A rare Great War D.F.M. awarded to Sergeant (Observer) G. Barlow, Royal Air Force, who was decorated for his part in 50 sorties flown in F.E. 2Bs of No. 149 Squadron, a fine operational record that was curtailed by leg wounds received in a combat in late September 1918

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.V.R. (J/70544 Sergt. Obs. Barlow, G., R.A.F.), very fine £1600-1800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood.

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D.F.M. London Gazette 12 December 1918:

‘This Non-Commissioned Officer has taken part in 50 raids, and is a gallant and skilful Observer. On 28 September 1918, he was engaged in four raids, encountering a large formation of enemy aeroplanes on the last. In the combat he was wounded in both legs, but notwithstanding this, he and his pilot accounted for two of the enemy.’

Gilbert Barlow, a native of Fallsworth, Manchester, was likely a founder member of No. 149 Squadron on its formation at Yapton, Sussex, in March 1918, under Major B. P. Greenwood. Extensive training having been undertaken in night flying, the Squadron was ordered to Quilen in June 1918, in order to carry out an extensive agenda of bombing raids, an aspiration much assisted by a ‘flame reducer’ designed by Captain C. E. S. Russell. Subsequently transferred to Alquines, and thence to Clairmarais, the unit dropped a total of 80 tons of bombs in the period leading up to the Armistice, the success of its operations being measured by a significant increase in enemy searchlights and anti-aircraft guns. Barlow’ pilot, Acting Captain H. D. McLaren, was awarded a Bar to his D.F.C.