CAMPAIGN GROUPS AND PAIRS
‘Mosquito was patrolling west side of the airfield when an unidentified enemy aircraft, carrying one yellow light, was seen touching down on the east end of the runway. Mosquito turned sharply to starboard and, at 0001 hours, from 1500 feet down to 500 feet, attacked the enemy aircraft as it finished its run on the west end of the runway. Concentrated strikes were seen on the enemy aircraft, the yellow light disappeared and all airfield lights were doused. Nothing further was seen of the enemy aircraft which is claimed as damaged.’
A few days later, on an intruder patrol to Aalborg on the night of the 22nd-23rd, their aircraft was coned by three searchlights at 200 feet over the target and subjected to very heavy - but mercifully inaccurate - flak. Shortly afterwards, pilot and navigator ended their operational tour with bombing strikes against targets in Munich and Hohne.
Percy William Goody commenced his pilot training out in Canada in February 1943 and, having returned to the U.K. at the end of the same year, gained an ‘above average’ rating in Blenheims and Beaufighters while serving at assorted
A.F.Us. Then in January 1945, having attended an Intruder Course at Charter Hall, he was posted to No. 23 Squadron at Little Snoring, where he quickly converted to the unit’s Mosquitos and teamed-up with John Jacobs as his Navigator.
Goody was still serving in No. 25 Squadron in June 1946, when he participated in the Victory Fly Past over London, and, on being released from service joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch), in which capacity he was still logging flying hours as late as the 1990s, while attending a C.C.F. camp at R.A.F. Lyneham.
Sold with the recipient’s original R.C.A.F. Pilot’s Flying Log Book, covering the period February 1943 to June 1991, and with wartime copy of his combat report from April 1945, with worn, taped spine, together with a P.O.W. camp post card from Flying Officer L. J. Lindridge, with censor’s stamp (’Well it certainly seems as though things are beginning to look brighter ... it won’t be so long before we are home and can get weaving on this painting the town red business!’).
John Jacobs commenced his training as a Navigator out in Canada in August 1943, qualified in March 1944, and returned to the U.K. two months later. Then in January 1945, having attended an Intruder Course at Charter Hall, he was posted to No. 23 Squadron at Little Snoring, where he quickly converted to the unit’s Mosquitos and teamed-up with Percy Goody as his pilot.
Following his tour of operations with Goody, he was posted to No. 25 Squadron, and also attended an O.T.U. prior to being released from service in October 1946. Though a matter of speculation, it is feasible that John Jacobs was a relation of Squadron Leader Henry “Jake” Jacobs, D.F.C. and Bar, A.F.C, a top-scoring nightfighter navigator (see D.N.W., 2 March 2005, Lot 996).
Sold with the recipient’s original R.C.A.F. Flying Log Book for Airman other than Pilots, covering the period October 1943 to September 1946, and with wartime copy of his combat report from April 1945, with worn, taped spine, together with his Pilot’s Notes for Mosquito Marks F 11 and NF XII, and copy typescript of Steinhoff’s letter to Jacobs, dated 5 March 1954.
1056
Five: Flying Officer J. R. Abbey, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
1939-45 STAR; FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR; DEFENCE ANDWARMEDALS; FRANCE, CROIX DE GUERRE 1939-1940; all unnamed, together with identity disk, ‘J. R. Abbey, Offr. C.E. 137676 R.A.F.V.R., Blood Group A2’, with chain and silver religious miniature medal, medals extremely fine (6)
£80-100 France, Croix de Guerre London Gazette 1 January 1946.
Recommendation reads: ‘Flying Officer John Richard Abbey (137676, 2717 Squadron, Royal Air Force’ ‘This officer commanded a Rifle Flight in a Royal Air Force contingent which formed part of “R” Force, 21st Army Group from 27th August, 1944, to 26th September, 1944. This force was charged with seizing and holding Rouen, Brussels and Antwerp. He commanded the advance guard of one of the columns which entered Rouen on 31st August, 1944. In conjunction with the city authorities and the F.F.I. he did useful work in uncovering targets of special importance to the Intelligence Branches of the Allied Forces and was exposed to real dangers from encounters with enemy mines and booby traps. He showed exceptional keenness and good leadership in carrying out his tasks and in co-operation with the F.F.I.’
With medal card forwarding box addressed to ‘F/O J.R. Abbey, c/o Walter H. Willson Ltd., 1D King Street, St. James’, London, S.W.1’; with forwarding slip and copied recommendation extract. With a few service details. Croix de Guerre in card box.
1057
Five: Captain (Quartermaster) James Thomas, General List
1939-45 STAR; FRANCE ANDGERMANY STAR;DEFENCE ANDWARMEDALS, M.I.D. oak leaf, all unnamed; U.S.A., BRONZE STAR (Capt. J. Thomas 1944) with riband bar, in case of issue, good very fine and better (5)
£120-160
M.I.D. London Gazette 4 April 1946. U.S.A. Bronze Star London Gazette 19 November 1948.
‘Captain James Thomas, British Army, performed meritorious service in Europe from June to December 1944. Attached as Assistant British Administrative Officer to Headquarters 1st European Civil Affairs Regiment, he organized the personnel records and reports of British officers to insure adequate administrative protection for the officers involved. Through his exceptional initiative and sound judgement, Captain Thomas greatly aided in the management of administrative matters concerning Civil Affairs personnel.’
With a number of original papers, including: Pitman’s Shorthand Teacher’s Diploma notification of award, dated March 1935 - to Lance-Corporal Thomas, at the R.A.S.C. Training Centre, Aldershot; Special Confidential Report; London Gazette 19 November 1948; Officers’ Release Book; M.I.D. Certificate and accompanying letter and card; War Office letter re the King’s approval for the award of the Bronze Star; Bronze Star citation; War Department Driving Permit; Release Certificate, 7 February 1950; three photographs - all held in a folder.
www.dnw.co.uk
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