The mounted group of eight miniature dress medals worn by Group Captain D. F. Dennis, Royal...

The mounted group of eight miniature dress medals worn by Group Captain D. F. Dennis, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, central medallions missing on both obverse and reverse, with integral top riband bar; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar; Air Force Cross, E.II.R.; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; War Medals 1939-45; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue, mounted as originally worn, generally very fine (8) £140-£180 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2019 (when sold alongside the recipient’s full sized awards). D.S.O. London Gazette 18 May 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘On the afternoon of 21st April, 1943, F/L Dennis was detailed to lead an attack of twelve aircraft on Abbeville marshalling yards. They were intercepted by a large number of enemy fighters over the target, and the fighter escort was soon fully engaged. F/L Dennis’ box of six was singled out for an attack from both stern and ahead simultaneously, with no assistance from our fighters. Three of his formation were shot down, and it was only by his cool headedness, and skill in evasive action, that prevented the complete annihilation of the box of six. This officer has done an exceptional job of work in this Squadron during his two tours of operations. He has always shown the greatest enthusiasm for operations, and has lead formations with excellent results in the past. It is considered that he is largely responsible for the very high morale and efficiency in the Squadron, in spite of recent fairly heavy casualties. Covering remarks by Station Commander: 21 Squadron has only recently been transferred to me from Feltwell and my personal knowledge of Flight Lieutenant Dennis’s operational record is not yet extensive. I am already convinced, however, that here is an operational leader of the very first class. I feel that the Squadron Commander’s citation scarcely indicates, with due emphasis, the exceptional qualities of courage, mature experience and outstanding leadership which have characterised Flight Lieutenant Dennis’s long and distinguished operational career. With this background I endorse the recommendation for the immediate award of the D.S.O. for the qualities of leadership displayed in this most recent operation.’ D.F.C. London Gazette 10 June 1941. The original recommendation states: ‘Whilst on overseas duty engaged on intercepting an enemy convoy moving between Sicily and the North African Coast, this officer showed great daring and skill in attacking both merchant vessels and accompanying naval ships. On May 1st, when ordered to intercept a merchant vessel of 5,000 tons, he secured hits, which caused the ship to founder. Subsequent reconnaissance confirmed that the vessel was lying on its side below water. On May 2nd when ordered to intercept a convoy he attacked a Destroyer or Sloop of 1,000 to 1,200 tons, and secured hits on it. A subsequent attack was made on a CANT Z301 Flying Boat, but no damage was observed. Once again, when on May 7th, he was ordered to intercept a convoy, he secured hits on a merchant vessel of 2,000 to 3,000 tons. The ship took on a list to starboard and emitted much black smoke. This was confirmed by crews of escorting Beaufighters. On each of these occasions, this officer showed great determination in his attacks, and it is most strongly recommended that he should receive an immediate award.’ D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 27 October 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘W/Cdr. Dennis has now completed over 40 sorties in his present operational tour, including high and low level daylight operations, ‘Flower’ sorties, and skilful and determined night attacks in connection with the battles of France. He has always placed himself in the forefront of any particularly difficult operation. On the night of 26th August [1944] it was required to damage as severely as possibly the transporter bridge across the Seine at Rouen. Although it was known that there were 54 light A.A. guns close to this area W/Cdr. Dennis attacked under flares from minimum altitude, and disregarding the opposition led his aircraft in to the bridge, scoring hits with his bombs. For this daring and skilful attack I recommend him for immediate award of the bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross. Remarks by Air Officer Commanding H.Q. No. 2 Group [Basil Embry]: I strongly endorse this recommendation. Wing Commander Dennis carried out a most resolute and successful attack on the transporter bridge across the Seine on the night of 26/27th August, 1944, at Rouen in the face of intense A.A. fire. This was a most hazardous task, well carried out, and he richly deserves immediate recognition. In addition, Wing Commander Dennis, in his third operational tour has commanded his Squadron with marked success. I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of a Bar to the D.F.C.’ A.F.C. London Gazette 13 June 1959. For a full write-up of the recipient, please see Lot 12 in the Dix Noonan Webb auction of 25 September 2019. Sold with the recipient’s riband bar and original Royal Air Force photographic Identity Card in the rank of Group Captain.