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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 485

(x) A 1941 D.F.M. awarded to Flying Officer I. C. Burns, No. 103 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who was killed in action on 1 April 1943

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (746939. Sgt. I. C. Burns. R.A.F.), good very fine

D.F.M. London Gazette 22 August 1941. The original Recommendation - for his services with No. 144 Squadron, totalling some 34 Ops in 119.24hrs of flying - states:

'For continuous gallantry and devotion to duty during flights into enemy territory. All tasks undertaken by this NCO have been conscientiously carried out and his work, both in the air and on the ground, had been of a very high order.

On the night of 12-13 March 1941, the aircraft in which he was operator was badly damaged over Berlin. The return flight was made under very trying conditions, the port petrol tank having been pierced and a continuous loss of petrol resulting, the last 40 miles being carried out on one engine. The Captain reported that Sergeant Burns' cheerfulness had been a great inspiration and help during the return flight.'

Ian Crawford Burns was born in 1921 and was a native of Glasgow. Having earned his D.F.M., he was commissioned Flying Officer and joined No. 103 Squadron but was tragically killed in action on 1 April 1943. With Squadron Leader Charles O'Donoghue at the controls of Lancaster ED626, they got 'wheels up' from Elsham Wolds at 0429hrs in an attempt to carry out a surprise dawn attack on Emmerich. They were however shot down by Oberfeldwebel Fritz Timm of Jg3 in his Fw190A from Deelen airfield at 0722hrs and crashed at Gelderland. Six of the seven crew - Burns included - lost their lives immediately, whilst the seventh died a day later. Burns is buried with his comrades at the Harderwijk General Cemetery. A Memorial was raised at the crash site, with seven conifers planted around it, one for each crew member. Pupils of the local Princess Beatrix School also lay a wreath every year to remember their ultimate sacrifice; sold together with the Air Council condolence slip in the name of 'Flying Officer I. C. Burns, D.F.M.,'.

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

Sold for
£1,800

Starting price
£1200