RARE WW2 RAF DFC & BAR MEDAL GROUP 56 MISSION PATHFINDER BOMBER COMMAND

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An outstanding double gallantry Second World War D.F.C. & Bar group of five attributed to Halifax and Lancaster Pilot, Flight Lieutenant E. O'Connor, 405 (Vancouver) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Flight Lieutenant O'Connor flew in at least 56 operational sorties, over two tours, with 8 Group Path Finder Force.

The group includes:

a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1944' and period engraved 'F/Lt. E. O'Connor', with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated '1945'.
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Air Crew Europe Star
d) Defence and War Medals

(all 4 WW2 service medals are period engraved in sans-serif capitals 'F/Lt. E. O'Connor D.F.C. R.A.F.')
All medals have been recently mounted for wear and are in fine condition overall.

D.F.C. London Gazette 13.10.1944 Acting Flying Officer Edward O'Connor (174075), R.A.F.V.R., 405 (RCAF) Squadron.
The Recommendation states: 'This Officer is a very capable and determined Captain. Most of the sorties in which he has participated have been against heavily defended enemy targets. On many occasions he and his crew have been in great personal danger, having been attacked by enemy fighters and shot up by enemy anti-aircraft fire, but by skilful handling of his aircraft and superb leadership, this Officer has brought his aircraft and crew back safely to friendly territory. The fine example set by this Officer is worthy of high praise.

D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 16.1.1945 Flight Lieutenant Edward O'Connor (174075), R.A.F.V.R., 405 (RCAF) Squadron
The Recommendation states: 'Flight Lieutenant O'Connor is a highly efficient Pilot and Captain of a crew which has now completed two tours of operations. The targets attacked by this Officer include such heavily-defended German cities as Berlin, Kiel and Stuttgart. Throughout his long and varied operational career, this Officer has evinced a keenness for offensive action against the enemy, which has made him stand out amongst his comrades. He is of a quiet, reserved nature, but possesses daring and initiative which are his most outstanding qualities. Undoubtedly, this Officer has done much by his own personal example of devotion to duty, to keep the morale of Aircrew at a high standard.

Flight Lieutenant Edward O'Connor, D.F.C., Born 1923 at Kendall, Westmoreland; England. His mother being the only registered parent, her name was Margaret heap Haslingden. Educated at Senior Boys School, Kendal. Commissioned 1943 after service in the ranks. Served as a Pilot with 405 (Vancouver) Squadron (Halifaxes and Lancasters), R.C.A.F., Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire, as part of 8 Group Path Finder Force from August 1943; he flew in at least 56 operational sorties with the squadron over two operational tours including: Nuremburg; Munchen Gladbach; Mannheim (2); Hanover (2); Kassel (2); Cannes; Leverkusen; Berlin (3); Stuttgart; Frankfurt (2); Essen; Montzen; Montdidier; Mantes Gassicourt; Boulogne; Mont Couple; Le Mans; Rennes (2); Dunkerque; Toures; Cambrai; Lens; Renescure; Oisemont-Neuvelle-au-Bois (3); Metz; Caen; Paris; Russelheim (2); Stettin (2); Bremen; Kiel (2); Calais; Saarbrucken; Dortmund and Duisburg; commissioned Flying Officer, 3.10.1944.