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Auction: 15001 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 20

A Second War 1944 'Stirling Rear Gunner's' D.F.C. Group of Six to Flight Lieutenant R. Brewer, 90 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Whose Varied Career Included Being A Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Policeman and Restaurateur
a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1944', and contemporarily engraved in sans-serif capitals 'F/Lt. R. Brewer 90 Squadron Bomber Command'
b) 1939-45 Star
c) Air Crew Europe, with France and Germany Bar
d) Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaf
e) Police Long Service & G.C., G.VI.R. (Const. Ronald Brewer), last officially renamed, generally very fine, with the following related items and documents:
- Air Gunner's Brevet; R.A.F. Sweetheart's Broach, sterling silver and enamel
- National Registration Identity Card (Police), complete with photograph of recipient in uniform
- Letter to recipient from the Metropolitan Police, Pensions Branch, dated 4.12.1951
- Several photographs of recipient in uniform, and a copy of the Morning Advertiser, dated 10.1.1969 (lot)

D.F.C. London Gazette 15.9.1944 Flying Officer Ronald Brewer, 90 Sqn, R.A.F.V.R. (148509)
The Recommendation states: 'This Officer has taken part in 30 operational sorties against the enemy. His initiative, determination and coolness in action have contributed largely to the successful completion of many operations. He is 39 years of age and his devotion to duty and outstanding example of keenness and efficiency have been an inspiration to the whole Squadron and I strongly recommend him for the award of the D.F.C.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 8.6.1944 Sergeant R.W. Brewer, R.A.F.V.R. (750660)

Flight Lieutenant Ronald Brewer, D.F.C., born Ewhurst, Sussex, 1905; Brewer 'as a youth, joined the Royal Horse Guards Blues, but after four years bought himself out to become a merchant seaman. He then joined the Metropolitan Police and did a year's beat-pounding.

As an ex-cavalryman he transferred to the mounted branch and spent the next 22 years on the equitation staff, breaking and training police horses at the famous establishment at Inver Court, Thames Ditton.

It was not easy to leave the police in war-time. But when the age limit was raised - Mr Brewer was then 39 - he was accepted as a gunner in the RAF.

After training he was commissioned as a flying officer and as rear-gunner made 32 operational flights with 90 Bomber Squadron. He won the DFC for gallantry in action and was demobilised with the rank of flight lieutenant.

Returning to the Mounted Police, he had a neck injury while horse-training and was prohibited from further riding, so he retired on pension, having completed 23 years' police service.

During his time in Worthing, Mr and Mrs Brewer have established and maintained the Spaniard Hotel as one of the town's premier dining rendezvous, with special reference to the high quality of the dining room steaks.' (Article from the Morning Advertiser included with lot refers).

Brewer retired from the Metropolitan Police, with a disability pension of £178 per annum, 20.12.1951. He ran the Spaniard Hotel in Worthing for 14 years.

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Sold for
£1,800

Sale 15001 Notices
M.I.D. Unconfirmed. Details for the M.I.D. that are listed in the catalogue relate to a different man with the same name.