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Aviation History
1919
1919 - 0215.PDF
FEBRUARY 13, 1919 and materially helped to shoot the enemy down. In addition to the fore going, he has accounted for three other machines and has assisted in crashing a fourth. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Eric Douglas Cummings (Australian F.C.). (France.)—• This officer has proved himself an able and determined leader of offensive patrols. In carrying out these raids he has met with conspicuous success, heavy damage being inflicted on enemy material and personnel. This has been due in the main to his brilliant leadership and skilful navigation. Capt. Cummings possesses, in a marked degree, courage, combined with cool judg ment. Sec. Lieut. Edgar George Davies. (France.)—Bold in attack and skilful in manoeuvre, this officer never hesitates to attack the enemy when oppor tunity occurs, without regard to disparity in numbers. On October 7, with three other machines, he attacked seven Fokkers; four of thtse were destroyed, Sec. Lieut. Davies accounting for one. Since September 16 be has to his credit four enemy machines and one kite balloon. Lieut. Gordon Davies. (France.)—This officer has rendered conspicuous, service during the last of the operations on counter-attack patrols, invariably showing marked initiative and determination. On several occasions he has carried out his mission successfully under adverse weather conditions when other officers have failed Sec. Lieut. Oswald Charles Dawson. (Egypt.)—This officer rendered exceptionally valuable service between September 19 and 26, when acting as observer to Capt. Hanmer. The information he brought back was of the greatest value to the Desert Mounted Corps and materially assisted opera tions. Lieut. Robert Saunders De Bruyn. (France)—On October 31 this officer carried out two photographic reconnaissances, completing seven hours and 50 minutes' flying and bringing back 70 exposed plates and much valuable information. On another occasion he obtained 24 exposures, flying for 4$ hours. These are only two out of 37 successful photographic reconnaissances carried out by this officer, all entailing work of an arduous and trying nature on long solo flights at very high altitudes, frequently in adverse weather conditions. In this service Lieut. De Bruyn has shown gallantry and deter mination of a high order. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Roy Edward Dodds. (France.)—An officer who possesses high courage combined with great power of leadership. He has taken part in 60 bombing raids far over enemy territory, a large number of which he has led. In addition he has carried out a number of successful photographic reconnaissances, frequently meeting and overcoming strong hostile aerial resistance. In the course of these flights he has destroyed four enemy machines, and his observer has accounted for three others. A fine achieve ment, for the machine be flies is designed for heavy bombing and long recon naissance rather than for aerial combats Capt. Eric George Edward Donaldson. (France.)—This officer has led 27 bomb raids, displaying at all times conspicuous courage and perseverance. On October 3, when on artillery reconnaissance, he saw one of our machines pressed by six enemy aircraft. Single-handed, he went to assist, and, pressing home his attack with vigour and determination, he forced the enemy to relinquish the engagement and retire over their lines. Maj. (A. Lieut.-CoLl William Sholto Douglas, M.C. (France.)—A very gallant officer and brilliant leader to whose personal influence and example is mainly due the fine record of his squadron which, since September 21, 1917, has destroyed 201, and driven down out of control 149 enemy aircraft. On October 17, 18 and 19 last Maj. Douglas carried out most successful reconnaissances of the army front at exceptionally low altitudes (at times descending to 20 ft. owing to dense clouds) and in face of intense hostile rifle and machine-gun fire. (M.C. gazetted January 14, 1916.J Lieut. John Foster Drake. (France.)—This officer has taken part in 70 successful raids and reconnaissances, and has been conspicuous for his tenacity and devotion to duty. On November 1 he was one of a formation of six that was attacked by 23 enemy aeroplanes, and a running fight of 16 miles ensued. Being the rear unit of the formation, and maintaining that position throughout, the brunt of this severe attack was borne by this officer, and his endurance and skill against overwhelming odds undoubtedly saved the formation. Lieut. Frank Falconer Dutton. M.C. (Egypt.)—An officer of great courage to tactical and bombing flights. (M.C. gazetted September 22, 1916.) Sec Lieut. Gower Wynn Elias. (France.)—This officer has rendered most valuable service on contact and other patrols, the information obtained being invariably most accurate and of great value. On October 9 his machine was hit by anti-aircraft fire and was rendered out of control; with rare presence of mind and courage he climbed out of the plane, thus balancing the machine and enabling his pilot to land in safety. Lieut. William Elliot. (Egypt.)—On September 27 this officer was detailed to drop an ultimatum on a body of hostile troops some 5,000 strong. Descend ing to 400 ft., although exposed to intense rifle and machine-gun fire, he remained until he actually saw the message picked up ; a fine example oi determination and courage He returned with his machine badly shot about. Capt. (A. Maj.) Edwin Checre Emmett, M.C. (South African Defence Force). (Egypt.)