Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Air Force officers mess presentation items comprising three silver tankards, a pewter tankard and a double handled silver cup presented in memory of five highly decorated officers from the elite No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group, all of whom were killed on active service during the Second World War

Double handled silver cup, hallmarks for London 1944, engraved ‘Presented to the Pathfinders in memory of “Pluto” W/Cmdr. Alan Cousens. D.S.O., D.F.C. No. 635 Squadron. By his mother and Rhona 22nd April 1944’

Pewter tankard, engraved ‘John White Wg. Cdr. D.F.C., P.F.F. with all in “S” for Sugar 156 Sqdn who were unable to keep their appointment in London. Berlin 18 Nov. 1943.’

Silver tankard, hallmarks for Sheffield 1944, engraved ‘To 7 Squadron in appreciation of W/Cdr. R. G. Barrell, D.S.O., D.F.C. & Bar. Given by Winifred J. Armstrong.’

Silver tankard, hallmarks for Sheffield 1944, engraved ‘To 7 Squadron in appreciation of F/Lt. Stickell, D.S.O., D.F.C. Given by Winifred J. Armstrong.’

Silver tankard, hallmarks for Birmingham 1943, engraved ‘To 7 Squadron in appreciation of S/Ldr. J. A. Hegman, D.S.O., D.F.C. Given by Winifred J. Armstrong.’ minor denting throughout and some damage to bases, generally good condition (5) £300-£500

D.S.O. London Gazette 6 November 1942.
The original unabridged recommendation states: ‘Wing Commander Cousens was posted to No. 115 Squadron as a F/Cdr in April 1942. In this capacity he was outstanding and owing to his leadership when flying on operations he obtained splendid results from his crews in the flight by his personal example and untiring efforts.
In July 1942 he was promoted to A/W/Cdr. And given command of No. 115 Squadron, and such is his personality that although he was an Air Observer, and the first one to command a Bomber Squadron during this war, by sheer devotion and leadership he has maintained all the traditions of the Service, keeping a very high standard among the crews in the Squadron.
W/Cdr. Cousens has taken part in 67 operational sorties, and his untiring efforts in the Squadron as Navigator, combined with his terrific keenness and enthusiasm to get at the enemy has played no small part in the very successful results of these sorties.
I have no hesitation in strongly recommending him for an award of the D.S.O.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 30 January 1941.
The original unabridged recommendation states: At the beginning of the war this Officer was serving as an Air Observer in No. 38 Squadron, R.A.F. Station, Marham. At first he served as a navigator in that Squadron where he did most of his operational flying. Later he was transferred to Nos. 218 and 115 Squadrons. Towards the end of his time at Marham he became the Station Navigation Officer. Squadron Leader Cousens left Marham in June 1941, having completed some 32 operational flights, mostly against heavily defended targets in Germany. No less than 3 of these flights were to the German capital, and when returning from an operation on the night of 20 February 1940 this officer was forced by reason of fog to abandon his aircraft and in doing so broke his ankle.
In June, 1941, Squadron Leader Cousens was selected to be Group Navigation Officer. In this capacity he has set an admirable example by seizing every opportunity to take part in night operations with various units in this Group. He has in this way completed a further 7 operations, bringing his total up to nearly 40, this representing some 238 hours of operational flying. Squadron Leader Cousens skill as a navigator and total disregard for his own safety has been quite outstanding, and I recommend him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

Czechoslovak Military Cross London Gazette 14 April 1942.
The letter of recommendation from the Czech Minister of National Defence states: ‘British Officer S/L Allan George Seymour Cousens, co-operating with the Czechoslovak Group, showed several times a great personal courage in the face of enemy.’

Wing Commander Alan George Seymour Cousens, D.S.O., D.F.C., (Czech M.C.), Royal Air Force was killed in action while serving with 635 Squadron as one of the Master Bombers on the Laon raid on 22 April 1944. Having taken off from Downham Market at 21.23 on 22 April, his Lancaster III (ND508 F2-P) was shot down over France and all the crew were killed with the exception of the pilot, P.O. D. H. Courtney, who evaded capture. Those who died, including Cousens, are buried in Roye British Cemetery, France.
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D.F.C. London Gazette 10 September 1943.
The original citation states: ‘(Pilot; sorties 24; flying hours 142). This officer has flown on many operational sorties against targets in Germany, Italy and enemy occupied territory. He has held the post of flight commander in his squadron since May 1943. In that capacity and as captain of aircraft, Squadron Leader White has shown powers of flying skill and leadership which have set an outstanding example to the other members of his squadron.’

