Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War D.F.C., D.F.M. group of seven awarded to Air Observer Flight Lieutenant R. T. Lambert, Royal Air Force, who completed 59 operational sorties over some of the most heavily defended German targets

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1942; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (514164. Sgt. R. Lambert. R.A.F.) suspension claw re-pinned; 1939-45 Star; copy Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, generally good very fine (7) £2,800-£3,400

D.F.C. London Gazette 26 May 1942.
The original Recommendation, dated 23 March 1942, states: ‘This Warrant Officer has taken his place as Air Observer on fifty-six operations during his two tours, which included several attacks on such heavily defended targets as Berlin, Wilhelmshaven, and the Ruhr. At all times his Captain has spoken most highly of his ability as a Navigator, and his coolness and efficiency, as a Bomb Aimer in the face of the heaviest defences. I consider him to be one of the very best Observers in this squadron who by his coolness and enthusiasm acts as a most excellent example to everyone, and most strongly recommend him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Remarks by Station Commander: I concur with the remarks of the Squadron Commander and I consider that this Warrant Officer’s determination and tenacity strongly commend him.’

D.F.M. London Gazette 30 July 1940.
The original Recommendation, dated 21 June 1940, states: ‘This airman has been continuously engaged as Air Observer on operational flying since the beginning of the war, his own personal record being 5 long sweeps and 17 bombing operations. At all times he has displayed a very high standard of enthusiasm and an indefatigable devotion to duty under the most trying conditions when in action, while his unfailing cheerfulness during long periods of standing-by, and particularly when preparing for operations, have been of the greatest value in sustaining the high state of morale in his flight. In particular his sound navigation and backing of his Captain and Section Leader at the time was largely responsible for enabling the Section to make successful dawn and twilight attacks, without loss, on Stavanger Aerodrome on 14 and 30 April 1940, respectively. Since the death in action of the remainder of his crew he has taken over the duties of Navigator to his Flight Commander with undiminished cheerfulness and enthusiasm and continued to set the finest example to all ranks.
Remarks by Station Commander: Strongly recommended. Characterised by his extreme enthusiasm and a complete disregard of enemy action, set a splendid example to others
Remarks by Air Officer Commanding: The efficiency and imperturbability of this N.C.O. have undoubtedly been of the utmost value to his unit. He possesses a temperament which makes him ideally suited for employment in a heavy bomber squadron where his determination, courage, and thoroughness have been well tested.’

Ronald Truzwell Lambert was born on 9 November 1905 and served during the Second World War with the Royal Air Force, initially as an Air Observer with 115 Squadron, based at R.A.F. Marham, flying Wellingtons. His first operational sortie was a sweep over the North Sea on 8 October 1939. His first bombing raid, on Heligoland, was on 3 December 1939; he followed that up with raids on Bergen, Stavanger (twice - see DFM recommendation), and various aerodromes in France, before switching targets to Germany in June 1940, with raids on Duisberg (twice), Baden-Baden, Hamburg (three times), Essen (twice), Bremen, Hamm (twice), Gotha, and Kiel, with his final raid being to Hamburg on 12 August 1940. For his gallantry during his first operational tour Lambert was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.

Posted to 15 Squadron, based at R.A.F. Wyton, flying Stirlings, Lambert began his second operational tour with a raid on Bremen on 15 September 1941; further targets included Frankfurt, Bremen (twice), Brest (seven times), the Skoda Works at Pilsen, Berlin, Wilhelmshaven, the Tirpitz raid on Trondheim, and three raids on Essen, with his final operational sortie taking place on 12 April 1942. For his services during his second operational tour he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Commissioned Pilot Officer on 1 December 1942, he remained in the Royal Air Force following the conclusion of hostilities, and was appointed to a permanent commission in the Technical Branch. He retired on 31 December 1960, his final appointment being Station Armament Officer at R.A.F. Chivenor.

Sold together with the recipient’s two Commission Documents; named Certificate for the Coronation Medal; a scrap book containing various letters, newspaper cuttings &c., other ephemera; and a large quantity of copied research, including details of all his operational sorties with both squadrons.