A Second War ‘1944’ Halifax Navigator’s D.F.C. group of five awarded to Flight Lieutenant L. W. Jackson-Wynch, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 27 operational sorties with 76 Squadron - including to some of the heaviest defended German targets, such as Essen, Berlin twice and three times to Nuremburg and back. Jackson-Wynch survived a raid to the latter, 30 March 1944, as a result of which Bomber Command suffered it’s heaviest loss of the war - with 95 bombers failing to make it home

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (5) £1800-2200

D.F.C. London Gazette 19 September 1944, the Recommendation states:

‘This officer has completed 27 sorties and flown a total of 164 operational hours against the enemy as Navigator.

He has carried out attacks against many of the heaviest defended of targets including Essen, three to Berlin, three to Nuremberg and two to Frankfurt.

Pilot Officer Jackson-Wynch has recently completed a successful tour of operations. During the whole of this tour he has shown great tenacity of purpose, endurance, and a fine offensive spirit which has been a source of inspiration to his crew. He possesses exceptional ability as a Navigator and a high degree of courage and initiative.

It is considered that his splendid record, and quiet but dogged determination, is worthy of the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

Leslie Welbourne Jackson-Wynch was born in November 1911, and was a qualified Chartered Accountant prior to the Second War. He joined the Royal Air Force in August 1942, and carried out his initial training as a Navigator at No. 5 Air Observers School, R.A.F. Jurby, Isle of Man. Subsequent postings included C.M.S. Cranage, and No. 10 O.T.U., R.A.F. Abingdon. Jackson-Wynch converted to Halifaxes at 1663 Conversion Unit in July 1943. He was posted as a Navigator for operational flying to 76 Squadron (Halifaxes), Holme-on-Spalding Moor, July 1943.

Jackson-Wynch flew in at least 27 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Nuremberg (3), including 30 March 1944, when Bomber Command suffered it’s heaviest loss of the war - 95 bombers failing to return from the raid; Milan; Leverkusen (2); Berlin (3), including 28 January 1944, ‘Ops Berlin Attacked 3 Times. 1 Me. 109 2 Ju.88s’ (Log Book refers) ; Kassell; Hanover; Mannheim; Leipzig; Magdeburg; Augsberg; Trappes; Frankfurt (2); Essen; Lille; Tergniere; Montzen; Acheres; Malines; Trouvillel Boulougne and Orleans.

Having been commissioned Pilot Officer in March 1944, Jackson-Wynch was posted for instructor duties to No. 21 O.T.U., Moreton-in-Marsh, in November 1944. He completed an advanced navigation course at Shawbury, before serving at HQ P.R.C., Hucknall, as Air Commodore B. Russell’s navigator from November 1946. Jackson-Wynch was promoted Flight Lieutenant in January 1947, and his final posting was a navigator to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down in June 1948. He retired 29 November 1959.

Sold with the following related items and documents: with Air Council enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘F/Lt. L. W. Jackson-Wynch, A & AEE, R.A.F. Boscombe Down, Amesbury, Wilts’; bullion cap badge and Navigator’s Brevet; Royal Air Force Flying Log Book (27 August 1942 - 22 June 1949), leather bound, with ‘Flt/Lt Jackson-Wynch’ embossed on cover in gold letters, and framed and glazed photograph of recipient with his crew, 27 April 1944.