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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 578

Sold by Order of the Family

The Campaign group of five worn by Wing Commander D. H. T. Dowding, No. 74 Squadron, Royal Air Force

1939-45 Star, copy clasp, Battle of Britain; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, good very fine (5)

Derek Hugh Tremenheere Dowding was born on 9 January 1919, the son of Air Chief Marshal Lord Hugh and Lady Clarice Dowding. Educated initially at Winchester College, he entered the R.A.F. College in Cranwell as a Flight Cadet in September 1937 and graduated to a commission on 29 July 1939. Posted to 74 Squadron at Hornchurch, he was with them when they took to the air during the Battle of France on 20 May 1940.

The Allied forces were in full retreat at this time and the Royal Air Force was stretched to its extreme attempting to provide air cover. Dowding scored his first victory four days after the squadron began to fly in France with a Do17, with another shared and a third probable, that being a Ju88. The Squadron continued to fly through the Dunkirk evacuations, providing further cover for the B.E.F.. In the process they suffered terrible losses, this however was not to say that they were not thrown into action almost immediately during the Battle of Britian. Dowding's next kill was on 23 July when he shared a Do17 though frustratingly he missed out on another on 27 July - after damaging a Do17 he chased it for 20 miles before being forced to break off by anti-aircraft fire.

With the Battle of Britain in full effect Dowding continued to fly, earning another probable on 6 July 1940, a He111. His final victory was two days later when he shared another He111 before being posted as an Instructor to 6 Operational Training Unit at Sutton Bridge on 8 August. Advanced Flying Officer there on 3 September 1940, Dowding was further advanced Flight Lieutenant on 3 September 1941. Transferred to 135 Squadron as a Flight Commander, he was posted to the Middle East in 1942 to serve as a Test Pilot. Dowding remained there until 1945, when he was confirmed in his rank.

Promoted Squadron Leader in 1946 and Wing Commander in 1951, he finally retired on 17 November 1956. Dowding died on 22nd November 1992 and was survived by his wife Lady Odette Dowding (nee Hules); sold together with an original photograph of the recipient as a child.

For his mounted dress miniatures see lot: 801.

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Sold for
£4,000

Starting price
£70