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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 423

(x) A Second World War 1943 D.S.O., 1940 D.F.C. awarded to Wing Commander R. S. C. Wood, Royal Air Force

Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., the reverse of the suspension officially dated '1943', with top riband bar, centres depressed and enamel damaged; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1940' and contemporarily engraved 'F/L. R. S. C. Wood. 115 Sqdn. RAF. Marham. 26 Bombing Operations 3/9/39-26/7/40 Wellington. Holland Belgium Norway Etc. Hamburg (4) Sylt Stavenger Waalhaven Bergen Cologne St. Quintain The Ruhr'; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, Atlantic; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine (6)

D.S.O. London Gazette 24 September 1943 (No. 12 Squadron):

'Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this Officer has completed many sorties, including attacks on well defended targets in the Ruhr area. His work has been of a high order throughout and has set a standard worthy of emulation. By his skilful leadership, sound judgment and initiative, Wing Commander Wood has contributed materially to the many successes obtained by his Squadron.'

D.F.C. London Gazette 22 October 1940 (No. 115 Squadron). The recommendation states:

'In May 1940 this Officer took part in five out of seven nights in operations to delay the German advance. On the night of 21 May 1940 he was detailed to attack and if possible destroy the road bridge at Dinant. In cloudy weather with a thick ground haze he descended to 3,000ft to identify his target, and then delivered three attacks at a lower altitude hitting the bridge on each occasion. On his return he reported with regret that the bridge appeared to be standing. Since joining this Squadron in October 1939 this Officer has consistently displayed high courage and determination in finding and bombing his targets, and has made a practice of bringing back accurate reports. He has taken part in 4 sweeps over the North Sea, one night reconnaissance over Germany, and 21 major operations over Norway, Belgium, Holland, France and Germany, and has at all times set an example of the highest order.'

Richard Sydney Clements Wood was born at Croydon, Surrey on 12 May 1914, entered the Royal Air Force in 1936 and was married at Midhurst, Sussex in September 1936. Having retired with his brace of decorations, he left the United Kingdom for Rhodesia and died at Bulawayo on 21 August 1969.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£2,600

Starting price
£1800