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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 223

(x) A good 1944 D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Lieutenant, late Flight Sergeant (Air Bomber) T. W. Carr, Royal Air Force - a skilled airman who flew no less than 33 Ops on Lancasters, he shared in 8 trips to Berlin - 'The Big City' - and also flew during 'Big Week' and in the Raid on the Panzer Training Centre at Mailly-Le-Camp

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1121144. F/Sgt. T. W. Carr. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (5)

D.F.M. London Gazette 15 August 1944. The original Recommendation states:

'Sorties - 23. Flying Hours - 162.

Flight Sergeant Carr is an Air Bomber who has completed 23 successful Operational Sorties against the enemy on some of the most heavily defended targets in Germany. He has participated in 7 attacks on Berlin as well as the important targets of Leipzig, Magdeburg, Nuremburg and Essen. During his Operations, Carr has shown himself to be a most competent and conscientious member of air crew, displaying a high degree of courage in the face of heavy enemy opposition. His coolness and strong sense of duty have, in a large measure, contributed to the successful completion of operations. I have no hesitation in recommending the award of the D.F.M. to this N.C.O.'

Thomas William Carr was born on 8 October 1918 at Grangetown, Sunderland and was educated at the Commercial Road School and the Sunderland Technical College. He joined the Royal Air Force in September 1940 and was eventually posted to 44 Air School, Grahamstown, South Africa in December 1942 to begin training. He was eventually posted to No. 12 Squadron at Wickenby flying Lancasters and got 'wheels up' on his first Op in LM362 on Kassel on 22 October 1943. Transferred to No. 626 Squadron for the remainder of his service, he wracked up his tally in short order, and shared in Battle of Berlin, making no less than eight trips to 'The Big City' during his career. He also flew on his 13th Op on 25 February 1944, as part of 'Big Week', sharing in a raid to Augsberg, dropping 1x 4000lbs bomb and taking a photograph. Carr also shared in the famous raid on the German Military Barracks, at Mailly-Le-Camp, on 4 May 1944.

Having notched up an impressive array of sorties, Carr was commissioned Flying Officer in November 1944 and then flew on the 'Manna' drops to famine-hit Rotterdam on 7 May 1945. Carr was discharged Flight Lieutenant in November 1946.

Sold together with an impressive original archive including:

(i)
His Flying Log Books covering his entire career, 16 December 1942-2 June 1946.

(ii)
Various relevant and named booklets and training manuals.

(iii)
Bombing photographs and maps from his Ops, together with group photographs.

(iv)
Various official documentation and letters.

(v)
A series of maps and his Bomber's brevet.

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

Estimate
£1,800 to £2,200

Starting price
£1500