Ireland, Elgin Gerald
- Date of birth:
- January 12th, 1921 (Melancthon/Ontario, Canada)
- Date of death:
- August 26th, 2000 (Comox/British Columbia, Canada)
- Service number:
- Can/J.9464
- Nationality:
- Canadian
Biography
Elgin Ireland enlisted in Toronto on May 3th, 1941 and trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 8 August 1941), No.13 EFTS (graduated 25 September 1941) and No.13 SFTS (graduated 19 December 1941).
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 411 (City of York) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- May 8th, 1945
"Over a long period of operations this officer has displayed a fine fighting spirit, outstanding enthusiasm and devotion to duty. By his coolness and daring in the face of superior odds he has set a fine example to the other pilots in his squadron. During the Arnhem paratroop operations Flight Lieutenant Ireland's aircraft was very badly damaged in an air combat with a Focke Wulf 190. Despite this he pressed home a telling attack and destroyed the enemy aircraft. Since then he has destroyed two more enemy aircraft bringing his total victories to at least three destroyed. In addition this officer has inflicted considerable damage on the enemy's mechanical transport and rolling stock."
Published in The London Gazette, dated May 8th, 1945.
Vliegerkruis (VK)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 411 (City of York) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- July 31st, 1945
Citation: "This officer completed numerous sorties in support of the airborne troops during the invasion of Holland. Many of these sorties were completed in the face of fierce enemy fighter opposition. On one occasion, whilst in combat with a Focke Wulf 190, cannon fire from the enemy aircraft severely damaged Flight Lieutenant Ireland's aircraft; the ailerons were severed and a large hole was torn in the fuselage. Undeterred, Flight Lieutenant Ireland continued the attack and eventually destroyed the attacker. With great skill Flight Lieutenant Ireland then piloted his damaged aircraft back to base and made a successful landing. This officer's determination to complete his mission is worthy of the highest praise."
418th Award.
Royal decree No.29.
Permission to wear the decoration received on January 1st, 1946.
418th Award.
Royal decree No.29.
Permission to wear the decoration received on January 1st, 1946.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (1939-1947)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Awarded on:
- 1967
United Nations Emergency Force Medal
With clasp (10 years)
NATO Medal
With clasp
Sources
- - MEIJER, H.G. & VIS, R., Het Vliegerkruis, De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam, 1997.
- Fifth Supplement to The london Gazette of 4th May 1945, Issue 37070, dated 8th May 1945
- Ninth Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th December 1945, Issue 37415, dated 1st January 1946
- Birth Certificate
- The Dutch Medals Page
- Airforce Association of Canada
Photo
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