Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Flight Lieutenant D. Davis, Royal Air Force, who flew operationally in Spitfires of No. 72 Squadron over Italy in early 1945, prior to securing a permanent commission and graduating from the Central Flying School

1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medals, good very fine (3) £300-400

Davis enlisted in the Royal Air Force in September 1942 and trained as a pilot in Canada, returning to the U.K. in August 1944. Having then embarked for the Middle East, he attended No. 71 O.T.U. at Ismailia and joined No. 72 Squadron, a Spitfire unit operating out of Ravenna, as a Flight Sergeant, in March 1945.

Thus ensued a flurry of operational activity, namely about 30 sorties before the month’s end, the majority of them offensive “Rovers” with much bombing and strafing of enemy strongpoints, troops and armour, together with strikes on barges and communications. Flak of the 88mm. variety was a constant danger, a case in point being an attack on 50 lorries in the Udine area on the last day of the month - ‘Cloud less than 2000. Hell. Flak terrific’.

Davis remained with No. 72 up until the Squadron’s disbandment in Austria in 1946, when he returned home. Thereafter, in addition to extensive service in Shackletons of 120, 204 and 269 Squadrons in the period 1952-57, he entered the jet age and served as a Flying Instructor, having qualified in the latter trade at the Central Flying School in August 1957. He was placed on the Retired List as a Flight Lieutenant in the early 1970s.

Sold with a complete run of the recipient’s original Flying Log Books, comprising R.C.A.F. Pilot’s type, covering the period March 1943 to November 1953, with several pasted down photographs, including one of his 72 Squadron Spitfire; and R.A.F. types covering the periods December 1953 to August 1957; September 1957 to June 1959; June 1959 to February 1962; March to June 1962 and July 1962 to December 1972; together with Central Flying School certificate, dated 31 August 1957 and H.Q. 23 Group letter in respect of him being granted a permanent commission, dated 16 February 1960.