Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lt | Indra Lal Roy | Unit : 40 Sqn RAF | Award Date | Announced 01 Sep 18 | |
Details : | [40 Squadron, RAF] A very gallant and determined officer, who in thirteen days accounted for nine enemy machines. In those several engagements he had displayed remarkable skill and daring, on more than one occasion accounting for two machines in one patrol. | ||||
Reference: | |||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Sqn Ldr | Karun Krishna Majumdar 1555 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 10 Nov 42 | |
Details : | Early this year this officer commanded the squadron during its activities in Burma. He led two unescorted attacks on enemy airfields in Thailand and attacks in support of the army in Tennasserim; he also completed valuable reconnaissances during the retirement from Rangoon to the Prome positions. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 35777 dated 10 Nov 1942, Page 4868 | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Sqn Ldr | Aspy Merwan Engineer 1554 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 10 Nov 42 | |
Details : | Citation Not Available | ||||
Reference: | |||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Plt Offr | Shailender Eknath Sukthankar 2810 GD(O) | Unit : 83 Sqn RAF | Award Date | Announced 01 Sep 43 | |
Details : | [83 Squadron, RAF] Pilot Officer CE Sukthanker was the first Indian Officer in the RAF to win a Distinguished Flying Cross. He was commissioned in March 1943 and, having trained as a navigator, took part in many bombing sorties over Berlin, Essen, Dortmund and other strongly defended urban and industrial centres in Germany. During these sorties, he displayed a high level of commitment, skill and efficiency. | ||||
Reference: | |||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Sqn Ldr | Arjan Singh 1577 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 02 Jun 44 | |
Details : | This officer completed very many operational missions, involving flights over difficult country, often in bad weather. He has displayed outstanding leadership, great skill and courage, qualities which have been reflected in the high morale and efficiency of the squadron which has won much sucess. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 36542 dated 2 June 44, Page 2534 | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | David Gordon Bhore 1637 GD(P) | Unit : 6 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 01 Aug 44 | |
Details : | This officer has completed many sorties, achieving some excellent photographic work. On two occasions he has been forced to return to base through attacks by enemy fighters, but immediately the enemy had been driven off he returned to complete his operation. Throughout all his operations he has shown great determination to get through to his target and owing to his thoroughness, has brought back valuable information for the army units. Notes: Public Record Office Air 2/9633 has citation drafted when he had flown 113 sorties (151 operational hours) as pilot.
| ||||
Reference: | London Gazette published on the 11 August 1944 (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Flt Lt | Jagdish Chandra Verma 1646 GD(P) | Unit : 6 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 01 Aug 44 | |
Details : | During a short period, this officer has completed a large number of operational missions, showing great courage and coolness. On one occasion his aircraft was badly damaged by enemy machine gun fire. Flying Officer Varma displayed outstanding skill and presence of mind in flying the aircraft safely to base. In February 1944, he was engaged in combat with two enemy fighters and attacked them successfully, damaging one and causing the other to break off the attack. He has always shown a keen desire to engage the enemy and has set a fine example to other officers. Notes: Public Record Office Air 2/9633 has citation drafted when he had flown 109 sorties (133 operational hours) as a pilot. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette published on the 11 August 1944 (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Wg Cdr | Karun Krishna Majumdar 1555 GD(P) | Unit : 268 Sqn RAF | Award Date | Announced 23 Jan 45 | |
Details : | [268 Squadron RAF] This officer has completed many tactical reconnaissance and photographic sorties. His keenness for operational work and his skill on difficult and dangerous missions has always been outstanding. Before the advance northwards in France, he completed exceptionally valuable photographic reconnaissances of the Seine bridges, in the face of heavy ground defences. He has also participated in long tactical reconnaissances on which he was several times intercepted by superior formations of enemy aircraft. His skill and courage have always been outstanding. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 36905 dated 23 January 45, Page 527 (Citation Courtesy: Colin Ford ) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Anand Ramdas Pandit 1707 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 23 Jan 45 | |
Details : | Flying Officer Anand Ramdas Pandit while serving with No.1 (RIAF) Squadron during World War II, proved himself to be an accomplished tactical reconnaisance pilot and completed 169 sorties totalling 206 hours in 2 months. His outstanding daring and determination had been the cause of his bringing back very valuable information on most occassions. The photographs secured by him had been highly commended by the Fourteenth Army. His keenness and enthusiasm for operational flying was exemplarary. For the above acts of gallantry he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Additional Citation: Flying Officer Pandit has completed a large number of operational sorties. Many of these have been flown during the monsoon period and over jungle covered mountainous terrain. He has, throughout, displayed the greatest enthusiasm and skill in his work as tactical reconnaissance pilot. His outstanding courage and determination have enabled him to secure valuable information and photographs. Notes: Public Record Office Air 2/9043 has citation drafted when he had flown 169 sorties (206 operational hours). | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 36905 dated 23 January 45, Page 527 (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Bollineni Ramachandra Rao 1726 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 23 Jan 45 | |
