SEE OUR OTHER AUCTIONS AND EBAY STORE FOR MORE ITEMS OF INTERESTCanadianWorld War II medal group with British Distinguished Flying Cross with Second Award Bar awarded to Squadron Leader Roy Donald Hemphill, 425 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force. The group consists of: British Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C., Silver, King George VI, type 1, officially engraved: 1945) with Second Award Bar (Silver, tailor's issue); British 1939-45 Star; British France and Germany Star; Canadian Defence Medal (Silver); Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (Silver) with Overseas Bar; Canadian 1939-45 War Medal (Silver). Squadron Leader Hemphill was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross (London Gazette, January 12, 1945); "Flight Lieutenant Hemphill and Sergeant McAbendroth, were pilot and flight engineer respectively, of an aircraft detailed to attack Dusseldorf, one night in November, 1944. On the outward flight, a leak occurred in the oil supply line to the starboard inner engine. Flight Lieutenant Hemphill decided to continue his mission, although the target was still far distant. When nearing the area, the port inner engine exploded and caught fire. As much oil had seeped nearby, the danger of the fire spreading was great. Sergeant McAbendroth worked unremittingly to prevent this, however, and finally succeeded in extinguishing the flames. Flight Lieutenant Hemphill had held resolutely to his course, and although some height was lost, went on to execute his bombing attack. The position was now serious. Two engines were out of action, whilst the petrol supply was a cause for misgiving. Despite this, Flight Lieutenant Hemphill set course for home. Eventually, an airfield in this country was reached, and a safe landing was effected. This officer displayed the highest qualities of skill and resolution, in the face of considerable difficulty. Sergeant McAbendroth also proved himself to be a most devoted and determined crew member. His expert tending of the two functioning engines, considerably helped his pilot to bring the aircraft home." He received a Commendation (from Group Captain J.H. Lecomte, R.C.A.F., May 15, 1945), "While engaged on an operational sortie, this pilot lost his port inner engine 60 miles before the target. The engine caught fire, and the fire was extinguished. By losing a great deal of height, and bombing from 12,000 feet, this pilot was able to make the target on time. Complete failure of the electrical system before reaching the target, and failure of the hydraulic system and brake system, added to the difficulties under which this crew carried on. This pilot showed perseverance and determination in carrying on, and making the target on time." Hemphill was awarded the Second Award Bar to the British Distinguished Flying Cross (London Gazette, July 3, 1945); "When nearing the target, the port inner engine and the electrical system became unserviceable. Despite loss of height, Squadron Leader Hemphill continued his mission, and eventually bombed his objective. On the return journey, the hydraulic system and the brakes became useless. The port outer engine commenced to give trouble, and the aircraft was continually losing height. Nevertheless, displaying great skill and determination, Squadron Leader Hemphill flew to an emergency airfield in England, where he executed a sucessful landing." The awards are court mounted for wear with official ribbon and are in Extremely Fine condition. Sold with original logbook covering all 29 Operations (some water damage to logbook); original copy of commendation; original letter from Air Vice-Marshal C.M. McEwan, about Hemphill's award of a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross; 30 b/w photos; original newspaper clipping including photo; Ops Wings (Silver); cloth R.C.A.F. wings; ribbon bar set; and some research. The British Distinguished Flying Cross was instituted in June, 1918, and could be awarded to officers and warrant officers of the Royal Air Force in respect of acts of valour while flying in active operations against the enemy. The British 1939-45 Star was awarded to any military personnel serving for six months in an operational command between September 3, 1939, and September 2, 1945. Operational service brought to an end through death, disability, or wound, also qualified for the award of the 1939-45 Star, irrespective of length of service. The France and Germany Star was awarded to Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Air Forces personnel who served over Northern Europe between June 6, 1944, and May 8, 1945. The Canadian Defence Medal was awarded to any military personnel and some civilians related to civil defense serving in nonoperational areas threatened by the enemy between September 3, 1939, and September 2, 1945 (qualification time varied depending on type of service). The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal was awarded for eighteen months voluntary service in any of the Armed Forces between September 2, 1939, and September 2, 1945, or for voluntary service outside of Canada. The Overseas Bar was awarded for 60 days service outside of Canada. The Canadian 1939-45 War Medal was awarded to all full time personnel of the Armed Forces serving for 28 days or more, between September 3, 1939, and September 2, 1945. A total of 182 Victoria Crosses were awarded during World War II. RZ2001
Digital photos were taken in artificial light, and do not always show colors properly.
