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Auction: 26002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 236

A ‘Bomber Command’ A.F.C. group of seven awarded to Squadron Leader R. R. Gregory, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who later died on 7 September 1945 during a training flight while attempting to regain control of his Lancaster bomber during a ‘heavy landing’ as it stalled, dived, crashed, and tragically set ablaze on impact

Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., reverse dated ‘1945’ and privately engraved at centre 'Sq/Ldr. R. R. Gregory.'; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, all unnamed as issued, good very fine overall (7)

A.F.C. London Gazette 7 September 1945, the citation quoted in a Letter from the Ministry of Defence states:

'…in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations, while serving with Bomber Command'.

Roy Reynolds Gregory was born at Brentford, Greater London on 16 December 1911, the son of Victory Herbert Gregory and Emmeline Mary Gregory. Commissioned Pilot Officer on 6 June 1934 with the General Duties branch, he was promoted to Flying Officer in 1936 and Flight Lieutenant in 1938 before transferring to the Reserve in March 1939.

Naturally he was swiftly mobilised on the outbreak of the Second Word War, just a few months later serving with Bomber Command. Promoted Squadron Leader on 30 September 1941, Gregory undertook various operations with Bomber Command for which he was recommended for the Air Force Cross (later M.O.D. letter confirms citation given above).

Tragically, whilst on detachment with Coastal Defence, he lost control of his Lancaster during a training flight from Empire Central Flying School. Trying to get back into control, he was unable to do so and landed heavily at R.A.F. Hullavington in Wiltshire. Reports suggest that his aircraft overshot after an 'asymmetrical approach', stalled and then crashed - setting ablaze on impact. He is buried at Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, Somerset; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480