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Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 405

An extremely rare Second World War Pathfinder's D.F.C., lifesaving B.E.M. group of seven awarded to Squadron Leader J. Bremner, Royal Air Force

Having won the B.E.M. for extricating two fellow crew from the burning wreckage of their aircraft in October 1941, he flew two tours and 65 operational sorties in Halifaxes and Lancasters of No. 35 (P.F.F.) Squadron

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1945'; British Empire Medal, G.VI.R., Military Division (1100103 Sergeant James Bremner, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (Flt. Lt. J. Bremner, R.A.F.), mounted court-style as worn, minor contact wear, good very fine or better (7)

D.F.C. London Gazette 16 January 1945. The original recommendation 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 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 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 January 1942:

'In October 1941, Sergeant Bremner was Wireless Operator in an aircraft engaged in exercises over the sea. When some 120 miles from the coast, one engine failed. The pilot then turned the aircraft towards land after having released his bombs in 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 three other members of 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 the 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.'

James Bremner was born on 12 December 1921. A Glaswegian, he was employed as an engineer prior to enlisting in the Royal Air Force on the outbreak of hostilities.

Qualifying as a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, he was serving at No. 16 Operational Training Unit at Upper Heyford at the time of winning his B.E.M. in October 1941.

Subsequently posted to No. 35 Squadron at Linton-on-Ouse - a Halifax unit - he commenced his first tour of operations in May 1942. Ensuing sorties included four trips to Turin and two to Genoa, in addition to numerous outings to those of the heavily defended German variety. Berlin and Munich aside, he was twice assigned to strikes on Cologne, Dusseldorf and Hamburg and, from August 1942, he operated as a founder member of the Path Finder Force (P.F.F.).

Rested on the conclusion of his first tour in February 1943, Bremner was commissioned Pilot Officer and returned to the operational scene in May 1944, once again as a Wireless Operator in No. 35 Squadron. This time operating in Lancasters, he flew around 20 sorties to France in the period May-July, including an attack on the gun batteries at Maisy and St. Lo on 5-6 June. He also participated in three strikes against Duisburg and two against Stuttgart and, as cited in the recommendation for the award of his D.F.C. on occasion as a member of a Master Bomber's crew. He flew his final sortie - his sixty-fifth - against Tours on the night of 12 October 1944 and was advanced to Flight Lieutenant in October 1946.

Bremner remained employed on the regular establishment until his retirement in the rank of Squadron Leader in April 1964.


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Sold for
£2,900