WW2 Beaufighter Pilot Distinguished Flying Medal (Immediate Award) Group of Four – Pilot Officer A.W.J. Hazell, 236 Squadron (Coastal Command) Royal Air Force
£2,995.00 Original price was: £2,995.00.£2,695.50Current price is: £2,695.50.
Sold
A second world war coastal command DFM group to 1179652 Flight Sergeant (later Pilot Officer) Albert William John Hazell, 236 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was killed on active service while flight testing a Mosquito.
George VI Distinguished Flying Medal named to 1179652 F/Sgt. A.W.J. Hazell. R.A.F.
1939-45 Star unnamed as issued
Atlantic Star unnamed as issued
War Medal 1939-45 unnamed as issued
London Gazette: 15th October 1943
DFM (Immediate Award)
‘Flight Sergeant Hazell has carried out 34 sorties against the enemy involving some 89 hours operational flying. He has always displayed great dash and determination in pressing home his attack. His tour has included an abortive attack against units of the German fleet and an attack on a U-boat. On 21st September, 1943, he led a sub-flight of three aircraft of the North Coates Wing which was attacking a very heavily armed convoy off Den Helder. Flight Sergeant Hazell’s flight attacked three “M” class minesweepers and helped silence their flak., thus enabling a torpedo strike force to deliver a well executed attack which resulted in three torpedo hits out of five being obtained. Flight Sergeant Hazell has always displayed a fine sense of discipline and bravery in the most trying circumstances. This N.C.O. is a fine operational pilot and is renowned for his keenness to engage the enemy. He is strongly recommended for an immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal for his part in the action of 25th September, 1943.’
Albert William John Hazell was born 19th March 1915. He enlisted as an Aircraftman 2nd class on 31st of August 1940, and was promoted throughout the war.
Hazell was killed on active service while flight testing a Mosquito serial number MM 647 on 5th May 1944 near Alconbury. Records state that he carried out a series of very steep turns which over stressed the wooden aircraft at which point it crashed to the ground and immediately caught fire. The air officer commanding stated in his report that the pilot carried out manoeuvres that were not necessary for the relevant air test.
He is buried in Gloucester Old Cemetery.
The group comes with original letters from Hazell dated 1943 to his parents describing some of his operations and also his pride and being awarded the DFM (in one letter he jokingly describes his DFM recommendation as probably being ‘for good attendance over enemy convoys!’), his old school cap, original photographs, newspaper cuttings and some research.
Please see photos.
We take great pride in our stock and will always strive to bring you genuine items. All our items are carefully checked to make sure they are authentic original pieces.
Having worked in the field for many years we appreciate that there can occasionally be differences of opinion. This is why we have a no quibble returns policy on ALL items. If you want to return any purchase, for whatever reason, we will issue a full refund including your postage costs.
PAYMENT:
We accept payment by:
Credit and debit cards
Cash (any currency)
U.K. postal orders
Sterling cheques
PayPal
Exchange of goods
SHIPPING:
Our standard shipping costs apply on almost all of our items. The prices are as follows:
UK Standard Delivery – £3.95
UK Special Delivery – £10.95
Europe Priority Airmail – £10.95
Rest of World Priority Airmail – £11.95
Some large/heavy items may incur extra shipping costs. This will be clearly marked in the description and all prices will be shown before any payment is taken.
For more information on payment and shipping please click here