Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A Second War ‘Immediate’ D.F.M. awarded to Flight Sergeant D. E. Gwynne-Vaughan, Royal Canadian Air Force, an air gunner with 431 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron who, during an attack on Pforzheim in February 1945, destroyed one Ju.88 and got a probable second Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (CAN/R.224884 F/Sgt. D. E. Gwynne-Vaughan. R.C.A.F.) good very fine £1,600-£2,000 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 5 June 1945. The official citation for an immediate D.F.M. [published jointly with Flight Sergeant M. S. Jowett, 431 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron] states: ‘As air gunners, these airmen have participated in very many sorties. They have set a fine example of determination and throughout their devotion to duty has been unfailing. Their coolness and courage in combat was amply demonstrated on one occasion in February 1945, when attacking Pforzheim. During the operation their aircraft was attacked eight times by enemy fighters, but these gunners, by their good shooting and excellent co-operation, beat off their attackers, one of which was shot down. Their conduct throughout this spirited action was exemplary.’ The original recommendation for Gwynne-Vaughan’s immediate D.F.M., submitted on 27 March 1945, states: ‘Gwynne-Vaughan, Donald Ellesworth, Flight Sergeant, R.C.A.F., No. 431 (RCAF) Sqn. (Immediate) Sorties 31, Flying hours 190.38. Air Gunner. Flight Sergeant Gwynne-Vaughan is an Air Gunner who has been an exceptionally valuable member of his crew. His extreme courage and coolness under fire and his fine offensive spirit in the face of extreme danger have been an inspiration and example to the other members of his crew. During an attack on Pforzheim on 23rd February, 1945, Flight Sergeant Gwynne-Vaughan’s aircraft was attacked by Ju.88s. Due to the superior skill and dogged determination of the Air Gunners and their splendid co-operation with the remainder of the crew, all of these attacks were beaten off and Flight Sergeant Gwynne-Vaughan destroyed one of them and got a probable second. For his courage and coolness in combat together with his cheerfulness and spirit of co-operation with his crew and Gunnery Leader, I strongly recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal for this N.C.O.’ Sold with copied London Gazette entry and recommendations for both airmen.