A WW2 bomber pilot's unique triple gallantry group, Distingu...

Hammer

£11,000

A WW2 bomber pilot's unique triple gallantry group, Distinguished Service Order (suspension bar dated 1944), Distinguished Flying Cross (1942), Distinguished Flying Medal to 565107 Sgt I.C.K. Swales R.A.F., 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star (France and Germany bar), Defence Medal, BWM, 1923 GSM 2 clasps Palestine 1945-48, Malaya to Act Wg Cdr I.C.K. Swales R.A.F. and 1953 Coronation Medal, odd minor contact marks, very fine to extremely fine, swing mounted as worn.
Ian Clifford Kirby Swales's DSO with 622 Sqn was announced in the London Gazette dated 7th November 1944, "This officer has completed numerous sorties on his third tour of operational duty. He is a most inspiring leader whose outstanding ability, great drive and unswerving devotion to duty have contributed in a large way to the high standard of operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. He has rendered much valuable service."
His DFC with 15 Sqn was announced in the London Gazette dated 13th March 1942. PRO Air 2/9262 has citation drafted when he had flown 45 sorties.
"This officer has carried out 28 sorties on Wellington and 18 on Stirling aircraft, involving attacks against the majority of important and highly defended targets in Germany and in occupied territory. Flying Officer Swales took part in five "Trinity" raids against enemy warships at Brest and played a good part in the success of these attacks in their experimental stages. On 7th November 1941, he participated in a raid on Berlin and, despite intense opposition, he cooly carried out a successful bombing attack. This officer has always shown courage and determination in the face of the enemy."
His DFM with 38 Sqn was announced in the London Gazette dated 22nd October 1940, "On the night of 21st July 1940, Sergeant Swales was Captain of a Wellington aircraft which had completed the successful bombing of his objective when he was heavily engaged by an enemy aircraft, receiving direct hits from cannon shells which exploded inside the aircraft. The rear gunner was seriously wounded and the hydraulic system put out of action. Despite the hydraulic system being crippled, Sergeant Swales flew his aircraft 350 miles to base and landed successfully. Sergeant Swales has on all occasions pressed home his attacks with great determination. He has completed 32 operational sorties against the enemy and has displayed great devotion to duty at all times." His Station Commander remarked "An ideal Captain of Aircraft whom I have not hesitated to recommend for commissioned rank. Despite several very unpleasant experiences, this excellent Sergeant Pilot has continued to carry out his duties in an exemplary manner."
Sold with his 3 pilot's Log Books with training commencing in August 1937, qualified as first pilot day 15/5/39 and night 24/3/40. He joined 38 Sqn in Marham 4/10/39 flying Wellingtons, raids over the continent started in April
with attacks on high priority targets such as airfields, marshalling yards, aircraft factory, power stations etc. The raid on 21st July mentioned in his DFM citation was an attack on Metelen Aerodrome.
He joined 11 OTU 14/8/40 and was granted a commission of Pilot Officer on probation 5/11/40. He joined 15 Sqn flying Stirlings 10/8/41 and flew his first mission with them to Berlin 12/8/41. Further ops continued with multiple raids on Brest as well as Berlin, Skoda Works in Czechoslovakia and a raid on Tirpitz in Tromso Fjord 29/1/42. While at 1651 Conversion Unit, he took part in a raid on Cologne 30/5/42 where on the return journey, the aircraft was attacked on 5 occasions by a ME110 night fighter, 4 of which caused hits on the aircraft where a petrol reserve exploded in a gun turret wounding the gunner. He crashed landed on return at Coltishall and 90 points of impact were noted. This was his last op for some time as he was posted as an instructor, mainly at AFDU Duxford flying a good range of aircraft. He returned to operational flying when appointed CO of 622 Sqn based at Mildenhall and flying Lancasters 5/2/44. His first Op was on 1st March to Stuttgart and his last Op was a daylight strike on Walcheren Dyke on 3rd October 1944.
Post war he served in D.Wing Germany, Staff College Haifa, H.Q. M.E. Cairo & Jerusalem, OC Flying C.N.C.S. Shawbury, Air Ministry P.2, Station Commander RAF Changi in Singapore (1957-60) where he was a mentor to the country's new leader, Lee Kuan Yew, in preparation for independence. His final appointment was S.O.A. H.Q. 23 Group.
He was promoted Flg Off 5/11/41, Flt Lt 9/8/42, Sqn Ldr 1/5/44, Wg Cdr 1/7/47 and he retired as a Group Captain 17/1/63.
In retirement, he worked as a flying instructor in Ireland. In 1974, 4 members of the IRA turned up at Dundalk Aero Club and hijacked Swales while on the ground, loaded 4 barrel bombs into his Cessna and told him to fly the bombs with 2 of the gang, with the intention of bombing the security forces in Crossmaglen. The other 2 gang members remained at the airfield to prevent the alarm being raised. However, they were "unable" to locate Crossmaglen and dropped one bomb in the countryside. Having flown back across the border, they forced Swales to land the plane in a valley and they made their escape. The Irish Army were called to remove the 3 remaining bombs from the aircraft and they were then destroyed.
Ian "Blondie" Swales died in October 1991.
There were only 18 recipients of the 3 awards of DSO, DFC and DFM and with his additional medals, this most surely by a unique group.
Sold with his Airtour CRP-1A Computer and handbook, Douglas Combined Protractor & Rule, RAF Station Changi cloth badge, RAF Instrument Pilot rating cards (2), book on 622 Sqn in French (2000) and a large photo album with various images of Swales and groups of RAF, also family and other military family members and civilian photos.
The Worshipful Company of Arbitrators present an award each year in his honour called the "Blondie Swales" award to a member of 622 Sqn, which currently operates out of RAF Brize Norton flying Hercules.
Offered on behalf of the family.
(See photos) (½B)