A World War II D.F.C. medal group, awarded to flying ace Wing Commander Edward John 'Jumbo' Gracie, Royal Air Force, who over his career in the Second World War shot down seven enemy aircraft and shared a further three. He is also recorded as having probably destroyed five other enemy aircraft and damaged another six. He flew Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain and served as a Wing Commander at Takali during the Siege of Malta in 1942. He was killed in action on the 15th February 1944 whilst flying a Mosquito on escort missions.

The set comprises a Distinguished Flying Cross, the reverse dated 1940 (with Royal Mint case); a 1939-45 Star with Battle of Britain bar; an Africa Star; an Air Crew Europe Star; and a War Medal 1939-1945 with M.I.D. oak leaf.

London Gazette 1 October 1940 - Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross: 'Flight Lieutenant Edward John Grice (29090), Reserve of Air Force Officers. This officer has destroyed seven enemy aircraft and damaged another five. By his outstanding leadership, skill and courage, he has proved an excellent example to all'

Edward 'Jumbo' Gracie was born on 21st September 1911 in Acton. He joined the RAF in 1930, but was dismissed after three years. He rejoined as a reserve officer and served in 79 Squadron at the outbreak of war. In 1940 he joined 56 squadron flying Hurricane aircraft during the Battle of Britain. It was here that he achieved his first victories in air combat, shooting down seven aircraft and damaging another five. At the end of August, his aircraft was shot down, with Gracie suffering a broken neck. While convalescing, he was awarded the D.F.C.

He returned to 601 Squadron in December 1940, with the squadron testing Airacobra Bell P-39 aircraft. These were found to be unsuitable, and 601 Squadron were the only unit in the RAF to use this aircraft. In December 1941 he was posted to Malta to join 126 Squadron, and in March 1942 he led Spitfires off the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle to join the squadron at Takali. In April he was posted to Gibraltar to join the US Navy Carrier Wasp, which was bringing 601 and 603 squadrons to Malta. He led the 47 Spitfires safely to Malta, where they were to see action against the Luftwaffe the next day. In April 1942 alone he claimed destroying three, probably another two, and damaging a further two aircraft. He was promoted to acting Wing Commander and was to a large extent responsible for managing the defence of Malta. After being well regarded by those under his command, he returned to the UK at the end of July 1942.

After a number of instructional posts, Gracie was posted to command the new 169 Squadron, part of Bomber Command's No. 100 Group. His unit was equipped with de Havilland Mosquito fighters, and they were tasked with supporting bombing missions into German-occupied Europe. Whilst flying a sortie over Hanover on 15 February 1944 Gracie's aircraft was attacked by a night-fighter. Although his navigator was able to bale, Gracie was killed in the attack. He was posthumously mentioned in despatches on 8 June 1944, and is buried at the Hanover War Cemetery.

Gracie married Patricia Mary Cawley in 1935, with whom he had a daughter. The medals presented to Patricia have since descended through the family.

Please note: A copy of Edward Gracie's portrait in uniform is included in the lot. The original portrait will be returned to the family.

References:
Shores, Christopher & Williams, Clive: Aces High - The Fighter Aces of the British and Commonwealth Air Forces in World War II (1966 - page 168)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Gracie