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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 718

The 'Coastal Command 1942' D.F.M. awarded to Flight Sergeant G. Butterfield, No. 203 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for his daring attack upon an enemy convoy which saw an enemy aircraft silenced and a merchant ship attacked

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (938357 F. Sgt. G. Butterfield. R.A.F.), nearly extremely fine

D.F.M. London Gazette 7 June 1942, the original citation states:

'In March 1942, Flight Sergeant Butterfield attacked an enemy merchant ship which was escorted by a destroyer and an enemy aircraft. Flight Sergeant Butterfield's aircraft was engaged by the enemy aircraft and in the ensuing combat which lasted for 15 minutes, the enemy's front gunner was silenced. Although Flight Sergeant Butterfield's aircraft was hit, he pressed home his bombing attack. This airman has previously bombed an enemy destroyer and attacked a float plane. For shadowing enemy warships under difficult circumstances, he was commended by the Commanding Officer of his Wing.'

Guy Butterfield was born at Grimsby on 25 July 1916, the son of John and Helena Butterfield. He was living at 36 Augusta Street, Grimsby on 11 July 1939 when he was awarded his aero club certificate (No. 19030). Joining the Royal Air Force he was flying sorties with No 203 Squadron in 1942 when they were launching missions over the Eastern Mediterranean from Egypt, equipped with Blenheim IVs.

The Blenheim flown by Butterfield was responsible for an reconnaissance flight on 9 March 1942 as part of the effort to locate the Italian Fleet. The Squadron Operations Record Book provides further information, stating:

'Blenheim "O" (F/S. Butterfield, Sgt. Lee, Sgt McLelland) was airborne on special search and locate the Italian Fleet, leaving Bir Amud at 16,50. At 19,40, the Italian Fleet was sighted in position 33* 49'N. 19*29'E. Co. 050, speed 12 knots. No individual ships were distinguishable in the darkness, but eight wakes were observed. W/T. failed so the aircraft at once set' course for Bir Amud landing there at 22,05.'

Commissioned Pilot Officer on 6 June 1942 with No. 203 Squadron he was further promoted Flying Officer on 6 December 1942. Finally advanced Flight Lieutenant on 6 June 1944 Butterfield was flying Beaufighters with 143 Squadron out of Manston, Kent. Still there on 2 September 1944 his aircraft was lost engaging e-boats of the French coastline.

Butterfield is commemorated upon the Runnymede Memorial; sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£800