Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A particularly fine Second War 1943 ‘immediate’ D.S.O., 1941 ‘immediate’ D.F.C. and 1944 ‘immediate’ Second Award Bar, 1959 ‘Test Pilot’s’ A.F.C. group of nine awarded to Group Captain D. F. Dennis, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 105 operational sorties, in Blenheims, Venturas and Mosquitoes, all of which were with 21 Squadron, the latter he commanded from July 1944.

Dennis accounted for at least 8,000 tons of enemy shipping whilst based on attachment at Malta in May 1941, took part in the famous and daring low-level raid on the Philips radio and valve factories at Eindhoven, 6 December 1942, and attacked and damaged the transporter bridge across the Seine at Rouen, 26 August 1944 - from minimum altitude and despite running the gauntlet of the 54 light A.A. guns in the vicinity. After the war he went on to serve as a Test Pilot at A. & A.E.E., Boscombe Down

Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse officially dated ‘1943’, with integral top riband bar; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1941’, with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated ‘1944’; Air Force Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated ‘1959’; 1939-45 Star, clasp, Bomber Command; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Act. Flt. Lt. D. F. Dennis R.A.F.V.R.) mounted as originally worn - with the exception of the Defence Medal which is loose, with 9 related miniature awards, these mounted for wear but lacking clasps, generally very fine (lot) £8,000-£12,000

D.S.O. London Gazette 18 May 1943, the original recommendation states:

‘On the afternoon of 21st April, 1943, F/L Dennis was detailed to lead an attack of twelve aircraft on Abbeville marshalling yards. They were intercepted by a large number of enemy fighters over the target, and the fighter escort was soon fully engaged.

F/L Dennis’ box of six was singled out for an attack from both stern and ahead simultaneously, with no assistance from our fighters. Three of his formation were shot down, and it was only by his cool headedness, and skill in evasive action, that prevented the complete annihilation of the box of six.

This officer has done an exceptional job of work in this Squadron during his two tours of operations. He has always shown the greatest enthusiasm for operations, and has lead formations with excellent results in the past. It is considered that he is largely responsible for the very high morale and efficiency in the Squadron, in spite of recent fairly heavy casualties.

Covering remarks by Station Commander:
21 Squadron has only recently been transferred to me from Feltwell and my personal knowledge of Flight Lieutenant Dennis’s operational record is not yet extensive. I am already convinced, however, that here is an operational leader of the very first class. I feel that the Squadron Commander’s citation scarcely indicates, with due emphasis, the exceptional qualities of courage, mature experience and outstanding leadership which have characterised Flight Lieutenant Dennis’s long and distinguished operational career. With this background I endorse the recommendation for the immediate award of the D.S.O. for the qualities of leadership displayed in this most recent operation.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 10 June 1941, the original recommendation states:

‘Whilst on overseas duty engaged on intercepting an enemy convoy moving between Sicily and the North African Coast, this officer showed great daring and skill in attacking both merchant vessels and accompanying naval ships.

On May 1st, when ordered to intercept a merchant vessel of 5,000 tons, he secured hits, which caused the ship to founder. Subsequent reconnaissance confirmed that the vessel was lying on its side below water.

On May 2nd when ordered to intercept a convoy he attacked a Destroyer or Sloop of 1,000 to 1,200 tons, and secured hits on it. A subsequent attack was made on a CANT Z301 Flying Boat, but no damage was observed.

One again, when on May 7th, he was ordered to intercept a convoy, he secured hits on a merchant vessel of 2,000 to 3,000 tons. The ship took on a list to starboard and emitted much black smoke. This was confirmed by crews of escorting Beaufighters.

On each of these occasions, this officer showed great determination in his attacks, and it is most strongly recommended that he should receive an immediate award.’

D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 27 October 1944, the original recommendation states:

‘W/Cdr. Dennis has now completed over 40 sorties in his present operational tour, including high and low level daylight operations, ‘Flower’ sorties, and skilful and determined night attacks in connection with the battles of France. He has always placed himself in the forefront of any particularly difficult operation.

On the night of 26th August [1944] it was required to damage as severely as possibly the transporter bridge across the Seine at Rouen. Although it was known that there were 54 light A.A. guns close to this area W/Cdr. Dennis attacked under flares from minimum altitude, and disregarding the opposition led his aircraft in to the bridge, scoring hits with his bombs.

For this daring and skilful attack I recommend him for immediate award of the bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Remarks by Air Officer Commanding H.Q. No. 2 Group [Basil Embry]:
I strongly endorse this recommendation. Wing Commander Dennis carried out a most resolute and successful attack on the transporter bridge across the Seine on the night of 26/27th August, 1944, at Rouen in the face of intense A.A. fire. This was a most hazardous task, well carried out, and he richly deserves immediate recognition. In addition, Wing Commander Dennis, in his third operational tour has commanded his Squadron with marked success. I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of a Bar to the D.F.C.’

A.F.C. London Gazette 13 June 1959.

David Foster Dennis was born in Abingdon, Berkshire in March 1915. He was the son of Frederick F. Dennis, a Master Saddler, and was educated at Blandford Grammar School, Dorset. Dennis gained his Pilot’s Certificate of Competency for private flying machines, 3 January 1939, having joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer in 1937. He carried out pilot training at No. 5 F.T.S., Sealand, and advanced to Sergeant. Dennis briefly served with 108 Squadron in March 1940, before serving as an instructor in Blenheims with No. 13 O.T.U., Bicester, March - September 1940. He served at No. 4 R.S.S., Church Fenton, before being posted for operational flying to 21 Squadron (Blenheims) at Watton, in January 1941. The Squadron played a prominent role in No. 2 Group’s offensive against shipping in the English Channel and the North Sea, later attacking ‘fringe’ targets on the Continent.

