An unusual Second World War 1943 ‘Air Sea Rescue’ D.F.C. group of eight awarded to Defiant and Walrus air gunner Flight Lieutenant D. G. Sheppard, 277 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for his gallantry during the rescue of a Defiant crew, which had suffered engine failure and been forced to ditch in the English Channel, 27 January 1943
Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1943’, and additionally engraved ‘Flt. Lieut. D. G. Sheppard D.F.C. 277 Squadron R.A.F.
1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45
General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. officially named to: Flt. Lt. D. G. Sheppard. R.A.F.
Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue officially named to: Flt. Lt. D. G. Sheppard, R.A.F.V.R.
Mounted for wear, generally good very fine.
D.F.C. London Gazette 25 May 1943.
The original Recomendation states: ‘This officer has a long record of operational flying. He took part in the first air/sea rescue sortie. In January, 1943, Flying Officer Sheppard participated in the rescue of a crew of a Defiant under conditions of extreme difficulty in a very rough sea. At all times this officer has been tireless in his efforts for air/sea rescue and has set an outstanding example of courage and determination. Flying Officer Sheppard’s skill is exceptional and he has played a vital part in the many successful rescues in which he has participated.’
Douglas Glyn Sheppard was born in December 1916. He served during the Second World War with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and was commissioned Pilot Officer in January 1942. Sheppard trained as an Air Gunner, and advanced to Flying Officer in October of the same year. He was subsequently posted for operational flying with 277 (Air Sea Rescue) Squadron, and was serving with ‘A’ Flight at Martlesham Heath at the time of the award of his D.F.C. The Squadron was attached to Fighter Command, and employed for the spotting and rescue of downed pilots in the English Channel. 277 Squadron was equipped with Boulton Defiants (used to locate the downed pilots, later replaced by Spitfires), and Walrus aircraft used to effect the rescue. Sheppard flew in both aircraft.
Sheppard distinguished himself whilst undertaking a rescue in Walrus I9526, with Flying Officer L. J. Brown as pilot, 27 January 1943 (see citation above). Earlier in the day Defiant N3392 (of the same squadron), crewed by Warrant Officer W. Greenfield and Flight Sergeant J. Horan, had gone out on a search operation, only for their aircraft to suffer engine failure and have to ditch in the sea themselves. Another Defiant, piloted by Flight Sergeant A. Boddy, was sent out to locate them, and then they were subsequently rescued under very rough sea conditions by Sheppard’s Walrus.
Sheppard advanced to Flight Lieutenant in January 1944, and died in Trafford, Manchester in September 1998.
Product Code: EM4565
