A fine ‘Battle of Berlin’ Lancaster Navigator’s D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant, later Flight Lieutenant, C. Allsop, 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who flew in 28 operational sorties with the Squadron, including 8 times to Berlin and back. After the death of his Lancaster crew in a flying accident, which he missed due to illness, he converted to Mosquitoes and flew in 26 operational sorties with 162 Squadron. During the latter tour he flew in 21 of the 36 consecutive night attacks by Mosquitoes on Berlin - thus making 29 his total for raids on the German capital

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1577393. F/Sgt. C. Allsop. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally good very fine (5) £2400-2800

D.F.M. London Gazette 15 August 1944:

‘This Navigator has operated on 28 occasions many of them being against heavily defended and distant targets, including eight attacks on Berlin, and two attacks on Leipzig. His steadiness on all occasions and his consistent track keeping were among the main factors which enabled his crew to complete their sorties in safety, and which enabled accurate bombing to be made without dangerous preliminary manoeuvres.’

Cyril Allsop served during the Second War with the Royal Air Force, and carried out initial training at No. 10 (O) A.F.U. Dumfries, from February 1943. Subsequent training as a Navigator ensued at No. 16 O.T.U., Upper Heyford and No. 1654 C.U., Wiglsey. He was posted for operational flying as a Navigator to 207 Squadron (Lancasters), Spilsby, in November 1943. He flew in 28 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Berlin (8); Leipzig (2); Brunswick (2); Stuttgart (3); Schweinfurt; Augsburg; Clermont Ferrand; Frankfurt (2); Nürnberg; Tours (2); Juvissy; La Chapelle; Munich; Schweinfurt and Mailly Le Camp.

Having completed his first tour Allsop was posted with his crew to No. 55 B.M.S.U., East Kirkby, in May 1944. Tragically, having survived the tour together, all the crew were killed (with the exception of Allsop) in a flying accident, ‘F/O Davies and the entire crew except for myself - I was unable to fly owing to illness - were killed on 30th July 1944 when the Lancaster they were air testing crashed into the sea off Skegness. Only one body was ever found - the Wireless Operator - and the flight to Waterbeach was for me to attend his funeral at Newmarket on 18th August.’ (Log Book refers)

Allsop’s subsequent postings were to No. 1654 C.U., No. 20 O.T.U., No. 1655 M.T.U., before converting to Mosquitoes at No. 16 O.T.U. in February 1945. At the latter he was paired with his new pilot, Flying Officer Finlay, and together they were posted for operational flying to 162 Squadron (Mosquitoes), Bourn, in February 1945. The Squadron was engaged as a light-bomber unit of the Light Night Striking Force (later known as the Fast Night Striking Force). During the latter stages of the European war the Squadron carried out much of the marking during the series of 36 consecutive night attacks by Mosquitoes on Berlin. Allsop and Finlay flew in 26 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Erfurt (2); Berlin (21); Kassel; Munich and Schleissheim.

Finlay and Allsop were posted to 139 Squadron (Mosquitoes), Upwood, in June 1945. Having advanced to Flight Lieutenant, Allsop was released from service in April 1947.

Sold with the following related documents: Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (16 February 1943 - 12 September 1945); R.A.F. Service and Release Book; named Buckingham Palace enclosure for D.F.M.; two portrait photographs of recipient in uniform; several target photographs; a signed cartoon of Donald Duck astride a broomstick - titled ‘The Nite Bird’; and two sheets of counterfeit German meat ration coupons, with typed letter to accompany them, signed by recipient.