Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War Beaufighter and Mosquito pilot’s D.F.C. group of six awarded to Air Commodore D. B. Wills, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, officially credited with the destruction of three enemy aircraft

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, Air Crew Europe; Defence & War Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (Act. Sqn. Ldr., R.A.F.) very fine (6) £2500-2800

D.F.C. London Gazette 1 June 1945. The following details were extracted from Air Ministry records: ‘Flight Lieutenant David Bernard Wills, R.A.F.V.R., No. 68 Squadron. This officer is now on his second tour of duty. During his first tour he met with a serious accident but, with great determination, he was able to resume flying within a year. Since then as a deputy flight commander, Flight Lieutenant Wills has displayed great organising ability, enthusiasm and devotion to duty and by his fine fighting spirit he has set an inspiring example to all. He has destroyed at least three enemy aircraft.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 14 June 1945.

David Bernard Wills was born on 16 April 1922 at Wirral, Cheshire, and was educated at New Brighton Central School and Wallasey Grammar School. He enlisted in July 1940, trained in Canada and was commissioned in December 1941. He destroyed two enemy aircraft whilst flying Beaufighters, the first with 456 Squadron on 18 May 1942, when he shot down a JU88, and then a HE177 on 13 June 1943, when flying with 604 Squadron. He destroyed another JU88 on 3 March 1945, this time flying a Mosquito of 68 Squadron. After the War, Wills converted to jet fighters, flying numerous types including Vampire, Sabre, Meteor, Javelin and Lightening. He commanded No. 46 Squadron 1960-61, and No. 23 Squadron 1961-62, and retired in January 1969. Sold with extensive research, including combat report and numerous copies from Squadron Record Books.