Medals from the Collection of the Late Eric Smith (Part II)

A Second World War pilot’s D.F.M. awarded to Flight Sergeant B. I. J. Morris, Royal Air Force, who completed a tour of operation in Wellingtons in the Middle East

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1300849 F./Sgt. B. I. J. Morris, R.A.F.), surface scratches to obverse and reverse as a result of harsh cleaning, suspension claw slightly slack, otherwise generally very fine £1400-1600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the late Eric Smith.

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D.F.M. London Gazette 21 September 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘Flight Sergeant Morris has completed 28 operations since joining the Squadron in March 1943, and has attacked targets in North Africa, Sardinia, Sicily and Italy. His operations against the enemy have been carried out with outstanding results as is borne out by the photographs he has taken when bombing. On the night of 25-26 August 1943, Flight Sergeant Morris was detailed to bomb the marshalling yards at the Italian port of Taranto. Under intense light and heavy anti-aircraft fire, he attacked the target from 9,500 feet and dropped his bombs, scoring a direct hit in the yards and starting many fires. Again, on the night of 28-29 August 1943, Flight Sergeant Morris was detailed to locate and illuminate Taranto for the attacking force of our bombers. He located the target under adverse weather conditions and at 7,500 feet, in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire, he dropped his flares directly over the target area, thus enabling the bomber force to make a successful attack. Again, his work is supported by photographic evidence. Flight Sergeant Morris is an inspiration to other members of the Squadron with his willingness, courage and devotion to duty.’

Basil Ivor John Morris was serving in No. 40 Squadron at the time of the above cited deeds, a Wellington unit operating out of assorted bases in Libya and Tunisia; a good account of some of the operations undertaken by the Squadron at this time is to be found in Martin Bowman’s history, Wellington, The Geodetic Giant.