RAF and Commonwealth Air Forces Awards

This is a database of all commonwealth airforces Awards in the Second World War. Database developed with help of Malcolm Barrass and Jagan Pillarisetti. DSO listing provided by Hugh Halliday. Citations sourced from the London Gazette Website. Medal Ribbons from Wikipedia.

In this context we recommend reference books that include Honour the Air Forces by Michael Maton, The Distinguished Flying Cross and How It Was Won 1918-1945 by Nick Carter and Carol Carter, The Distinguished Flying Medal: A record of courage, 1918-1982 by I. T Tavender

There are a total of 72164 Award records in this database. Your query returns 85 records

Award --All Awards-- AFC AFCBarI AFCBarII AFM BEM(M) BEM(M)Bar CBE(M) CGM(F) DBE(M) DFC DFCBarI DFCBarII DFM DFMBarI DFMBarII DSO DSOBarI DSOBarII DSOBarIII GBE(M) GC KBE(M) MBE(M) MC MCBarI MiD MM OBE(M) VC Name Number Date/Year/Month Unit Force

VC : 30	GC : 27	GBE(M) : 4	KBE(M) : 44	DBE(M) : 3	CBE(M) : 548	DSO : 1222	OBE(M) : 1422	MBE(M) : 2338
DFC : 20927	MC : 85	AFC : 2481	CGM(F) : 107	BEM(M) : 2320	DFM : 6484	MM : 131	AFM : 292	MiD : 33699

Date	Award	Rank	Name (Number)	Unit	Ribbon
1940-11-05	MC	Fg Offr	Courtney Beresford Ingor WILLEY (78656)
			Flying Officer Willey was buried in the debris of a building which received a direct hit during an intensive air raid on an aerodrome. In spite of slight injuries and shock, this medical officer extricated himself and immediately rendered first aid to other injured personnel. He displayed a fine example of calm behaviour and efficiency. London Gazette No. 34986, Dated 1940-11-05
1940-12-20	MC	Fg Offr	Dougan Arthur Robert ELLIOTT (40812)
			One morning in August, 1940, this officer was on duty as navigation officer in the operations room of an aerodrome during an intense enemy bombing raid. The roof of this building was demolished, and a number of casualties occurred. Flying Officer Elliott, though slightly wounded and badly shaken, went to the assistance of the wounded, removing the rubble with his hands and directing the rescue party. Being the only officer left of the operations room staff, he organised a party to recover as many maps and documents as possible and set up a skeleton organisation in the signals office. Going without food or rest he acted as controller until late at night when he was relieved. He showed great initiative and an exemplary sense of discipline and leadership. London Gazette No. 35019, Dated 1940-12-20
1941-01-01	MC	Actg Flt Lt	Henry Roger DE WILDE (72818)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35029, Dated 1941-01-01
1941-01-01	MC	Flt Lt	Kevin Cormack DONOVAN (75058)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35029, Dated 1941-01-01
1941-01-01	MC	Actg Sqn Ldr	Whitney Willard STRAIGHT (90680)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35029, Dated 1941-01-01
1941-03-17	MC	Fg Offr	Ronald HAWKINS (70802)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35107, Dated 1941-03-17
1941-07-22	MC	Fg Offr	Arthur George CORK (43119)
			In April, 1941, this officer was second in command of the squadron s outparty which embarked at Alexandria for Greece.. During • the voyage he was in charge of 4 Lewis gun positions manned by personnel of the squadron. On the outward journey the convoy, iand his ship in particular, were attacked 3 times from the air before reaching Suda Bay and once again while in the bay. When returning to Alexandria, in convoy, a further 4 attacks were made. Throughout all these attacks, which were made either by dive bombing or torpedoes, Flying Officer Cork controlled and used his guns continuously, manning individual gun positions in turn himself, although in an exposed position on the upper deck. His splendid leadership inspired the gun crew to resist the ! enemy with vigour and accuracy London Gazette No. 35225, Dated 1941-07-22
1942-01-01	MC	Actg Sqn Ldr	Michael Peter CASANO (37223)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35399, Dated 1942-01-01
1942-01-01	MC	Flt Lt	Wilfred James Leighton STEVENSON (37303)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35399, Dated 1942-01-01
1942-03-13	MC	Fg Offr	Basil John Allan RENNIE (87414)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35486, Dated 1942-03-13
1942-03-13	MC	Flt Lt	John Talbot Lovell SHORE (39177)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35486, Dated 1942-03-13
1942-06-11	MC	Flt Lt	Alan Graham DOUGLAS (41387)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35586, Dated 1942-06-11
1942-08-18	MC	Fg Offr	Norman Lee BAUGH (43524)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35671, Dated 1942-08-18
1942-08-18	MC	Plt Offr	Edmund Douglas CROSSLEY (402465)	4 Hill Depot Far East
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35671, Dated 1942-08-18
1942-12-01	MC	Plt Offr	Terence John CORKRAN (404078)	120 Sqdn
