Full medal write up
DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL, G.VI.R. ‘1218488 F.SGT. V. LEE. R.A.F.’; 1939-1945 STAR; AIR CREW EUROPE STAR, CLASP, FRANCE AND GERMANY; DEFENCE AND WAR MEDALS 1939-45, ALL PRIVATELY ENGRAVED 'V. LEE F/SGT D.F.M. 1218488 R.A.F.'
D.F.M. London Gazette 14 October 1949, the original recommendation dated 16 April 1945 states:
'This Flight Engineer has nearly completed his second tour of operations. The skill with which he has applied his expert knowledge of his aircraft and equipment have been a most valuable asset to his crew. He has at all times shown the utmost keenness and efficiency and has worked and co-operated with his Captain with most effective results. His determination and devotion to duty have always been of a very high standard at all times and I consider he should be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal'.
Flight Sergeant Victor Lee served as a Flight Engineer in 419 ‘Moose’ Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, from late 1942, taking part in his first operational sortie, a mining operation on 7 January 1943. Between then and 6 June 1943, he took part in a further 26 sorties and amassed over 200 hours operational flying time. The vast majority of his missions were to heavily defended German targets; Essen being visited on four occasions and Berlin on a further three. At this time, 419 Squadron operated with Handley Page Halifax B MkII’s, 419 Squadron forming part of 6 (Canadian) Group:
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/squadron_419.html
Lee was Commissioned Pilot Officer on 22 October 1943 but this appointment was officially terminated in May 1944. Presumably at his own request (London Gazette 11 May 1944 refers) rather than due to any service issues because by December 1944 he had transferred to 90 Squadron for a second operational tour. At this time, 90 Squadron operated Lancaster Mk III’s, Flight Sergeant Lee taking part in his hirst operational sortie, a bombing mission to Koblenz Lutzel on 29 December 1944. Between then and 13 April 1945, he took part in a further 16 Operational sorties, the majority being day raids (his previous tour being all night) and all to targets in Germany, culminated with a night sortie to Kiel.
Though it is clear from his original recommendation in April 1945 that Lee was to be awarded the D.F.M., the decoration was listed in the London Gazette 25 September 1945 in error as a D.F.C. It would not be until October 1949 that a correction was finally published in the London Gazette.
Lee had completed 43 operational sorties by the time of his D.F.M. recommendation but he had not yet completed his tour, so it would be worth checking the Operational Record Book of 90 Squadron to find his full tally.
Condition GVF, mounted court style as worn Sold together with copied research which includes his original recommendation and a list of sorties up until the award of his D.F.M. Ex Morton and Eden May 2002.
A fine set of awards to a Flight Engineer who took part in excess of 43 sorties, the vast majority to heavily defended targets in Germany.