Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Captain R. M. Farrer, Royal Artillery, attached to 654 Army Observation Post Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for a difficult reconnaissance of an enemy position near the town of Francolise, Italy, flying an unarmed Auster observation plane. He was later killed in action after his aircraft was hit by flak on observation patrol on 23 September 1944

1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with named Army Council enclosure, in card box of issue addressed to ‘Mrs D. C. Farrer, 11 Broomfield, Adel, Leeds, Yorks’, extremely fine (4) £200-£240

D.F.C. London Gazette 24 February 1944:
‘On the 21 October, Captain Farrer was Air OP Officer attached to this Regiment at Francolise. He was briefed for a vital and difficult mission, being told to register a bridge partly concealed by trees. His instruction made clear the vital character of the job and he was advised not to cross beyond the N.05 easting grid line, where the enemy was known to have his forward position. Hills and thick country prevented observation unless the gridline was crossed. Captain Farrer went on, got and excellent registration, and returned safely, although fired on while completing his task. This officer’s gallantry, judgement and skill fully deserve immediate recognition.’

Robert Michael Farrer was born in Panistone, Yorkshire. He served during the Second World War in the Royal Artillery, enlisting into the ranks in 1939 and joining the 121st Officer Cadet Training Unit. He was commission Second Lieutenant on 24 February 1940, and after undergoing pilot training he was assigned to 654 (Army Observation Post) Squadron, Royal Air Force as an artillery observation pilot, flying unarmed Taylorcraft Auster observation aircraft. He served with distinction, being awarded an immediate Distinguished Flying Cross for a difficult and dangerous reconnaissance and observation patrol near Francolise, Italy on 21 October 1943.

On 23 September 1944, during an observation patrol on enemy positions near the coast of Italy, Farrer and his Auster went missing without trace. No evidence of his plane was ever found and it is believed that he received a direct hit from light flak, causing him to crash into the sea. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy.