RAF CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY MEDAL GROUP

The RAF Conspicuous Gallantry Medal Group of Five to Sergeant D.R.Bowers, with France and Germany Star, 1939-1945 Star, Defence and War medals. Also included is 1) The Flying Log Book in good condition noting as the final entry the incident that brought about the awarding of the CGM, the last neat entry reads 'Received Direct Hit from Heavy A/A Shell in Rear Bomb Bay. F/S French, F/S Hart, Sgt McWilliams Abandoned Aircraft as ordered - Posted Missing. Self Severely Wounded - Awarded C.G.M. D.F.M. Awarded to F/S Reynolds, F/S Mann. D.F.C. awarded to F/O Hampson'. A further single line in pilot Gilbert Hampson's hand reads 'A wizard show Dennis, always indebted to you. Gil'. 2) Flight Engineer's Notes for 'Lancaster' Aircraft. 3) RAFA membership book. 4) RAF Service Book. 5) File of ephemera including 3 rather ragged contemporary newspaper cuttings on the award, RAF group photo, two photos of the damage to the aircraft, copy photograph of Bowers in uniform, the pilot's report of the incident and photocopy recommendation for the award endorsed by Air Chief Marshal 'Bomber' Harris dated 7th April 1945, and various other items/letters including Buckingham Palace Investiture letter dated 27th February 1946. 6) Four cloth uniform badges and few others including LESMA metal badge. Sergeant Bowers served in No. 156 Squadron of the Path Finder Force (No.8 Group) as Flight Engineer. The incident happened on the afternoon of the 24th March 1945 whilst the aircraft was taking part in a bombing raid over Harpenerweg. The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (RAF) was awarded to NCO's, glider pilots, observers and Army personnel engaged in an air operation against the enemy. The award is superior to the Distinguished Flying Medal. Since its institution in 1943, a total of 104 CGM's (Flying) have been awarded. *For ref. see H.Taprell Dorling 'Ribbons and Medals' 1974, p.81