Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The original 1939-45 War Flying Log Books appertaining to Flying Lieutenant J. C. Maxwell, D.F.C. and Bar, Royal Air Force, who was twice decorated for his gallantry as Bombing Leader in Lancasters of No. 103 and No. 625 Squadrons, comprising R.A.F. (Form 414) Pilot’s Flying Log Book, covering the period February to June 1942, and R.C.A.F. Flying Log Book for Aircrew other than Pilot, covering the period August 1943 until April 1944, together with a copied crew photograph, the second with worn spine, otherwise in good condition (2) £400-500

John Campbell Maxwell commenced his wartime career at R.A.F. Sywell in February 1942 and, having attended further training establishments in Canada in the period May-October 1942, qualified as an Air Bomber.

Posted to No. 103 Squadron, a Lancaster unit operating out of Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire, in June 1943, he completed six sorties in Sergeant Edie’s crew in the same month, including two trips to Cologne. Five more sorties followed in July, including his third trip to Cologne, in addition to such heavily defended targets as Essen and Hamburg, while in August he participated in six sorties, Hamburg and Mannheim among them; so, too, most notably, the secret rocket establishment at Peenemunde on the night of the 17th-18th.

Having then attended a course at R.A.F. Manby, Maxwell was appointed Squadron Bombing Leader and went on to complete another three operational sorties in Sergeant Edie’s crew in September, including a brace of trips to Hanover.

Then in November, also as Bombing Leader, he joined No. 625 Squadron at Kelstern, Lincolnshire, flying his first sortie, against Dusseldorf, on the 3rd. He was successfully recommended for the D.F.C. later in the month (London Gazette 18 January 1944 refers):

‘Flying Officer Maxwell is now filling the post of Squadron Bombing Leader. His operational record and fine offensive spirit in the air is only equalled by his skill and leadership on the ground.

Immediately prior to taking up his present post, this officer completed a short intensive tour of operations, taking part in attacks on Hamburg, Milan, Cologne, Essen, Mannheim, and many other heavily defended targets.

His courage and determination in his aircrew capacity reflect most highly upon him.

At short notice, this officer was posted to his present unit as Squadron Bombing Leader. His increased responsibilities on the ground have in no way impaired his desire to fly on operations and he performs his present duties with two main objects in view - the delivery of more bombs by all crews on to the target and his own participation in the transaction.

He has consistently shown a great devotion to duty and fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’

Maxwell also made three trips to the “Big City” during Bomber Command’s ensuing winter offensive against Berlin, in addition to carrying out several precision attacks against French targets in the lead-up to the Normandy landings, including his penultimate sortie on 24 June 1944, when his aircraft was badly damaged by A.A. fire while attacking Les Hayons. He was duly recommended for a Bar to his D.F.C. in August 1944 (London Gazette 14 November 1944 refers):

‘This officer has now completed his first tour of operations consisting of 30 sorties and comprising 178 hours operational flying, the latter part of which has been carried out as Squadron Bombing Leader. He has participated in attacks on the most strongly defended targets, including Berlin (three times), Cologne, Essen, Hamburg, Mannheim, Hanover and Dusseldorf.

Since being awarded the D.F.C. in January 1944, Flight Lieutenant Maxwell has continued to show a fine offensive spirit. His complete disregard of enemy opposition has been shown on many occasions when he has made many runs over the target to ensure a satisfactory bombing run, even in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire or fighter opposition.

The example he has set has inspired the greatest confidence in all crews with whom he has flown but in particular with those crews with whom he has flown on their first operational sorties, a duty which he has carried out on no less than four occasions.

His example in the air is however only equalled by the example he has set whilst on the ground as Squadron Bombing Leader. His keenness and devotion to duty have resulted in an extraordinarily high standard of bombing accuracy on the targets which the crews in this squadron have been detailed to attack.

For his outstanding courage and determination in the face of the fiercest opposition and his superb leadership, keenness and devotion to duty, both in the air and on the ground, I unhesitatingly recommend Flight Lieutenant Maxwell for an award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.’