Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War D.F.M. awarded to Air Gunner Flight Sergeant H. Humphreys, Royal Air Force, who carried out over 50 Operational Sorties, his first on the very day Britain declared War, 3 September 1939. At least 10 of his Sorties were with 7 Squadron, Path Finder Force, and he was killed in action during a raid on Munster on 12 June 1943

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (533882. Sgt. H. Humphreys. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800

D.F.M. London Gazette 13 July 1943.

The original Recommendation, dated 29 May 1943, states: ‘This N.C.O. has carried out 50 operational sorties as an Air Gunner, most of them against heavily defended targets; 8 of these have been with the Pathfinder Force. He has carried out his arduous duties conscientiously and has been a very cool and efficient member of an aircrew. He has throughout shown courage and determination of the highest order.
Covering Remarks of Station Commander: This N.C.O. carried out the first of his total of 50 operational sorties by taking part, as an Air Gunner in a Hampden, in the first daylight attack on Wilhelmshaven. By his coolness and experience as a gunner, and by his willingness to help less experienced crews, he has contributed largely to the gunnery efficiency of his unit.
Covering Remarks of Air Officer Commanding, Path Finder Force: Strongly recommended.’

Hugh Humphreys, a native of Chester, was born in c.1918 and served during the Second World War as an Air Gunner with the Royal Air Force. Initially serving with 44 Squadron (Hampdens), his first operational sortie was on the very day that Britain declared War, 3 September 1939, in a daylight bombing raid on the German Fleet and naval installations at Wilhelmshaven; further targets included Frankfurt, Duren, Nyburg, Schipol, Brest (4 times), Kiel (twice), Mannheim, Hamburg, Essen, and a trip to Berlin, the ‘Big City’, on 14 May 1941.

Transferring to 7 (Path Finder Force) Squadron in early 1943, Humphreys undertook a further 9 successful raids with them, targets including Lorient, Bremen, St. Nazaire, Berlin, Kiel, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Mannheim, and Dortmund. Awarded a non-immediate D.F.M., he was killed in action on the night of 11-12 June 1943, whilst on a raid to Munster. Taking off from R.A.F. Oakington, their Stirling R9286, piloted by Flying Officer E. P. Deville, was last fixed over the continent at 03:58, after which nothing more was heard. Their aircraft was never recovered and all seven crew, including Humphreys, are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

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