Wing Commander John Henry White D.F.C., Reserve of Air Force Officers was killed in action on a raid to Berlin on 18 November 1943. Having left Warboys with 156 Squadron at 17.05, the Lancaster III (JB363 GT-K) - “S” for Sugar - which he was piloting crashed near Döberitz and all the crew were killed. Unusually, the entire crew of “S” for Sugar were decorated airmen.

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D.S.O. London Gazette 11 June 1943.
The original recommendation states: ‘(Flight Commander; sorties 54; flying hours 406) This officer has completed a large number of operational sorties against German and Italian targets, 23 of which have been on pathfinder duties. He is an outstanding operational captain who has consistently displayed courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. His repeated successes on operations have set a very fine example to the rest of his squadron. He has commanded a flight with great distinction and has had much success in training air crews. Wing Commander Barrell is a most efficient and valuable officer and pilot. He has completed 6 sorties since the award of the D.F.C.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 6 June 1941.
The original unabridged recommendation states: ‘This officer has completed twenty five operational sorties over enemy territory since October, 1940, involving a total of 217 flying hours. Targets attacked include Berlin (4), Mannheim (3), Brest (3), Bremen (2), Bordeaux (2), Hanover, Turin, Hamburg, and Kiel. From these distant flights P/O Barrell’s crew have returned safely, a fact largely attributable to his skill and devotion to duty on all flights. He has inspired confidence in every crew which he has captained, by complete disregard of enemy action and difficult weather conditions. He has unfailingly shown great courage and gallantry in the face of the enemy, and nearly all his sorties have been models of operational efficiency and captaincy. I have no hesitation in recommending that his fine record be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Remarks by Station Commander - 23 April 1941: This officer has a fine record of achievements. His quiet efficiency and regularly successful results are the measure of his skill and courage in finding and bombing his primary targets. He has set a great example and is one of the captains who can always be relied upon to get there. I feel there is no higher recommendation.’

D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 12 March 1943.
The original joint recommendation (with Sgt. H. J. Hudson, awarded the D.F.M.) states:
‘One night in February, 1943, Squadron Leader Barrell and Sergeant Hudson were captain and flight engineer on an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was subjected to intense and concentrated anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, Squadron leader pressed home his attack but, after releasing his bombs the aircraft was hit. One engine was put out of action and the elevator control cable was severed which caused the aircraft to dive out of control. Considerable height was lost before the captain, assisted by Sergeant Hudson, skilfully regained control. Squadron Leader Barrell then headed the bomber for home. Meanwhile, Sergeant Hudson gave instructions to a member of the crew as to the care of another engine which seemed likely to fail and then attempted to repair the elevator control. He succeeded in doing so by the time his captain had flown the damaged aircraft to base where a masterly landing was effected. In the face of difficult and hazardous circumstances Squadron Leader Barrell, supported by Sergeant Hudson, displayed great skill, courage and devotion to duty. Both these members of aircraft crew have taken part in many sorties against heavily defenced targets.’

M.I.D. London Gazettes 11 June 1942 and 1 January 1943.

Wing Commander Robert George Barrell, D.S.O., D.F.C. and Bar, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was killed in action on the Wuppertal raid on 25 June 1943. Having taken off with 7 Squadron from Oakington at 23.54 on 24 June 1943, Lancaster III (ED595 MG-Q), piloted by Barrell, was shot down by a night fighter (Oblt. Raht, II./NJG3) and crashed at 00.25 near Rilland, Zeeland, Netherlands. Besides Barrell, who was killed when his parachute failed to open, two other members of the crew were killed. Three crew members were taken prisoner of war and one, Pilot Officer Hudson D.F.M., (jointly cited in Barrell’s D.F.C. Second Award Bar recommendation), evaded capture.

