Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘North Africa campaign’ and ‘East Africa operations’ D.F.C. group of five awarded to Captain D. J. Jacobs, South African Air Force, who was decorated for a protracted operational tour in Marylands of 24 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron in 1940-41, prior to being killed in a flying accident in September 1942

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1941’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all campaign awards officially impressed ‘203018 D. J. Jacobs’, mounted for display, generally very fine or better
(5) £1,000-£1,400

D.F.C. London Gazette 26 September 1941.

The original recommendation states:

‘This officer has carried out 29 operational sorties, including 18 bombing raids on Abyssinia and Italian Somaliland in Libya and four operational flights in connection with the Crete operations. During these missions, Lieutenant Jacobs has attacked targets of all types, being particularly successful in Abyssinia where he destroyed a number of enemy aircraft by low-level bombing and machine-gun attacks. He has inflicted heavy casualties on enemy convoys and has an impressive record of material damage to his credit. Lieutenant Jacobs has also carried out 56 sea reconnaissances and 11 escort patrols for the Fleet. His work has been carried through with great tenacity and disregard for personal safety.’

Daniel Jacobus Jacobs was born in Pretoria on 11 June 1917 and was educated at Glenwood School, where he was a member of the 1st Rugby XV, and at Natal University College.

Having then joined the South African Air Force and qualified as a pilot, he commenced his operational tour in No. 24 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron in the summer of 1940, when he flew 17 sorties against targets in Abyssinia and Italian Somaliland. Later, in the period leading up to February 1941, he flew numerous sea reconnaissances and escort patrols for the Fleet and, as it transpired, he was back in action in support of the Royal Navy off Crete in May 1941. Finally, in the period leading up to his D.F.C. recommendation, he flew several sorties against targets in Libya.

Tour-expired, Jacobs subsequently joined No. 21 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron and was likewise employed at the time of his death on 5 September 1942, when his Baltimore spun into the ground near lake Naivasha, Kenya. Aged 25, he was buried in Gilgil War Cemetery.