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Hesselyn, Raymond Brown

Date of birth:
March 13th, 1920 (Dunedin/South Island, New Zealand)
Date of death:
November 14th, 1963 (Uxbridge/Greater London, Great Britain)
Service number:
N.Z. 404362
Nationality:
New Zealander (1907-1947, Dominion UK)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 249 (Gold Coast) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 22nd, 1942
Citation:
"Sergeant Hesselyn is a skilful and gallant pilot. Undeterred by odds, he presses home his attacks with outstanding determination. He has destroyed 5 enemy aircraft, 20 of which he shot down in one engagement."
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flight Sergeant
Unit:
No. 249 (Gold Coast) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 29th, 1942
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Citation:
"During a period of four days operations in May, 1942, this airman destroyed five enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to ten. Although fighting at great odds in the heavy raids on Malta, Flt. Sgt. Hesselyn never hesitates in his efforts to destroy the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty are outstanding."

Second DFM awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFM.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 222 (Natal) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
October 26th, 1943
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Citation:
"This officer has destroyed at least 17 enemy aircraft. His successes are a fine tribute to his great skill, courage and keenness."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on:
December 28th, 1945
Citation:
"For distinguished service while prisoner of war."
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Sources

  • - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35569 published on the 19 May 1942
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35577 published on the 26 May 1942
    - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36223 published on the 22 October 1943
    - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37405 published on the 25 December 1945

Photo