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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 719

The Second World War immediate D.F.M. awarded to Sergeant A. Kenyon, Royal Air Force, who was decorated for his gallant deeds as a Flight Engineer in No. 419 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, when he nursed home his heavily damaged Lancaster on two engines following a strike on Bottrop, Germany, in September 1944

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1515049 Sgt. A. Kenyon, R.A.F.), good very fine

D.F.M. London Gazette 9 January 1945, the original recommendation states:

'Sergeant Kenyon has taken part in 21 day and night operations against the enemy, in which his efficiency, coolness and resource have been amply demonstrated.

During a daylight attack on Bottrop on 27 September [1944], the aircraft, in which he was Flight Engineer, was very badly damaged while orbiting the target. The port inner engine was put out of action and the port outer caught fire and had to be feathered. The hydraulic system was rendered unserviceable and some of the controls were damaged to such an extent that two crew members had to assist the pilot to control the aircraft.

The bombing run was completed but, when leaving the target, the starboard inner engine started to lose power and it was found that this engine also had been badly damaged. Sergeant Kenyon successfully nursed this engine to give 50% power during the return trip to this country, showing great ingenuity and resource in doing so.

I consider the outstanding ability and coolness in danger shown by Sergeant Kenyon fully merits the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.'

Alva Kenyon was born on 2 February 1922 and was a student at Balshaw Grammar School, Leyland, Lancashire, on the eve of hostilities. He would have been flying in a Lancaster at the time of the above incident, his unit - also known as 419 (Moose) Squadron - having converted from Halifax aircraft at R.A.F. Middleton St. George in April 1944.

It is worth speculating whether one of Kenyon's earlier sorties was that flown against Cambrai on the night of 12 June 1944. If so, it was the same sortie in which Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski, also of 419 (Moose) Squadron, won a posthumous V.C.

Kenton returned to his Lancashire roots after the war and died at Leyland in March 2002; sold together with copied research and a large original archive comprising, 3 newspaper clippings, A Telegram of congratulations from the Commander-in-Chief of Bomber Command along with 3 other letters and telegrams of congratulations and the Medal slip of issue named to 'Sergeant Alva Kenyon, D.F.M.'.

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Sold for
£1,800

Starting price
£700