medal code j3275

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AN OUTSTANDING 6 SQUADRON R.A.F. ‘FLYING CAN-OPENERS’ FIGHTER PILOT’S D.F.M. GROUP AWARDED FOR GALLANTRY IN PERFORMING EXCEPTIONALLY DANGEROUS LOW LEVEL ATTACKS IN HURRICANE MK.IVS EQUIPPED WITH THE ROCKET PROJECTILES. HE HAD PREVIOUSLY FLOWN HURRICANE’S WITH 274 SQUADRON AT EL ALAMEIN AND DURING THE TUNISIAN CAMPAIGN. COMMISSIONED PILOT OFFICER THE MONTH HE WAS RECOMMENDED FOR THE D.F.M., HE WAS TRAGICALLY KILLED 4 MONTHS LATTER WHEN DEMONSTRATING ROCKET ATTACKS TO NEW PILOTS. BY THE TIME OF HIS DEATH HE HAD COMPLETED NO LESS THAN 209 OPERATIONAL SORTIES!

DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL GVI, ‘1002237. FLT SGT. H. R. LYLE. R.A.F., 1939-45 STAR, AFRICA STAR, ITALY STAR, WAR MEDAL.

D.F.M. London Gazette 8 September 1944

“Lyle, Hedley Robert. 100237 Flight Sergeant, No.6 Sqn. Sorties 171, Flight hours 254. Pilot.

This Flight Sergeant Pilot of No.6 Squadron has, during the past month carried out 21 sorties against enemy shipping and land targets in Hurricane aircraft fitted with rocket projectiles. Although with no prior experience of this type of weapon, Flight Sergeant Lyle has pressed home his attacks at low level with outstanding success, being personally responsible for the destruction of a considerable amount of enemy shipping. During the period between the 2nd and 7th of June 1944, he took part in introducing the new technique of rocket firing at night at very low altitude and displayed magnificent spirit in the manner in which he overcame the difficulties caused by the intense glare of rocket firing at night, and the attendant danger when firing very close to the water. During the five attacks cited he flew eight sorties against enemy shipping, pressing home his attacks at close range in spite of heavy flak defences. This N.C.O. has displayed courage and determination of a very high order while his keenness and initiative have proved to be an excellent example to the remainder of the squadron. I strongly recommend this Flight Sergeant for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. 5th July 1944”

The DFM recommendation was made by Air Vice Marshal Lloyd, Air Officer Commanding Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force, and was written on 5th July 1944.

Hedley Robert Lyle, the son of Major Norman and Marian Lyle, was born on 2 March 1922 in Hillhead, Glasgow. Attending Kelvinside Academy 1927-39, at the outbreak of the Second War Lyle was serving as an engineer in Glasgow. He enlisted into the Royal Air Force on 3 June 1940, initially serving as a qualified Motor Boat Crewman and would have been involved in Air Sea Rescue launches, tenders for Flying Boats or such. On 24 September 1940 he was recommended for training as an Airman Pilot but it wouldn’t be until July 1941 that he attended Elementary Flight Training School. Having passed as a pilot, he was promoted T/Sergeant on 26 February 1942 and on 17 March 1942, reported to 55 O.T.U., which was an R.A.F. Operational Training Unit, for Hurricane fighter pilots. On completion of this course in May 1942, Lyle embarked for the Middle East but his records also list him at Takoradi (West Africa). On 8 August 1942, he was admitted to hospital in Egypt but was soon after discharged and on 26 September 1942, he was posted to 274 Squadron, which at the time was flying Hurricane II’s in the Western Desert campaign. Lyle would fly just two non operational flights in September and several more at the beginning of October, however with the opening of the Battle of El Alamein……………….

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Condition small EK to D.F.M. at 8 o’clock, otherwise GVF. D.F.M. with original ribbon pin. Group uncounted. Sold with a large amount of copied research, including service papers and 6 Squadron Operational logs for 1944. Additionally digital copies of 274 and 6 Squadron Operational logs for the periods of Lyle’s service and other research.

A quite outstanding group to an exceptional fighter pilot.

Code J3275        Price £ SOLD