Details : | This officer has taken part in a large number of operational sorties. He is a skilful tactical reconnaissance pilot who has always displayed outstanding determination, gallantry and devotion to duty. He has achieved some excellent results and the fine photographs he has obtained have been of great value to the army. Notes: Public Record Office Air 2/9043 has citation drafted when he had flown 172 sorties (229 operational hours). | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 36905 dated 23 January 45, Page 527 (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Prem Sagar Gupta 2335 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 03 Apr 45 | |
Details : | Throughout a large number of operational sorties this officer has displayed great courage and firm determination. He is an outstanding tactical reconnaissance pilot and his devotion to duty and tireless efforts to acquire information during very adverse weather has been remarkable. He has consistently obtained photographs of great tactical value to the Army. By his enthusiasm and efficiency, Flying Officer Gufta has set a fine example to the other members of his squadron. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37012 dated 3 April 45, Page 1784. Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 18150. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Khemendra Nath Kak 2004 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 03 Apr 45 | |
Details : | Flying Officer Kak has accomplished his duties as tactical reconnaissance pilot with skill, courage and devotion to duty of a high order. He has achieved excellent results and brought back valuable information despite the monsoon weather and mountainous terrain. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37012 dated 3 April 45, Page 1784. Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 18150. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Minoo Nowsherwan Bulsara 2364 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 03 Apr 45 | |
Details : | This officer s a keen, courageous and skillful pilot who has taken part in a large number of tactical reconnaissance sorties. Many of these have been flown during monsoon weather over mountainous terrain. He has, throughout, displayed a high standard of airmanship, which coupled with his courage and devotion to duty have enabled him to achieve many successes and obtain valuable information for the Army. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37012 dated 3 April 45, Page 1784. Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 18150. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Sqn Ldr | Ramaswamy Rajaram 1573 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 17 Apr 45 | |
Details : | Citation Not Available | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37036 dated 17 April 1945, Page 2026 Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 18375 (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Flt Lt | Mahendra Singh Pujji 1604 GD(P) | Unit : 4 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 17 Apr 45 | |
Details : | This officer has flown on many reconnaissance sorties over Japanese occupied territory, often in adverse monsoon weather. he has obtained much valuable information of enemy troop movements and dispositions, which enabled an air offensive to be maintained against the Japanese troops throughout the monsoon. Flight Lieutenant Pujji has shown himself to be a skilful and determined pilot who has always displayed outstanding leadership and courage | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37036 dated 17 April 1945, Page 2026 Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 18375 (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Flt Lt | Patrick Ascension Kennedy 122141 RAFVR | Unit : 4 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 17 Apr 45 | |
Details : | This officer has completed many reconnaissance sorties over hazardous country often in adverse weather. He has obtained much valuable information of Japanese troop concentrations and movements and has led formations of aircraft in attacks against enemy positions in support of our ground troops. On several occasions he effectively bombed enemy positions within 300 yards of our own troops. During two sorties his aircraft sustained severe damage. Undeterred, by cool and careful airmanship, Flight Lieutenant [sic] Kennedy succeeded in landing his damaged aircraft safely at base. His devotion to duty at all times has been most commendable. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37036 dated 17 April 1945, Page 2026 Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 18375 (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Flt Lt | Denis Martin Finn Aux 33445 RAFVR | Unit : 4 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 20 Jul 45 | |
Details : | This officer has completed a very successful operational tour. His sorties have included many close support bombing attacks on extremely important targets. During adverse weather in the monsoon period he has flown on numerous long-range escort patrols and has fulfilled many different tasks successfully. By his coolness, efficiency and fine fighting spirit, Flight Lieutenant Finn has set an inspiring example to the other pilots of the squadron | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37187 dated 17 July 1945, Page 3782 Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 19267. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Balamore Navaneetham Surendra 1716 GD(P) | Unit : 4 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 20 Jul 45 | |
