Distinguished Flying Cross GVIR reverse dated 1944; 1939-45 Star; France & Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45 - self-engraved on all campaign stars and medal to P/O L.C. AINSLEY R.A.F. - along with the telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, Bomber Command congratulating him on the award of the DFC and the original letter from Buckingham Palace doing likewise.
Lawrence Cuthbert Ainsley enlisted with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 19 June 1941 and was commissioned Pilot Officer with the General Branch on 21 April 1944. Initially posted to No. 41 base, Marston Moor, Yorkshire on 21 April he later joined No. 51 Squadron on 30 July. His first raid as a Captain of Aircraft occurred on 3 August 1944 in a Halifax III over Bors-de Cassan.
Three further raids that month saw good results and Ainsley was present for an attack over Le Havre on 10 September. It was for the raid the next day, 11 September 1944, that he was awarded the D.F.C, the Squadron Record book provides details for that day stating:
'This aircraft sustained flak damage over the target, causing on [SIC] engine to be feathered. On arriving over this country another engine had to be feathered, and the aircraft was landed safely away from base on two engines. No members of the crew were injured. The aircraft landed away from base.'
According to the 1939 Register he was living at 2 Post Office Cottages, High Ongar, Essex and was an Electrical Instrument Assembler by occupation. He must have just arrived home as, according to an article in the Sunday Sun (Newcastle) of 29 October 1939 he "...was working on a television research bench in America when the war began, but he was determined not to miss it. So he "jumped" an oil tanker and worked his way to England. Today he is Flying Officer Ainsley and has just gained the immediate award of the D.F.C. for fine work during the bombing of the oil works at Nordstern. His Halifax was hit thrice before reaching the target - but it got there. Once more it was hit after the bomb load had gone but it got home - with a crash landing near a drome. Now he thinks he will stay on this side of the Atlantic and make the R.A.F. a career. He has married a Scots girl."
The citation for the award of the DFC read thus,
"Acting Flying Officer Lawrence Cuthbert Ainsley (175307) R.A.F.V.R., 51 Squadron. This officer is a most competent pilot and a first-class captain of aircraft. One night in September 1944, he was detailed for an attack on a synthetic oil plant at Nordstern. When nearing the target area the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and the starboard inner engine was rendered unserviceable. Shortly afterwards the aircraft was hit in the port aileron, making it difficult to steer correctly. In spite of this, Flying Officer Ainsley continued to the target and bombed it. On the turn for home the bomber was hit once more. the port engine was affected and the hydraulic system was put out of action. After crossing the English coast the defective port engine became useless. Flight Lieutenant Ainsley thereupon headed for the nearest airfield where he made a safe landing with the undercarriage retracted. This officer set a fine example of skill. courage and tenacity."
Ainsley was advanced Flying Officer on 21 October 1944 and continued to fly, seeing a total of seventeen successful sorties. Transferred to R.A.F. Tangmere on 15 May 1945 he was posted to the Administrative and Special Duties Branch on 26 April 1945 and then transferred to Andrews Field on 27 July.
Several more transfers occurred to sites such as R.A.F. West Malling on 5 September, Castle Camps on 27 September and R.A.F. Duxford on 10 December. However he was to leave the R.A.F. under a cloud, being dismissed by sentence of Court Marshal on 6 August 1946.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold together with copied research.