Bird-Wilson, Harold Arthur Cooper
- Date of birth:
- November 20th, 1919 (Prestatyn/Wales, United Kingdom)
- Date of death:
- December 27th, 2000
- Service number:
- 40335
- Nationality:
- British (1801-present, Kingdom)
Biography
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Awarded on:
- September 24th, 1940
"Flying Officer Bird-Wilson has shot down six enemy aircraft and shared in the destruction of several others. He has shown fine fighting qualities and determination in his attacks.”
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- October 29th, 1943
"From April, 1942, till May, 1943, this officer commanded and led his squadron on many operations, the majority being sweeps over enemy territory. Since joining his present unit as wing leader he has continued to take part in numerous sorties, displaying masterly leadership on every occcasion and enabling his wing to destroy three enemy aircraft. Most of these sorties were undertaken as escort to medium bombers, none of which were lost by enemy action."
Second DFC awarded as a bar.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- January 9th, 1945
"Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has participated in a very large number of sorties. He has continued to display the highest qualities of leadership, skill and gallantry, qualities which have been well illustrated in the fine fighting spirit of the squadrons he commands. Within the past four months. Wing Commander Bird-Wilson has led large formations of aircraft on a variety of sorties during which much success has been obtained. Many enemy aircraft have been destroyed, whilst a good number of locomotives, wagons, mechanical transport and armoured fighting vehicles have been most effectively attacked. Throughout these operations. Wing Commander Bird-Wilson has set an example which has inspired all.”
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- January 1st, 1946
Vliegerkruis (VK)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Unit:
- Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- January 10th, 1947
Royal Decree No.40. dd 3-10-1946
Ceskoslovenská vojenská medaile "Za zásluhy" Silver Medal
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- April 20th, 1948
- Rank:
- Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- January 1st, 1955
Second AFC awarded as a bar.
- Rank:
- Group Captain
- Awarded on:
- January 1st, 1962
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- 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.
- Page 5654 | Issue 34951, 24 September 1940 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Page 4766 | Supplement 36226, 26 October 1943 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Page 273 | Supplement 36883, 5 January 1945 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Page 86 | Issue 37407, 28 December 1945 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Page 226 | Issue 37849, 10 January 1947 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Page 2467 | Supplement 38264, 16 April 1948 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Page 35 | Supplement 40366, 31 December 1954 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Page 9 | Issue 42552, 29 December 1961 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Flight Magazine, December 9th, 1943
Photo
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