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Clay, Philip Henry Thornton

Service number:
1331525/201190
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
?: Warrant Officer;
September 25th, 1945: Pilot Officer on probation (emergency);
March 25th,1946: Pilot Officer;
March 25th, 1946: Flying Officer (war subs);
September 30th, 1948: Flying Officer (seniority September 25th, 1946);
January 4th, 1951: Flight Lieutenant.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Warrant Officer
Unit:
No. 130 (Punjab) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 29th, 1945
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:
No. 130 (Punjab) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
July 3rd, 1945
During the morning of 1st January, 1945, the airfield from which 130 Squadron was operating was attacked by enemy aircraft, resulting in an R.A.F. aircraft catching fire. Flight Sergeant Clay, with complete disregard for his own safety and whilst the airfield was still being attacked, taxied two other aircraft away thus saving them from certain destruction. Ammunition from the burning aircraft was exploding at the time. He then directed the fire tender crew in their fire fighting operations and by his efforts, over 200 gallons of petrol were saved. Flight Sergeant Clay set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.
British Empire Medal (BEM & EGM)
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on:
June 5th, 1952
King's/Queen's Commendation for valuable service in the air
Rank:
Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on:
June 10th, 1958
Received in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in air operations in Aden.

Awarded in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo