Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War wireless operator’s D.F.C. group of six awarded to Flying Officer J. R. Worthington, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, whose Lancaster was shot down by a night-fighter over Germany in June 1944

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1944, with its Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, together with original Caterpillar Club membership card (Sgt. J. R. Worthington), some silicone residue to reverse of campaign medals, otherwise extremely fine (6) £1,800-£2,200

D.F.C. London Gazette 15 February 1944.

An accompanying copied press report (torn and damaged) states:

‘A Southport airman, who has shown exceptional qualities of courage and determination in operations against the enemy, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this week.
He is Flying-Officer James Robert Worthington, R.A.F.V.R., youngest son of Mr and Mrs E. Worthington, 85 Southbank-road. Aged 30, he is a wireless operator/air gunner, who has been serving with the R.A.F. for more than three years.
F/O Worthington, who has taken part in 27 bombing missions, joined Bomber Command after serving with Coastal Command for some time. While with Coastal Command he successfully baled out of his plane on one occasion and was automatically made a member of the exclusive Caterpillar Club. He was given his commission some months ago after lengthy service as a sergeant and during the past few weeks has been promoted to the rank of Flying-Officer.
The citation says that F/O Worthington has shown exceptional qualities of courage and determination in operations against the enemy. On his first sortie to Spezia, in April 1943, his coolness and skill in establishing and maintaining communications with a North African base were outstanding. His aircraft was flying on two engines only and its safe arrival in North Africa was largely due to F/O Worthington’s fine work as wireless operator.
“This officer has been acting signals leader of his squadron for some time and has completed his duties in a most exemplary manner,” adds the citation.
F/O Worthington, a member of No. 630 Squadron, was educated at St Teresa’s, Birkdale, and St Edward’s College, Liverpool. Before joining the R.A.F. he was on the Southport Borough Treasurer’s Staff.’

On the night of 21/22 June 1944, his Lancaster I of No. 49 Squadron took off from R.A.F. Fiskerton at 2317 on a bombing mission to Wesseling. In addition to the highly decorated crew (4 D.F.C’s, one Bar, and 2 D.F.M’s) of seven, Mr Kent Stevenson, a B.B.C. correspondent was also on board. Outbound, their aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed in the general area of Jülich-Mersch. All eight men are buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery. Sold with a modern photograph of his headstone and another of the recipient in flying kit.