WWII Bomber Command Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) Group o...

Hammer

£1,550

WWII Bomber Command Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) Group on Bar Brooch, comprising DFM (1066928 Sgt C.E Boswell RAF) 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star (copy), Defence Medal and British War Medal with mention in despatch oak leaf emblem, mention in despatch certificate log book, photographs, tankards, baby brownie camera and ephemera. Air Gunner/Bomb Aimer 1066928 Sergent Charles Eric Boswell was born in Sheffield in 1922, he enjoyed a happy family life and worked as a clerk before the start of WWII, he had a strong sense of duty to his country and he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) on 24 October 1940 and commenced training. His first flight was from RAF Cranwell on 17 April 1941, he trained in various crew stations on a variety of different aircraft before specializing as Air Gunner/Bomb Aimer. He was then attached to 49 Squadron (Fiskerton), 5 Group Bomber Command who were operating Avro Lancaster heavy bombers. His active service began with a leaflet drop on Vichy on 11 August 1942. Thereafter he endured numerous hazardous sorties into enemy territory. On 18 May 1943 he was notified of his DFM award and on 16 November 1943 he attended the investiture at Buckingham Palace. The official citation read 'A map reader of great skill and experience and a most determined air bomber, Sgt Boswell has completed a large number of operational sorties, including attacks on targets in Ruhr, Essen, Berlin and Hamburg. He also took part in the daylight attack on Le Creusot and Milan - Sgt Boswell's tour of operational duty has been marked by the care and precision he invariably takes before releasing his bombs. He has set a splendid example of courage and devotion to duty. A further honour was conferred with him being mentioned in a despatch for distinguished service on 14 January 1944. His last operational sortie against Tonsberg, Norway was completed on 15 April 1945. Following the end of the War he left the RAFVR on 2 April 1946 and married his sweetheart Doris Oldham on 12 October 1944. The couple had two children and went on to live long lives together.