Bosleys Military Auctioneers
Lot 474
RAF Korean War Distinguished Flying Medal Group of Four A rare group awarded to Sergeant James Everley Kitching, who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, for operations in Korea, whilst serving with 88 Squadron operating Short Sunderland Flying Boats. Comprising: Distinguished Flying Medal (EIIR) ‘4037705 Sgt J.E. Kitching RAF’, General Service Medal (GVIR), clasp ‘Malaya’ ‘Sgt RAF’, Queen’s Korea Medal ‘Sgt RAF’, United Nations Korea Medal. The group is mounted as originally worn. GC ... The group is accompanied by an archive of original ephemera, including: Two RAF Aircrew Log Books ... Record of Service Book ... Two snap shot photograph albums, showing service in Hong Kong and the Far East, Sunderland Flying Boats etc ... Quantity of Newspaper cuttings ... Letters of congratulations on the award of the DFM. Sergeant James Everley Kitching was born in 1930 and joined the RAF in 1949, the following year he qualified as an Air Signaller and was posted to 235 OCU operating Short Sunderland Flying Boats, before receiving a posting to 88 Squadron, then operating from Hong Kong. He flew his first operation over Korean waters as part of Blockade Operations on the 2nd March 1951 a flight duration of 9 1/2 hours, during which time one engine had to be feathered. During the year the log records ‘Operation Firedog’, Bombing and strafing this in connection with operations over Malaya, these operations continued into 1952. On the 25th March 1953, whilst flying in Sunderland PP148, the aircraft sank in heavy sea, killing four crew members, the album contains photographs of the wreck, being recovered. In September 1953 he was posted out of 88 Squadron having completed 60 operations. After a period of flying at Number 1 Advance Navigation School RAF Hullavington he was posted to 204 Squadron flying the Avro Shackleton. He remained with the Squadron until October 1956, when his logbook records his last flight on the 24th. On completion of his service he was discharged on the 29th May 1957. DFM London Gazette 19th February, 1954 :‘Sergeant James Everley Kitching 4037705, Royal Air Force, No. 88 Squadron (Total hours flown 2088, hours flown on Korean operations 609, hours flown during lost six months 69). During the two and a half years which Sergeant Kitching has been operating on Sunderland Flying Boats with No. 88 Squadron over Korean waters, he has brought himself to a high standard of efficiency as a signaller and radio operator. His skill has not only been a vital factor in the successful completion of the 60 operations on which he was engaged, but a constant example to the younger members of the squadron. His consistent willingness and efficiency throughout his considerable service have been of greet importance to the squadron in their work for the United Nations. This Non-Commissioned Officer has always shown efficiency and determination of the highest order. As a radar operator he was responsible for the success of many sorties and he has never failed in his duty.’
