A Second War 1944 Halifax Flight Engineer’s D.F.M. awarded to Sergeant P. H. Joyce, 578 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who flew in 39 operational sorties with the squadron, being particularly engaged on ‘D’ Day and the remainder of June 1944 with attacks on marshalling yards in France, and subsequently in raids on V Rocket sites

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1874852. Sgt. P. H. Joyce. R.A.F.) light contact marks to obverse field, otherwise good very fine £1700-1900

D.F.M. London Gazette 8 December 1944:

‘Sergeant Joyce has carried out 39 operational sorties totalling 165.26 hours including attacks on Aachen, Sterkrade, Russelsheim and Kiel. Throughout his operational tour he has proved himself to be a very sound and steady engineer and has worked very hard and efficiently, displaying a combination of theoretical and technical knowledge which has proved an indispensable factor in the culmination of every operation carried out by his crew.

Supremely calm, well disciplined and cool, Sergeant Joyce proved that he possesses the marked ability to cope without hesitation and with good common sense with whatever problem comes before him. His work and record inspired his crew and gained him their confidence. He is recommended for the award of the D.F.M.

Remarks by Station Commander:
This N.C.O. has just completed a most successful tour of operations. He has always maintained a high standard of work and has been an efficient member of a first class operational crew. I recommend that his fine record of achievement be recognised by the award of the D.F.M.

Remarks by A.O.C.:
This N.C.O. has displayed a thorough knowledge of his aircraft and great efficiency in the air. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’

Peter Herbert Joyce enlisted in the Royal Air Force in March 1943. He carried out initial training at No. 1663 C.U. Rushforth, before being posted for operational flying as a Flight Engineer to 578 Squadron (Halifaxes), Burn, Yorkshire in May 1944. He flew in 39 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Dieppe; Tourville; Orleans, 22 May 1944, ‘Attacked by Fighter’ (Log Book refers); Aachen; Bourg-Leopold, 25 May 1944, ‘Attacked by Fighter’; “D” Day Chateaudun; Alencon - Marshalling Yard, 8 June 1944, ‘Force Landed At Lissert’; Massy Palaiseau - Marshalling Yard, 11 June 1944, ‘Bombed from 1,500 feet’; Amiens - Marshalling Yard; Douai - Marshalling Yard; Rennes; Sirecourt; Le Grand Rossignie; Marquise-Mimoyecques, underground complex; Wizernes; Villers Bocage, 30 June 1944, ‘Attack on Panzers’; Neuville-aux-Bois; St. Martin L’Hortier; Croixdale; Castelleries; Thiverny, 12 July 1944, ‘Hit by Flack’; Nucourt, 15 July 1944, ‘Robot Supply Depot’; Foret de Nieppe (3); Anderbeck; Bois de Casson, 3 August 1944, ‘Hit by Flack’; Hazebrouck - Marshalling Yard; Foret de Mormal; Somain - Marshalling Yard; Mainz - Russleheim Air Field; Tirlemont; Kiel (2); Sterkrade; Brest; Gelsenkirchen; Munster and Boulogne, 17 September 1944, ‘Last One Thank....’

Joyce, having advanced to Sergeant, was finally discharged in December 1947.

Sold with following related documents: Royal Air Force Flying Log Book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Air Gunners and Flight Engineers (25 March 1944 - 17 September 1944); Royal Air Force Service and Release Book.