A Second War 1944 D.F.M. group of five awarded to Lancaster Wireless Operator, Flight Sergeant D. S. Nicholls, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 45 operational sorties, 26 of which were with 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron - a “marker” squadron. Earlier in his tour, during one of his seven trips to Berlin and back, ‘whilst over the target, their aircraft was attacked by an enemy aircraft, and whilst the pilot was still taking evasive action, the rear gunner’s oxygen failed and he lost consciousness. F/S Nicholls went back and rendered aid, but in doing so suffered severe frost bite to his hands. When he was quite sure the rear gunner was recovered, he returned to his post and carried out his duties as wireless operator for the remainder of the journey home.’

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1321716. F/Sgt. D. S. Nicholls. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, M.I.D. Oak Leaf, mounted for display, with related mounted miniature awards, these lacking M.I.D. emblem, generally very fine or better (5) £1600-2000

D.F.M. London Gazette 12 December 1944:

‘This wireless operator has now completed 45 operational sorties, of which 26 have been with the Path Finder Force.

F/S Nicholls is the wireless operator of a first-class marker crew, and as such has done some outstanding work. Throughout his tour he has displayed exceptional keenness, and this combined with his outstanding skill and courage, has set an excellent example to all W/T operators on this Squadron.

On one occasion early in December 1943 [16 December 1943], this N.C.O. was the wireless operator in an aircraft attacking Berlin. Whilst over the target, their aircraft was attacked by an enemy aircraft, and whilst the pilot was still taking evasive action, the rear gunner’s oxygen failed and he lost consciousness. F/S Nicholls went back and rendered aid, but in doing so suffered severe frost bite to his hands. When he was quite sure the rear gunner was recovered, he returned to his post and carried out his duties as wireless operator for the remainder of the journey home.

For his unswerving devotion to duty, his skill and courage, he is well worthy of the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1945.

Douglas Sylvester Nicholls was born in St. Austell, Cornwall, in 1923. He enlisted in Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1941, and carried out initial training as a Wireless Operator. He flew in 19 operational sorties between December 1943 - March 1944, including: Berlin (7); Leipzig (2); Frankfurt; Stettin; Brunswick; Magdeburg; Stuttgart (3); Schweinfurt; Augsburg and Marignane.

Having advanced to Flight Sergeant, Nicholls was posted for operational flying to 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron (Lancasters), Coningsby, in April 1944. The Squadron was employed as a “marker” squadron for No. 5 Group. He flew in at least 26 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Brunswick (2); Schweinfurt; Clerment-Ferrand; Toulouse; Louailles; Annecy; Amiens; Maisy; St. Pierre-du-Mont, 6 June 1944; Argentan, 6 June 1944; Rennes, 8 June 1944; Poiters; Creil; Culment-Chalindrey; Nevers; Courtrai; Donges; Stuttgart; Siracourt; Givors; Stettin; Bordeaux; Darmstadt; Brest and Deelen.