617 Squadron Dambusters, Hot off the press

[andron234]

A set of medals belonging to a 617 Squadron Dambuster pilot has fetched a record price at auction.

The Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Flying Medal were awarded to Flight Lieutenant Richard Dacre Trevor-Roper, who flew as Rear Gunner in the leading Lancaster that attacked the Mohne Dam.

These medals were put up for auction by relatives alongside WWI medals awarded to his father, Major Charles Cadwaladr Trevor-Roper.

It was initially thought the collection would fetch somewhere in the region of £40,000 to £60,000, but an unnamed British buyers snapped them up for £148,000.

Attachment 160932

Attachment 160933

Dam Busters memorial at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Thanks for the Heads up on this one Drew.
Good to see them staying in the country.
Rob.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Here is a quick breakdown of his life.

• SURNAME

Trevor-Roper

• FORENAME

Richard Algernon Dacre

• UNIT

former 617 Squadron,R.A.F.V.R.

• RANK

Flight Lieutenant

• NUMBER

47354

• DATE OF DEATH

31st March 1944

• AGE

28

• GRAVESITE

Durnbach War Cemetery,Germany 6.H.13

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

born 19.5.1915 Shanklin,Isle of Wight
son of late Charles Cadwaladr Trevor-Roper,Plas Teg,Flintshire (died 3.8.1917 as Captain 14 Bn Hampshire Regiment)
son of Mrs Gertrude Alice Poyntz (formerly Trevor-Roper),Eirianfa,Ruthin,Isle of Wight
husband of Patricia Audrey (nee Edwards) Trevor-Roper,West Bridgford,Nottinghamshire (married 1942) (1 son Charles Anthony)
educated Oriel House School,North Wales
educated Wellington College
graduated RMA Woolwich
2Lt,Royal Artillery August 1935-37
RAFVR 1939
RAF Cardington 16.8.1939
2 ELWS 14.9.1939
RAF Yatesbury 16.4.1940
12 Observers School 7.6.1940
1 Signals Depot 23.6.1940
4 B&G School 18.7.1940
16 OTU 11.8.1940
RAF Finningley 13.10.1940
50 Squadron 27.10.1940
Sergeant (652959)
award DFM (23.12.1941)
Pilot Officer 24.10.1941
55 Squadron 16.6.1942
61 CO 23.7.1942
Flying Officer 1.10.1942
1660 CU 27.10.1942
50 Squadron 14.11.1942
617 Squadron 25.3.1943 (A/F/Lt)
award DFC (28.5.1943)
CGS,25 Group 24.8.1943
Flight Lt 24.10.1943
RAF Upwood 19.2.1944 (Pathfinder training)
air gunner
97 Squadron 5.3.1944
Lancaster ND390
Nurnberg (Nuremburg)
shot down by Major Martin Drewes,III/NJG 1 and crashed Ahorn,Coburg,Germany

Rob.

[Hedeby]

Thanks for this Rob/Drew. Glad to see someone put their hands into very deep pockets to keep these items in Blighty...(just need to ask... Tim - was it you?)

[Flying Helmut]

Chris -