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Van der Kiste, Robert Edgar "Guy"

Date of birth:
July 20th, 1912 (Limerick, Ireland)
Date of death:
September 29th, 1999 (Ivybridge/South Devon, United Kingdom)
Service number:
39248
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Military career:
2 November 1936: Acting Pilot Officer
31 Augustu 1937: Pilot Officer
31 March 1939: Flying Officer
3 September 1940: Flight Lieutenant
1 December 1941: Temporary Squadron Leader
23 February 1942: Temporary Wing Commander
23 May 1942: Squadron Leader (WS)
1 September 1945: Squadron Leader
1 October 1946: Wing Commander

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 210 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 30th, 1941
"In April, 1941, this officer was the captain of an aircraft which carried out a reconnaissance of the Norwegian coast from Hammerfest to Harstad, intailing a flight of many hours. The greater part of the reconnnaissance had to be carried out at a height of less than 2,000 feet owing to low cloud, but Flight Lieutenant Van Der Kiste made such skilful use of the low cloud and the topographical features of the country, that very little opposition from the ground was encountered. At Harstad, where there was no cloud, he approached the town flying just above the water level and, despite heavy and light antiaircraft fire, flew right in and completed his reconnaissance. By skilful low flying among the fiords he was able to avoid any damage to his aircraft. On a previous occasion, Flight Lieutenant Van Der Kiste carried out a reconnaissance at a low altitude under extremely trying conditions. Although his aircraft was damaged by enemy fire he completed his mission and skilfully flew back to base. He has displayed high qualities of leadership and has contributed materially to the efficiency and high standard of morale
obtaining in his Squadron."
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 210 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 24th, 1941
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Wing Commander
Unit:
HQ, No. 19 (Reconnaissance) Group, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1945

New Years Honours
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Wing Commander
Unit:
RAF Mission to China, HQ, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
March 15th, 1946
"In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war."
Order of the Cloud and Banner with Special Rosette (6th Class)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Wing Commander
Unit:
RAF Mission to China, HQ, Royal Air Force
Order of Sublime Commencement
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Unit:
HQ, RAF Coastal Command, HQ, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 13th, 1957

HM Birthday Honours
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

France & Germany clasp
Atlantic Star
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)

Malaya Clasp
General Service Medal 1918-1962
Flying Badge

Sources

Photo