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Searle, Robert David

Service number:
655919 (NCO)/188338 (Officer)
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
Warrant Officer
December 2nd, 1944: Pilot Officer (probation/emergency)
June 2nd, 1945: Flying Officer (war sub)
January 14th, 1947: recall to the active list (seniority 15 juli 1945)
January 5th, 1947: Flying Officer
Forfeiture of seniority as of November 20th, 1947
June 19th, 1948: retirement

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flight Sergeant
Unit:
No. 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 11th, 1943
Recommendation:
"This N.C.O. has completed 184.40 hours operational flying during the course of which he has carried out 28 sorties. On all his missions, he has acted in the capacity as Bomb Aimer and his ability and determination to drop his bombs on the aiming point no matter how strong the opposition has been supported by the number of target photographs brought back. In addition to having attacked the majority of the most heavily defended targets in Germany, he also took part successfully in the daylight operations against both Le Creusot and Milan. Flight Sergeant Searle has on all occasions shown a complete disregard of danger and by the cool, determined way in which he has carried out his duties has proved himself to be great asset in the Squadron. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Pilot Officer
Unit:
No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 25th, 1945
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Recommendation:
"Pilot Officer Searle is nearing completion of his second operational tour, having so far completed a total of 55 sorties. Of these, 25 have been carried out as Visual Air Bomber of a Marker crew in the Path Finder Force. His enthusiasm and dour determination whatever the circumstances have set a high standard of co-operation and morale in his crew. He has at all times displayed great presence of mind and fearlessness in the face of danger and his coolness under the most trying conditions, coupled with his ever present cheerfulness, are to be highly commended."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

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

Sources

  • - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36051 published on the 8 June 1943
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36882 published on the 5 January 1945
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37094 published on the 22 May 1945
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37164 published on the 3 July 1945
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37851 published on the 10 January 1947
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38188 published on the 23 January 1948
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38223 published on the 27 February 1948
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38356 published on the 16 July 1948
    - Bonhams

Photo