British Groups

Lot 3753    Session 13 (2.30pm Thursday)    British Groups

Estimate $1,700
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,650

GROUP OF SIX. Distinguished Flying Cross (GVI.GRI); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star - bar - France and Germany; Defence Medal 1939-45; British War Medal 1939-45; Bomber Command Medal. P/O A.Astle 156 Sqn 1944 engraved on D.F.C., 71467 P/O A.Astle 156 Sqn engraved on last medal, other medals unnamed. Very fine.

D.F.C.:L.G.12Feb1946. 'Pilot Officer Astle has completed 42 operational sorties, 37 of which have been with the Path Finder Force, including 36 Marker sorties. This officer is a most determined and efficient Set Operator of special equipment, whose unfailing courage and cheerfulness has been the making of one of the squadron's best Visual Marking crews. Many of his sorties have been carried out under conditions of extreme hazard, but his zest for operations remains undiminished. Pilot Officer Astle has proved himself an outstanding member of his crew, and his devotion to duty has always been of a high order'. Pilot Officer Alfred Astle, 177562, DFC, Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) 156 Squadron, K.I.A. 24Sep1944, age 29. After the war his grave was among those the Graves Registration Service were unable to trace and he is therefore commemorated by name on Panel 210 on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Together with Path Finder Force badge and certificate, photo, honour scroll, research details including copies from Squadron Record Book.