Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

1 Aircraft Depot, Royal Australian Air Force

Awarded on:

June 8th, 1944

Skill & expert knowledge as chief test pilot.

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

January 2nd, 1950

Citation:
"Squadron Leader D.R. GUNING has serves almost continuously at this present Unit since 1942 on the flight testing of all types of aircraft. Since this officer was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1944, he has continued to display ability and devotion to duty whilst flying, of the highest order.

As chief test pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force, Squadron Leader CUMING has been constantly engaged in flight test duties of a most exacting and hazardous nature. On all occasions he has demonstrated exceptional ability in high quality flying. He has amassed a welath of knowledge and experience in flying which has proved of immense value not only in his particular field but in questions of flying training, operational flying and the formulation of aircraft design requirements. This officer is always willing to test new designs of aircraft but on all occasions with a conscientiousness and deliberation which as far as possible, will leave nothing to chance. Squadron Leader CUMING has almost effectively organised and supervised difficult instructional courses of flying for test pilots on the Unit and other pilots on new types of aircraft.

Amongst his more recent outstanding work he has carrie dout tests of the Suction Wing Glider which demanded great skill and courage in the initial tests. In addition, he has conducted tests of civil aircraft for which he has earned for the Royal Australian Air Force and himself a high reputation in the field of performance and handling assessments. While on many occasions he has carried out impressionable public demonstrations of flying it is the continuous work within the Unit that does not come under the notice of the general public, which is deserving of the highest praise and recognition.

Squadron Leader CUMING has earned a wide reputation amongst pilots who regard his standards as being the highest attainable. During his service he has flown 3820 hours on 62 different types of aircraft. Over the last six months he has logged over 114 hours.

Awarded as bar

Rank:

Wing Commander

Awarded on:

1953

Rank:

Wing Commander

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1954

Citation:
"As Commanding Officer, No. 1 Long Range Flight, Royal Australian Air Force, which had been formed to plan and prepare for the participation by the Royal Australian Air Force in the speed section of the England to New Zealand Air Race, Wing Commander Derek R. Cuming was responsible for all pre-training and briefing of the personnel participating and for all aspects of the ground organisation which played such a large part in the Race.

This task alone required an amount of effort and detail which would be sufficient normally for one officer to undertake. However, in addition, this officer, as captain of one Canberra Aircraft which participated in the Race was required also to take a detailed part in the full flying activities of the flight. By the successful combination of both tasks, Wing Commander Cuming contributed in the highest way possible to R.A.A.F. participation in the Race.

His ability has been truly reflected in the outstanding performance displayed by the R.A.A.F. Canberra Aircraft which participated in the race and he has brought great credit both to the Royal Australian Air Force and to himself."