Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A Second War ‘Immediate’ D.F.M. group of six awarded to Flight Lieutenant Jack Edwards, 142 Squadron, Royal Air Force Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1317475 Sgt. J. Edwards. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine and better (6) £2,400-£2,800 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 19 March 1943: ‘Edwards, Jack. 1317475 Sergeant, No. 142 Squadron (Immediate). Joint citation with Sqn. Ldr. James Frederick Henry Booth (37958), No. 142 Squadron (Awarded Immediate D.F.C.); and 911963 L.A.C. James Arthur Skingsley, No. 142 Squadron (Awarded Immediate D.F.C.): ‘One night in January 1943, Squadron Leader Booth, Sergeant Edwards and Leading Aircraftman Skingsley were captain, bomb aimer and acting flight engineer respectively of an aircraft which attacked the docks at Bizerta. Shortly after its bombs were released the aircraft was subjected to a series of attacks by an enemy fighter, sustaining much damage before the attacker was driven off. The starboard engine was hit and burst into flames, the hydraulic system rendered useless and the rear turret and other equipment damaged; in addition, a portable oxygen bottle was set on fire. The aircraft began to lose height and the situation appeared hopeless. The captain ordered his crew to prepare to abandon aircraft. Leading Aircraftman Skingsley, ignoring his parachute pack, however, attempted to extinguish the flames from the oxygen bottle. Sergeant Edwards came to his assistance and together they grasped the blazing bottle with their bare hands, carried it to the escape hatch and hurled it out. The fire in the engine and in the main plane subsided and Squadron Leader Booth decided to attempt to fly the bomber home. All moveable equipment, including guns and ammunition, was jettisoned in an effort to maintain height. Although the aircraft was difficult to control, Squadron Leader Booth succeeded in flying it to base where he made a successful crash-landing in the face of extremely harassing circumstances. These members of aircraft crew displayed courage and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force.’ The original recommendation for Edwards’ Immediate D.F.M. adds a little more detail: ‘Sergeant Edwards was the Bomb Aimer of the crew detailed to attack Bizerta docks on the night of 18th January, 1943. After dropping their bombs, they were attacked by a Ju.88 night fighter. After the fourth attack, the starboard engine was on fire, the rear turret knocked out, airspeed indicator and flaps damaged and the portable oxygen bottle amidships on fire. The machine also began to lose height rapidly. Despite this Sergeant Edwards very gallantly stayed in his turret until ordered by the Captain to take up position for bailing out. On leaving the turret, he immediately went to the fire amidships and with complete disregard for his personal safety and ignoring his parachute pack, he proceeded to help put out the blazing oxygen bottle, getting his hands severely burnt. He also assisted the Flight Engineer to lighten the aircraft by jettisoning all the removable equipment. By his prompt action, Sergeant Edwards undoubtedly helped his Captain to save the crew and aircraft. Sergeant Edwards has completed 23 successful sorties and his devotion to duty at all times has been outstanding and an example to his comrades in the squadron. Very strongly recommended for an immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 8 June 1944. Jack Edwards was born at Pontyridd on 18 May 1909, and was employed prior to the outbreak of war in 1939 by the South Wales Power Company as an assistant electrical storeman. Joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a Leading Aircraftman, he in due course became a Sergeant-Observer and was posted to No. 142 Squadron at Blida, Algeria. He was awarded the D.F.M. for his gallantry on the night of 18 January 1943, when his Wellington III bomber attacked by a Ju.88 after a successful bombing raid on Bizerta docks. The Rear Gunner successfully baled out but the remaining crew, after the exertions described above, made a successful crash landing at base; their aircraft was written off. Edwards returned home on leave in May 1943 and on 13 September he was commissioned as Pilot Officer (on probation). He was decorated with the D.F.M. at an investiture at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by his wife Bessie, on 12 October 1943. On 13 March 1944, his appointment as Pilot Officer on probation was confirmed and he was promoted to Flying Officer (War Substantive). He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant (War Substantive) on 13 September 1945, and finally relinquished his commission on 18 May 1954. Flight Lieutenant Jack Edwards died at Swansea in 1971, aged 63, his death being registered in the 3rd quarter of the year. Sold together with original Observer’s cloth wing and ribbon bar for D.F.M.; an original wartime copy of Blida’s Bombers by Squadron Leader Eric M. Summers, M.M., R.A.F., being a record of Nos. 142 and 150 Squadrons of 330 Wing during six months in North Africa, with honours & awards and casualties, the front and rear fly-leaves signed by numerous squadron members; together with an original photograph of Edwards and crew members at Blida, two original news cuttings and a quantity of detailed copied research and photographs including squadron O.R.B., combat report and London Gazette notices, all additionally copied to CD. For the medals awarded to the recipient’s father, see Lot 282.