Blackburn, James
- Date of birth:
- 1916 (Acton/London, Great Britain)
- Service number:
- 70067
- Nationality:
- British (1801-present, Kingdom)
Biography
Promotions:
December 22nd, 1936: Pilot Officer in class AA
September 30th, 1939: Flying Officer
November 6th, 1940: Flight Lieutenant
December 1st, 1941: Squadron Leader (Temporary)
August 8th, 1942: Squadron Leader (war sub)
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 70 Squadron, Royal Air Force (-)
- Awarded on:
- November 4th, 1941
"This officer has completed 44 operational missions over enemy territory, involving 335 hours flying. Within the past four months, Flight Lieutenant Blackburn has completed 25 sorties, the majority of which have been made from advanced landing grounds, with an average of 11 hours flying time per sortie. Throughout he has displayed great skill and efficiency and set an excellent example. He is always ready to carry out any duty and his experience has proved invaluable."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Unit:
- No. 70 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- September 18th, 1942
Citation:
"This officer is engaged on his second tour of operational flying. As flight commander he has displayed outstanding enthusiasm and keenness, which has proved a source of inspiration. Undeterred by enemy opposition, he always presses home his attacks with the utmost skill and determination. Recently, over Benghazi, his aircraft was held in searchlight beams and subjected to accurate anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, he made another run over the area and released his bombs alongside a ship moored in the outer Mole. On another occasion, in similar circumstances, at Martuba, Squadron Leader Blackburn bombed the landing ground, starting three fires. His efficiency is of a high standard."
Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
"This officer is engaged on his second tour of operational flying. As flight commander he has displayed outstanding enthusiasm and keenness, which has proved a source of inspiration. Undeterred by enemy opposition, he always presses home his attacks with the utmost skill and determination. Recently, over Benghazi, his aircraft was held in searchlight beams and subjected to accurate anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, he made another run over the area and released his bombs alongside a ship moored in the outer Mole. On another occasion, in similar circumstances, at Martuba, Squadron Leader Blackburn bombed the landing ground, starting three fires. His efficiency is of a high standard."
Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Squadron Leader
- Awarded on:
- January 1st, 1943
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Unit:
- No. 148 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- October 1st, 1943
"Since he was appointed to command this squadron, Wing Commander Blackburn has completed 300 hours operational flying nearly all of which have been at night. His sorties have involved very long nights over difficult and mountainous country when he has displayed skill, endurance and courage of a high order. The success of the operations completed by his squadron has been largely due to this officer's personal example- and masterly leadership."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Unit:
- No. 159 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- December 8th, 1944
Citation:
"This officer has an outstanding record. He has completed five tours of operational duty. He has commanded this squadron for the past few months and during the period has participated in a number of bombing attacks and several mine-laying missions. During these operations, despite very bad weather not once has he lailed to attack his allotted target. Both in the air and on the ground his example ihas proved inspiring. His genius for leadership, great skill and fine fighting spirit have contributed in good measure to the high standard of efficiency of the squadron he commands."
Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.
"This officer has an outstanding record. He has completed five tours of operational duty. He has commanded this squadron for the past few months and during the period has participated in a number of bombing attacks and several mine-laying missions. During these operations, despite very bad weather not once has he lailed to attack his allotted target. Both in the air and on the ground his example ihas proved inspiring. His genius for leadership, great skill and fine fighting spirit have contributed in good measure to the high standard of efficiency of the squadron he commands."
Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- March 27th, 1945
Sources
- - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35334 published on the 31 October 1941
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35709 published on the 15 September 1942
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35841 published on the 29 December 1942
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36192 published on the 28 September 1943
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36831 published on the 5 December 1944
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37001 published on the 23 March 1945
- Royal Air Force Commands
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37001/supplement/1658
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