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Auction: 7022 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 1256

A Rare and Interesting Second War ´Special Duties, Countermeasures (Radar)´ A.F.M. Group of Three to Sergeant Wireless Operator D.J. Mackey, 109 Squadron - a Derivative of the Wireless Intelligence Development Unit, Royal Air Force, Mainly Employed on ´Oboe´, The Blind Bombing Radar System, Who Was Killed When his Wellington Crashed Landed, 21.11.1942 a) Air Force Medal, G.VI.R., 1st ´Ind: Imp:´ type (760775. Sgt. D.J. Mackey. R.A.F.) b) Africa Star c) War Medal, very fine or better, mounted for wear (3) Estimate £ 1,800-2,200 A.F.M. London Gazette 1.1.1942 Sgt. D.J. Mackey (760775) R.A.F. The Confidential Recommendation states: ´The investigational work performed by the unit requires the employment of specially trained wireless operators and Sergeant Mackey was selected for his skill and intelligence. He has contributed materially to the success of many missions whereby information of the utmost importance had been obtained. In the face of difficult conditions, Sergeant Mackey has shown outstanding qualities.´ Sergeant Denis John Mackey, A.F.M., served during the early stages of the Second World War as a Wireless Operator with 109 Squadron. The latter squadron had been re-born on 10.12.1940 from the Wireless Intelligence Development Unit (W.I.D.U.) whose Headquarters were at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire. Using Anson and Wellington aircraft it was engaged during the next two years in the development of radio counter measures and also new radar aids, notably the blind bombing system known as Oboe. Mackey was killed in a flying accident, 21.11.1941, when Wellington T2552 piloted by Flight Lieutenant B.P. Hennessey, ´Crashed while trying to land at Oakington´ (Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, refers), the entire crew of six were killed, and Mackey was buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery.

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£2,100