No 80 Squadron   1917-18

No 80 Squadron RAF Awards 1918 MC Capt. Orlando Clive Bridgeman    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The patrol he was leading was attacked by twenty or thirty enemy aeroplanes, of which he destroyed two himself, and by skilful manoeuvring enabled two others to be crashed by officers of his patrol. His tactics and gallantry undoubtedly prevented what might have been a severe reverse to his patrol. On many occasions his work in attacking troops and other ground targets from low altitudes has been excellent, and his example and skilful leadership have been of great value to his squadron. Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 September 1918 DFC Capt. Alfred Harold Whistler.    A very courageous and enterprising patrol leader, who has rendered valuable services. He has done exceptionally good work in attacking ground targets, which he engages at very low altitudes.    During the past month his patrol attacked eight enemy scouts who were flying above him. He attacked a triplane and brought it down in a crash, and whilst thus himself engaged another of his pilots destroyed a second enemy machine. The remainder of the enemy formation were then driven off." Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 DSO Capt. Alfred Harold Whistler, DFC During recent operations this officer has rendered exceptionally brilliant service in attacking enemy aircraft and troops on the ground. On August 9th he dropped four bombs on a hostile battery, engaged and threw into confusion a body of troops, and drove down a hostile balloon returning to his aerodrome after a patrol of one and a-half hours' duration with a most valuable report. He has in all destroyed 10 aircraft and driven down five others out of control.(D.F.C. gazetted July and, 1918.) (25/8/18 in Flight Mag 7 Nov 1918) London Gazette 2 November 1918 DFC Bar Capt. Alfred Harold Whistler, DSO, DFC       This officer has twenty-two enemy machines and one balloon to his credit. He distinguished himself greatly on 29th September, when he destroyed two machines in one combat, and on 15th September, when, following two balloons to within twenty feet of the ground, he destroyed one and caused the observer of the second to jump out and crash. He has, in addition, done arduous and valuable service in bombing enemy objectives and obtaining information. Capt.ain Whistler is a gallant officer of fine judgment and power of leadership." Supplement to the London Gazette, 8 February 1919 DFC Lt. Leo Kingsley Baker Whilst engaged in making a reconnaissance of our advanced line, this officer was severely wounded in the thigh. Fearing, on his return journey, that he would be unable to reach his aerodrome owing to exhaustion due to loss of blood, he landed near a main road. He refused to allow his wounds to be attended to until he had written and despatched by motor-cyclist a clear and concise report of the position of ourlines, showing devotion to duty worthy of high praise. (25/8/18 in Flight Mag 7 Nov 1918) DFC Lt. Charles Stanley Lomas Coulson During the late operations this officer has set a brilliant example of courage and skill, notably on one occasion when, observing a party of the enemy in a trench firing at some of our infantry, he repeatedly dived on the trench, firing at the occupants and distracting their attention from our troops. Eventually he was wounded twice in the leg but succeeded in reaching his aerodrome. (25/8/18 in Flight Mag 7 Nov 1918) DFC Lt. Horace William Russell This officer displayed remarkable gallantry on August11th. Being on a low patrol he saw that our advancing troops were held up by a nest of six machine guns. These he engaged with his own machine gun, repeatedly diving so low as almost to touch the ground, and eventually silencing the hostile guns, thus enabling our troops to occupy the position. Having expended all his ammunition he returned to his aerodrome, and obtaining another machine (his own being almost shot to pieces) he again joined the attack. A brilliant and most gallant performance. (25/8/18 in Flight Mag 7 Nov 1918)   Croix de Guerre (FR) Capt. Victor Sydney Bennett 80 Squadron, 51st Wing, 9th Brigade Citation a L’ordre de L’Armée He has rendered excellent services in the French zone in the course of recent operations. As interim commander of his patrol he has given proof of great courage and activity. On the 18th of July while protecting a bombing expedition, he led his patrol safely within the German lines where he succeeded in forcing a fleet of 18 enemy planes to retreat, thus permitting the gunners to accomplish their mission.  He personally forced down two enemy planes. When the ammunition ran out, he attacked the enemy aircraft, which were attacking his patrol and was able to successfully return after having accomplished his mission having lost only a single plane. August 1st, 1918. Copy of Order by General Petain   Croix de Guerre (FR) Capt. Reginald Ansell Preeston   DFC Lt. Charles Edmund Maitland (France)   His Majesty The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards to Officers and Other Ranks of the Royal Air Force, in recognition of distinguished war service. 3rd June, 1919.   Return

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