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35804, Dated 1942-12-01
1942-12-01	MC	Flt Lt	Rae WALTON (43117)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35804, Dated 1942-12-01
1942-12-18	MC	Flt Lt	Reginald Arthur LENTON (42315)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 35827, Dated 1942-12-18
1943-07-13	MC	Fg Offr	Harold Fesler MARTING (J/4919)	450 Sqdn RAAF
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36089, Dated 1943-07-13
1943-08-10	MC	Actg Flt Lt	Robert Grainger Ker THOMPSON (70672)
			During operations in Burma, in March, 1943. this officer displayed marked courage and initiative in the face of the enemy. In addition to his duties as the Commanding Officer of the Royal Air Force section of a Column, he took an active part in all engagements with the enemy and was always to the fore with his tommy gun, steady and indifferent to his personal safety. His example had a marked effect on all ranks in the Column, whilst his detailed knowledge of the enemy and their methods was of the greatest assistance to his superiors. London Gazette No. 36127, Dated 1943-08-10
1943-09-21	MC	Fg Offr	Thomas DUN (118283)	2788 Sqdn, RAF Regt
			Notification Only : The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the. following awards, with effect from xyth September, 1943, in recognition of distinguished service rendered in the Mediterranean Air Command during the period 1st February to 12th May, 1943 More Reading: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7376737 WO 373/62/520 London Gazette No. 76737, Dated 1943-09-21
1943-09-21	MC	Flt Lt	Arthur Cuthbert LANGHAM (83371)	4337 AA Flt
			Notification Only : The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the. following awards, with effect from xyth September, 1943, in recognition of distinguished service rendered in the Mediterranean Air Command during the period 1st February to 12th May, 1943 More Reading: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7376737 WO 373/62/520 London Gazette No. 76737, Dated 1943-09-21
1943-10-08	MC	Plt Offr	Humphrey Rawstorne CARMICHAEL (52889)	28 Sqdn
			Notification Only (Temporary Captain, 17th Dogra Regiment, Indian Army). Further Reading: http://www.rafcommands.com/archives/carmichael-humphrey-rawstone-pilot-officer-burma-escapee/ https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7376747 Recommendation (WO 373/62/558) : On 26th April 1943, this officer was the pilot of a Hurricane aircraft which whilst particpating ina tactical reconnaissance flight along the west side of the Mayu Peninsula, was shot down in flames. Pilot Officer Carmichael sustained a wound in his leg and was stunned when his aircraft hit the water. On regaining conciousness he swam ashore an was captured by Japanese soliders and taken to hospital. During the time he was in hospital, he was closely guarded and constantly questioned regarding vital information and threatened with death if he failed to answer. Neverthelesss, Pilot Officer Carmichael remained silent and on the tenth day, when left alone for a few minutes, he escaped. Travelling at night and resting by day, although suffering from his wound and without food, Pilot Officer Carmichael reached India 3 days later. Thorougly exhausted but determined to reach Maungdaw, he approached a villager who housed and fed him untile he was fit to undertake the journey. This officer displayed exceptional courage and determination in the face of almost unsurmoutnable difficulties and eventually reached Maungdaw. London Gazette No. 6747 , Dated 1943-10-08
1943-11-30	MC	Actg Flt Lt	John Nicholas DOBBIN (67733)
			Acting as an assistant military landing officer, Flight Lieutenant Dobbin landed with assault troops on one of the beaches in Italy. The beach was under heavy fire from enemy guns and mortars. Realising the urgency of establishing the beach, Flight Lieutenant Dobbin started the organisation in a most prompt and praiseworthy manner and it was due to his efforts that immediately the first vehicles arrived, they were landed and despatched to the assembly area. Later, though wounded by cannon fire from an enemy aircraft, this officer refused to leave his duties. Throughout the whole operation he displayed fine courage and leadership. London Gazette No. 36267, Dated 1943-11-30
1943-12-14	MC	Sqn Ldr	Hadley Neville FOWLER (39457)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36285, Dated 1943-12-14
1944-01-25	MC	Flt Lt	Robert James Leslie FERRIS (63381)	74 Sqdn
