HughAHalliday
16th July 2021, 22:30
Second World War French Croix de Guerre awards were not announced in the London Gazette owing to several factors, principally disagreements within the Free French authorities as to who was entitled to bestow them. Citations are hard to find, but the following are submitted for anyone interested.
DEERE, Alan Christopher, W/C, DSO, DFC (40370, Royal Air Force) - Station Biggin Hill - Croix de Guerre - awarded as per uncertain authority. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation, described as "Offer notified by Free French Air Force Headquarters".
Took part in protective operations covering Dunkerque evacuation securing four victories and, two days later, two new victories. Participated in the Battle of Britain. On 53 occasions led the French fighter groups "Ile de France”and "Alsace”in operations over occupied territory. Total victories 21 with an addition of seven probables.
HARRIES, Raymond Hiley, W/C, DSO, DFC (87447, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) - unit not stated - Croix de Guerre (France) - On list, Public Record Office Air 2/9141 as accepted 2 March 1944. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation, described as "Offer notified by Free French Air Force Headquarters".
After having shared his first success with a French pilot, has now to his credit 17 enemy aircraft destroyed, two probably destroyed and four damaged. His squadron, containing several French pilots, has destroyed 16 enemy aircraft, and on 24th May 1943, destroyed five enemy aircraft without loss.
MALAN, Adolph Gysbert, G/C, DSO, DFC (37604, Royal Air Force) - Station Biggin Hill - Croix de Guerre (France) - On list, Public Record Office Air 2/9141 as accepted 2 March 1944, having been offered by Free French Air Force Headquarters on 13 July 1943. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation, described as "Offer notified by Free French Air Force Headquarters".
After having taken part in the operation covering the evacuation at Dunkerque in May and June 1940, participated in the Battle of Britain. As commander at Biggin Hill, led in combat, on nine occasions, the French fighter groups "Ile de France" and "Alsace". Credited with 32 victories and five probables.
WAUD, Kenneth Leslie, F/L, DFC (126771, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) - No.93 Squadron - Croix de Guerre (France) - On list, Public Record Office Air 2/9141 as accepted 2 March 1944. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation, described as "Offer notified by Commandant Adam, CO of Group de Chasse 2/7".
On 7th May 1943, contributed much to the success of his parol in attacking six powerfully defended "E" Boats; three were set on fire while two were abandoned by crews. On 8th May, 1943, set two Macchi aircraft on fire when attacking enemy airfield.
DEERE, Alan Christopher, W/C, DSO, DFC (40370, Royal Air Force) - Station Biggin Hill - Croix de Guerre - awarded as per uncertain authority. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation, described as "Offer notified by Free French Air Force Headquarters".
Took part in protective operations covering Dunkerque evacuation securing four victories and, two days later, two new victories. Participated in the Battle of Britain. On 53 occasions led the French fighter groups "Ile de France”and "Alsace”in operations over occupied territory. Total victories 21 with an addition of seven probables.
HARRIES, Raymond Hiley, W/C, DSO, DFC (87447, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) - unit not stated - Croix de Guerre (France) - On list, Public Record Office Air 2/9141 as accepted 2 March 1944. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation, described as "Offer notified by Free French Air Force Headquarters".
After having shared his first success with a French pilot, has now to his credit 17 enemy aircraft destroyed, two probably destroyed and four damaged. His squadron, containing several French pilots, has destroyed 16 enemy aircraft, and on 24th May 1943, destroyed five enemy aircraft without loss.
MALAN, Adolph Gysbert, G/C, DSO, DFC (37604, Royal Air Force) - Station Biggin Hill - Croix de Guerre (France) - On list, Public Record Office Air 2/9141 as accepted 2 March 1944, having been offered by Free French Air Force Headquarters on 13 July 1943. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation, described as "Offer notified by Free French Air Force Headquarters".
After having taken part in the operation covering the evacuation at Dunkerque in May and June 1940, participated in the Battle of Britain. As commander at Biggin Hill, led in combat, on nine occasions, the French fighter groups "Ile de France" and "Alsace". Credited with 32 victories and five probables.
WAUD, Kenneth Leslie, F/L, DFC (126771, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) - No.93 Squadron - Croix de Guerre (France) - On list, Public Record Office Air 2/9141 as accepted 2 March 1944. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation, described as "Offer notified by Commandant Adam, CO of Group de Chasse 2/7".
On 7th May 1943, contributed much to the success of his parol in attacking six powerfully defended "E" Boats; three were set on fire while two were abandoned by crews. On 8th May, 1943, set two Macchi aircraft on fire when attacking enemy airfield.