Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 16001 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 149

A Second War 1942 'Wellington Wireless Operator's' D.F.M. Group of Four to Sergeant S. Albiston, 103 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Who Flew in At Least 35 Operational Sorties, 7 of Which Were to Essen and Back
a) Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1059463. Sgt. S. Albiston. R.A.F.)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Air Crew Europe Star
d) War Medal, very fine, with seven photographs from various stages of recipient's career (lot)

D.F.M. London Gazette 22.9.1942 1059463 Sergeant Samuel Albiston, 103 Squadron
The Recommendation, dated 22.7.1942, states: 'Sergeant Albiston has taken part in 35 sorties over enemy territory as first Wireless Operator. Starting on his arrival in the squadron as very inexperienced and an average Wireless Operator, he has made himself into one of the most reliable and efficient Wireless Operators in the squadron. As a member of a crew, he has proved himself to be completely fearless and absolutely dependable. He has interested himself in all the duties of each member of his crew, as a result of which he has been of very great assistance in obtaining good photographs by skillful co-operation between himself, with a flash bomb, and his Navigator, in helping his Navigator to take astro sights and always being the first to offer to do any odd job required.
When under fire, he has remained cool and cheerful and has delighted in taking up position in the astro dome whenever he could obtain permission and reporting the position of flak bursts and searchlights, which has proved of inestimable value to his captain on many occasions. Sergeant Albiston, although one of the youngest members of his squadron, has set a very high example of enthusiasm, fearlessness and reliability and his fine record fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal for which I strongly recommend him.'

Remarks by Station Commander: 'A young Wireless Operator who, by his cheerfulness and coolness in action, has set an excellent example at all times. After a slow start, he quickly proved himself one of the leading Wireless Operators in the squadron.'

1059463 Sergeant Samuel Albiston, D.F.M. served with the Royal Air Force during the Second War; posted as Wireless Operator for operational service to 103 Squadron (Wellingtons), Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire, July 1941; he flew in at least 35 operational sorties with the squadron, including: Hamburg (2); Essen (7); Duisberg; Le Havre; Mannheim; Ostend; Munster; Brest (2); Paris; Cologne (3); St. Nazaire; Poissy; Dortmund; Rostock; Stuttgart (2); Warnemunde; Gennevilliers; Emden (2) and Bremen (2).

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,800