A fine Second World War D.F.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant J. L. Young, Royal Air Force, who was decorated for a tour of operations as a Wireless Operator in Lancasters of No. 207 Squadron and, having volunteered for a second tour of duty in his old squadron, was killed in action in a raid on the “Big City” in September 1943

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (983117 Sgt. J. L. Young, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine or better (5) £1800-2200

D.F.M. London Gazette 6 November 1942. The original recommendation states:

‘On 22 May 1942, Sergeant Young was the Wireless Operator of a Lancaster aircraft which was detailed to lay mines. Just before arrival at the target area, one engine cut out so the pilot decided to continue on three engines to the alternative target and lay mines there. In the target area the aircraft was badly shot up and the compass damaged so there was a 90 degree difference in the readings. Coming out from the target area, the aircraft was again hit by flak and a second engine damaged. Realising that the aircraft was well off course, Sergeant Young remained cool and collected, displaying great skill and obtaining a series of fixes to determine which compass had been damaged. As a result of the cool determination displayed by this N.C.O., the aircraft was successfully brought back to base and the operation made a success. The above is only one example of a number during which Sergeant Young, by his courage and skill, has contributed largely towards the mission to be carried out successfully.’

James Lawson Young had completed 32 sorties, and over 160 hours of operational flying time, when recommended for his D.F.M. in September 1942. Having then returned to an operational footing with his old squadron at Langar, Nottinghamshire, he was killed in action in a raid on Berlin on the night of 3-4 September 1943, so, too, his entire crew, including Squadron Leader I. Huntley-Wood, D.F.C., his pilot, and Group Captain A. F. McKenna, his Station C.O., their Lancaster being ‘lost without trace’. The son of Alexander and Janet Young of Prestwick, Ayshire, he was 36 years of age and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.