Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War A.F.C., 1943 D.F.M. group of six awarded to Lancaster Sergeant Pilot, later Squadron Leader, G. O. McGregor, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who carried out 6 anti-submarine patrols whilst at an O.T.U., and flew in at least 24 operational sorties with 106 Squadron, January - March 1943. After serving as a flying instructor he was commissioned and posted for service with 463 Squadron, R.A.A.F.

Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1946’; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1389231. Sgt. G. O. Mc.Gregor. R.A.F.) suspension slack; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally very fine, unless otherwise stated (6) £2800-3200

A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1946:

‘From March, 1943, until October 1944, this officer employed as a flying instructor. He displayed a high degree of skill and showed outstanding ability in his instruction and development of captaincy. He proved enthusiastic at all times. Flight Lieutenant McGregor now serves in No. 463 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron.’

D.F.M. London Gazette 15 June 1943:

‘A very sound pilot, Sergeant McGregor has flown 213 operational hours, and has been consistently successful in the performance of the tasks allotted him.

Whilst at an Operational Training Unit he carried out 6 anti-submarine patrols and has since taken part in 21 bombing raids. These include attacks on Berlin (twice), Turin, Munich, Stuttgart and Nuremburg, and in addition to three attacks on Essen he has bombed the Ruhr on five other occasions. He has taken several photographs which prove the determination and accuracy of his attacks, including an aiming-point picture of St. Nazaire.

Sergeant McGregor has always performed his work in a most praiseworthy and efficient manner and his steadiness and determination have gained very successful results, often despite heavy A.A. opposition. His record is worthy of recognition by the award of the D.F.M.’

Gordon Owen McGregor initially served during the Second War as Sergeant Pilot with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He carried out anti-submarine patrols whilst based at an O.T.U. in 1942. McGregor was posted for operational flying to 106 Squadron (Lancasters), Syerston, at the start of January 1943. He flew in at least 24 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Baltic - Mining; Essen (3); Berlin (3); Dusseldorf (2); Hamburg; Cologne (2); Turin; Lorient; Wilhelmshaven; Nuremburg (2); St. Nazaire (2); Munich; Stuttgart and Duisburg.

At the end of his operational tour, McGregor was posted as a flying instructor to No. 1660 Conversion Unit. He was commissioned Flying Officer on probation in July 1943, and was posted as a Flight Lieutenant to 463 Squadron (Lancasters), R.A.A.F. at the end of 1944. McGregor resigned his commission, retaining the rank of Squadron Leader, 19 April 1947.