A VERY FINE D.F.M. AWARDED TO A WELLINGTON BOMBER REAR GUNNER WHO’S RECOMMENDATION DESCRIBED HIM AS A “A VERY FLAT OUT AND GALLANT YOUNG GUNNER” AND HOW “HIS SUCCESS AGAINST THE ME 109 ON 2/6/42 HAS RAISED HIM TO A STATE OF ELATION, IN WHICH HE IS PREPARED TO TAKE ON THE LUFTWAFFE SINGLE-HANDED. HIS ENTHUSIASM IS INFECTIOUS AND IS HAVING AN EXCELLENT EFFECT IN HIS SQUADRON.” TRAGICALLY HE WAS TO BE KILLED 7 WEEKS LATER DURING A RAID ON HAMBURG

DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL, G.VI.R. ‘635036 SGT. R. BUSH. R.A.F.’

D.F.M. London Gazette 27 July 1943.

The original recommendation by the Officer Commanding No. 142 Squadron, dated 25 July 1942, the day before Bush was killed:

'This N.C.O. has displayed excellent qualities as an Air Gunner. During the operational sorties he has made over enemy and occupied territory he has shown an alertness under fire, and enthusiasm for his task which has proved an inspiration to all with whom he has come in contact. On many occasions his skilful handling of his guns and turret have resulted in his aircraft reaching its home base in safety. One occasion when returning from Essen his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter under conditions of light favourable to the enemy. However, Sgt. Bush's skill and superiority in gunnery over his opponent resulted in the enemy fighter being destroyed.

Remarks by Station Commander, dated 25 July 1942:

'A very flat out and gallant young gunner. His success against the ME 109 on 2/6/42 has raised him to a state of elation, in which he is prepared to take on the Luftwaffe single-handed. His enthusiasm is infectious and is having an excellent effect in his Squadron. Recommended for the Distinguished Flying Medal.”………………..

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Condition EF, lovely patina, complete with its original ribbon and pin. Sold with a most comprehensive file of copied research including confidential reports, extracts from local newspapers, Bush’s operational soties and associated other papers.

A fine D.F.M. to a gallant young Air Gunner.