Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War immediate D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant M. E. Gilmore, Royal Canadian Air Force, who rendered first aid to his severely wounded Mid-Upper Gunner in their flak-damaged Halifax of 420 (Snowy Owl) Squadron, and then navigated the aircraft to an emergency landing ground in Holland

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (CAN/R.169925. F/Sgt. M. E. Gilmore. R.C.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, mounted for display in this order, good very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800

D.F.M. London Gazette 22 December 1944.

The original recommendations states:

‘Flight Sergeant Gilmore was Navigator in Flying Officer MacKenzie’s aircraft detailed on 12 October 1944 to attack Wanne Eickel in the Ruhr. The aircraft, whilst on the outward journey to the target, was hit by intense flak and damaged, and in addition the Mid-Upper Gunner was severely wounded.

This N.C.O. remained at his post and navigated his aircraft to the target well inside Genrmany where the bombs were dropped. When the attack had been delivered, he proceeded to administer first aid to the wounded gunner, who undoubtedly owes his life to Flight Sergeant Gilmore’s knowledge and ability in the application of emergency treatment.

After caring for the gunner, he returned to his duties and skilfully navigated his aircraft to an Allied landing field in Holland near the battle line, where a landing was made under difficult conditions and the wounded gunner was left for treatment in the field hospital.
Flight Sergeant Gilmore’s skilful navigation and proficiency in first aid undoubtedly saved the life of the gunner and enabled the remainder of his crew and the aircraft to return safely to base. In consequence it is strongly recommended that he be awarded the immediate D.F.M.’

Marshall Elgin Gilmore was born at Moulton Station, Haldimand, Ontario, on 4 January 1914. Qualifying as a Navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force after the commencement of hostilities, he was embarked for the U.K. and posted to 420 (Snowy Owl) Squadron, a Halifax unit operating out of R.A.F. Tholthorpe, Yorkshire.

His subsequent operational tour, which commenced in August 1944, was largely devoted to targets of a French nature, although towards the end of the year his crew returned to a German-based agenda. Hence the above cited strike on Wanne Eickel on 12 October 1944, by which time Gilmore had flown 26 sorties.

And in terms of other sorties flown, his recommendation lists Dortmund, Duisburg, Kiel, Osnabruck and Wilhelmshaven, in addition to Bergen. Whilst those of a French nature included V-weapon targets in the Foret de Nieppe and Foret de Chantilly, in addition to strikes on Calais and La Pallice.

Gilmore died in Dundas, Ontario in July 2000.