The outstanding MBE DFC group of six to Sqd Ldr Booth 218 Squadron / Who had to hold a turret door closed in full slipstream while under attack

Cased GV Military M.B.E.

Cased GV D.F.C. dated 1943

1939/45 Star

Aircrew Europe Star

Defence Medal

War Medal with MID 

 

The group comes with his dress uniform ( Squadron Leader rank) and Cap. Both show signs of wear and mothing.

 

A large quantity of ephemera is present, as can be seen from the photographs. The group was sold at auction by the recipient's daughter in 2010. She informed the buyer that his logbooks had unfortunately fallen to pieces over the years and that the items in this group are his complete archive. 

 

There are seven contemporary newspaper clippings about his marriage and DFC.

Letter of congratulations from Bomber Harris on the award of his MBE.

Recommendation letters for future employers

Letter from the Mayor of Bury on his DFC award.

Commission document.

25 aerial bombing photographs

Two cloth observers badges

Ribbon bars

Certificate for MBE

Pocket Diary for 1942, with many entries about the missions he undertook. 

 

 

 

He answered the call for volunteers for RAF Bomber Command and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on the 14th of March 1942. Booth was posted to 218 Squadron, which operated Short Stirlings. 

 

Booth was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, announced in the London Gazette on 9th July 1943. He was presented the DFC by the King at Buckingham Palace, who asked Booth how many Operations he had completed. He was awarded the DFC for the following deeds;

 

'During an operation in July 1942, immediately after leaving the target area, the turret door flew open and had to be held by Flight Lieutenant Booth in the full force of the slipstream until he managed to wrench it free when well over the Dutch coast. During this period, the aircraft was attacked by two fighters. Since then, this officer has taken part in numerous sorties, and on two occasions, his aircraft has suffered damage from anti-aircraft fire. On both these missions, Flight Lieutenant booth inspired his crew to continue, and the target was located and successfully bombed. The resource, determination and efficiency displayed by this officer have largely contributed to the success of the sorties completed by his crew' 

 

Booth served on 218 Squadron from June 1942 until August 1943 and completed well over 30 operations.  From August 1943 until August 1945, he was based at HQ Bomber Command  (i/c Bombing training). From August 1946 until 1946, he was at the Air Ministry in the Armament Training Branch. 

 

Dennis was Mentioned In Despatches and awarded the MBE on the 14th of June 1945. Bomber Harris sent booth a letter of congratulations for his MBE; the letter has his ink signature. 

 

He reached the rank of Squadron leader before his discharge. After the war, he became an art teacher and continued to exhibit his own works.