DFC citation for David S Lord, VC, DFC (49149)

[Mikkel Plannthin]

16 July 1943, the DFC of Lord, 31 Sqn, is recorded in the LG. As one of my Danish pilots flies as his 2nd pilot in the fall of 1942, I am curious about the background for this award.

Does anyone know the citation/motivation?

Mikkel

[Oldduffer]

I don't have the citation for the award but Lord was serving on 31 Sqn at the time, as you know.

Lord flew in North Africa and India/Burma with 31 Sqn and he was involved in many operations, being attacked and even shot down. He was commissioned from Warrant Officer and was a Flying Officer when awarded his DFC, probably at or near the conclusion of his tour. He received the King's Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air on 1 Sep 44 (A nice little oak leaf cluster, similar to a mention in despatches - quite unusual in some quarters and a nice talking point!!!).

Although he is mentioned in "First in the Indian Skies", there is not anything too specific about him.

On return to UK, he went to 271 Sqn.

[Mikkel Plannthin]

Thank you! I have consulted First in Indian Skies as you recommend, but I did not seem be able to find the answer.

My man, Keel, was transferred with 45 Squadron in Feb 42, but is grounded for medical reasons in March. In April/May, he is detached to Dinjan with two fellow officers to assist in 'movement control' during these hectic months. I guess he made a good job here. In July, he is detached to 31 Squadron and in August/September Lord and Keel seem to form a the pilot-duo on DC-3 MA928. Hence my interest in Lord. In December, Keel returns to 45 Squadron, and he too returns to England. He is killed in a training accident at 16 OTU in 1944.

Mikkel

[Marks]

Hi Mikkel,

VCs Of the Second World War - John Frayn TURNER

p266
When he awarded his D.F.C in July 1943 it was stated that he had completed his very large number of operational sorties in Iraq, the Western Desert and Burma. His duties in Burma included the evacuation of casualties, women and children, often in the face of severe opposition. During the early summer of 1943 he did especially admirable work there, dropping food supplies to troops in the field. His sorties often took him deep into enemy territory without fighter escort, calling for courage and endurance.

Seems to read like a citation/recommendation.

Mark

[Mikkel Plannthin]

Mark
Excellent! I agree that it seems to read like a citation/recommendation.

Mikkel