Distinguished Flying Medal (1437778 FS E SUTTON RAFVR); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star clasp France & Germany; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45 - unnamed as awarded.
1437778 Flight Sergeant Air Gunner Edward Sutton 77 Squadron RAF DFM awarded 1944 for 32 operational sorties. The citation for his DFM the award of which appeared in the LG of 17/10/1944 read thus:
Flight Sergeant Sutton is almost through his first operational tour, having completed 32 sorties, many of these involving attacks on well defended targets. He has always displayed the greatest alertness and keenness in the performance of his duties. On the night 3/4 December 1943, before reaching the target area of Leipzig, he was in combat with a Ju.88 enemy fighter on which he registered hits and it was claimed as damaged by both gunners. Flight Sergeant Sutton has proved himself a most dependable member of his crew and ever willing to co-operate. It is considered that his work, both in the air and on the ground, reflects great devotion to duty for which he is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."
Sutton's outfit - No. 77 Squadron - joined Coastal Command in May 1942 and was engaged in anti-submarine patrols, based at RAF Chivenor. In October 1942, the squadron converted to Halifaxes at RAF Elvington, moving to RAF Full Sutton in May 1944. On 8 May 1945 the squadron joined Transport Command, and in July 1945 re-equipped with Douglas Dakotas. The squadron moved to RAF Broadwell in August 1945 followed by a posting to India in October 1945. The squadron was disbanded by being renumbered as No. 31 Squadron on 1 November 1946.
Sold with copy citation and some research. All medals in good condition unless otherwise indicated.
