Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War Lancaster pilot’s D.F.C. group of four to Flight Lieutenant A. C. Blackie, 576 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 30 operational sorties, including to Berlin and back 7 times

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45, generally very fine or better (4) £1600-2000

D.F.C. London Gazette 19 September 1944:

‘Since commencing his operational tour in December, 1943, as Captain of a Lancaster Bomber, this Officer has completed 29 sorties over enemy territory, and has attacked many of the most heavily defended targets, including seven attacks on Berlin. He has carried out these attacks with consistent skill and determination, often in the face of fierce opposition.

During the attack on Mailly Camp on 3rd May, 1944, P/O Blackie’s aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter and severely damaged just after leaving the target. In spite of the fact that the damage caused made the aircraft extremely difficult to fly, P/O Blackie succeeded in bringing it back to this country and making an emergency landing without further damage to the aircraft or crew.

This Officer’s outstanding ability and strong sense of duty has set a fine example to Squadron and I strongly recommend him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Remarks by Station Commander:

Pilot Officer Blackie displayed a splendid fighting spirit during his tour of bomber operations. Even on the most bitterly defended German targets he faced the hazards with a cheerful demeanour which was an inspiration to his own and to other crews. His skill and courage was of an exceptionally high order; and enabled him to pursue the aim of the Command with the utmost accuracy. I therefore strongly recommend that he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

Albert Charles Blackie was born in Tooting, London, in 1923. He served during the Second War with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and carried out his initial pilot training (having originally been designated for Air Crew training) at No. 6 Elementary Flying Training School, Sywell, from April 1942. He carried out further training in the U.S.A., August 1942 - February 1943. Having advanced to Sergeant and returned to the UK, his subsequent postings included to No. 6 A.F.U. and 28 O.T.U., Castle Donington. Whilst at the latter he flew a Wellington in his first operational sortie, to a target in the Forest of Aisnes, 3 September 1943.

Blackie was posted to 1667 Conversion Unit in October 1943, and whilst there flew Halifax’s before converting to Lancasters. He was posted to the newly formed 576 Squadron (Lancasters), at Elsham Wolds, for operational flying at the start of December 1943. He flew in 29 operational sorties with the squadron, including: Berlin (7); Stettin; Magdeburg; Schweinfurt; Augsburg; Stuttgart; Frankfurt (2); Essen (2); Nuremburg; Aachen; Rouen; Cologne; Dusseldorf; Karlsruhe; Friedichshaven; Lyon; Mailly Le Camp; Hasselt; Orleans; Duisburg and Dortmund.

After completing his 1st tour, Blackie was posted to No. 1 L.F.S. Hemswell in June 1944. Subsequent postings, as a Flying Officer, included to 1662 H.C.U., Blyton and to 1336 T.S.C.U. Welford. Having converted to Dakota’s at the Welford, Blackie was posted as a Flight Lieutenant to 76 Squadron (Transport Command), Poona, India, in February 1946.

Sold with R.A.F. Pilot’s Flying Log Book (12 April 1942 - 17 May 1946), officially re-circulated for recipient’s use; six photographs taken from recipient’s bombing raids.