Lot 1004

Description

An important group to a R.A.A.F. World War II 'ace'. Group of Five:- Distinguished Flying Cross (1943); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; British War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal. J.T. Kearney. Last two medals only named. Impressed. Very Fine.

Flt Leut. James Timothy Kearney was the most successful of the R.A.A.F. long-range Beaufighter pilots in the South-West Pacific. He flew with 30 R.A.A.F. Squadron, flying from New Guinea on anti-shipping and anti-airfield missions, and on long-range bomber and convoy-support duties. During the period 1942 to 1944 he destroyed 9 Japanese aircraft, all while flying Beaufighters. Flying Officer Kearney after having served as a flying instructor andstaff pilot since the 12th January, 1941, has been actively engaged on operational flying since November 1942. He has participated in 13 raids on Timor and Islands to the north of Australia, and in the course of attacks led by him, the squadron has destroyed 9 aircraft and damaged another five. On three occasions whilst taking part in attacks on the enemy aerodrome at Funfoei, Timor, his aircraft has been subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire and attacked by enemy fighters. On 31st May a flight of 5 Beaufighters led by Flying Officer Kearney in an attack on Langgeor was intercepted by 3 enemy fighters and pursued and engaged by 4 more enemy fighters on their return. During an engagement lasting for half an hour Flying Officer Keanrey was successful in shooting down one enemy fighter and destroyed a further 2 aircraft by straffing. The courage, determination and enthusiasm shown by this officer in engaging the enemy has proved an inspiration to all members of his squadron and is worthy of only the highest praise. Together with: details of R.A.A.F. service; copy of recommendation for DFC, copy of newspaper clipping and photograph in uniform; extracts from: 'aces high; 'whispering death'; and 'mosquito monograph.' DFC in case of issue. The first R.A.A.F. 'Ace's group to appear on the market.