Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 56


A Second War 1944 D.F.C. group of six awarded to Lancaster mid-upper gunner, Flight Lieutenant P. W. Robert, 576 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 30 operational sorties, including to Berlin and back 11 times


Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’ 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya E.II.R. (Flt. Lt. P. W. Robert. R.A.F.) mounted as worn, light contact marks, very fine (6)


£1,600-£2,000


Robert far right. D.F.C. London Gazette 18 August 1944:


‘Since commencing his tour of operations, P/O Robert has completed 30 operational sorties and 201 operational flying hours as mid- upper in a Lancaster Bomber attacking many of the most heavily defended of the enemy targets, including 11 attacks on Berlin. During a most successful tour of operations Pilot Officer Robert’s crew have many times encountered enemy fighters, but never once have the fighters succeeded in getting in an attack. Most of the credit for this achievement is due to Pilot Officer Robert, whose vigilance, determination and devotion to duty under most arduous conditions have been consistent throughout his tour. I strongly recommend him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.


Remarks by Station Commander: He has shown great fortitude and devotion to duty in protecting his aircraft from attacks by enemy night fighters during his fine tour of operations thus enabling his captain to win through and successfully bomb his allotted targets. His skill and courage fully merit a recommendation for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’


Paul William Robert was born in Shepherds Bush, London in 1909. He served during the Second War with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Robert trained as an Air Gunner and advanced to Sergeant before being commissioned Pilot Officer in February 1944. He was posted as an Air Gunner to 576 Squadron (Lancasters) at Elsham Wolds in late 1943, and flew in at least 30 operational sorties, including: Hanover; Hagen; Kassel (2); Dusseldorf; Modane; Berlin (11); Frankfurt (3); Brunswick; Magdeburg; Leipzig; Stuttgart (2); Schweinfurt; Augsberg; Essen (2) and Friedrichshaven.


Robert advanced to Flight Lieutenant in February 1946, and retired in September 1964.


Sold with named Buckingham Palace enclosure slip for D.F.C.; three group photographs - including two of recipient in uniform; and a modern Air Gunner’s brevet.


www.dnw.co.uk all lots are illustrated on our website and are subject to buyers’ premium at 24% (+VAT where applicable)


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