Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A good Second War 1945 ‘Operation Judgement’ D.S.C. group of six awarded to Lieutenant Commander (Air) J. M. Glaser, Fleet Air Arm, who having already been M.I.D. for his service from the carrier H.M.S. Fencer during convoy escort to and from North Russia, was awarded the D.S.C. when he led 853 Squadron in the attack on U-boat depot ships at Kilbotn in the Lofoten Islands, 4 May 1945 - the last offensive operation carried out by the Home Fleet in the European War.

A Swordfish, Wildcat and Avengers Observer, Glaser was selected for Pilot Training after the war and went on to command 703 and 803 Squadrons. Having flown Sea Vampires, Firebrands, Seahawks and Meteors, Glaser survived a crash landing in his Attacker aircraft in February 1952. His luck ran out the following year when he was killed in a mid-air collision 200 feet above a school near Chichester, 19 May 1953

Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., hallmarks for London ‘1948’, reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, Air Crew Europe; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as originally worn, light contact marks, otherwise generally very fine or better (lot) £2,800-£3,200

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D.S.C. London Gazette 7 August 1945:
‘For outstanding skill, bravery and devotion to duty whilst serving in H.M.S. Queen in successful air strikes against U-boat base at Kilbotn, Norway.’

The original recommendation states: ‘Lieutenant Commander Glaser led 853 Squadron during the attack on U-boat depot ships at Kilbotn with skill and resolution. Although his aircraft was hit by flak he continued to direct operations coolly and efficiently. I consider the success of the attacks carried out by the Squadron was in great measure due to his leadership and to the confidence which his Squadron has in him.
Remarks of intermediate authority: Fully concur. This was 853 Squadron’s first real strike and credit is due to Lt. Cdr. Glaser that it was so successful.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 18 July 1944:
‘For undaunted courage, skill and devotion to duty while serving in H.M.S. Fencer in the escort of convoys to and from N. Russia in the face of determined attacks by U-boats.’

The original recommendation states: ‘As Air Staff Officer he was unfailing in his devotion to duty and unsparing of himself during operations involved in the passage of a recent North Russian Convoy and its attack by a U-boat pack. At one time for 72 hours he was continuously briefing the crews of aircraft and controlling the operations of those aircraft, when airborne, from the Air Operations Room, during which time he had no sleep or rest.
Owing to the position of the bridge [H.M.S. Fencer] and its poor communication, I had to rely on him completely, giving him only the broadest outline upon which to base his decisions. At no time had I any worry as to the aircraft being used but to their best ability. In addition he is the Ship’s Signal Officer. He is of outstanding ability for one of his age and seniority, is well able to accept responsibility and is possessed of sound powers of judgement.’

John Marshall Glaser was born in Golders Green, London in July 1920. He joined the Royal Navy as a Midshipman (Air) in January 1939, and advanced to Sub-Lieutenant (Air) in July 1941. Glaser carried out training as an Observer, and saw service with H.M. Ships Hermes, Enterprise and Formidable between 1939-1943. He advanced to Lieutenant (Air) October 1942, and was posted for operational service with H.M.S. Fencer (carrier) in July 1943. Glaser served as Acting Lieutenant Commander (Air) and Air Staff Officer with Fencer during convoy escorts to and from North Russia when she was engaged in Operation F.Z. as part of the escort of the Convoys J.W. and R.A. 59 to North Russia during April and May 1944.

Glaser temporarily commanded 842 Squadron (Seafires, Swordfish and Wildcats) whilst serving with H.M.S. Fencer. He was appointed to the command of the newly formed 853 Squadron (Avengers and Wildcats), 19 December 1944. The Squadron were posted for operations off H.M.S. Queen in January 1945, and flew as part of a carrier force on anti-shipping and minelaying operations off Norway. Glaser led his squadron during Operation Judgement:

‘On the 4th May a notable attack was made by aircraft from H.M. Ships Searcher, Trumpeter and Queen on U-boat depot ships at Kilbotn in the Lofoten Islands. In the face of heavy flak, a striking force of 16 Avengers escorted by 28 Wildcats dived on their targets, released their bombs and broke away out to sea. Hit by 8 bombs and near-missed by at least 5 more, the Black Watch, the large U-boat depot ship, exploded violently and sank. A 250-ton U-boat [U 711] seen alongside the Black Watch at the start of the attack was not seen again. A supply ship was left burning furiously and sinking. A flak cruiser, the Harald Haarfagre, which had sent up intense light and heavy A.A. fire throughout the attack, was silenced and set on fire. The complete success of this operation was a fitting ending to the Home Fleet offensive operations in the European War and the result may well have helped to persuade the German Naval High Command that the continuation of U-boat warfare from Norway was not worthwhile.’ (Cabinet - Summary of Naval Air Operations - 1st May to 1st August, 1945, refers)

Ten days later H.M.S. Queen embarked on escort duties for the convoy J.W. 67 to Russia, and acted in the same capacity for the return convoy R.A. 67 which arrived in the UK, 30 May 1945. These two being the last Russian convoys of the war. Glaser’s squadron was disbanded at the end of May 1945, and he advanced to Lieutenant Commander (Air) in October 1949.

Glaser was selected for Pilot Training after the war, and subsequently commanded 703 Squadron, R.N.A.S. Ford, Sussex, April 1951 - January 1953. During this posting he suffered a fracture to his arm and leg when he crash landed an Attacker aircraft which had stalled on approach to R.N.A.S Ford, 7 February 1952. Glaser stayed at Ford, and was appointed to the command of 803 Squadron - this posting was to be short lived when he was killed in a flying accident, 19 May 1953. The Littlehampton Gazette adds the following:

‘The pilots of two jet Attackers from the Royal Naval Air Station at Ford were killed when their aircraft collided 200 feet above a school at Sidlesham, near Chichester, on Tuesday. One of the pilots, the commanding officer of No. 803 Squadron, broke an arm last year when his aircraft crashed into the bank of the Arun at Littlehampton.

Eyewitnesses, many of them school children, saw the single-seater Attackers emerge from cloud. The nose of one aircraft collided with the tail of the other. Immediately there was a loud explosion and the aircraft disintegrated, the wreckage falling over a wide area.

The wings of one aircraft fell in a field near the school, where 250 children were having there their last morning lesson before the midday break. A blazing engine crashed in a field about 100 yards from the school, and the ejector seat of one of...