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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Mentioned in Dispatches
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Awarded on:
- September 24th, 1941
- 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
Vliegerkruis (VK)
- 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
"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.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Unit:
- No. 644 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- August 17th, 1945
"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."
Ridder in de Leopoldsorde / Chevalier de l'Ordre de Léopold
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Unit:
- No. 644 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- June 27th, 1947
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.
- Awarded on:
- June 14th, 1975
Civilian version
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- Photo 1: Sally Archer
- - MEIJER, H.G. & VIS, R., Het Vliegerkruis, De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam, 1997.
- The London Gazette Issue 34849, dated 14th May 1940
- The London Gazette Issue 35171, dated 23rd May 1941
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 23rd September 1941, Issue 35284, dated 24th September 1941
- The London Gazette Issue 35508, dated 31st March 1942
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th May 1943, Issue 36033, dated 2nd June 1943
- Sixth Supplement to The London Gazette of 14th August 1945, Issue 37228, dated 17th August 1945
- Ninth Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th December 1945, Issue 37415, dated 1st January 1946
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 24th June 1947, Issue 37998, dated 27th June 1947
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 6th June 1975, Issue 46593, dated 14th June 1975
- Nederlandse onderscheidingen aan Britse staatsburgers voor de Tweede Wereldoorlog
- RAFCommands Archive :: DSO recipients
Photo
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