24th Jun, 2026 11:00
A World War II DFC medal group attributed to Squadron Leader John Keswick Ulick Blake McGrath of 601 Squadron, A.A.F., who over the Summer of 1940, flying Hawker Hurricanes, destroyed five Messerschmitt Bf 109 and probably a sixth, three Messerschmitt Bf 110 and probably a further three, a Heinkel He 111, a Dornier Do 17, two Junkers Ju 88 and probably a further Junkers. He was shot down on the 15th August 1940 and crashed near Selsey. This ended his flying career, but he continued to serve with the RAF in Operations rooms at RAF Exeter, and RAF Middle Wallop. He was posted to HQ Fighter Command on 6th December 1943 and moved a year later to HQ ADGB until the end of the war. He died on 27th June 1981.
The medal group comprises a Distinguished Flying Cross (dated 1940), a 1939-45 Star with Battle of Britain bar, The Air Crew Europe Star, The Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal and George VI Air Efficiency Medal, framed with an image of John McGrath in uniform and a fabric Pilot's Wings badge.
The D.F.C. was awarded on the 27th August 1940, the citation reads, 'In May, 1940, during a patrol over Arras, Pilot Officer McGrath destroyed a Meerschmitt 109. A few days later, near Dunkirk, he shot down a Meerschmidt 110. Since then, he has destroyed a further three enemy aircraft and possibly another seven. He has displayed great courage and determination'
£2,500 - £3,500
Buyer's premium: 27.50% +VAT
A World War II DFC medal group attributed to Squadron Leader John Keswick Ulick Blake McGrath of 601 Squadron, A.A.F., who over the Summer of 1940, flying Hawker Hurricanes, destroyed five Messerschmitt Bf 109 and probably a sixth, three Messerschmitt Bf 110 and probably a further three, a Heinkel He 111, a Dornier Do 17, two Junkers Ju 88 and probably a further Junkers. He was shot down on the 15th August 1940 and crashed near Selsey. This ended his flying career, but he continued to serve with the RAF in Operations rooms at RAF Exeter, and RAF Middle Wallop. He was posted to HQ Fighter Command on 6th December 1943 and moved a year later to HQ ADGB until the end of the war. He died on 27th June 1981.
The medal group comprises a Distinguished Flying Cross (dated 1940), a 1939-45 Star with Battle of Britain bar, The Air Crew Europe Star, The Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal and George VI Air Efficiency Medal, framed with an image of John McGrath in uniform and a fabric Pilot's Wings badge.
The D.F.C. was awarded on the 27th August 1940, the citation reads, 'In May, 1940, during a patrol over Arras, Pilot Officer McGrath destroyed a Meerschmitt 109. A few days later, near Dunkirk, he shot down a Meerschmidt 110. Since then, he has destroyed a further three enemy aircraft and possibly another seven. He has displayed great courage and determination'
Auction: Dawsons Discovery, 24th Jun, 2026
A curated sale of antiques and collectables.
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