Full medal write up
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER, G.VI.R., THE REVERSE OF THE SUSPENSION BAR OFFICIALLY DATED '1944'; DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, G.VI.R., THE REVERSE OFFICIALLY DATED '1941'; DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL, G.VI.R. ‘515083 SGT. G. M. BRISBANE, R.A.F.’; 1939-45 STAR; AIR CREW EUROPE STAR, CLASP, FRANCE AND GERMANY; WAR MEDAL 1939-45, MOUNTED AS WORN, TOGETHER WITH 2 ROYAL TOURNAMENT PRIZE MEDALS SILVER, THE REVERSE ENGRAVED, '1934 BAYONET TEAM COMBATS, ROYAL AIR FORCE, FIRST PRIZE, R.A.F. CRANWELL, A.C. 2 G. BRISBANE', ANOTHER SIMILAR, BRONZE, THE REVERSE ENGRAVED, 'R.A.F. COASTAL AREA, BAYT. TEAM COMBATS, CRANWELL, A.C. 2 BRISBANE, G., 1934'.
D.S.O. London Gazette 22 September 1944. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:
''Acting Squadron Leader Brisbane was posted to No. 10 Squadron in October 1943, having already completed one operational tour of 31 sorties, comprising 228 operational hours.
During his second tour he has taken part in a large number of sorties against a wide range of strongly defended targets. These have included: Hanover, Frankfurt, Essen, Bremen, Dusseldorf, Kiel, Duisberg and Munster.
This officer has commanded a flight since his arrival and has displayed a marked capacity for leadership. His energy and drive, coupled with his tactical ability, have helped raise the morale of the Squadron to a high level, and have made a notable contribution to the unit's operational efficiency. When called upon to deputise for the Squadron Commander he has proved to be an able administrator.
Acting Squadron Leader Brisbane's record is one of outstanding merit. I strongly recommend that his admirable work and unfailing devotion to duty be recognised by the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order.'
D.F.C. London Gazette 2 September 1941:
'The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:
"Gneisenau", "Scharnhorst" and "Prinz Eugen"). A smaller attack was made on Cherbourg. The operations were carried out in daylight and extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition were encountered by all aircraft when approaching the targets, which at Brest was protected by a balloon barrage. The air crews engaged succeeded, nevertheless, in securing direct hits on their objectives and in inflicting very severe damage in the target area. During the combats with enemy fighters 21 hostile aircraft were destroyed and others were severely damaged. The precise timing of attack by the various formations of aircraft and their correct approach to and accurate bombing of the objectives in the face of such powerful opposition; demanded great skill and high courage. The great success of these operations was largely due to the bravery, determination and resource displayed by the following officers and airmen, who participated in various capacities as leaders and members of the aircraft crews … '
The original recommendation for an immediate awards states:
'Flying Officer Brisbane was Navigator and Bomb Aimer in the leading aircraft of a formation of Halifaxes which made a daylight attack on the "Scharnhorst" at La Pallice on 24 July 1941.
This officer had spent most of the previous night and the morning in perfecting navigation arrangements, and brought the section to the target within one minute of the estimated time.
During the run-up to the target the aircraft was repeatedly hit by flak, but despite this, he directed the section with unhurried calm and meticulous care, and carried on the run until photographs of the results were complete.
The success of the sortie was to a great extent due to his coolness and precision and his unhurried directions were a fine inspiration and example to his crew.
I strongly recommend that his fine effort be recognised by the immediate award of the D.F.C.'
D.F.M. London Gazette 22 October 1940. The original recommendation states:
'This N.C.O. Observer has contributed in a very large measure to many very excellent shows. He has always been a very good example to his juniors and has been of great assistance in passing on his operational knowledge to others.'
Covering remarks of the A.O.C., No. 4 Group:
'A keen and capable Observer who has now completed 29 operational flights over enemy territory. His determination and courage have been an example to others of his squadron. Strongly recommended for the award of the D.F.M.'
Guy Maxwell Brisbane was born in Southgate, London, in 1911 and was educated at Southgate Grammar School. His father, a member of a city cotton-broking firm, found young Guy a job selling leather goods, but after a few years, he left to enlist in the Royal Air Force. Qualifying as an Air Observer in June 1939, at the outbreak of hostilities and having been advanced to Sergeant, he was serving in 104 Squadron, a Blenheim unit based at R.A.F. Bicester. A few weeks later, however, he transferred to 51 Squadron, a Whitley unit………….
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The Imperial War Museum collection holds 2 files of documents relating to Brisbane’s wartime and post war service, along with his logbook:
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1030000925
Condition, GVF, a little chipping to enamel on one obverse arm of the D.S.O or better. Sold with a large amount of research (digital), including original decorations recommendations and sorties flown list, Operational logs for each squadron, LG’s etc.
An exceptional and very rare R.A.F. Gallantry group, being 1 of just 18 recipients of this combination of medals for WW2.