Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘1945’ D.F.C., ‘1943’ D.F.M. group of seven awarded to Halifax and Lancaster Rear Gunner, Flight Sergeant, later Flight Lieutenant, W. H. Goodridge, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 91 operational sorties - the majority of which being with 419 (Moose) Squadron, R.C.A.F. and 75 (New Zealand) Squadron

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (635318. F/Sgt. W. H. Goodridge. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for display, with named Buckingham Palace enclosure for D.F.C., cleaned, generally very fine (7) £3,000-£4,000

D.F.C. London Gazette 16 February 1945.
The original recommendation states: ‘This officer has now completed a total of 91 operational sorties comprising one tour of 24 operations flown in the Middle East, the remainder being carried out in the European theatre against a variety of targets in Germany and German Occupied territory.
Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal and his arrival at this Unit, F/O Goodridge has shown most commendable drive and efficiency, and the large number of operations carried out testifies in itself to his determination, keenness and fearlessness in engaging the enemy regardless of any personal risks involved.
By his great experience, F/O Goodridge has been a most valuable asset to the Service, and to the Squadron as a whole, and I can think of no one more deserving of recognition.
I strongly recommend that he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

D.F.M. London Gazette 9 July 1943.
The original recommendation states: ‘Since May 19th, 1940, Flight Sergeant Goodridge has completed seventy-three (73) sorties against the enemy as a Rear Gunner. Of this number, fifty sorties were completed from bases in the United Kingdom and the remainder from bases in the Middle East.
His operations include attacks against Berlin, Hamburg, Essen, Kiel, Stettin and Munich, as well as Naples, Tripoli, Benghazi and the Corinth Canal.
At no time during his operational career has Flight Sergeant Goodridge been found wanting in spirit or in willingness to complete whatever task was set him. Rather, he has shown extreme unwillingness to be rested from operations.
I consider that this N.C.O.’s tenacity, keenness and devotion to duty, coupled with an almost shy manner, has set a fine example to the members of his crew, as well as to his Squadron as a whole, and feel that the award of the D.F.M. is fully justified.

Remarks of Station Commander: I consider this N.C.O.’s skill and devotion to duty and his fine operational record over a period of three years warrant recognition by the award of the D.F.M.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 June 1942.

William Henry Goodridge enlisted as Aircraftman 2nd Class in the Royal Air Force in February 1939. He carried out training as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, and advanced to Flight Sergeant. Goodridge was commissioned Pilot Officer in May 1943, and advanced to Flying Officer in November of the same year. He advanced to Flight Lieutenant in November 1945, and was recategorised as a Pilot in March 1952. Goodridge retired in 1954.