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Auction: 22002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 232

The 1916 D.C.M. awarded to Second Lieutenant F. Owen, 108th Squadron, Royal Air Force, late 151th Field Company, Royal Engineers, who was later killed in action on 1 October 1918 during a raid over Ingelmunster

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (62724 Sjt: F. Owen. 151/ F. Co. R.E.); British War Medal 1914-20 (2. Lieut. F. Owen. R.A.F.); Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Frank Owen), contact marks, minor edge bruising, very fine (3)

D.C.M. London Gazette 25 April 1916, the original citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. When acting as guide, Serjeant Owen observed a bomb fall near a trench full of men. He instantly ran forward and threw the bomb over the parapet. In all probability he saved many lives.'

Frank Owen was born at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire on 13 March 1888; his parents put him up for adoption and as such he was raised by James and Sarah Bevan of 20 Havards Street, Victoria Road, Rhymney, Monmouth. Working as a motor fitter prior to enlistment on 26 December 1914 Owen put his engineering skills to good use in the 151st Field Company, Royal Engineers. Joining the war in France on 4 December 1915 he served with them in the line with his award-winning act of gallantry taking place on 27 February 1916 at 'Scottish Trench', Givenchy.

Owen left his unit having been wounded in action at Lavantie in July 1916, being invalided to Britain where he was admitted to Southampton Hospital on 4 July. Re-joining the Royal Engineers at Newark he twice applied for a commission, first for the infantry in February 1917 and again for the Royal Flying Corps on 28 November 1917. Accepted to train as an observer he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 13 September 1918. Joining 108 Squadron in France on 15 September 1918 he was part of a major bombing raid over Ingelmunster on 1 October. The Squadron's DH9 bombers were attacked by 33 Fokker DVIIs with three of their aircraft becoming casualties. The after-action report states:

'Immediately the bombs were dropped the E.A. attacked from above and in front, coming out of the sun, then continued to attack from behind, both above and below. The Combat continued for about 10 minutes over Roulers. Very close formation was kept throughout the Combat by our machines
3 E.A. were shot down in flames.
1 E.A. broke up.
2 E.A. fell out of control, one of which was seen to crash, near the Railway Line between Ingelmunster and Roulers.
The enemy Formation was afterwards seen to be attacked by British Aircraft. One E.A. was seen to be shot down out of control at about 1745.'

Originally listed as missing Owen was later confirmed to have been killed in action. He is buried at Harlebeke New British Cemetery; sold together with an original letter from the recipient upon his posting to the Royal Flying Corps and original photographs of the Rhymney War Memorial and copied research including Commonwealth War Graves details, London Gazette extracts and M.I.C. as well as war diary entries for 1916, commission documents and Royal Air Force action reports.

Further entitled to the Victory Medal 1914-20.

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Sold for
£1,400

Starting price
£480