Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. To coincide with the OMRS Convention

A scarce Fleet Air Arm D.S.M. group of five awarded to Chief Petty Officer (Air Gunner) W. R. Astbury, No. 853 Squadron, for the carrier-borne air strike on the German U-boat base at Kilbotn, Norway, when he was wounded and his Avenger badly damaged

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Temp. C.P.O. Airman W. R. Astbury, FAA/SFX. 384); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; War Medal, together with R.N. Petty Officer’s brass cap badge, and Air Gunner’s bullion collar badge and cloth wings, contact marks, therefore nearly very fine (5) £2500-3000

D.S.M. London Gazette 7 August 1945: ‘For outstanding skill, bravery and devotion to duty whilst serving in H.M. Ships Trumpeter, Searcher and Queen, in successful air strikes against a U-boat base at Kilbotn, Norway:- Temporary Chief Petty Officer Airman William Ronald Astbury (Kelsall, Chester).’

On 4 May 1945, forty-four Avengers and Wildcats from the carriers Trumpeter, Searcher and Queen swept down on the Norwegian port of Kilbotn, near Harstad, and pulverized the 5,000 ton submarine depot ship Black Watch, together with the U-711 which was lying alongside. The flak was intense, but only two aircraft were lost. Codenamed Operation ‘Judgement’, a total of eight D.S.C.’s (including two Bars) and only two D.S.M.’s were awarded for this attack. The U-711 was the most successful U-boat in the north, and had just returned from the last convoy battle of the war. It was the Fleet Air Arm’s last strike in European waters. Four days later, the Germans surrendered.

The following extract is taken from the Record Book of 853 Squadron, who operated from the deck of the carrier Queen: ‘One Avenger, Q.A. (Lt. Cdr. Glazer, R.N., Lt. Sailes, and C.P.O. Astbury) received a direct hit on the port mainplane whilst in the bombing glide. It is estimated that this was a 40mm shell causing numerous holes in port after fuselage, fin, perspex of central cockpit, bomb doors and under engine. The C.P.O. Air Gunner was wounded by shrapnel being hit in the forehead, left cheek, and left foot.’