Bateson, Robert Norman
- Date of birth:
- June 10th, 1912
- Date of death:
- March 6th, 1986
- Service number:
- 39054
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 113 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- January 14th, 1941
"Squadron Leader Bateson has displayed great devotion to duty when leading his squadron during extensive operations during September and October, 1940. His leadership has in fact played a considerable part in forcing the enemy to abandon several of his military base ports. He has led operational formations on thirty-six occasions and often, after objectives have been attacked, he has had to force his way through superior numbers of enemy fighters. Squadron Leader Bateson has also carried out a long series of hazardous reconnaissance’s and has obtained vital information. Throughout the period of active operations he has displayed rare courage and devotion to duty.”
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Unit:
- No. 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 28th, 1944
Citation:
"This officer has displayed the highest standard of skill and leadership throughout the many and varied sorties in which he has participated. In April, 1944, Wing Commander Bateson flew the leading aircraft of a formation detailed to attack a target in Holland. The operation, which demanded a high degree of courage and determination, was completed, with success and reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of this officer, whose leadership was outstanding. His achievements have been worthy of great praise.”
"This officer has displayed the highest standard of skill and leadership throughout the many and varied sorties in which he has participated. In April, 1944, Wing Commander Bateson flew the leading aircraft of a formation detailed to attack a target in Holland. The operation, which demanded a high degree of courage and determination, was completed, with success and reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of this officer, whose leadership was outstanding. His achievements have been worthy of great praise.”
Vliegerkruis (VK)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Unit:
- No. 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 20th, 1944
Citation:
"‘In recognition of carrying out, at the special request of the Netherlands Government, an important and dangerous assignment in the occupied Netherlands, thereby rendering most important service to our national interest.’
154th Award.
Royal Decree No.12.
"‘In recognition of carrying out, at the special request of the Netherlands Government, an important and dangerous assignment in the occupied Netherlands, thereby rendering most important service to our national interest.’
154th Award.
Royal Decree No.12.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Group Captain
- Unit:
- Reserve of Air Force Officers
- Awarded on:
- June 22nd, 1945
Citation:
"Since being awarded the Distinguished Service Order this officer has completed very many sorties 'and the successes obtained are a splendid tribute to his exceptional skill great courage and unfailing devotion to duty. In March, 1945, Group Captain Bateson led a large formation of aircraft in an attack on the headquarters of the German Gestapo in Copenhagen. The operation called for the highest standard of skill as the target was small and well defended. Nevertheless, the attack was pressed home with a determination and accuracy which ensured success. In April,1945, this officer led his squadrons in an attack against a similar target at Odense. In spite of opposition from the ground defences the attack was vigorously and accurately pressed home. By his brilliant leadership. Group Captain Bateson played an important part in the success of these notable sorties.”
Second DSO awarded as a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DSO.
"Since being awarded the Distinguished Service Order this officer has completed very many sorties 'and the successes obtained are a splendid tribute to his exceptional skill great courage and unfailing devotion to duty. In March, 1945, Group Captain Bateson led a large formation of aircraft in an attack on the headquarters of the German Gestapo in Copenhagen. The operation called for the highest standard of skill as the target was small and well defended. Nevertheless, the attack was pressed home with a determination and accuracy which ensured success. In April,1945, this officer led his squadrons in an attack against a similar target at Odense. In spite of opposition from the ground defences the attack was vigorously and accurately pressed home. By his brilliant leadership. Group Captain Bateson played an important part in the success of these notable sorties.”
Second DSO awarded as a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DSO.
Kommandør af Dannebrog
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- January 25th, 1947
- 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
- - MEIJER, H.G. & VIS, R., Het Vliegerkruis, De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam, 1997.
- The London Gazette Issue 35042 published on the 14 January 1941
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36489 published on the 25 April 1944
- Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37142 published on the 19 June 1945
Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
- Spink
Photo
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