Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘1944’ D.F.C. group of five attributed to Pathfinder and Lancaster Wireless Operator, Warrant Officer, later Flying Officer, F. S. H. White, 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 39 operational sorties with the ‘marker’ Squadron, including Peenemünde 17/18 August 1943, and to Berlin and back on 13 separate occasions

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, framed and glazed, generally nearly extremely fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

D.F.C. London Gazette 2 June 1944, the recommendation states:

‘Warrant Officer White is a first class Wireless Operator of one of the Squadron’s best crews. He has taken part in thirty-nine attacks against heavily defended targets, thirty-two of which have been as marker. He has operated entirely in Path Finder Force.

He has played an important role in the Squadron’s operational effort.

Remarks by Station Commander:
W/O White has now carried out a large number of sorties against enemy targets, the majority of which have been marker sorties. His skill and determination combined with his complete disregard of enemy opposition fully qualify him for the award of the D.F.C.’

Frederick Samuel Hendry White enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in January 1941, and after carrying out initial training as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner at No. 2 Signal School, No. 8 Air Gunnery School, and No. 19 O.T.U., he was posted to No. 1661 Conversion Unit in April 1943. White was posted for operational flying to 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron (Lancasters), Bourn, in June 1943. He flew in at least 39 operational sorties with the Squadron (the latter being a ‘marker’ Squadron for No. 8 (Path Finder Force) Group), including: Hamburg (2); Remscheid; Mannheim (2); Peenemünde Raid, 17/18 August 1943; Leverkusen; Munich (2); Berlin (13); Montlucon; Hanover (3); Frankfurt (2); Stuttgart (2); Kassel; Dusseldorf; Modane; Cannes; Ludwigshaven; Brunswick; Magdeburg; Frankfurt-on-Oder and Leipzig.

White advanced to Acting Warrant Officer in January 1944, and was commissioned Flying Officer in April 1944. In the same month he was posted to the Pathfinder Force Night Training Unit at Warboys. White was posted to 635 Squadron in April 1945, and subsequently to the Air Crew Allocation Centre and No. 2 Personnel Despatch Centre.

Sold with the following related items and documents: Air Gunner Brevet; D.F.C. Royal Mint case of issue; named Buckingham Palace enclosure for D.F.C., and Campaign Medal enclosure.