RootsChat.Com
General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: kyt on Monday 17 November 08 19:51 GMT (UK)
-
As I have been a good boy Santa has brought me an early present - The Distinguished Flying Medal Register for the Second World War with Recommendation Details
As the introduction states, it has 97.7% of all DFM citations.
So if anyone would like a lookup, let me know (especially as the London Gazette doesn't contain most DFM citations).
One day I maybe able to get the companion volumes on the DFC
K
-
Nice present Kyt.
To kick things off perhaps you could look up the citations for Bob Fletcher and James White, both of 97 Squadron. I think Fletcher would have earned his in 1942 (flying Manchesters) and White would be 1943.
Thanks in advance. D.
-
Fletcher Robert Archie
745312 Flight Sergeant 97 Sqdn
Pilot
LG 11/8/1942
Sorties 24
Flying hours 142
Flight Sergeant Fletcher has throughtout his tour of operations set an extremely high standard of ability and determination as captain of his aircraft. In the attack on the Heinkel works at Rostock, he pressed home his attack from low-level, obtaining direct hits on the works and also an excellcent photograph. By the number of his successful operations, this pilot can always be relied on to produce first class results.
David the only James White is 49/630 Squadron. Do you have any more details? Maybe the same guy but the 97 Sqdn Assoc aircrew pages aren't available
-
I have just checked the 97 Association Site and it is currently up and running.
I believe James White flew his last op with 97 Squadron Sept. '43, it is possible he was gazzetted whilst with another squadron.
-
This is the James White I have (it was easier to scan it than type it all out):
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/kyt1968/JamesWhite.jpg)
-
Not him.
-
Do you have anymore details - aircraft serial, missions?
-
David ! .... how come you kicked off with a hard one ?? ::) ::) ;D
Don't yell at me 'cos I'm learning .. ::) but I found this about 97 squadron ... does this help ??
97 Squadron went through three incarnations during the Second World War, of which only the third saw active service.
At the start of the war the squadron was a training squadron in No. 6 Group, operating a mix of Avro Ansons and Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. In April 1940 the squadron was redesignated as No. 10 Operational Training Unit.
The second incarnation was very short lived, lasting from 1-20 May 1940, disbanding before it received any aircraft.
The third and final incarnation of the squadron formed on 25 February 1941 around a nucleus provided by No. 207 Squadron. The new squadron was equipped with the troubled Avro Manchester, beginning operations on 8 April 1941. This aircraft was so unreliable that for a short time in the summer of 1941 the squadron had to supplement it with a number of Handley Page Hampden Is.
The much superior Avro Lancaster began to arrive in January 1942, and the squadron operated that type for the rest of the war, mostly with the main bomber force but from April 1943 to April 1944 with the Pathfinder Force.
http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/97_wwII.html
-
Do you have anymore details - aircraft serial, missions?
Kyt I sent you an e mail with attachments but it got bounced back!
James White and my father were crew mates at 97 Squadron. On the night my father was shot down James was tour expired, the rest of the crew had one trip to make. James's place was taken by S/Ldr. McKenna who was the squadron Gunnery Officer.
I'm sure James White didn't fly any more ops with 97 Squadron and would imagine he got his D.F.M. at the end of his tour. I would think that his award was given when he was serving with another squadron, possibly instructional duties.
I know he went on to make the R.A.F. a career and gained his commission.
At the two links below by placing "Layne" and "White" in the Google box and then highlighting the two names the trips they made together can be observed. (Am I teaching Grandmother to suck eggs here?)
http://www.97squadronassociation.co.uk/flightops3.html
http://www.97squadronassociation.co.uk/flightops4.html
-
Annie, not really a hard one, Kyt will sort it! Thanks for the 97 link.
-
S/Ldr James White DFM who joined the RAF in 1941 as an AC2 and retired from the service in 1973. James completed 45 operations as an air gunner.
-
Annie, everyone needs a David to keep them on their toes :D T'was a long day yesterday (and that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it)
Ernest James White 1600577
Acting Flight Sergeant 97 Sqdn
Air Gunner
LG 19/10/1943
Sorties 37
Flying hours 233.5
Recommendation
This NCO has completed 37 successful sorties as Air Gunner. He has taken part in attacks on many of the highly defended areas of the Ruhr and North West Germany, Berlin, Pilsen, Milan, Spezia and other Italian targets. Flight Sergeant White, by his skill and coolness in the face of enemy fire has set a worthy example and I have no hesitation in recommending him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal
-
Hi Kyt,
could you please have a look for Flt Lt C Bush, formerly of 7 Squadron. He was lost on a mission to Leipzig on 19/20 Feb 44.
