A Second War Spitfire pilot’s D.F.C. group of five awarded to Flight Lieutenant G. F. Thornton, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve: serving with 2 Squadron, his squadron flew reconnaissance missions in support of the D-Day landings and played an important role in the destruction of the German Army in the Falaise Pocket; and in 1945 he was credited with destroying enemy motor launches and a midget submarine, during strafing attacks in Holland

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine and better (5) £1,400-£1,800

D.F.C. London Gazette 2 October 1945 ‘Flt. Lt. G. F. Thornton, R.A.F.V.R., No. 2 Sqn.’

An original newspaper cuttings with the group shed light on Thornton’s recommendation for the award of the D.F.C.
Under the headline ‘An Outstanding Pilot’, and clearly taken from his original recommendation, it states: ‘An outstanding flight reconnaissance pilot who has taken part in numerous photographic tactical and artillery reconnaissances. Adverse weather or opposition has never deterred him from completing his allotted tasks... on one occasion in March 1945, when flying a reconnaissance mission in Holland, he located two motor launches towing a midget submarine and, despite intense anti-aircraft fire, he immediately made a telling attack, destroying both launches and one of the midget submarines. On the homeward flight, Flight Lieutenant Thornton attacked and damaged another large motor-launch. This is typical of the courage, skill and determination which this Officer has displayed throughout his operational career.’

George Francis Thornton was born in Brighton in 1922 and enlisted into the Royal Air Force in June 1941. He trained in Canada and the U.S.A. to become a pilot and in 1942 he was a student at No. 3 British Flying School in Miami, U.S.A. Awarded his flying badge on 25 September 1942 and passing out with an Order of Merit, he was immediately promoted to the rank of Sergeant Pilot. His service between then and mid 1944 is unknown. However newspaper cuttings, photographs and other items with the group; as well as his D.F.C. recommendation, make it clear he served with Number 2 Squadron R.A.F. from at least its time in Normandy, until the end of the War.

After service in France, from June 1940 2 Squadron served in a tactical reconnaissance role. Serving back in the UK from this date, between April 1942 and November 1944, 2 Squadron was equipped with Mustang 1,1a and II’s and after that, Spitfire Mk XIV’s. In 1944 the squadron took part in the preparations for D-Day, surveying German defences over the Atlantic Wall. On D-Day itself 2 Squadron acted as artillery spotters for the Royal Navy, who were to unleash a massive naval bombardment on the German beach defences. In July 1944 the Squadron returned to French soil as part of 35 Wing and from late July until late August, the squadron played a leading role in the discovery and destruction of the Germany Army in the Falaise Pocket, the decisive engagement of the Battle of Normandy. During the rest of the war it accompanied the 21st Army Group, on the left flank of the allied advance, ending the war at Twente, in the eastern Netherlands.

Post-War Thornton served with 208 Squadron in East Africa, and later as a test pilot for De Havilland. In a 1955 interview he is noted as test flying Vampires.

Sold with Flight Lieutenant Thonton’s Royal Air Force Uniform, comprising: Tunic, with four front buttons and integrated waist belt, Flight Lieutenants rank braid on sleeves, and with R.A.F. pilot’s wings and marks where riband bar has been removed; three pairs of matching R.A.F. trousers; R.A.F., with gilt-metal insignia and a pair of U.S. Air Force A-9 leather, fleece lined flying gloves. Some minor moth/age damage, generally good condition overall. Gloves have suffered from mildew on leather and could do with a leather polish, inside/wool unaffected and near perfect. Also a post war leather flight suit name tag; 2 Squadron unit patch and No. 3 British Flying School in Miami completion of flying training award plate certificate.

Additionally sold with the following photographs and documents: An original 35 Wing booklet made up of a services of original aerial photographs of German ground targets, maps and typed commentary, ‘This is the story of 35 days in 35 Wing who watched and helped in the destruction of a German Army 28 July – 31 August 1944’; Three large portrait photographs of the Thornton in uniform; two group photographs of no. 2 Squadron R.A.F. pilots posed in front of a Spitfire and another of no.9 Initial Training Wing; a selection of loose photographs, many with Spitfires and later types; a number of newspaper cuttings relating to Thornton’s service and the award of the D.F.C.; Selection of school reports from the 1930’s and several aviation magazines from the late 1940’s- early 50’s, some with details of Thornton.