WW2 D.S.O., D.F.C. medal group to Wing Commander Richard Sydney Clements Wood, who was awarded the D.F.C. in October 1940 when with 115 Squadron, having been one of the first members of bomber command in 1939 to have hit German targets with the Reich, as well as in Holland, Norway, and Belgium in low-level attacks, including the Battle of France. He was subsequently awarded the D.S.O. as the Wing Commander of 12 Squadron for leading the squadron whilst bombing German targets in 1943.   

Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., the reverse of the suspension officially dated '1943'; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1940' and contemporarily engraved 'F/L. R. S. C. Wood. 115 Sqdn. RAF. Marham. 26 Bombing Operations 3/9/39-26/7/40 Wellington. Holland, Belgium, Norway Etc. Hamburg (4), Sylt, Stavenger, Waalhaven, Bergen, Cologne, St. Quintain, The Ruhr'; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, Atlantic; Defence and War Medals 1939-45 unnamed as issued, court mounted for display. It comes with copies of London Gazette, photographs, extract from Hearns Companions of the Distinguished Service Order 1920-2006: Air Awards, newspaper articles.

D.S.O. London Gazette 24 September 1943 (No. 12 Squadron): 'Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this Officer has completed many sorties, including attacks on well defended targets in the Ruhr area. His work has been of a high order throughout and has set a standard worthy of emulation. By his skilful leadership, sound judgment and initiative, Wing Commander Wood has contributed materially to the many successes obtained by his Squadron.'

D.F.C. London Gazette 22 October 1940 (No. 115 Squadron). The recommendation states: 'In May 1940 this Officer took part in five out of seven nights in operations to delay the German advance. On the night of 21 May 1940 he was detailed to attack and if possible destroy the road bridge at Dinant. In cloudy weather with a thick ground haze he descended to 3,000ft to identify his target, and then delivered three attacks at a lower altitude hitting the bridge on each occasion. On his return he reported with regret that the bridge appeared to be standing. Since joining this Squadron in October 1939 this Officer has consistently displayed high courage and determination in finding and bombing his targets and has made a practice of bringing back accurate reports. He has taken part in 4 sweeps over the North Sea, one night reconnaissance over Germany, and 21 major operations over Norway, Belgium, Holland, France and Germany, and has at all times set an example of the highest order.'

Wing Commander Richard Sydney Clements Wood DSO, DFC was born on 12/5/1914 in Croydon, Surrey, England. Educated at Dulwich College he was granted a short service commission as Acting Pilot Officer on Probation on 19/10/1936 being posted to RAF Depot, Uxbridge and the No 9 F.T.S. Thomaby. Promoted to Flying Officer 24/5/1939 and called up for Air Force Service.

He was posted to 115 Squadron (Wellingtons) in October 1939. The squadrons first successful raid was flown on 3 December, when German shipping at Heligoland was bombed. The bombing force was attacked by enemy fighters, but the squadron lost no aircraft. This was the end of daylight raids apart from North Sea sweeps which were carried out on an occasional basis. At night the squadron went on 'Nickel' raids (dropping pamphlets) until March 1940, when it flew north to attack German shipping taking part in the Norwegian invasion. In April 1940, while on temporary loan to Coastal Command, it gained the distinction of making the RAF's first bombing raid of the war on a mainland target-the enemy-held Norwegian airfield of Stavanger/Sola. Bergen and Stavanger being the main targets; during these raids the squadron lost its first aircraft to enemy fire. With the German invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands, the squadron began its long association with the Ruhr, bombing by night, principally attacking oil refineries and rail installations. As the position in France grew worse, No. 115 switched to tactical bombing to support the armies in France. He was awarded the DFC for his attack on the bridge at Dinant on 21/5/1940 as well as concluding his tour of 25 operations.

Promoted to Flight Lieutenant 3/9/1940 and Squadron Leader on 4/10/1942 and Acting Wing Commander of No 12 Squadron (Lancasters). He was awarded the DSO for his leadership of the squadron. At the completion of his tour, he was posted for a rest as per normal. A Crash report dated 19/12/1945 records him as flying a Mosquito Mrk 111 stationed at Bomber Command Instructors School when the undercarriage collapsed on landing, writing off the plane.  He remained in the R.A.F. until retiring as a Wing Commander on 12/5/1959. He emigrated to Rhodesia and was employed in the African Affairs Department; he died in Bulawayo on 21/8/1969.