A Second War ‘Bomber Command’ D.F.C. group of six awarded to Rear Gunner Flight Lieutenant H. W. (2024)

A Second War ‘Bomber Command’ D.F.C. group of six awarded to Rear Gunner Flight Lieutenant H. W. J. Stewart, Royal Canadian Air Force, who was awarded an Immediate D.F.C. for his gallantry in shooting down a Focke Wulfe 190 and assisting his pilot in evading the attention of no fewer than six enemy fighters in December 1942, and was subsequently killed in action when his Lancaster was shot down during a raid over Berlin on 23 November 1943, on what was his fifth Operational Sortie to the ‘Big City’

Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1943, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence Medal, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, the campaign stars and medals all in card boxes of issue; together with the recipient’s Canadian Memorial Cross, G.VI.R., ‘F.L. H. W. J. Stewart, D.F.C. J15536’, fitted with a Birks R.C.A.F. silver and enamel brooch bar, in embossed case of issue; and Birks Memorial Bar ‘F/L H. W .J. Stewart D.F.C. R.C.A.F. Died in his Country’s Service 23 Nov. 1943’, extremely fine (8) £1,600-£2,000

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D.F.C. London Gazette 8 January 1943 (in a joint citation with Acting Wing Commander Donald Peveler, D.F.C. [awarded the D.S.O.]):
‘In December, 1942, Wing Commander Peveler and Pilot Officer Stewart, were captain and rear gunner respectively of an aircraft engaged in a search for the crew of an aircraft lost at sea. When leaving the area after searching for 12 hours, 3 Junkers 88's attacked their aircraft. Pilot Officer Stewart gave a splendid running commentary on the movement of the enemy aircraft which enabled his captain to take evasive action. Wing Commander Peveler manoeuvred his aircraft with superb skill and determination until safety was gained in the clouds, but the bomber had been damaged and the second pilot and bomb aimer wounded. Some time later a further attack was made by 3 Focke Wulfe 190’s. In the ensuing combat, despite the heavy odds, Pilot Officer Stewart, by his accurate shooting, shot down one of the fighters and damaged another while the third was driven off. Displaying magnificent airmanship Wing Commander Peveler flew his badly damaged aircraft safely back to this country. Pilot Officer Stewart's coolness and gallantry very materially assisted his captain throughout this hazardous operation. Wing Commander Peveler has always displayed outstanding leadership and an example of devotion to duty worthy of the highest praise.’

Herbert William Joseph Stewart was born in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, in 1919, and having emigrated to Canada attested for the Royal Canadian Air Force on 11 October 1940. After undergoing training at No. 1 I.T.S.; No. 4 E.F.T.S.; and No. 1 B.G.S. he was commissioned Pilot Officer in May 1942. Whilst serving with 10 (O.T.U.) Special Detachment, he was awarded an Immediate D.F.C. for his gallantry in shooting down a Focke Wulfe 190 and assisting his pilot in evading the attention of no fewer than six enemy fighters.

Posted to 156 Squadron (Pathfinder Force), R.A.F. Warboys, flying Lancaster Mark III’s, and promoted Flight Lieutenant, Stewart was killed in action on a raid over Berlin on 23 November 1943, along with his entire crew, on what was his fifth operational sortie to the Big City. He is buried in Berlin War Cemetery, Germany.

Sold with the recipient’s silver Operational Wings; R.C.A.F. padded Officer’s Cap Badge; a personal R.C.A.F. identity bracelet, the front engraved ‘H. W. J. Stewart R-77141’, the reverse engraved ‘Love Beth May 1941’; a personal diary; and three letters, including one from the High Commissioner to the U.K. at Canada House, and another from the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary regarding the D.F.C.

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