Details : | This officer has taken part in a large number of operational sorties of a varied nature. He has achieved some excellent results when flying on tactical reconnaissance and has obtained valuable information, often in adverse weather, of Japanese troop concentrations and movements in dense jungle. In smoke laying and target marking operations, Flying Officer Surendra’s skilful navigation has largely contributed to the successes achieved. In addition he has inflicted considerable damage on the enemy’s rivercraft and lines of communication. At all times this officer’s leadership, courage and determination have been worthy of the highest praise. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37187 dated 17 July 1945, Page 3785 Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 19267. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Flt Lt | Hirendra Nath Chatterjee 1620 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 17 Aug 45 | |
Details : | Flight Lieutenant Chatterjee has completed a large number of operational sorties. An excellent flight commander and a determined and successful fighter reconnaissance pilot, he has flown on many difficult missions and brought back valuable information about the enemy and some outstanding photographs. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37228 dated 17 Aug 1945, Page 4188 Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 19448. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Narayan Khanderao Shitoley 1841 GD(P) | Unit : 1 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 17 Aug 45 | |
Details : | Flying Officer Shitoley is a daring and courageous reconnaissance pilot. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties and the information he has obtained has been of great value to the army. In addition he has secured many excellent photographs. This officer has always displayed praiseworthy skill and determination to complete his allotted task, often in the most adverse weather | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37228 dated 17 Aug 1945, Page 4188 Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 19448. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Flt Lt | James Hogan Currie 104548 RAFVR | Unit : 4 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 02 Oct 45 | |
Details : | Throughout a large number of operational sorties this officer has shown courage and devotion to duty. Many of his missions have been flown in adverse weather over mountainous terrain. His leadership and accuracy have materially contributed to the many successes attained by his flight. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37291 dated 2 Oct 1945, Page 4857 Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 19829. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Flt Lt | Minoo Merwan Engineer 1614 GD(P) | Unit : 3 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 02 Oct 45 | |
Details : | During World War II , Flight Lieutnant Minoo Merwan Engineer, while serving with No.3 (RIAF) Squadron had a long period of operational flying. As a Flight Commander, he led many successful attacks in support of the Army, most of the time bombing and strafing in difficult country within a few hundred yards of our own troops. At all times he set an outstanding example of leadership and devotion to duty which played a large role in mainitaing a high standard of morale prevailing in his flight and Squadron. He has a total of 505 hours and 25 minutes of operational flying. For the above acts of gallantry he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 1829.: This officer has a very fine operational record and has participated in attacks against many heavily defended targets. He has also participated in operations in support of the Army. At all times he has shown outstanding ability and skill in leading his flight and steadfast devotion to duty. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37291 dated 2 Oct 1945, Page 4859 Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 19829. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Rointon Merwan Engineer 2120 GD(P) | Unit : 9 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 02 Oct 45 | |
Details : | This offer has let a section and, on several occasions, his flight on many successful sorties. He has at all times displayed exceptional keenness for operational flying, while his skill, courage and unfailing devotion to duty have always been most praiseworthy. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37291 dated 2 Oct 1945, Page 4859 Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 19829. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Sukumar Krishna Mukerjee 2359 GD(P) | Unit : 9 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 02 Oct 45 | |
Details : | Flying Officer Mukerjee has proven himself a keen and efficient member of a squadron which has completed many successful missions. His determination to press home his attacks against any opposition, together with his keenness and devotion to duty has set an inspiring example to all. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37291 dated 2 Oct 1945, Page 4859 Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 19829. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Fg Offr | Bondada Bhaskara Koteshwara Rao 2437 GD(P) | Unit : 2 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 02 Oct 45 | |
Details : | This officer has consistently displayed keenness for operational flying and great determination. His photography has always been of a high standard and his courage and devotion to duty have been outstanding. Flying Officer Raohas proved himself to be a first class tactical reconnaissance pilot. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37291 dated 2 Oct 1945, Page 4859 Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 19829. (Citation Courtesy: Hugh Halliday) | ||||
Distinguished Flying Cross | |||||
Sqn Ldr | Pratap Chandra Lal 1567 GD(P) | Unit : 7 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 19 Oct 45 | |
Details : | Squadron Leader Pratap Chandra Lal has completed a considerable number of operational sorties. He is a commanding officer of a squadron which has been employed on photographic reconnaissance work in support of the Fourteenth Army in the Irrawady Valley. He has shown exceptional qualities and keenness and has completed many hazardous sorties in the wake of strong enemy opposition. He has frequently penetrated deep into enemy territory in search of important information. By his coolness and determination, Squadron Leader Lal has set a fine example to all his pilots. | ||||
Reference: | London Gazette 37313 dated 19 Oct 45, Page 5123 | ||||