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Lot details
'This N.C.O., although not on aircrew, has nevertheless carried out 70 sorties totalling 620 operational hours. All these sorties have been over little known and dangerous areas. His task as despatcher demanded an example of the highest enthusiasm and confidence which Sergeant Moy never failed to give. By his determination and persistence throughout his exceptionally long tour he has gained the admiration of all who have flown with him.'
During World War II several R.A.F. Squadrons were almost exclusively employed in the service of Special Operations Executive, and were mainly engaged in the dropping of Agents and Supplies over Enemy-Occupied Territories. The Special Liberator Flight was under Middle East Command, R.A.F. and operated mainly over the Balkans, where Yugoslavia was probably the Flight's best 'customer'. It is reasonable to assume that most of the Missions flown in to establish contact with Yugoslav Partisans during 1942/3 would be carried out by the S.O.E. Aircraft of Special Liberator Flight, including the most famous mission of all to be dropped in this area, that headed by Brigadier Fitzroy Maclean, M.P. By this time (September 1943) Special Liberator Flight had become No. 148 Squadron (Special Duties), the re-designation taking place on 14 March 1943. The role of 'Despatcher' was indeed a vital one in operations of this kind, and more especially so when the dropping of Agents was the particular duty. It can readily be imagined what effect a pessimistic or unfriendly Despatcher would have on his 'Charges' as they waited for the tap on the shoulder which would indicate that it was time for them to 'hook up' their parachutes. Sergeant Moy evidently possessed all the qualities needed to undertake this vital duty, and it seems fairly certain that such men would be 'hand-picked' for the work.
GVI Distinguished Flying Medal, awarded to 529243 Sergeant A. Moy, Special Liberator Flight, 148 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
Notes:
D.F.M., London Gazette, 28 September, 1943. The following details were extracted from an official source:'This N.C.O., although not on aircrew, has nevertheless carried out 70 sorties totalling 620 operational hours. All these sorties have been over little known and dangerous areas. His task as despatcher demanded an example of the highest enthusiasm and confidence which Sergeant Moy never failed to give. By his determination and persistence throughout his exceptionally long tour he has gained the admiration of all who have flown with him.'
During World War II several R.A.F. Squadrons were almost exclusively employed in the service of Special Operations Executive, and were mainly engaged in the dropping of Agents and Supplies over Enemy-Occupied Territories. The Special Liberator Flight was under Middle East Command, R.A.F. and operated mainly over the Balkans, where Yugoslavia was probably the Flight's best 'customer'. It is reasonable to assume that most of the Missions flown in to establish contact with Yugoslav Partisans during 1942/3 would be carried out by the S.O.E. Aircraft of Special Liberator Flight, including the most famous mission of all to be dropped in this area, that headed by Brigadier Fitzroy Maclean, M.P. By this time (September 1943) Special Liberator Flight had become No. 148 Squadron (Special Duties), the re-designation taking place on 14 March 1943. The role of 'Despatcher' was indeed a vital one in operations of this kind, and more especially so when the dropping of Agents was the particular duty. It can readily be imagined what effect a pessimistic or unfriendly Despatcher would have on his 'Charges' as they waited for the tap on the shoulder which would indicate that it was time for them to 'hook up' their parachutes. Sergeant Moy evidently possessed all the qualities needed to undertake this vital duty, and it seems fairly certain that such men would be 'hand-picked' for the work.
