Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Pathfinder Force’ D.F.M. group of five awarded to Lancaster air gunner Flight Sergeant J. N. Oliver, 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron, Royal Air Force, who flew in at least 42 operational sorties with the Squadron

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (547912 F/Sgt. J. N. Oliver. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

D.F.M. London Gazette 7 December 1945.

The original recommendation states: ‘Flight Sergeant Oliver has now carried out 42 operational sorties against the enemy as an Air Gunner in heavy bombers. By his conscientious sense of responsibility he has shown himself to be a gunner of very fine ability. His keenness to fly on operations and his coolness under fire have gained for him a fine reputation and made him a most valuable member of the squadron. Recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’

Jack Norman Oliver served during the Second World War with the Royal Air Force. He was posted for operational service as an Air Gunner with 35 Squadron (Lancasters) Gravely, at the end of September 1944. Crewed with Flying Officer J. A. Murrell as his pilot, Oliver carried out at least 42 operational sorties with the Squadron by 23 April 1945. These including: Walcheren (2); Cologne (2); Oberhausen; Dusseldorf; Bochum; Duren; Wesel; Urft Dam; Merseburg Leuna; Essen; Ludwigshafen (2); Duisburg (2); Koblenze; Ryhdt; Bonn (2); Buer; Hanover; Hanau; Munich; Grevenbroich; Magdeburg; Stuttgart; Wanne Eickel; Goch; Politz; Bohlen; Chemnitz (2); Pforzheim; Kamen; Dessau; Hamburg; Paderborg; Leuna; Kiel; Leipzig and Schwandorf.