Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Presentation Case, 132 x 90 x 38mm., silvered copper, wooden interior, lid bearing the enamelled badge of the Royal Canadian Air Force, side of the case bearing a Birks Memorial Bar inscribed, ‘S/L. D. J. Sale, D.S.O., D.F.C., R.C.A.F. Died in his country’s service 20 Feb. 1944’, case stamped ‘Birks E.P.C.’ and ‘70’, minor scratches to case, some silvering lost, good condition £200-250

D.S.O. London Gazette 8 October 1943. Recommendation states: Flight Lieutenant Sale has done splendid work in ight operations against the enemy’s most heavily defended targets. He has applied himself to his tasks with commendable determination and singleness of purpose, thus proving to be a most valuable member of his squadron.’

Bar to D.S.O. London Gazette 1 February 1944. Recommendation states: ‘One night in December 1943, this officer was pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack a target in Germany. Although heavy clouds prevailed over the target, Squadron Leader Sale displayed great persistence and made five runs over the area before releasing his bombs. The return flight was safely accomplished but whilst over base at a height of 1,500 feet some stores exploded and flames broke out near the rear turret and the underside of one of the wings of the aircraft quickly became filled with smoke and fumes, and fire spread rapidly. The danger of the tanks exploding was soon apparent. Coolly Squadron Leader Sale turned away from the airfield, regained height and ordered his crew to leave by parachute. By this time he could hardly see the instruments as the smoke in the cockpit was so dense. As he was just about to leave the aircraft himself, Squadron Leader Sale saw standing beside him a member of the crew who had been unable to leave as his parachute was badly damaged and unusable. Squadron Leader Sale therefore decided to attempt to land the burning aircraft and succeeded. In so doing the floor of the fuselage, some equipment and some stores were blazing as he and his comrade got cleared. When they were a bare 200 yards away, the aircraft exploded. In circumstances of great danger Squadron Leader Sale displayed great courage and determination, setting an example of the highest order.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 27 June 1944. Awarded when had flown 51 sorties (305 operational hours).

Douglas Julian Sale was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario on 28 February 1914. Enlisted into the Royal Canadian Air Force on 28 April 1941 and was commissioned in 1942 and latterly flew Halifax bombers with No. 35 Squadron.

Squadron Leader Douglas Julian Sale, D.S.O. and Bar; D.F.C., Royal Canadian Air Force, died of wounds, 20 March 1944 (date ref. C.W.G.C. website which is at variance with that on the Memorial Bar). He was buried in the Choloy War Cemetery, France. Sold with copied research.