Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘1944’ Halifax Bomb Aimer’s D.F.M. group of six awarded to Flight Sergeant E. W. Moroney, 51 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 31 operational sorties with the Squadron - including an abortive trip to Frankfurt on 25 November 1943, when he was forced to bale out after his aircraft was hit by another Halifax turning towards Beachy Head

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1314351. F/Sgt. E. W. Moroney. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Malaya, E.II.R., Cyprus (1314351 Cpl. E. W. Moroney. R.A.F.) last with 2nd clasp loose on riband, as issued, mounted as worn, generally very fine or better (6) £1,400-£1,800

D.F.M. London Gazette 13 October 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘Flight Sergeant Moroney has participated in many attacks against targets in Germany and enemy occupied territory. His insistence on absolute accuracy has always been outstanding. On one occasion an accident to his aircraft made it necessary for him to land by parachute. Undeterred by this or any other of the difficulties and dangers which he has encountered, he has continued to display efficiency, courage and devotion to duty.’

The above refers to an abortive raid to Frankfurt on 25 November 1943. The Squadron’s Operations Record Book states:

‘Aircraft took off with a load of 1 x 2000 lb H.E., 32 x 30 and 819 x 4 lb I.B.S. Port Wing tip and aileron removed from above elevator by collision with another Halifax. Just after turning towards Beachy Head, Mid Upper Gunner gave warning of Halifax aircraft above, and on the Port beam. This was followed almost immediately by the crash. Pilot [Flight Lieutenant G. B. Johnson] was unable to keep straight with the rudder, but by holding back the starboard outer engine he managed to get out to sea to jettison and on return trip the rest of the crew except the second pilot were told to bale out. R/T contact could not be established because the aerial had been swept away. A safe landing was made at Dunsford.’

Edward William Moroney served during the Second World War with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He carried out his initial training as an Air Bomber, advanced to Sergeant and was posted from 1652 C.U. for operational flying with 51 Squadron (Halifaxes) on 10 September 1943. Operating from Snaith, Moroney flew in at least 31 operational sorties with Squadron between September 1943 and July 1944. These operations included: Hanover (2); Mannheim; Dusseldorf; Ludwigshaven; Leverkusen; Berlin (3); Frankfurt (2); Leipzig (2); Stuttgart (2); Augsburg; Trappes (2); Essen; Lille; Morsalines; Colline Beaumont; Orleans; Mont Fleury; Chateauden; Alencon; and Amiens.

Moroney, having completed his tour of operations, was posted to 21 O.T.U. in July 1944.

Sold with relevant copied entries from Squadron’s Operations Record Book.