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Haig, Douglas David

Service number:
33540
Nationality:
British

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 144 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
August 22nd, 1941
Details have not been published in the London Gazette.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 576 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
March 7th, 1944
This officer has completed numerous sorties on his second tour of operations and continues to show the same determined qualities which have earned him many successes.
One night in February 1944, he piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Leipzig. Early on the outward flight one of the bomber's engines became defective but Sqn. Ldr. Haig held to his course. Some time later a fighter was encountered but it was skillfully evaded. Soon afterwards the bomber was intercepted by another enemy aircraft. Once again, this captain proved his skill by manoeuvring to a position which enabled his rear gunner to deliver a burst of machine-gun fire which struck the attacker and caused its destruction. Sqn. Ldr. Haig then resumed his course and eventually pressed home a successful attack on his target. He set a fine example of skill, courage and resolution.

London Gazette dated Tuesday, 7 March 1944


This DFC was his second that was awarded and was obtained as a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first.


Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 625 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
October 24th, 1944
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Wing Commander Haig has consistently displayed the highest standard of leadership, skill and gallantry. He has completed very many sorties including attacks against strongly defended targets in Germany and the occupied countries.
On a recent sortie, although his aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire, by brilliant airmanship, he flew the aircraft safely back to this country and made a skillfull landing. Since assuming command of his squadron, Wing Commander Haigh has
maintained a high standard of efficiency and morale. He has set a fine example.

London Gazette dated Tuesday 24 October 1944.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Awarded on:
May 15th, 1945
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Sources

  • - The London Gazette Issue 35254 published on the 22 August 1941
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36418 published on the 7 March 1944
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36761 published on the 20 October 1944
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37080 published on the 11 May 1945

Photo