Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War D.F.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant (Pilot) Thomas Finlay, No. 104 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1216230 Sgt., R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; France & Germany Star; Defence & War Medals, mounted as worn, extremely fine (6) £600-800

D.F.M. London Gazette 20 August 1943: ‘Sergeant Finlay has completed 51 operational sorties totalling 230 hours. He has at all times shown the utmost keenness and determination to press home his attacks, often against heavily defended targets. On the night of 14th April, 1943, the port engine of the aircraft of which Sergeant Finlay was Captain failed over the target area. For over four hours, he flew the aircraft on one engine and, despite bad weather, he located an emergency landing ground and made a successful landing, having to pump down the wheels and flaps.’