A Scarce I.G.S. ‘Northwest Frontier 1935’ M.i.D. and Second World War D.F.M. Group of 9 awarded to Squadron Leader Bernard J. Brooks, Royal Air Force, who was an Observer with No. 27 Squadron on the North West Frontier, with No. 84 Squadron at Shaibah in Iraq, and with No.53 Squadron during the Fall of France, comprising: Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (364492. Sgt. B. J. Brooks. R.A.F.); India General Service Medal, 1908, single clasp, North West Frontier 1935, with M.i.D. oak leaf (364492. Cpl. B. J. Brooks. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals (these five impressed 48011 Flt.-Lt. B. J. Brooks. R.A.F.); R.A.F. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (Act. Flt. Lt. B. J. Brooks. R.A.F.); Iraq, King Faisal’s War Medal, single clasp, South Kurdistan 1931 (unnamed as issued); Group court mounted, very fine to good very fine (9) D.F.M.: London Gazette: 23 July 1940 (General Citation) - 'On May 13th, 1940, this N.C.O. observer was one of the crew of an aircraft detailed to carry out reconnaissance over strongly defended enemy areas. In the course of this the aircraft was subjected to accurate and intensive enemy Anti-Aircraft fire resulting in severe damage to the aircraft and injuries to the Air Gunner. In spite of this he continued to make valuable observations, and maintained accurate navigation. His coolness under fire and his personal disregard of danger contributed largely to the success of this reconnaissance.' M.i.D.: London Gazette: 08 May 1936 (Group Citation) - 'in recognition of gallant and distinguished service rendered in connection with the Mohmand operations on the North West Frontier, India, during the period 15th-16th August and 15th-16th October, 1935.' Squadron Leader Bernard James Brooks, D.F.M., joined the No.1 School of Technical Training at Halton, Bucks in 1924, and by 1929 was with No. 84 Squadron at Shaibah, Iraq. His Flying Log Book for this period was lost when he left that region at the end of 1931. He was then posted to No.27 Squadron, flying Westland Wapitis from Kohat, India. This spell included 16 Active Operations, bombing various targets in September and October 1932, and numerous Reconnaissance and Army Cooperation missions up to March 1936. The Mohmand operations of 1935 for Brooks comprised 47 Active Operations in fewer days (many of them Night Ops), bombing and straffing villages, tribesmen, cattle etc. Back at Brize Norton at the outbreak of the Second World War, Brooks, along with Blenheims of No.53 Squadron, were soon sent to France with the B.E.F. undertaking frequent Reconnaissance and Low Bombing operations. His logbooks previously recorded the following entry for 13 May 1940, the date of his D.F.M. action: Reconnaissance of Advanced German Forces in Belgium. Strong A.A., M.G. S.A.A. fire. A./C. badly damaged. A.G.(A.C. Cavett) wounded. Escorted by 2 Hurcns of 615 Sqdn. (S./L. Kyle F. Lt. Thornly). The altitude of the aircraft is recorded as just 50 feet. During the course of the next fortnight his aircraft was twice more hit by flak, once causing a forced landing. Then on 2 June, Brooks entered: Reconnaissance of German batteries off Dunkirk. Heavy flak. Hit coast crashed on Goodwin Sands. All. O.K. Rescued!! by H.M.S. Shipmates. Landed at Dover. Very Wet!! 2000ft-0ft!! One month later he was found unfit for flying and went on sick leave. The rest of his war was spent on various duties in England and India, including a short spell of Special Duty at Imphal towards the end of 1942. This lot is offered with a scrap book page with 3 original photographs, small magazine and newspaper cuttings and cards, and a typescript history of No. 53 Squadron. Ex Sotheby's, 25-26 June 1997

Estimate: GBP 2000-3000