Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

May 2nd, 1944

Recommendation:
"‘Pilot Officer Moore was captain of a Lancaster aircraft ordered to attack Nurnburg on the night of 30-31 March 1944. On the outward journey he was attacked by enemy fighters four times. In the first attack he executed combat manoeuvres and both gunners opened fire. No damage was done to his aircraft and the fighter is claimed as damaged. In the second attack, which took place 30 minutes later, his aircraft was badly damaged however, and his Rear Gunner was wounded in the head. The fuselage was extensively holed and the rear turret rendered unserviceable. In spite of being 170 miles from the target and having neither Rear Gunner nor rear turret in operation, he decided to continue to the target.

Again when this aircraft was 15 miles from the target, an attack was made by a Ju. 88 from below. The Lancaster sustained further extensive damage including bomb bays badly damaged and incendiaries set on fire, port wing damaged, starboard wing tip shot off, oxygen system hit, elevators and rudder damaged, and intercommunications unserviceable. The Mid-Upper Gunner opened fire on the fighter, but while he was firing he observed another Ju. 88 closing to point blank range astern. He transferred his fire to the second enemy aircraft and fired all his remaining ammunition at very short range. The enemy aircraft fell away and was seen to explode a few seconds later.

The Lancaster was now crippled, difficult to control, defenceless against possible attacks from astern and much of its incendiary load was on fire in the bomb bay. In spite of this the captain continued his bombing run and dropped his bombs in the target area.

Shortly after leaving the target area the damaged oxygen supply became exhausted and Pilot Officer Moore had to descend to 15,000 feet. With the Flight Engineer assisting to maintain control of his crippled and defenceless aircraft, he succeeded in bringing it back to England and landed successfully at the first airfield he came to.

This officer’s courage and determination in continuing to the target and pressing home his attack in extremely difficult and perilous circumstances are worthy of the highest praise. He also set a fine example of good captaincy and airmanship which will be an inspiration to other crews. I strongly recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to this officer."

Published in the London Gazette dated 2nd May 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 13th, 1944

Recommendation:
"Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in April 1944, Pilot Officer Moore has flown a further 22 operational sorties as pilot and captain of a Lancaster aircraft, including attacks on such strongly defended targets as Friedrichshaven, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund, Duisburg and Karlsruhe.

He has made these attacks with magnificent courage and consistent skill regardless of the opposition, setting an inspiring example to the rest of the Squadron by his determination, exceptional ability and high courage.

Pilot Officer Moore’s cheerful fortitude and fine captaincy have not only welded his crew into a most efficient fighting unit, but have won the admiration of all and have contributed very largely to the recent successes achieved by this squadron.

Both in the air and on the ground, this officer’s strong sense of duty and enthusiasm to operate have embued not only his own crew but many other less experienced crews, with the utmost confidence and helped considerably to maintain morale at a high level.

His inspiring example and exceptional fighting qualities fully merit the award of a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross."

Received as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Published in the London Gazette dated 13th October 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With bar for France and Germany.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)