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Bridges, Vivian

Service number:
1380802 (NCO)/124625 (Officer)
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
? Sergeant
5 June, 1942: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
5 December, 1942: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
5 June, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
30 May, 1946: Appointment to Commission as As Flying Officer, extended service (four years on the active list.
1 July, 1946: Flight Lieutenant
19 October, 1948: Flight Lieutenant (pernanent)
1 January, 1954: Squadron Leader
1 July, 1961: Wing Commander
30 December, 1975: retirement

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 239 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
August 29th, 1944
"As pilot and observer respectively, this officer and airman have proved themselves to be highly skilled and resolute members of aircraft crew.
They have completed numerous sorties and have destroyed 4 enemy aircraft at night. In the last of these fights, Flight Lieutenant Bridges pressed home his attack from close range. Following his accurate bursts of fire the enemy machine exploded in the air. The British aircraft was struck by flying debris. One engine caught fire and the aircraft temporarily went out of control. With great presence of mind, Flight Sergeant Webb feathered the burning engine whilst his pilot fought to regain control. Considerable height was lost before Flight Lieutenant Bridges succeeded in getting the aircraft on an even keel. Although one engine was useless he flew the aircraft to base.
This officer and airman have invariably displayed commendable coolness and courage."

The DFM was awarded to Flight Sergeant Donald Gerald Webb
.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1973
For services with the Kenya Air Force
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Sources

Photo