Trace family of pilot whose log books have just obtained

[Tankertrashnav]

I was rather astounded to discover that there is no published record listing all gallantry awards and the citations - you have to work your way through the London Gazette and that normally doesn't publish citations

It would be a rather thick tome HH. To start with, there were over 20,000 awards of the DFC in WW2 alone, and over 4,000 of the AFC. Taking the post war period, there were over 1900 awards of the AFC from 1946-69, so you can imagine the size of the book. Taking into account the work involved in compiling such a book (or books, as it would run to several volumes) and the cost of printing, the cover price would be prohibitive considering the limited market for such a work.

Such a shame for the family to dispose of them like this, one only hopes they kept hold of his medals.

Over the years I have bought and sold hundreds of medals, but very rarely have I managed to buy accompanying logbooks. I remember buying a nice AFC group to a WW2 Mosquito squadron commander from the chap's widow. She didn't mind parting with the medals, but would not sell the logbooks as she felt they were far more personal than the medals, having been filled out by her late husband. She was kind enough to lend me them for a while but I certainly didn't try and persuade her to sell them.

[sharpend]

I flew with Mike!

[Heathrow Harry]

TTNV - I was thinking (hoping!) that it would be on the web .....

maybe a useful project to fund when I win the Eurolottery.........................

[Tankertrashnav]

Ah, that's my old brain equating "publishing" with something on paper!

I believe a lot of the info from the London Gazette is already online, but in the past I have found it very difficult to search the archives. In recent years I have left this to a chum who seems to know the system better than I do and is willing to help out occasionally. There are also professional researchers who do this sort of work at the National Archive (formerly known as the Public Records Office). Some of them are very reasonable - others not so!

[Heathrow Harry]

Given that there are people who post pictures & catalogue electricity pylons I'd hoped someone had done the research for me ........................

I have a readers ticket myself ...... but you need a couple of trips ot figure out the best way to use the place

the online issues of the Gazette aren't always easy to search for either

[teeteringhead]

the online issues of the Gazette aren't always easy to search for either

Someone with Air Force Lists before heretired should be able to provide you with his service number - that makes the search of the Gazette easier.

A full set of AFLs would also give the (rough - they were up to 18 months late) date of the AFC which would make the search easier. I've got some old Lists somewhere (loft? shed?? garage???) so might be able to help given a bit of time.....

[Edited to add:]

Oops - just seen the OP has his number - I'm on the case!

[Edited again!]

A quick search of the Gazette gives no details but the date (NYHL 1978). Some awards do - I found details of Jock Stirrup's AFC a while ago - but I'm guessing that this was an "end of bl%%dy good tour" award. The striking thing is that he was one of TEN RAF AFCs in that list!! (No details on any - Richie Profit's was in the same list.)

[Innominate]

Birthday and New Year Honours Lists almost never give citations - you need to find the recommendation. This file looks hopeful:
DEFE 71/312 Honours and awards: New Year's Honours List 1978; flying awards