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Allard, Geoffrey

    Date of birth:
    August 20th, 1912 (York/England, Great-Britain)
    Date of death:
    March 13th, 1941 (Mill Field Lay/England, Great-Britain)
    Buried on:
    Commonwealth War Graves Saffron Walden Cemetery
    Plot: 40. Grave: 9.
    Service number:
    563859 (NCO) / 44551 (Officer)
    Nationality:
    British (1801-present, Kingdom)

    Biography

    Geoffrey Allard was born August 20th, 1912, the son of Sydney Harold Allard and Elizabeth Allard-Higgins. In 1937 he married Kathleen Minnie Ross. During the battle for France, he scored eight victories in the air. During the Battle of Britain he scored another eight victories between August 24th en September 1st, 1940. He was credited with a total of 19 kills, five shared and two probable.
    On March 13th, 1941, he took Douglas Havoc BJ500 from R.A.F. Debden to R.A.F. Ford, together with Pilot Officer Francis "Frank" Walker-Smith. Just before take off, Pilot Officer William Henry "Ace" Hodgson joined them. In flight, an inspection hatch of the armament came loose and hit the rudder. This caused the airplane to crash, killing all those inside.

    Promotions:
    ?: LAC Mechanic;
    1937: Sergeant Pilot;
    August 17th, 1940: Flight Sergeant (seniority August 15th, 1940);
    ?: Pilot Officer;
    December 6th, 1940: Flying Officer.

    Career:
    1929: Apprentice RAF Halton, Royal Air Force;
    1937: No. 87 Squadron;
    June 1938: No. 85 Squadron.

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Sergeant
    Unit:
    No. 85 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    May 31st, 1940
    Citation:
    "This airman has shown outstanding flying ability and at all times his coolness and confidence have assisted all pilots who have flown with him. He has been largely responsible for keeping up the high morale
    and fighting ability of his section. Altogether in his combats during recent days he has destroyed four enemy aircraft. Without exception he has pressed home his attack with outstanding courage which has been a fine example to his section".
    Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Sergeant
    Unit:
    No. 85 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    September 13th, 1940
    Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
    This N.C.O. continued to show outstanding courage and skill and shot down 15 enemy aircraft, of which 10 were defenitely confirmed. He set a magnificent example to the rest of his flight and was largely responsible for the great success of the squadron whi shot down 89 enemy aircraft between 10th and 20th May, 1940, during operations in France. Since he left France on 20th May, 1940, Sergeant Allard has been responsible for more enemy aircraft dfenitely shot down and has carried out one night attack which, although unsuccessful, was made under difficult conditions."

    Second DFM received as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFM.
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Pilot Officer
    Awarded on:
    October 8th, 1940
    Citation:
    "Between 30th August and 1st September 1940, this officer destroyed seven enemy aircraft; previously he had destroyed ten and shared in the destruction of others. He has displayed outstanding skill and courage in combat against the enemy".
    Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

    Sources

    Photo