Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No 40 (SAAF) Squadron

Awarded on:

July 9th, 1943

Citation:
"This officer has participated successfully in many tactical reconnaissance flights. He has completed many difficult and hazardous tasks, often at low levels and in adverse weather. In January, 1943, while on a reonnaissance flight his aircraft was shot down in the Zuard area, and crashed at high speed in difficult country, behind the German lines. Though wounded Lt Van der Poel displayed the greatest courage and initiative in evading capture and eventually joined his squadron."