Thanks, in advance.
Thudders
**Sorry - disregard. He was awarded the DFC**
-
Hi thudnut
I will ask on rafcommands
k
-
Thank you Kyt.
He is the father of a friend of mine. I have the information from Lost Bombers, but would like to find out as much as I can for my friend.
Regards,
Thudders
-
Hi thudders
I will contact you via PM if I get anything
K
-
It has been brought to my attention that the RC Team may have some issues with the copyright of the information provided. Though I believe the information, namely the citations, is publically available, I shall refrain from posting the information from my source on the public board so as not to cause any possible problems for RootsChat.
If you have any DFM queries then please contact me by PM
-
Hi Kyt et al,
Recommendations for DFMs and other gallantry awards are available to the public. The recommendations are in the AIR2 files held at the National Archives at Kew, citations for awards are also available online via the London Gazette website (best of luck searching though as the search engine is terrible, best to search on service number if you have it).
Not all awards are gazetted and the AIR 2 files are worth looking through if a citation is not in the LG. Sometimes you might find that someone has been recommended for as high an award as a VC which is then degraded down to a Mention in Dispatches.
Regards,
Ann
-
Hi
Could you find any information on a pilot who completed a tour of operations in Wellingtons in the middle east. His details are (1300849 F./Sgt. B. I. J. Morris, R.A.F)DFM.
Regards
Steve
-
Afraid I don't have any more info on him except his DFM citation and that he ended the war as an Officer.
May I suggest http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/index.php as someone over there may have come across his name.
K
-
Could you find any details of the DFC awarded to Arthur Harold Bywater (49875, 7 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) died 12/3/43?
Many thanks
Sue
-
Hey kyt
Are you still willing to look up DFMs in your book?
Thanks, Greg
-
Hi Greg,
please PM me and I will see what I can do for you :)
K
-
Hey, Kit. Thanks for helping us all. I am new in Rootschat, and for some reason I can't send you a PM. But still need your help to find my great uncle.
Maybe you could send me a PM and then I can reply to that? :P
I would really appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Diego
-
i am trying to find details of my uncles dfm the london gazette of 15 aug 1944 dosnt give any details he was killed on july 30 1944. he was 1211203 f/sgt sidney brown rafvr.
i would appreciate any help
scott
-
Hi Kyt
Would dearly like some help with any info regarding my Father-in-Laws DFM, I could PM you but I am obviously newer to this than I though - What the devil is a PM? please!
Regards
Colin
-
Dear Kyt
the family would like to find out anything we can about my late father in law's DFM
like so many he would not talk about it and has taken the info to his grave
He was
Flt Lt ( latterly), I think Flt Sgt at the time of citation,
Bertram Lennon Wilkinson RAFVR
I hope to hear
G
-
Looking for my wife's father Flt Sgt Martin Charles John Barber DFM. He served in 463 squadron, which was an RAAF squadron although he was English. Unfortunately DFM was stolen in burgulary some time ago.
Please contact me if you can shed any light on citation or can find him in Ian Tavender's book.
Kind Regards
Kevin O'Hara
-
Hi Kyt
I'm new to this site, but I would love to take you up on your offer of a citation look-up. I'm looking for the DFM citation for this person:
1181829 Sgt Frank William Elliott (W/O) RAFVR
207 & 103 Squadrons
Posted from 207 Squadron 3 February1943 to 103 Squadron Elsham Wold
DFM: gazette 20 April 1943 -207 Squadron
Commissioned: gazette 11 April 1944 (27/01/1944) with new force number 172726
MID: 14 January 1944 – 103 Squadron
Killed raid to Chemnitz 6 March1945 in Lancaster PB 563
Son of William and Fanny Elliott of Storrington West – Sussex
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
-
Kyt has not frequented this forum for many many months. Perhaps the mods would consider taking down this posting to avoid confusion and disappointment.
-
Hello, is it possible you could look up Cpl B Thorne 89732 and Cpl W.J Green 335896 Thankyou
-
Hello there,
Without wishing to hijack someone's thread,I have a copy of Tavender's DFM Register and would be willing to carry on posting information.
