Defence Medal : Flight Lieutenant R M Rees, 83 Squadron RAF

Defence Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Associated with the service of 407339 Flight Lieutenant Robert Maitland Rees, born on 22 November 1915 in Kapunda, South Australia. Rees enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on 14 September 1940. Throughout 1941 he qualified as an air observer, bomb aimer, air gunner and Astro navigator. In April 1942 Rees joined 83 Squadron, Royal Air Force in Scampton, England where he was a navigator aboard Avro Manchesters and Lancasters. In August 1942 Rees moved with 83 Squadron to Wyton, becoming part of the newly-formed Pathfinder Force. Rees completed more than two months operational flying service and in March 1943 was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill, courage and devotion to duty. He was discharged from 3 Air Observer School on 25 June 1945.