A rare 1958 Malaya operations D.F.C. group of four awarded to Valetta pilot Flight Lieuten...

A rare ‘1958’ Malaya operations D.F.C. group of four awarded to Valetta pilot Flight Lieutenant K. J. Robinson, 52 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Distinguished Flying Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated ‘1958’; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Flt. Lt. K. J. Robinson. R.A.F.) mounted as originally worn, but additionally mounted on card for display, minor edge bruising, very fine (4) £2,800-£3,400 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 27 June 1958: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya.’ Kenneth John Robinson was a native of Paignton, Devon. He enlisted in the ranks of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in May 1941, and subsequently advanced to Flight Sergeant. Robinson was commissioned as Pilot Officer (on probation) in the General Duties Branch (Pilot) in September 1943. He advanced to Flying Officer in March 1944, and to Flight Lieutenant in September 1945. Robinson qualified as a flying instructor at the Central Flying School, and it would appear that he was employed as such during the Second World War. Robinson served two tours of Malaya, the first between 1951 and 1952 being at AHQ Malaya and with 52 Squadron (Dakotas and Valettas). Whilst no recommendation for Robinson’s award has yet been released by MOD(Air), it is known that he was serving on his second tour of Malaya, with 52 Squadron (Valettas) from R.A.F. Changi. Extracts from the squadron’s Operational Record Book (Air 2 2785/2786) and the Log Book of Flight Sergeant E. E. Roshier, D.F.M. (Robinson’s navigator - held in a private collection, photocopies of relevant extracts included in lot) confirm that Robinson was employed ‘up-country’ on many supply dropping missions. He was also the captain of a Valetta dropping S.A.S. parachutists on operations in July 1956. Many aircraft and crews were lost on these supply dropping flights and statistics show that the casualty rate for R.A.F. personnel was three times that of the infantry and S.A.S. troops that they were assisting. Robinson continued to serve after Malaya, and was serving at R.A.F. Lyneham when he died of post-operative Peritonitus at R.A.F. Hospital, Wroughton in March 1961. Flight Lieutenant Robinson is buried in Lyneham Cemetery. Sold with copied research.