Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19052 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction
Lot: 3

A fine Second World War D.F.M. awarded to Flight Sergeant H. K. Gray, Royal Air Force

He saw extensive service as an Air Gunner over Europe with No. 149 & 576 Squadron, including the raid on Mailly-le-Camp, 4 May 1944

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1592319. F/Sgt. H. K. Gray. R.A.F.), nearly extremely fine, on original investiture brooch

D.F.M. London Gazette 17 July 1945. The original recommendation states:

'During his first tour with Bomber Command which consisted of 29 sorties, this N.C.O. Air Gunner carried out 7 sorties against Berlin and many others against the most hazardous of German targets such as Nuremberg, Dusseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Schweinfurt, Stuttgart, Stettin and many other targets of equal difficulty. During this present tour of 14 sorties, making 43 in all, such targets and Dresden, Chemnitz and Dessau have been attacked at night and Krefeld, Colognee, Wessel and Gelsenkirchen by day. At all times this N.C.O. has inspired all around him by his determination, enthusiasm and devotion to duty, raising the morale of his crew and squadron and setting a fine example to everyone. On one occasion, his crew was attacked by fighters whilst returning from an operation and largely due to the skill and coolness of this gunner, the correct manoeuvres were taken and the aircraft and crew saved from damage. I strongly recommend this N.C.O. for the Distinguished Flying Medal.'

Harold Kenneth Gray lived in Dodworth, Barnsley after the Second World War and penned a letter of his experiences for the Christmas 1983 edition of Intercom. Noting his 25th sortie to Mailly-le-Camp, he takes up the story:

'An easy target, a lovely warm May night, plenty of moonlight. But I think that the whole of the Luftwaffe must have been invited to the same party. However, we left our "present" over the target, but got into an argument with a JU88 on the way out.'

The crew suffered a large hole in the left wing and an engine on fire that forced them to crash land (without landing gear) at Woodbridge. Having been collected the next morning, the crew enjoyed a night on the tiles in London before travelling back to Elsham Wolds. The Lancaster's Pilot, Flight Lieutenant A. C. Blackie was awarded the D.F.C. (this sold at DNW in March 2017); sold together with a copy of Intercom.

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

Estimate