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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 720

The 1944 D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant J. Cosgrove, Royal Air Force

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1572208. F/Sgt. J. Cosgrove. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, minor pitting and polishing, very fine (5)

D.F.M. London Gazette 13 October 1944, the original recommendation states:

'As rear gunner this airman has participated in a large number of sorties and has displayed great keenness and devotion to duty throughout. His constant vigilance has enabled his pilot to avoid combat on many occasions, and successfully complete many missions. He has proven to be a cheerful and willing worker with his fellow men in the gunnery section.

For his airmanship an intense loyalty, this N.C.O. is strongly recommended for the Distinguished Flying Medal.'

John Cosgrove was born at Glasgow in 1924 and enlisted with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1942. Posted to No 432 (Royal Canadian Air Force) Squadron, a unit based at Skipton-on-Swale, Yorkshire they transferred to East Moor in February 1944. Re-equipped with Halifax MkIII bombers Cosgrove flew his first sortie with them on 4 March 1944 as rear-gunner.

Seeing five operations in eighteen days through March however he had a near miss while on a training flight over Yorkshire on the night of 14-15 March. Thei aircraft was misidentified and targeted by flak guns over Hull, suffering what they- at the time- believed to be a near miss. It was not until they made it back to base that the ground crew discovered a large hole in the leading edge of the port fin, the miss had been far nearer than they imagined.

Cosgrove received a short break after their raid over Frankfurt on 18 March before starting to fly again in April with a raid over Paris which hit the Villeneuve-Saint-George Station. He was part of the major 300 aircraft raid the Squadron launched over Dusseldorf on 22 April which set fire to five square miles of the city. After 32 successful operations Cosgrove was recommended for his D.F.M. with the Station Commander adding:

'As Air Gunner this N.C.O. has taken part in many attacks on well defended enemy targets. He is a cool and reliable member of Aircraft crew, whose vigilance and skill have contributed materially to the successes obtained. He is strongly recommended for the award of Distinguished Flying Medal.'

His base commander confirmed his recommendation stating:

'Flight Sergeant Cosgrove's determination and resourcefulness on all of his many sorties over well defended enemy targets has set a splendid example too members of his crew and Squadron. His devotion to duty. Fearlessness and coolness are worthy of recognition. I recommend that he be awarded the D.F.M.'

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Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£800