Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Wing Commander

Unit:

No. 408 (Goose) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

May 28th, 1943

Original recommendation (drafted by G/C C.R. Dunlap, 7 May 1943 when he had flown 16 sorties (99 hours 26 minutes):
"Wing Commander Ferris has carried out 16 operational sorties during which some of the most heavily defended enemy targets have been attacked. These operations include the following: // Emden (1) - Lorient (1) - Kiel (1) - Cologne (1) // Duisburg (1) - Dusseldorf (1) - Turin (1) - Dormund (1) // Berlin (1) - Essen (1) - Stettin (1) - Lorient (Gardening) 5 // Wing Commander Ferris has been in command of No.408 (RCAF) Squadron since September 1942, and during this period by his forceful and energetic efforts he has built up a squadron which is second to none in keenness, skill and determination. In recognition of his achievements in this regard, he is held in a position of great esteem and admiration by those who serve under his command. // He is at his best during periods of stress and misfortune. His able leadership has pulled the squadron through some trying experiences; his coolness and leadership on such occasions has a most stabilizing and elevating influence; his trip to Stettin on April 20th, 1943, and also his trip to Dortmund on May 4th, 1943, were made when the fortunes of the squadron were at a low ebb; his outstanding performance on these two occasions once again elevated the spirit of the squadron to its normal high level. Both targets mentions were successfully attacked, but neither sortie was without incident. On the former the trip was made at tree-top level, and the tail gunner was afforded several opportunities of shooting up trains and searchlights. On the latter, shortly after the release of the bombs the aircraft was picked up by searchlights for nearly 15 minutes, in spite of violent evasive action accompanied by great loss of height. On the trip to Berlin on March 1st, 1943 he had a similar and even more trying experience with searchlights, this time being coned on successive occasions for a period totalling more than 20 minutes. In spite of the fact that this coning necessitated two additional operational climbs, Wing Commander Ferris was quite unperturbed and pressed on to his objective which he attacked successfully. // I consider that Wing Commander Ferris is truly deserving of this recognition, and have no hesitation in strongly recommending the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."