HughAHalliday
1st March 2022, 18:30
STANLEY, Denis Theodore John, Sub-Lieutenant (A) (Fleet Air Arm) - No.823 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 6 June 1943. Citation from Flight, 5 August 1943.
As observer, this officer has taken part in a large number of attacks on enemy shipping. He has at all times displayed a high degree of skill and determination and has contributed materially to the successes obtained by his squadron.
Recommendation dated 1 June 1943 found in Air 2/4974. Transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates.
As Senior Observer during the Squadron’s operational activities under Fighter Command from November 1942 to June 1943, this officer has carried out his duties most efficiently, participating in 30 night operational flights against enemy shipping. At all times, he has shown keenness and has set a high example. On the night of February 17th, 1943, his aircraft was badly shot up whilst attacking 9 M Boats and after attack, his shadowing of the enemy helped considerably the following attacking aircraft. His aircraft later again made a second attack on remaining R Boats, scoring direct hits each time.
The following is his approximate assessment:
2 M Boats destroyed (Fighter Command assessment, R.A.F. Station, Manston, Category 1)
1 M Boat or Flak Trawler destroyed (R.A.F. Station, Tangmere)
3 R Boats claimed destroyed (R.A.F. Station, Tangmere)
2 R Boats and 1 Trawler claimed damaged (R.A.F. Station, Tangmere).
(Signed by G. Douglas, Lt. Commander, R.N.R., Officer Commanding, 823 Squadron, 1.6.43)
This officer is the Squadron Commander’s (Lt. Cdr. Douglas) Observer. He is an exceptionally able navigator whose personal example, efficiency, and fine offensive spirit over a long period have contributed to a large extent to the operational efficiency of 823 Naval Air Squadron. Recommended for award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
(Signed by Group Captain, Commanding, R.A.F. Station, Tangmere, 1.6.43)
“Strongly recommended for the immediate award of the DFC.” (Signed by Officer Commanding, No. 11 Group, RAF, 5.6.43)
“Strongly recommended for the award of the DFC. Approved.” (Signed by Air Marshal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Commanding, Fighter Command, 15.6.43)
As observer, this officer has taken part in a large number of attacks on enemy shipping. He has at all times displayed a high degree of skill and determination and has contributed materially to the successes obtained by his squadron.
Recommendation dated 1 June 1943 found in Air 2/4974. Transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates.
As Senior Observer during the Squadron’s operational activities under Fighter Command from November 1942 to June 1943, this officer has carried out his duties most efficiently, participating in 30 night operational flights against enemy shipping. At all times, he has shown keenness and has set a high example. On the night of February 17th, 1943, his aircraft was badly shot up whilst attacking 9 M Boats and after attack, his shadowing of the enemy helped considerably the following attacking aircraft. His aircraft later again made a second attack on remaining R Boats, scoring direct hits each time.
The following is his approximate assessment:
2 M Boats destroyed (Fighter Command assessment, R.A.F. Station, Manston, Category 1)
1 M Boat or Flak Trawler destroyed (R.A.F. Station, Tangmere)
3 R Boats claimed destroyed (R.A.F. Station, Tangmere)
2 R Boats and 1 Trawler claimed damaged (R.A.F. Station, Tangmere).
(Signed by G. Douglas, Lt. Commander, R.N.R., Officer Commanding, 823 Squadron, 1.6.43)
This officer is the Squadron Commander’s (Lt. Cdr. Douglas) Observer. He is an exceptionally able navigator whose personal example, efficiency, and fine offensive spirit over a long period have contributed to a large extent to the operational efficiency of 823 Naval Air Squadron. Recommended for award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
(Signed by Group Captain, Commanding, R.A.F. Station, Tangmere, 1.6.43)
“Strongly recommended for the immediate award of the DFC.” (Signed by Officer Commanding, No. 11 Group, RAF, 5.6.43)
“Strongly recommended for the award of the DFC. Approved.” (Signed by Air Marshal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Commanding, Fighter Command, 15.6.43)