Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War D.F.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant, later Pilot Officer, F. J. Clay, Royal Canadian Air Force, a Halifax Rear Gunner with 431 Squadron, for his gallantry during a raid on Hamburg on the night of 28-29 July 1944: with his aircraft swept by cannon and machine gun fire Clay’s skipper gave the order to jump; the navigator, bomb-aimer, and mid-gunner all parachuted out, but the severely wounded Clay was unable to do so, and with the pilot having regained control of the aircraft he crawled to the front and, in spite of his wounds, succeeded in safely navigating them home, for which services he was originally recommended for the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (Can/R. 187051. Sgt. F. J. Clay. R.C.A.F.) on original mounting pin; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, about extremely fine (6) £1,800-£2,200

D.F.M. London Gazette 13 October 1944 (in a joint citation with Flying Officer R. G. Holden, R.C.A.F. [awarded the D.F.C.] - the original recommendations were for the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) and the Distinguished Service Order respectively):
‘Flying Officer Holden was detailed one night [28-29] in July 1944, to attack Hamburg and Sergeant Clay was his rear gunner. Whilst over the target the aircraft was swept by cannon and machine gun fire from an enemy fighter. Sergeant Clay was severely wounded and the aircraft became uncontrollable. It dived steeply and Flying Officer Holden ordered the crew to escape by parachute. The navigator, bomb aimer and mid-upper gunner jumped [and were subsequently taken Prisoner of War]. After losing 10,000 feet the pilot regained control and rescinded his order to abandon aircraft. Sergeant Clay crawled to the nose of the aircraft where he remained during the return flight helping Flying Officer Holden to navigate his aircraft through a most heavily defended area of Germany. Only when the aircraft was being landed in England did Sergeant Clay indicate
that he was injured by requesting Flying Officer Holden to have an ambulance to meet the bomber on the airfield. Flying Officer Holden and Sergeant Clay displayed unswerving devotion to duty and set an example of the highest standard.’

Francis James Clay, a native of Red Deer, Alberta, was born on 31 October 1922 and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at Edmonton, Alberta, on 27 August 1942. Promoted temporary Sergeant on 15 October 1943, he was posted to 431 Squadron (Halifaxes) on 12 May 1944, and served with them as a Rear Gunner. He was severely wounded during a raid on Hamburg on the night of 28-29 July 1944, and was admitted to R.A.F. Hospital Rauceby. For his gallantry he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, having originally been recommended for the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying). He was promoted temporary Flight Sergeant on 15 July 1944, and temporary Warrant Officer Class II on 15 January 1945. He was commissioned Pilot Officer on 2 March 1945, and was demobilised, transferring to the Reserve, on 30 April 1946. Invested with the D.F.M. by H.M. King George VI on 13 July 1947, he died on 23 May 1993.

Sold with the recipient’s Operational Wings, gilt flying badge, R.C.A.F. cloth Air Gunner’s brevet, and riband bar; six photographs of the recipient, including four taken on his wedding day; original Royal Canadian Air Force certificate of service; and copied Record of Service and other research.