Description
Distinguished Flying Cross Group of 6, dated 1944, DFC 1944, 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal, attributed to Flt Lt and Pilot Ian MacLaren Pearson, 7 Squadron, crashed in Germany on a night raid to Berlin, before his award.
Attributed via engraving to the reverse of the DFC reading: “Ian MacLaren Pearson Flt/lt The R.A.F. 2. 1. 43.”
The other medals are unnamed and the group is swing mounted for wear, obviously as he did not live to receive the DFC or wear it, the group appears to be mounted and worn in remembrance. His next of kin was his father. Captain J.M. Pearson, who also had his own set of medals to wear on remembrance day as he was Ex RFC/RAF in WW1.
All medals are original issues, apart from the F&G star which is a good period copy, obviously he died before the qualification period for this award, it can be assumed that his father disagreed as his son had been a veteran of many raids over Germany and plenty over Berlin.
Flt Lt Pearson was killed when the crew he was leading crashed at Furstenwalde on the night of 2-3rd January 1944, on a Path Finder Mission destined for Berlin. 6 of the Crew were killed with 1 survivor taken Prisoner.
He was a veteran of 45 former Sorties almost all over heavily defended targets in Germany.
He left behind a betrothed fiance and a grieving father, who would outlive both his children and their mother.
Ian and his recommendation for the DFC.
A letter was sent to his Father, Captain J.M. Pearson, 70 Eaton Place London, which reads:
“23rd December 1944
Sir, I am directed to inform you that the King has been graciously pleased to confer the distinguished Flying Cross on your late son, Acting Flight Lieutenant Ian MacLaren Pearson (126002) with effect from 2nd January 1944, and I attach for your information details of the services for which the decoration was granted. The award will be published in the London Gazette (RAF Awards Supplement), dated 29th December 1944.
Should you desire, arrangements will be made for you as the recorded next of kin, to attend at Buckingham Palace to receive the medal from his Majesty….”
“Lieutenant Pearson has completed as Pilot and Captain of Aircraft, many successful operations against the enemy, in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.”
He had served with 7 Squadron Path Finder Force, with 233.15 hours flown on active operations, over 2 years totalling 45 Sorties.
All 45 sorties are noted on his recommendation, spanning from 7th November 1941 to 3rd December 1943, when he was recommended for the DFC.
11 Bombing Raids, 10 Daylight Bombing Raids, 2 Minelaying, 2 Bombing, 1 Minelaying, 1 Bombing and 18 Path Finder Sorties.
“Flight Lieutenant Pearson has completed 18 Operational Sorties with the Path Finder Force, 11 of which have been as a Marker.
Flight Lieutenant Pearson has proved himself to be a keen and capable Captain and has taken part in most of the recent raids on the heavily defended targets in Germany, during which, in spite of intense opposition, he has pressed home his attack with the utmost determination.
He has done much to weld together the fine crew which he now captains. He has at all times displayed a fine devotion to duty.
Signed Group Captain Commanding K.J. Rampling, 7 Squadron P.F.F., dated 20th December 1943.
Station Commander: I concur, Strongy recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross.”
“Strongly Recommended” by Air Vice Marshall in Command of No 8 Group P.F.F.”
The Marriage that never was, the engagement of Pilot Officer Pearson and his wartime romance with a WAAF officer, Section Officer Margaret Sunniva Neven-Spence, WAAF:
The Scotsman 20th February 1943 reports:
“The engagment is announced between Pilot Officer Ian MacLaren Pearson R.A.F.V.R. eldest son of Captain J.M. Pearson, of Creech House, Denmead, Hants and Northgate, Devizes, Wiltshire. To Margaret Sunniva, the eldest daughter of major Basil Neven-Spence, D.L. M.P. of Eyea, Shetland.
His father, Next of Kin, Captain James MacLaren Pearson, Royal Air Force and Royal Flying Corps.
Ian Maclaren Pearson was the son of James Maclaren Pearson, commissioned out of Glasgow University in 1915 into the Scottish Rifles, he joined the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, having gone missing on 21st October 1918 attached to the Independent Air Force, R.A.F. in Machine DH 9A F1029.
It was reported in November that he was a prisoner of war at Karlsruhe along with his Observer Sergt.
His father was likely hoping to receive a similar telegram when his son went missing over Germany.
