Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War 1944 Halifax Flight Engineer’s D.F.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant J. A. Banbury, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 35 operational sorties with 77 Squadron, including distinguishing himself on an operation to Essen, 28/29 November 1944, when his aircraft was set on fire by incendiaries dropped by another aircraft from above. Despite the growing inferno amidst the fuselage, Banbury made two attempts to put the flames out - but was overcome and had to be dragged clear on both occasions. The order to abandon aircraft was eventually given, and the crew baled out over Belgium

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1897174. Sgt. J. A. Banbury. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for display, generally very fine or better (5) £1,600-£2,000

D.F.M. London Gazette 27 March 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘Sergeant Banbury is near the end of his first operational tour and has consistently carried out his duties in a skilful and resolute manner. Among other incidents is one typical of him and which depicts his offensive spirit throughout his tour. On the night of 28th/29th November 1944, an attack was being made on Essen and whilst over the target area, incendiary bombs struck the aircraft in which Sergeant Banbury was flying and fire instantaneously broke out in the fuselage. This Flight Engineer set to work to put out the flames with no thought of the risk or suffering to which he put himself. Despite being overcome and dragged clear on his first attempt, he persisted in a second endeavour to fight the flames but once more was overcome and had to be pulled from the fire. At this stage, the order was given to abandon aircraft and this was successfully carried out, all members of the crew landing safely. This N.C.O. has at all times displayed the greatest courage and devotion to duty in recognition of which he is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

Remarks by Station Commander: Sergeant Banbury is a courageous member of aircrew and an able Flight Engineer. He is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’

John Arthur Banbury served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War. He carried out initial training as a Flight Engineer at No. 1658 H.C.U., qualifying in June 1944. Banbury was posted for operational flying to 77 Squadron (Halifaxes) Full Sutton, Yorkshire in July 1944. He flew in at least 35 operational sorties with the Squadron, a number being over troop concentrations in France, and also sharing in the task of flying nearly half a million gallons of petrol to an airfield near Brussels for the Second Army, which was then desperately short of petrol for its lorries and tanks. Banbury’s aircraft received flak damage en route to Lumbres on 31 August 1944, and had its port rudder shot away whilst on ops to Kiel on 15 September 1944. His Halifax was ‘Attacked by Ju.88 Fuselage Holed’ on ops to Cologne on 31 October 1944, before ‘Ops Essen. A/C Fired By Incendiaries, Crew Successfully Baled Out in Belgium’ on 29 November 1944.

Banbury and crew successfully returned to the UK via Brussels the following day. They carried out a further five operational sorties after their eventful trip to Essen, including having to return early on just three engines from a trip to Ludwigshaven on 2 January 1945, when their aircraft had been subjected to a enemy fighter attack.

Sold with recipient’s Royal Air Force Flying Log Book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Air Gunners, Flight Engineers (12 April 1944 - 7 February 1945).