A Second World War D.F.C. Group of Seven to Flying Officer H. Sinnema, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Attached Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, The Netherlands, Flying Cross, silver, the reverse stamped 'Sterling'; Commemorative War Cross, clasp 'Oorlogsvluchten 1940-45'; Great Britain, Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1946'; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, extremely fine, mounted as worn, together with the recipient's original R.A.F.V.R. Identity Tags (2) (9)

Details

A Second World War D.F.C. Group of Seven to Flying Officer H. Sinnema, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Attached Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, The Netherlands, Flying Cross, silver, the reverse stamped 'Sterling'; Commemorative War Cross, clasp 'Oorlogsvluchten 1940-45'; Great Britain, Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1946'; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, extremely fine, mounted as worn, together with the recipient's original R.A.F.V.R. Identity Tags (2) (9)

Lot Essay

964 Honorary awards of the D.F.C. were made to foreign nationals in the 1939-45 War, 43 of them going to Dutchmen.

As with the vast majority of these 'Honorary' awards, the D.F.C. to Flying Officer Sinnema was not announced in The London Gazette. His award, however, is verified in official records and reflected gallant service while attached to No. 153 Squadron, R.A.F.:

'Flying Officer Sinnema has displayed a fine offensive spirit in action, whilst his complete disregard for personal safety and his unconquerable spirit have been an inspiration to the Squadron. Flying Officer Sinnema has, at all times, pressed home his attacks with the utmost courage and determination despite intensive anti-aircraft fire and has invariably obtained excellent photographs which have proved the accuracy of his attacks'.