Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A 1941 Second War ‘Coastal Command’ D.F.M. group of four awarded to Hudson Pilot, Pilot Officer G. R. Heppell, 220 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who contributed to the destruction of 2 enemy aircraft, including once when employed as Navigator he ‘fired several bursts from the side guns until a bullet from the enemy aircraft struck a marine distress signal which exploded and started a fire which Sergeant Heppell dived at and managed to extinguish with his helmet.’ He was killed in a flying accident, 6 April 1942.

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (758127. Sgt. G. R. Heppell. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (4) £1600-2000

D.F.M. London Gazette 26 August 1941:

‘Sergeant Heppell joined No. 220 Squadron in September, 1940, and has completed over 200 hours operational flying with this unit. He has been in three air combats in two of which the enemy was destroyed. On 7th June, 1941 he was Navigator in a Hudson which attacked a Ju.88. He fired several bursts from the side guns until a bullet from the enemy aircraft struck a marine distress signal which exploded and started a fire which Sergeant Heppell dived at and managed to extinguish with his helmet. He has always shown considerable skill and devotion to duty both as pilot and Navigator.’

George Robert Heppell was born in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, in May 1917. Employed as a Clerk in civilian life, he enlisted as Aircraftsman Second Class, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in August 1939. He was promoted Sergeant the following month, and carried out pilot training at No. 10 F.T.S. and No.1 O.T.U.

Heppell gained his ‘Wings’ in August 1940, and was posted for operational flying to 220 Squadron (Hudsons), Coastal Command,Thornaby-on-Tees, 28 September 1940. The squadron was primarily employed on anti-shipping sorties off the Dutch and Norwegian Coasts. Heppell served with the squadron detachment at St. Eval, and moved with the Squadron to Wick in April 1941. From northern Scotland the Squadron flew raids on coastal shipping and harbours in Norway.

Promoted Temporary Flight Sergeant, in May 1941, Heppell was posted to 1428 H.T. Flight in December of the same year. He was presented with his D.F.M. by the King at Buckingham Palace, 7 November 1941, and commissioned Temporary Pilot Officer, 13 March 1942.

Heppell was killed in a flying accident, 6 April 1942, over R.A.F. Oulton, when he suffered ‘a fractured skull caused by the aircraft which he was flying hitting a tree and crashing to the ground owing to an error of judgement on his part.’ (Death Certificate refers)

Heppell was buried in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (West Road) Cemetery.

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