Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1942 ‘Western Desert Campaign’ D.F.C., ‘1945’ A.F.C., K.C.V.S.A. group of eight awarded to Flight Lieutenant J. McGill, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, whose low level attacks in Hawker Hurricanes of 73 Squadron inflicted much damage to enemy mechanised transport during the advance to Tripoli

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1943; Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1946, with its Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf representative of the recipient’s King’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Flt. Lt. J. McGill R.A.F.V.R.); together with the recipient’s related miniature awards, these lacking clasp and oak leaf, and cloth R.A.F. wings, both sets of medals mounted as worn, good very fine (8) £3,000-£4,000

D.F.C. London Gazette 23 February 1943 - Flying Officer James McGill (64899) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 73 Squadron - the original cypher message from Headquarters R.A.F. Middle East to Air Ministry Kingsway sent 11 February 1943 states:
‘Secret. An immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross has been made to Flying Officer James McGill 64899 of 73 Squadron. Since joining this squadron this pilot has done 95 operational night hours almost exclusively over enemy territory. On November 5 taking part in a dusk strafe with the squadron at Fuka, McGill on low flying strafe was hit in both long range and starboard main tanks another hit made a hole nearly a foot square. In spite of this Flying Officer McGill brought his aircraft safely home claiming two ammunition lorries blown up and and another damaged. This is typical of his work and he has on two other occasions been damaged by ground fire. He has done a great deal of damage to enemy mechanised transport since the campaign for Tripoli began including dawn reccos over enemy territory.’

A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1946 - Flight Lieutenant J. McGill, D.F.C., (64899) No. 24 Group - the original recommendation states:
‘(a) 2800 hours; (b) 2000 hours; (c) 150 hours. Throughout his tour of duty in the Union of South Africa, Flight Lieutenant McGill has displayed outstanding efficiency as a flying instructor. He has proved his exceptional ability to handle men and his reliability as a Group and Acting Squadron Commander at a Service Flying Training School. From September 1942, to September 1943, Flight Lieutenant McGill completed an operational tour on fighter aircraft and completed 180 hours flying.’

King’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air London Gazette 14 June 1945 - Flight Lieutenant McGill, D.F.C., (64899) No. 25 Air School - the original recommendation states:
‘(Total instructional flying hours 2540; during the last six months 72.) Throughout his service in this country [South Africa] Flight Lieutenant McGill, a Flying Instructor, has displayed outstanding ability in this capacity and as flight commander and squadron commander. He is most energetic and handles men exceedingly well.’

James McGill was commissioned Pilot Officer on probation in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 27 February 1941 and was promoted War Substantive Flying Officer on probation on 27 February 1942. He served with 73 Squadron during the Western Desert Campaign in North Africa from September 1942, the squadron having moved to the Middle East in late 1940. Moving repeatedly throughout the campaign according to the ever changing developments and requirements on the ground, the Hurricanes of 73 Squadron accompanied the the Army’s advance into Libya in 1942, taking part in ground attack operations.

McGill was promoted War Substantive Flight Lieutenant on 27 February 1943 and was awarded the D.F.C. for courage and determination in flying Hurricanes in low-level attacks on enemy mechanised transport during the advance towards Tripoli. Having completed his operational tour in September 1943, he transferred to a Flying Instructor role in South Africa, firstly with No. 25 Air School at Standerton, then with No. 24 Air School, for which services he was awarded the Air Force Cross and King’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air.