Companions of the Distinguished Service Order 1920-2006

The vast majority of the awards recorded in this set of books were for the Second World War, but pre and post war campaigns, are also shown, along with First Second and Third award Bars. This is the only publication that details the all important information regarding the explanation as to why the award was made by showing the citation /recommendation.Sample EntryBARLING, J.W. - D.S.O. LG: 8 Jun. 1945 Flight Lieutenant, D.F.C. (122396), R.A.F.V.R., 224 Sqn. "in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations"John William BARLING. Born in York, 26 May 1920; Son of John William Barling and Eveline Emma Ashworth; Married Dorothy M. Franks in Blackpool, May 1943 (Divorced); One son and one daughter; Married secondly, Marion Verity Knight in Cambridge, 1950; One son and one daughter; Served in the ranks, 921462 F/Sgt., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; (122396) P/O, 1 May 1942; No. 233 Sqn.; Flew photo reconnaissance and anti-submarine ops over the Bay of Biscay (D.F.C. LG: 16 Feb. 1943 "This officer has participated in a large number of sorties. Throughout, he has displayed great courage and determination. In spite of several distressing experiences, his keenness for operations remained undiminished. In November, 1942, while on escort duties, he intercepted a Junkers 88 and forced it to jettison its bombs. Some days later he attacked and destroyed a U-boat. Pilot Officer Barling has set a fine example to all."); War Subs. F/O (P), 1 Nov. 1942; War Subs. F/Lt., 1 May 1944; No. 224 Sqn.; Served on air ops over the Mediterranean (D.S.O.); The citation for his D.S.O. appeared in Flight, 19 Jul. 1945: "This officer has completed two tours of operational duty. During his first tour he attacked and destroyed a U-boat in the Eastern Mediterranean. Since the award of the D.F.C. he has taken part in many operational sorties, and has continued to display outstanding courage and devotion to duty. Flt. Lt. Barling sighted an enemy submarine, which he immediately attacked; straddling it with five depth charges. By dint of excellent co-operation four naval vessels were brought to the scene of the attack, and next morning wreckage and oil were collected from the area. Later, he sighted a U-boat near the French coast, but the U-boat scuttled herself before an attack could be made. More recently this officer has been flying on patrols over northern waters and off the Norwegian coast, and, on two occasions, has completed his mission in the face of persistent opposition from enemy shore batteries. On another occasion he made a skilful attack on an enemy submarine. Throughout a long operational career, Flt. Lt. Barling has consistently displayed outstanding keenness and skill."; Granted a permanent commn. as F/O, 1 Sep. 1945; F/Lt., 1 Jul. 1946 (Sen. 1 Nov. 1945); S/Ldr., 1 Jul. 1951; R.A.F. Lower Warren Royston, Herts.; Retired, 26 May 1963; Appt'd. to a commn. as F/O (four years), Training Branch, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 6...