A Rare Second World War D.F.M. Group of Eight to Flight Sergeant B. Kovarik, Polish Air Force, Attached Royal Air Force, Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (F./Sgt.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp 'France and Germany'; War Medal 1939-45; Czechoslovakia, Military Cross; Bravery Medal; Medal of Merit, silvered-metal; War Commemorative Medal, extremely fine, together with Czech Pilot's Badge (9)

Details

A Rare Second World War D.F.M. Group of Eight to Flight Sergeant B. Kovarik, Polish Air Force, Attached Royal Air Force, Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (F./Sgt.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, clasp 'France and Germany'; War Medal 1939-45; Czechoslovakia, Military Cross; Bravery Medal; Medal of Merit, silvered-metal; War Commemorative Medal, extremely fine, together with Czech Pilot's Badge (9)

Lot Essay

Just over 170 'Honorary' awards of the D.F.M. were made to foreign nationals in the 1939-45 War, 15 of them going to Czechs.

As with the vast majority of these 'Honorary' awards, the D.F.M. to Flight Sergeant Bohuslav Kovarik was not announced in The London Gazette. His award is, however, verified in official records and reflected gallant service while attached to No. 68 Squadron, R.A.F.:
'Prior to a posting to No. 68 Squadron this airman participated in 31 operational sorties as Air Gunner with a Bomber Squadron. Whilst serving in his present Squadron Flight Sergeant Kovarik has displayed great skill in engaging enemy aircraft and has been mainly responsible for the destruction of three enemy bombers and the probable destruction of two others'.