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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 677

(x) A Second World War D.F.C. group of eight awarded to Squadron Leader B. F. Fermor, Royal Air Force, a veteran of over 70 operational sorties

He first flew operationally as a Flight Sergeant - including service in the Greek and Cretan campaigns in 1941 - prior to being commissioned and appointed Squadron Wireless Officer in No. 223 Squadron and completing a second tour of duty in the unit's Baltimores in the Tunisian campaign 1942-43

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1943'; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Fg. Off. B. F. Fermore, R.A.F.V.R.), mounted as worn and contained in a Gieves & Co. leather case, good very fine (8)

D.F.C. London Gazette 23 July 1943. The original recommendation states:

'This officer has been flying as a wireless operator / air gunner on operations since August 1940. He took part in the campaigns in Greece, Crete, Syria, Iraq and Persia, and has completed over 70 sorties.

He joined this squadron for his second tour in November 1942 and has operated throughout the Tunisian campaign.

Flying Officer Fermor has at all times shown skill and determination on operations and as Squadron Wireless Officer has set an excellent example to the other wireless operators.'

Brian Frederick Fermor was born in Hollinbourn, Kent on 10 March 1915 and likely joined the Royal Air Force in the immediate lead-up to the outbreak of hostilities. Trained as a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, he first flew operationally in August 1940 and took part in the Greek and Cretan campaigns, in addition to further service in the Middle East, in Syria, Iraq and Persia.

Commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the R.A.F.V.R. in April 1942, he commended a second tour of operations in November 1942, when he joined No. 223 Squadron, a Baltimore unit, in the Western Desert. He subsequently saw action as the unit's Wireless Officer throughout the Tunisian campaign, being recommended for his D.F.C. after raising his operational sorties to over the 70-mark in May 1943. But it would not be until March 1945 that he was able to attend a Buckingham Palace to collect his award, since he remained actively employed in Sicily and Italy.

Granted an extended service commission in September 1946, he received his Air Efficiency Award in November of the same year and transferred to the Technical Branch in May 1949, in which capacity he was advanced to Squadron Leader in January 1953. Fermor - who was placed on the Retired List in March 1972 - died at Crawley, Sussex in November 1993.

Sold with a quantity of original documents and artefacts, including:

(i)
The recipient's impressive wartime photograph album, with around 225 images from his active employment in the Middle East, including air-to-air scenes taken on sorties, an attack in progress on his airfield and much besides.

(ii)
Central Chancery letter regarding his Buckingham Palace investiture, in the name of 'Flight Lieutenant Brian F. Fermor, R.A.F.V.R.' and dated 24 February 1945.

(iii)
His identity discs (2), and embroidered 'S' Brevets (2).

(iv)
His metalled, decorated cigarette case, with Mosque scene, and interior inscription, 'Iraq 1941'.

Also see Lot 805 for his miniature dress medals.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£2,200

Starting price
£950