—During the late operations this officer has been dis tinguished for gallantry and devotion to duty. Before an attack he took a series of oblique photographs of the enemy's lines—a service that entailed considerable personal risk, as he was compelled to fly at a very low altitude in the face of heavy machine-gun fire. (M.C. gazetted February 1, 1917.) Lieut. Arthur Reginald Fairbairn. (France.)—During recent operations this officer's balloon was singled out for attack three times in two days. On the third day he was again attacked by six scouts when at a height of 1,500 ft. He behaved with the utmost coolness and gallantry in helping his fellow observer, who was inexperienced, out of the basket before parachuting himself, His determination in pushing his balloon forward during the recent advance has been most praiseworthy. Lieut, Jules Edward Ferraud. (France.)—On October 26 this officer took part in an engagement with a large hostile formation. Singling out a lokker he attacked it at close range, driving it down to crash. Being iso lated from his companions he turned to regain our lines but was at once attacked by seven Fokkers, who kept up a running fight for many miles. He maintained a stout defence against these long odds, crashing two of the enemy machines, and eventually reaching our lines with all his ammunition exhausted. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Charles Findlay. (France.)—On October 29 this officer led his flight with the greatest dash and determination against a hostile for mation of about 50 machines. Reinforced by six more machines—making •1 total of 12 in all—he fought his patrol against the enemy's overwhelming numbers for upwards of half an hour, but the enemy being continuously rein-torccd he was eventually forced to withdraw. Cleverly extricating his for mation, he retired across the lines, our only casualties being one pilot and one observer wounded. The enemy lost heavily, five machine being shot down in flames (one by Capt. Findlay), four destroyed, and six driven down out of control. Lieut. Howard Bowden Fletcher (Australian F.C.). (Egypt.)—On August 24 two of our machines, Lieut. Fletcher being the observer in one, engaged seven hostile aircraft; this officer and his pilot, in the combat that ensued, crashed two, one of which burst into flames on hitting the ground Lieut. Fletcher has also rendered most valuable service on photographic reconnaissances and in obtaining information concerning roads, etc., dis playing at all times a devotion to duty and disregard of personal danger deserving of high praise. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Kivas Burton Forster (Manitoba R.). (Italy.)—This officer had rendered most valuable service in co-operation with our artillery, displaying in this service keenness and devotion to duty worthy of high praise. He also carried out, during one of the later battles, several patrols, obtaining much valuable information. Lieut. Charles Frederick Frank. (France.)—Lieut. Frank has co-operated with our artillery in 184 successful shoots, proving himseli an exceptionally capable and efficient officer, with keen powers of observation. On October 8, under most difficult conditions, he succeeded in giving observation for three shoots. During this flight, owing to his proximity to actual operations, he was enabled to transmit valuable information to as hostile infantry movements. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Maurice Michael Freehill. (France.)—A brilliant leader who has destroyed five enemy aircraft and has displayed conspicuous bravery, in attacking enemy troops en the ground. On November 4, observing that a machine-gun post was holding up the advance of our infantry, he attacked it from a very low altitude, inflicting heavy casualties on the crews and putting them to flight. Later on he carried out a reconnaissance of the Army front at a height of 50 ft. in the face of intense machine-gun fire, bringing back most valuable information. Lieut. Hudson Fysh (Australian F.C.). (Egypt.)—A skilful observer, conspicuous for courage and deui rein alien, whether engaging the enemy in the air or attacking ground targets. He has taken part in nunerous combats resulting in loss to the enemy, and has inflicted serious damage en hostile camps and aerodromes. Lieut. (A. Capt.) William Dalrymple Gairdner. (France.)—This officer has carried out 71 successful bombing raids and n photographic recon naissances, displaying brilliant and courageous leadership on all occasions. On November 4, while leading a photographic reconnaissance he was con tinuously harassed by enimy scouts. In the engagement lour out ol the 14 enemy machines were accounted tor, Capt. Gairdner driving down one out of control. This fine achievement was mainly due to his brilliant leadership. Sec. Lieut. James Victor Gascoyne. (France.)—During the months of October and November this officer has accounted for five enemy machines, and during recent operations he has displayed splendid daring and great skill in attacking enemy troops, etc. On November 9, although he was wounded in the head early in the attack and his machine was badly shot about, Sec Iieut. Gascoyne made a most successful attack on the enemy from a height of 100 ft., obtaining three direct hits and inflicting heavy casualties Sec Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) Gordon Harvey Gillis. (France.)