A rare ‘1957’ Malaya operations Valetta navigator’s D.F.M group of five awarded to Master Navigator E. E. Roshier, 52 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who amassed a remarkable 9,432 flying hours, over a 25 year service career, during which he took part in the Berlin Airlift and Operation Grapple - the British nuclear weapon tests

Distinguished Flying Medal, E.II.R. (1604153. F. Sgt. E. E. Roshier. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (1604153 F. Sgt. E. E. Roshier. R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (M. Nav. E. E. Roshier (1604153). R.A.F.) mounted on card for display, good very fine (5) £3,600-£4,400

D.F.M. London Gazette 11 June 1957 (originally gazetted to recipient as ‘Rossiter’, corrected to ‘Roshier’ in London Gazette 28 June 1957):

‘In recognition of distinguished service in Malaya.’

Eric Edward Roshier was born in May 1923, and enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in February 1942. He carried out training as a Navigator at various units including No. 33 A.N.S. and No. 6 (O) A.F.U., before being awarded his Flying Badge in February 1944. Roshier subsequently served at No. 20 O.T.U. and No. 1667 Conversion Unit, prior to being posted to 100 Squadron at Elsham Wolds at the end of May 1945. He was posted to No. 1 Ferrying Unit, R.A.F. Pershore in December 1945, and then served with No. 16 F.U. flying in a large variety of aircraft, including Lancasters, Wellingtons, Dakotas, Beaufighters and Mosquitos. Roshier returned to No. 1 F.U., served with No. 1332 H.T.C.U. and then was posted as a Navigator to 511 Squadron (Yorks) in the Far East in March 1948.

The Squadron returned to the UK, and played a vital role with their York aircraft during Operation Plain Fare - the Berlin Airlift, June 1948 - May 1949. Roshier flew in approximately 500 trips as a Navigator during this early Cold War crisis. He returned to the Far East with the Squadron and converted to Hastings aircraft, before being posted as an instructor in Valetta and Varsity aircraft to No. 1 A.N.S. in April 1952. Roshier was posted to 52 Squadron (Valettas), R.A.F. Changi in April 1954. He flew with a number of pilots, including Flight Lieutenant K. J. Robinson (whose D.F.C. group was sold in these rooms in October 2023), in particular during July 1956. They were employed ‘up-country’ on many supply dropping missions. Their Valetta was employed dropping S.A.S. parachutists on operations, 8 and 18 July 1956. Many aircraft and crews were lost on these supply dropping flights and statistics show that the casualty rate for R.A.F. personnel was three times that of the infantry and S.A.S. troops that they were assisting.

Roshier returned to the UK in May 1957, and was posted to 511 Squadron flying Hastings. He was presented with his D.F.M. by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace, 29 October 1957. Roshier served with the Squadron as part of Operation Grapple - the British nuclear weapons tests, making numerous flights to and from Christmas Island, between November 1957 - January 1958. He was posted to 36 Squadron in August 1958, and continued to serve with the Squadron until September 1960 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in August 1960). Subsequent postings included with 70 Squadron, October 1960 - March 1963, and with No. 242 O.C.U. for the next three years. Roshier served with the Metropolitan Communication Squadron at Northolt, February 1967 - April 1968. He retired the following month, having served for 25 years and 270 days, and having amassed a remarkable 9,432.55 flying hours.

Sold with the following original related documentation: R.A.F. Certificate of Service (which states that he received the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief’s Commendation); 4 R.A.F. Navigator’s, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Look Books (5 October 1943 - 30 November 1962) and 2 R.A.F. Aircrew Flying Log Books (4 December 1962 - 8 April 1968); named Central Chancery Investiture paperwork, and a photographic image of recipient in uniform.