A Second War Coastal Command M.I.D. campaign group of six awarded to Stranraer and Catalina Air Gunner Warrant Officer F. C. Davis, Royal Air Force, who flew on a large number of Atlantic Convoy escorts and anti-submarine operational sorties with 240, 190 and 210 Squadrons - including as part of the flight that located and shadowed the Bismarck prior to her eventual sinking

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Canal Zone (FS F C Davis (618376) RAF); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (W/O F. C. Davis (618376) R.A.F.) mounted for wear, very fine (6) £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the late Roy Painter.

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M.I.D. London Gazette 11 June 1942.

Frederick Cecil Davis was born in March 1921, and enlisted in the Royal Air Force in August 1938. After initial training he was posted as Leading Aircraftman, Air Gunner to 240 Squadron in July 1939. Davis served during the Second War with the Squadron as part of Coastal Command, flying Stranraer flying boats and Catalinas on a large number of anti-submarine and convoy escorts from Scotland between July 1940 and April 1942. Amongst these was, 26 May 1941, ‘Search for German Raider. Located German Battleship “Bismarck.” Attacked by Anti-Aircraft Fire. Contacted Three Enemy Aircraft. Shadowed “Bismarck” for Five Hours’ (Log Book refers)

On the latter date aircraft from 209 and 240 Squadrons were sent up to find the Bismarck, and shadow until she could be engaged by further naval forces. She was sunk on 27 May 1941. Other notable sorties included whilst on patrol over the Atlantic when Davis’ Catalina was holed by anti-aircraft fire, 4 September 1941. He was posted to No. 4 (C).O.T.U., R.A.F. Alness, in May 1942, before returning to operational flying with 190 Squadron (Catalinas), Sullom Voe, in November 1943. Davis stayed with the Squadron when it was renumbered 210 Squadron and continued to carry out anti-submarine patrols, including 29 June 1944, ‘Sighted Periscope. Dropped 5 DC’s on Norge Coast (Submerged Sub)’ (Ibid).

Davis stayed in the Royal Air Force after the war and advanced to Flight Sergeant (awarded L.S. & G.C. in August 1956). He was Commended by AOC No. 205 Group, M.E.A.F. for his devotion to duty, 29 January 1959. Davis was discharged as Warrant Officer in August 1959, after 20 years and 363 days service.

Sold with the following original documentation: M.I.D. Certificate, dated 11 June 1942, framed and glazed; Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (18 July 1940 - 26 March 1945) spine damaged; Royal Air Force Certificate of Service; Telegram from 15 Group congratulating 209 and 240 Squadrons on ‘A Great Days Work’, framed and glazed; with several group photographs including recipient in uniform.