Canada, Commonwealth. A DFC Group to Flight Lieutenant Arthur. M. Herring, 1945

Offered directly from the family, a group of decorations and sidecap contained in a wooden box, with history of Flight Lieutenant Herring’s service during the Second War. 

A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross, in silver, full size, reverse of the 6 o’clock arm is engraved 1945, worn on original ribbon exhibiting discolouration, with horizontal pin on the brooch. Contained in the original case of issue, black pebbled exterior marked “D.F.C”, interior silk lid marked ROYAL MINT, with velvet base, measures 150 mm (w) x 80 mm (h) x 20 mm (d), functional hinge and clasp, remains very fine. 

A 1939-45 Star, in bronze, full size, in original cardboard box, minor wear, extremely fine. 

A France and Germany Star, in bronze, full size, in original cardboard box, minor wear, extremely fine. 

A Defence Medal, in silver, full size, in original cardboard box, light wear and discolouration, very fine. 

A War Medal, in silver, full size, in original cardboard box, very dark patina and areas of discolouration, very fine. 

An RCAF Officer’s side cap, fabricated from a grayish-blue wool with fold down flaps on each side, brass eagle and crown insignia on the side with two RCAF buttons on the front, the interior is lined with a brown silk and red suede sweatband, makers mark of MUIR CAP  & REGALIA TORONTO CANADA, measures 290 mm (w) x 110 mm (h), interior exhibiting wear and staining, relatively stiff, remains in very fine condition. 

An RCAF Pilot’s wing, in light pink-creme, brown and red embroidery on black felt, reverse reinforced, measures 123 mm (w) x 47 mm (h), light wear, very fine. 

A Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Cap Badge, in brass and white metal, reverse offers two intact lugs with pin, and blue felt backing, measures 47.6 mm (w) x 46.1 mm (h), very fine.  

A mixed lot of insignia, including Operational Wings, enamelled badges, sweetheart pins, and multiple ribbon bars, ranging from very fine to extremely fine. 

A pocket New Testament bible, RCAF edition, measures 80 mm (w) x 120 mm (h) x 13 mm (d), light wear, very fine condition. 

All items are contained in a private modern box of faux wood and leather with brass closure, red velvet removable base inside, measures 32.5 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 6 cm (d), light wear throughout, very fine. 

Footnote: Flight Lieutenant Arthur Murray Herring served with the RAF 101 Squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1945, being officially gazetted on November 6, 1945. 

The No. 101 Squadron served as a heavy bomber unit within RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War. Reformed in 1941, the squadron operated Avro Lancaster aircraft from RAF Ludford Magna and became notable for its specialized role employing “Airborne Cigar” (ABC) electronic countermeasures, used to jam German night-fighter communications during major bombing operations over occupied Europe and Germany. This highly secretive work required the addition of German-speaking radio operators, many of whom were émigrés, and contributed significantly to the effectiveness and survivability of Bomber Command raids.