Orders, Decorations and Medals

An outstanding and rare ‘Immediate’ Second War A.F.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant J. D. Muir, No. 162 Squadron, Royal Air Force, killed in 1943

Air Force Medal, G.VI.R. (1344013 Sgt., R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star, Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine (5) £2000-2500

A.F.M. London Gazette 19 February 1943 ‘One night in December 1942, Sergeant Muir was the pilot of a Wellington aircraft participating in a photo flash bombing exercise. One photo flash was released successfully and the second was about to be released when it exploded in the flare chute and killed the wireless operator. The aircraft became uncontrollable and a fire was started. Sergeant Muir being unable to maintain height, ordered the remaining crew to escape by parachute. This they did with the exception of the navigator who went to the rear of the aircraft to ascertain the precise condition of the wireless operator. After reporting to Sergeant Muir that he could not detect any pulse the navigator then left the aircraft. Sergeant Muir knew that a crash was inevitable but realising that the bomber was in the vicinity of two villages and being uncertain whether the wireless operator was alive or dead, he decided to remain in the aircraft in an endeavour to land clear of the villages. He succeeded in landing the bomber in a field. Sergeant Muir extricated himself just before the aircraft became enveloped in flames, but he was unable to release the wireless operator. Sergeant Muir displayed a high standard of courage and devotion to duty throughout this hazardous experience.’

Flight Sergeant James David Muir was killed on 18 May 1943, at the age of 26, whilst serving with 162 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. His name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial.

From the date of the institution of the Air Force Medal in 1918 until 1962, only three awards have been published with citations in the London Gazette, Muir’s award being one of them. British Gallantry Awards, by P.E. Abbot & J.M.A. Tamplin, page 14 refers.