Medal Bar of Wing Commander John Randall Daniel Braham

During the Second World War ‘Bob’ Braham flew Bristol Blenheims and Beaufighters. His skill and bravery earned him 29 confirmed victories, 19 of which were radar-assisted at night, six damaged and four probables.

In September 1940 Braham became one of the first pilots to fly a Beaufighter equipped with radar and went on to lead No. 141 Squadron, the RAF’s first dedicated night-fighter squadron operating over Germany and Occupied Europe. Braham was known for daring ground attacks on enemy targets such as naval vessels, trains, staff cars and airfields. In 1944 he was shot down and captured, ironically from a radar station, and imprisoned in Stalag Luft III. He was eventually liberated in May 1945. Medals, from left to right: Distinguished Service Order (two bars), Distinguished Flying Cross (two bars), Air Force Cross, 1939–1945 Star with Battle of Britain clasp, Aircrew Europe Star with France and Germany clasp, War Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration with bar for further 10 years’ service, Belgian Order of the Crown, Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palm.