Hi all. Been researching a crew in No.83 Squadron who were all lost on July 25, 1944. Have been trying to locate details of three of them who won the Distinguished Flying Cross and what they won the award for. I am a member of Ancestry and findmypast but can't seem to find anything on them. Any ideas please?? The recipients were: 135750 Flight Lt. Stanley George Norris, 415490 Flight Lieutenant Raymond Charles Banfield and 134564 Flight Lieutenant Michael Ward. Thanks very much for reading. Mark.
All gallantry and MID were Gazetted in the London Gazette you can can view the gazette entry online by google search on service number surname RAF gazette eg 135750 Norris RAF gazette https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37443/supplement/653/data.pdf This entry is notice of award only - it does not have a citation - this can be found by personally or using a researcher to view at the TNA in AIR2. However note the date of gazette against effective date of award - It is due to post war info becoming available so related to the events before the aircraft loss. Banfield is a golden buzzer pass - being RAAF his full service and casualty files are available at the National Archives of Australia. Service file has been digitized and is open now https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/SearchScreens/BasicSearch.aspx Search results time out so put 415490 Banfield into the keywords box and hit search Click on the sheaf of papers icon for his A9300 file to view in full. Unlike RAF records this has not been redacted and contains all paperwork including photos and conduct sheets. You can request digitisation of other files such as his A705 casualty form which will contain all correspondence known by the RAF on the loss and subsequent notice of fatality and closure of effects to next of kin. There is a backlog due to covid but usually NAA digitises the file and notify that they have made is access similar to A9300 file. You can also find the citation on here BANFIELD Raymond Charles 415490 | Aviation Heritage Museum Ward https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37197/supplement/3878/data.pdf Again note the difference between gazetting and effective date of award. You can request a copy of the redacted service record of the RAF men from RAF Disclosures - taking about 3 to 4 weeks to return (£30 fee for each but will give you chapter and verse on their postings and mustering that you will not get anywhere on line for any subscription fee) Ross