A pilots' war     1915-1918

No 62 RAF Squadron Awards 1918 18 May 1918 MC: 2 Lt. (T/Capt.) Geoffrey Forrest Hughes, RFC Spec Res For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  While leading his formation over the enemy’s lines he was attacked by twelve enemy machines, two of which he shot down. On the following day, when in charge of a patrol, he attacked seven enemy tri-planes, drove one down out of control, and forced three others to land. On another occasion, while in charge of a patrol, he was attacked by a large number of enemy scouts; owing to his skilful flying his observer succeeded in shooting down one of the enemy machines which broke up in the air. He always showed the greatest coolness and courage in action, and, as a flight commander, led his formation with splendid courage and determination.   3 June 1918 AFC: Capt. Geoffrey Forrest Hughes, MC (Aus Inf)   22 June 1918 MC: Lt. (T/Capt.) Thomas Laurence Purdom, KOSB and RFC For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  He attacked and shot down a hostile scout, and when himself attacked by a second scout, he shot the latter down out of control also. He has in addition to these destroyed four enemy machines within a month. He has shown the most exceptional gallantry and daring in engaging enemy aircraft.   22 June 1918 MC: Lt. John Rutherford Gordon, Aust F.C. attd RFC For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when as an observer on an offensive patrol, he shot down and destroyed three hostile machines. Previous to this he had shot down twp enemy tri-planes, one of which crashed to the ground in flames. He has also effectively and repeatedly scattered massed bodies of enemy troops by accurate shooting from a height of 100 feet. His skill and daring have been of the highest order.   22 June 1918 MC: T/2 Lt. William Ernest Staton, Gen List and RFC For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  On one occasion, when on offensive patrol, he, by skilful handling of his machine and accurate shooting destroyed two enemy aeroplanes and brought down a third out of control. In addition, during the nine days previous to this, he had destroyed five other enemy machines, two of these being tri-planes. The services which he has rendered have been exceptionally brilliant, and his skill and determination are deserving of the highest praise.   21 September 1918 DFC: Lt. (T/Capt.) William Ernest Staton, MC This officer has already been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Since this award he has accounted for eleven enemy aeroplanes - nine destroyed and two shot down out of control. He has proved himself a most efficient flight commander and an enterprising leader, setting a very fine example to his squadron.   3 December 1918 Bar to DFC: Lt. (A/Capt.) William Ernest Staton, MC, DFC This officer has already been awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Since his last award he has destroyed five enemy machines and driven down one out of control. His example of courage and resource is a fine incentive to the other pilots of his squadron.   26 July 1918 MC: T/Lt. Charles Henry Arnison, (Gloucs Hussars) Gen List attd RAF For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has destroyed four enemy aircraft and driven down four others completely out of control. He has always shown the greatest skill, keeness and gallantry, and has been largely instrumental in the fine achievements of his squadron.   26 July 1918 MC: T/Lt. Douglas Alfred Savage, (R Warks R) Gen List and RAF For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty especially on the following occasions. When on patrol attacked a formation of enemy aeroplanes, crashing one, while another fell to pieces in the air after a short combat. Attacked an Albatross, which he set on fire, and drove  another down out of control. Attacked many ground targets from low altitudes.   18 September MC: Lt. (A/Capt.) George Everard Gibbons (N Staffs R) RAF For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has lately destroyed three enemy machines and driven down others out of control. He has always shown great gallantry and keenness, and has commanded his flight with distinction, performing invaluable services in training young officers in the squadron.   3 December 1918 DFC: Lt. (A/Capt.) George Everard Gibbons, MC  (N Staffs R) RAF On 4th August, when leading a patrol, his formation was attacked by twenty enemy aeroplanes. Seeing one of our Bristol fighters, in difficulties with its propellor, being attacked by one of the enemy machines, he dived and drove it down to crash; when climbing back to join his formation his observer shot down another enemy machine. In addition to the foregoing Capt Gibbons has destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven down three out of control. The gallantry in action he invariably displays sets an inspiriting example to those with whom he serves.   2 November 1918 (pub. 1 Nov) DFC: Lt. (T/Capt.) Ernest Theophilus Morrow On the 22nd August, whilst leading an offensive patrol, this officer attacked ten Fokker biplanes and Pfalz Scouts, driving down one in flames. In the engagement he was wounded, and became unconscious; re-gaining consciousness, he found that his machine had got into a spin and was on fire. With supreme effort, although very weak, he succeeded in landing within our lines, where he was with great difficulty extricated from the burning machine. A bold and determine officer, who has destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven down two out of control. Note: 2/Lt. Louis Thompson, Morrow's Observer, pulled him out of the burning aircraft on 22 August and was recommended for a DFC. He had previously been recommended for a DFC but was not in the end recognised. 5 May 1918 DCM Bar: Sgt. Frank Johnson 6391 Sgt. F. Johnson, D.C.M., R.A.F.—For conspicuous gallantrv and devotion to duty in encounters with enemy aeroplanes, with the following results :—Attacked and crashed a Pfalz scout, drove down an Albatross out of control. On previous occasions he had destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven three down out of control. (D.C.M. gazetted April 26th, 1917.)   12 June 1918 (pub 11 Jun) MM: His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the Field to the under mentioned Non-commissioned Officers and men: - 66635 Sgt. W N Holmes RAF (Selby)

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