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D.S.O. London Gazette 11 June 1943.
The original recommendation states: ‘(Captain of aircraft; sorties 47; flying hours 265). During a most successful tour of operational duty in heavy bombers aircraft, this officer has proved himself to be a most valuable member of his squadron. He is an outstanding operational captain and has invariably made the utmost efforts to complete his duties regardless of opposition and other difficulties. His courage, determination and devotion to duty have been most outstanding over a long period. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross in November 1942, Flight Lieutenant Stickell has completed 22 sorties all of them against heavily defended targets in enemy territory.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 6 November 1942.
The original unabridged recommendation, dated 17 September 1942, states: ‘Pilot Officer Stickell has done twenty five major operational sorties, twenty three of which have been as captain on Stirling aircraft. In all these attacks against Cologne, Essen, Hamburg, Bremen, and other heavily defended targets in Germany, his captaincy and determination have been of the highest order. Pilot Officer Stickell has recently joined the Pathfinder Force and has carried out seven attacks as a marker and the fact that he has on many occasions brought back photographs of the target has enabled him to qualify as a marker.This officer’s personal example has been an inspiration to the rest of his crew.
Covering remarks of Commander, Path Finder Force: This Officer was the first member of Bomber Command to be awarded the Path Finder Force Badge – on the conclusive evidence of his results and after an exacting test. His determination in attack and his skill are proved by the results he obtains. I recommend him most strongly for the Non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1943.

Flight Lieutenant John Harlan Stickel, D.S.O., D.F.C., (U.S.A Navy Cross, U.S.A. D.F.C., U.S.A. Air Medal), Royal Canadian Air Force and United States Naval Reserve was born at Gilson, Illinois, U.S.A. on 31 July 1913. Having been twice decorated serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force in No. 7 Squadron as part of the Pathfinder Force on heavy bomber missions over Germany, he accepted an appointment as Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve and was again twice decorated for the destruction of enemy planes and boats during the Gilberts-Marshall campaign. Having volunteered for a dangerous, two-plane strike on 13 December 1943 against an underground oil storage tank on Jabor at Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Lieutenant Stickell was seriously wounded by anti-aircraft fire during the low-level approach. Ignoring his wounds he continued his mission and scored a direct hit on the target but upon commencing the return flight, he was forced to relinquish the control of the plane to his co-pilot. Stickell then selflessly ordered his co-pilot to avoid landing at the dangerously narrow airstrip at Tarawa and instead headed for a safer field much further away. He died of his wounds six days later. For his gallantry and selfless sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

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D.S.O. London Gazette 29 February 1944.
The original recommendation states: ‘One night in January 1944, Acting Squadron Leader Hegman, was pilot and captain of one of a force of bombers detailed to attack Berlin. Early in the outward journey, some important gear became ineffective. Never the less Squadron Leader Hegman decided to continue his mission and eventually reached the target some 10 minutes after the attack was scheduled to end. In spite of the strong defences, the Squadron Leader made a successful bombing run and afterwards flew back to an airfield in this country where he effected a safe landing. His efforts on this occasion were typical of the determination and fearlessness he has invariably shown in pressing home his attacks on the enemy. He is a gallant and skillful pilot and leader whose sterling qualities have impressed all.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 23 March 1943.
The original recommendation states: ‘This officer has completed 275 hours operational flying and 41 operations on Wellington aircraft. He has shown the greatest courage and determination and as a captain of aircraft has been exemplary. On a recent detachment in Malta on special duties he participated in 6 long night operations in 10 days. Throughout his tour with No. 162 Squadron, he has always displayed the greatest determination, perseverance and courage.’

Squadron Leader John Alfred Hegman, D.S.O., D.F.C., Royal New Zealand Air Force was born in 1916 at Auckland, New Zealand. He was killed in action on a raid to Berlin on 15 February 1944. Having left Oakington at 17.16, Lancaster III (JB363 GT-K) of No. 7 Squadron, piloted by Hegman, crashed near Berlin with Flight Sergeant Cook being the only member of the 8 man crew to survive. Hegman is buried in Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.