21 Squadron - First Time Around, and the First of Three ‘immediate’ Awards

Dennis flew in at least 25 operational sorties with the Squadron between January - June 1941, including whilst on attachment to Malta in May of that year. He advanced to Pilot Officer, and flew in a mixture of day and night operational sorties, including: Amsterdam; Cologne; Hanover; Wilhelmshaven (3); Bremen; Hamburg; Lorient; Denmark; Flushing and various offensive shipping patrols, such as 1 May 1941 ‘Sank 5,000 ton M/V. Hit two shells etc’, 2 May 1941 ‘Secured Hit on Destroyer’, and 7 May 1941 ‘Secured Hit on M/V 2,000-3,000’ (Log Book refers).

Dennis finished his tour with 21 Squadron after returning from Malta at the end of May 1941. He was awarded an ‘immediate’ D.F.C., and posted for a rest as an instructor at No. 13 O.T.U., Bicester, the following month.

Back For a D.S.O.

Dennis advanced to Flying Officer in April 1942, and returned to operational flying when he was posted back to 21 Squadron (Venturas) at Bodney, in July 1942. The Squadron was tasked with daylight sorties, and Dennis flew in at least 34 operational sorties with the Squadron between July 1942 - August 1943. These included: Hengelo, 3 November 1942 - the first operation carried out in the new Lockheed Ventura; Ghent; Eindhoven, 6 December 1942 - the famous and daring low-level raid carried out by all of the operational day-bomber squadrons in No. 2 Group on the Philips radio and valve factories; Den Helder naval installations (2); Ijmuiden steelworks (3); Abbeville marshalling yards (3), including 21 April 1943, when Dennis lead a formation of 12 Venturas during the raid, 3 of which were shot down (see D.S.O. recommendation); Dunkirk (2), including 26 February 1943 when he led the Squadron during an attack for the first time; Rotterdam; Brest (2); Zeebrugge; and Caen (2).

Having finished his second tour with 21 Squadron at the end of August 1943, Dennis was awarded an ‘immediate’ D.S.O. and advanced to Flight Lieutenant. He returned to No. 13 O.T.U. at Bicester as a Flight Commander and instructor in Mitchell aircraft in September 1943.

Third Time Lucky - Officer Commanding

Dennis returned to 21 Squadron for his third operational tour, this time in Mosquitoes, in May 1944. Operating out of Gravesend, the Squadron was employed on high and low level daylight operations, ‘Flower’ sorties, and skilful and determined night attacks in connection with the battles of France. During this tour with the Squadron Dennis advanced to Wing Commander, was Officer Commanding from July 1944, and flew in at least 46 operational sorties with the Squadron between May - September 1944.

On the night of 29 July 1944, having carried out a raid over southern Germany, Dennis’s Mosquito was hit by flak. It put one engine out of action and he was forced to crash land in darkness near Caen. The aircraft was a write-off, but both he and his navigator returned to the air the following night. Dennis carried out a daring planned attack on the transporter bridge across the Seine at Rouen, 26/27 August 1944. Although it was known that there were 54 light A.A. guns close to this area Dennis attacked under flares from minimum altitude, and disregarding the opposition led his aircraft in to the bridge, scoring hits with his bombs (See D.F.C. Second Award Bar recommendation).

Boscombe Down - A.F.C. - Time to Complete the ‘Set’

Having completed his third tour with 21 Squadron at the end of October 1944, Dennis was awarded an ‘immediate’ Second Award Bar to his D.F.C. He was then posted to the Staff at H.Q. No. 2 Group for the remainder of the war, and was awarded the Air Efficiency Award 25 January 1945. Having completed a Flying Instructor Course and the Day Fighter Leaders Course Dennis was appointed to the command of 111 Squadron (Spitfires) in the Middle East. He was then appointed Officer Commanding of R.A.F Udine, Northern Italy in 1947. After staff appointments at Group and Air Ministry level he was appointed Station Commander and Wing Leader at R.A.F. Honily. Having flown Vampires at the latter, and completing No. 8 Flying College course at Manby, Dennis was posted to A & A.E.E. at Boscombe Down in 1957. He flew as a Test Pilot with A Squadron, flying mainly Swift, Hunter, Javelin and Gnat aircraft, and was awarded the A.F.C. for his service.

As a Group Captain, Dennis served at 13 Group HQ, was a Station Commander at R.A.F. Bassingbourne, and served as Air Task Force Commander Brunei. He retired in May 1963, and died in Wiltshire in May 1986. Group Captain Dennis is buried at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Woodborough.

The Imperial War Museum holds the recipient’s eight Pilot’s Flying Log Books, photocopies of which are included with the lot.

Sold with the following original related items and documents: D.S.O. Garrard & Co. Ltd case of issue; D.F.C. Royal Mint case of issue; A.F.C. Royal Mint case of issue; riband bars and cloth insignia; Bestowal Document for the award of the D.F.C., dated 18 May 1943; Commission appointing recipient as Squadron Leader, dated 11 April 1947; enclosure slip for Bomber Command clasp; recipient’s R.A.F. Identity Card, complete with photograph of him in uniform; Great Britain and Northern Ireland Air Ministry Certificate of Competency and Licence to Fly Private Flying Machines; two R.A.F. Instrument Pilot Rating Certificates; R.A.F. Driving Permit; Royal Saudi Air Force Identity Card; two University of London Matriculation Certificates; letter from recipient to parents - ‘just in case he didn’t make it’, on R.A.F. letter-headed paper; two letters to recipient from the Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on Clarence House paper, with regards to a new Standard, dated 12 and 15 March 1954 respectively; letter to recipient from Air Marshal Sir Basil Embry, dated 31 August 1950; Order of Service for recipient’s funeral; newspaper cuttings, family photographs and other ephemera.