Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot’s Flying Log Book to Pilot Officer A. M. Murray, D.F.C., Royal Canadian Air Force

A standard-issue Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot’s Flying Log Book with just a single page of entries covering the period 20 April to 15 May 1943; together with the recipient’s Commission Document appointing him a Pilot Officer, dated 4 November 1944, some water damage to cover, reasonable condition £60-£80

D.F.C. London Gazette 20 July 1945.

The original Recommendation, dated 15 March 1945, states: ‘Pilot Officer Murray has completed a tour of operations as an air bomber in Halifax IlI aircraft with this squadron. He has flown against some of the most heavily defended targets in Europe and the majority of his attacks have been against vital objectives in Germany itself.
On 30 October 1944, when his aircraft was hit by a shower of bombs from a higher aircraft over Cologne, he displayed outstanding initiative and courage. An incendiary bomb killed the navigator and fell into the bottom of the aircraft. Immediately, P/O Murray seized the bomb and threw it through the parachute hatch. As he was then on the bombing run he aimed his bombs on to the target indicators and then went back to give aid to his colleague. After doing everything possible to help the navigator, whose skull was crushed, he went forward and took over the task of navigating the aircraft back to this country. On this occasion this officer's resourcefulness and courage were an inspiration to others in the crew and were largely responsible for a safe return to base.
On other occasions, under enemy fire from fighters and flak, P/O Murray has shown the greatest fortitude, and with a complete disregard for the safety of his own life he has pressed home his attacks. His photographic record is an admirable one.
It is recommended that this officer's outstanding record of courage, initiative, determination and devotion to duty throughout a hazardous tour be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

Alpine McLean Murray was born in Capheath, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in 1919, and began his pilot training in April 1943. Posted to 158 Squadron, flying Halifax bombers as part of No. 4 Group, Bomber Command, he flew his first operational sortie on 23 September 1944, a raid on Neuss. Further targets over the next six months included Cologne (30 October 1944, navigator killed), Munster, Essen (four times), Saarbrucken, Mainz (twice), and Dortmund. Commissioned Pilot Officer on 4 November 1944, he flew his final sortie on 14 March 1945, a raid on Homburg.

Sold with various photographs and photographic images of the recipient; original letters detailing the citation of the D.F.C.; two Royal Air Force passes; copied record of service; and other ephemera and research.