Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 411

A scarce Second World War Typhoon Pilot's D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant I. A. C. Blue, Royal Air Force, who led his Section in a dive-bombing attack on a concentration of 40 enemy tanks in North-West Europe in August 1944 - leaving six of them confirmed as destroyed

Blue's remarkable record of 74 sorties is vividly illuminated in the jam-packed pages of the Squadron Operational Record Book

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1555480 F/Sgt I. A. C. Blue R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals, mounted court-style as worn, nearly extremely fine (5)

D.F.M. London Gazette 26 September 1944. The original recommendation states:

'On 2.8.1944 this N.C.O. led a Section of his Squadron to attack enemy tanks moving up in the Conde-Aunay-Sur-Odon area. A concentration of 40 tanks were seen forming up for a counter attack. In the face of very intense and accurate enemy fire, Flight Sergeant Blue led his Section down to the attack, which was pressed home so successfully that at least six enemy tanks were destroyed by the three Sections engaged in the attack. This N.C.O. has carried out a total of 74 operational sorties, including 23 from this A.I.G.

F./Sgt. Blue regularly leads Sections and has at all times displayed the highest courage and determination in the face of the enemy. He is strongly recommended for the Immediate Award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.'

Ian Alastair Campbell Blue began his service with No. 182 Squadron from July 1943. The unit was founded in September 1942 and initially operated with Hurricanes but was re-equipped with Typhoons soon after. The Squadron Operational Record Book - a full copy, from 5 September 1943-31 August 1944 is included - makes numerous mentions of Warrant Officer H. Talalla, who was one half of Malaysia's famous Tallala brothers. It also provides useful further detail of Blues exploits and the work undertaken by the Squadron:

'22 December 1943
The squadron again took part in two shows today. In the afternoon's show, the squadron were airborne [including Blue] at 1440hrs. All went along. Although England was bathed in sunshine, once again the squadron was met with towering cumulus over France, and the target was hidden. The squadron searched for half-an-hour for the target, but finally were forced to return as patrol was running low. The squadron dropped their bombs on flak positions, landing at 1605hrs.

6 June 1944 - "D" Day
All pilots were roused at 0400hrs and two aircraft were on standby and two on readiness from dawn. The squadron took off again at 1920hrs [including Blue] to attack main roads leading into Caen. One armoured car was destroyed on road T.0259 and mechanical transport harassed in area T.1454. Several small waggons being destroyed, Railway junction hit at V.0267.

10 June 1944
The weather showed slight improvement and it was possible to once more co-operate with the Army in striking against the Hun. The squadron took off at 1245hrs to attack a village believed to a concentration of artillery. The target was heavily hit. Airborne once more at 1905hrs to attack a Panzer Division HQ situated in a wood at La Caern, when reached the target was seen to be on fire. It was again attacked and all R.P. fell in the target area.

13 June 1944
The squadron was awakened to the sound of heavy rain. The weather cleared up towards noon and a high wind was blowing. The squadron was detailed to attack a watch tower situated on eastern boundary of Caen airfield. Those taking part: - Fighters, F/Sgt. Blue. They took off at 1900hr and successfully located the target which was attacked with H.E.R.P. hits were observed on hangers and observation tower and both were left in flames.

18 June 1944
Major Barlow and F/Sgt Blue were on immediate readiness from 1230-1330 without being called upon and again at 1815 and were scrambled at 1820 on a V.T.C.P. Op. Over V.C.P. Major Barlow's R/T were u/s and F/Sgt Blue took the lead but Major Barlow misunderstood and F/Sgt Blue proceeded alone. Vectored to target area, successfully found red smoke and successfully attacked target at Cahanges, being interviewed by Air Vice-Marshal Broadhurst it being the first V.C.P. show carried out. Afterwards celebrated a farewell party at Highcliffe Hotel from 2300 to 0200.

8 July 1944
The squadron was disturbed at the early hour of 0140 by the sound of enemy air activity. Bombs were dropped one falling sufficiently close to aircraft XM/C to cause it to burst into flames resulting in complete destruction. Three other aircraft were damaged by blast. The squadron was airborne again at 0955 [including Blue] to again attack enemy strong point at Cussy. The attack was successfully carried out and all salvoes fell in target area. At 1105 the squadron took off again to attack tanks seen by previous attack on Cussy [including Blue]. An enemy staff car and some armoured vehicles were located and attacked with H.E.R.P. and cannon fire. The staff car was destroyed and two armoured vehicles while the others were damaged.

25 July 1944
At 0910hrs four aircraft led by F/Sgt. Blue took off on a similar [V.C.P.] operation. A patrol was carried out from River Orne to Cagny and as no target was given in V.C.P. Area the alternative target - field gun belt near Breteville le Rabet was attacked and all rockets fell in target area. No movement was seen but much heavy flak experiences throughout sortie.

W/O. Tallala who was flying No. 3 was last seen leaving the target [on a later attack that day] and bearing in a N.E. direction apparently undamaged but since then nothing has been seen of him.

At 1330hrs F/Sgt. Blue led in an attack on a strong point at U.036592 and the following claims were made:- 1 Tank, 'smoker', 1 Met 'flamer', 20 Infantry destroyed and 1 Bren carried with red cross.

[Following more sorties] This finished a very busy and successful day which, had earned for the wing the congratulations and thanks of the Second Army. On the debit side we lost our C.O. [who bailed out in the first sortie of the day] which as a sad blow and W/O. Talalla who will be sadly missed by all.

2 August 1944
12 R.P. Typhoons [lifting off at 1450hrs, including Blue in M.N.823] were detailed to carry out an Armed Recce of the area Falaise-Argentan-Dowfront-Flers. Scattered MET in the area was attacked and three 'flamers' claimed and one half-track vehicle damaged. Four tanks in the area T.9329 were seen and attacked and claims were one 'smoker' and one 'flamer'; considerable movement and enemy MET was seen going South and East from Conde.

7 R.P. Typhoons [lifting off at 2050, including Blue in M.N.768] detailed to attack tanks between Vasse and Conde. About 40 tanks were located, 42 R.P.'s being fired. Two 'flamers' and four 'smokers' were claimed but observation was made difficult owing to the failing light and intense accurate light flak.'

Having been awarded his well-deserved D.F.M., the variance of his subsequent sorties make interesting reading:

Rhubard - 2
Convoy - 5
Dive bombing attacks - 11
R/P attacks - 40
L/R sweeps - 5
Escort to bombers - 5
Weather recce - 2
Armed recce - 4.

No. 182 Squadron was disbanded on 30 September 1945; sold together with copied O.R.B., recommendation and group photograph.

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

Sold for
£3,500