Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A well-documented Second War ‘1945’ Lancaster Rear Gunner’s D.F.C. group of five awarded to Flying Officer K. G. W. Mantock, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 46 operational sorties with 467 (R.A.A.F.) and 57 Squadrons, including the Peenemünde Raid 17/18 August 1943 - with his final sortie being the Dresden Raid, 13/14 February 1945 Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, campaign medals mounted for wear, generally good very fine (5) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 20 July 1945. The original Recommendation states: ‘Pilot Officer Mantock has completed two operational tours in Bomber Command, the first of 26 sorties with No. 467 Squadron, the second of 20 with No. 57 Squadron. During his first tour he took part in five attacks on targets in Italy: Milan, Genoa, Turin and Spezia (twice). Targets in Germany included Peenemünde, Essen, Cologne, Stettin and Berlin. On a raid on Berlin on the 3rd September, 1943, the aircraft in which he was the rear gunner, was attacked by enemy fighters after having been damaged by anti-aircraft fire. One engine had to be feathered, while a second did not function to full power. During the whole time of the attack by enemy aircraft he kept his Captain informed of their manoeuvres thus enabling successful evasive action to be taken. His courage and coolness on this occasion contributed considerably to the safe return of the crew and aircraft to Base. Throughout his second tour, included in which were attacks on many heavily defended targets such as Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Siegen and Dresden, he has carried out his duties with courage and enthusiasm and has been one of the most reliable gunners in his Squadron. He is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 8 June 1944. Kenneth Gordon William Mantock served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second War. His initial postings included to No. 1 A.A.S., Manby and 1661 C.U, before being posted as a Air Gunner for operational service with 467 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron (Lancasters) at Bottesford in March 1943. Mantock was crewed with Flight Sergeant Tillotson as his pilot, and he flew in at least 26 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Bayonne; Frankfurt; Spezia (2); Pilsen; Stettin; Dortmund (2); Dusseldorf (2); Essen; Wuppertal; Cologne (3); Gelsenkirchen; Turin; Genoa; Mannheim; Milan; Peenemünde Raid, 17/18 August 1943; Berlin, 13 September 1943, ‘Nicely Shot Up Came Back On 2 1/2 Engines’ (Log Book refers); Munich; Hanover; Bochum and Hagen. Having completed his first operational tour, Mantock was posted to No. 5 L.F.S. in January 1944. He returned to operational flying when posted as a Rear Gunner for service with 57 Squadron (Lancasters) at East Kirby in September 1944. Mantock advanced to Flight Sergeant October 1944. He was crewed with Flying Officer Watt as his pilot, and Mantock flew in at least 19 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Darmstadt; Stuttgart; Boulogne; Bremenhaven; Munchen Gladbach; Munster; Karlsruhe; Heligoland; Wilhelmshaven; Bergen; Oslo; Houffalize; Royan; Danzig Bay; Siegen; Karlsruhe; Kiel Bay and the Dresden Raid 13/14 February 1945. Mantock advanced to Flying Officer April in 1945, and subsequent postings included 1660 H.C.U., R.A.F. Habbaniya and R.A.F. Woodford. Sold with the following related items and documents: M.I.D. Certificate, dated 8 June 1944, in OHMS envelope addressed to recipient at ‘74 Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Hamps’; Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (5 December 1942 - 1 August 1946); named Buckingham Palace enclosure for D.F.C.; Air Gunner’s Brevet; 57 Squadron Battle Order for 13 February 1945; Telegram from recipient to wife, informing her that he has finished his first tour and is coming home on leave; an example of a Propaganda Leaflet dropped by the R.A.F. on Hamburg; and a number of photographs including recipient with his crew, and of his aircraft ‘Thermo Excreta’.