Outstanding Hague Gestapo HQ 613 Sqn Mosquito raid group wit...

Hammer

£1,500

Outstanding Hague Gestapo HQ 613 Sqn Mosquito raid group with 1957 Royal Victorian Order Member's breast badge (MVO) No 1786, Distinguished Flying Cross (1944), 1939-1945, Air Crew Europe (France and Germany bar) Stars, Defence Medal and BWM attributed to Flt Lieut Raymond Birkett R.A.F.V.R. good very fine to good extremely fine (ACE is fitted with a large suspension ring), swing mounted. His MVO was announced in the London Gazette dated 26th April 1957 for his roll as Air Attache during H.M. Queen Elizabeth's visit to Paris. His DFC was announced in the London Gazette dated 22nd August 1944 serving with 613 Sqn.
With typed copy of citation:
"Flying Officer Birkett R.A.F.V.R. No 613 Squadron has participated in numerous operations against a variety of targets, including fifteen daylight attacks. In April 1944, he took part in the successful low level attack on one house in the Hague. He has also completed several night intruder operations against enemy airfields which have often involved deep penetration into Germany. On every occasion he has reached his target, and his skill and determination have contributed very largely to the success of many operations."
In mid-December 1943, London received a request from the Dutch Resistance to attack and destroy the Gestapo HQ in the Hague. In WW2 the Gestapo took over the 5 story building Kleykamp Art Gallery in the centre of the Hague. the Gestapo used it to store the Dutch population central registry and duplicate of all legally issued Dutch ID papers, so that ID cards falsified by the Dutch Resistance could be checked against and identified as forgeries. On 11th April 1944, 6 Mosquitos from 613 Sqn led by Wing Comdr 'Bob' Bateson attacked and completely destroyed the building in a daring low level daylight raid, resulting in the destruction of the building and some of the records. The first 2 planes dropped 500lb HE bombs to open up the building and the others carried incendiary bombs to burn the contents. The Air Ministry described it at the time as "probably the most brilliant feet of low level precision bombing in the war."
Raymond Birkett was born in Leicester 13/12/11, was a school teacher before the war, commissioned 8/11/40, and completed his flying training in Canada.
Sold with Air Ministry box of issue for campaign medals addressed to F/Lt R. Birkett, 40 East Court, North Wembley (this box contains a further Air Crew Europe Star, Defence Medal and BWM), transmission slip, RAF Service & release Book, 3 photos in uniform, 1953 envelope to Birkett containing calling cards of French President Vincent Auriol, Madame Vincent Auriol and a Lady Harvey. A superb group to one of only 12 aircrew who took part in the raid. Sold on behalf of the family, never before on the market. (See photo) (R)