HughAHalliday
1st March 2022, 19:21
WELCH, Eric Michael, Sub-Lieutenant – Station Tangmere, Fleet Air Arm – Distinguished Flying Cross – awarded as per London Gazette dated 6 July 1943. Recommendation dated 1 June 1943 found in Air 2/4974. Transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates.
This officer has participated in Fighter Command night operations against shipping from November 1942 to June 1943. As Senior Sub-Lieutenant in the squadron, he has always shown an exceptionally offensive spirit in all operations against the enemy, on three occasions diving through intense flak and dropping his bombs at extremely low level to make certain of direct hits. His keenness at all times has been an inspiration to all the other pilots. On the night of May 28/29th, he made two dive-bombing attacks against 9 R Boats scoring hits each time.
The following is his approximate assessment:
R.A.F. Station, Tangmere, - 2 R Boats claimed as destroyed. 1 possible damaged.
R.A.F. Station, Manston, 1 M Boat possibly damaged. (Fighter Command Assessment – Cat. 4).
(Signed by G. Douglas, Lt. Commander, R.N.R., Officer Commanding, No. 823 squadron, 1.6.43)
“I agree with above remarks. A most aggressive pilot who has shown the greatest keenness and determination over a long period of operations and made the most of his opportunities to destroy the enemy. Recommended for award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.” (Signed by Group Captain, Commanding, R.A.F. Station, Tangmere, 1.6.43)
“Recommended for the immediate award of the DFC.” (Signed by A.V/M J. Saunders, Commanding, No. 11 Group, Royal Air Force, 5.6.43)
“Recommended for the award of the DFC.” (Signed by Air Marshal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Commanding, Fighter Command, 15.6.43)
WELCH, Eric Michael, Lieutenant, DFC (Royal Navy) - Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, Royal Air Force Station Boscombe Down - Air Force Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1948. Recommended when he had flown 950 hours, 245 on current duties, 90 in past six months.
Lieutenant Welch has shown outstanding zeal in his work as a test pilot. His coolness in various emergencies has avoided what would otherwise have resulted in serious accidents. In particular, he has experienced failure of materials at high speeds on several flights, but on each occasion he has succeeded in landing his aircraft safely. This officer has been engaged in the determination of critical Mach numbers of fighter type aircraft and in trials of armament involving considerable risk. In spite of the hazardous nature of his work, Lieutenant Welch’s enthusiasm for test flying remains unimpaired.
This officer has participated in Fighter Command night operations against shipping from November 1942 to June 1943. As Senior Sub-Lieutenant in the squadron, he has always shown an exceptionally offensive spirit in all operations against the enemy, on three occasions diving through intense flak and dropping his bombs at extremely low level to make certain of direct hits. His keenness at all times has been an inspiration to all the other pilots. On the night of May 28/29th, he made two dive-bombing attacks against 9 R Boats scoring hits each time.
The following is his approximate assessment:
R.A.F. Station, Tangmere, - 2 R Boats claimed as destroyed. 1 possible damaged.
R.A.F. Station, Manston, 1 M Boat possibly damaged. (Fighter Command Assessment – Cat. 4).
(Signed by G. Douglas, Lt. Commander, R.N.R., Officer Commanding, No. 823 squadron, 1.6.43)
“I agree with above remarks. A most aggressive pilot who has shown the greatest keenness and determination over a long period of operations and made the most of his opportunities to destroy the enemy. Recommended for award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.” (Signed by Group Captain, Commanding, R.A.F. Station, Tangmere, 1.6.43)
“Recommended for the immediate award of the DFC.” (Signed by A.V/M J. Saunders, Commanding, No. 11 Group, Royal Air Force, 5.6.43)
“Recommended for the award of the DFC.” (Signed by Air Marshal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Commanding, Fighter Command, 15.6.43)
WELCH, Eric Michael, Lieutenant, DFC (Royal Navy) - Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, Royal Air Force Station Boscombe Down - Air Force Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1948. Recommended when he had flown 950 hours, 245 on current duties, 90 in past six months.
Lieutenant Welch has shown outstanding zeal in his work as a test pilot. His coolness in various emergencies has avoided what would otherwise have resulted in serious accidents. In particular, he has experienced failure of materials at high speeds on several flights, but on each occasion he has succeeded in landing his aircraft safely. This officer has been engaged in the determination of critical Mach numbers of fighter type aircraft and in trials of armament involving considerable risk. In spite of the hazardous nature of his work, Lieutenant Welch’s enthusiasm for test flying remains unimpaired.