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SECOND SUPPLEMENT • TO The London Gazette Of FRIDAY, the 2jth of AUGUST, 1943

Registered as a newspaper •

TUESDAY, 31 AUGUST, 1943

Air Ministry, 315* August, 1943. Distinguished Flying Cross. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve Acting Leader John Watson ALLAN, the following awards in recognition of gallantry D.S.O. (89617), Royal Volunteer displayed in flying operations agamsifthe enemy: — Reserve, No. 256 Squadron. As observer and pilot respectively, these officers Distinguished Service Order. • have displayed rare skill in night operations. In Frederick Campbell HOPCROFT, two recent nights they have destroyed 3 enemy D.F.C. (37231), Royal Air.Force, No. 57 Squadron. aircraft, bringing their victories to 13, all of which Wing. Commander Ho.pcroft has rendered have been obtained in July, 1943. . Their record valuable service since the commencement of is outstanding and worthy of the highest praise. hostilities.. He has displayed outstanding skill and zeal and his untiring efforts have been reflected Distinguished Flying Cross. in the high standard of operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. Acting Benjamin Richard HALL Hopcroft has undertaken very many sorties, (43938), , No. 37 Squadron. involving attacks on a wide range of important In the execution of his many tasks this targets. In July, 1943, he flew the .leading has displayed great skill and tenacity. In opera- aircraft qf. a bomber force which attacked a switch- tions ranging from El Alamein- to Tunisia, ing and transformer station in North Italy. In Squadron Leader Hall obtained many successes, spite of opposition from the ground defences the attacking the enemy's communications and trans- target was subjected to a determined attack from port with telling effect. On one occasion, during a low level. Throughout the operation, Wing an attack on an important and well defended Commander Hopcroft displayed inspiring . leader- road junction, his excellent work contributed ship and great skill. Both in the air and on the materially to the success of the operation. A few ground this officer has set an example worthy of nights later, when detailed to attack transport in the highest praise. the Hams area, Squadron Leader Hall 'bombed his target with great determination, afterwards Acting Wing Comrnander Cecil Gordon Scott attacking the area, with machine-gun fire from a ROBINSON, D.F.C. (37892), Reserve of Air Force low level-. More recently in a raid on an airfield at Officers, No. 138 Squadron. Vibo Valentia, Squadron Leader Hall played a This officer is a gallant , whose keenness large part in the success achieved. His untiring has been outstanding. He completed many sorties and gallant efforts have set an inspiring example. whilst serving in the Middle East and, since his return to the United Kingdom he has operated Acting .Flight Ronald Edward GREEN against various important targets both in Germany (121075), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and Italy. This officer has displayed great courage No. 126 Squadron. and leadership and his successes have been This officer, who has completed a very large worthily earned. number of varied sorties, has led his flight and, on many occasions, the squadron with great skill. Squadron Leader Hugh Beresford VERITY, D.F.C. He has invariably displayed outstanding keenness (72507), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and determination and has contributed materially No.'161 Squadron. to the successes obtained by the squadron. Flight Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Lieutenant Green has destroyed i and damaged 3 Cross, Squadron Leader Verity has undertaken more enemy aircraft.- numerous sorties and has displayed great skill and tenacity throughout. He is a courageous Acting Squadron Leader Alexander Mortimer Thomas captain, whose fine qualities are worthy of great NOON (88197), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, ' praise. No. 267 Squadron. In operations in North Africa this officer partici- pated in a large number of sorties, many of them Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross. of a hazardous nature. By his courageous Harold James DAVIDSON, D:F.C. example, inspiring leadership and •' great skill. (Aus.4ii444)., Royal Australian Air Force, No. 256 Squadron Leader Noon played a large part in the Squadron. successes obtained.