Auction Catalogue

1 & 2 March 2017

Starting at 11:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 49

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1 March 2017

Hammer Price:
£1,800

A good Second War 1944 D.F.C. group of six to Wellington and Sterling Wireless Operator, Warrant Officer C. W. Higgs, 38 and 90 Squadrons, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 68 operational sorties, including the 1st 1,000 Bomber Raid to Cologne, 30 May 1942, and the follow up raid to Essen, 1/2 June 1942

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’, and additionally engraved ‘Charles W. Higgs’; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 copy clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally very fine (6) £1600-2000

D.F.C. London Gazette 17 October 1944:

‘W/O Higgs has just completed a second tour of operations with this Squadron, and has now carried out more than 400 hours operational flying - a total of 69 sorties, the majority in the Mediterranean theatre of operations, although he has latterly participated in day and night attacks on the continent. At all times has displayed a high standard of efficiency in carrying out his duties as Wireless Operator, and I strongly recommend that his fine record of operational service be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

Charles Wilfred Higgs joined the Royal Air Force as Aircraftsman 2nd Class in June 1940. He carried out his initial training at No. 11 O.T.U., Bassingbourn and was posted as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner for operational flying to 38 Squadron (Wellingtons), Marham, in October 1940. He flew on two operational sorties over northern Europe (Rotterdam, 24 October 1940, and Antwerp, 30 October 1940), before moving with the Squadron to Ismalia, Egypt, in November 1940. The following month the Squadron moved to Shallufah, and from here Higgs flew in a further 42 operational sorties including: El Adem (2); Tobruk (2); Bardia (3); Benghazi (7); Derna (2); Rhodes; Corinth Canal; Tripoli (12); Palermo (2); Messina; attack on enemy shipping; Naples; El Amirya; El Gazala (2); L.G. 09 (2); and Berea Aerodrome (2).

Higgs’ Log Book records that he undertook no flying between April - June 1941, as he was ‘In Hospital’. At the end of 1941 his tour of the Middle East ended, and he returned to the UK. He was posted to No. 12 O.T.U., Chipping Warden, and whilst stationed at the latter took part in the first 1,000 bomber raid to Cologne, 30 May 1942, and the follow up raid to Essen, 1/2 June 1942.

After a period as an Instructor, Higgs was posted to No. 1651 Conversion Unit, Wratting Common, in March 1944. Whilst based at the latter he flew on a diversionary operational sortie over France, 24 March 1944. Having converted to Sterlings, Higgs returned to full term operational flying with 90 Squadron, Tuddenham, Suffolk, in April 1944. He flew in a further 21 operational sorties including: Mining (6); Special Duties (2); Le Havre; Valencienne; Montdidier; Pas de Calais (2); Biennais; Villers Bocage; Beavoir; Watten; Necourt; Vaires; Chalons and Caen.

Higgs was posted to No. 17 O.T.U., Silverstone, in September 1944, before a return to No. 12 O.T.U., Chipping Warden in January 1945.

Sold with R.A.F. Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (11 July 1940 - 27 April 1945).