Charles John Mackenzie

Wing Commander Charles John Mackenzie, DFC, AFC Royal Air Force (late Auxiliary Air Force) Born: May 25, 1915 (India) | Died: February 1970 (Eastbourne, UK) The Profile Charles John Mackenzie was a pre-war Auxiliary Air Force pilot called to active service in August 1939. Initially flying twin-engine Avro Ansons with No. 500 (County of Kent) Squadron, he quickly transitioned to Bristol Blenheims and Lockheed Hudsons as the war intensified, spending the opening years of the conflict patrolling the hostile, windswept coastlines of northern Europe. Coastal Command Exploits (The DFC) By March 1942, Mackenzie was operating out of RAF Stornoway, hunting German U-boats trying to strangle Allied shipping lanes in the Atlantic and Irish Sea. On April 28, 1942, while piloting a Hudson over the Western Approaches, he spotted a surfaced U-boat eight miles away. Using sun and cloud cover to mask his approach, Mackenzie executed a textbook dive-bombing attack. Screaming down to just 60 feet, he bracketed the vessel with four depth charges—one detonating a mere 10 feet from the hull. Following up with a devastating strafing run from his front and rear guns, he watched the shattered U-boat slip stern-first into a mass of frothy brown water. For his masterful tactical surprise and aggressive hunting, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Glider Towing & Airborne Operations (The AFC) Advancing to Squadron Leader, Mackenzie transferred to Transport Command, joining No. 233 Squadron to pilot Douglas Dakota transport aircraft. It was here that his operational skill shifted from hunting submarines to dropping elite airborne forces behind enemy lines. Operation Tonga (D-Day): On the night of June 5, 1944, Mackenzie flew his Dakota into heavy flak over the French coast, delivering paratroopers of the 6th Airborne Division deep inland to Drop Zone 'K'. Returning the following night for a hazardous re-supply mission, his aircraft took significant damage from enemy fire. His exceptional leadership in organizing and executing these high-stakes drops earned him the Air Force Cross (AFC). Operation Market Garden (Arnhem): In September 1944, Mackenzie flew back into the fray, towing heavy gliders filled with troops, Jeeps, and anti-tank guns into the chaotic skies over Arnhem to seize the Rhine bridges. He survived the brutal, low-altitude re-supply missions that cost his squadron numerous aircraft, including the one flown by posthumous VC recipient Flight Lieutenant David Lord. Post-War Service Following the Allied victory in Europe, Mackenzie deployed to South-East Asia (1945–46) to support post-war stabilization operations. He elected to stay with the RAF long-term, climbing to the rank of Wing Commander in July 1954 before his eventual retirement to Eastbourne. Medal Group Valuation Snapshot MNB Valor Index: High (Features a prestigious dual-gallantry/distinguished flying combination: DFC + AFC). Hammer Price: £3,500 (Against a £2,000 - £3,000 estimate) The Group (9 Medals): Distinguished Flying Cross (G.VI.R. dated 1942); Air Force Cross (G.VI.R. dated 1944); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star (with France and Germany clasp); Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service Medal 1918-62 (1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46); Coronation Medal 1953.