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Auction: 4004 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 23

A Scarce Second War D.F.C., and pre-War A.F.M., Group of Eight to Wing Commander W.C. Maher, Royal Air Force, Flight Commander 107 Squadron and Commanded 88 Squadrons During D-Day Operations Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse dated 1944; Air Force Medal, G.VI.R. (363767. F/Sgt. W.C. Maher R.A.F.), first number, and 'S' of Sergeant double struck; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar; Defence and War Medals; France, Legion of Honnour, breast Badge, silver and enamel, usual enamel damage; France, Croix de Guerre 1939-45, with Palm, except where stated extremely fine, mounted as worn (8) Estimate £ 3,300-3,600 D.F.C. London Gazette 22.11.1944 Maher William Christopher A.F.M. A/WC. (43177). R.A.F. 88 Sqn. The Recommendation states 'Wing Commander Maher has now completed 44 operational sorties. These consist of medium level bombing, smoke laying, and night operations. In 1943, he was appointed as a Flight Commander in No. 107 Squadron but after two sorties was removed from operational flying on medical grouds which seemed likely to preclude any hope for him of an operational career. However, he concentrated on making himself well, and by persuasion and cajolery managed to obtain an operational medical category, which permitted his return to 107 Squadron, again as a Flight Commander. In that capacity he flew 15 sorties against aerodrome and "Noball" targets, many of them heavily defended. In the beginning of 1944, he became Commanding Officer of No. 88 Squadron, and immediately set about his job with tremendous ability and keeness. On one of his first sorties as leader of Squadron, against the "E" Boat Sheds at Ijmuiden, the anti-aircraft opposition was seen to be intense and accurate before the run-up to the target. But Wing Commander Maher continued undisturbed, bombed with sucess, although himself hit, and brought his formation through without loss. On several other occasions he has shown the same disregard for danger and as a leader. On "D" Day he laid the initial smoke screen to protect the Western Flank of the assault forces at disembarkation. Since that day he has flown several successful day and night sorties in support of the armies. Wing Commander Maher by his courage, skill and enthusiasm for operations has been an excellent influence in his Squadron and in the Wing. His leadership has contributed to the success of many operations.' A.F.M. London Gazette 9.6.1938 363767 Flight Sergeant William Christopher Maher No. 4 Flying Training School (Intermediate Training Squadron). The Recommendation states ' For exceptional zeal and efficiency as a flying instructor employed continuously for over four years at this unit. This N.C.O. qualified as a pilot in 1929, as an instructor in 1933, and gained an A.2. Category in November, 1934. He has been recommended by the C.F.I., C.F.S., for an A.1. Category. He has done 1466 hours 30 minutes flying instruction and has instructed 65 pupils. The quality of his work as a flying instructor is always of an exceptionally high standard.' Wing Commander Wiliam Christopher Maher, D.F.C., D.F.M., qualified as a Pilot 13.8.1929; 1930-33 No.17 Squadron; Flight Sergeant Instructor No. 4 Flying Training School (Middle East) 15.6.1933-1938; A.2. 16.11.1934; Flight Lieutenant, General Duties 1.4.1940; Flight Commander 1943 107 Squadron (Mosquitoes); Squadron Leader 16.5.1944; Commanding Officer 1944 No. 88 Squadron (Bostons and Mitchells)

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£5,800