Date of birth:

April 9th, 1920 (Portland/Maine, United States)

Date of death:

October 1st, 1953

Service number:

1457098/124411

Nationality:

British

Promotions:
?: Sergeant;
19th June 1942: Pilot Offiver on probation (emergency);
19th December 1942: Flying Officer on probation (war subs.);
19th June 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war subs.);
1st September 1945: Flying Officer (permanent);
1st July 1946: Flight Lieutenant;
19th December 1946: Squadron Leader.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 295 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 29th, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

In July, 1943. this officer was detailed io tow a glider, laden with troops, to take part in the invasion of Sicily. While still 100 miles from his target, his aircraft caught fire. Displaying the utmost determination, he continued to tow the glider and at the same time succeeded in extinguishing the flames. By this timie much height had been lost and the aircrait was only 500 feet above the sea. In consequence all spare equipment had to be jettisoned, and it was impossible to release the glider at the correct distance from land. F/O. Cleaver therefore continued to tow the glider a considerable distance inland in the face of anti-alrcrait fire and searchlights, thus enabling it to land at the correct place. Alter releasing the glider, he flew his damaged aircraft to base and made a safe landing. This operation was the culminating point ot continuous ferrying missions completed bv this officer."

The London Gazette, 29th October 1943.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

October 3rd, 1944

Citation:
"In air operations this officer has displayed skill, courage and devotion to duty of the highest order."

Was fired on over Cognac while returning from an aborted night SOE mission. Successfully landed the unstable burning plane after the crew had baled out. Subsequently escaped through southern France and the Pyrenees returning via Gibralter.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 570 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 31st, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: Philip Cleaver
• - MAALDERINK P.G.H., De Militaire Willemsorde sedert 1940, Sijthof Pers, 1982.
  - The Dutch Medals Page
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th August 1942, Issue 35686, dated 1st September 1942
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 26th January 1943, Issue 35881, dated 29th Janury 1943
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 26th October 1943, Issue 36226, dated 29th October 1943
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 25th July 1944, Issue 36629, dated 28th July 1944
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 29th September 1944, Issue 36728, dated 3rd October 1944
  - Ninth Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th December 1945, Issue 37415, dated 1st January 1946
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 3rd May 1946, Issue 37556, dated 7th May 1946
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 11th October 1946, Issue 37758, dated 15th October 1946
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 25th February 1947, Issue 37892, dated 28th February 1947
  - Flight Magazine, November 25th, 1943