Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War ‘Lancaster Wireless Operator’s’ D.F.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant, later Flight Lieutenant, G. H. Castell, 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 24 operational sorties including his second to Berlin, 18 November 1943, when his aircraft survived a near fatal collision with another ‘friendly’. Despite the Bomb Aimer’s compartment being torn from the aircraft, and the inside being open to sub-zero temperatures the crew managed to nurse the stricken Lancaster home. Castell later went on to take part in Operation Plainfare, and flew in numerous flights during the Berlin Air Lift

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1334146. Sgt. G. H. Castell. R.A.F.) suspension loose; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine (6) £2000-2600

D.F.M. London Gazette 19 May 1944:

‘The above named N.C.O. has taken part in 23 successful sorties which have included attacks on such heavily defended and distant targets as Berlin, Munich, Genoa and Turin. On his last sortie, he showed great fortitude and endurance when his aircraft collided with another over Berlin and the nose was carried away. Two of the members of the crew suffered severe frost-bite in temperatures below 40 degrees. The aircraft returned safely due to the combined efforts of the crew, of which the above mentioned was a member.’

George Henry Castell served with the Royal Air Force during the Second War, and qualified as a Wireless Operator in March 1942. He carried out further training at No. 2 Signals School, and 19 O.T.U., Kinloss. Having initially trained in Whitleys, Castell was posted to 1654 Conversion Unit in April 1943. Whilst at Wigsley he converted to Lancasters, and was posted for operational service to 207 Squadron at Langar in May 1943. He flew in 24 operational sorties with the squadron, including: Dortmund; Dusseldorf; Essen; Bordeaux; Bochum; Cologne; Gelsenkirchen; Turin; Genoa; Nuremburg; Milan; Peenemunde, 17/18 August 1943, the famous moonlight raid on the V-2 Rocket facility; Berlin (2); Gladbach; Hannover (3); Danzig Bay; Munich; Kassel; Modene and Leipzig.

On Castell’s second sortie over Berlin, 28 November 1943, his Lancaster collided with another whilst over the target. The Bomb Aimer’s compartment, along with the Bomb Aimer (Sergeant Shimied) were carried away with the debris. Despite being open to the elements and severe temperatures the crew managed to nurse the stricken Lancaster home. Two of the crew, including Pilot Officer Baker, suffered severe frost-bite.

Having completed his first tour of operations, Castell was posted to 29 O.T.U., Bitteswell, in June 1944. He saw out the remainder of the war serving with 1332 H.T.C.U. at Dishforth. Whilst serving with the latter he converted to Avro-Yorks, which was to stand him in good stead when he joined the newly re-formed 40 Squadron at Abingdon in December 1947. Previously a bomber squadron, 40 Squadron had re-formed as an Avro-York long range transport squadron.

After experiencing flights to various parts of the world, Castell became fully engaged with the squadron during Operation Plainfare. He flew in numerous flights between July - October 1948, as part of the Berlin Air Lift. Castell advanced to Flight Lieutenant, and transferred to the Reserve of Air Force Officers in August 1950.

Sold with the following original documents: R.A.F. Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (8 October 1942 - 23 October 1948); named Central Chancery Investiture invitation, dated 13 July 1945; named Air Ministry letter of thanks on the occasion of recipient’s transfer to the Reserve of Air Force Officers, dated 30 August 1950.