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Auction: 6007 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 377

An Early 1940 D.F.M. to Hampden Air Gunner/ Wireless Operator Leading Aircraftman later Sergeant J.E. Gorwood, No.83 Squadron, for a Reconnaissance of Northern Denmark and the Resulting Bombing Attack on the Heavily Defended Aalborg Aerodrome Three Days Later; He was Killed in Action over Germany on 24th September 1940 Distinguished Flying Medal G.VI.R., 1st ´Ind: Imp:´ type (550891. L.A.C. J.E. Gorwood. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal, extremely fine, the campaign medals in card box of issue, with named enclosure document, with original Certificate of Service, and two letters of congratulation (4) Estimate £ 1,600-1,800D.F.M. London Gazette 31.5.1940 550891 Leading Aircraftman J.E. Gorwood, No. 83 Sqn. The Recommendation, dated 28.4.1940, states ´On the night of 17th April, 1940, this airman was the Wireless Operator/Air Gunner of an aircraft which, after the successful completion of a "Gardening" operation, carried out a reconnaissance of Northern Denmark during which large concentrations of enemy aircraft were observed at Aalborg aerodrome. On the night of 20th April, 1940, an aircraft in which this airman was Wireless Operator carried out a successful bombing attack on Aalborg aerodrome under adverse weather conditions. In spite of intense opposition from the ground defences during which the aircraft was hit, two runs were made over the target. A fire was started in one of the aerodrome buildings as a result of the second attack. L.A.C. Gorwood displayed outstanding ability, keenness and efficiency as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and by his enthusiasm and zeal, he has set an excellent example to other Wireless Operator/Air Gunners. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.´ Sergeant John Ernest Gorwood, D.F.M., born Bengal, India, 21.4.1920; joined as Boy Apprentice Royal Air Force, 12.2.1936; posted 9 (B) Squadron, Scampton, Lincolnshire, 27.5.1937; Leading Aircraftman 1937; posted No. 83 (A) Squadron, Scampton, Lincolnshire (Hampdens), 5.12.1938; Temporary Sergeant 27.8.1940; on 24.9.1940 Gorwood took off from Scampton in Hampden I L4049 OL-L, piloted by Squadron Leader A.O. Bridgman, D.F.C., for operations over Berlin, ´129 Hampdens, Wellingtons and Whitleys were dispatched to 18 separate targets in Berlin. These targets were: 7 railway yards, 6 electrical power-stations, 3 gasworks and 2 factories producing aero engines or aircraft components. 3 aircraft, 1 of each type, were lost´ (The Bomber Command War Diaries refer); Gorwood´s aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Bethen, Germany. All the crew were killed in action, with the exception of Squadron Leader Bridgman, who was taken prisoner of war. Sergeant J.E. Gorwood, D.F.M., is buried in Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.

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£2,400