Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry


Michael Albert Wetz joined the Royal Air Force in 1941 and volunteered for pilot training. In November 1941, he was sent to 21 E.F.T. S., Booker, before being sent to the U.S.A. for further training; first at U.S.N. Detroit and then U.S.N.A.S. Pensacola. He was awarded his Wings on 11 December 1942 and was sent back to Britain for further training at 5(P) A.F.U. and 8 O.T.U. at R.A.F. Dyce. In November 1943, after conversion to Spitfires, Wetz was sent to 16 Squadron, making his first operational flight on 23 December- a photo reconnaissance over St Pol, France. Over the following five months, he completed a further 27 operational flights, mainly over targets in France, being chased by FW190’s during one of these. On 2 June 1944, he notes a ‘Beaches’ photo reconnaissance and other targets in Normandy; followed by operations over Dieppe, Ameins, Vierzon, Lorient &c. During this period, 16 Squadron was credited with supplying photographs instrumental to the planning of the D-Day invasion and Wetz’s logbook shows he was involved in such photo reconnaissance flights. Flights continued over France in July and August, noting flak and being attacked by enemy fighters a couple of times.


The Squadron moved to Normandy in September 1944 and from there Wetz took part in flights that would gain him the award of the D.F.C., additionally noting in his logbook ‘dropping messages to Airborne Division’ on 20-22 September. The job of dropping messages, for which the pilots of 16 Squadron had volunteered, was a highly dangerous one which resulted in the loss of several members of his squadron during the period. On 17 September, flying a pink camouflaged Spitfire IX’s, each carrying a 14in oblique cameras and fitted with two empty drop tanks (which would be filled with messages), Wetz and a fellow pilot flew to Brussels to report to duty at 21 Army Group H.Q.


Wetz’s report of his first mission on 20 September 1944 is as follows: ‘Airborne at Evere at 1730, dropped messages by drop tank to airborne troops near Nijmegan. Some trouble as Army did not show correct signals but as it was definitely the right place and the troops were well in possession, I put it down to finger trouble and dropped the messages to them. Landed 1840. No incidents.’


He flew two further missions to the Landing Zone at Groesbeek on the 21 and 22 September. 56 years later, Wetz wrote of the volunteering for the special missions of message dropping: ‘I volunteered because I wanted to visit the Brussels night-clubs. It seemed a piece of cake. Every morning I went to 21st Army Group to be briefed in their Operations Room. Lots of senior Generals were milling around. I was given my instructions- usually two separate drops. When I got to the Nijmegan area, our troops were not as shown on our map. I stooged around, getting lots of flak from the Germans. I dropped both sets of messages to the British troops near to the point of request. When I came back to report and told them that their map was wrong, a big argument followed. I told them in the end, that they should go and see themselves and it was all a ‘cock-up’. Our chaps seemed glad to see me. I was quite low most of the time- it seemed safer. I couldn’t understand why, if I could go there, we weren’t giving the troops air support. Possibly because my attitude was getting very critical and hostile, they sent me home. I now think that the award to the D.F.C. was just to keep me quiet!’


In October 1944 Wetz took part in only one operation, and in November a further four over Germany, during one of which he notes seeing several Me262’s. With just a couple of operations during December, Wetz was posted to H.Q. 34 Wing on 11 January 1945, as Flight Lieutenant Operations, where he stayed until June that year, before being posted back to 16 Squadron. He finally transferred to 26 Squadron in September 1945, his last flight being recorded on 26 February 1946. Wetz’s logbook notes that during the War he made a total of 76 Operational Sorties.


Sold with the recipient’s Pilot’s Log Book, covering the period November 1941 to September 1945; and a second Log Book covering the period September 1945 to February 1946; an R.A.F. pilots notes book; a photograph of the recipient in R.A.F. uniform; and a magazine article about 16 Squadron and Operation Market Garden.


40


A Second War ‘1944’ D.F.C. group of five awarded Halifax bomb aimer Flight Lieutenant H. V. Taylor, 158 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve


Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’, in Royal Mint case of issue, with named enclosure slip; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with recipient’s identity tags, two North of England Musical Tournament, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Prize Medals, silver, reverse engraved ‘Henry Taylor “Open” Verse” 1938’ and ‘Henry Taylor Duologue 1938’, and two Guildhall School of Music & Drama Prize Medals, silver and enamel, reverse engraved ‘Henry Taylor Elocution Newcastle on Tyne July 1937’ and ‘Henry Taylor Elocution Newcastle on Tyne July 1938’, traces of verdigris to campaign stars, generally very fine or better (lot)


£1,000-£1,400 D.F.C. London Gazette 7 November 1944:


‘As air bomber, Flying Officer Taylor has taken part in a large number of sorties. He has at all times displayed a strong sense of duty together with great skill and his excellent work has contributed in good measure to the success obtained. In addition to his work in the air, Flying Officer Taylor has given valuable service in the training of other members of the squadron.’


Henry Victor Taylor was a native of Newcastle, who initially served as a Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second War. He was commissioned Pilot Officer on probation in June 1943, advanced to Flying Officer on probation in December 1943, and to Flight Lieutenant in June 1945. Taylor served as an air bomber on operational service with 158 Squadron (Halifaxes) from Lissett, Yorkshire.


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