Distinguished Flying Medal GVIR (1245952 SGT. J.H. MALLIN. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal 1939-45 - unnamed as awarded with original box of issue addressed to Mrs. P.I. Mallin, 19 Majuba Road, Rotton Park, Birmingham, 16
James Henry Mallin was a brave man who ultimately gave his life in the cause of freedom. Born in Birmingham in 1912 he was a Carpenter by trade. Enlisting for service with the Birmingham Police as a Special Reservist on 30 August 1939 he was to resign on 20 December 1940 in order to enlist with the Royal Air Force.
Qualifying as a rear gunner he was attached, as a Sergeant (Air Gunner) to No. 467 (Royal Australian Air Force) Squadron, Bomber Command, with whom he had served for 21 sorties when he was rewarded for his efforts with the Distinguished Flying Medal in the London Gazette of 19 October 1943.
His citation in Air2/5011 read as follows:
"Sergeant James Mallin has completed 21 successful sorties (operational) against the most heavily defended targets in Germany. On the night of 23rd/24th September 1943, Sergeant Mallin was the rear gunner of a Lancaster aircraft detailed to attack Mannheim. After leaving the target which was successfully bombed, the aircraft was attacked by a single-engined fighter, believed to be an ME-109. Sergeant Mallin drove off the attack but the enemy aircraft almost immediately returned to attack from astern and below.
The Lancaster was hit by cannon fire but Sergeant Mallin coolly reported to his Captain whilst engaging the enemy. This N.C.O.'s successful gunnery caused the aircraft to burst into flames and go down to the ground where it was seen to crash and explode. During his operational career Sergeant Mallin's cool determination and skilful handling of his guns caused an ME-109 to disappear out of control into the clouds below on the night of 29th/30th July 1943, and previous to that, on the night of 5th/6th May 1943, his fire damaged a Ju.88.
By his coolness and courage under fire and his skilful gunnery, Sergeant Mallin has proved himself an outstanding and gallant member of aircrew whose latest success well merits the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."
Two weeks after his DFM was published in the London Gazette, James Mallin was dead - Killed in Action on 3rd/4th November 1943. His aircraft was shot down by a Night Fighter near Antwerp when outbound on a raid on Dusseldorf. 4 of the crew survived - Mallin was not among their number.
He is remembered in the Schhonselhof Cemetery in Belgium.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with research.
