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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 327

The 1943 D.F.C. awarded to Squadron Leader E. M. Lewis, Royal Air Force, who was further 'mentioned' in 1944

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse engraved '1943', in its Royal Mint case of issue, sold together with an archive of original material, good very fine

D.F.C. London Gazette 12 March 1943, the original citation states:

'By his skill, careful planning and meticulous attention to detail Flight Lieutenant Lewis has contributed much to the successes achieved by his crew. It is entirely due to his systematic and careful training of bombardiers that such excellent results have been achieved. This officer's technical skill and his consistent cheerfulness and determination have been an example to all.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 8 June 1944.

Egryn Mason Lewis was born at Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, Wales on 11 January 1914, the son of John and Margaret Lewis. He was commissioned Pilot Officer on 8 August 1941 taking on the trade of Navigator and undertaking his first sortie over Boulogne on 7 November that same year. Taking part in regular missions from that point he was particularly active in June 1942 when he flew seven missions over Essen, Emden and Bremen. The next month proved just as busy with another seven missions, largely over Duisberg and the Ruhr industrial area.

Advanced Flying Officer on 8 August 1942 he flew regular missions to Germany in September before joining a raid on Genoa on 23 October 1942. The original recommendation for his D.F.C. states:

'Flight Lieutenant Lewis has completed 27 operational missions over enemy territory. He is a navigator of the highest category, for by his skill and careful planning with his captain before a trip and his attention to detail, he has contributed in no small measure to the success of his crew locating and bombing their objective, often under adverse weather conditions.

Realising the need for careful training of bombardiers he took over the task at the commencement and it was entirely due to his systematic and skilful training that the results achieved have ranked amongst the highest in the command. His whole work has been of such a consistently high order that it is not possible to single out any special cases for mention.

His courage is exemplary and his cheerfulness and resource an outstanding example to the whole Squadron. I consider he fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.'

Remarks by Station Commander further state:

'A very satisfactory officer who possesses the qualities of leadership and determination to a marked degree. Flight Lieutenant Lewis has recently been posted away from his Unit after a very successful tour of operations during which his ability at his work and his consistent cheerfulness and determination have been an example to all.'

The Air Officer Commanding adds:

'I strongly recommend that this officer's courage, skill and devotion to duty be recognised by the award of the D.F.C.'

His promotion to Flight Lieutenant was confirmed on 8 August 1943. Lewis served as Acting Squadron Leader throughout much of the war. Remaining in service after VE Day Lewis retained the rank of Squadron Leader after the war from 11 January 1959. He retired back to Wales, settling in Glamorgan where he died in January 1973.

Sold together with copied research and a small archive of original material comprising:

i)
Named M.I.D. certificate.

ii)
Invitation to the recipient's investiture named to 'Flight Lieutenant Ergyn M. Lewis, D.F.C., R.A.F.'

iii)
Photograph of the recipient at his investiture.

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Estimate
£700 to £900

Starting price
£550