10/10/39- No. .26. FLASH. Not to be published before the morning of Wednesday 11th 0ct. 1939- First R. A. F. War Decorations. The first Royal Air Force decorations conferred in the War were announced last night. It was stated in the ’’London Gazette” that the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy Awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross. 1. Flying Officer (Acting Flight Lieutenant) Kenneth Christopher DORAN. Early in September 1939? this officer led an attack against an enemy cruiser. In face of heavy gun fire and under extremely bad weather conditions he pressed home a successful low attack with great determination. 2. Flying Officer Andrew McPherson. This officer carried out reconnaissance flights early in September 1939. On one occasion he was forced by extremely bad weather conditions to fly close to the enemy coast at very low altitudes. These flights made possible a successful raid on enemy naval forces. Flying Officer DORAN, who has since been promoted Acting Squadron Leader, is aged 26. He was born at Leicester and was educated at St. Albans School. In 1932 he enlisted as a private in the London Regt. (T. A. ) and was discharged on being given a short service, commission in the R. A. F. in December 1935. He was promoted Pilot Officer in October 1936, Flying Officer in May, 1938? and Acting Flight Lieutenant in March this year. Officer who is 21 is native of Flying McPherson, aged , a Glasgow and was educated at Glasgow Acadamy. He was granted a short service commission as an Acting Pilot Officer in October 1936. In August 1937 he was graded as Pilot Officer, and reached his present rank last March..