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Sinclair, Laurence Frank

Date of birth:
October 23rd, 1908 (Frinton, Essex, Great Britain)
Date of death:
May 14th, 2002 (Oxfordshire, Great Britain)
Service number:
26066
Nationality:
British

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 110 (Hyderabad) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 13th, 1940
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 110 (Hyderabad) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1941
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 110 (Hyderabad) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 21st, 1941
Citation:
“During a night in September, 1940, an aircraft burst into flames whilst taking off. Wing Commander Sinclair immediately went to the scene to render assistance, but two 250 1b. bombs exploded before he reached it. Undeterred, and knowing that two more bombs were in the aircraft, he pressed on and dashing into the fire he succeeded in dragging the air gunner to a safe distance. In this act this officer displayed the most complete disregard for his own safety. Unfortunately the rescued air gunner has since died of his injuries.”

Sinclair's medals are on display in the Imperial War Museum in London, Great Britain.
He served on the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association from 1965.
George Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Group Captain
Unit:
No. 323 Wing, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1943
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Group Captain
Unit:
No. 323 Wing, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
February 16th, 1943
Citation:
"This officer commands a light bomber wing which commenced operations in North Africa in November,1942.He has led his squadrons on numerous sorties, involving low level attacks on enemy targets in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. His inspiring leadership and courageous example have--been reflected in the fine fighting spirit of the squadrons he commands.”

Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Tactical Bomber Force
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Air Commodore
Unit:
HQ, Balkan Air Force, Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
June 14th, 1945
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Group Captain
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1946
Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB, Military Division)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Air Vice-Marshal
Awarded on:
June 13th, 1957
Commander of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KCB/DCB, military division)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1953
Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Medal 1953
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1977
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
2002
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal

Sources

Photo