Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War D.F.C. and Bar group of five attributed to Wing Commander F. H. Denton, Nos. 75 (N.Z.) and 487 (R.N.Z.A.F.) Squadrons, Royal Air Force, flying Wellingtons and Mosquitos, the Bar awarded for two daring daylight attacks against Gestapo Headquarters in Denmark

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse dated 1940, with Second Award Bar, the reverse dated 1945, the cross and bar additionally named; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France & Germany; Defence & War Medals, these all privately named (W. Cdr., D.F.C. & Bar. 487 (R.N.Z.A.F. Sqdn. R.A.F.) good very fine (5) £800-1200

Ex Jack Wadey Collection and sold by J. B. Hayward & Son in June 1972.

D.F.C. London Gazette 1 October 1940: Pilot Officer Frank Henderson Denton, No. 75 (N.Z.) Squadron. ‘One night in September 1940, although the enemy tried to tempt him with a dummy flare path, Pilot Officer Denton showed great resourcefulness and daring when he successfully attacked the areodrome at Chartres, his primary target, from a very low altitude. Several nights later, having failed to locate his target in the Ruhr owing to most severe weather conditions, he decided to attack the docks and shipping at Flushing. He broke cloud at 1,000 feet and manoeuvred until he was in a position to attack this target which he knew was heavily defended. Pilot Officer Denton dived through a devastating curtain of light flak and machine gun fire in a most determined and courageous manner, and released his bombs at an altitude so low that the force of the explosions rocketed his aircraft several hundred feet in the air. Nevertheless, he was able to see large fires and explosions amongst the shipping and docks. He eventually, with great difficulty, brought his aircraft, with gaping holes through each wing, safely back to its base. Pilot Officer Denton has taken part in twenty-four major bombing raids over enemy territory. He is a determined and courageous captain, and carries the complete confidence of his crew and associates.’

Bar to D.F.C. London Gazette 19 September 1945: Acting Wing Commander, No. 487 (R.N.Z.A.F.) Squadron. ‘Wing Commander Denton has completed three tours of operational duty. In September, 1944, he was detailed to attack the Gestapo Headquarters at Aarhus, Denmark. Over the target area his aircraft struck the roof of a building and sustained severe damage. By brilliant airmanship this officer was eventually able to reach base. When detailed on another occasion to attack the Gestapo Headquarters, Copenhagen, his aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire, making a crash landing necessary when base was reached. His work has always been an inspiration to his crew and to the squadron.’