Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A Second War Halifax and Lancaster Navigator’s D.F.C. and Second Award Bar group of five awarded to Flying Officer P. H. Spindler, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 48 operational sorties with 51 and 550 Squadrons - including the Peenemunde Raid, 17/18 August 1943 Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1944’, with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, cleaned, very fine (5) £2,400-£2,800 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 21 January 1944. The original Recommendation states: ‘The above named officer was posted to this Unit on 14.6.43. He has now completed seven Coastal Command sorties and 21 Bomber Command sorties totalling 204.30 hours. His targets have included some of the most heavily defended areas in Germany such as Cologne (2), Mannheim (2), Berlin, Hannover and Dusseldorf. He is a Navigator of outstanding skill, always ready and keen to operate against the enemy. His courage and high standard of navigation has on several occasions been of the greatest assistance in bringing sorties to a successful conclusion in the face of the heaviest opposition and trying weather conditions. He is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Remarks by Station Commander: Pilot Officer Spindler has proved himself to be an outstanding Navigator, and his skill, fortitude and zeal have been a great factor in making the operations on which his crew have been employed a success. His devotion to duty, resourcefulness and his fine offensive spirit have set a magnificent example to his crew.’ D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 26 October 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this young officer has now completed his second operational tour consisting of 20 sorties involving 145.10 hours as a Navigator of a Lancaster Bomber. As the Navigator in a Flight Commander’s crew, Flying Officer Spindler achieved a high standard of efficiency both in the air and on the ground. In the air this able navigator proved himself capable of undertaking the most difficult tasks. He has navigated with precision to the widespread targets of Germany such as Osterfeld, Nurnberg, Mersburg, Politz, Chemnitz and Dessau. His cheerful manner and accurate navigation not only inspired the confidence of the crew and his Captain but proved of inestimable value in giving a clear lead to the other Navigators on the Squadron. In his determination and courage he fully backed up the leadership of his Captain throughout the long sorties through the hazards of enemy fighters and flak. Such cheerful devotion to duty, skill and example well merits the award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross. Remarks by Station Commander: Throughout his second operational tour which has involved attacks on the more distant and heavily defended targets deep in the heart of Germany, this gallant Officer has displayed vigourous enemy, pursuance and determination. He lets nothing deter him from the task in hand and his meticulous care and accurate navigation was a source of confidence to his Captain. It is recommended that such sterling qualities combined with his fine record of achievement by recognised by the award of a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross.’ Peter Harold Spindler served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and carried out his initial training as a L.A.C. at 32 A.N.S. in April 1942. Having advanced to Sergeant, and carried out further training at 9 A.F.U., Spindler was posted to 10 O.T.U. He carried out a Nickel Raid on Paris, 18 February 1943, and was attached to Coastal Command in March 1943. Flying in Whitleys, Spindler took part in 7 anti-submarine patrols before being posted to 1652 Conversion Unit in May 1943. Spindler was posted for operational flying to 51 Squadron (Halifaxes) at Snaith in June 1943. He flew in 20 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Mulheim; Wuppertal (when the aircraft was hit by flak); Gelsenkirchen (2); Cologne (2); Aachen; Montbeliard; Mannheim (2); Nurnburg (2, including returning on three engines on one occasion); Milan; Peenemunde Raid 17/18 August 1943; Berlin; Montlucon; Modane; Hannover; Kassel and Dusseldorf. Having completed his first tour of operations Spindler was subsequently posted as an instructor to 1652 and 1656 C.U.’s. He returned to operational flying when he was posted to 550 Squadron (Lancasters) at North Killingholme in December 1944. Spindler was crewed with Flight Lieutenant E. L. Pickles (later promoted to Squadron Leader and to the command of ‘B’ Flight, and also D.F.C. and Bar) as his pilot. Spindler advanced to Flying Officer, and flew in at least 20 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Koblenz; Koln (2); Scholven Buer; Osterfeld; Nurnberg; Munchen; Mersberg; Hamborn; Politz; Dresden; Chemnitz; Dortmund; Pforzheim; Dessau; Kassel; Essen; Hamburg; Lutzendorf and Heligoland. After completing his second tour of operations Spindler was posted to 1656 C.U. at Lindolme in June 1945. He was posted to the Empire Air Navigation School at Shawbury in December 1945, and stayed in this post until April 1946. Spindler was released from service in June 1946. Sold with recipient’s Royal Canadian Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (2 April 1942 - 8 March 1946), with damaged spine.