Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

Sold by Order of the recipient’s Family for the benefit of the Bomber Command Memorial and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund


The exceptional and rare Second War D.S.O., D.F.C., D.F.M. group of seven awarded to Group Captain W. D. G. ‘Four-Run’ Watkins, Royal Air Force, who after serving as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery (Territorial Army) from 1929, joined the R.A.F. in 1936 as an Armourer and at the outbreak of the Second World War was serving as an Air Observer with 75 (New Zealand) Squadron. Serving with 149 Squadron in 1940, he was awarded the D.F.M. and was commissioned in September of that year.

Mentioned in Despatches the following year, for his exceptional bomb aiming and navigation skill during his second tour Watkins was awarded the D.F.C. in 1942. A third tour as Air Bomber with 214 Squadron followed in 1943, after which he was appointed Acting Wing Commander and in 1944 he commenced a fourth tour as Commanding Officer of 15 Squadron; possibly the first such appointment for an Observer. At times serving as Master Bomber, he was shot down over Germany in November 1944. Bailing out with his clothes and parachute on fire, he was taken prisoner, being held at Stalag Luft 1 as the highest ranking British Officer, until released in May 1945.

By early 1947 Watkins had logged an incredible 600 plus operational and over 400 passenger hours, and his four War-time tours would equate to approximately 120 bombing operations. Post War, he continued to serve, with Testing and Armaments, ultimately attaining the rank of Group Captain

Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially dated 1944, and the base of the lower arm additionally privately engraved ‘W. D. G. W. Sept. 1944’, with integral top riband bar; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1942, and the edges of the lower arms additionally privately engraved ‘44828 S/Ldr. W. D. G. Watkins. R.A.F.; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (534190. Sgt. W. D. G. Watkins. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted court-style as worn, nearly extremely fine and a rare combination of awards (7) £12,000-£15,000

---

One of only 18 D.S.O., D.F.C., and D.F.M. combination awarded to the Royal Air Force for the Second World War.

D.S.O. London Gazette 7 November 1944.
The recommendation states: ‘ ‘Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has participated in a large number of sorties. He has continued to display the highest standard of skill, courage and leadership, qualities which have been reflected in the efficiency and fine fighting spirit of the squadron he commands. His devotion to duty has been unfailing.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 4 December 1942.
The recommendation states: ‘Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal this bomb aimer has participated in many operational sorties. In October, 1942, he took part in an attack on Genoa and made 4 runs over the target area to ensure his bombs would strike their objective. On a previous occasion he was detailed to act as navigator and bomb aimer on a sortie over Hamburg. Despite the terrifically heavy defences, he made 4 runs over the target and obtained 2 excellent photographs. Squadron Leader Watkins always displays great determination to locate and bomb the target. His coolness and courage under fire are outstanding and his devotion to duty has been a high example.’

D.F.M. London Gazette 7 June 1940.
The recommendation states: ‘Sergeant Watkins was the observer and bomb aimer in an aircraft which carried out an attack on a large convoy of enemy transport one night in May 1940. Five runs were made over the target, at heights between one thousand and fifteen hundred feet and in the face of anti-aircraft fire and continuous searchlight activity. Sergeant Watkins displayed great coolness and determination throughout the operation. He has been engaged in several other raids and has shown conduct in accordance with the highest traditions of the service. His bomb aiming and navigation have materially assisted in the success of the operation in which he has participated.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 24 September 1941.

William David Gordon Watkins was born in London on 11 September 1908. He initially served in the Royal Artillery (Territorial Army) from 11 March 1929 until 10 March 1933, being discharged with the rank of Lance Sergeant. On 25 August 1936, he joined the Royal Air Force with the rank of Armourer (AC2), no. 534190. His first operational posting was posted to 25(F) Squadron in May 1937 and he was promoted Armourer (AC1) in December that year. Attending the Air Gunners’ course at 2 Advanced Training School in May and June 1938, he was re-mustered Armourer/Air Gunner on 18 June 1938 and on 3 June 1939 as Air Observer.

By the outbreak of the Second World War Watkins was serving with 75 (New Zealand) Squadron, flying Wellington Mk1’s. During this period, the squadron served in a training role, where Watkins ‘formed a strong friendship towards New Zealanders as he admired their ability to recognise a job to be done and then doing the necessary.’ He then briefly served with 214 Squadron, flying Wellington Mk1’s, during November 1939, before being posted to 149 (East India) Squadron on 5 December of that year, again flying Wellington Mk1’s. Serving as Acting Sergeant Air Observer from 31 December 1939, he was confirmed with that rank on 18 March 1940 and was awarded the Air Observer Badge a week later.

Re-classed as Air Bomber, Watkins continued to serve with this squadron, which formed part of 3 Group, taking part in numerous operations and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in June that year. Clearly a skilled bomb aimer and navigator, he was commissioned Pilot Officer on 12 September 1940 and continued to serve with 149 Squadron on Air Observer duty. Serving as Acting Flying Officer from 6 December 1940 and Acting Flight Lieutenant from 23 June 1941, he was posted to HQ 3 Group the same day, serving on Armaments duties. Confirmed in the rank of Flying Officer on 12 September 1941, he was again honoured for his service, being Mentioned in Despatches on 24 September 1941.

On 4 February 1942 Watkins was posted to Directorate of Training (Operations) as Acting Squadron Leader. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 4 December 1942, his recommendation again points to his skills as a bomb aimer and navigator, but also twice points to two particular occasions where he made 4 runs over the target area to obtain accurate results. This dedication to getting the job done gained him another moniker, crews calling him ‘four-run’ Watkins. Interestingly, one of the raids singled out, the attack on Genoa in October 1942, suggests that although serving at the Directorate of Training, he still took part in operational sorties.

On 8 March 1943 Watkins started his third Operational Tour, being posted to 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron as an Air Bomber. During his tour, 214 Squadron flew Stirling Mk1&r...