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McCormack, David William

Date of birth:
November 27th, 1917 (Seddon/Victoria, Australia)
Date of death:
August 10th, 1944
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Graves Bhowanipore Cemetery
Plot: O. Row: G. Grave: 4.
Service number:
400232
Nationality:
Australian (1901-present, Federal Monarchy)

Biography

Before the war David McCormack worked as a clerk, as a salesman, and as an electrical mechanic with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On 21 July 1940 he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force. He was commissioned in February 1941 and was posted to Britain.
McCormack took part in hazardous, low-level attacks in Belgium and northern France, and against enemy shipping in the North Sea.
In March 1942 he sailed for India and came in action in the Arakan region.
On 10 August 1944 McCormack led sixteen Spitfires on a flight from Palel, Imphal, to the squadron's new base at Biagachi, near Calcutta. En route they encountered the most violent type of monsoonal storm; his aircraft was one of eight that crashed, and he was killed; his body was recovered and buried in Calcutta.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
February 6th, 1942
Citation:
"This officer has carried out a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been low level attacks on objectives in Belgium and Northern France. He has at all times displayed the greatest determination in the face of enemy fire, pressing home hisattack
to the utmost. On one occasion, although wounded by enemy fire, Flight Lieutenant McCormack descended to almost ground level to achieve success. He has set an inspiring example to all."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 18th, 1943
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Citation
"Flight Lieutenant McCormack has been actively engaged on operations in India since October 1942.
He has achieved excellent results on long distance sorties over difficult country. As pilot and flight commander his cool courage and skill have been invaluable to his squadron.
In attacks on Mandalay and Akayo in spite of considerable opposition he showed no obstacle to deter him from completing his tasks successfully."

Second DFC awarded as a bar.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1945
Mentioned in Dispatches

Sources

Photo