Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A fine Second War ‘1943’ D.F.C., ‘1942’ D.F.M. pair awarded to Flight Lieutenant F. Carter, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, a rear gunner who, having been decorated for his first operational tour in Wellingtons, was commissioned and, in raising his tally of sorties to 61 in Lancasters of 57 Squadron, participated in Operation Bellicose - the shuttle bombing raid on the former V-weapons programme at Friedrichshafen and the Italian naval base at La Spezia - as well as numerous raids on heavily defended targets in the Ruhr Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1943, in its Royal Mint case of issue; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (801525. F/Sgt. F. Carter. R.A.F.) good very fine or better (2) £2,200-£2,800 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 10 September 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘Flying Officer Carter was posted to 57 Squadron in August, 1942 and has completed one tour of operations in Wellington aircraft and a tour of instruction at an O.T.W. Since arriving in the Squadron, F/O. Carter has always shown keenness to take part in all the operations possible and completed twenty-five in his second tour, making a total of sixty-one sorties; comprising 385 hours operational flying. Amongst the targets he has attacked are Berlin on two occasions, numerous sorties against the heavily defended targets in the Ruhr, other defended targets in Western Germany and Italy, including the shuttle service raid on Friedrichshafen and Spezia. At all times, F/O. Carter has put keenness, efficiency and strong determination in his work. As Deputy Gunnery Leader he has helped in more ways than can be put on paper in raising the Gunners of 57 Squadron to a high pitch of efficiency and the fruits of this work have been evident in the number of successful combats this Squadron has had during recent months. I consider F/O. Carter, who has completed an excellent second tour of operations, by his work on the ground and the exceptional keenness, courage and determination he has put into his operational flying, is well worth the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’ D.F.M. London Gazette 11 August 1942. The original recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. has carried out 205.50 operational hours flying involving 35 sorties as tail gunner. He has always shown the greatest enthusiasm and devotion to duty and the keenest endeavour to become a first-rate gunner. On the night of 28th/29th March 1942, he was the rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack Leubeck. On the return journey, his aircraft was approached by an enemy fighter when over the North Sea. Flight Sergeant Carter opened fire against this aircraft which appeared to catch fire but was lost to sight as it dived away. It was claimed as probably destroyed. He has proved a most valuable member of an operational crew and has set an example of courage and cheerfulness to all other gunners in the squadron.’ Frederick Carter served initially in the Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his gallant services as tail gunner in 35 sorties up to 1942. Commissioned Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 1 May 1942, he was posted to 57 Squadron in August 1942 and promoted to Flying Officer on 1 November 1942. He was appointed Squadron Deputy Gunnery Leader and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1943 after completing 61 sorties. He was advanced Flight Lieutenant, war substantive, on 1 May 1944 and with seniority on 1 November 1945.