Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good post-War M.B.E., Second War 1941 immediate ‘Battle of Greece’ D.F.M. group of eight awarded to Blenheim air gunner, Sergeant, later Flight Lieutenant, H. T. Bowen, 11 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who flew in over 32 operational sorties, shooting down at least 3 enemy aircraft, and damaging at least 2 others - whilst being accredited later in the war with shooting down 7 aircraft in total

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (548276. Sgt. H. T. Bowen. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally nearly very fine or better (8) £2,200-£2,600

M.B.E. London Gazette 8 June 1968.

D.F.M. London Gazette 4 March 1941:

‘Sergeant Bowen was the air gunner of the leading aircraft of a formation of bombers which was attacked by a superior number of hostile aircraft. He destroyed one, and successfully warded off several attacks against other aircraft in his formation. He has displayed courage and endurance throughout the many missions in which he has participated and has now destroyed a total of three enemy aircraft.’

The original recommendation states:

‘This N.C.O. was the air gunner in the leader’s aircraft of a formation of six Blenheims which were engaged by nine enemy aircraft over Berat [Albania]. During the fight, he fired 500 rounds, destroying one fighter in flames (confirmed) and damaging others. On several occasions, he warded off attacks on other aircraft in the formation when they were hard pressed, setting a magnificent example throughout. On 32 previous operational flights, he has shown courage and endurance of a very high order and has shot down two other enemy aircraft (confirmed).’

Henry Trevelyan Bowen was born in Tonypandy, Rhonda, Wales in July 1919. He joined the Royal Air Force in January 1938, and trained as an Air Gunner. Having advanced to Sergeant, Bowen was posted to 11 Squadron (Blenheims) in May 1940, and moved with the Squadron to Larissa, Greece at the beginning of 1941. The Squadron was tasked with raids and reconnaissance sorties over Albania, and it was during one such sortie that Bowen distinguished himself, 13 February 1941:

‘The squadrons were off again at 1500, 12 Gladiators rendezvousing with six 211 Squadron Blenheims bound for Bousi and six of 11 Squadron from Larissa heading for Berat. The latter formation was intercepted by six G.50bis scrambled by 154 Gruppo and led by Cap Giuseppe Scrapetta. The bombers were attacked over Berat, several being forced to jettison their bombs, and T2166 was seen to go down in flames, only Sgt. L. Williams, the pilot, managing to bale out. Sqn. Ldr. [O.] Stevens’ aircraft came under attack but his gunner, Sgt. H. Bowen, believed that he had shot down one attacker, identified as an MC200, in flames, and caused a second to go down smoking....’ (Air War For Yugoslavia, Greece And Crete 1940-41, by C. Shores, B. Cull and N. Malizia refers)

Bowen subsequently took part in operations over Syria, and The War Illustrated, 10 September 1941, gives the recipient as having ‘shot down 7 aircraft’ by that time. He was commissioned Pilot Officer in May 1944, and advanced to Flight Lieutenant in October 1948. At the time of his retirement in July 1968, Bowen had been employed for some time with the Allied Combined Intelligence Unit (ACIU). The latter was based at R.A.F. Medmenham, and was an international and Joint Service intelligence unit specialising in photographic intelligence and its’ interpretation.

Sold with copied research, and an original copy of The War Illustrated, 10 September 1941, which includes a photographic image of the recipient.