			Flight Lieutenant Ferris, the medical officer of No. 74 Squadron, has displayed outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty. During a period in October, 1943, his headquarters was subjected to severe enemy air attacks. On one occasion 4 men were killed and two others were buried under the debris. Flight Lieutenant Ferris immediately set to work removing the bodies and releasing the buried men. His medical equipment had been destroyed and he was compelled to work with a pair of scissors and a small wood saw with which he succeeded in releasing one man after amputating his leg. Flight Lieutenant Ferris accomplished this while the air attack was in progress and worked with very little light and while held upside down by his legs. During an engagement between British and enemy ground forces he treated military and civilian casualties alike. Flight Lieutenant Ferris worked incessantly under most rigorous conditions. His coolness and courage proved a source of inspiration to all London Gazette No. 36346, Dated 1944-01-25
1944-03-14	MC	Flt Lt	Forest Frederick Edward YEO-THOMAS (89215)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36423, Dated 1944-03-14
1944-05-16	MCBarI	Flt Lt	Forest Frederick Edward YEO-THOMAS (89215)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36516, Dated 1944-05-16
1944-05-16	MC	Flt Lt	Allan Frank McSWEYN (402005)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36516, Dated 1944-05-16
1944-05-16	MC	Flt Lt	Oliver Lawrence Spurling PHILPOT (88131)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36516, Dated 1944-05-16
1944-05-16	MC	Flt Lt	Howard Douglas WARDLE (41761)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36516, Dated 1944-05-16
1944-09-15	MC	Fg Offr	Raymond Ernest JACKSON (142370)	34 Sqdn
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36702, Dated 1944-09-15
1944-09-15	MC	Flt Lt	Eric Ernest WILLIAMS (117644)	75 Sqdn
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36702, Dated 1944-09-15
1944-09-26	MC	Fg Offr	Raymond Arnold GRAETZ (417175)	100 Sqdn RAAF
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36718, Dated 1944-09-26
1944-10-03	MC	Actg Flt Lt	Cecil Gresham CURTIS (102687)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36728, Dated 1944-10-03
1944-10-13	MC	Sqn Ldr	Sidney Horace BELL (28141)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36745, Dated 1944-10-13
1944-11-13	MC	Actg Sqn Ldr	Norman BEST (75523)
			Squadron Leader Best was in charge of some equipment, vehicles, and men during the initial landings in Normandy on " D " day. Some of the vehicles and men fell into traps in the water. Although the beach and disembarkation point were under heavy shell fire and small arms fire, this officer s work in salvaging vehicles and equipment and ferrying them to a place of cover was carried out with great courage and disregard of his own safety. Squadron Leader Best also helped other units in a similar predicament. Whilst under fire he set i fine example to all London Gazette No. 36793, Dated 1944-11-13
1944-11-13	MC	Rev	Geoffrey Clarence HARDING (140848)
			This chaplain landed with a unit on the beaches of Normandy on " D " day. The beach was under intense bombardment and was strewn with dead and wounded. Mr. Harding worked for 36 hours, most of the time under direct fire, giving help to the wounded and burying the dead. He set an inspiring example and was responsible for saving many lives. During the evening of " D " day he walked along a road, which was under fire, into a village in enemy hands. He entered a house in which were many snipers and obtained water which he took back to the wounded. His gallantry and disregard for his own safety were worthy of high praise. London Gazette No. 36793, Dated 1944-11-13
1944-11-13	MC	Flt Lt	Richard Noel RYCROFT (116496)
			Flight Lieutenant Rycroft was the only medical officer on one of the beaches of Normandy on " D " day. Owing to the intense bombardment, it was not possible for him or any member of his unit to move off the beach for 6 hours. He worked for 48 hours tending casualties among the personnel of his unit and also aided some 75 American wounded. He was himself slightly wounded but his efforts on behalf of others were untiring. He set an example of great courage and devotion to duty and was responsible1 for saving many lives. London Gazette No. 36793, Dated 1944-11-13
1944-11-13	MC	Sqn Ldr	Frederick Joseph TROLLOPE (68965)
			Squadron Leader Trollope took command of his unit when the commanding officer became a casualty after landing on the beaches of Normandy on " D " day. His courage and devotion to duty in organising the many parties of his unit on the •beach, which was under intense fire, and arranging the safe conduct of men and vehicles as well as organising the evacuation of the wounded, • were of a high order. In addition to this work, Squadron Leader Trollope carried out his normal duties throughout the night and was mainly responsible for the successful operation of his unit under great difficulties. All his duties involved continual movement over the beaches and reconnaissance into enemy territory under fire. He. displayed great leadership and courage London Gazette No. 36793, Dated 1944-11-13
