Beschreibung:

Sold by Order of a Direct Descendant The superb Second World War nightfighter operations D.F.C. and Bar, A.F.C. group of seven awarded to Flight Lieutenant H. “Jake” Jacobs, Royal Air Force, late Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve: as a Navigator-Radio Leader with ‘a very high reputation’, he was “teamed-up” with the famous ace John Braham, with whom he shared in the destruction of at least five enemy aircraft in 1942-43, actions that are vividly described in his hitherto unpublished wartime memoirs, the original manuscript of which is included in the collection Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse of the Cross officially dated ‘1942’ and the Bar ‘1943’; Air Force Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star, clasp, Battle of Britain; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, S.E. Asia 1945-46, Malaya (Flt. Lt., R.A.F.), mounted as worn, second clasp on the last loose on riband, generally good very fine (7) £12000-15000 Footnote D.F.C. London Gazette 9 October 1942. The original recommendation states: ‘I have the honour to bring to your notice the distinguished flying conduct of Flight Lieutenant Jacobs who is the Chief Special Signals Instructor at No. 51 Operational Training Unit, Cranfield. In order to obtain first hand information as to the operational conditions of the Mark VII Special Signals apparatus he obtained permission to be attached to this Squadron [No. 29] for 14 days. On his second trip with this apparatus on 24 August 1942, by his expert and accurate instructions, he enabled his pilot to obtain a visual on an enemy aircraft at a low altitude. This aircraft is claimed as damaged. Four days later, while on patrol on an exceedingly dark night, his directions were so accurate and gave his pilot such confidence that he was able to locate an enemy aircraft at sea-level and destroy it. Later the same night, he carried out a second patrol with the same pilot, and, in similar circumstances, enabled his pilot to locate and attack an enemy aircraft which is claimed damaged. Return fire was experienced and the pilot was compelled to return on one engine. At the time, the aircraft was some way out to sea and only a few feet above the surface. The starboard engine was on fire and the port engine was also defective. Flight Lieutenant Jacobs remained unperturbed and cheerful and his behaviour materially assisted his pilot to bring his damaged aircraft across the coast and make an emergency landing. The keenness and example of Flight Lieutenant Jacobs during his short stay with the Squadron were an inspiration to the other Navigators/Radio of this unit. On a previous operational tour of duty while an Air Gunner with another Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Jacobs assisted his pilot to destroy an enemy aircraft at night. It will be seen therefore that Flight Lieutenant Jacobs assisted in the destruction of two enemy aircraft, and the damage of two more. In all the circumstances I strongly recommend that the question of submitting the name of Flight Lieutenant Jacobs to His Majesty the King for the award of the D.F.C. may be favourably considered.’ Bar to D.F.C. London Gazette 5 May 1943. The original recommendation - written by Bob Braham - states: ‘Flight Lieutenant Jacobs was posted to 141 Squadron, at the special request of Wing Commander J. R. D. Braham, on 3 August 1943. He came from 488 Squadron, where he was Navigator Radio Leader, with a very high reputation, and crewed up with Wing Commander Braham. Although the normal period of special technical training required for this Squadron’s work is three weeks, Flight Lieutenant Jacobs showed such aptitude and skill that he was considered fully operational within eight days. In the specialised work of this Squadron, the Navigator Radio must not only possess a marked ability as a Navigator and as an A.I. Operator, for without his expert handling of specia