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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 483

(x) A 1945 D.F.C. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer S. C. Robertson, No. 12 Squadron, South African Air Force

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1945'; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War and Africa Service Medals 1939-45, these last five all officially impressed '102092 S. C. Robertson.', very fine (6)

D.F.C. London Gazette 20 March 1945.

Stephen Carl Robertson served with No. 12 Squadron, South African Air Force. They first served in Italian East Africa, and then in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. The Squadron was formed in December 1939 in South Africa, as a coastal reconnaissance squadron equipped with Avro Ansons. In May 1940 the Ansons were replaced with ten Ju86's taken over from South African Airways. These aircraft were used as heavy bombers during the campaign against the Italians in Somaliland and Ethiopia. One was lost on 3 September 1940, but the rest survived to go to No.16 Squadron on 1 May 1941. In the summer of 1940 the squadron also operated two Fairey Battles, using them with No.11 Squadron in East Africa.

In May 1941 the Squadron converted to the Martin Maryland, and moved to Egypt, being part No.3 Wing and used its Marylands to attack Axis troop concentrations and bases.

In January 1942 the Squadron received the Douglas Boston, using these aircraft on the same roles from 15 March 1942 until the final German surrender in Tunisia. The Squadron then moved to Malta, from where it supported the fighting in Sicily and on the Italian mainland, before moving to Italy in October 1942.

The Bostons were retained until January 1944, when they were replaced with the new Martin Marauder. Both aircraft were used in a similar role, to attack enemy communications behind the front line, although the Marauder saw more service during daytime, and against strategic targets. After the war the Squadron flew its aircraft back to Egypt, where in November 1945 it disbanded.

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

Sold for
£1,400

Starting price
£700