Duke, Neville Frederick
- Date of birth:
- January 11th, 1922 (Tonbridge/Kent, Great Britain)
- Date of death:
- April 7th, 2007 (Chertsey/Surrey, Great Britain)
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
Service number 61054.
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Pilot Officer
- Unit:
- No. 112 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- March 17th, 1942
"One day in February, 1942, Pilot Officer Duke was the leader of a section of a wing when he sighted 35 enemy aircraft. He informed the wing leader and led his section to attack. In the ensuing combat 11 enemy fighters were destroyed by the squadron, 2 being destroyed by Pilot Officer Duke. This officer's leadership contributed materially to the success achieved. He has destroyed 8 enemy aircraft and probably destroyed and damaged a further 6."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Unit:
- No. 91 (Nigeria) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- February 23rd, 1943
Citation:
"One day in January, 1943, this officer led his flight in an engagement against a large force of enemy fighters over Beurat. During the combat, Flying Officer Duke fought with- great resolution, destroying 2 enemy aircraft before all his ammunition was expended. Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross he 'has destroyed 3 hostile aircraft, bringing his victories to 11. Flying Officer Duke has led his section and the flight with distinction."
Received as Bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
"One day in January, 1943, this officer led his flight in an engagement against a large force of enemy fighters over Beurat. During the combat, Flying Officer Duke fought with- great resolution, destroying 2 enemy aircraft before all his ammunition was expended. Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross he 'has destroyed 3 hostile aircraft, bringing his victories to 11. Flying Officer Duke has led his section and the flight with distinction."
Received as Bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 92 (East India) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 9th, 1943
Recommendation:
"In the absence of his Commanding Officer during the strenuous operations of the week ending 7 March 1943, Flight Lieutenant Duke not only led the Squadron and his flight on most of the sorties carried out but has inspired his fellow pilots by his determination, courage and skill. Apart from his previous splendid record he has since 1 March 1943 destroyed 7 enemy aircraft as shown below. Further his coolness and courageous leadership has inspired the other pilots who have rallied behind him with other successes. Many of his flights have been against superior numbers and all have ended in decisive victories. His score previous to 1 March 1943 was 12 destroyed, since when he has 2 destroyed (1 March); 1 destroyed (3 March); 2 destroyed (4 March); 2 destroyed (7 March): total 19 destroyed."
"In the absence of his Commanding Officer during the strenuous operations of the week ending 7 March 1943, Flight Lieutenant Duke not only led the Squadron and his flight on most of the sorties carried out but has inspired his fellow pilots by his determination, courage and skill. Apart from his previous splendid record he has since 1 March 1943 destroyed 7 enemy aircraft as shown below. Further his coolness and courageous leadership has inspired the other pilots who have rallied behind him with other successes. Many of his flights have been against superior numbers and all have ended in decisive victories. His score previous to 1 March 1943 was 12 destroyed, since when he has 2 destroyed (1 March); 1 destroyed (3 March); 2 destroyed (4 March); 2 destroyed (7 March): total 19 destroyed."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 145 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- June 23rd, 1944
Citation:
"This officer has displayed the highest standard of skill, gallantry and determination, qualities which 'have been well reflected in his squadron which has destroyed 23 hostile aircraft within a period of several weeks. Recently, over Anzio, he led the squadron in a sortie during which 8 enemy aircraft were shot down. Four of them were destroyed by Squadron Leader Duke himself. He has destroyed 26 and damaged several other enemy aircraft."
Received as a second Bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
"This officer has displayed the highest standard of skill, gallantry and determination, qualities which 'have been well reflected in his squadron which has destroyed 23 hostile aircraft within a period of several weeks. Recently, over Anzio, he led the squadron in a sortie during which 8 enemy aircraft were shot down. Four of them were destroyed by Squadron Leader Duke himself. He has destroyed 26 and damaged several other enemy aircraft."
Received as a second Bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- 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)
Ceskoslovenský válecný krí 1939
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
- Awarded on:
- June 27th, 1947
Sources
- Photo 1:
- Photo: Aces of WW2
- - Neville Duke - A Tribute, Test Pilot Biography, Aeroplane Monthly, July 2007
- The London Gazette Issue 35491 published on the 17 March 1942
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35914 published on the 19 February 1943
- Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35973 published on the 6 April 1943
- Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36578 published on the 20 June 1944
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37998 published on the 24 June 1947
- Dix Noonan Webb
Photo
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