The extremely rare Malaya operations D.F.M. pair awarded to Acting Corporal T. E. Westbrook, Royal Army Service Corps, who flew in excess of 200 supply dropping sorties in Valettas as an Air Despatch Crew Commander in No. 55 (Air Despatch) Company over a two year period in the mid-1950s

Distinguished Flying Medal, E.II.R. (T22971387 A./Cpl. T. E. Westbrook, R.A.S.C.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R., M.I.D. oak leaf (T/22971387 Dvr. T. E. Westbrook, R.A.S.C.), extremely fine (2) £5000-7000

D.F.M. London Gazette 11 June 1957:

‘For distinguished service In Malaya.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Corporal Westbrook has served with No. 55 (Air Despatch) Company, R.A.S.C., at the Royal Air Force Station, Kuala Lumpur, for the past 26 months, during which time he has flown on more than 200 operational supply dropping sorties. He has been one of the outstanding Air Despatch Crew Commanders, and on many occasions has been specially commended by the Captain of Aircraft for his skill and efficiency in difficult conditions. Both on the ground and in the air Corporal Westbrook has consistently displayed great technical skill, devotion to duty, and power of leadership, and it is considered that his loyal service and fine example richly deserve the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’

The covering remarks of the A.O.C., Malaya, Air Vice-Marshal W. H. Kyle, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., state:

‘The work of No. 55 (Air Despatch) Company, R.A.S.C., both in the air and on the ground is extremely exacting and calls for a very high standard of efficiency and devotion to duty, particularly on the part of the Air Despatchers.

Corporal Westbrook has set a very fine example and displayed qualities of leadership, particularly in the air, which I strongly recommend should receive recognition.

I therefore strongly support this recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’

Terence Ernest Westbrook was also mentioned in despatches for earlier services in Malaya in the period 1 July to 31 December 1955 (London Gazette 8 May 1956, refers).

Sold with the recipient’s original M.I.D. certificate, together with a quantity of congratulatory letters on the award of his D.F.M., namely from Air Marshal Sir Francis Fressanges, K.B.E., C.B., General Sir Francis Festing, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., Lieutenant-General Sir Roger Bower, K.B.E., C.B., and Air Vice-Marshal W. H. Kyle, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C.