"This pilot completed an operational tour in eleven months, flying 86 sorties amounting to 300 hours. These missions over Greece, Crete, the Dodecanese and Cyclades entailed long hours in a single engine unarmed aircraft, and often a complete front as high as 35,000 feet was encountered but with determination this pilot continued to his target. On one occasion he was intercepted by a twin engine enemy aircraft which he evaded. He continued his mission and was then attacked by two Me. 109s. These he also evaded and returned to base. On another sortie he was again attacked by a twin engine enemy aircraft over Thera. He managed to break away from this enforced combat and continued his sortie, returning to base with valuable and detailed visual information of Candia harbour.
"He is recommended for the honour of the Distinguished Flying Cross."
His DFC is inscribed "F/Lt. 141356, W.S.G. Chandler, 1945." It remains in excellent condition, with ribbon and suspender intact.
The remainder of his medal group includes a 1939-45 Star, an Africa Star, an Italy Star, a Defence Medal, a British War Medal 1939-45, and a Police Exemplary Service medal (MY-271). The original Royal Mint case for his Distinguished Flying Cross is included. The most fascinating portion of this collection is the supporting material: his flight logbooks, his letter from George VI on Buckingham Palace stationary, several photographs, his cap, his RAF patch, and more. This is an archive that should be seen to be fully appreciated. To view all items from the Gem Collection, click here.
From the Gem Collection.
Earlier from Dix Noonan Webb's sale of April 2004, lot 1272.
Estimate: $1500 - $2500