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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 586

A 1944 Coastal Command D.F.M. award to Pilot Officer H. G. Chuck, No. 221 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1376071 Sgt H G Chuck RAFVR), an official replacement marked 'R', nearly extremely fine

D.F.M. London Gazette 20 June 1944. The original recommendation states:

'On 30th March, 1943, Sergeant Chuck had completed a total of 312 hours operational flying involving 38 sorties, 15 of which have been made from Malta, totalling 145 hours operational flying. On 23rd January, 1943, as a result of his excellent work, an enemy convoy consisting of a merchant vessel and one destroyer was located and reported. Although the enemy took avoiding action, the convoy was shadowed and amplifying reports forwarded. Flares were dropped and in spite of a smoke screen from the destroyer, the merchant vessel was successfully attacked by strike aircraft, direct hits being scored by torpedoes. Again, on the night of 7th/8th April, 1943, Sergeant Chuck located an enemy convoy consisting of three merchant vessels escorted by two destroyers. The convoy was shadowed and flame-floats and flares laid. Also on the night of 17th/18th February, 1943, an enemy convoy consisting of one merchant vessel and one destroyer was located by Sergeant Chuck and the convoy was attacked by torpedo-carrying aircraft. A direct hit was obtained and the merchant vessel sank. Throughout the period of his tour of duty with No.221 Squadron, Sergeant Chuck exhibited outstanding skill and devotion to duty and his experience is of great value to the whole squadron. His work largely contributed to the many successes of the operations carried out.'

Herbert George Chuck was born in 1916 and was a native of Eastcote, Hillingdon. A General Manager upon enlistment in 1940, he served with No. 221 Squadron, flying in Vickers Wellington bombers. Having completed his tour and been recommended for a well-deserved D.F.M., Chuck was commissioned Pilot Officer, tragically being posted missing in action just four days later on 4 April 1943. He is commemorated on the Malta Memorial; sold with copied research.

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Sold for
£800