—This officer has carried out 18 successful bombing raids, showing at all times complete fearlessness and disregard oi dangei, notably on August 30, October 9 and October 14, when he rendered conspicuous service, causing heavy material damage to the enemy and bringing back valuable information. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Frank Clilton Gorringe, M.C. (France.)—During recent operations this officer was conspicuous tor his gallantry and initiative in attacking enemy troops, transport, etc., notably on November 9, when, locating certain enemy trcops dug in, he attacked them from 50 it. altitude, causing numerous casualties. He then landed close behind our infantry and informed them of the enemy's position. (M.C. gazetted March 4, 1918.) Sec. Lieut. James Graham. (France.)—In the late advance this officer rendered most gallant and valuable service on contact patrols, locating our own and the enemy troops in spite of difficulties owing to smoke and mist, and in face of heavy hostile fire. While carrying out these duties be has irequently been opposed by hostile aeroplanes, and has proved himself an officer of courage and determination. On October 8 he was attacked by seven hostile scouts ; one of these was shot down. In the combat both he and his observer were wounded, but, nevertheless, he succeeded in evading the enemy, though owing to all his controls being shot away he was compelled to land in " No Man's Land," only reaching our lines alter dark. Sec. Lieut. James Herbert Grahame (107th Sqdn.). (France.)—This officer has taken part in 24 successful bombing raids, and has consistently carried out his duties with the greatest perseverance, courage and skill, obtaining a number of direct hits on the objectives, resulting in serious damage to enemy material. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Duncan Grinnell-Milne. (France.)—This officer has shown exceptional gallantry and disregard of danger on numerous occasions, notably on October 5, when he obtained a direct hit on a train with a bomb; he then attacked and destroyed in flames a ballccn on the grcund. On his return journey he attacked troops and transport with marked success, droo ping his last bomb in the middle ot a crowd oi enemv troops. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Philip Grosset. (Italy.)—An officer of untiring energy who has been remarkably successful in photographic and trench reconnaissance, taking on one day no less than 53 successful photographs in spite of most adverse weather conditions. He has also rendered excellent seivice on con tact patrols in the late advance, his reports being invariably accurate and of great value. Lieut. Frank Lucien Hale. (France.)—A brilliant and very gallant officer who never hesitates to attack the enemy however superior in numbers. On September 27, Lieut. Hale, single-handed, attacked a lormation ol 10 Fokker biplanes who were manoeuvring to attack one ot our bombing formations ; engaging one ot the Fokkers, he drove it down out of control, and it was seen to break up in the air. By this gallant action the enemy were diverted from their objective. In the combat Lieut. Hale's machine and engine were badly damaged ; despite this, he, on his return journey, attacked a solitary Fokker and drove it down out of control. This officer has accounted for eight enemy aircraft. Lieut. (A. Capt.) Wallis Halford. (France. —This officer has taken part in 90 night bombing raids, Irequently under adverse weather conditions, and in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire. On the night of June 29-30 he carried out three such raids, dropping 52 bombs on his objective with excellent results. By his keenness and determination he inspired all who serve with him. Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) Joseph Eskel Hallonquist (ipth Res. Bn., Canadians). (Italy.)—This officer at all times displays the highest skill and courage, setting a fine example to other pilots. He has accounted for five enemy machines, and, during the recent operations, has led four successful bombing patrols at low altitudes. Lieut. Leslie Hamilton. (Salonika.)—A gallant and skilful scout pilot who never hesitates to attack enemy formations, however superior in numbers. During recent operations be has rendered exceptional service. He has himsell brought down, or assisted to bring down, six enemy machines. Lieut. Norman Henry Hamley. (Italy.)—This officer is conspicuous for courage and determinatien. During the recent operations he has led five bombing patrols, attacking, with great success, retreating columns of hostile troops and transport, irom low altitudes. In addition, on October 29 he destroyed an enemy machine. Capt. (A. Maj.) Henry Ivan Hanmer. (Egypt.)—A brilliant and very gallant airman who is gifted with great organising powers combined with endurance and disregard ot personal danger. He led the machines that were detailed to keep in touch with the Desert Mounted Corps, and it was due to Capt. Haunter's energy and personal supervision that our machines were enabled to render the assistance they did. 215
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