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Archer, Ernest Leonard

    Service number:
    78735
    Nationality:
    British

    Biography

    After the Second World War Ernest Leonard Archer also received the Civil Division to the Officer of the British Empire (OBE, June 14th, 1975).

    Promotions:
    ?: Sergeant;
    April 28th, 1940: Pilot Officer on probation;
    April 28th, 1941: Pilot Officer;
    April 28th, 1941: Flying Officer (war subs.);
    January 14th, 1942: Flight Leitenant (war subs.);
    ?: acting Squadron Leader;
    ?: acting Wing Commander.

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Flying Officer
    Awarded on:
    September 24th, 1941
    Mentioned in Dispatches
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Acting Squadron Leader
    Unit:
    No. 1526 (Beam Approach) Training Flight, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    June 2nd, 1943
    Air Force Cross (AFC)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Acting Wing Commander
    Unit:
    No. 296 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    July 31st, 1945
    Awarded for:
    Operation Market Garden
    Citation:
    "Distinguished himself during the operations near Arnhem from September 17 to 25, 1944, by deeds of initiative, courage and perseverance and showing, in every respect, an uncommon devotion to duty and a great tenacity of purpose."

    ---

    Original recommendation:

    " S/Ldr.ARCHER completed his 60th and 61st operations by leading his flight to ARNHEM on two occassions. His untiring energy was undoubtedly a main factor in the success of our part of Operation "MARKET", made complicated by the necessity of using an advanced base.

    His record of operation sorties would be difficult to equal - he was a member of 59 Squadron, employed during the British invasion scare, in day and night bombing of the Channel ports. His Squadron was practically annihilated.

    After a period of Staff work he came to 38 Group, and took part successfully in the invasion of Normandy. He was also successful in numerous flights with arms and ammunitions for the Maquis.

    His zeal and ability throughout all this period , during which he was also engaged in helping to train two British Airborne Divisions, has been an inspiration to his flight, and a mainstay to his Squadron Commander.

    REMARKS OF SQUADRON COMMANDER
    I feel that this Officer's record of service strongly deserves recognition.

    (signed) T.C. MUSGROVE
    Rank W/Cdr.

    Date 21st October 1944."

    "S/Ldr.Archer has displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty at all times. His work during the ARNHEM operation was typical of his enthusian and skill and I strongly recommend him for the Dutch Bronze Cross.

    (signed) S.S. BERTRAM
    RANK Group Captain.

    Date 21st October 1944."

    413th Award.
    Royal Decree No.29, dated July 31st, 1945.
    Award presented bij H.R.H. Prince bernhard of The Netherlands in The Netherlands House at 21 February 1946.
    Permission to wear the decoration granted on January 1st, 1946.
    Vliegerkruis (VK)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Acting Wing Commander
    Unit:
    No. 644 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    August 17th, 1945
    Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
    "Wing Commander Archer is now on his third tour of operations. He has taken part in airborne operations into Sicily, Italy, Normandy, Arnhem and the Rhine crossing. His exceptional ability and determination in the face of difficulties have enabled him to complete many difficult missions successfully. More recently this officer has been in command of his squadron and, in that capacity, he has displayed great organizing ability and, both in the air and on the ground, set an inspiring example to the other members of his squadron."
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Acting Wing Commander
    Unit:
    No. 644 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    June 27th, 1947
    Ridder in de Leopoldsorde / Chevalier de l'Ordre de Léopold

    Permission to wear the decoration granted on June 27th, 1947.
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Acting Wing Commander
    Unit:
    No. 644 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    June 27th, 1947

    Received with palme.
    Permission to wear the decoration granted on June 27th, 1947.
    Croix de Guerre 1940
    Awarded on:
    June 14th, 1975

    Civilian version
    Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    Received with "ATLANTIC" clasp.
    Air Crew Europe Star

    Sources

    Photo