A Fine Second War '1943' Night-Fighter's D.F.C. Group of Six to Blenheim and Beaufighter Pilot,

A Fine Second War '1943' Night-Fighter's D.F.C. Group of Six to Blenheim and Beaufighter Pilot, Squadron Leader I.K.S. Joll, 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force, Who Was Shot Down Over Holland, 10.5.1940, Before Returning To England Via A Fishing Vessel; He Flew In John 'Cat's Eyes' Cunningham's Flight Throughout The Battle Of Britain, And Claimed 1 Damaged During The Battle. Joll Went On To Be Accredited With At Least 4 Destroyed, And 2 Damaged. On 1.11.1940, Whilst Flying With Jimmy Rawnsley, His Aircraft 'Iced-Up' And Went Into What Looked To Be A Fatal Spin; Joll Managed To Pull Out Of The Spin And Land Safely, But Not Before Rawnsley And Another Crew-Member Had Bailed-Outa) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse dated '1943'b) 1939-1945 Star, with Battle of Britain Barc) Air Crew Europe Stard) Defence and War Medalse) Air Efficiency, G.VI.R. (Act. Sqn. Ldr. I.K.S. Joll. A.A.F.), generally very fine, with the following related material:- Three R.A.F. Pilot's Flying Log Books, covering the period 26.3.1939-26.2.1942; 17.3.1942-30.9.1943 and 3.10.1943-24.7.1948, the first with signatures of 'Cat's Eyes' Cunningham in his capacity as Flight Commander- Oil painting, 'Squadron Leader I.K.S. Joll DFC, 604 Squadron RAuxAF, Over Chawleigh, Devon, 5th May 1943', signed 'J. Crisp 1993'; with portrait photographic image of recipient in uniform (lot) D.F.C. London Gazette 26.10.1943 Acting Squadron Leader Ian Kenneth Sefton Joll (09051), Auxiliary Air Force, 604 Squadron'This officer has undertaken very many sorties and has destroyed 4 enemy aircraft and damaged several more. He is an exceptionally keen and skilful leader, whose personal example has been reflected in the high morale of the flight he commands. In spite of trying experiences, his enthusiasm remains unabated.'Squadron Leader Ian Kenneth Sefton Joll, D.F.C. (1920-1977), born East Grinstead. He was educated at Hustpierpoint College prior to being employed as a Trainee at Harraps publishers. Aged 18 Joll joined the Auxiliary Air Force, and became a 'part-time' flyer with 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, in March 1939. Having been mobilised he carried out pilot training at No. 8 F.T.S., Montrose, October 1939-March 1940. The squadron was predominantly officered by independently wealthy gentlemen, and Joll was expected to behave like one, 'he used to recount with some self-deprecation an incident at his first dinner night in the mess. Sitting at the far end of the table, as befitted the most junior officer in the squadron, and I suspect somewhat overawed by the occasion, the decanter of port ground to a halt in front of my father. After some minutes, the Adjutant leaned forward, fixed him with an icy glare and demanded: "Joll, do you know Smith?" "No," my father replied. "Well you bloody well should do," growled the Adjutant, "he doesn't pass the port either." (extract from typed biography included with lot refers)Shot Down Over Holland - Back In Time For Tea604 Squadron was equipped with Blenheims and designated as a night-fighter squadron. Although primarily tasked with trying to perfect night interception with very rudimentary aids, the squadron was also occasionally deployed on other operational sorties. Joll took part in the squadron's first action on 10.5.1940. On the latter date 604 acted as escort for a daylight raid on German transport aircraft on the beach at Wassenar near the Hague. Joll's Log Book gives the following, 'Kenley To Wattisham. Wattisham To Dutch Coast For Raid On Bomber Transports. Stbd. Engine Shot Up. Crashed In Holland. 1 Ju. 52 Destroyed.'On completion of the raid Joll decided to carry out a low-level strafe of the beach. His Blenheim 'was hit by ground fire in the starboard engine and forced to crash land. In the pre-mission briefing, all pilots had been reminded that under no circumstances were