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Donaldson, Oliver Russell

Date of birth:
(Revelstoke/British Columbia, Canada)
Service number:
37414
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Further awarded medals:
• C.B.E. (Military), London Gazette, 1 January, 1953
• O.B.E., (Military) London Gazette, 10 June, 1948 (Palestine).
• GENERAL SERVICE 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48
• CORONATION 1953

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Awarded on:
June 11th, 1940
Citation:
"One night in May 1940, this officer was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack focal points behind the enemy's positions. In the neighbourhood of Hirson he came under heavy aint-aircraft fire which he regarded as indicating that he was near a profitable objective. In spite of the enemy fire Flying Officer Donaldson made five attacks on a road through a nearby wood. As a result a large fire and thirteen violent explosions occured in what must have been an important enemy dump. He has consistently shown the highest degree of courage and determination."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Group Captain
Unit:
No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 11th, 1943
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Citation:
"Group Captain Donaldson has completed a large number of sorties since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. During the six months he has commanded the squadron, it has maintained its fine operational record and fresh honours have been achieved. By his sound organisation, thorough training and personal example, he has fashioned a first class fighting unit. Each operation is most carefully planned and executed and nothing which deserved his personal attention is omitted. Group Captain Donaldson's firm and tactful handling of aircrews, his cheerful spirit and devotion to duty have earned him the unswerving loyalty of all ranks. He is a skilful pilot with a fine record of successful bombing sorties against the enemy. His example as a captain of aircraft has been an inspiration to his unit."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp.
Air Crew Europe Star

Sources

  • - The London Gazette, Issue 34870. Tuesday 11th June 1940
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36051 published on the 8 June 1943
    - Dix Noonan Webb

Photo