Lot 149
A Courageous and Skilful Navigator - DFC and Immediate DFM
At Sea, On Land & In The Air | M24003
Auction: 24 September 2024 at 18:30 BST
Description
The Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Flying Medal Bomber Command Group of 6 awarded to Warrant Officer, Navigator James Henry Jennings, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 10 Squadron R.A.F. comprising Distinguished Flying Cross, GVIR, (1945), Distinguished Flying Medal, GVIR, (1335655 Sgt J H Jennings. RAF), 1939-45 Star, (Loose Copy Bomber Command Clasp) Air Crew Europe Star with France & Germany Clasp, 1939-45 Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal, all unnamed as issued, contemporarily mounted for wear, lightly toned very fine (6)
Distinguished Flying Medal The London Gazette 30th November 1943
1336555 Sergeant James Henry Jennings, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 10 Squadron.
As Navigator, Sergeant Jennings has participated in a large number of sorties and has displayed skill of a high order. With unfailing accuracy he has guided his pilot to the target, often in the face of strong opposition, and his efforts have contributed materially to the success achieved. Sergeant Jennings has rendered fine service.
Distinguished Flying Cross The London Gazette 23rd September 1945
Warrant Officer
James Henry Jennings, D.F.M. (133655), R.A.F.V.R. 10 Sqn.
No 10 Squadron operated Halifax II & III Bombers throughout the period that Warrant Officer Jennings was flying Operationally. The Fuller Citation for his DFM gives more information:
Sergeant Jennings was posted to No 10 Squadron in May 1943 and after having completed 25 sorties comprising 144 operational hours has now been recommended for screening and posting to instructional duties. The N.C.O. has been one of the most outstanding Navigators of this squadron in a particularly successful crew and although his aircraft on many occasions has been damaged by FLAK and also attacked by enemy night fighters, he has continued to operate with undiminished ardour. Sergeant Jennings was the Navigator in a Halifax detailed to attack Kassel on the night of the 22nd of October 1943, during which the Air Bomber obtained an excellent aiming point photograph of the target area. He throughout his tour never failed to guide his aircraft straight to the target and safely back to base. It is but characteristic of his efficiency that he has enabled his Captain to bring back many fine photographs of the target area. During a sortie over Gelsenkkirchen, his aircraft received severe damage in the port wing and fuselage from a heavily concentrated barrage of FLAK.. On the 23rd of August, during a raid on Berlin, his aircraft was attacked by a J.U. 88, the Halifax receiving damage in the rear turret and fuselage. I consider Sergeant Jennings’ flawless operational record and his marked ability in the air and on the ground be recognised by the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Meda.
Sold with Copy London Gazette entries, original photograph in later life 10 Squadron Association Newsletter – December 1984, Copy DFM long citation.
