the combat No. 1 [Walker] shot down one enemy aircraft. No. 2 shot shot down one enemy aircraft. No. 3 was seen to be going down emitting black smoke. No. 4 shot down one enemy aircraft and No. 5 two enemy aircraft.

On return to the aerodrome No. 1 was unserviceable due to a cannon shot through the wing and aileron… The pilot had to land at a French aerodrome where a temporary repair was done with a hammer and chisel.'

On the 19th Walker led his flight in action north-east of Rethel and, 'Red 1 [Walker] delivered several attacks and later attacked one with its wheels down. This E.A., after a good burst, emitted smoke from both engines and glided down toward the ground. Ammunition being exhausted, Red 1 landed at French aerodrome, then returned to base.' (Combat Report refers)

Walker left France on the 24th May, and shortly after his return to the UK was awarded a hard earned D.F.C. After the intensity of the last few weeks, Walker was taken out of the firing line and posted as an Instructor at 5 O.T.U., Aston Down. The unit was re-designated as 55 O.T.U. and he continued to serve with them until November 1940. On the latter date Walker was appointed to the command of 253 Squadron (Hurricanes), Kenley. He led the squadron for the first time on the 17th, and they were tasked with mainly flying interceptions. On 1.12.1940, 'I [Walker] was Red 1 leading the squadron and when over Maidstone at 25,000ft. sighted 6 Me. 109's just below travelling in a westerly direction. 605 Squadron who were leading attacked the enemy who were in no particular formation. After giving a "Tally-Ho" I turned and attacked one E/A from astern who had just finished attacking a Hurricane and was breaking away. I saw small pieces fall off after which the E.A. went into a fast dive and I was unable to close range. I pursued E/A to the coast but was unable to get any closer.' (Combat Report refers)

Wing Leader Tangmere
In the New Year the squadron moved north to Leconfield, and then on to Skeabrae from where it was mainly involved in convoy patrols. In November 1941 Walker was appointed Wing Commander Flying in the Kirton Sector. He held this position until April 1942 when he was posted as Wing Commander Flying in the Tangmere Sector. He took over the role from "Dutch" Hugo, and was almost immediately thrust into the planning of the air element of the Dieppe operations.

Walker led at least 35 offensive sweeps at the head of his Spitfire Wing. 29 of those were at the head of the Group 'Isle de France', over the summer of 1942. On August 19th, during the attack on Dieppe, he led two Wing sorties, one of two Squadrons and, finally, one over the returning convoy, comprising five Squadrons.

In September 1942 Walker was appointed Station Commander at Tangmere. He subsequently served at HQ, 11 Group, before serving as Commanding Officer of 135 Wing (2nd T.A.F.), June 1944-May1945. Having advanced to Group Captain, Walker's subsequent post-war appointments included as Commanding Officer R.A.F West Malling and Station Commander at Fassberg, Germany. He retired to Lympstone, Devon.

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