Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Canadian Memorial Cross, G.VI.R. (P.O. J. R. R. Boyer J18960) with silver bar suspension, good very fine £100-£140

Joseph Rene Roland Boyer was born in Montreal, Quebec, and following the outbreak of the Second World War joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. Posted to the Training Wing, 56 Officer Training Unit, his report states: ‘Good average. He flies monthly and well. His formation is very steady and he is sensible. A quiet NCO whose ground discipline is excellent and would make a good officer with experience.’

Moving to England, Boyer was involved in an accident, resulting in a slight head injury, on 12 February 1942 at 17 (P) AFU, R.A.F. Watton. He stated: ‘At 10.55 on 12 February, I took off with P/O Wall in Master DK.867 to receive dual instruction. When approaching to land the fifth time, I was in control of the aircraft and preparing to make a glide approach. As I flattened out, I saw another aircraft between the engine and the starboard wing. As I was about to apply the throttle, P/O Wall took over the controls. We struck the other aircraft, our starboard wing hitting the canopy of the other. We shot upwards and came down on the nose and starboard wing. I immediately looked round and saw P/O Wall leaning forward in an unconscious state. I was not aware of being hurt myself until I saw the blood on my jacket.’

Boyer was killed on 2 February 1944, just a few days after his 27th birthday, when his Typhoon JP658 crashed one mile east of Brighton. A Court of Inquiry was struck:
‘He had 120 hours on the Typhoon. Visibility was 300 yards, cloud 10/10, 300 feet, W.V 10-15 mph, west to l. west. Very misty. F/O J. M. Bolsover reported: “P/O Boyer and I took off from Eastchurch shortly after 1400 hours 2.2.44 to ferry two aircraft to Westhampnett, with myself flying No. 2. We agreed to R.T. silence and to turn back should weather appear too bad. After flying approximately 15 minutes or more, we encountered fog and cloud down to deck level and I lost P/O Boyer. I turned back and landed at Eastchurch. Route forecast was obtained at 11.00 hours weather reported to be clearing. At time of turning back, I was at 300 feet indicated. Flying Control at Eastchurch gave permission to take off. At time of turning back, about 14.40 hours, visibility was 200 yards, cloud base 200 feet. I missed a hill by a few feet and decided to turn back.”
Conclusions: The aircraft had struck the ground at an angle of about 45 degrees near the top of the hill, slope about 30 degrees, approximately 500 feet above sea level, with considerable force. Pieces of the machine were scattered 150 yards and the aircraft had burnt out. F/Lt J. Stopworth noted: “From the position of the flaps, and selector lever, it did not appear that a force landing had been anticipated, and an examination of the wreckage gave no indication of a shortage of fuel or failure of either airframe or engine in the air.” It was decided that the cause of the accident was due to adverse weather conditions. No negligence whatsoever was attributed to the pilot. It was recommended that pilots flying this type of aircraft should obtain more experience of cloud flying under favourable conditions.’

Boyer is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey.

Sold with a photographic image of the recipient; R.C.A.F. cap badge and cloth badge insignia; and a large quantity of research.