Conversation Between Steve Smith and Terry

Hi Terry,

A mutual friend Errol Martyn informs me that you maybe able to help with a search for a photograph of Squadron Leader Raymond DFC. I am in the final weeks of completing an history of No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron Provisional title “ In-Time” .

As you will know S/Ldr Raymond was killed while serving as a flight commander with No.218 Squadron. His stay was only brief, a month, however I would like to include a photograph of him. This is where I hope you can help. I have been in contact with Martyn Ford Jones (XV Squadron Historian) in the hope he can help as Raymond completed a hectic tour with the squadron, sadly without success.

I will of course give full credit to you for the photo.

Hoping you can help and kind regards

Steve Smith
No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron Historian 1918-1945.

Steve, Have a look at these:
Air Ministry,
19th September, 1941.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
The undermentioned are granted commissions for the duration of hostilities: —
Sergeants.
As Pilot Officers on probation.
21st Aug. 1941.
748364 John Beech AUSTIN (104448).

Air Ministry,
13th February, 1942. '
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards: —
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Acting Flying Officer John Beech AUSTIN (104448), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 138 Squadron.
The above awards are for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.

Air Ministry, 11th September, 1942.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
To be confmd. in appts.: —
Plt. Offs. (prob.) confmd. in appts. and to be Flg. Offs. (war subs.): —
21st Aug. 1942.
J. B. AUSTIN, D.F.C. (104448).

Air Ministry, 9th July, 1943.
ROYAL AIR FORCE. ,
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards: —
Acting Flight Lieutenant John Beech AUSTIN, D.F.C. (104448), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 138 Squadron.
The above awards are for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.

Air Ministry, 10th Sept. 1943.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Flg. Offs. to be Flt. Lts. (war subs.): —
21st Aug. 1943.
J. B. AUSTIN, D.F.C. (104448).

Air Ministry, 9th October, 1945.
The KING has granted unrestricted permission for the wearing of the undermentioned decorations conferred upon the personnel indicated, in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war: —
CONFERRED BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS.
Flying Cross.
Flight Lieutenants.
John Beech AUSTIN, D.F.C. (104448), R.A.F.V.R.


War Office,
6th January, 1939.
TERRITORIAL ARMY.
ROYAL ENGINEERS.
43rd (D.W.R.) A.A. Bn.—Jack Forster OVERTON (late Cadet, Worksop Coll. Contgt., Jun. Div., O.T.C.) to be 2nd Lt. 4th Jan. 1939.

War Office,
25th October, 1940.
TERRITORIAL ARMY.
ROYAL ARTILLERY.
The undermentioned offrs. are transf'd. from R.E. (T.A.), retaining their rank and seniority, 1st Aug. 1940:—
2nd Lts.:—
J. F. Overton (79313).

Air Ministry,
3rd February, 1942.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
To be Plt. Offs. (tempy.) on being empld. with the R.A.F. : —
29th Nov. 1941.
Jack Forster OVERTON, Lt., R.A. (47571).

Air Ministry, 11th December, 1942.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Plt. Offs. to be Flg. Offs. (war subs.). 1st Oct. 1942: —
J. F. OVERTON (Lt. R.A.) (47571).

Air Ministry, 3rd December, 1943.
ROYAL AIR FORCE. '
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Promotion.
Flg. Offs. to be Flt. Lts. (war subs.): —
29th Nov. 1943.
J. F. OVERTON (Lt. R.A. (47571)

Air Ministry, 29th December, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards:
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Flight Lieutenants.
Jack Forster OVERTON (47571), Royal Air Force, No. 613 Squadron.


Air Ministry 21st .Sept. 1943.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
To be Plt. Offs. on prob. (emergency): —
Sgts.
3rd Aug. 1943.
1318242 Michael William NESBITT (155023).

Air Ministry, 16th November, 1943.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Amendments.
In notifns. of 21st Sept. 1943:— p. 4181, col. i, concerning 1318242 M. W. NESBITT (155023), for 1318242 read 1319242.

Air Ministry, 2nd November, 1943.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: —
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Pilot Officer Michael William NESBITT (155023), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 623 Squadron.
As pilot, this officer has completed many sorties against important enemy targets. Undaunted by the fiercest opposition, he has attacked his targets fearlessly and with great determination. His courageous and confident example is worthy of high praise.

Air Ministry, 4th February, 1944.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Confirmation and promotion.
Plt. Offs. (prob.) confmd. in appts. and to be Flg. Offs. (war subs.): —
3rd Feb. 1944.
M. W..NESBTTT, D.F.C. (155023).

Air Ministry, 14th September, 1945.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Promotion.
Flg. Off. to Flt. Lt. (war subs): —
3rd Aug. 1945
M. W. NESBITT, D.F.C. (155023).


Air Ministry, 22nd September, 1942.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
To be Plt. Offs. on prob. (emergency):—
Ldg. Acm.
1387456 Leslie Gordon FOWLER, (126036) 11th July 1942.

Air Ministry, 5th March, 1943.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Plt. Offs. (prob.) to be Flg. Offs. on prob. (war subs.): —
11th Jan. 1943
L. G. FOWLER (126036).

Air Ministry, 10th September, 1943.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve
the following awards: —
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Acting Flight Lieutenant Leslie Gordon FOWLER (126036) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 199 Squadron.
The above awards are for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.

Air Ministry, 28th July, 1944.
ROYAL AIR- FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Promotion.
Flg. Off. to Flt. Lt. (war subs.):—
11th July 1944.
L. G. FOWLER, D..F.C. (126036).


Air Ministry,
15th May, 1942.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: —
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Pilot Officer Philip John. LAMASON, (N.Z.403460), Royal New Zealand Air Force,
No. 218 Squadron.
One night in April, 1942, this officer was the captain of an aircraft which attacked Pilsen. During the return flight his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter and sustained damage; the hydraulics were shot away and the turret rendered unserviceable, while a fire broke out in the middle of the fuselage. Displaying great presence of mind, Pilot Officer Lamason coolly directed his crew in the emergency and, while 2 of them dealt with the fire, he skilfully outmanoeuvred his attacker and finally shook him off. By his fine airmanship and great devotion to duty, Pilot Officer Lamason was undoubtedly responsible for the safe return of the aircraft and its crew. This officer has completed 21 sorties and he has at all times displayed courage and ability.

Air Ministry, 2nd June, 1943.
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches by Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief: —
Squadron Leaders.
Royal New Zealand Air Force.
P. J. LAMASON, D.F.C. (N.Z.403460) (Acting).

Air Ministry, 14th January, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches by Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief:—
Squadron Leaders.
Royal New Zealand Air Force.
P. J. LAMASON, D.F.C. (N.Z.403460).

Air Ministry, 27th June, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards: —
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE.
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross.
Acting Squadron Leaders.
Philip John LAMASON, D.F.C. (NZ.403460), 15 Sqn.
The above awards are in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.


Air Ministry, 29th December, 1942.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards: —
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Acting Flight Lieutenant Roy Bramwell SPEAR (N.Z. 405332), Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 218 Squadron.
The above awards are for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.

Air Ministry, 2nd June, 1943.
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches by Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief: —
Flight Lieutenants.
Royal New Zealand Air Force.
R. B. Spear, D.F.C. (N.Z. 405332) (Acting).

Air Ministry, 14th January, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches by Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief:—
Squadron Leaders.
Royal New Zealand Air Force.
R. B. SPEAR, D.F.C. (N.Z.405332) (Acting).
Regards, Terry