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Patrick, Kenneth Noble Kerr

Date of birth:
February 1915 (Darvel/Ayrshire, Great Britain)
Service number:
170649
Nationality:
British

Biography

Kenneth Patrick joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in July 1940, and after general duties he commenced training to become a gunner. In October 1942 he joined 12 Squadron as a Rear Gunner. His first operation on 7 November, was mine laying off the coast of Terschelling flying in Wellingtons.
In March 1943 he transferred to 100 Squadron based at Waltham which was a Lancaster unit. After 17 operations he ended his first tour in June 1943, at which time the survival rate for a Rear Gunner was little more than 10 per cent. In October 1943 he was employed as an instructor with OC 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit where he was to remain until the beginning of November 1944, when he transferred to 170 Squadron and commenced his second tour, again as a Rear Gunner, in Lancasters. His final operation was on 25 March 1945 over Dortmund and Hamburg; he was demobilised on 17 January 1946.

Promotions:
13 december 1943: Pilot Officer (probation/emergency)
9 juli 1944: Flying Officer (war sub)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 170 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
November 6th, 1945
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

  • - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37337 published on the 2 November 1945
    - Morton and Eden

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