Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Bomber Command’ D.F.C. group of four awarded to Lancaster Navigator Flying Officer T. D. Rodgers, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1945, in Royal Mint case of issue, with named Buckingham Palace enclosure; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, extremely fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.F.C. London Gazette 17 April 1945

Terence David Rodgers joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and served during the Second World War as a Navigator with No. 550 Squadron (Lancasters), based at R.A.F. North Killingholme, Lincolnshire, from 26 August 1944. He was commissioned Pilot Officer on 5 January 1945, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in April of that year, most likely for his gallantry on the return from a bombing raid to Bochum on 4-5 November 1944:

‘At 17:17 hours on 4th November 1944, 550/F took off to bomb Bochum, under the command of Flight Lieutenant Ansell. The trip was uneventful to the target, which was successfully bombed. On return at approximately 20:20 hours, at 9,000 feet, two flying bombs were observed on either side of the aircraft, approximately level. The port one being coned in search-lights, the starboard one was shot down. At the same time, a burst of H/F exploded quite close to the aircraft, and several pieces of flak penetrated into the fuselage. One of them severely wounded the Flight Engineer, Flight Sergeant Sythes, in the right thigh. Although suffering from a great loss of blood and unconscious for ten minutes, he continued to give directions and advice regarding the engines and fuel charges. He was rendered excellent first aid by the Navigator, Flight Sergeant Rodgers, who administered morphine, affixed a tourniquet, and treated him for shock. Course was set for Manston, where a landing was made with some difficulty at 21:00 hours.’ (Station Narrative No. 9, Station Operational Record Book refers).

Promoted Flying Officer on 5 July 1945, Rodgers resigned his commission on 1 January 1948. His skipper on the Bochum raid, Flight Lieutenant Victor Ansell, was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at the same time as Rodgers.

Sold with a letter of congratulation to the recipient on the award of his D.F.C. from the Base Commander, Headquarters, No. 13 Base, and a newspaper cutting regarding the above mission.