Auction Catalogue

16 December 2003

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Grand Connaught Rooms  61 - 65 Great Queen St  London  WC2B 5DA

Lot

№ 887

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16 December 2003

Hammer Price:
£1,300

A Second World War D.F.C. group of seven awarded to Captain C. Van Blommestein, No. 30 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron, South African Air Force

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War Medal; Africa Service Medal, these last six all officially impressed (48089 C. Van Blommestein) mounted as worn, very fine (7) £800-1000

D.F.C. London Gazette 21 August 1945. The recommendation states:

‘Captain Canzius Van Blommestein (48089V) S.A.A.F., No. 30 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron. Now on his third tour of operational duty, Captain Van Blommestein has throughout displayed great determination and devotion to duty and has set an inspiring example to all. He served as a gunner during his first tour and took part in many long and successful sorties. His aircraft was several times attacked by enemy fighters, one of which he probably destroyed. As an observer, this officer participated in many long escort duties and anti-shipping patrols during his second tour of duty. More recently Captain Van Blommestein has led numerous attacks against heavily defended enemy positions in the Gothic Line and railway sidings in Yugoslavia and Austria.’

Sold with copies of full service record which show that he served with No. 15 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron, April to September 1942 and November 1942 to May 1943, with No. 23 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron, August to November 1943, and with No. 30 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron, from August 1944 until he joined No. 12 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron in July 1945.