British Groups

Lot 4058    The J.J.Atkinson Collection    British Groups

Estimate $3,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $6,000

GROUP OF FOUR TO SERGEANT RONALD EDGAR WILKES, Royal Air Force Distinguished Flying Medal (GVIR) (1331105. Sgt. R.E.Wilkes. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45. Distinguished Flying Medal named engraved, others unnamed. Very fine.

DFM: London Gazette 15 January 1943. 'In recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy whilst serving in 35 Squadron. When running up to make his attack on a target at Duisberg on the night of 20th December, 1942, Sergeant Wilkes was heavily engaged by anti-aircraft fire at 17,000 feet. The starboard outer and port inner engines were put out of action and the bomb load had to be released hurriedly to avoid losing height rapidly to a dangerous level before the defended area was cleared. This Sergeant Wilkes did and with admirable coolness and skill adjusted his controls and with evasive action withdrew his aircraft without further damage. Descending gradually on the remaining two engines, the propellers of the unserviceable ones having been feathered, height was maintained at 6,300 feet on track for base but, ten mines west of Overflakken, a Ju.88 made three attacks. On the third attack, the tail gunner reported strikes about the port engine and nose of the enemy aircraft and it dived below and out of sight, making no further attack. In successfully manoeuvring his aircraft to avoid these attacks, Sergeant Wilkes lost only 300 feet in spite of the slow speed at which he was forced to fly. The North Sea was crossed at 6,000 feet but by the time the English coast was reached, a further 1,000 feet had been gained and a successful landing was made at a coastal aerodrome with further incident. On a previous occasion when attacking Turin on the night of 11th December, 1942, in adverse weather conditions, his airspeed indicator failed shortly after crossing the Dutch coast. In spite of this handicap and the temporary failure of one engine when about to descend towards the target which was restarted at a lower level, Sergeant Wilkes identified and successfully attacked his target, the airspeed indicator remaining unserviceable until approaching the French coast on the return flight. Throughout his short tour of operations, Sergeant Wilkes has shown through his quiet confidence and unquestionable determination, leadership and skill above the average and worthy of the highest praise and for his outstanding example of devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, he is recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.'

Together with relevant London Gazette entry.