Distinguished Flying Medal to Sgt. Pilot Thomas Purdy, RAF. KIA with 57 Sqn 1941 over Eindhoven, he took part in the famous raid of Heligoland Bight 1939 & capital ships at Brunsbuttel with 9 Sqn, with original news cuttings & MiD certificate, see history

Scarce Distinguished Flying Medal to Sergeant Pilot Thomas Purdy. KIA with 57 Squadron 1941 over Eindhoven, he took part in the famous raid of Heligoland Bight 1939 & capital ships at Brunsbuttel with 9 Squadron.

564392: Purdy, Thomas; b.28.6.1913; enlisted 21.1.30 (2 Wing); ACI(FAE) 6.1.33; HAD(Henlow) 6.1.33; CFS (Wittering) 3.9.35 (fit for training as airman pilot 13.5.36); Supt.of Reserve 13.7.36 (re-mustered pilot u/t); RAF Depot 7.9.36; 6FTS (Netheravon) 19.9.36 (NCO pilot training); Sgt(plt) 22.5.37; 75(B)Sqn (Driffield) 25.5.37 (unit relocated to Honington 11.7.38); 215(B)Sqn (Honington) 1.3.39 (seniority in trade 21.3.39); 9Sqn (Honington) 4.9.39 (participated in 4th September operation to bomb capital ships at Brunsbuttel - Vickers Wellington 1, L4287/WS-?)(participated in 18th December 1939 raid to Heligoland Bight - Vickers Wellington IA, N2981/WS-?); Mentioned In Despatches LG 20.2.40 (Sgt)(certificate dated 20th January 1940) (?for participation in the Battle of Heligoland Bight, 18.12.39; 75Sqn (Harwell) 26.2.40 (unit merged into and re- titled 15OTU wef 4.4.40); 9Sqn (Honington) 28.5.40; Distinguished Flying Medal LG 24.12.40

(Sergeant Pilot Purdy has taken part as Captain of aircraft in most of the important operations undertaken by the squadron since 4th September 1939, and has at all times shown conspicuous gallantry and determination in pressing home his attacks in the face of severe enemy opposition and in adverse weather conditions. On 18th December 1939, in operations near Heligoland, he was responsible for the destruction of three enemy aircraft. His success as a Captain of aircraft is no less marked than his skill and determination as a pilot and he has imbued his crew with a team spirit to a marked extent. By his courage, persistent determination, skill and power of leadership, this N.C.O. has at all times set an example deserving of the highest praise.)

(Sg); T.F/Sgt 1.3.41; Honington 1.7.41; 57Sqn (Feltwell) 23.8.41; T. W/O 1.9.41; KIA 28.12.41 (shot down by night-fighter - Oblt Reinholdt Knakk, 2. NJG. 1) (Vickers Wellington IC, Z1097/DX-?)(Bomber Command Losses)(CWGC); DFM(GVIRI)(Sgt); Mentioned In Despatches Certificate, newspaper cuttings; one of sixteen aircraft apprentices who were awarded the combination of the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) and 'Mentioned In Despatches' for service during WW2 (MiD)