Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Malaya operations D.F.M. group of five awarded to Master Pilot A. E. Cover, Royal Air Force, who flew over 80 operational strikes as a Vampire pilot

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (1807040 Sgt. A. E. Cover, R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (1807040 Sgt. A. E. Cover, R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (M. Plt. A. E. Cover (1807040) R.A.F.), mounted as worn, minor contact wear, good very fine or better (5) £3000-4000

D.F.M. London Gazette 18 September 1951:

‘In recognition of distinguished service in Malaya.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Sergeant Cover has been a squadron pilot with a Vampire Squadron since July 1949. During the time he has been in the Squadron, he has completed over 80 operational strikes against insurgents operating in the jungles of Malaya. He has often led sorties in adverse weather conditions, when finding and attacking the targets has not been easy. At all times, Sergeant Cover has displayed fine qualities of leadership and has set a splendid example to the other members of the Squadron. On one occasion while returning from a strike in the Seremben area, his engine developed a coolant leak and subsequently seized. Sergeant Cover made a fine forced landing in very difficult terrain. His airmanship on this occasion was of a high order. Although suffering from shock and an injured hand, Sergeant Cover was again flying with the Squadron in a few days. Sergeant Cover has shown commendable zeal, courage and determination while serving in his squadron in operations in connection with the emergency in Malaya. As a pilot he has proved himself capable of successfully facing a difficult situation calling for airmanship of a high order. His cool efficiency has been an inspiration to his fellow pilots.’

Arthur Ernest Cover, who was born at Tidworth, Hampshire, in December 1924, enlisted in the Royal Air Force in June 1942 and served in South Africa, the Middle East and India during the Second World War. At the time of being recommended for his D.F.M. for subsequent services in Malaya, he had flown 92 operational hours.