The 1940 D.F.C. attributed to Pilot Officer C. J. D. Montagu, 2nd Pilot of a Whitley V bomber of No. 77 Squadron which, despite being disabled by a Messerschmitt, successfully bombed its target but was eventually forced to land in the sea close to the south coast; he was killed in action over Holland a few weeks later

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1940, mounted on original investiture pin, extremely fine
£1000-1200

D.F.C. London Gazette 12 July 1940: P.O. (41863) Charles James Drogo Montagu, R.A.F. 77 Squadron

Joint citation with P.O. A. W. Dunn (Pilot) - awarded D.F.C.; P.O. L. W. J. Watt (Rear Gunner) - awarded D.F.C.; Sgt. J. M. Dawson (W./Op.) - awarded D.F.M.; A/Sgt. B. L. Savill (Navigator) - awarded D.F.M.

‘These officers and airmen were the crew of an aircraft, piloted by Pilot Officer Dunn, and detailed to carry out a bombing attack on the Ruhr one night in June 1940. After being subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire for some fifteen minutes, during which their aircraft was repeatedly hit, they were attacked by a Messerschmitt 109. The first attack disabled the inter-communication gear and also wounded the air observer, Sergeant Savill, and the wireless operator, Sergeant Dawson. The rear gunner, Pilot Officer Watt, was unable to warn the captain of the enemy fighter’s second attack, but by quick reaction and skill in aiming, he delivered a good burst of fire at short range which destroyed the enemy. During this second attack, however, one engine was disabled. Despite these difficulties the target was successfully bombed before a course was set for home. For three and a half hours the aircraft, flying on one engine, steadily lost height until the North Sea was crossed at only 400 feet. During this time, the navigation was ably carried out by Sergeant Savill, despite the pain from his wound, while Sergeant Dawson, operating his wireless apparatus, secured a number of essential homing bearings, thus materially assisting in assuring the safety of the crew. Pilot Officer Montagu, who was the second pilot, made necessary preparations for abandoning the aircraft and his personal example of coolness and efficiency was of the greatest assistance to his captain. Pilot Officer Dunn displayed resolution, courage and determination in piloting his badly damaged aircraft, but was forced to land in the sea close to the south coast. This crew showed the greatest determination, courage and gallantry throughout the operation.’

Pilot Officer Montagu was killed on 25 August 1940, when, as Pilot, his Whitley V bomber N1473 KN crashed at 0300 near Haarlem, Holland, whilst on operations against Augsburg. He and his crew are buried in Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery. Sold with a copied page from The War Illustrated which pictures the five crew members of the Ruhr bombing operation with details of their awards. For related family awards see Lots 405 and 406.