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Gardner, William Steven

Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Service number 37457

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
October 1st, 1940
Citation:
"One night in September 1940, this officer successfully pressed home an attack, from 800 feet, on a concentration of barges in Ostend Harbor. During the preliminary reconnaissasnce of the target area and the bombing attack, the aircraft was subjected to intense and accurate anit-aircraft and tracer fire, but dispite this opposition Squadron Leader Gardner obtained eight direct hits on the target. In pressing home his attack this officer displayed splendid qualities of determination, courage and skill, and his example and leadership had an excellent effect on the squadron as a whole."

Published in The London Gazette, 1 October 1940.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 14 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1943
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 14 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 2nd, 1943
Air Force Cross (AFC)

Sources

  • - The London Gazette, Issue 34958, dated Tuesday 1st October 1940
    - The London Gazette, dated 1st January 1943
    - Birthday Honours List dated 2nd June 1943

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