Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Second World War Memorial Scroll, named to ‘Flying Officer K. H. King, D.F.C. Royal Air Force’, mounted in a glazed display frame, good condition £80-120

D.F.C. London Gazette 19 October 1943.

The Recommendation, dated 29 August 1943, states: ‘This officer has now completed 23 operational sorties, the majority of these against heavily defended targets. His skill, keenness to operate, and determination have always been outstanding and on one occasion he undoubtedly saved a valuable aircraft and crew. On 9 August 1943 the port inner engine gave trouble and it was necessary to feather it immediately. As the aircraft would not maintain height the bombs were jettisoned and shortly afterwards the starboard inner engine over-revved, and it also had to be feathered. As the aircraft was still heavily laden with petrol the pilot was unable to maintain height on two engines, but in spite of this he was able to reach an aerodrome on the south coast, where he landed without further incident. In view of his consistently good work and outstanding skill on this occasion he is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

Remarks by Station Commander: ‘This officer possesses a high degree of courage, skill, and determination. His devotion to duty and fearless disregard for his own personal safety are an inspiration and example to his crew. He is recommended for the award of the D.F.C.’

Remarks by Air Officer Commanding: ‘This Captain has been outstanding for his courage and skill on operations. He is nearing the end of his first operational tour and I strongly recommend the award of the D.F.C.’

Kenneth Henry King was awarded his Pilots wings in Montreal on 8 July 1942, and served during the Second World War with No. 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force, flying Halifaxes. He took part in 23 operational sorties between May and August 1943, including the two ‘firebombing’ raids on Hamburg, Operation Gomorrah, and the famous Peenemünde Raid, 17 August 1943. Other targets included Dortmund, Essen, Cologne, Berlin, and Nuremberg, and at the end of his tour he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He subsequently served with No. 128 Squadron, flying Mosquitos as part of the Late Night Striking Force. He was killed in action on 31 October 1944, when his aircraft was shot down whilst part of a 62-strong Mosquito raid on Berlin, and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.