Air Force Cross, (GVIR)., Type 2, officially dated ‘1948’, 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (W/O R.A.F.); Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (F. Sgt. R.A.F.),
With two flying log books and Certificate of Service
mounted as worn
A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1948.
Donald Sinclair Campbell was born 1914 and was a farm worker by trade upon his joining the Royal Air Force, 1937. A physical training instructor, he gained his Parachute Badge on 26 June 1943 and thence became a Parachuting Instructor and Air Despatcher. As the Second World War continued, Campbell was himself to continue training the growing airborne forces, latterly the 4th (Parachute) Squadron, Royal Engineers prepared for action.
This was especially evident in late August 1944, when the final preparation ‘jumps’ were made by that aforementioned unit.
‘Ops Despatching’
’15/9/1944 (sic) actually 18th. Operation “Market” from Spanhoe. 4th Sqdn R.E.s. Pleasant trip. Excellent stick. 4hrs 50 mins.’
In October 1944 he was posted to No. 3 Parachute Training School, Chaklala (India Command), he brought up his century of descents in June 1945 and also took part in several Instructors Demonstrations. He served in Palestine from December 1947 (Medal & clasp) and latterly returned to England, serving at No. 1 Parachute Training Wing, RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire.
By the time of his final entry in his Log Book at the end of September 1951, he would have totals of 337hrs 10mins and a remarkable 228 descents by parachute to his name. Campbell was discharged on 12 December 1957; sold together with his two Royal Air Force Navigator’s, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (Form 1767), covering his entire career and with entries from 15 August 1943-20 September 1951, Certificate of Service, and photograph of the recipient and his wife.
Lovely AFC group
