A second world war coastal command DFM group to 1179652 Flight Sergeant (later Pilot Officer) Albert William John Hazell, 236 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was killed on active service while flight testing a Mosquito. 

George VI Distinguished Flying Medal named to 1179652 F/Sgt. A.W.J. Hazell. R.A.F. 
1939-45 Star unnamed as issued 
Atlantic Star unnamed as issued 
War Medal 1939-45 unnamed as issued 

London Gazette: 15th October 1943
DFM (Immediate Award) 

 'Flight Sergeant Hazell has carried out 34 sorties against the enemy involving some 89 hours operational flying. He has always displayed great dash and determination in pressing home his attack. His tour has included an abortive attack against units of the German fleet and an attack on  a U-boat. On 21st September, 1943, he led a sub-flight of three aircraft of the North Coates Wing which was attacking a very heavily armed convoy off Den Helder. Flight Sergeant Hazell's flight attacked three "M" class minesweepers and helped silence their flak., thus enabling a torpedo strike force to deliver a well executed attack which resulted in three torpedo hits out of five being obtained. Flight Sergeant Hazell has always displayed a fine sense of discipline and bravery in the most trying circumstances. This N.C.O. is a fine operational pilot and is renowned for his keenness to engage the enemy. He is strongly recommended for an immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal for his part in the action of 25th September, 1943.' 

Albert William John Hazell was born 19th March 1915. He enlisted as an Aircraftman 2nd class on 31st of August 1940, and was promoted throughout the war. 

Hazell was killed on active service while flight testing a Mosquito serial number MM 647 on 5th May 1944 near Alconbury. Records state that he carried out a series of very steep turns which over stressed the wooden aircraft at which point it crashed to the ground and immediately caught fire. The air officer commanding stated in his report that the pilot carried out manoeuvres that were not necessary for the relevant air test.

He is buried in Gloucester Old Cemetery. 

The group comes with original letters from Hazell dated 1943 to his parents describing some of his operations and also his pride and being awarded the DFM (in one letter he jokingly describes his DFM recommendation as probably being 'for good attendance over enemy convoys!'), his old school cap, original photographs, newspaper cuttings and some research. 

Please see photos.