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Clayton, Gareth Thomas Butler

Date of birth:
November 13th, 1914
Date of death:
February 5th, 1992
Service number:
37624
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
6 January 1936: Acting Pilot Officer
6 January 1937: Pilot Officer
20 May 1938: Acting Flying Officer
6 July 1938: Flying Officer
2 August 1939: Acting Flight Lieutenant
6 July 1940: Flight Lieutenant
Juni 1940: Acting Squadron Leader
1 September 1941: Temporary Squadron Leader
1 July 1943: Temporary Wing Commander
26 March 1946: Squadron Leader
1 July 1947: Wing Commander
1 January 1954: Group Captain
1 July 1959: Air Commodore
1 January 1962: Air Vice Marshal
15 March 1969: Acting Air Marshal
1 July 1969: Air Marshal

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 107 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 7th, 1940
"In April, 1940, this officer was the leader of a sub-formation undertaking bombing operations against Stavanger aerodrome. He pressed home his attack at a low altitude in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire and attacks by enemy fighters and succeeded in dropping his bombs among a number of German aircraft. On the return flight he was attacked by a Messerschmitt fighter for sixty-five minutes and it was only by his determination, skill and courage that he managed to bring his aircraft safely to his base. Fit. Lt. Clayton has done magnificent work since the outbreak of the war and his leadership and courage have always been of the highest order."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 30 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1943
Mentioned in Dispatches

New Years Honours
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Wing Commander
Unit:
Air Staff, HQ, No. 1 Group, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
October 13th, 1944

Second DFC received as bar
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Unit:
RAF Mission to China, HQ, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
March 15th, 1946
"In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war."

Directing Staff, Chinese Air Force Staff College
Order of the Cloud and Banner with Special Rosette (6th Class)
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Air Marshal
Unit:
RAF Strike Command, HQ, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1970

New Years Honours (Chief of Staff)
Commander of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KCB/DCB)
Flying Badge

Sources

Photo