Regarding the last few requests,I can offer;
Wilkinson,Bertram Lennon. 935709 Flight Sergeant,No.103 Squadron.
L.G.24/10/1941.Sorties 30,Flying hours 175.10 W.Op/Air Gnr Air2/8904.
Flight Sergeant Wilkinson joined the squadron in August 1940.He has now completed 15 operational sorties as 2nd W/T/Operator and a further 15 sorties as 1st W/T Operator.During these latter sorties, he has not once had to report a wireless failure and has on numerous occasions worked his wireless under extreme conditions of cold and static. His coolness when under fire and his quiet and and determined manner,both prior and during operational sorties,has an extremely beneficial effect on the remainder of the crews of the squadron.I consider his operational record one most deserving the award for which he is recommended. 17th August 1941.
Barber,Martin Charles John. 1384607 Flight Sergeant,No.463 (R.A.A.F) Sqn.
L.G.15/8/44.Sorties 26, Flying hours 182.15.Air Bomber. Air2/9632.
Flight Sergeant Barber has operated seven times on Berlin and on many other heavily defended German and other special targets.His coolness and determination to drop his bombs accurately,even in the face of intense opposition,have been responsible for the success of many hazardous and tiring sorties.He is a most capable Air Bomber and a fearless member of his crew.He has always maintained a high degree of specialist efficiency and his skill and devotion to duty has resulted in a fine record for accurate bombing. 16th May 1944.
Elliott,Frank William. 1181829 Sergeant,No.207 Sqn.
L.G.20/4/43.Sorties 39,Flying hours 210.55. W.Op/Air Gnr. Air2/8944.
This N.C.O.has completed 210.55 hours operational flying during which time he has carried out 39 sorties,of these 12 have been as front gunner and the remainder as Wireless Operator.During the period in which he has flown as Wireless Operator,Sergeant Elliott has never had a W/T failure,even though it has been necessary for him to carry out repairs to his W/T equipment during the course of operational flights.Whilst acting in the capacity of front gunner,he has always shown an aggressive spirit and keenness to get to grips with the enemy and on one occasion during the course of a low-level attack on Rostock,he used his guns with great effect.Sergeant Elliott has always shown the utmost keenness to undertake any job assigned to him and has displayed great coolness,determination and courage in the face of the enemy. 23rd February 1943.
Nothing for Cpls Thorne and Green.
Regards,Mark Simpson.
-
Well done for stepping into the breach msimp.
-
As I have been a good boy Santa has brought me an early present - The Distinguished Flying Medal Register for the Second World War with Recommendation Details
As the introduction states, it has 97.7% of all DFM citations.
So if anyone would like a lookup, let me know (especially as the London Gazette doesn't contain most DFM citations).
One day I maybe able to get the companion volumes on the DFC
K
I have both the and the DFC Vols only contain the London Gazette entries and not the citations. I was well gutted after paying £250 for my copies.
-
Hi,
I don't have all the details I'm afraid , but can you find any information on a James (Jim) Currie who was a rear gunner and I believe received the award during WW2?
-
This thread has not been active for some time. I would suggest you join and post your query here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/255939627858660/
-
Hi,
I don't have all the details I'm afraid , but can you find any information on a James (Jim) Currie who was a rear gunner and I believe received the award during WW2?
There are two James Currie listed in "Honour the Air Forces" Both were with the RAFVR though one was was serving with the Royal Indian Air Force. The RAF Currie was a pilot with 77 Squadron who received a DFC. His citation can be found:
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36767/page/4926
The other was serving with 4 Squadron RIAF and his DFC citation can be found:
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Awards/awards.php?qunit=4%20Squadron
-
Many thanks for such a quick response .
Are there any other decorated fliers named J. Currie (not necessarily James ) from the WW2 era?
-
Hi Alastair,
Only one J.Currie in the D.F.M.Register,John Richard Currie,service number 630347,Wireless Operator/Air Gunner,44 Squadron,award gazetted 17/1/41.
Regards,Mark.
-
Would it be possible for someone to look up a DFM citation for:
Wireless Operator - Sgt James "Jimmy/Jock" Boles RAF (553790), of Airdrie, Scotland flying with 429 (Bison) Sqn RCAF in 1943 and possibly later. He was my uncle and sadly died in a flying accident in South Africa flying for 1 Sqn SAAF in 1952 immediately prior to a posting to Korea.
