Canada. A Distinguished Flying Cross For "Outstanding Fearlessness" To Pilot Goulet, 434 Squadron, 1944

Canada. Distinguished Flying Cross George VI GRI (1944 engraved on reverse of 6 o'clock arm); 1939-1945 Star; Air Crew Europe Star with FRANCE AND GERMANY clasp; Defence Medal; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with overseas clasp; 1939-1945 War Medal. Period-mounted by SPINK & SONS LTD with swing bar pinback, replacement ribbons, all extremely fine.

Accompanied by RCAF Pilot’s Flying Logbook (named in ink R138521 Goulet N.A on front cover) with multiple detailed entries from June 1942 to November 1944, including training, tests, aircrafts and flying hours; RCAF Pilot Shoulder Badge (three-colour embroidery on black wool, 43.5 mm x 112 mm) and Canada badge (two-colour embroidery on black wool, 34 mm x 75 mm); Cap Badge (bronze, unmarked, 39.3 mm x 46.7 mm, intact lugs); Operational Wings (sterling silver with a bronze-coloured gilt, maker marked "BIRKS" and marked "STERLING" on the reverse, 10.5 mm x 38.5 mm, screwbacks intact, with support plate); Reserve Badge (bronze, maker marked BREADNER CO. LTD OTTAWA on reverse, screwback intact); Tunic Button (brass, loop back, 23mm), all very fine condition.

Footnote: Narcisse Alban Goulet was the sixth child born to John and Elise Goulet in 1918, Chandler, Quebec. Goulet served in the army prior to enlisting for the RCAF on October 22, 1941 at Moncton. He underwent training at several locations throughout 1942, including No. 3 ITS (graduated May 1942), Nova Scotia Flying School (graduated June 1942, 98% on testing), No. 17. EFTS (graduated August 1942) and No. 8 SFTS (graduated December 1942, 84% on testing). By April 1943 he joined No. 15 Advanced Flying Unit in Tatenhill, Staffordshire, England, and was operating an Oxford aircraft. In November of that year he transferred to the No. 1664 Conversion Unit CROFT, and was flying a Halifax aircraft. He was commissioned in 1944. Between November 16, 1943 to July 20, 1944, Goulet had flown 37 sorties, accumulating 188 hours, 5 minutes airtime and a total of 108 “points.” He received his distinguished flying cross on July 22, 1944, for completion of “numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to his duty.” Goulet was considered “a keen and aggressive operational pilot" and it was stated that his “outstanding fearlessness in carrying out his sorties, his quiet manner and offensive spirit, have been an inspiration to his crew and an example to the entire squadron.” Crew 61 of the 434 Squadron consisted of: Sgt N.A Goulet, F/O J.S Wallace, Sgt R.T Dew, Sgt D.C Gillot, Sgt R. Silver, Sgt E.C Grimwood and Sgt J. Topp.

The 434 Squadron was created June 13, 1943 as a part of the heavy bombers that Canada contributed under Britain’s ‘Bomber Command.’ The unit was nicknamed “Bluenose,” as the group was adopted by the Rotary Club of Halifax and the title was a common nickname for Nova Scotians. Their motto “In excelsis vincimus” translates to “we conquer the heights” and the crest was inspired by Canada’s 10 cent coin. Over the course of the war, the 434 Squadron was stationed at various aircrafts in Yorkshire, England, and then overseas in Tholthorpe followed by Croft. At its inception, the squadron used Halifax aircrafts, however, they were replaced by the Lancaster after one year. In total, this squadron delivered 10, 575 tons of bombs and mines during operations. The squadron returned to Canada in 1945, and disbanded following the Japanese surrender on September 5 of the same year.