40th Anniv of V-E Day Signed

8 May 85 Jersey 40th Anniversary VE Day postmark.  40th Anniversary VE Day 8th May 1985. Blue flown cachet flown in Cessna 182 G Pics on a special flight marking the Norwegian Commemoration of the 40^th Anniversary of VE Day  Personally Signed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Neil Wheeler

The son of an Officer in the South African Police, Neil Wheeler attended Waterkloof House School, Pretoria and St Helen's College in Southsea before entering the RAF College at Cranwell in 1935, having been awarded a Dominion Scholarship.  His first posting was to No 207 Squadron, but on the outbreak of war the squadron was transferred to training duties and in April 1940 was absorbed into the newly formed No 12 Operational Training Unit.  Determined to get onto operations in 1940, he took the unusual step of reporting to the Air Ministry and managed to get himself posted to the recently formed and secret Photographic Development Unit.  During one such flight moisture in his oxygen system caused him to pass out at 28,000 ft but fortunately he recovered at 1,500 ft over Kiel.  With the PDU/PRU he operated from bases as far apart as Scotland and Cornwall and was awarded his DFC having completed 56 operations. 

Sometime in 1942 he was involved ain a car accident and sustained serious injuries, which kept him out of action until November when he took command of No 236 Squadron.  This unit was part of the North Coates Strike Wing of Coastal Command and was equipped with Beaufighters.  He was responsible for reviewing the Wing's tactics and introduced the concept of all three squadrons attacking together and insisted that all operations be undertaken with fighter escorts, his Bar to  the DFC was awarded for  this period of his career and at the end of his tour he was awarded the DSO.

Citation for the award of the Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

“Acting Wing Commander Henry Neal George WHEELER, D.F.C (33296), No.236 Squadron.

Wing Commander Wheeler has led a wing in 5 attacks on enemy shipping during which many thousands of tons have been sunk.  By his skilful and determined leadership this officer contributed materially to the successes obtained. During these operations, Flying Officer Irving, as the navigator of Wing Commander Wheeler's  aircraft, displayed a high standard of ability and proved a valuable asset.  Both these members of aircraft crew have set an example worthy of the highest praise.”(London Gazette – 6 July 1943) 

Certified Copy No 22 of 50