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Auction: 23002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 125

A good Second World War Pathfinder Force D.F.C., D.F.M. group of six awarded to Flying Officer G. Roberts, Royal Air Force, who flew at least 56 Ops, the vast majority of them with No. 7 Squadron and no less than 30 of them as part of a Marker crew; he had previously flown on at least four Ops to 'The Big City', Berlin and also shared in 'Big Week'

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1945'; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1883792. Sgt. G. Roberts. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, copy clasp, Air Crew Europe; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted court-style by Spink & Son, London, cleaned, very fine (6)

D.F.C. London Gazette 25 September 1945. The original Recommendation, dated 15 April 1945, states:

'This Officer has now completed 56 Operational sorties, being on his second tour, of which 40 have been with the Path Finder Force. 30 of these trips have been with a Marker Crew. Since being recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal he has completed a further 18 Operational sorties. Pilot Officer Roberts has shown great skill, keenness and tenacity and has set himself a very high standard of efficiency. He is cheerful in all circumstances and his initiative and determination to give his best at all times is very highly commendable.'

D.F.M. London Gazette 19 January 1945. The original Recommendation, dated 20 October 1944, states:

'This N.C.O. has completed 37 Operational sorties of which 21 have been completed on this Squadron. Of these, 11 sorties have been made as a member of a Marker crew. Sergeant Roberts is the Navigator of a crew which has taken part in a number of attacks on the most highly defended targets. The success with which this crew has operated is in a large degree due to the unselfish devotion to duty shown by this N.C.O and to his outstanding discipline. Sergeant Roberts has always shown exceptional ability on this Squadron. He possesses coolness and displays utter fearlessness, no matter how hazardous the conditions. By his sustained courage, initiative and co-operation he has gained the full confidence of the crew and has set a high example to the Squadron.'

Griffith Roberts first served as Sergeant (Navigator) and had completed 16 Ops upon joining No. 7 Squadron. These first sorties gave him the opportunity to cut his teeth before being thrown into the Battle of Berlin, making no less than four trips to 'The Big City' on 29 December 1943, 21 & 30 January and 15 February 1944. He also flew his final bombing Op on 20 February 1944, as part of 'Big Week', sharing in the major raid to Stuttgart, which was made by some 598 aircraft.

Roberts thence joined No. 7 Squadron, as part of No. 8 Group (Path Finder Force). Based at Oakington, the unit was transferred to the Path Finder Force in August 1942 and was provided with Lancasters from May 1943. He flew his first Op with them on 2 July 1944 on Oisemont and was in the thick of the action in the coming months. By April 1945, Roberts had been commissioned Pilot Officer and had notched up some 56 Ops and 286.35hrs flown on Ops as a Navigator. He was promoted Flying Officer the following month; sold together with forwarding award document for the D.F.C. and copied research.

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Sold for
£4,000

Starting price
£2500