He survived three flying accidents, baling out of an aircraft over the English Channel, a serious crash at East Moor in March 1943 and a further incident. He was awarded the DFM for service with 429 Squadron, Gazetted on 13th September 1943. He received his commission to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) on 20th May 1943, rising to F/O on probation (war subs) on 20th November 1943 and F/Lt (war subs) on 20th May 1945.
His DFM has unfortunately been lost and I have never been able to find any information on his citation - I would really be grateful if anyone could look it up for me.
-
Hi, kty, could you possibly look up 1823178 Gerald Steele R.A.F.V.R. 90 Squadron. Many thanks.
-
Hello, hopefully you'll be able to help me with a citation for the DFM to John Edward Anthony H Fairfax sgt. 742874 RAFVR Lg. 22/08/1941 gaz issue 35254 page 4865 9 sqdn. Many thanks regards frank
-
Hi
My wife's cousin was Donald Thane Pitman. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in 1942.
His award was listed in the Supplement to the London Gazette dated 11th August 1942 (page 3498).
We would be most grateful if you could see if you have his medal citation in your book. His service number was 984566.
Donald was 22 years old when he was killed by enemy action on the night of 17th January 1943. He was in an Avro Lancaster, registration number W4772, which took part in the air raid on Berlin that night. His Lancaster is recorded as having crashed in the North Sea 10km West of Vlieland.
In the book Nachtjagd, Defenders of the Reich 1940-1943 by Martin Bowman (ISBN: 9781473849839) the event is covered.
At the beginning chapter 8 the raid on Berlin on the 17th January is described. In this there is a reference that Unteroffizer Karl-Georg Pfieffer filed a report claiming to have shot down a Lancaster at 10km West of Vlieland at 2329. This was probably W4772 in which Donald was returning from the raid.
The chapter contains a description of the attack on the Lancaster.
Prior to the war Donald was a child actor. He played the part of Gussy in the 1935 version of Emil and the Detectives.
Thanking you in anticipation.
W Price
-
It looks like the member KYT who posted the original message is no longer active. His last logon to the forum was in June 2013.
He had a website www.cfww2.com, Commonwealth Forces of WW2. This no longer exists.
The Wayback Machine has the last valid capture of the site in November 2011.
For those looking for Award Citations try the London Gazette web site :-
www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/notice
I found that searching the surname yielded multiple results. However using the service number gave me a direct hit.
In my case only the notice of the award was available, not the citation. So other hunters may or may not get the actual citation.
Anyone know where to go, to get the actual citation?
Hope this helps someone.
-
Short of finding a copy of Tavender's book, the only other place would be in the AIR2 file series at Kew. This file is an example: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C2644050 but browsing Discovery will narrow down the results.
DTD
-
Morning all, New to your great site. I am try to find any information for the DFM for 1804268 Sgt Philip Myers 578 Squadron.
Many thanks
Ray
-
I am writing a report of my home village during WW2 and have come across two RAF personnel who lived there and were awarded a DFM. They are:
Flight Sergeant Edward Dent of 35 Squadron, service number 1523207, gazetted 21/09/1945
Flight Sergeant Robert Stuart of 635 Squadron, service number 1590767, gazetted 27/03/1945.
I would like to find out more about them, particularly their citations. Can you help me, please?
Peter Main
-
Morning all, New to your great site. I am try to find any information for the DFM for 1804268 Sgt Philip Myers 578 Squadron.
Many thanks
Ray
Philip Myers was my father. He indeed had the DFM and flew as navigator for 578 squadron.
Regards, Robert
-
Hi all, can anyone help I am looking for information on my Great Uncle William Cowell Kay and his DFM award, his service number is 1451972 and he served in 620 squadron.
Can anyone anyone shed any light on his award?
Thanks in advance
Ian
-
Hi I have just joined so not sure if this topic is still current, but if so I am trying to get information regarding my late uncle and his award of the DFM in Sep 1945. His name was William Thomas Norman Trowhill and was serving with 635 San and was a Flight Sgt at time of award.
Any help would be appreciated
Regards
John
-
Hi,
I'm trying to get information about the crew of a Halifax of 640 sqn that crashed just behind my house in Belgium on 2 March 1945. I don't have many details regarding the pilot, F/Lt Kenneth Robinson (117514), except that he was awarded the DFM. Any information about his citation would already help.
Kind regards,
Vincent