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Auction: 6017 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 131

A 1944 Bomber Command D.F.C. For 51 Operations Against Enemy Targets During the Allied Advance Towards Germany and a 1941 ´Middle East´ D.F.M. Group of Seven to Blenheim and Mitchell Navigator Flight Lieutenant F.J.T. Brooks, Royal Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse dated ´1945´; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (563947. Sgt. F.J.T. Brooks. R.A.F.); 1939-1945 Star; Air Crew Europe Star with France and Germany Bar; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, the group mounted court style, extremely fine, with Observer´s and Air Gunner´s Flying Log Book No.2 (11.4.1940 to 12.8.1941) and including Air Navigator´s Certificate to Sergeant Brooks dated 9.4.1942, with original card box of issue for D.F.M., Observer´s cloth wing, and photocopied Operations Record Books for 60, 211, 11, and 180 Squadrons covering the periods Brooks was posted to these Squadrons. (7) Estimate £ 3,400-3,800D.F.C. London Gazette 14.7.1945, FO. (50467) Flight Lieutenant F.J.T. Brooks, D.F.M., RAF, 170 Sqn. The Recommendation states: ´Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal on 22 August 1941 this leading Navigator and Bomb Aimer has highly distinguished himself during his operational career. He has led Squadron formations with determination and accuracy on 51 operations against enemy targets in the Low Countries and Germany. He has consistently set a high standard of professional skill and has won the confidence and admiration of all whom he has led. On many occasions his aircraft has been flown to its target through heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire. With complete disregard for personal danger, F/Lt. Brooks has at all times pressed home his attacks with high courage and coolness. During one flight his aircraft was badly damaged, the aileron control impaired and one engine seriously affected. The Air Gunner was gravely wounded and in danger of his life. Calmly F/Lt. Brooks guided his pilot towards an advanced air strip and thus contributed largely to saving the lives of the wounded Air Gunner and the rest of the crew. This Officer´s tenacity, skill and courage have been of the highest order and the Squadron record has been sustained and enhanced by the fine example which he has set.´ D.F.M. London Gazette 22.8.1941, Sgt. F.J.T. Brooks (563947) No. 11 Sqn. The Recommendation states ´This senior N.C.O. has taken part in 62 RPT. 62 raids over Libya and Greece and on all occasions has shown the greatest determination and courage when on duty.´ Flight Lieutenant Francis James Thomas Brooks, D.F.C., D.F.M., born 1914; joined as Apprentice R.A.F. Halton, September 1929; at the outbreak of the War Brooks was serving with 60 Squadron (Blenheims) various detachments in India; served with (´B´ Flight) 211 Squadron (Blenheims), Helwan, Egypt and squadron´s subsequent move to Greece, 16.6.1940-1.6.1941; operational sorties including: high level bombing raids on El Adam; Tobruk (7), including 9.9.1940, ´Raid on Tobruk. Ships and tanker hit. 12 x 20lbs + 12 x 40lbs.´ (Log Book refers); the main targets from Greece being Valona Harbour (10) and surrounding area, including 13.3.1941, ´Bombing raid with Fleet Air Arm (Valona) 2 x 500lbs G.P. 2 good hits´ (Log Book refers); further detail on this operation is given by Brooks, ´The Navy Swordfish were given a target of torpedoing ships at anchor in Valona. This operation had to be targetted at night. To keep the defence´s attention occupied, a Blenheim would fly over Valona, seconds before the main attack. Being the only Sergeant with many hours of night flying, I was detailed for the flight. Approaching the target area, the sky became alight with search lights and tracers. I released my bombs, on time, just as the low flying Swordfish came over the breakwater. With my plane getting all the attention, the Swordfish completed a perfect raid. Both pilot and I were awarded medals. I was presented at the Palace with the D.F.M. by King George VI.´ (Brooks´ account included in lot refers); posted 11 Squadron (Blenheims), Aqir, Palestine, 1.6.1941; served with the squadron in operational sorties including, 22.6.1941, ´Raid-Beirut Harbour-destroyer attacked + 2 direct hits scored 4 x 250lbs´ (Log Book refers), and 24.6.1941, ´Raid-Rayak railway siding-perfect. Many trucks destroyed (Log Book refers); posted 180 Squadron (Mitchells), Brussels, Belgium and squadrons subsequent move to Achmer, Germany; now based on the Continent Brooks and 180 Squadron worked in conjunction with the advancing Allied Armies (see D.F.C. Recommendation), his operations including: Zaltbommel Road Bridge; Wassenburg; Xanten Town; Nieuberk; Weeze; Menle Marshalling Yard; Schweinheim Rail Bridge; Geldern; ´V´ Weapon Site at the Hague; Wessel Rail Bridge; Haltern Marshalling Yard; Borken Marshalling Yard; Leer Barracks and Bremen; posted 170 Squadron (Lancasters), Hemswell, Lincolnshire, May/June1945.

Sold for
£3,800