Distingushed Flying Cross

The Distingushed Flying Cross (post-nominals: DFC) was established on 03 June 1918 and is awarded to Officers and Warrant Officers for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy.

Captain Arthur Claydon DFC
Recently this Officer, single-handed, went to the assistance of another pilot, who was attacked by eleven Fokker biplanes and six scouts. By his gallant conduct an skilful manoeuvring he not only extricate the pilot, but rove down several of the enemy aeroplanes. He has shown great initiative and gallantry in locating, bombing and attacking troops on the ground from low altitudes.
Lieutenant William Benson Craig DFC
Whilst acting temporarily as flight leader one day last month, he personally destroyed three enemy machines, and the remainder of his flight accounted for three more. Lieutenant Craig has been engaged in numerous air battles, and always displays fine spirit, ability and determination in carrying out his duties. He has personally brought down two enemy machines completely out of control, in addition to those referred to above.
Lieutenant Blayney Edmund Scott MC DFC
Whilst on counter-battery attack patrol, flying at a height of 1,500 feet, this Officer’s petrol tank was struck by machine gun fire from the ground. As much petrol was escaping he climbed out on the right wing and attempted to plug the hole, but finding on he was unable to reach it he returned to his seat for a spare “Clocho” he then again climbed back to the tank and succeeded in plugging the hole. During the whole time he was under heavy anti-aircraft and machine gun fire. The pilot then decided to carry on the patrol, and much valuable information was obtained.
Major Peter Joseph Angwin Tees DFC CD
Captain Tees has flown Auster aircraft over the Commonwealth front since September 1952 for a period of 364 hours; this included the extremely difficult winter period. On one occasion he carried out a crash landing due to sub-zero temperatures encountered and on two others he returned to base after engine failures, making successful landings. He has controlled the guns not only of the Division but also the Corps artillery in 185 sorties and conducted 453 shoots engaging enemy troop concentrations, camouflaged guns, bunkers, groups of men and vehicles. In spite of the increase in density of hostile anti-aircraft guns he has ignored his own safety in order to obtain the best observation of his targets. The technical skill shown both in flying and gunnery, together with the determination of this officer to destroy the targets that he located from the air have been outstanding.
Lieutenant Claude Melnot Wilson DFC
Bold in attack, this officer never hesitates to join in an engagement with the enemy, regardless of their numerical superiority. On 18th August, with four other machines, he attacked a large hostile formation. Five enemy machines .were destroyed, Lt. Wilson accounting for one. In all he has four machines and one balloon to his credit.