Medal Bar of Wing Commander Innes Bentall Westmacott

During the Battle of Britain Innes Westmacott served with No. 56 Squadron, flying Hawker Hurricanes. In August 1940 he was badly burned after his fuel tank exploded during an attack by a Messerschmitt Bf 110.

Westmacott joined the RAF on a Short Service Commission in 1937 having previously gained his civil licence while working for de Havilland. By early April 1941 he was on HMS Ark Royal and led the second flight of six Hurricanes off the aircraft carrier, landing on Malta to join No. 261 Squadron. He later trained naval carrier staff in fighter control techniques. Medals, from left to right: Distinguished Flying Cross, reverse dated 1942 and privately engraved WG CDR IB WESTMACOTT, 1939–1945 Star with Battle of Britain clasp, Air Crew Europe Star, Africa Star with North Africa clasp 1942–1943, Italy Star, War Medal 1939–1945, edge impressed WING CDR IB WESTMACOTT.