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Aldridge, Deryck Reginald

Service number:
1295605/145682
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
?: Sergeant;
April 13th, 1943: Pilot Officer on probation (emergency);
October 13th, 1943: Flying Officer on probation (war subs.).

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Pilot Officer
Unit:
No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 10th, 1943
Citation:
"On 17th August, 1943, this officer piloted an aircraft which attacked Peenemunde. Soon after leaving the target area, the bomber was attacked by an enemy fighter. The rear turret and the inter communication and call light systems were rendered useless, but, in spite of this the attacker was beaten off. Some ten minutes later, the
bomber was engaged by another fighter. Mucho damage was sustained but, by skilful tactics, Pilot Officer Aldridge finally evaded the enemy aircraft. By superb airmanship, he then succeeded in flying the badly crippled bomber to base.
This officer has completed many sorties and his work throughout has been of a high standard."

LG 36165/4011.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

  • - Supplement to The London Gazette of 25th June 1943, Issue 36070, dated 29th June 1943
    - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 7th September 1943, Issue 36165, dated 10th September 1943
    - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 12th October 1943, Issue 36211, dated 15th October 1943

Photo