Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Battle of Britain D.F.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant Bernard Cannon, No. 604 Squadron, a Radar Operator on Blenheim Night Fighter patrols

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1052310 Sgt. B. Cannon, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star, clasp, Battle of Britain; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals, the first sometime plugged and fitted with replacement suspension, otherwise very fine (5) £900-1200

D.F.M. London Gazette 24 June 1941 ‘This airman has been continuously engaged on operational flying since August, 1940. He has taken part in the destruction of at least three enemy aircraft.’

The recommendation gives the following details: ‘This airman has been continuously and actively engaged on operational flying with 604 Squadron since August, 1940. During this period, he has been directly instrumental in enabling his pilot to make visual contact with the enemy by night on seven occasions. Each contact has resulted in a confirmed destruction of the enemy, one probable destruction, one damaged, one combat in which no claim was made and one interception from which there was no combat. I recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’

Bernard Cannon was born in Bolton in 1915, and joined the Royal Air Force in June 1940. He volunteered for flying duties and at the end of the month was at R.A.F. Yatesbury for an airborne radar course, and on 20 July was posted to 604 Squadron at Gravesend, never having flown. Cannon was one of those who flew operationally without rank or brevet, receiving three shillings per day, which included one shilling flying pay. When other radar operators were posted away as surplus in December 1940, Cannon was flying with the CO, Squadron Leader M. F. Anderson, and was kept on. Cannon was released from the Royal Air Force in 1945, as a Warrant Officer, and died on 17 December 1983.