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Auction: 6007 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 384

A Scarce Fighter Command 1941 Intruder Operations D.F.M. to Havoc Observer Sergeant P.A. Roberts, No.23 Squadron, who Completed 12 Intruder Sorties, Including Three with Flying Officer Ensor, who Successfully Engaged Three Enemy Aircraft; Originally with No.144 Squadron (Hampdens), where he Took Part in 14 Bomber Raids; He was Killed in Action on a Night Intruder Mission to France, September 1941 Distinguished Flying Medal G.VI.R., 1st ´Ind: Imp:´ type (522759 Sgt. P.A. Roberts. R.A.F.), suspension loose, good very fine Estimate £ 2,000-2,500 D.F.M. London Gazette 27.5.1941 522759 Sergeant Peter Alfred Roberts No. 23 Squadron. The Recommendation, dated 18.5.1941, states ´This N.C.O. Air Observer was amongst the first to be posted to this squadron when "Intruder" Operations began. He was in 144 Squadron where he took part in 14 bomber raids over enemy country, involving 77 hours´ flying. In this unit he has completed 12 "Intruder" Sorties, flying most often with Flying Officer Ensor, and was with him on the three occasions his pilot successfully engaged enemy aircraft. On 12th March 1941, with Flying Officer Ensor, he succeeded in releasing his bombs to score a direct hit on an aircraft on the ground. He has displayed great keenness in his duties and has asked that he may stay on in this Unit. His navigation has been of a high order. I recommend that he be awarded the D.F.M.´ Flight Sergeant Peter Alfred Roberts, D.F.M., born Eastbourne, 1914; enlisted as a Wireless Operator Royal Air Force, 1935; after serving in Bomber Command with 144 Squadron he transferred to Fighter Command and flew "Intruder" Sorties with 23 Squadron, Ford (Havocs), 1941; including 7/8.9.1941 when on a Night Intruder Sortie to Lannion, France, the crew of Havoc I: Flying Officer Ensor (Pilot); Flight Sergeant Roberts (Observer) and Flight Sergeant Oliver (Air Gunner) were all killed in action. Flight Sergeant Roberts, D.F.M. is buried in the Brest (Kerfautras) Cemetery, France.

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£2,400