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Cork, Richard John

Date of birth:
April 4th, 1917 (London, Great Britain)
Date of death:
April 14th, 1944 (China Bay-Trincomalee, Ceylon)
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Cemetery Trincomalee
Plot: 2. Row: C. Grave: 9.
Nationality:
British

Biography

Richard John Cork was born on April 4th, 1917 as the son to Harold James Cork and Ethel Mary Cork.
He was killed in an accident on April 14th, 1944 om at the China Bay Airbase as Lieutenant-Commander.

Promotions:
May 1939: Acting Sub-Lieutenant;
March 1940: Sub-Lieutenant;
November 1941: Lieutenant;
September 1942: Acting Lieutenant-Commander;
1944: Lieutenant-Commander.

Career:
1939: Royal Navy College, Greenwich;
1940: Fleet Air Arm;
June 15th, 1940: Royal Air Force;
?: No. 7 Operational Training Unit, Hawarden;
July 1st, 1940: No. 242 Squadron, Coltishall;
November 23rd, 1940: No. 252 Squadron, Coastal Command;
?: No. 880 Squadron, HMS Furious;
October 1941: No. 880 Squadron, HMS Indomitable;
August 1942 - September 1942: Commanding Officer No. 880 Squadron;
December 1943 - April 14th, 1944: Commanding Officer No. 15 Fighter Wing, HMS Victorious.

Victories:
August 30th, 1940: Messerschmitt Bf 110;
August 30th, 1940: Heinkel He 11 (damaged);
Deptember 7th, 1940: Dornier Do 17;
September 7th, 1940: Messerschmitt Bf 110;
September 15th, 1940: Dornier Do 17;
September 15th, 1940: Dornier Do 17;
September 15th, 1940: Messerschmitt Bf 109 (damaged);
September 15th, 1940: Messerschmitt Bf 109 (damaged);
September 15th, 1940: Messerschmitt Bf 109 (damaged);
May 1942: Morane 406 (on the ground);
May 1942: Morane 406 (on the ground);
May 1942: Morane 406 (on the ground);
May 1942: Potez 63 (on the ground);
May 1942: Potez 63 (on the ground);
May 1942: Potez 63 (on the ground);
August 11th, 1942: Junkers Ju 88 (shared);
August 12th, 1942: Junkers Ju 88;
August 12th, 1942: Junkers Ju 88 (shared);
August 12th, 1942: Messerschmitt Me 110;
August 12th, 1942: Savoia Machetti SM 79;
August 12th, 1942: Savoia Machetti SM 79.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
January 20th, 1940
Pilot Wing (Fleet Air Arm)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sub-Lieutenant (Sub-lieutenant)
Awarded on:
October 18th, 1940

DFC was under pressure of the Royal Navy, revoked and changed to a DSC.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sub-Lieutenant (Sub-lieutenant)
Awarded on:
October 18th, 1940
Received for exemplary courage and coolness in successful action against enemy bombers.

LG 34974/6111.
Awarded to replace the withdrawn DFC.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Awarded on:
November 10th, 1942
Received for bravery and dauntless resolution while serving aboard one of H.M. Aircraft-Carriers, when an important Convoy was fought through to Malta in the face of relentless attacks by day and night from enemy submarines, aircraft and surface forces.

LG 35780/4879.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Sources

  • Photo 1: FAA photo
  • Photo: FAA Photo
  • - Second Supplement to The Lodon Gazette of 18th October 1940, Issue 34974, dated 18th October 1940
    - Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 6th November 1942, Issue 35780, dated 10th November 1942
    - Commonwealth Wargraves Commission

Photo

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