Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War M.C. group of four attributed to Flight Lieutenant W. R. Jay, 2804 (Armoured) Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, who commanded a flight of armoured cars through occupied Europe and into Germany - including taking part in ‘the capture of the entire designing staff of the Focke Wulf Aircraft Company, together with many valuable secret documents’

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1946’, and additionally engraved ‘F/Lt. W. R. Jay.’; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as originally worn, generally good very fine (4) £700-£900

Approximately 68 M.C.s awarded to the Royal Air Force for the Second World War.

M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1946:
‘Flight Lieutenant Jay has commanded an armoured flight for eleven months and has been actively engaged in conflict with the enemy since August, 1944. From 3rd-12th April, 1945, his flight was acting as an armoured reconnaissance unit to a special force whose speedy advance was only made possible by his determined and efficient handling of the flight. On 8th April, 1945, Flight Lieutenant Jay was ordered to carry out a reconnaissance with a troop of armoured cars which necessitated proceeding between two strongly pockets of resistance. He was frequently under fire and once had to join battle with the enemy, giving covering fire to an American detachment in difficulties. His determination, courage and complete disregard of personal danger enabled the force to gain its objective without casualties. The operation resulted in the capture of the entire designing staff of the Focke Wulf Aircraft Company, together with many valuable secret documents.’

Walter Ross Jay served as a Corporal in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve prior to being commissioned Acting Pilot Officer on probation in October 1941. He advanced to Flying Officer on probation in October of the following year, having transferred to the Royal Air Force Regiment the previous month. Jay served during the Second War with 2804 (Armoured) Squadron, R.A.F. Regiment, and commanded a flight of armoured cars 1944-45. The Squadron were deployed to St Croix and the Ardennes before entering Germany.

M.I.D. unconfirmed.