Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 18


A Second War ‘Bomber Command’ Immediate D.F.C. group of five awarded to Flying Officer L. Knight, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for the famous raid on Hitler’s ‘Eagles Nest’ at Berchtesgaden, 25 April 1945, on what was both Knight’s first Operational Sortie, and the last main Bomber Command raid of the War


Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’ and additionally contemporarily engraved ‘191091 F. O. L. Knight. Immediate Award. Berchtesgaden. 25th April’, with named Buckingham Palace enclosure, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; together with the recipient’s card identity disc ‘L. Knight Offr. C.E. 191091 R.A.F.V.R.’, generally very fine and better (5)


£1,000-£1,400


D.F.C. London Gazette 26 June 1945: ‘This officer was pilot and captain in an aircraft detailed to attack Berchtesgaden on the night of 25 April 1945. On the outward flight the port engine became troublesome and had to be put out of action. Despite the loss of engine power, Pilot Officer Knight flew on. High mountains had to be crossed but the target was reached. In the face of much anti-aircraft fire a successful attack was executed. Soon after leaving the target the starboard outer engine failed. The propellor had to be feathered. Even so Pilot Officer Knight flew the damaged aircraft to base. He set a splendid example of skill, courage, and determination throughout.’


Leonard Knight was commissioned Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 9 January 1945, and was posted to 625 Squadron from 73 Base on 10 April 1945. His first and only operational sortie of the Second World War was on 25 April 1945, the raid on Berchtesgaden. Serving as Captain-Pilot of Lancaster PA229, Knight and his crew ‘Up at 05:11. Target bombed at 10.00 hours from a height of 11,000 feet. Port Inner unserviceable on way to target and Starboard Outer unserviceable after leaving target. This aircraft was overdue two hours but made a successful landing on two engines. Down at 15:15.’ (Squadron Record Book refers).


For his skill, courage, and determination in pressing ahead, successfully bombing the target, and getting his stricken aircraft home, Knight was awarded an Immediate D.F.C. He was promoted Flying Officer on 9 July 1945.


Sold together with the recipient’s R.A.F. cloth ‘wings’; four R.A.F. buttons; and copied research.


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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