1944-12-01	MC	Sqn Ldr	Andrew William BARR (250774)	35 Sqdn RAAF
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36820, Dated 1944-12-01
1944-12-01	MC	Sqn Ldr	Manfred Beckett (Count) CZERNIN (37148)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36820, Dated 1944-12-01
1944-12-01	MC	Flt Lt	Robert Arthur Eric MILTON (42866)
			Notification Only London Gazette No. 36820, Dated 1944-12-01
1945-02-09	MC	Fg Offr	Stanley William Robert HARRIS (119740)	RAF Regt
			On the 27th September, 1944, Flying Officer Harris accompanied by 2 airmen drove a jeep into the forward areas. As the party entered the village of Stradone they were fired at by snipers and compelled to leave the jeep and take cover in a nearby building. Shortly afterwards 4 army stretcher bearers were also compelled to take cover close by. The enemy fire continued. Flying Officer Harris led the 2 parties from the rear of the building in an attempt to get clear of the danger area. As they reached the main road heavy mortar fire was encountered; Flying Officer Harris was seriously wounded in the chest. All other members of his party with the exception of a corporal were wounded and some were unable to walk. Flying Officer Harris assisted by the uninjured corporal walked back to the village and retrieved the jeep. Having been assisted into the seat Flying Officer Harris drove the vehicle back to the injured personnel who were then conveyed to the nearest field dressing station some 4 miles away. On arrival, Flying Officer Harris collapsed from loss of blood and the intense pain he had suffered. The outstanding courage, fortitude and devotion to duty displayed by this officer are worthy of high praise London Gazette No. 36931, Dated 1945-02-09
1945-02-09	MC	Fg Offr	Angus Ian MITCHELL (127650)	RAF Regt
			On 29th September, 1944 whilst on detachment with the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in South Mayu Range, this officer accompanied an assault party in an attack on an enemy position. When the commander was killed, Flying Officer Mitchell immediately assumed command and succeeded in capturing and consolidating the objective under accurate hostile shell fire. Despite the unusual situation in which he was placed he remained completely calm and showed initiative and resolution of a high order. On 2nd October, 1944, ne was attached to a platoon of the service regiment. which was detailed as a fighting patrol in the area of Sunia Marpara Pimples. The patrol was repeatedly attacked by superior forces and eventually surrounded. Later when the situation had deteriorated seriously, Flying Officer Mitchell gallantly volunteered to make his way back to the company s base with a view to bringing down artillery support to assist in the withdrawal of the patrol. Although there was little cover on the journey, and the ground was swept by enemy automatic fire, he succeeded in getting through. His conduct was most praiseworthy and materially assisted in the successful withdrawal of the patrol. Flying Officer Mitchell showed marked courage and determination in carrying out an extremely difficult and hazardous task London Gazette No. 36931, Dated 1945-02-09
1945-02-09	MC	Fg Offr	Norman John PAGE (137852)	RAF Regt
			One afternoon in September, 1944, in an attempt • to save 20 men of a Light Anti-Aircraft unit, Avho were surrounded, the rifle flight under the command of Flying Officer Page twice engaged greatly superior forces of the enemy, who were in well concealed positions in a wood N.E. of Vaeke, south of the Leopold Canal. During the second engagement, the flight was beset on three sides by heavy enemy machine gun fire and fairly heavy mortar fire taut, by outstanding skill and leadership, Flying Officer Page withdrew his flight without loss, inflicting casualties on the enemy. For about 0:4 days Flying Officer Page s flight occupied the left flank of a forward defence locality at Moerkerke. During this period he was tireless in his devotion to duty. He frequently led patrols to enable mortar fire to be brought to bear on the enemy and, by night, he directed counter measures against enemy patrols. Flying Officer Page at all times justified the trust and disciplined response of his men by his dash and energy. He directed skilfully the tasks allotted to the flight and, although the enemy was at all times superior in numbers and fire power, the operations were carried out without loss, while casualties were inflicted on the enemy London Gazette No. 36931, Dated 1945-02-09
1945-02-09	MC	Fg Offr	John Reginald Bawater WILD (134955)	RAF Regt
