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Auction: 4004 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 14

A Dambuster's O.B.E., D.F.C. and Bar Group of Seven to Group Captain Ivan Whittaker, 617 Squadron Royal Air Force, one of Micky Martin's crew in 'P for Popsie' during the Successful Attack on the Moehne Dam, and for the Dortmund-Ems Canal, Antheor Viaduct and Elmas, Calgliari Operations a) Order of the British Empire, Officer's (O.B.E.) 2nd type, Military Division, breast Badge, silver-gilt b) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse dated 1943, with Second Award Bar, reverse dated '1944' c) 1939-45 Star d) Air Crew Europe Star e) Italy Star f) Defence and War Medals, all extremely fine, the group mounted as worn g) the related group of seven miniature awards together with O.B.E. and D.F.C. cases of issue, Flying Log Book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Air Gunners, Flight Engineers (10.1945-10.62); Air Crew Flying Log Book (2.1964-1.1968), a copy of the Daily Mail dated Tuesday 18.5.1943, and a number of other newspaper cuttings, and letters, and a programme for the World Premiere of the film 'The Dambusters' signed by members of the 617 Squadron. Estimate £ 12,000-14,000 O.B.E. London Gazette 2.6.1962 D.F.C. London Gazette 16.11.1943 Whittaker. Ivan. FO. (51704). RAF. 617Sqn. The Recommendation states 'During a long and strenuous operational tour Flying Officer Whittaker has taken part in many missions of a daring and hazardous character including the attack on the German Dams. In September 1943, he flew as flight engineer in an aircraft detailed for a low level night operation. This sortie was completed in the face of adverse weather and heavy opposition from the enemy defences. This Officer's skillful manipulation of the throttles while the aircraft was flying in low level formation contributed largely to the outstanding performance of the crew. He has always displayed high devotion to duty and outstanding courage.' D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 31.3.1944 Whittaker. Ivan. D.F.C. A/FL. (51704). RAF. 617 Sqn. 'In February, 1944 this Officer was the flight engineer of an aircraft detailed to attack a target in Southern France. Whilst over the target the aircraft was repeatedly hit and sustained much damage. Flight Lieutenant Whittaker was wounded in both legs but, in spite of this he coolly made a detailed examination of the aircraft and gave his Captain a full report of the damage sustained. He displayed great fortitude and devotion to duty and his efforts were of much assistance to his Captain who flew the damaged bomber to an airfield where a safe landing was effected.' "We were shattered by cannon fire after completing a raid on a special target in France. The bomb doors of our Lancaster were fouled and two engines were put out of commission." The bomb aimer was badly wounded, and although given morphia he died, while Flying Officer Whittaker was wounded. He is the only flight engineer in the R.A.F. to hold this dual honour.' (The Newcastle Journal 31.3.1944) Group Captain Ivan Whittaker O.B.E. D.F.C. and Bar, Royal Air Force (1921-1979), born at Walkerville, Newcastle; educated Wallsend Secondary School; enlisted in the Royal Air Force as 573165 Aircraft Apprentice 18.1.1938 aged 18 years; discharged on appointment to Commission 4.4.1943; on the 'Dams Raid' he flew with Squadron Leader Micky Martin in 'P for Peter' (or 'P for Popsie' as Martin insisted on calling it). Martin's plane was in Group One, led by Wing Commander Gibson; the primary target for this group was to attack the Moehne and then go onto the Eder, but after the Moehne was successfully destroyed Martin and Maltby, who were successful on their runs, were sent home by Gibson; Flight Lieutenant 5.4.1945; Flight Engineer with 511 Squadron (V.I.P. flights: Lord Alanbrooke (23.12.1945); the Governor of Gambia (19.1.1946); the Colonial Secretary Mr. Hall (30.1.1946); Emir Faisal of Iraq (22.2.1946); Emir Abdullah of Trans Jordan (25.3.1946); Prime Minister Attlee (27.4.1946), Log Book refers); Squadron Leader 1.1.1954; Wing Commander 1.7.1959; Group Captain 1.7.1965; retired 19.10.1974.

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£12,000