A rare and impressive Second World D.F.C., Canadian O.M.M. group of ten awarded to Colonel J. L. A. “Splash” Roussell, Royal Canadian Air Force, who was decorated for his services in Mustangs and Spitfires of No. 414 Squadron over North-West Europe 1944-45

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’; Canada, Order of Military Merit, Officer’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, the lower arm officially numbered ‘64’; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence Medal 1939-45, silver; Canadian Voluntary Service Medal 1939-45, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, silver; Canadian Centennial Medal 1967; Jubilee 1977, Canadian issue; Canadian Forces Decoration, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, with 2 Bars (S./L. J. L. A. Roussell), mounted as worn, very fine and better (10) £2200-2500

D.F.C. London Gazette 3 April 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘Since joining his present squadron this officer has taken part in a large number of sorties. Many of his missions have been completed in the face of strong enemy anti-aircraft fire from heavily defended areas. Prior to the invasion of France Flight Lieutenant Roussell flew on two outstanding fighter sorties against an enemy installation near Dieppe. These were successfully completed in the face of intense and accurate ground fire. Flight Lieutenant Roussell has proved himself on many occasions to be fearless and a skilful pilot.’

C.M.M. Canada Gazette 22 June 1974.

Joseph Ludger Aurele Roussell was born at Matapedia, Quebec in 1923. Having enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force on the outbreak of hostilities, he was selected for pilot training, and on qualifying for his “Wings” in 1942, he was commissioned Pilot Officer. It was for his subsequent services in No. 414 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron that he won his D.F.C., a period of operations extending from before D-Day to the war’s end, the whole undertaken in Mustangs and Spitfires in support of No. 39 Wing. Thus a flurry of operational sorties ranging from photographic and intelligence reconnaissances to ground attacks.

Roussell remained in the Canadian Air Force after the war, gaining advancement to Colonel and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in June 1974. Among other appointments, he commanded No. 444 (F.) Squadron, a Sabre unit operating out of Baden, Soellingen on behalf of N.A.T.O., in the early 1960s.