Medal Bar of 9 Air Marshal Sir Harold ‘Micky’ Martin

‘Micky’ Martin was a highly decorated Australian RAF pilot who flew in the Dams Raid of May 1943. He was renowned for his skill at low level flying and completed 83 operations for Bomber Command in aircraft including Hampdens, Manchesters, Lancasters and Mosquitos.

He had already received a Distinguished Flying Cross before joining No.617 Squadron. For his gallant conduct in the Dams Raid he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). Further exploits with No.617 Squadron and as a night fighter pilot with No. 100 Group earned him two bars to his Distinguished Flying Cross and a bar to his DSO. Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC considered Martin to be the greatest operational pilot that the Air Force ever produced (quote from ‘The Dam Busters’ by Paul Brickhill, 1951). Medals are from left: Distinguished Service Order and Bar Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bars Air Force Cross 1939-1945 Star Air Crew Europe Star with clasp France and Germany Italy Star Defence Medal War Medal 1939-1945 Coronation Medal 1953