			In October, 1944, this officer was in charge of a forward observation post, consisting of one troop of reconnaissance cars, on the south bank of the Wilhelmina Canal, when a warning was received that a patrol of the enemy was working across the canal towards him. Flying Officer Wild immediately set out to meet the oncoming patrol, covered by two of his men. He encountered four of the enemy, and although under heavy fire, threw a hand grenade at them. Flying Officer Wild then •worked, his way round to the enemy s flank and threw a further grenade which wounded a German •officer and two men. He then advanced on the Germaa position, killing the officer with his revolver, but the other men escaped, leaving their weapons behind. Flying Officer Wild, accompanied by others, continued the search but the Temaindei- of the enemy patrol had escaped across the canal. This officer, during the whole of the operation in this sector, displayed courage and skill of the highest order. He personally accounted for at least six of the enemy by sniping and at all times set a magnificent example to his men. London Gazette No. 36931, Dated 1945-02-09
1945-02-13	MC	Flt Lt	James GILLIES (47317)	79 Sqdn
			On the night of 2?th March, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Gillies, with a small patrol, penetrated into an enemy ammunition dump at Indaw, Burma. After he had rejoined the main force he was ordered to proceed to the R.A.F. working in support and explain the lay-out of the dump area. He also arranged to indicate the target for the bombers. On the 4th April, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Gillies flew as passenger in a light aircraft, and placed smoke bombs around the target area from a height of fifty feet, enabling the bombers to attack the target with great precision. The raid was highly successful. Throughout the whole campaign Flight Lieutenant Gillies enthusiastic devotion to duty, and his ingenious ideas were of the utmost value London Gazette No. 36937, Dated 1945-02-13
1945-02-13	MC	Flt Lt	George ALLAN (413324)	194 Sqdn RAF
			(Attd Lancashire Fusilers) On 27th May, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Allan, with a small detachment, was ordered to remain in an observation post near Lamai for the purpose of directing Air Support and to report, by wireless, enemy movements and dispositions. As his party was very small he was told he might leave if his position was threatened but he remained isolated for six weeks during which he directed ten bombing attacks and gave most valuable information of enemy movements. Later, when ordered, he led his detachment forty miles through hills and jungle to join the Brigade. On igth June, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Allan requested Air Support to deal with an enemy troop train which he had observed. As a result, our aircraft destroyed the train, probably causing heavy casualties to the passengers. On i7th April, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Allan, with a small escort, encountered a Japanese patrol in the Tonlon area and, with his escort, blocked the track and awaited the arrival of the column which was moving up behind them. This officer himself killed one of the enemy. Flight Lieutenant Allan has proved himself an outstanding officer and a source of confidence to the men London Gazette No. 36937, Dated 1945-02-13
1945-02-13	MC	Sqn Ldr	Reginald Joseph JENNINGS (67110)	Indian Inf Bde
			As senior R.A.F. Liaison Officer of the Brigade, Squadron Leader Jennings has shown unfailing courage, skill and energy. He has carried out repeated reconnaissance in the face of the enemy. On 8th April, 1944, ^e was wounded in three places by grenades but continued to show an example by his disregard of danger. He personally killed four Japanese. London Gazette No. 36937, Dated 1945-02-13
1945-02-13	MC	Plt Offr	Ian McGREGOR (179849)
			Pilot Officer McGregor has been operating in Yugoslavia. In May, 1944, in conjunction with some partisan soldiers, he succeeded in saving nine loads of food and ammunition which had been dropped, and which were in danger of capture by the Germans, who were searching for his party, both by air and with armoured cars. While returning from such missions, Pilot Officer McGregor has frequently had to pass through difficult and dangerous country. On one occasion, he displayed outstanding courage and resource, when he conducted 64 American airmen through enemy held territory to safety. In September, 1944, he flew on the first sortie to a new landing ground. On arrival, it was found to be uncertain whether the enemy or the partisans were in occupation of the area. Pilot Officer McGregor landed by parachute and found friendly troops on the landing ground; thus a serious delay in evacuating wounded and escaped prisoners was avoided. Pilot Officer McGregor has always shown commendable courage and ability London Gazette No. 36937, Dated 1945-02-13

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