Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1944 ‘Mediterranean Strategic Air Force’ D.F.M. group of six awarded to Wellington pilot, Flight Sergeant C. G. R. Adams, 150 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 31 operational sorties with the squadron, including as Illuminator for the raid on the Fiume Torpedo Works, 21 January 1944. He subsequently served as an instructor with No. 76 O.T.U., Aqir, Palestine, and was killed in a flying accident, 25 August 1944

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1314939. F/Sgt. C. G. R. Adams. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted for display, generally good very fine (6) £1,800-£2,200

D.F.M. London Gazette 23 May 1944:

‘Throughout his tour of operational duty, Flight Sergeant Adams has shown a very high standard of leadership, coolness and courage in fulfilling his allotted tasks. Much of the success of the raid on Fiume torpedo works was due to his efficiency.’

Cyril Gilbert Roy Adams was the son of Mr and Mrs G. G. Adams of Cherington Road, Henleaze, Gloucestershire. He was ‘educated at Bishop Road School and volunteered for service in the R.A.F. when he was 19.

He received his training in Canada and America, where he was awarded his wings and is now a pilot.

He was a King’s Scout and assistant Scoutmaster of the Northcote troop, and is a keen swimmer and cricketer. As a boy he was leading chorister at St. Peter’s, Henleaze.

While in America he and other British airmen in training arranged shows to entertain the American soldiers and after a performance at the Girls’ College, Lakeland, Florida, Flight Sergeant Adams was invited to broadcast.

He was heard in two broadcasts on the American network giving impressions with a colleague of the Western Brothers.

The material, which included many topical and local illusions was written by Flight Sergeant Adams, and many letters of appreciation were received from all part of the United States. Flight Sergeant Adams, before joining up, was employed by the Bristol Corporation Electricity Department.’ (Bristol Evening World, 23 May 1944, refers)

Adams was posted as a pilot for operational flying with 150 Squadron (Wellingtons) at Kairouan West, Tunisia, in July 1943. The Squadron were engaged in strategic night bombing on targets in Sicily and Italy, as part of the Mediterranean Strategic Air Force. He flew in at least 31 operational sorties with the squadron, including: Salerno Marshalling Yards; Montecorvino; Aquino; Lid Da Roma; Beaches between Messina and Cape Peloro (3); Beaches south of Messina and in an around Cape Barbi; Beaches at Pizzo; Piterbo; Battipaglia Marshalling Yards; Bagnoli Marshalling Yards; Civetavecchio Marshalling Yards; Villa Literno; Grossetto Marshalling Yards; Frosinone; Pisa Marshalling Yards; Formia; Terracine; Marciguliana; Porto Civitanore Railway Bridge; Guildonia; and the night attack on the Fiume Torpedo Works, 21 January 1944.

Adams flew as the Illuminator with 6 other Wellingtons during the raid on Fiume. A total of 7.5 tons of bombs were dropped on the target from a height of 6,000-7,000 feet. The raid was considered a success, with multiple buildings and oil tanks destroyed.

Having been awarded the D.F.M., and completed his tour of operations, Adams was posted as an Instructor to No. 76 O.T.U., Aqir, Palestine. He, and his pupil Lieutenant MacDonald, were killed in a flying accident, 25 August 1944. On the latter date Adams had been flying a Wellington during a searchlight co-operation at Haifa.

Flight Sergeant Adams is buried in the Khayat Beach War Cemetery, Israel.

Sold with extensive copied research, including photographic images of the recipient.